Honestly, the only complaint I have about the Avatar series is that there are so few episodes after Zuko joined Team Avatar - because those are the best in the whole show. I just want to keep watching these guys going through adventures together. I understand why Toph felt so robbed not getting a life-changing field-trip with Zuko...
That is so true. It‘s in the moment where we finally get what we wanted; Zuko seeing his flaws, redeeming himself and being a good person; that we get the least episodes.
omg yeah i forget to mention that part but i LOVED that. it's like all along we'd been hearing their music at the end of every episode and we just had no idea!!
Yeah It's like something that has been hinted before, something that we have been being prepared for without knowing it, the end credits music being played in the story as the sign of the coming finale of it. At that moment I felt like we were about to come a full circle on a road I didn't realise we were on, something was about to be completed, but it wasn't completed, it was only about to be, which also emphasised the already known fact on a more emotional and lyrical level that the end was coming or to be more specific, shit was about to go down. It also gave me the perfect experience of a folk song which you grow up hearing, memorising willingly or not, whether you like it or not it becomes a part of your culture, you start to have close associations to it and dang at a random moment in your life you get to know and/or start to understand the deeper meanings and original source of it. It's like nostalgia, FOMO and catharsis combined. Good God I love this show.
One thing I noted is that the Sun warrior focuses on Aang when he says "Make your fire too small and it will go out" and then looks at Zuko and says "Make it too big and it will get out of control". That also represents their internal conflict throughout the show... Aang was too timid and afraid to take his place as the Avatar, and Zuko was reckless and destructive to himself and others.
This episode is fantastic, so is Zuko Alone, but an underrated one (and probably my favorite) is "The Headband," where the gaang try to blend in with the Fire Nation, and Aang goes to school, and they throw the dance party. Some excellent writing and acting, and tremendous development for the Fire Nation as a whole. You really learn why things are the way they are, and hopefully at least a few of those kids really learned to see things from another perspective because of Aang.
My favourite moments from the Zuko's field trips episodes (in chronological order): -Aang and Zuko facing the dragons -Ty lee and Mai's betrayal of Azula -Azula saying "I'm about to celebrate becoming an only child!" *to her brother* (honestly, my favourite line of her) -Katara using bloodbending on the captain of the southern raiders (not because I like that she did it, but because of the story implications and the shock factor of her just whipping it out like that) -Katara bending the rain -Katara forgiving Zuko
Katara bending the rain and making that big dome was so intense. She had moved larger amounts of water before, but that one felt so masterful and menacing.
Aang actually never struggled with firebending, he always excelled at it, yet he refrained from it and damaged his personal usage through the Katara incident, he was able to let go but in some ways it marred his usage of it, firebending is honestly likely Aangs most powerful element in sheer power, but due to the violent and sometimes destructive nature of it conflicting with his pacifist ideals means he often doesn't use it to it's full extent, the only time we ever saw him do that was in the Avatar state and with the Sozin's comet boost, which was arguably some if not THE most powerful usage of firebending in the whole series, with all the many boosts he got and not being held back by pacifism.
The ember island episode is my favourite. Hearing Zuko say "Party's over." and Azula attempting to flirt will never get old. I love the angst on that episode, and the character building is really interesting and satisfying
My favorite episode is Sokka's Master. I didn't realize it was until the 3rd or 4th watch through. It shows how important each member is to the group by showing what happens when Sokka leaves. Lots of amazing Sokka development. Seeing kind firebenders is nice. And also FUTURE SOKKA IS A MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE WHITE LOTUS???
5:53 I love how the music in this scene drives this point home as well, the music being the same that plays at the end of each episode. This is symbolic of the end of each of their character arcs leading up to this moment. It's so beautiful.
I didn't like this episode this much, but you just gave my a new wonderful way to look at Aang's and Zuko's stories. So, as always- thank you! My favorite episode was The Ember Island Players.
Do you think Jeong Jeong the Deserter ever learned the true meaning of firebending? He always hated fire because all he thought it could do was burn and destroy, even though he recognized that the sun giving light and warmth was the ultimate firebending. Maybe Iroh taught him? Maybe he sought out the masters himself?
I love how much thought you put into this! I love the Warriors of Kyoshi, but mostly just cause it's fun to watch (until Zuko shows up), but this episode was phenomenal! Such a tough choice!! You did great explaining yours, I didn't even think about the mirroring throughout the series and how that episode really drilled that point home having them literally mirroring each other in a dance where they learn the true meaning of fire bending.
I read this in a comment in another video about this episode but think about the nature of firebending itself. Its fueled by one's inner fire/passion. The fire nation instead twisted this to anger and rage, distorting the pure way. The fire nation also outlaws displays of emotion like dancing, thereby reinforcing rage and anger as the primary/only source. It only fits that the purest form of firebending is a dance, something that the fire nation outlawed and forbade. Its such magnificent world building, I can't help but applaud the creators.
I love the “older brother, younger brother” dynamic Aang and Zuko have after Zuko joins team avatar, and this episode is the perfect demonstration of that
Mine were most certainly this one, as well as that short story centered on Iroh. You were honestly spot on with your reasoning behind this episode being one of the best. I remember seeing it for the first time and loving it immediately; and also, how much it inspired me as a writer. I loved the humor and the plot, and it always stuck in my mind first and foremost out of the rest of the show. It's truly something special. And to this day, remembering the line, "But seriously, don't tell anyone!" still makes me smile and giggle a bit. Gah... I'm gonna go watch it again. It hasn't been that soon since my last rewatch.
Riley J. Dennis I wish we could have had Zuko on Team Avatar longer...but I suppose it’s good to leave the audience wanting more. Sigh. My favorite moment in the whole series was “Zuko here!”
I liked the Firebending Masters, but my favorite Zuko field trip is most definitely the following episode/s, The Boiling Rock. One of the reasons is simply just 2 of my characters in Avatar are Sokka and Zuko. Speaking of those two, I like their relationship. Definitely one of the best bromances in Avatar, not even looking at the way they are similar with each other. Suki FINALLY becoming an official member of Team Avatar is the cherry-on-top for me. Not only because she's another one of my favorite characters in Avatar, but also because Suki joining Team Avatar was important during the finale considering well... Sokka and Toph would have fell from the airship. In short, love this episode.
This is definitely one of my favourite episodes, but not my number one. That would be "The Library". Other top tier episodes would be all the season finales, the other field trips with Zuko, "Zuko Alone", "The Storm" and probably others that I'm forgetting right now. I can't really explain why "The Library" is my favourite, it just has somehow had a huge influence on me and inspired the first story I've ever written, which was about a thief breaking into an ancient library and getting caught by the gigantic spirit who owns it. He convinces the spirit that he wants to be his student and for several months he learns magic from him, but when the spirit finds out he was only there to steal stuff, he throws him out, after which he goes on a dangerous mission to find an artifact that's missing in the spirit's collection to convince him that he's worthy of studying under him. He succeeds, the spirit forgives him and continues to teach him magic. So yeah, my first piece of major writing was a fanfic based on that one Avatar episode.
this episode is incredible. there's so much unfiltered emotion and revelation in the judgement, the dance with ancient creatures, the fire vortex. stunning
I just watched this episode for the first time about an hour ago, I’m not even done with the series yet but I can tell this is gonna remain in my top 3 episodes
This was the first episode I watched from the english Avatar DVD. I think about twelve years ago. (I'm from Indonesia and usually we watch it on TV Indo dub.) Me back then mesmerized by the dance and try it myself. But I was alone, without partner like Aang and Zuko... Anyway great for you! Thank you XD
Top 5 ATLA episodes not counting finales. 5. Sokka's Master 4. Ember Island Players 3. Nightmares and Daydreams (I love humor and I'm only 12 so that's probably why) 2. Zuko Alone 1. Tales of Ba Sing Se
This definitely made me appreciate this episode even more. I'm not sure if it's my #1 favorite, but it's definitely one of the best episodes in the series. Great video!
Another great video :')) I actually re-watched this ep the other day and had the same thought that it's definitely one of the best episodes in the show. I love how you went into the parallels of the characters and story structure and why it's so satisfying. Such a great analysis :) I haven't got round to watching all your ATLA videos yet as I'm still sorting out my feelings on the show. I adore it but I still can't fully appreciate the S3 finale as we really needed a season 4 :( It felt unfinished because I wanted to know the aftermath of the war, Zuko finding Ursa, Azula's redemption arc, seeing how Aang brings back the Air Nomads in some way, the rebuilding of the South! I know most of these things are tackled in the graphic novels which I'm going to start after this re-watch (that's taking forever because I'm an emo binch) but it's not the same :((( I know I need to get over it lmao but this is my emotional support show and I'm working through some shit! ;'D
For the longest time my favourite used to be The Deserter because it was masterclass in creating mood. And the philosophy in it still resonates (great lesson in ambition gone rogue). But over the years the episode I keep returning to is The Western Air Temple. It just ties everything together and is the biggest narrative payoff to anyone who's been watching the series closely.
I think my favourite episode is "The Southern Raiders" because we get to see a much darker side of Katara and finally someone allowing her to express her desire for revenge instead of telling her to forgive the man who killed her mother. I also love how in the end Katara neither forgave him nor killed him, but she got closure and could finally forgive Zuko. Well, and I just generally love the episodes where Zuko has finally chosen Team Avatar and I like his and Katara's dynamic. I'm not saying they should've gotten together, but I think Katara should never have ended up with Aang. "The Southern Raiders" is one of several epsiodes that make it obvious why Aang and Katara wouldn't work out, while Zuko and her would have worked well together.
feels like i saw a lot of people criticizing Aang's stance on that episode... Katara was in one of her lowest moments that time. she was so full of hate and revenge. her feelings are justified but this is not the first time we've seen this pattern. we've seen Jet. we've seen Hama. we've seen how their hate and revenge for the Fire Nations led them to their destruction. Aang can see Katara is slowly heading into that very same path. to some people, maybe he sounds like he's forcing his belief on Katara but can you blame him? i don't know, if you see someone you love might destroy themself in their pursuit of revenge, isn't it normal to try to prevent it? i mean, look at Iroh! also, in the end Aang recognized Katara needs this so that she can get a closure. he just wish that when it comes down to it, Katara won't succumb herself into her revenge. and she did. she may never forgive her mother's killer but at least she didn't let her hate and revenge took over her.
I think the episode of zuko, azula, n co hanging out on the beach is one that speaks to me. It for some reason was one of two episodes to actually stick with me through my childhood (the other being painted lady which I also adore)
Also, the dragon dance that juxtaposes Zuko and Aang with the dragons is a fantastic visual. That, to me, is the climax of their arc. The parallel, mirrored characters united in one dance.
I definitely agree with most of your points, but my favorite episode is Boiling Rock Pt. 2 since it's the only one where all five of my favorite characters (Sokka, Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, and Suki) are major players.
Great pick! It's really difficult to pick one episode to be "the best" in a series as serialized and interconnected as Avatar. I would go for the one with the creepy blood-bending lady, or the one with Katara's revenge or maybe the prison ship. Lots of good episodes in the last season.
I love your video essays, and all your educational videos so much Riley!! Your approach to what makes a character, story, plot, and world great just expands my whole perspective of a show/character/scene etc!! Your breakdown are the best!! I honestly agree, these elements that make up this episode: The Firebending Masters, really does sum up what makes a great ATLA episode! I personally, find myself revisiting the early season 2 episode: The Cave of Two Lovers This episode did a wonderful job of taking us deeper into both the challenges facing each character that is at hand, along with pushing them into situations that require them to be honest with themselves, and share what is within them. I love how the nomad songs (Which I used to listen to much as a kid) ended up being a beautiful commentary on what happened to our main heroes. With the end song lyrics being: Even if you're lost you, can't lose the love because its in your heart"
The most important use of firebending in the finale is probably redirecting lightning. I have a hard time seeing Aang win the fight without that skill. I mean Azula shot him with lightning at the end of season two, while he was in the avatar state, nearly killing him.
Another great thing is that Zuko's firebending literally changes after this episode. Previously, he always used a grunt or kiai with each move and seemed to expend effort, reminding me of the first episode when Iroh told him "firebending comes from the breath, not the muscles". From this point on, he doesn't vocalize. His moves are much more like the Dragon Dance: clean, decisive, expending minimum energy. He counters and displays patience rather than always attacking. It's not just that he gets his firebending back: he's much, much better at it, enough that he can match Azula, if not beat her outright. It's a perfect example of committing to your character development, something a lot of authors fail at.
