Episode 53 - Spirited Away / Masks (Netflix)

Studio Ghibli is undoubtedly meeting with lawyers even as we speak, given episode 105 of the Netflix live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is titled “Spirited Away,” and…boy howdy. This version of the Spirit World amounts to basically a color filter, and an admittedly pretty cool-looking Hei Bai, who is never actually resolved. Episode 106, “Masks” on the other hand pulls off what is arguably a GOOD translation of the source material, with possibly even an improvement or two? Play on to learn the truth, brave listener.

NEXT: all things, good or bad, must come to an end. Episodes 107, “The North” and 108, “Legends” wrap up this questionable experiment of a show. Or do they?

THE MUSIC

• “Avatar: The Last Airbender (Premiere Main Title)” by Jeremy Zuckerman, Avatar: The Last Airbender - Book 1: Water (Music From The Animated Series (2023)
• “Avatar: The Last Airbender (End Credits)” by Jeremy Zuckerman, Avatar: The Last Airbender - Book 1: Water (Music From The Animated Series (2023)