Hello friends.
There is not much to update event-wise. So maybe I'll share with you things that I love. Specifically TV things. Probably that you can insta-watch on Netflix. What a wonderful service.
Mostly, when I want to watch something while I wait for Mark to come home and I can't sleep or other such times when I don't feel like finding something to do, I have been watching Star Trek. The Next Generation, specifically. I enjoy it a lot, but its not something you want to watch continuously until you finish it. It is quite easy to get tired of.
But you know what I can never tire of? Avatar: The Last Airbender. You may be thinking, what? A cartoon? As in about kids and for kids? Oh yeah. I'll tell you some reasons why I love it so much.
I was going to write a synopsis for the show here, but it turned out to be too long. It also gives stuff away. Just watch the first episode. But don't stop there, because it only gets funnier, more clever, and more exciting.
Characterization. Some of the best. The development and journey each character goes through is interesting and not too predictable. They develop their powers, personalities, and talents. I also get a kick out of their hair and height changes.
Music. I admit, I have a soft spot for Asian-inspired things. I love this show because it was created in America but is pretty much Chinese. At any rate, I just love the music in the show. I often have the songs stuck in my head. Like this and this. I just listened to those and they aren't that great taken out of context. Oh well. Within context, it's fabulous.
I love that it lasts for three seasons, and has a clear goal the entire show. The pace is brilliant. Slow enough you get to enjoy some of the quieter, more frivolous moments, and yet fast enough that you feel the anxiety of the characters as time marches them on to their scary destinies.
There are many benefits for watching the entire show. There are lots of recurring characters and jokes that reward you for remembering them. A certain melon vendor comes to mind, who happens to be quite knowledgeable about the avatar in the second to last episode.
I love the tone and themes throughout. There is just enough darkness to make the good characters nice and shiny. And, surprisingly enough for a kid show, the good characters aren't 100% good, but flawed and human. They make mistakes. The evil characters aren't bad to the bone, aside from one character who is probably mentally insane. The bad guys have at least a few redeeming qualities and back stories to explain their horrible choices. I love the messages about working hard, doing good things for other people even if its way out of your way, having fun and dancing along the terrible journey, and that not everyone on the show has super powers. Some characters just use their brains, or leadership, or excellent human-y fighting skills. I also love the importance placed on family and friendship.
It's silly enough for children. Its clever enough for you.
Seriously. My favorite show. You should watch it.
