Top 10 Avatar Characters Who Deserved Better

Introduced towards the end of Book One, Princess Yue shares a short-lived yet touching romance with Sokka. Their relationship builds to a tragic conclusion when Yue gives up her life to bring back the Moon Spirit. As tear-jerking as Yue’s sacrifice is, it likely would’ve packed a greater punch if she appeared more throughout Book One, as opposed to just its final three chapters. Yue thankfully isn’t forgotten, as her death hits Sokka hard, signifying his growth. As a spirit, she aids Aang in the Book Three premiere and the canonical game, “Escape from the Spirit World.” Nevertheless, Yue remains something of an unsung heroine. With a live-action Netflix series in the works, we’d love to see Yue play an even more prominent role.

The Earth King is like the man behind the emerald curtain. He’s built up throughout much of Book Two, but ultimately turns out to be a figurehead under Long Feng’s thumb. Kuei seems more dedicated to his bear Bosko than the people of Ba Sing Se. When Kuei does finally start to take control of his kingdom, he’s overthrown entirely and is forced to flee. It would’ve been interesting to see Kuei redeem himself by aiding in the Hundred Year War. Instead, he decides to see the world with Bosko, abruptly exiting the series. Kuei fortunately gets more development in the comics where he returns to his kingdom and rises up as a better leader. Too bad his daughter apparently ate Bosko, though...

Piandao’s backstory is nothing short of epic. Abandoned by his parents because he wasn’t born a bender, Piandao nonetheless proved himself on the battlefield as an expert swordsman. Seeing the errors of the Fire Nation, Piandao went into hiding. When he was found, Piandao miraculously triumphed over one hundred soldiers, living to pass his wisdom on to Sokka and Zuko. It’s a shame that the series only had one episode dedicated to such a cool character. Piandao does briefly resurface during the “Sozin’s Comet” finale, where it’s revealed that he’s part of the Order of the White Lotus. Honestly, we’d love to see a spinoff delving into his history with Pakku, Jeong Jeong, and King Bumi, the latter of whom we’ll talk more about later.

The puppetmaster manipulating the Earth King, Long Feng stands out as one of Book Two’s most intimidating and calculating villains. He underestimates Azula, however, losing control of the Dai Li and Ba Sing Se to her. After that, Long Feng essentially disappears, never to be seen or heard from again. It always felt like more could’ve been done with this character in Book Three. Maybe he could’ve been a secondary antagonist operating under Azula. Maybe he could’ve plotted revenge against Azula, attempting to seize back his position of power. Maybe he could’ve even gone through a redemption arc, aiding Team Avatar in some way. Long Feng had the potential to be a prominent figure in this game, but as Azula tells him, “You were never even a player.”

If there’s one character we wanted to see more of throughout “Avatar,” it was this Kyoshi Warrior. Introduced early in the series, this skilled fighter immediately distinguished herself as a wonderful comedic and romantic foil for Sokka. Suki doesn’t return until Book Two, only to be quickly taken out of the picture again after being captured by Azula’s trio. It isn’t until more than half-way through Book Three that she reunites with Team Avatar, becoming a full-fledged member of the group. While that’s all well and good, we wish it didn’t take so long for Suki to finally receive a more substantial role. Plus, who doesn’t want a one on one rematch between just her and Azula?

Despite seeming like an old coot on the surface, King Bumi not only turns out to be a powerful earthbender, but Aang’s childhood friend. It appeared Bumi might be more integral in Book Two, but due to his imprisonment, Aang had to find another earthbending teacher. We can’t really complain seeing how Aang went on to meet Toph, one of the best characters in the series. Still, it’s a bit of a letdown that Bumi didn’t return until the series finale. While his screen time was limited, we’re sure a lot happened to Bumi during the 100 years that Aang was stuck in that iceberg. A spinoff could expand upon those lost years, giving this mad genius a chance to really shine.

Although Hakoda was M.I.A for much of the series, Sokka and Katara’s father still received more attention than their late mother. Kya is mentioned frequently throughout “Avatar” and her death plays a key role in Katara’s character arc. However, we don’t really get to know her as a character until a Season 3 flashback. While it’s only one episode, Kya is established as a highly dedicated mother who makes the ultimate sacrifice for her daughter. Kya’s demise is crucial to the story, but we can’t help but wish that she appeared in more flashbacks or even in a few dreams like in the “North and South” comics. At the very least, Katara and Aang did name their only daughter after her, keeping Kya’s legacy alive.

He claims to be a Freedom Fighter, but Jet’s willingness to put innocent people in danger makes him every bit as dangerous as the Fire Nation. “Avatar” gave us so many complex antagonists and Jet’s extremist methods would’ve been fascinating to dive deeper into. Jet seemingly turns over a new leaf in Book Two, but his vengeful, hotheaded ways continually land him in hot water. When we last see Jet, he’s in bad shape following a confrontation with Long Feng. Jet isn’t brought up again until late in Book Three and even then, his fate is written off as a joke. For the record, Jet did die, but the creators weren’t allowed to make this clear. Thus, Jet was deprived of a proper sendoff.

After three phenomenal seasons, “Avatar” built to a pitch perfect series finale that wrapped up every major storyline. Well… there was one lingering plot thread: whatever happened to Zuko’s mother? This question haunts Zuko over the course of the series and one episode does provide an in-depth look at his relationship with Ursa. For whatever reason, though, the writers never found the time to reunite her with Zuko. We know, we know! Ursa’s life after her banishment is fleshed out in the graphic novel “The Search,” which we strongly recommend you read if you haven’t already. Within the confines of the show, however, Ursa’s story kind of got sidelined. They even make fun of this oversight in the first “Legend of Korra” episode.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Avatar Kyoshi
“The Rise of Kyoshi” Is Another Must-Read

Guru Pathik
We Could Go for Some More Onion-Banana Juice

June
Why Did This Badass Bounty Hunter Only Appear in Three Episodes?

Hou-Ting, The Earth Queen
Better Remembered for How She Died Than How She Lived

Avatar Roku
If There’s One Avatar Who Deserves a Spinoff, It’s Roku

In all the four nations, there isn’t a more tragic figure than the cabbage merchant. Okay, perhaps we’re being a smidge overdramatic, but this guy can’t catch a break. Wherever he goes, Team Avatar and disaster follow, leaving behind a trail of destroyed cabbages. No matter how many times it happens, we always crack up whenever we hear him cry, “My cabbages!” It’s too bad that the cabbage merchant virtually disappears in Book Three, save a brief mention. Be that as it may, this running gag was given a fitting payoff in “The Rift” graphic novel. The long-suffering merchant also went on to found Cabbage Corp, being immortalized with a metal statue. His screen time wasn’t long, but at least those cabbages didn’t die in vain.