When I was 12, this show came out and I was completely captivated by it. Nickelodeon, known for wacky shows like SpongeBob, Rocko's Modern Life, and sitcoms like Drake and Josh, took a massive step forward with this anime-inspired animated series that delved into deep philosophical themes, genocide, and war.

While the concept of elemental power in media isn't new, the show's approach to integrating each element into its own nation, reflecting the psyches and philosophies of the respective element, is truly remarkable.

The characters are expertly written and performed, with Zuko being my favorite. His incredible progression from villain to antihero to hero is perfectly captured. Aang is a good character, although a bit too much of a goody-two-shoes at times. Katara, Sokka, and Toph are equally appealing characters.

The show's brilliance lies in its perfect pacing. While there are occasional filler episodes, each one (except The Great Divide) serves a purpose and adds layers to the intriguing story and its world.

It's impressive how the show incorporates heavy topics while maintaining a silly sense of humor. It's frustrating when people dismiss it as just a 'kids show'. The series can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age. It doesn't pander and handles the heavy subject matter in a mature way.

After The Legend of Korra, Nickelodeon didn't seem to follow in the footsteps of Avatar, which was disappointing. Kids need more shows like this, to be honest.