NATLA things I loved so far
Aang learning and growing and apologising when he fucks up. Aang seeking an older father-figure mentor makes so much sense, since he misses monk gyasto and was raised by father figures.
Sokka's trauma is not a joke. He's allowed to mourn and to feel like he fails. Even though so many people reach out to him, Katara's the one he confides in.
Everyone is getting Fed. Zutara, Taang, Katara/Suki, MaiLee, Maiko, Kataang, there are srumbs for all ships. (Two of my biggest gripes with the canon ships resolved with a few lines of dialogue. Mai is legitimately scared of Azula in this, and self-preservation focused. Aang is emotionally supportive and apologises when he's wrong. If we get the canon ships, I don't mind because they are better).
That said - Zutara is feasting! It's not just the painted spirit scenes, but the hundred other crumbs that feel directly lifted out of the best Zutara fics. Ambassador Katara is in full swing. She is so great a diplomacy. It is amazing. Zuko washing the dishes and doing chores just to help - every story about how he pitches in and helps Katara without being nagged comes to life. The Fire barrel in the fight scene is ying-yang shaped.
TOPH!!! She's perfect. The actress is amazing. And now we know that more feminine thing seemed to apply to being able to compete in haiku battles and knowing the social rules of a party.
Iroh has PTSD about Ba Sing Se and is less than happy to go back - But Zuko is the one who wants them safe. It's a nice change.
Iroh in general - I love the way the show is handling him. The cartoon glossed over the seige but the live action does not let Iroh Forget what he did. Leaves on the vine broke me in this. The violins did not have to go so hard.
The world feels lived in and the contrast between the absolute luxury in the upper ring and the grinding poverty in the lower ring are incredible. They're really ramming home the division.
Azula and her team are so great. Mai and Ty Lee are legitimately scared of her, but they are the closest thing she has to friends. Azula in this does so much more senseless violence, and her emotions are closer to the surface but her ego and her pride are next level - she's both more scary and more loveable + endearing.
Katara sucker punching Ty Lee in the face was great.
The changes all make sense with the need for brevity and the scene they have added actually deepen the lore, world-builing and give the characters so much extra depth and nuance and emotion.
