The writers were inspired coming up with this story, I honestly don't know how they did it. I've been an addict of good movies and TV shows since I was a kid, and Avatar takes the cake for me as the best told story of all time. I would put it up against Star Wars, The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, etc. If you lived your life based off of the principles of this show it would outdo any religion or ethics class you could find. Don't be deceived by the fact that this show was on a kids network, it's absolutely brilliant and incredibly deep. I've watched this show probably 5+ times all the way through and it only gets better with time.

The characters represent all of the same struggles we all face in life; fear, hypocrisy, guilt, revenge, forgiveness, redemption. All of the characters grapple with the challenge of fulfilling their "destiny" and realizing what that means for each of them. Aang and Zuko, in particular, start their journey on one path-believing their destiny is predetermined-and realize along the way that they have agency and the power to determine their own fate. The characters learn from the past and truly "come of age" by the end. The show has love, but it doesn't distract from the story or interrupt the bond and friendship between the characters.

Avatar has several attributes that set it apart from many other shows. First off, it's patient. It doesn't ever give you what you want right away. You have to wait two full seasons before you finally see the fire lord. Some of the characters don't become likable until the very end of the series. The lessons are seasons in the making. Second, the show seamlessly introduces new characters, such as Toph, and makes the viewer love them as much as the original characters. Finally, the story is perfectly paced. From beginning to end, every episode is important to the overarching story and the development of the characters. There's no fluff and they don't overdo it. It's a perfectly told trilogy that leaves you begging for more. Other shows seem like they're figuring out the story, season by season and trying to come up with more material. Avatar is well thought out and flows perfectly from beginning to end. Also most finales are a complete let down, whereas Avatar's finale is the best part of the entire story. It wraps up the story and character arcs beautifully and lives up to the build up of the previous seasons.

There are few shows/movies I would say this about, but it is a truly life-changing story. If you haven't watched it, give it an honest try. I couldn't recommend this show enough.