Use the code TREE for 40% off World Anvil with the link worldanvil.com/?c=mltt Or else try it out for free!! Patreon link: www.patreon.com/mylittlethoughttree
@@streampunksheep final draft. It's slow work now because I'm working with a professional editor, going back and forth over each chapter multiple times until it's done, plus making videos means it's hard to find time for it, but I'm steadily getting there, thanks!
Aunt Woo actually get all her predictions correct. She doesn’t predict the volcano won’t erupt she predicted it wouldn’t destroy the town. And it didn’t
She predicted that most of Sokka’s misery would be self-inflicted and she clearly got that wrong since the main source of his misery is Princess Yue dying
I remember getting in an argument with someone once who claimed that the show never had any buildup to Katara reciprocating Aang's feelings. When I pointed out this episode and the Cave of Two Lovers, the other person said they always skipped those episodes because they're "filler." And I just thought, well, if you aren't watching the whole story then that's your problem, not the show's, lol.
@@Ower8xEven then, that one shows Aang loosening up his morals a bit. Dude straight up used his avatar cred to sell a lie and rewrite a century of oral tradition, and I don’t think he’d’ve done that if he was still fresh outta the freezer. It’s not the biggest or most satisfying nugget of story for sure, but it’s definitely not nothing either
When I grew up watching the show, this was my ship for them. But, looking back on it for an adult, some key moments of development happened off screen. After Aang’s confession, Katara says she’s confused. Then without showing how it happened, she’s suddenly not confused. I wish the show would’ve showed a bit more of that
A really important moment most people overlook is that moment where they ask earth benders for help and one twin says “I’m an earth bender!” And the other twin says “I’m not!”. This seems like a funny quip but it gives the viewer a better understanding of how bending works and that it isn’t just genetic.
Well there's loads of hints in the show, and imo legend of Korra confirms it with season 3. That it's spiritual not genetic. That a bender spirit is slightly more intuned with the spiritual world natural, at birth and thus a bender, it can also explain why it may take someone longer or shorter. It also explains why the Airbender as a people were all benders, as from birth, they are raised in a life where everyone is trained to have a higher spiritual connection. Thus Airbender. You could make an argument for something like genetics, but I'd argue it's the spirit.
One of my favorite things about this show is that the same thing happens almost every episode but not many people talk about it. That one thing is: The Gaang often comes up with a good solution to a problem, executes it, but it's not enough. This happens a TON in the show. They tried to stop Jet, but they were too late (Jet) They stopped the boat from going over the waterfall, but then got hit by another (The Waterbending Scroll) They cut through one of the supports of the drill, but ran out of time to do the others (The Drill) And of course, they invaded the fire nation on the day of black sun, but their plan was leaked and foiled (Day of Black Sun pt 2) This show is chock full of intelligent, reasonable decisions that just fall short because of life happening, and it ranges from great successes to terrible failures. It's truly great storytelling
Filler episodes exist, but I don’t consider episodes like this, where the characters get an experience that reveals a bit more about themselves and the world as a whole, it’s still a very human episode and it’s always nice to do a little “slice of life” instead of a bunch of action.
A really great aspect about atla is that there are almost no filler episodes besides tales of ba sing se which means each episode serves some purpose whether it's progressing the greater plot or it's character progression which stays till the end of the series
@@lucasramey6427 Tales of Ba Sing Se also has some important points. It helps develop Toph as a character beyond just being tough while also emphasizing her developing friendship with Katara. Zuko's bit shows how his emotions have become more complicated and how he can care for people who are supposed to be his enemies (which leads really well towards the disappointment him siding with Azula). And then of course Iroh's gives so much more depth to his character and why he is so kind and aware as well as some context for his relationship with Zuko. Sure, none of these are "essential," but they all help make us care more about the characters themselves.
The term "Filler" in this context comes from Anime. This is because Japan will often begin creating an anime based on an in-progress, long-running manga. However, the anime will frequently get through all of the source material faster than new source material can be made. In these cases, rather than letting a show go off the air for a while, the anime production will "fill" the space with completely original content while waiting for new source material to be made. The problem of course is that this new original content by definition cannot have any impact on the actual story, or else it won't connect properly when the anime starts following the source material again. You can have slow episodes without it being filler though, if those slow episodes are planned for in advance.
The moment I knew ATLA was something special was the fight in Zuko's cabin, where Aang uses airbending to launch a mattress into Zuko and knock him out. Very few cartoons go to that amount of effort with their choreography and blocking, and this was episode 2!
I watched that fight again the other day! Definitely one of my favourites from the show, very imaginative and a perfect first way to show us exactly who Aang and Zuko are via their physicality. I was kinda tempted to make a short video on it
thats one of those shots where the first time you see it, youre like "woah, what" and realize you know nothing about how fights play out in this world. You are perfectly aligned with zuko in this moment.
Aang was trying to get his staff back the whole fight and proceeds to whallop Zuko the moment he has it. it gives a good sense of how well the stick improves his bending, no wonder the writers keep making him lose his staff mid fight
Sokka is how to do a punching bag character well. Since he has more importance and character beyond that. It feels more good natured than characters like Meg Griffin who ONLY exist to suffer.
For me it was episode 3. The Southern Air Temple. When Aang saw the true aftermath of the Air Nomad Genocide. Seeing the close up shot of the skeletal remains of Monk Gyatso, and Aang's reaction, him going into the Avatar State from the amount of pain he's in... I knew this show wouldn't hold its punches. And it never did.
Sokka being sceptic is one of my favourite traits of him, it is a reflection of Kataras motherly side. Its his version if being an adult and acting responsible. In this episode it is a great payoff bc it doesn't tell us it is good or bad, but nuanced. A mix of trusting your gut and being sceptical.
I completely missed the brilliance in Katara acting how she does in Episode 14. Not only does it help serve the narrative of Aang and Katara's love story, but with how mature Katara is, she's very quickly able to realize not just that Aunt Wuu was predicting it'd be Aang she'd marry, but that *on top of Aang being more competent and determined than he lets on, she herself was acting very childish after playfully teasing Aang about it.* I used to think her only character arc was her waterbending training and her trust issues/fixation on getting revenge against the Fire Nation. But no, the story went out of its way to address the very *NATURE* of her realizing her interest in Aang. Just like that, friend, you've made the FortuneTeller go from a "lovely, cute episode about kids developing feelings and our main character once more learning to be responsible" into "masterpiece/focal point of convergent character arcs" in my eyes. Bravo.
I adore this episode, for most of the reasons you mentioned. It's also just one of the funniest episodes for my money, and it's my favorite kind of funny, because the humor is all character-based. You even included one of my favorite exchanges in the entire series: "Can your _science_ explain why it rains...?" _"YES!_ YES IT _CAN!"_ 🤣
That’s why I love Sokka and atla after all these years. I was hoping for this energy from the live action, but it played out very flat. Always next time I guess
A lot of what makes this episode work is the animation. The animators go HARD when it's time to show the volcano. It really makes you feel the sheer POWER of the nature Aang and the village is fighting and thus his own power when he succeeds. Contrast it with the Volcano in The Avatar and the Firelord. Since the scene isnt about the power of Roku but the struggle for survival and eventual betrayal from Sozin, so the animation shows a hazy, gaseous, toxic environment and focuses more on the reaction of Roku to the elements than his fight agaisnt them.
Shows NEED episodes where the characters can just...exist. They just do things because the character wants to, and the story takes a backseat. Let us care about them, show us who these people are.
My hook was the double punch of "The Storm", and "The Blue Spirit". How they humanize the characters in the first, and that freaking choreography from Aang's rescue. God, what a show.
I loved this episode! As a kid I totally related to Aang's puppy love for Katara, and as an adult I relate to Katara's slow realisation that someone I previously dismissed or overlooked might be a romantic option. I also relate to Sokka's skepticism ... it's just such a human episode, there's so much to relate to!
Yes! I was just about to comment this. It was Aang's destiny to defeat the Ozai and everyone expected Aang to kill him. But Aang was able to reshape the clouds by taking away Ozai's bending instead. The final showdown was his destiny, but he was able to choose that murder wasn't a part of it.
The episode shows us how characters react to their destiny. Katara embraces her destiny, to the point where she no longer decides anything for herself. Sokka fights destiny, to the point where he would sacrifice anything just to be right. Aang once chose the 3rd way, he ran away. In the end, none of the three paths are productive for Aang, and yet they get him to his goal. He ran away and survived. He accepts his destiny as an Avatar and brings balance to the world. He fights his destiny and in the end goes his own way in order to remain true to himself. As in all things, balance is needed here to achieve the optimal result.
This is one of the reasons why I don't like the Netflix adaptation. These "filler" episodes were great because we could see the Gaang bonding, but we could also bond with them! Some of my favourite episodes are when nothing huge or important to the plot is happening because we can just spend some time with the characters alone. Great video!
I loved the episodes that took a break from the main storyline. Most shows pre-streaming normally did this to fill out the season. Streaming shows now forget to take breaks and breathe. 8 episode seasons aren't enough for me to care about anything.
Yea it's precisely why I don't like the live action show. They took out all of the characters personality, and their interconnected relationships. None of their childish issues are reflected.
While the fate of the world rests in the hands of the Gaang throughout the show, we have to remember that they are still kids (adolescents to be more precise, but the point still stands), and need a break from saving the world to have a chance to be kids for a few hours or a couple days. This is why The Beach is beloved by many fans. Zuko and the Fire Nation Trio get a chance to be normal kids and teens for a day while preparing for the Day of the Black Sun invasion.
Tbh, as a Christian, this episode (at its core) was one of the things that conceptualised the verse "faith without works is dead." Neither party was wholly wrong, but they were more powerful together. My grandfather (RIP) used to say that we need to work the Word until it the Word works for you, and I think this episode perfectly captures that.
The way I had it presented to me was God made 99% of the effort by making the universe for you to get here he just needs you to put in your 1% to help yourself.
I really like this episode for the introduction of Katara reciprocating interest and reminding not just her but the audience what a powerful bender Aang is and that he truly did master Airbending, and it's fun to see Sokka in this episode because I share his attitude toward stuff like fortune telling, and I love Meng 😂
This episode is a nice reminder to not get so caught up in the future sometimes. On one hand we can get to anxious about it, but on the other we can also get caught up and even obsessive about the good things as well. Over semantics, who, what, when, where, why. We "know" certain things are probably going to happen eventually but the details are all up in the air. It's a nice little reminder that goes "hey! Don't get so caught up in the details! Make peace with however it pans out naturally". At least imo.
I don't think I've ever seen anyone complain about this episode being useless. At least not as much as The Great Divide does. Then again it wasn't until the show was on netflix that I saw a LOT of katara hate that I thought came out of nowhere
Right? I was very taken aback at the Katara hate. I came to the fandom later in life and had a similar role as Katara in my family, so I felt a bit icky at all the censure. Some criticisms I get, but usually if I find a character not to my liking think as a writer what would I have wanted done differently? Rather than full blown hating the character 🤣
I think originally there was annoxyance at katara, neve rpersonally i love how she can be a flawed teenage girl finding her way and resolve, being suilly wit hromance and a badass and a caregiver. , but there was. It was just pre gamergate so it wasnt blown out of the water, but it existed apearently.
@@hiddenechoes yeah me too, but some people lack the critical thinking skills in order to put into words what they don’t enjoy about katara’s character, without just being straight up condescending and snobby about a person that does not exist
I love Kitara, she's my favorite character in the show, with Toph a close second. But what I love about Kitara is her caregiver nature. It's always there in the show, but it's usually played for laughs, or pointed out as an annoyance of her personality, her "mothering" Team Avatar, much to their consternation. But I think it really comes to shine in one of MY favorite episodes, The Painted Lady, in season 3. Just everything about how Kitara acts in that episode, I love. How she instantly feels compelled to help the people around her, and even when it's a risk to their cover, she does it anyway. At first in small ways, with minor healing, and some food to help them endure. But then it becomes more. And the part that I love is when she is found out by Team Avatar, and they try and guilt her into just abandoning the village. And she just flat out REFUSES. How she turns on them, and confidently cries out "NO! I will NOT turn my back on people who NEED ME!" Kitara is a healer, a caregiver. It's something she learned from her mother, the single most important person in her life, that she saw DIE to protect her, BECAUSE of her healing powers. Her entire way of life, healing, caring for others, is probably the single thread of emotional connection she has to her mother, aside from memories. It's a sharing between them. A tradition. As she is literally the last healer/water bender of the Southern Water Tribe. So to her, it's also about preserving her people's tradition and legacy. A legacy given to her by her mother, a kind, gentle, loving woman, who offered help to anyone and everyone who needed it. And now her friends, and brother, are telling her to just abandon that tradition, that legacy, that connection to her mother, and let these people die. And she just says "EFF THAT!" and stands up to all of them. The character that is usually all about letting others take the lead, just playing a support role to Aang and Toph, plants her feet, and takes a stand. And I think it says something about our society, how often we belittle and condescend to caregivers and nurturers in our lives. For THREE seasons, that feature of Kitara was played as a joke, or at best just a handy feature to patch up wounds so the hero could go back to heroing. But this episode, that aspect of her nature takes center stage, it's the focal point of the A and B plot of the show. All of the events, both the village/river, and the fire nation outpost, turn on Kitara's actions. And when she stops hiding, and stops trying to just get along with the rest of the gang, and says no, I'm doing this, and I don't care what you say. It's just fantastic to me. And then she proceeds to be a One Woman Wrecking Crew, destroying the fire nation factory in mere moments, and then proceeds to pull a spooky spiritual Batman fear attack on the fire nation, single handedly (with some special effects help from the gang) kicking the fire nation out of the village with her water bending. And then, to top it all off, at the end, the now healed/freed Painted Lady (spirit of the river) thanks her for her help. Which I thought was an extra nice touch, given the Avatar is supposedly the spirit bridge, and meant to heal the land and it's sprits, but Aang didn't really seem all that interested. But Kitara cared, because it's what she is, it's what she does. And that situation, needed a caregiver to resolve it. And I effing love it.
Yeah, I agree with a lot of this. Well said. I actually feel like Katara is often kind of misunderstood because you're right, people do denigrate caregivers. Or, they misunderstand that, and her overall emotionality, and end up downplaying how strong and bull-headed she can be. I think maybe it's different if you come from a similar background too, where you've been parentified at a young age out of necessity, which is absolutely the case for Katara and provides some conflict in her character. But I'm not sure most people understand what that's like because most people dint have to be in that position (heck, most people I know couldn't even do their own laundry til they were 16-18, much less be responsible for a while home cos your mother has died and your dad is away indefinitely).
I actually like having to wait for the next episode too. It was such an event when we were still going to school, i think the new episode dropped on wednesday afternoons and got repeated on sunday, always as a double episode with the one from the previous week. And when it got to the third season they started doing Avatar marathon weekends and me and my dad or me and my friends got together to watch the whole series and the finale together. It was awesome. Also reminds me every time i watch a reaction channel, they can watch the series in just a few sittings, but back then there were months between the season 2 finale and the season 3 invasion and i didnt keep track that Azula knew about the invasion. The reactors all put 2+2 together right away, but i was really surprised and had a flashback only when Azula told them she knew all along
The avatar fandom is the definition of Love. Its all encompassing, and literally Immortal. No matter how much time Goes by. This fandom got Countless more stuff to talk about. The fans never lose their love for the franchise.
honestly, i've always loved this episode. it fits nice within the structure that is season one. less focused, more playful and goofy, less stakes, world building, etc. sure, it doesn't advance the plot directly, but it is still a cute episode that reinforces the themes and foreshadows a few events along the way. i'm kind of sad that we don't see any more fortune tellers though, cause i love the concept, but it makes perfect sense that they don't too, so i'll take it. definitely one of the most underrated episodes, right after the desert episode after the library
5:06 I study animation and this shot of Katara doesn't only hit hard because the animation is pretty. The Camera is going from right to left and moving downwards, indicating a perspective shift for her. The 'downwards' movement fits so well! Like you said, Katara believes herself older (I mean the age stuff here as 'maturity'. So we go from above pov (her own belief to be above Aang in Age) to below pov (the pov Aang sees her at) and she realizes... they are at the same level, they are both kids. The animators show her eyes moving (indicating she is thinking) and the VA really sells it! Beautifully animated shot that shows Katara's mind opening up to the possibilities.
When someone says that a story is character driven this what I think about. This episode did the same thing that some of my favorite episodes of Star Trek did; not every story has to have world ending stakes or ask the big moral questions because the characters just being themselves is more relatable than those big stakes and alo keeping the character archs true to them just reminds us why we love these characters to begin with.
This episode is the first one I've ever seen, I distinctly remember that scene with Katara deflecting the rain. Didn't know what show it was until a few years later.
This is one of my favorite episodes! It’s also a breather from the previous storyline episodes of Aang and Zuko’s past, and the solstice. It shows just how complex of a character Aang is. Yes he’s a kid, but he’s also an incredibly powerful yet flawed character. But by the end of the episode, he realizes that he has the power of choice and to shape his own destiny, and that idea comes back in the finale where her chooses to spare Firelord Ozai.
Does anyone wanna talk about how Sokka firebends while saying “Well of COURSE it’s gonna happen” (re: the guy meeting his love while wearing red shoes). 🔥
You forgot an important part of this episode, it introduced them to the crushing on Aang girl's VA who then was brought back in to voice Toph. This is a fantastic episode breakdown and the splice of life episodes are easily forgotten by the flashy action story ones. I think this is a very good episode, even if less remembered. But it provides exposure to greater character depth than scene in too fast paced a story. And honestly, this type of praise is why I unapologetically like The Great Divide. I know many people hate it, I can see why for how little stuff happens and the siblings are throwing hands at each other. And "so is the moral that Aang lies in the end? What a great lesson for kids" Is a common thought behind it. But the episode was all about teaching perspective. It certainly was a Hatfields vs a McCoats plotline. But it was very interesting seeing how opposite opinions on something so miniscule like how to pitch a tent make a difference. Prepare for rain or screw it for the free blanket? Neither is technically wrong (much like how both Sokka and the fortune telling reliant villagers weren't technically wrong) and both are solid options depending on where your priority lies. It's like with gamers. Say in a turn based game. Do you bring all your buffers and strongest dps characters to make the strongest dent the fastest against the enemy line up? Or do you bring a healer and tank for comfort and survivability over speed and damage? Again, both approaches are valid. So to me, the episode was about the importance of understanding another culture of people, how they differ from you, how they're also just people, and what that entails. I don't remember where in the line up it is compared to Uncle's lesson about lightning redirection and the importance of a balanced life perspective, but I think it shows off the same idea in a small scoped setting. The tribe with Sokka might have had to survive a colder area, so they value warm nights of sleep. Meanwhile, the Katara tribe might've dealt with a heavy storm that ruined their structure and safety. Those things develop into larger differences in cultures globally over time. Think how a society near earthquakes or volcanos would develop vs in the artic or the desert. And if I wanted to go into a deeper reading. Honesty is certainly important, but I don't think Aang lying in the end is a bad lesson. It's that through Aang's unique experience, he was able to cleverly solve a problem based on his own priorities. These two tribes are at war because of a family feud full of betrayal? What nonsense! It was a game of ball. Go home, have a snickers. I think your reading of the Fortune Teller is probably a better put together episode, but I argue the Great Divide provides the same idea, but for the ending. Everyone and their mother is telling Aang to kill the Fire Lord. But it's through his unique experience and personal beliefs that he broke the rules, so to speak, and found a better ending. He looked beyond his regular resources to find a solution that's true to himself. Much like in this episode, he didn't agree with Katara or Sokka. He didn't take option A or B, but he prioritized his duty to bringing peace to the world and went with C, despite it not even being on the board. The fact he's over a century old just gives him the set up to use it. And I think that concept is important to show, even before "Aang's questioning himself" starts to show up. That "open up to new information and perspectives and you should find a better solution" is the lesson.
I watched ATLA for the first time as an adult with my kids more than 10 years ago. This episode was one of the earliest to foreshadow how good the show would get. It handled adult themes (romance, weight of destiny) with a light touch and humor. In particular, the closing line (“I forget what a powerful bender he is.”) and shots (Katara’s dawning realization and Aang’s visible exhaustion, seen from behind) conveyed a depth and complexity of relationship that most “mature” storytelling fails to convey. Most media never even tries to get as deep as this “goofy” episode.
honestly the fortune teller has always been fun but never seemed to be a favorite but having this perspective makes me like it more. the great divide though... :P
The first episode of ATLA I watched was Crossroads of Destiny. I was hooked instantly. You can imagine my confusion at Zuko switching sides and later seeing him bald in Book 1 epissodes 😂
Nah I'm with you here. I loved the world building in that episode, also the character development. Plus, these little side stories kinda fleshed out the bigger story for me, made it all more real and relatable. Not everything needs to be high-octane all the time to be good!
The slight problem with this episode is it makes Roku's death feel a bit unclimactic. Like, a fully realised Avatar Roku dies fighting a volcano (Technically two, but meh), but here 12 year old Aang is, doing the exact same thing, with only one and a bit bending styles under his belt, and he doesn't die. The threat in this episode should have been something more minor, like a rockslide caused by something, or even a volcano further away erupting, and a single river of lava is coming towards them.
Not all volcanic eruptions are equal. The volcano in this episode was quite small. Roku's eruption was big enough that it could be seen from miles away. Fun fact: volcanic eruptions have caused mass extinctions before. 95% of all life on Earth went extinct at one point because an area of land the size of Russia exploded and became lava. They call it the Great Dying.
@@kittikataclysmic sure, but to kids watching the show, they're just seeing a volcano erupt, and then another volcano erupt. That's why I think changing the fortune teller problem to be visually different would've been a better call.
1) the main problem with the volcano roku was dealing with was the poison gas. he said as much during his narration, and we see thats what weakens him. the one aang is dealing with is mainly lava 2) roku was in his 90s-100s, compared to aang who is physically in his early teens. 3) aang is a naturally skilled airbender, like proficient even beyond what the monks had taught him, and he uses it to his advantage with the volcano. 4) aang had the help of other people. roku was doing it all on his own besides when sozin came.
Avatar episodes tend to have an end goal for each episode. Some small shift that grows one or two characters just a little bit-with the exception of finale episodes. Everything else is just characterization. I would say the “point” of this episode is to initiate Katara’s attraction towards Aang. Sokka taking the leadership role and Aang saving the town are just deepening our understanding of them. That’s how the show managed to keep that arc rolling for three long seasons. They took big swings, but they also allowed for episodes that just addressed a single question, or helped a character take just one step forward.
I feel like the show took episodes that would have been filler in most other cartoons and made sure to add in some character development for at least one character if not two. The only episode i can think of that can be skipped without missing something is the great divide. The show itself pokes fun at this episode so they were aware it was crap.
Something you didn't mention that I think adds a good deal to this episode: it's not just Aang doing the cloudbending, it's Aang *and Katara* doing it: without even thinking about it, Aang's trusting Katara to hold up the water half of the cloudbending exercise, and given how much she cares about waterbending that probably means a lot to her. She also looks like she's having a lot of fun doing it, even if she seems nervous at first. The grand irony is, by being himself and working to solve the problem at hand, Aang has constructed what's practically a perfect "first date", despite the stakes. Overall on my first watch-through, I found the first two-thirds of this episode very cringy and difficult to watch, but from the discovery that the volcano is about to erupt onwards, it resolves really well. But I suppose you need that cringy tension to make the end resolve as well as it does. I feel like there's a lot of ATLA episodes like that, where despite their struggles the characters end up in a better place by the end.
This video makes me feel so incredibly vindicated. I've been trying to bring attention to this episode FOR YEARS. It has great humor, (including moments such as Aang's iconic "so... papya" line), stunning visuals (like Aang and Katara's mesmerizing "cloud-bending" sequence), and notably some of the best animation in the entire show (such as the incredible way they animated Aang when he turns to look at Katara wearing her new necklace), the latter being largely thanks to JM Animation's exceptional work in Season 1. It also still has, as you pointed out, clear-cut yet lightweight character arcs which resolve by the end of the episode whilst still informing continuous character progression - making it a great laid-back, feel-good episode (with a great yet short final action sequence nonetheless). It is, in my opinion, ATLA's most underrated episode, and I'm glad someone else finally sees it the way I do. Most people annoyingly get way too caught up on the belief that episodes such as this are nothing more than "filler", when really, it's absolutely on them for lacking the media literacy and perspective to be able to appreciate them for what they are. I find that very few people on this platform are truly able to succesfully thoroughly dissect a narrative piece for what it's attempting to accomplish (and if it is subjectively succesful or not in that pursuit), instead merely diving into the themes at hand in a vague way (which can work, I'm just sick of that type of content). You actually managed to accomplish the former. Great job.
I'm reminded of a bit of advice from LocalScriptMan. (Who is one of exceedingly rare people around here I've found to offer writing advice I consider worth listening to.) Basically, he said that "pacing" is a term readers/viewers use to describe the symptom of a problem they can't properly identify or articulate. It's too vague to be meaningful to writers, who instead need to examine whatever part of the story has "bad pacing" to find the actual problem: Usually something more specific like structural issues, inconsistencies, unnecessary fluff and filler, leftover stuff from a previous draft that don't quite fit, not enough set-up or payoff, etc. As long as all of that is sorted out, it shouldn't matter if a part of the story is slow paced or lacking in excitement and high stakes. That's not in itself a problem, that's just the story you're telling. What matters is that the narrative is coherent and consistent, that the characterization makes sense, and that you're still going somewhere with it. If some people still find it boring and slow, well, that's too bad but the writer can't account for the attention span of every reader.
Damn, that's the perfect way to put it. I completely agree, "bad pacing" is such a vague thing to say that doesn't get to heart of it. What they really mean is that something isn't flowing right for various possible and it's pulling them out of the story. I think I've seen a few of his videos in the past, maybe I should watch more
I love the observation that aang going up the volcano motivated by puppy love but having to drop it to protect others epitomises what he is struggling with this episode. Feels obvious in retrospect haha
Filler episodes also give us a chance to get to know the characters better, outside of the overarching crises that they are facing in the show. I think that is as crucial in episodic television series as world-building. In order to understand the character's arc, you have to be able to spend time with them when they are not facing hardships to really understand their psychology and what drives them. That's what gives the audience context later on when the character does change or does something epic and story-changing. It's all about the set-up and that's what filler episodes give us.
The thing about Aang being with Katara if he stays true to his heart is also interesting not just for how it pays off in this episode, but also in the grand scheme of the series. And I don't mean in the general way. But rather the fact that Aang repeatedly sticking to his convictions, both with failure and success, time and time again is what creates the series of events which allowed them to win against the fire nation and live their lives together. There are repeated moments he could have put aside his own beliefs and chosen the "smarter" play given the sheer scale of what's at stake, but in the grand chaos theory of fate and causality who's to say that would have resulted in a happy ending when all was told? It was strewn with pain and loss, but Aang's inner dedication in spite of the severity of his situation is what allows his happy ending with the girl he loves. The fortune teller was right.
ATLA has some of the BEST “filler episodes” of any show I’ve ever watched. Nearly every “filler” still has either a plot relevant message it conveys, or fantastic characters building. One of the many reasons it’s one of my favorite shows of all time
John wick may have killed a guy with a pencil. But Aang be dropping people with mattresses.
5 месяцев назад
A small detail you didn’t mention but that is a nice cinematic touch is that when Katara’s perspective on Aang shifts (the “he’s one powerful bender” “I suppose he is” scene), the shot is done such that the camera’s perspective shifts from looking down on Katara to looking up at her, mirroring how her perspective on Aang shifts from looking down on him (“he’s just a kid”) to looking up to him (“he’s a powerful bender”). The show is full of small little details and touches like that, which enhance the storytelling experience in this format, and is unique to visual media.
I think this episode was very influential to the overall story. Both in the Avatar universe and in a way outside of it. Inside the universe for the very same reason as stated before, it was a pivotal moment for Katara to see Aang the same way he sees her. And arguably without it, we might not have the love story at the end of the series. But when it comes to outside the Avatar universe, it was also when we were sorta introduced to the voice actress that would later play Toph. In this episode she does the voice of Mang and if this episode didn't exist, that we might not have Toph as we know her. The creators have said on record that their initial idea of Toph was very different but maybe this episode was the catalyst for everything that follows after.
The guy at the beginning did not have a safe journey. There are two reaosns he remained unharmed: He kept confidently evading the platipusbear's attacks without even breaking a sweat (which implies great skill), instead of just standing still and blindly trusting, passively letting the beast clobber him; and he was rescued by Aang. Fortunes and destinies don't come true if you just passively wait for them to happen, you have to take action to make them come true.
I'd love more videos on your favorite episodes from each season. This has always been more of a middle of the road episode for me, but Sokka is great in it. I frequently quote his interaction with the devotee. "Can your ScIeNcE predict the weather?" "...Yes! Yes, it can!"
The most ironic part about the live action show is that it'll be longer by about 1 1/2 hours, yet it's seemingly going to skip all the slower paced parts of the show that allowed the characters to breath.
This episode also fulfills an important role in expanding the world and giving a reason to exist. Imma cite Overly Sarcastic Productions, but in one of their videos, Red makes a point to explain that super-heroes (and while not technically being one, the Avatar fills the same type of purpose) must have a reason to exist in the world, they can't just end the threat and retire. The fortuneteller is one of the episodes where the series shows us what aang will be doing for the rest of his life after he defeats Ozai. There's no "whew, the world is saved, you can now meditate forever until the next big catastrophe", we get the sense that Aang will fly around and find a village in need of help and just do it because he's there to save people. Its one of the problems that recent media has a trouble with, by rushing to the big event at the climax of the movie, they end up making the world feel devoid of threats, and once the big bad evil of the week is done, there will be small evils until the next week comes around.
An excellent analysis on this episode! I often feel episodes that are "filler" and "nothing happens" can sometimes be the best episodes since we get to know the characters on a personal level, see them in an "everyday situation" or just a situation that isn't related to the overall plot, it feels more human, we get more attached to them, get to know them, their habits and quirks, it feels more real that way. After all, what shapes people isn't just big dramatic moments in their life, but a culmination of life happening, doing life with the people around you, and random situations you end up in. Sometimes the memories we talk about over and over was just some weird off day where something out of the ordinary happens. and I agree with you how this helps to develop their characters, as it does give us a glimpse of their potential and their future, etc. In my opinion, no episode is truly "filler".
This was actually one of my favorite episodes as back when I was a kid, and it still is. It has great fun character development, an interesting scenario, a great message, and Sokka's comic relief was absolutely fantastic. This is definitely one of my most watched episodes. It's just fun.
I wonder if Katara asks so many questions because she's afraid of losing control, and now that she's found someone who can see the future, she never has to worry about making the wrong decision and letting people down. Same as why she took the risk to learn bloodbending while knowing barely anything about Hama; Someone who knows more than her from whom she can learn a skill to better protect her friends.
I watched a video recently that talked about how pacing is an audience term, not an author term and I liked how you touched on that here. Similarly to soft and hard magic being terms to describe a completed work, not a worldbuilding tool. Pacing is about reader investment and this episode gives us lots to experience and explore.
@@marocat4749 Not really. If the Boomerang Squad knew and believed Aunt Wu’s prophecy at the beginning then they wouldn’t have saved the traveller from the platypus bear. And if they believed Aunt Wu’s prophecy that the town wouldn’t be destroyed then they wouldn’t have stopped the volcano and the town would have been destroyed. Her prophecies are fulfilled solely due to people not believing them and therefore doing what they would have done without said prophecies. It’s the opposite of a self-fulfilling prophecy
The important thing that this episode does is characterization. It helps set up who the characters are at that time and sets up how they can grow in the future.
Yeah, build the world, build the little people. Make it feel alive, there are things that revolve even outside our world-saving destiny. Also I love this video, I never realized that allegory and dichotomy of how Aang avoids responsibility, but answers to it's call, thus, also fulfilling his laymen love life.
I love this episode because whenever Katara shows up in Legend of Korra I'm like damn she doesn't even have 1 great grandchild let alone 3 she's chilling for years
The only episodes of each season that one could actually call filler episodes would be The great Divide Avatar Day Nightmares and Daydreams Those only have the smallest little bits of development, WAY less than The Fortuneteller.
With serialized TV and internet discussion and theorizing about shows, people expect every episode to push the plot forwards. I actually love these sitcom, villain of the week series that still have an overarching theme and story. Sometimes a story is just a story and don't need to be tied to anything else.
Its these slower character building moments that connect viewers with each character. One needs these slower moments that seem unimportant that Balance the faster paced segments. There is No real filler in Avatar when you think about it. These are all inner struggles that the characters MUST overcome or acknowledge before they can be effective in the finale.
I love this episode. It's fun, it's funny, we learn about the world and the characters, and Aang vs the volcano is one of the greatest spectacles in the series.
I would not have picked his episode out as one of my favourites but you have given me a new found appreciation for it. I would absolutely love to see a video about your 2nd and 3rd favs.
pretty good video overall. I think u made good points as to why u like the fortuneteller episode, and yes I'd like to see at least 1 vid of u discussing ur top 2 fav episodes from book 1 water
One of my favorite things about Avatar is that you could pick literally any episode in all three seasons and I (or someone smarter than me, probably someone smarter than me actually) could tell you how that episode is significant to the story because even if it's a "filler episode" it still *does* something. Maybe the episode develops the plot as a whole, maybe it develops a character in the story, or a number of them, maybe it develops the world building, but each and every episode does *something* for the story and / or the characters. My least favorite episode is probably the episode where Aang basically develops insomnia and can't sleep (Avatar's a pretty goofy show sometimes, but that episode is just another level entirely, I sometimes wonder if the writers were on drugs or something when they wrote it). Even then though, I still think it's a great episode because it shows Aang being hit with the realization of "this is it," and that realization is taking a physical toll on him as he panics and worries and becomes a great big ball of anxiety. I also think it's great because rather than telling Aang to just "suck it up" or "deal with it" everyone understands that he's got a lot on his plate and tries to help him in their own way. I'm speaking from memory so I could be off but if I remember correctly what eventually worked in the end was a combination of his friends working together and Aang letting the anxiety run its course to exhaustion.
I love the episode, and technically aunt wu was right, but also because sokka forced them to not to rely and and wait for stuff to happening. Still the villages overrely on her, is wrong. Also a joke at horoscopes and that. Plus i love karaka also being a coming of age that can be a very silly and romantic obsessed and coming of age teenage girl, and be flawer, and she can be wrong, and her in season 1 showing that off really helps sell that she on the south pole matures and becomes more resolved and selfconfident. She still makes mistakes and can be wrong but her and sokka and aang grow a lot. And lol ming works to show aang is actually pretty desirable is fitting because its not a too serious situation, but has a point. Also sokka being sceptic and like katara pushing the emotional side, being the voice of reason, is actually very important to them. But also him finding his place and being mor secure and not needing to fight the world, while still retaininng thtat aspect and adapt?!
This is a great show. For me personally: season 1 is little bit boring, season 2 starts to be exciting and powerful and season 3 is just a killer. Probably because I love scenes of violence and war. And Azula.
my favorite thing about avatar is that there are no filler episodes. there are episodes that are lower stakes than the main conflict of "learn all 4 elements and defeat the fire lord" but they at least serve to either better build the world or develop characters without feeling boring or like an infodump. every episode is integral to the experience of the show, if not to the plot, then to the way characters interact and grow.
Personally, my only real problem with this episode was Sokka's "sudden" seeming obsession with "science" as a solution to all questions and problems. I knew he felt bending was weird and magic (in a negative way), but that element of the conflict still felt out of nowhere. That said, I loved the episode. I thought it was excellently done, over-all.
No joke, this was the episode that hooked me too. I wasn't interested in the show until I happened to catch this one when it was premiering. From there on out, I couldn't miss a single episode.
While I've never been a huge fan of this episode (I don't recall going out of my way to rewatch it a whole lot), I don't think I'd call this episode "bad" or "useless." Like you said, it does a good job of fleshing out the characters, allows the main cast to be kids & has some good humor. I actually do think "filler" episodes (when well written) can be the best thing to help the audience either get invested in the characters/story they're watching & can give the audience a break when the plot revealant stuff gets a bit too heavy. Also please, by all means, DO talk more about Avatar & more of your favorite episodes.
Book 1 isn’t my favourite season, but my favourite part about Book 1 is the time it takes to just enjoy being with the characters and let things breathe
