The Brilliance of Zuko's Redemption | Avatar The Last Airbender 

I think Zuko's first failed redemption at the end of book 2 was so important to his overall story of redemption. I think a lesser show would have had him join team Avatar at the end of book 2. But I think it was so much more impactful for Zuko to basically get everything he originally thought he wanted and realize that it didn't give him the fulfillment he thought it would.

One thing I absolutely love about Zuko’s redemption is that he doesn’t want to become a better person because of a girl, or a child, but because he wanted to be a better person for himself.

Something that is equally as good as Zuko’s arc but often unsung is Dante Basco’s performance. He puts so much emphasis on emotion in his delivery and it’s because of him that a lot of lines from Zuko stick out. All of the voice performances are amazing but Basco is one of the best, in my opinion.

The bonfire scene during The Beach, is one of my favorite scenes. Because Zuko’s line, “I’M ANGRY WITH MYSELF” is the perfect example of his self loathing. He can’t reconcile what he did in Ba Sing Se with all the love Iroh showed him.

I don't see any comments pointing this out so I'm gonna say it: I LOVE how you started with "hello, Merphy here!"

I think Aang rejected Zuko for a third reason and it was a slightly selfish one, he was still afraid to fire bend and was trying to avoid learning it. That's why Zuko's apology when accepting full responsibility for injuring Toff in what was a completely understandable accident resonated with Aang so much. When he says that it is his responsibility to control his bending as fire is a wild and dangerous element, which was Aang's biggest fear. Just my two cents.

His arc works for multiple reasons: 1. It's realistic and non-linear, it's not a straight path to redemption and he stumbles a couple times. We see him take good steps, followed by some bad decisions. When we think he's on the cusp of change he does a 180 and joins Azula. 2. It's foreshadowed/hinted throughout the story. We see how he and Aang parallel each other, and from early on you get the sense that they both are what the other need. But not only is it foreshadowed, we see the steps Zuko took to get there. The show puts equal value on both their journeys. 3. We sympathize with Zuko. We understand why he does what he does. He grew up under an oppressive regime with a skewed worldview, his father was cruel and critical of him and he would do anything to please him. 4. But he's held accountable for his actions. We sympathize with his pain but we don't agree with his actions. The way he treated his uncle, his crew, every ordinary person he came across, is his responsibility alone. And he owns that. He doesn't join the gang with excuses but accountability. 5. He works to earn their trust. There's still work to be done, he has to learn to communicate and be vulnerable, make amends. 7. He confronted his dad. We actually hear what led him to this point. It was deliberate and well thought out, as opposed to a spur of the moment decision. 8. He has Iroh. Iroh was his true father figure and guiding hand, even when he resented it. His lessons were imprinted upon Zuko whether he was ready to receive them or not. Everyone needs help, no one can do it alone. And Iroh was so patient with him all those years. 9. He and Aang are made equals. I think it was beautiful symbolism that when he joined the team, his power was reduced so that both he and Aang could learn at the same level. It was also a great turning point for him, no longer depending on rage and destruction to bend. But fighting for justice and peace.

One thing I think Zuko's arc does exceptionally well is the emphasis on his agency. While he is influenced by those around him (notably his father and uncle), he faces the individual responsibility and consequences for his decisions at every turn.

Zuko deserves so much therapy after what he went through with his father :(

What they did with Zuko's hair is just genius. Book 1 it is tightly bound and looks isolated and lonely with the rest of the head bald. Book 2 it is plain and featureless but it is constantly growing longer and slowly finding its shape. Book 3 when he joins the fire nation, it is complete, neat, and controlled, with a band bearing the fire nation symbol controlling it. Joining the Avatar it is messy and rough around the edges, but natural, honest and free. When becoming fire lord, it reverts to being neat and controlled, but the fire nation symbol has been removed, and his hair instead is controlled to hold the fire lord headpiece in place.

The Zuko arc actually got me to seek help for my mental problems and to break with my abusive mother. It opened my eyes and I can now follow my own growth with more clarity.

One of the most complex and emotional villain redemption arcs of our time and the cherry on top is it gave us Uncle Iroh, one of the greatest fictional characters in all of fiction.

Even when Zuko is trying to help team Avatar and apologizes to them he understands that he might not get forgiveness and he knows the reasons to that are valid. He at first accepts that they will hate him bc he knows that is deserved bc of his actions. Even when he is accepted he still has some work to do with having the others trust him more

Zuko’s arc was amazing! So excited for his animated movie in 2026!!!!!

one really cool thing about zuko in the comics (which i will be super vague about to avoid spoilers) is that he recognizes that he's not automatically good forever just because of his redemption arc. he's explicitly shown to be concerned about his own morality and the possibility of power corrupting him. he continues to be written very well in the comics, and i highly recommend them to anyone who loves the show.

Zuko and Azula are both very well written characters. They are completely parallel in the world. What they hold as important values as a ruler are opposing views. I think it's fitting that one got a redemption arc and the other did not, it's believable.

I love this analysis. Another thing I think says a lot about Season 1 Zuko’s character is even in the first episode. He tells the Southern Water Tribe to hand over the Avatar and when Aang agrees he asks for Zuko not to hurt anyone else in return. Zuko agrees to this when he could’ve just as easily turned around and wiped out the rest of the Southern Water Tribe. I think a lot of people forget that and it’s a big thing for a character who you’re just being introduced to

I was literally talking about how much I loved his redemption arc with a friend of mine not so long ago. Its always been a part of the show that spoke to me so much.

"What an amazing lie that was." Is one of my favorite moments. It takes alot of strength and bravery to have everything, be at the top, and turn away from it.

The more I critically analyze my favorite childhood cartoon, the more I realize that it should be the most popular children's fantasy series. The complexity of the characters, the world building, the themes, everything is perfection and can discuss so much.

Zuko is brilliantly written. Also have lots of iconic one liners. "That´s a rough, buddy" - Zuko

I tell ya, if I ever write a redemption arc for a character someday (once I'm not lazy enough to write consistently lol), you bet I'm gonna be inspired by Zuko's. It truly is brilliant! :)

Zuko confronting his father is one of the most powerful and relatable moments to me through his redemption. Confronting your abuser is such a nerve wracking experience and for Zuko to stay so collected throughout was such a power move from him. I found it incredible whenever Zuko redirected Ozai’s lightning, because it shows that Zuko no longer felt any shame or inner turmoil about who he is and what he wants to do. It tells his father that he can no longer harm Zuko and that he has gained control where he was once helpless.

One of the deepest things Zuko fought through was every time he shows that goodness and caring self he gets screwed over or shunned, and he still never completely let's go of that part.

You are so thorough and insightful. No animations, no frills, just you talking to the camera and I don’t loose interest. I love watching you talk.

I thought "huh, another Zuko Redemption video, I wonder if there's something new for me." And yes, there was. I connected it with my own still running journey of therapy and changing my ways and his arc hit deeper than before. One important thing here is, that Zuko came to terms that Team Avatar deserved to be distrustful of him after all this time, but he didn't think "I deserve to be distrusted and rejected", which is such a huuuuuge chasm for people to overcome. Even if him getting to that point didn't take as long as it does irl, you just lampshading this fact that he found what he wanted to do despite being a survivor of severe abuse, not wavering after facing rejection this harsh and absolute - this is so incredibly strong. I'm getting emotional writing this. Thank you for this video.

The part with Ty Lee, Azula and Mai on the beach asking Zuko who he's angry at. Then he finally breaks and shouts "I'm angry at myself!" and the fire erupts Infront of him and the music. God that gets me every time. Its not as big as Zuko reuniting with Iroh but it makes me cry all the same.

Ever since watching Avatar, I've been trying to find another character that has a redemption arc similar to Zuko's, but haven't had much luck. I was so impressed with how they did it, he quickly became one of my favourite characters of all time..

The Rat Leader's Right Hand arrives to fulfil the Promise of the Jay D. Sewers. 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀

You had me at "Hello, Merphy here."

I know it was supposed to be a reference to how Zuko tries to come up with the perfect way to join the Avatar gang, but the "Hello, Merphy here." was adorable 😁

Zuko was my favorite character as a kid. Loved those dual swords of his and unknowingly I had a lot of things I didn't realize in common. Apologies if this is an over share. Like zuko my father tried to make me the person he wanted and for a long time I thought that if I did it I'd be happy. While he never hit me, he'd often threaten to and even when I moved in with my mom in highschool I had so much anger. Unfortunately I took that hurt and turned it outward, unlike zuko I couldn't see my culpability for a long time. That realization broke me quite a bit when it finally came. One scene this video reminded me of is after zuko joins team avatar he can't firebend. His power was fueled by his own self loathing and without it he needed a new source. Wish I could say I lost that trait, but sometimes you live with negative feels towards yourself for so long that it is hard to imagine yourself without them. Guilt in particular has the insidious ability to convince you that it is the only good part of you left. That feeling bad proves that you aren't completely worthless. Anyway, thanks to those that read, hope it wasn't too much.

gotta appreciate the fact that you never get tired of talking about AtlA

Ha, clever callback to "hi, zuko here."

Trying to remember- does Zuko kick any puppies??

YES, Zuko's redemption is absolutely magestic and the second best I have seen in fiction (I think)

I appreciate this commentary and pretty much all commentaries on this glorious redemption. One thought though, I don't think that Zuko wanted to ever earn Irohs love. I don't think he even saw his uncle very well until the very end of the series. I think the reason why he wanted to stay in Ba Sing Se is because what he truly was seeking was a sense of peace. For himself, and for others. Something he had not experienced since his mother disappeared. Even his desire for honor was placed into him by his father. It wasn't really his true motive. In Ba Sing Se, he didn't have to chase anyone, No one was chasing him, He didn't have to prove anything... He just could make tea and watch people relax and enjoy the tea. And tea making is VERY zen. And they were building community. He was getting some semblances of honor and respect as they were being recruited to expand their business. And he met a sweet girl. I sincerely think that his time making tea was a time of rest for him. He just got to take a breath. Pause. Finally. Poor kid. And then, Azula showed up, promised him everything he thought that he wants wanted And although he had rested he hadn't built up his strength and awareness to have boundaries around his family and he got pulled right back in. It's like the Godfather part 2. That's my theory. Edit: also, I Iroh, who is one of the tricksters in this series, is hyper aware of his surroundings and peoples motives. He would have known if Zuko felt the need to earn his love or placate his uncle and he would not have allowed it. The fact that Iroh never says anything to Zuko makes me think that earning love was not the issue here.

LOL "Murphey Here" 😂

Why did this make me emotional?😭

He has an incredible story arc. A well written character. I actually felt both him and iroh to be such relatable characters. The arc that Zuko went through was a very well written one with so much to relate to on a personal level. At the same time, I find the wisdom or iroh to be compelling and it not only helped his nephew but it shows the audience a unique person. Some of the best lines went to those characters.

I never knew I needed a “Hello, Murphy here” until this very video

I loved your video, Merphy. But I did miss Katara in here. I really loved it how she was the first to trust him at the end of Book 2 and how she was the most reluctant to trust him on Book 3 to the point to threaten him. And how they made her forgive him by facing her own past with her deceased mother. How she wanted to kill her mother's murderer while Aang wanted her to forgive him. And that she was not able to forgive the man, but gave up wanting to kill him. But she did forgive Zuko. And at the end of the episode, the stakes are raised when Zuko asks Aang what he will do about the killing when facing his father, introducing us to the finale.

I’ve literally started rewatching the series this month BECAUSE of zuko’s redemption arc (among other things) and catching how expertly it was done! He’s a perfect foil character while also being so layered and rich all on his own

Merphy's avatar videos are top notch let's go!!!

Omg she’s still talking about Atla I am so happy!😊

Found the Avatar - check Return to his homeland - check Regain his royalty -check Love by his Father- check Regain his honor - check season 1 Zuko really predicted his outcome, destiny just has a funny way of showing it

Maybe also do a sibling analysis of both Katara/Sokka vs Zuko/Azula once you’re done with the character analysis videos.

Was literally thinking about Zuko's redemption a minute before I opened RU-vid and saw this on my homepage

One of the best redemption arc out there!

i just absolutely LOVE these avatar deep dives!!!! this show deserves all the love 🥰🤍

20 minute video with a gorgeous person talking about my favorite character on the show. Subscribed

when you described your only two emotions you had as a teenager, that was exactly who I was and how I felt. I found the beauty of humor and it saved my life. It gave a not a reason to love life again but also clear minded space so that I can more compassionate

I cried during your video. Great work encapsulating the raw emotional vulnerability that often accompanies asking for forgiveness. Zuko’s redemption is truly a masterpiece.

Great video! I really Love Zuko's redemption arc. It's definitely one of the best. I also really liked how in the Ember Island Players episode how he is faced with the way he had been before. Seeing all his mistakes and just how far he'd come from all that. ❤️

Had to stop everything I was doing just to watch this!

The way you speak about trauma, self hate resonated with me and I thank you for that

Thank you for covering Zuko's great character arc. It really is amazing (i.e. relatable family and social issues, great progress with moments of understandable but gut-wrenching regression, and the struggles of discovering oneself despite expectations).

You were able to express s beautifully and with such accuracy everything I love about Zuko's journey. There's a reason why you can always come back to classics: you'll keep finding new things every time. Thank you for such a wonderful analysis

I love Zuko's character arc and can never watch too many videos on it lol. As you were talling tho, and maybe its just bc my head is filled with theology from being at Bible school and it being the end of the week, but I noticed a parrallel between how Zuko's character arc could be used as an illustration of someone realizing that everything they wanted still isn't best for them. If Iroh is used as God for the sake of analogy, then even when Zuko betrays him so that he is sent to jail to rot to death, Iroh's love in unconditional and he still accepts and forgives Zuko when he comes back to him. Its not perfect, but its still beaitiful and now I love Zuko's redemption arc even more lol

I love your Avatar videos so freaking much!! They make me feel not so alone in my own love (complete and utter obsession) for this masterpiece ❤️ And we also agree that Iroh is the top tier and Zuko makes it into that Iroh tier. Zuko's arc is just so masterfully done and his and Iroh's relationship has my whole heart. And you can never talk too much about their reunion scene--it's beyond anything else 😭❤️

I find the reactions and accolades to Zuko's redemption to be very interesting, because despite Avatar's Asian inspired art direction, the narrative beats are very western. As you said, Zuko's quest in finding himself is very important for his redemption arc, but self-conception is a relatively recent idea, pushed by modern western psychologists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. It feels quite out of place in an ancient Asian inspired setting. Rather than Zuko discovering who he is and doing what he thinks is right, it seems that he did not spend as much time thinking about how other people feel being impacted by his actions. I think this is a crucial cultural difference in Avatar's story that makes it very popular among Western viewers but less so among others. On another note, I think the western conflation of "self-conception" and Dharmic (Hindu, Buddhist & Jain) spirituality is the cause for a major misunderstanding in various media where the main character gains enlightenment, like Avatar and Kung Fu Panda. The difference between the two is like this: Self Concept: I know who I am! I am a piece of the great universe! Dharmic Spirituality: I'm but a piece of this great universe. The difference my be subtle at first glance, but different understanding of this concept leads to the telling of very different stories.

Your optimistic takes here are always so refreshing. Thanks Murphy!

This show is a masterclass in storytelling in so many ways. Failing at his redemption at the end of Book 2, getting everything he THINKS he wants, and still being unhappy in book 3 is SO vital to a believable, real redemption arc.

I love your opening/greeting. Skipped back like 10 times

From the opening line, this video has made my day. Thank you Merphy!

I'm a simple man, I see a Zuko redemption video I watch and Thumbs-Up. Pure gold.

Iroh will always be the mvp for me. But Zuko had an arc I just love. What a great redemption story and it expertly shows the hardships of trying to be a better person. Great video!

I always love to hear your thoughts on books, movies and just stories in general because we always have similar opinions. You also do an incredible job expressing what, I think, most fans believe and feel but don't know how to put into words. Thank you so much for your videos. They never fail to brighten my day!

Got me crying at work again, thanks fam.

Zuko's arch is one of my fav in the history of art. it has so much depth and its a cartoon of all things. He could have very quickly become what the monster in Frankenstien becomes, ie broken to the point of being jaded. but he opts not to. The only arch I feel more connected to is Jacob's arch in the Bible.

You were so well spoken. I loved listening to this. Great job.

Really enjoyed this, looking forward to more.

The best thing of a new Merphy Avatar video is that I have an excuse to go back and watch all of the other avatar videos again!

Zuko’s redemption arc was so well written that now most redemption arc’s today just don’t do it for me.

I love this kind of video essay-esque analysis from you! I don’t know how I missed your Iroh video previously but I’m going to have to hunt it down now. Looking forward to your Azula video!

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your videos! Kind regards from Brazil 💗

Zuko is such a chad in how he comes around and stands up to his family then becomes his own man thankfully Uncle Iroh was there to show and help him best he could

This series is so perfect in many respects. I always feel like I learn something new on every rewatch. You can make a full philosophical overview of this story and what the characters represents.

Great analysis, thank you for uploading your thoughts! I hope your video doesn't mysteriously "disappear". There was another wonderful analysis done by a guy of Zuko's redemption that was over an hour long. It had over a million views and had been around for years and yet it mysteriously "disappeared". Stay safe and best of wishes!

I think the thing about Zukos arc is that it felt..... earned. He screwed up so much, in so many ways, he eventually got everything he always wanted... just to realize he only THOUGHT it was wanted. The fact that even after Zhao tried to kill him, and they were current IN A LIFE OR DEATH FIGHT... It says SO MUCH to zuko as a person that he still tried to save him.

Since The Last Airbender is so beloved on this channel, I have to recommend the show FLCL (Fooly Cooly). It is just 6 episodes so it’s a quick watch. And one of the main directors for The Last Airbender said he required his entire staff to watch FLCL before working on Avatar. It is one of my favorite anime with incredible animation, absurd and hilarious humor, and my favorite soundtrack of any show ever. And it’s very much worth watching as a fan of Avatar to see the influences in animation, humor, visual motifs, etc.

Hearing you describe your reaction to trauma was like listening to myself describe it. I would bounce between trying not to care and becoming enraged. I’m past that now with a lot of hard work I was able to address my trauma.

Zuko is a perfect mixture of story telling... Hes attached to the best characters of avatar. Azula whos endless manipulation made him unsure of himself to uncle iroh constant love and support culminates into a beautiful transformation.

Me while watching: «Zuko's story is truly fascinat.... Hey, these are Harry Potter books in the background!»

Zuko has one of the best character developments ever.

Man I love this análisis

For me, Zuko's redemption arc is perfect. Him and Iroh are my favorites in ATLA.

Always here for the avatar content!

Zuko is my favorite character in avatar

loving the Avatar videos you've got going on so far

I’m so glad that I found your channel yesterday! I love your presentation style, it is thoughtful, emotional, and soothing. I can’t wait to see more of your stuff. Please keep it up!

I love Zuko's arc. Great video.

Great breakdown.

Zuko's story is about him figuring himself out so that he can understand what his redemption should be

We appreciate all Zuko hype! Bonnet Merphy with another banger 🔥

That's rough buddy

Man I really love your videos hope you do a mushoku tensei light novel review

Loved that opening reference

Remember when Merphy made a whole video about redemption arcs right before watching ATLA, and 110% of the comments were about Zuko? 😂

After what Zuko pulled previously I had this notion that there's just no way to redeemn this sob...oh boy they pulled this off magnificently, best character arc in avatar