The season 1 finale of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender ends with the death of a major character from earlier episodes, making for an appropriately spectacular finale. Aang’s trek to the Northern Water Tribe, one of The Last Airbender’s Four Nations, occupied a significant portion of Netflix’s Avatar season 1.
From The Last Airbender’s past Avatars to character-specific information like how Zuko received his scar and what happened to Sokka and Katara’s parents, Netflix’s live-action adaption covers a lot of ground throughout the lengthy journey.
When Aang joined the Northern Water Tribe, all of these plot threads came to a head. After arriving, Aang was assigned to stop the Fire Nation from besieging the North Pole capitol, which marked the dramatic conclusion of season 1 of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The ambitious Admiral Zhao, who had a backstory throughout season 1 of The Last Airbender, spearheaded this siege. Both sides of the conflict were in ruins by the end of the show’s pivotal fight, and the passing of one character was seen by the audience as a significant setback.
What Happened to the Fire Nation Admiral in The Last Airbender?
The main villain of The Last Airbender season 1 met his demise when Admiral Zhao himself died. However, Zhao’s death is noteworthy since it resolved an underappreciated aspect of the previous episodes rather than preserving the significant aspects of his character from the conclusion of The Last Airbender season 1.
The Admiral’s strategy for the siege of the North must be explained before delving into Zhao’s death.
Zhao spoke with a Fire Sage who provided him with information on the spirits of the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender prior to entering the waters of the Northern Water Tribe. The Last Airbender season 2 will probably maintain the spirits’ significant position in the franchise’s lore.
Zhao discovered that near the North Pole, the Ocean and Moon Spirits—the latter of which gives Waterbenders their power—appear as tangible entities. In order to guarantee the success of his siege and take away the world’s ability to bend water, Zhao set out to murder the Moon Spirit.
The animosity between Zuko and Zhao intensified during season 1 of The Last Airbender, to the point where the latter tried to kill the former.
After completing his task successfully, Zhao leaves the Northern Water Tribe. Prince Zuko, however, corners Zhao as he is leaving Anga Qel’a. The animosity between Zuko and Zhao intensified during season 1 of The Last Airbender, to the point where the latter tried to kill the former.
In a combat with Zhao, Zuko got even by defeating the Fire Nation Admiral. However, when Zhao tried to hit Zuko from behind, Iroh had to shoot Zhao with fire, killing him.
How Netflix’s Last Airbender’s Zhao’s Death Is Different?
It’s interesting to note that Zhao’s demise in the Netflix Last Airbender differs from the original. Zhao is deliberately targeted by the Ocean Spirit rather than dying in the original series.
Aang teams up with the Ocean Spirit when the Moon Spirit dies in both versions of the show, and the latter uses the former’s abilities to create a huge monster in retaliation against the Fire Nation.
However, Zhao is specifically targeted by the Ocean Spirit in the original series, who catches him and drags him under the waters, leaving his destiny a mystery.
Zhao’s Live-Action Death Prevents a Great Legend of Korra Callback
Zhao’s enigmatic, spiritual death in the first Avatar: The Last Airbender was left unsolved for so long that many people believed the Ocean Spirit killed the Admiral. That is, until over ten years after Zhao’s last scene, the second season of The Legend of Korra, the follow-up to The Last Airbender, premiered.
According to The Legend of Korra, Zhao was transported by the Ocean Spirit to the Fog of Lost Souls, where he was compelled to relive his most distressing memories and live out his days in agony.
Unfortunately, if this concept ever comes to fruition, Zhao’s reappearance in a Netflix Legend of Korra series is doubtful due to his death in the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Although it is possible that the Ocean Spirit removed Zhao’s body after Iroh scolded him, this is less likely given that it was not explicitly demonstrated in support of confirming Zhao’s smoldering, dead body.
Therefore, compared to the original Nickelodeon cartoon, Zhao’s death in Avatar: The Last Airbender is probably going to be more definitive in the live-action version available on Netflix.
Enjoy Aang’s amazing journey and the unexpected turns in Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix in greater detail! There is a lot to consider, ranging from Admiral Zhao’s fate to fresh interpretations of timeless events. For unique information about this epic adaptation and the future of the Four Nations, visit our website right now!