That’s overcomplicating it.

Maybe that’s the issue.

The characters just… weren’t charismatic/engaging. I can’t name a single one. The world was intricate, and exotic, and… kind of superficial?

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I think the other Avatar is a perfect contrast.

Iroh. Zuko. Toph. Azula. Korra, Tenzin, Zaheer. To me, these character are instantly memorable because they were so distinct in purpose and culture, even extending to minor characters.

And take bending. It’s a concept as simple as a rock, but they embed it in everything, from mundane chores to personalities and cycles to martial arts scenes.

Hence it’s be cool if the James Cameron Avatar characters where sharp, so distinct you could cut yourself on them. If their nature synergy, dependence on unobtanium or whatever was really woven into mundane life and such. There’s nothing wrong with a “natives fighting back” story, but I didn’t feel anything pull me into the struggle.