It’s hot. It might even be too hot. Thankfully, the heatwave is set to break over the next two days!
But the temperature isn’t the only thing dropping this weekend.
Yes, Avatar: The Last Airbender, season two, just landed on Netflix (Thursday, 25 June), and it’s the perfect way to escape the tyranny of the sun.
Based on the legendary animated series of the same name, the show is set in a world where powerful individuals known as benders can control (or bend) either water, earth, fire, or air.
Our hero is Aang, the last of the airbenders and the Avatar, a powerful figure who can control all four of the elements, who is trying to master water, earth, and fire so he can save the world from the imperial ambitions of the Fire Nation.
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The second season then picks up where the first left off, with Aang, along with his friends, Kataara and Sokka, hunting for an earthbending teacher.
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Sounds simple, right? Well, Aang and the gang (Gaang?) are being chased by Prince Zuko and Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, both of whom want to capture the Avatar.
So far, the second season has been met with enthusiasm from fans who think it’s a big improvement on the first.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has a respectable Audience Score of 71%
‘Season 2 was wonderful,’ wrote Arthur G in gis five star review. ‘ I already had high expectations because of the first season, and they were exceeded.’
Ammar H was similarly pleased, writing: 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!’
The enthusiasm isn’t contained to Rotten Tomatoes either. On X, @kayivar
claimed that ‘@AvatarNetflix may be the greatest live action adaptation of an animated show ever!’
Metro’s thoughts on the Avatar Netflix series
Deputy TV Editor Tom Percival shares his thoughts on the Avatar Netflix series…
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.
While @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.’
Fans aren’t the only ones loving the show; critics are a bit more divided on the show.
Screen Rant gave it a 7/10and called it ‘infectiously enjoyable’ while The Wrap said it was a ‘propulsive and satisfying binge’.
Of course, not everyone’s a fan. Gavia Baker-Whitelaw at TV Guide called it ‘boring’, and Isaiah Colbert from io9.com said Avatar season two ‘feels like it was brought to life purely on weaponised nostalgia.’
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 is available to stream on Netflix now.