Netflix's Avatar is a failure because it doesn't understand why animation even works

I definitely think it would be a little bit silly, and certainly an over-exaggeration, to say that the original animated Avatar: The Last Airbender is a perfect show. It's an incredible show, with an approach to colonialism that feels surprisingly solid both because it's a kids show (and an American kids show made in the 2000s, to boot). Not to mention a stellar cast of characters, a fun and well-developed concept, and a narrative drive that keeps you coming back for more. Most importantly, thou...