The Storm - Avatar's Most Important Episode (Avatar: The Last Airbender) 

the hold that the panda lily song has on me is incredible. shoutout to Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn real quick if you want to support/follow you can here: patreon.com/sagesrain twitter.com/sagesrain instagram.com/sagesrain

The episode where everybody went from “man, this show’s fun” to “damn, that’s kinda deep.”

ATLA is not just a story. It's an art piece. A masterpiece! Watching it as a kid I thought it was fun. Watching it as an adult there are many thought provoking moments. I aspire to be like uncle iroh. I aspire to be like rengoku. Likeable, but correct and ironclad in their resolve

A nice detail someone pointed out was that the scar is the perfect character design. He has two sides, one distortes his perception of the world, makes him see things different, narrows his focus...

the aang-zuko parallels and relationship arc has it's well earned finale in the firebending masters when aang and zuko dance with the two dragons. it's both visually stunning and full of deep meaning. that episode is one of my favourites for a reason.

9:20 The fact that he feels this way still amazes me. I actually liked this kind of thinking being introduced, as it made a lot of sense to me. he's a child, so when it involves something personal to him, he doesn't think things through rationally. If the airbending masters couldn't take down the fire nation soldiers, what makes him think he could? They were powered by Sozin's comet and they likely attacked all 4 temples simultaneously. Since Sozin was afraid of the avatar, he probably set up a blockade around the temples, to prevent his escape(and the escape of any other airbenders). There's no reason to believe that Aang would have made the slightest bit of difference. Even with the avatar state, he still would have been cut down. It would have been like at the Earth Kingdom Capital...the difference though is that he'd have no one to help him escape. All the airbenders would be fighting for their survival, and even if they did try to help Aang escape, they'd still be victim to Sozin's tactics. It's also something that seemed to be strategically unsound. Sozin clearly let his emotions get in the way of reason. He was so paralyzed of the avatar, that he felt like his only chance to destroy him was during the comet. According to Aang, the air nomads didn't have a formal military and were pacifistic. Wiping out the air temples may have knocked out one of the three nations, but air nomads weren't the ones who had the potential to give the fire nation the most trouble. If Sozin was thinking logically and not letting the fear of the avatar rule his actions, he would have attacked the earth kingdom first. The water tribes were on opposite sides of the world, and had far less inhabitants. Given the fact that the war lasted at least 100 years, it's clear that most of the heavy lifting was done by the earth kingdom during the war. The northern water tribe was hardly a factor for well over 50 years, as the fire nation spent most of its time ignoring them. The southern water tribe was on the opposite side of the world and just as isolated from the other two kingdoms. The only serious threat was the earth kingdom right from the beginning. Had Sozin focused the bulk of his forces on destroying the earth kingdom, he would have ended the conflict a whole lot faster. At this point, his only threats would be two secluded areas of people and a pacifistic group of monks that are mostly detached from worldly affairs. Thank goodness Sozin let his fears cloud his judgment lol.

I understand Aang's pain on a personal level. When my very sick father died at home at night because of a heart attack, I had just left home in the morning to go back to my university town to be able to breathe a little because the thought of the upcoming responsibilities were suffocating me, I just wanted to run away, even for a short while. After that, I kept blaming myself thinking I could have saved him if I had been there, if I hadn't left, if I hadn't been selfish and so on. A special word should be coined for that kind of pain because I don't know how to describe it. Just like Aang, it took me a long time to even try to forgive myself. If I'm not wrong, canonically we don't know whether Aang still kept that regret deep down till he died, I hope he didn't. :)

Aang and Zuko being shown as kindred spirits. Good indivuals who are in trouble. There is also some good subtle details like with that soldier on Zuko's ship who almost fought him. He can't stand Zuko and sees him as a selfish spoiled prince but after Iroh hears his complaints and explains Zuko's backstory, he later for the first time refers to Zuko as SIR when asking if they should pursue the Avatar

Zuko and Lt. Jee have some of the best character chemistry for just having a few short moments on screen together. It’s sad that Jee supposedly died at the northern tribe. Would have loved to see that ragtag crew one more time after the war.

Aang needed to be adult too early Zuko wanted to be adult too early

The episode that got me emotional watching it as an 12 year old was The Southern Raiders. My father left the family and the anger I felt was endless. So seeing how Zuko (who’s own presence embodies the Fire Nation) help Katara find a quantum of solace by tracking down her mother’s killer. The moment I saw her calm and forgiving nature get buried in an instant and Bloodbend the Southern Raiders for information. It scared me how far any of us could fall from grace. Her hatred poisoned her to the core and it wasn’t until the last moment after summoning all her power to kill the man. Only to pull out the last second because she refused to take a life. But how many of us would’ve followed with the kill? Would’ve fallen to our emotions and lose our convictions? That imo is the best Avatar episode

Now i'm crying. I've watched this show 4 or 5 times and every time i watch it, I am moved by a different aspect of the show. It never hit me before this most recent rewatch what a heavy burden was placed on these children. Teenagers arent equipped to deal with these feelings of loss, shame, guilt, betrayal...let alone being tasked with saving the world. A scene that was played for a laugh but was actually really telling was the scene where Aang went to the fortune teller and she goes on about "ive never seen something like this! You will be in a battle that will decide the fate of the world!" (paraphrased) and he says "yeah i know that, but is there anything about a girl?" He's just a kid dealing with a first crush and the fact that the fate of the world is on his shoulders is something he has compartmentalized

I love ATLA so much I can’t begin to describe it. Zuko was/is so self made. Azula made fun of him for “playing with knives” as a kid…later in life he became a master of dual swords training under Piando at only 16. Ozai and Azulon mocked his firebending, always steps behind Azula…later he became well skilled with it, being able to fight Azula in the final Agni Kai 1 on 1 using everything he had learned and practiced. Aang is a great story of embracing who you were truly meant to be. Monk Gyatso treated him as he was - a kid. But the other elders treated him as the Avatar. While he is the avatar, that’s not all he is. Just like Po, he wasn’t solely just the dragon warrior. Aang is the avatar, but he’s also just 13. (At the end of TLA.)

im rewatching atla with my mom (her first but ive seen it at least 20 times total) i took a year break from watching it. its like living on rice for a year and then having gourmet. i forgot how much this show genuinely shaped me as a person. i grew up on avatar, im rewatching it after a year and i find myself gently mouthing the qoutes. in bojack horseman (a show i also highly recommend) one of the main characters says " for 20 minutes, once a week, i had a family. and that show helped me survive." thats exactly how i feel about this show. i had a hectic life, with little adults, uncle iroh was one of my masculine figures. it seems stupid to think that when im upset i ask myself 'what would uncle iroh say?' but thats what i do because, well, he gives good advice🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ i just finished rewatching the storm and it was incredible. i always love these videos from you. "He is cut from the cloth that is Iroh, Ursa, Roku" is exactly how i view zuko too.

Im almost certain if Aang hadnt run from the air nomad temple... It wudve spelled the end for all airbenders and quite likely wudve caused the end of the avatar cycle which wud likely have kicked in defensively but in an untrained avatar who cant begin to kno how to fully use it.

Amazing how you gave the "eye of the storm" a metaphor, as if that was an actual eye on Aang and Zuko. I think that may be the world's eye, ever watchful, yet only seen in the briefest moments. And I also think that every person struggles with the parts of their life where they don't have a choice, or they did and they chose the wrong one.

Man... this is one of those shows where you're really like "oh don't even get me started on...." because there are so many amazing concepts that are executed so well in so many episodes.. you can start talking about one episode and immediately praise another.

Man I never thought about how much time may have passed between Aang and the temples being destroyed by the fire nation. The idea that he could’ve had enough time to learn the elements to the same degree and save his people but chose to flee is absolutely heart wrenching.

I love that when the ship soldier argues with zuko he regards iroh as an "esteemed general". I like his character because i find myself having to check someone talking crazy to everyone at work once every few years.

Take out Ozai's love...He never loved. His goal was power. I don't think he really cared for his children. As far as Aang and Zuko is concerned, they're brothers to the core...It's like there was always a connection that couldn't be explained. But, something was there. When they did the Dragon Dance, it was official.

Zuko's story is that of the abused child. It is magnificently told. The damaged, angry child who lashes out because that is what he has been taught, through the abuse, to do. Zuko has a strong character and a sense of right, so he changes, in what has taken many of we children of abuse often years to do. Instead of becoming another abuser, he betters himself, seeks his own path, and becomes whole. He forgives, but he does not forget. His scar is a physical reminder of those we children of abuse all carry within us, not so obvious but nonetheless very real. Zuko's story is also that of the survivor and it is told very well.

"Yesterday was History, Tomorrow is a Mystery but Today is a gift, that is why it is called the present, and there is no better than the present " :- Master Oogway

This is random but just wanted to share: The second Zuko appeared on screen, I knew he was going to be my favorite character, even though I knew he was the antagonist. I was so happy when he got a whole story arc and a backstory, and eventually joined the gAang/ Team Avatar :D

Both of them were innocent kids who were forced to be their part because of society expected them to be without realizing the damage they did to these poor kids. This episode is still fantastic.

Iroh explaining Zuko's scar and action made us sympathize with him and understand his struggle his two heritage. Another video well done sage.

After watching the Storm, every time I look at Zuko's scar, the distinct shape of a headprint is haunting.

Sages' rain and Analyzing evil are two sides of the same coin.

This is genuinely my favourite episode from the first season. It really did elevate it from a good show to a great one and I think that applies to a lot of people

I love how you used Ori and The Will of the Wisps and Journey soundtrack here. Adds depth!

“When greatness calls, for our honor we must rise to it.” -Duke Leeto Atreidies Dune

Those few moments of Zuko and Aang looking directly at each other at the end is satisfying in a certain way. I always liked that detail.

It’s so good to see more Avatar content from you. It’s like coming back home ❤️ Sending much love to you my friend. Thank you for another wonderful video.

As luck would have it, _The Storm_ happened to be the first episode I saw from _ATLA,_ and *MAN,* did it leave an impression!!!

Wow, great video 🙏🏼♥️ You should really make a video with The Meaning of NERD He also just made a video on the episode. I also think your guys' voices would fit very well together🙏🏼

As and adult, i understand the reality of Aangs situation. Episode after episode you will see how hard is for aang to save the world, he doesnt have time for fun,play,cry or anything, a 12 year old who is just a child is trying to save the world in less than a year. In the episode when Aang snaps at the sandbenders for taking appa i felt his pain, hes entire culture and people was wiped out of existence, you are 100 years too late, some people are glad that you're back but others will hate you for disapearing in the first place. You have the burden for that and you need to master the rest of the elements in less than a year. The entire world is againts you! when Appa was taken away (the only thing that connects you to your culture ) his entire world was crashing down and you just cant help to feel his pain.

These videos hit different on late night/early morning.

And to add on to what makes Zuko and this episode such a power episode is the fact they showed how Zuko wasn't a true antagonist, and that he was a character to learn from, and to grow from. He was never evil to begin with, just a misled person that never got the chance to show his true, kind, and caring colors, because they were all burnt out by the flames of his father, of the whole fire nation. And this episode hammers it in so early in the series, foreshadowing what was to come from his character. It's episodes like these that makes this show still stand out from all other shows years after it's release, and I personally don't feel like there'll ever be a show I feel this closely connect to.

Tales of Ba Singsay, is another episode that is really underrated. It really dives into who the characters really are underneath their heroism. Tales of ba sing say shows you what makes the characters strong but also what defeats them as well. If you haven't watched it in a while I suggest you pair The storm with tails of Ba sing say as well as ember island. These are great episodes that give you greater insight into the character's motivations strengths and weaknesses.

Another beautifully written and well-narrated analysis. I also found the Storm to be among my favorite episodes of the show.

This channel is criminally underrated

I like how even I when I was watching this in real time it grew up with me and bruh the music this was perfect for kids back then. Even when I was little I understood all the changes and responsibilities and sacrifices they all made it truly made my childhood a good lesson :)

The storm is a great episode however I think the Avatar and the Fire Lord is the most important episode in Avatar in order to understand the story The storm is amazing and comes a lot sooner in the series so it is definitely a great hook

Always here for your quiet calm introspection. Can't wait for your next masterpiece.

And the 2nd live action just decides to fuck it all up and be done with it the first 10 minutes.

This was a great video. Loved the way you used Oath to Order. Keep up the good work!

Some of your other videos hit me in the gut harder, but I think this is your best Avatar:TLA analysis/discussion yet. Fantastic job all around, but particularly on the nuances of human interaction with grief and trauma and then how the two characters really truly became bound together for the greater plot.

Amazing video Sage you helped me realize why I love avatar so much

I always come to your videos to get my head right. Thank you so much! Please keep up the great work!

I actually love how almost everyone has a unique look on honor and what it means for that individuals

You do some phenomenal work.

Sage, I've been going through a rough patch mentally, idk what to do with my life and stuff with me and the girl I'm talking to has me all types of confused, but your videos help me calm my mind, help me get through the day, and help me get decent sleep, I hope you're doing okay, and know how much you mean to us and how thankful we are for you being here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you

Yay u uploaded

Beautifully Explained Bro ❤️ Love Your Content 💕

Yo your videos are amazing, please keep making content!

My dude came through! Thanks Sage's Rain!

This episode is so good. It is crazy to think there was a time I actually grew tired of rewatching this episode while waiting for season 2.

Azula didn't just watched with joy, she also raised her left hand; as if she was burning him. She wanted to burn him.

I love your videos so much, you dive hard into these and its amazing!

"The Storm" is Avatar's watershed moment, and one of its best episodes, period.

I love your videos and listening to your voice explaining your thoughts. Especially if it's about my most favourite things, like this video!

I'm early 🌼😺 I'll be listening to this while I walk around my neighborhood. I was trying to de-stress and the notification certainly made me so happy 💜

I love this channel man! Keep making more videos big fans

I Love your Videos Bro!

Living without a childhood destroys a person, it’s horrible to have to watch friends and loved ones living life and making memories when you’re weighted down by duty & responsibility. It’s soul destroying, knowing that you have no other choice.

I absolutely love your vids bro. I just realized since Monk Gyatso was friends with Avatar Roku he knew his friend was reincarnated with Aang explaining why they were so close since his birth. Mind blown!

I was literally thinking about how good this episode was specifically when this came up in my recommended.

This is my favorite episode in the show. It gets overshadowed a lot by the later seasons, and I get that bc all the episodes are great. But this one is sooooo good too

Damn i was just thinking of this episode earlier today!

This was one of my favorite episodes.

My favorite RU-vid channel by far🔥🔥

All of these characters should come see you for psychotherapy bro keep up the high quality content

I’ve been watching your videos for a long time . You sound more charismatic now

BEST VIDEO EVER

i agree with everything you said in this… except the idea that Azula has Ozai’s love… i mean she and more importantly for this episode Zuko might believe that… but i don’t think anyone (except Maybe, Ozai) has Ozai’s love

Love this channel

Great vid

Great video.

definitely a huge impression on this show that was for kids but impactful to see why it's a great show.

I wanna rewatch it. But I dont wanna get sick of it

no wonder this is my favorite show. i relate so much to it

This video made me think of Gyatso's perspective, I have been uneasy since.

This show is utterly perfect

I love this episode.

I also like the foil between aang and zuko. Zuki ran towards his goal, didnt want to be a kid but instead got burned because he was to strong in his conviction to become the next firelord. Wereas Aang wanted that child hood and ran from his responsibility and instead of getting burned for it he was frozen. Ice and fire, two sides of the same coin.

This episode is a perfect example of how to show not tell in stories

The parallels between Zuko and Aang. Knowing the connection between the two of them (when you think of Aang's past lifetime as Roku) makes this episode even more brilliant.

You have brought me enlightenment

SpongeBob: Zuko’s father never hugged him, isn’t that sad? 😢 Mr. Krabs: yes I suppose that is rather sad, but Zuko can hug himself during his break. Now get back to work.

An important thing to remember with Zuko and Ozai's Agni Kai, while a agni kai was a display of fighting ability it is also a display of honor. However Ozai was the dishonorable one in the fight, not Zuko, he had already submitted himself to defeat and Ozai ignored his submission.

God I love this show

The humanizing of heroes and villains is one of the best parts of this show

The Storm is the episode that completely alters the way the audience perceives Zuko. Before it, Zuko just comes off like an entitled punk who wants the glory of capturing the Avatar. After it, you completely sympathize and he more or less becomes the secondary protagonist in the story. Zuko is no longer a villain in the perception of the audience after The Storm.

That lightning that calls both of them them to action was the craziest revelation for me. Watched the his Ep multiple times and I never saw that it happened to both!

Bro How can you always analyze avatar in the most beautiful ways

I agree

such a beautifull episode, such a great video

Zuko is a character I didn’t understand until I started getting older. In my 20s I started to get his anger and sadness. And as I enter my 30s, I am understanding his redemption as well.

That was a brilliant analysis the Storm is a beloved and legendary episode for good reason it gives the perfect stories for Aang and Zuko and parallels them in many ways both went through a horrible tragedy in their past and are still controlled by it to some extent but at their core they’re good people and will do anything they can to make the most of their current lives it enriches the characters and the world perfectly something Avatar excels at. It’s especially poetic as Aang overcomes his inner struggles the storm lifts representing his turmoil subsiding. Thank you so much for the wonderful video as always.

The Storm cemented not only my respect for Zuko, for choosing to save his crew over the mission, and Aang, who chose to face fear and act, but also my hate for Ozai. I can't abide people who willfully hurt children, especially their own. It's something people get away with in the real world entirely too often, and it's very telling how often it features in the backstories of fictional characters. Nothing makes me sympathize with or despise a character faster than being the victim or perpetrator of abuse. This was when I knew Zuko wasn't actually a villain, even if he was still the antagonist at the time. The way you can pick apart a character, their motives and their development, lay it all bare and put it to words is fascinating to me as both a consumer and a writer, which is why I almost invariably click on your videos the first chance I get- almost invariably. I'm not finished watching Naruto yet, so I want to keep spoilers to a minimum. I'd love to see your takes on Soul Eater one of these days- interpersonal relationships are, in my opinion, a central theme, and there's plenty to dive into.

One of the greatest episodes of Avatar the Last Airbender. Aang feeling guilty for leaving the Air Nomads to be read by Fire Lord Sozin and the Fire Nations 100 years ago and Zuko bitter about his father Ozai scarred him for refusing to fight him and banishing him from the Fire Nations to find Aang. The subtle details of Avatar the Last Airbender is still a masterpiece today. The only show to rival most anime series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto and Bleach.