Just as we thought that both the physical and spiritual world have been reconciled in the last episode of Avatar: The Legend of Korra (TLOK), Paramount+ welcomed us back over 200 years later into the Avatar-verse, showing us the post-apocalyptic aftermath of Korra’s reign with the first season of Avatar: Seven Havens (ASH).
For fans of the series, this is a much awaited continuation since the series ended 12 years ago. But does it live up to the hype?
Check out our High Five review below to find out. Minor spoilers ahead.
Twin Avatars
Yes, you read that right. Since the start of the Avatar franchise, we’ve been told that the Avatar is the only bender who can master all four elements and keep the balance of the world. ASH turns this idea over its head with the introduction of the first-ever known twin avatars in the whole Avatar cycle.
The story follows Pavi and Nisha–once close twins in their childhood, whose separation has left them without memories of one another. Upon reuniting, their adventure begins as the next earthbending Avatars after Avatar Kyoshi.
Just like how Avatars Aang and Korra mastered the elements in their respective quests, we join Pavi and Nisha as they learn to bend earth, fire, air, and water. But with the added stakes and this being the first time the title of Avatar has been shared between two people, this latest series opens up new possibilities for storytelling that we’re looking forward to seeing more of.
Seven Havens
The Avatar world has changed so much that the nations we once knew are no longer around. The Cataclysm that was said to be caused by Avatar Korra has reshaped how people lived all over the world. Republic City, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, the Air Temples, and the Northern and Southern Water Tribes that we’ve learned about in previous series have been replaced by the Seven Havens–the last seven bastions of humanity that are safe to live in after the chaos brought by the Cataclysm.
Book 1 starts with Ellora, a thriving metropolis right beside the Harshlands and surrounded by the desert. Later in the Book we catch a glimpse of the other havens such as Feather Mountain, New Ba Sing Se, and Akasha. The world is new yet familiar, leaving us questioning how we got here, and what can Pavi and Nisha do to restore balance once again.
The White Lotus
The ancient and secret bending society is back, but with a more complicated mission. Unlike the past, where the Avatar was seen as a savior of humanity and a conduit to the spiritual world, the people of ASH live in fear of the Avatar and see it as the harbinger of destruction.
With all history before the Cataclysm almost wiped out, everyone is anxious that the next Avatar might do the same thing as Korra and destroy everything they have long tried to rebuild.
Everyone is loaded with anticipation as to how the White Lotus will become instrumental in the journey of Pavi and Nisha, but we’re not spoiling this one yet. Just know that they will be involved at some point, and you’ll be left with more questions than answers.
The Backstory
Just like in Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA), where we were able to get to know more about Aang as the story progressed, everyone is now hooked to the history of the new Avatars as Pavi and Nisha seem to meet each other for the first time in episode 1.
Throughout the season, we will unearth (pun intended) how they got to be separated, whatever happened to their parents, and how each of our protagonists will move on to their respective paths as shared holders of the title of Avatar.
The Bending
Of course, we can’t have a new season of Avatar without seeing people bending the elements! The only difference is that the bending that modern benders are familiar with can be a bit underwhelming.
As the population has shrunk amidst the chaos of the Cataclysm, so has the number of benders been reduced over time, possibly affecting how bending is taught and passed down from one generation to the next. Having watched the whole season, I think I was able to see only a handful of benders within the show.
We were also able to see some of the sub-element bending like lightning, sand and healing, but again the number of the people who can use them is fewer compared to what we were used to with previous series.
Nearly 12 years after TLOK last aired, this new chapter in the Avatar franchise brings fresh lore, a new story, and an unfamiliar world to explore.
Contrary to the belief that Avatar: Seven Havens is just another children’s show, this new installment tackles a lot of real-world experiences, issues and themes, such as social anxiety, self-doubt, escapism, meeting expectations and conformism, despite having nine-year-old protagonists. Much like ATLA and TLOK proved the world wrong, so to does ASH seem to follow their footsteps.
We rate Avatar: Seven Havens a well-deserved 3.5 out of 5 waves for having a good start and for having the promise of a great adventure ahead.