The first few eps are probably the weakest in series, imo. The best thing about avatar imo is how the characters bounce off one another, so when they're still being introed it isn't going to be at it's best. All of the characters are multi-dimensional from the start though. Even Zuko is showing several sides to him which you only really can appreciate when you've already watched the series before.

Sokka is easily my second favourite in the entire series. I wouldn't call him powerless though. Without bending sure, which yeah does make him an underdog in this world, but not powerless. He's just a great guy.

And yeah I got the same box-set as Pach did, and it's got the same quality issues. Looks like it's a duff release :[

I can't stop laughing at the waving bear Pandy posted every time I see it hahahahaha