Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 - 2008): Review By Dan

I don't know where to even begin as to how much I adore this show. Screw it, I don't care if I'm 24 and this is a kid's show, it rocks. It amazed me how complex it quickly became with issues such as dysfunctional families (Zuko) love (Aang and Katara) and genocide (the annihilation of the Air Nomads).

This show is extremely satisfying, as you get a beginning, middle, and end, and then it stops. It doesn't sell out and try to continue after it's 3rd season. No, the perfect story was told, it was finished. I'd rather a show finish on a high note and end then be dragged out for popularity's sake, and kudos to Nick for also recognizing this.

Major props to the writers of this show, as it contains some of the wittiest and self-referential dialog I've heard in quite a while. It contains dark and heavy themes, but it's balanced with humor and grace, and filled with lovable characters. Toph had to easily be my favorite character. Her introductory episode in season 2 is possibly my favorite episode of the entire show. Between the action, the humor (The Boulder, a clear rip of the The Rock, is absolutely hilarious), and Toph's unique fighting style due to her blindness, it was more then solid.

I kept finding myself comparing Avatar's epicness to Star Wars. In the first season, it culminates in a large battle at the Northern Water Tribe, grand in scale much as A New Hope's climax was with the Death Star. Then in the 2nd season, while it didn't end with an epic battle, it went very dark, ending on a note that all hope seemed lost, and a desperate feeling left in the air, much like Empire Strikes Back. The 3rd season was very Return of the Jedi, with it beginning with the gang dressed in enemy armor aboard an enemy ship, much as Luke Skywalker was entering Jabba the Hutt's lair. The series culminates in an hour and a half season finale that could possibly be the most satisfying finish a diehard fan such as myself could ask for.

A loving and respectful nod at Buddhism and Hinduism, Avatar is full of heart and spirit, incredible action for a cartoon, and a timeless show that is endlessly re-watchable.

If you haven't watched the series, treat yourself to it. Each episode is only 20-25 minutes long, and I promise you'll be hooked.