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@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 😂
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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'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
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".
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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 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.
@@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
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.
I dislike the idea that action must be happening at all times and the stakes must be bigger everytime. In mha, after they beat overhaul, we have a mini arc for gentle criminal. The school has a festival and eri, an abused girl, is invited to it. But if anything involving villains happens around the school then the festival will be canceled. People say it's boring because the stakes are so low, but it's my favorite part of the show because it shows us failings of their society and I care so much about eri getting to see the festival. Avatar is full of episodes like this. The world is already at stake, but it's not the only thing at stake! Tons of lore and character relationship work is done in these episodes, and that's what I want. I don't want a speed run through everything.
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
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.
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
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.
I love these kind of episodes. When you have strong, well defined characters, you can send them to buy bread, and still get a fun story out of it. The twins in this episode crack me up. Aunt Wu: It's going to be a great year for twins. Twin 1 and 2: Yeah! (high five) Sokka: We need Earth benders to dig a trench. Twin 1: I'm an Earth bender! Twin 2: I'm not! (smiles) Too many shows are afraid of humor and letting their characters be themselves.
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?!
I would like to point out that Aang already knew most of what Madam Wu predicted so of course, it's not going to have much of an impact, and something that's more up in the air, pun intended, would pique his interest.
This was always my favourite of the syndicated replay episodes. I do often skip it when watching the show now, but it's more because of how frequently it was on when I was younger as opposed to its actual quality. Just fatigued.
I think the opening was not worded too well. I would argue that something definitely happened in this episode, it's just focused on smaller plots and character arches. It sets the stage for future character development and progression that isn't necessarily related to the main plot. This gives the story more life and the sense these characters don't exist souly for fulfilling their duty and nothing else. It shows they have feelings that drive them and grounds them as people instead of "the chosen one" or some such nonsense. And now that I've watched more of the video, I see you basically argued this as well XD I still think the wording in the beginning wasn't that great haha
Everyone watching this should check out Overanalyzing Avatar, if you haven’t already, cuz it’s great. I just love listening to people who love this show as much as I do.
Somewhat off topic but it's always weird to me when people come away thinking Aunt Wu was a fraud and the people were just dumb. The episode proves they were right to put their trust in her, she was right about everything she said, also fortunetelling isn't that weird given the rest of the magic in this show.
I thought it said that she was right and notr a fraud, but also the villagers being too blind confident was the big flaw in all of that. And if she provoking sokka to get into action and aang was intentional thats brilliant making it happen by pushing the right button showing she can look into the future but also knew what it needed to make it happen, them taking inrt in their own hands. No wonder she is so on a level with iroh, she is cunning .
I didn't particularly like this episode, but I don't hate it either. I think the points you make can be extended to the show as a whole. The show was not afraid to let the characters breath and have moments of low stakes peace. They use the enemies suddenly appearing to better effect since they are not always at the characters heels. That lets the threats feel more real and adds a maturity to the series that is more self-actualization than "for adults".
Technically yes, but the way you have to structure 8 episodes will make for less story points. It'll be 8 of the most important ones, fleshed out in more depth with various other bits melded into them somewhere, like plonking the northern air temple people in Omashu etc
Spoilers!!!!!!!: Zuko and Mai Get back together after her Later Bf breaks up. Im 100% sure and willing to defend this to death (its common knowledge though). However, is it likely that we’ll see them together in a comic again? Or in a novel? Because i still want to READ them getting back together not just knowing it.
Nah, I'm too passionate about too many different things for that, but I definitely want to talk about ATLA a lot more and, whilst it's getting decent enough views, I might as well keep going
A show is only as good as its filler episodes. Despite all the crap that Great Divide and Painted Lady get, I genuinely don't think they're bad episodes. Are they the worst episodes? Probably. But they're the worst of the best. Even AtLA's filler episodes felt like they developed characters or the story itself much more than what other show's fillers do.
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@@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
I was going to reply "I hate you." But without making it obvious that was the Sokka quote, it could accidentally look like a genuine attack 😂
@@mylittlethoughttree "Can your SCIENCE explain why it rains?!?!" "YES! YES IT *CAN* !!"
She was right about Katara marrying a powerful bender too.
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
@@matityaloran9157 Nah that's on him for falling in love with the girl who turns into a moon. _Totally_ self-inflicted.
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.
How could anyone WANT to skip ATLA episodes?! In my opinion, there isn’t ENOUGH filler. I want more 😭
@@katanimefan966 There's barely any filler.
@@katanimefan966 the only episode I would allow skipping is the Great Divide ... the only one
@@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.
@@Zarsla
Legend of Korea 😂
@@Zarslamid show that overcomplicates the show
@Kayta-Linda fixed, 100% autocorrect and me not checking 😳
@@Zarsla It's both.
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.
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
You don't consider them what?
There is objectively and factually 0 filler in this show because that's not what that word means.
@@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.
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.
Sokka is a great character, at his best when the show doesn't treat him like a punching bag but shows off his good qualities
One of my favourites, and actually I think the best voice acting performance of the show
@@mylittlethoughttree I'm so happy to see so much love for Sokka and Jack DeSena ❤ I feel the same way
"Sokka's Master" is an incredible episode
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.
My mother pointed out that after this episode, Katara never really "flirted"/connected with any other guy
I hadn't even considered that, great point
dude thats amazing detail. never tot of that damn
I think Zutara fans would have something to say about that considering the Season 2 finale.
@@cmac3530let them yap
@@cmac3530 They headcanon everytime zuko is in katara's presence it's a zutara moment. Ignore them.
To answer your question, YES please do talk about all the favourite episodes! There's no such thing as "too much" ATLA content 😇
oh yes I agree. it should never die
seeing "the divide" on an endless loop while waiting for new episodes is arguably too much atla
@@Clepto_and_Cowith the movie playing in the background
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!"_ 🤣
Yeah it's so great for that, they just chuck the three of them into this bizarre town and let their characters naturally lead into comedy
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
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.
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
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.
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!
"And also, do you like trains?"
Yes, yes I unironically love trains.
Well have I got a channel intro for you!!
Me too!
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.
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.
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
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 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.
Katara*
I mispell my favorite characters too.
@@SamuTheFrog ooh so witty. *golfclap*
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 love episodic storytelling. It’s hard to explain why, but it’s so special to me.
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
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.
the katara hate was the worst part of the atla being revived in 2020
She's the most feminine of the group. People like to hate on feminine characters, especially if they have tempers.
@@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
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.
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.
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.
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 😂
thank you for reminding me what a awesome show ATLA is. it somehow brings back all the memories and feelings of watching it. it's just so good
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
Babe, wake up! My little thought tree just uploaded!! And about the best show ever 😩👌
Ahh, if only I was in such high esteem 😆
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.
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.
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
16:59, I love this episode. I think this episode is proof positive that filler episodes can be good
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.
THIS. THIS VIDEO EXPLAINS PERFECTLY WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY SOME SHOWS DONT ACTUALLY HAVE FILLER EPISODES.
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.
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 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'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
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".
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.
random but 3:48 momo closing his eyes and trying to accept the smooch from the katara is the cutest thing i've ever seen
The volcano episode is so pivotal though! Katara likely wouldn't have developed feelings for Aang if not for the fortune teller!
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.
I disagree that Sokka is wrong all the way through until the volcano discovery. He was also right about the red shoes.
The background music gives me goosbumps, nice review
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 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.
You my good sir have helped me reliance some flaw in my story righting skills. Thank you and curse you. Time to go re-write some stuff!
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.
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.
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!"
I was hooked on my first episode. It was the library in the sand episode. It was so amazing I immediately had to go find season 1 episode 1.
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.
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.
Kids shows nowadays can never reach this level
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.
this episode was nominated for an Annie Award for best writing!
8:47, but it was the opposite of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If it weren’t for people disbelieving it then it would never have been fulfilled
She still said what needed to be said to make it happen. Which is, dunno what it is.
@@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
"soo... papaya..."
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.
I dislike the idea that action must be happening at all times and the stakes must be bigger everytime.
In mha, after they beat overhaul, we have a mini arc for gentle criminal. The school has a festival and eri, an abused girl, is invited to it. But if anything involving villains happens around the school then the festival will be canceled.
People say it's boring because the stakes are so low, but it's my favorite part of the show because it shows us failings of their society and I care so much about eri getting to see the festival.
Avatar is full of episodes like this. The world is already at stake, but it's not the only thing at stake! Tons of lore and character relationship work is done in these episodes, and that's what I want. I don't want a speed run through everything.
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
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.
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
This episode taught me what a floozie was.
I am surprised they would teach this concept to children.
We got more ATLA in two weeks. Can't be worst than the movie. So I'm excited.
honestly thats a very low bar hahahhahaha
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.
I love these kind of episodes. When you have strong, well defined characters, you can send them to buy bread, and still get a fun story out of it.
The twins in this episode crack me up.
Aunt Wu: It's going to be a great year for twins.
Twin 1 and 2: Yeah! (high five)
Sokka: We need Earth benders to dig a trench.
Twin 1: I'm an Earth bender!
Twin 2: I'm not! (smiles)
Too many shows are afraid of humor and letting their characters be themselves.
the episodes people complain about the most are some of my favorite episodes at least especially when i was a kid
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?!
I personally love this episode!!! It's actually one of my favorites actually.
Great stuff as always LTT
I would like to point out that Aang already knew most of what Madam Wu predicted so of course, it's not going to have much of an impact, and something that's more up in the air, pun intended, would pique his interest.
I'd choose something happens. Katara begins to develop romantic feelings for Aang.. Their relationship is a key storyline in the series.
This was always my favourite of the syndicated replay episodes. I do often skip it when watching the show now, but it's more because of how frequently it was on when I was younger as opposed to its actual quality. Just fatigued.
By the end of episode 3, the show captures you.
That's all it takes.
(Fkk Netflix)
Do more of these !!!
I think the opening was not worded too well. I would argue that something definitely happened in this episode, it's just focused on smaller plots and character arches. It sets the stage for future character development and progression that isn't necessarily related to the main plot.
This gives the story more life and the sense these characters don't exist souly for fulfilling their duty and nothing else. It shows they have feelings that drive them and grounds them as people instead of "the chosen one" or some such nonsense.
And now that I've watched more of the video, I see you basically argued this as well XD
I still think the wording in the beginning wasn't that great haha
Everyone watching this should check out Overanalyzing Avatar, if you haven’t already, cuz it’s great. I just love listening to people who love this show as much as I do.
Very Insightful, good video.
Somewhat off topic but it's always weird to me when people come away thinking Aunt Wu was a fraud and the people were just dumb. The episode proves they were right to put their trust in her, she was right about everything she said, also fortunetelling isn't that weird given the rest of the magic in this show.
I thought it said that she was right and notr a fraud, but also the villagers being too blind confident was the big flaw in all of that.
And if she provoking sokka to get into action and aang was intentional thats brilliant making it happen by pushing the right button showing she can look into the future but also knew what it needed to make it happen, them taking inrt in their own hands.
No wonder she is so on a level with iroh, she is cunning .
Yeah I took the point to be that they're both right. She can successfully predict the future BUT all of us must also shape our own destinies
I didn't particularly like this episode, but I don't hate it either. I think the points you make can be extended to the show as a whole. The show was not afraid to let the characters breath and have moments of low stakes peace.
They use the enemies suddenly appearing to better effect since they are not always at the characters heels.
That lets the threats feel more real and adds a maturity to the series that is more self-actualization than "for adults".
I love this episode too.
Someone commented once that Sokka was in his atheist UA-camr era in this episode and it’s more accurate than ever
If you haven't yet already, make the video about your second and first favorite episodes from season one
TLDW; AtLA is a character driven story, not a plot driven one, and that's a good thing.
Finally someone else who appreciates The Fortuneteller!! Did we just become best friends?
Yes! More Avatar! Please and thank you!
The Netflix show is actually like 15 minutes longer than season one of the original. Fewer episodes but they’re longer
Technically yes, but the way you have to structure 8 episodes will make for less story points. It'll be 8 of the most important ones, fleshed out in more depth with various other bits melded into them somewhere, like plonking the northern air temple people in Omashu etc
the live action show replaced all the filler with padding :(
They're about the same length btw, 430 vs 480 minutes total
Excellent topic and video (: please keep talking about atla
Spoilers!!!!!!!: Zuko and Mai Get back together after her Later Bf breaks up. Im 100% sure and willing to defend this to death (its common knowledge though). However, is it likely that we’ll see them together in a comic again? Or in a novel? Because i still want to READ them getting back together not just knowing it.
This channel could become an ATLA channel and I would be content with that
Nah, I'm too passionate about too many different things for that, but I definitely want to talk about ATLA a lot more and, whilst it's getting decent enough views, I might as well keep going
i’m from the future. Aware Smoge
A show is only as good as its filler episodes. Despite all the crap that Great Divide and Painted Lady get, I genuinely don't think they're bad episodes. Are they the worst episodes? Probably. But they're the worst of the best. Even AtLA's filler episodes felt like they developed characters or the story itself much more than what other show's fillers do.
I can't understand half the words in this video because of the weird cutting