As the UK heatwave finally begins to break this weekend, Netflix has dropped the perfect indoor escape: Avatar: The Last Airbender season two, which landed on Thursday, 25 June. The live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series has already drawn enthusiastic responses from fans and mixed but largely positive reviews from critics.
What Is Avatar: The Last Airbender About?
The series is set in a fantasy world where certain individuals, known as benders, can manipulate one of four elements: water, earth, fire, or air. The protagonist, Aang, is the last surviving airbender and the Avatar—a uniquely powerful being capable of mastering all four elements. His mission is to learn waterbending, earthbending, and firebending in order to thwart the imperial conquests of the Fire Nation.
Season 2 Plot and Reception
Season two picks up immediately after the events of season one. Aang, alongside his friends Katara and Sokka, searches for an earthbending teacher while being pursued by Prince Zuko and Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, both determined to capture the Avatar. The season has been widely praised as a significant improvement over its predecessor. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an Audience Score of 71%. One user, Arthur G, wrote in a five-star review: 'Season 2 was wonderful. I already had high expectations because of the first season, and they were exceeded.' Another reviewer, Ammar H, noted: 'It’s very evident that they have taken the criticisms of season 1 and have massively improved the writing and pacing of this beloved show. I’m especially impressed with Gordon as Aang. This is a must-watch if you are a fan of the original!'
Fan and Critic Reactions
Enthusiasm has spread beyond review aggregators. On X, user @kayivar claimed that '@AvatarNetflix may be the greatest live action adaptation of an animated show ever!' Meanwhile, @legendaarykay added: 'I’m absolutely loving this season 2 of Avatar !! Aang, Katara, Toph and Sokka all bonding together is so fantastic, their group moments and character growth are just incredible. I’m seriously impressed.'
Critics have offered a more divided perspective. Screen Rant gave the season a 7/10, calling it 'infectiously enjoyable,' while The Wrap described it as 'a propulsive and satisfying binge.' However, not all reviews were glowing. Gavia Baker-Whitelaw of TV Guide labelled it 'boring,' and Isaiah Colbert from io9.com argued that season two 'feels like it was brought to life purely on weaponised nostalgia.'
Metro’s Take
Deputy TV Editor Tom Percival shared his personal view: 'If you’re enjoying Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, then more power to you. I’ve heard good things from friends and colleagues who watched the show and enjoyed it, but it just wasn’t for me. I got exactly 20 minutes into the first episode of the first season before I turned it off. I didn’t think it was terrible; I just didn’t think it had the charm of the original, so I decided not to waste my time on it. And sadly, the clips and bits I’ve seen online from season two haven’t done much to convince me I made a mistake. I must admit I think Toph looks great, and I’m happy the show is improving, but it’s just clear this wasn’t made for me.'
Where to Watch
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 is available to stream exclusively on Netflix now.
