This right here is why Avatar is so much better than it has any reason to be. So many years later, and I'm still discovering nuances I never noticed before in a Nickelodeon show. The most beautiful thing is that this could totally be an accident! The writers could have arrived at this completely naturally because after dozens of hours of creating these complex, deep, and real characters we know there's no other way for Zuko *to* act. It feels earned and natural and *right*. It's truly a testament to their craft.
Also Aang starts the show wanting to ride on cool animals, like penguins and elephant koi. He ends the show by riding on the back of the larges of all animals, the lion turtle. There are so many small details like that in this masterpiece of a show @@andrewjuby6339
@@flyingchong Also Katara, who grew up hating the fire nation for what happened with her mom, called Iroh "General" with the highest respect. The only one to have heard this level of respect from Katara.
@@andrewjuby6339 also worth noting too, Iroh asks Sokka what he thinks their destiny should be, instead of providing a plan for them. Iroh recognizes Sokka for the natural leader and strategist he is. He did not have to earn his trust, it was given unconditionally by Iroh. Man, Iroh truly is one of the greatest characters ever.
Once upon a time, Zuko begged on his knees for his father's forgiveness and got a scar and banishment in return. Years later, Zuko begged on his knees for his uncle's forgiveness and got a hug and and the reassurance that despite everything, he was always loved. I tearbended watching it as a kid, imagining myself as Zuko, and now as an adult with littles in my life I still tearbend, imagining myself as Iroh 😭
I’m a 32 year old man and my friends and family tell me I’m a psychopath because I never cry at anything….I cry everytime I see that scene. It’s beautifully done by the creators and the voice actors.
im so happy you remained empathetic & compassionate towards aang & his struggle here. he is the last airbender; the only reminder of the air nomad beliefs & teachings. i believe he showed immense strength here by wanting to preserve that part of him & his culture.
Yessss!! I’ve seen so many people call Aang selfish for not wanting to kill Ozai. They seem to forget that Aang is the last living piece of Air Nomad culture (other than Appa and Momo ofc). If he were to go against his beliefs and kill someone, his entire culture practically goes down the drain. With the survival of Air Nomad customs resting on his shoulders, it completely makes sense that Aang is having this internal conflict.
@@livvydraws-v7nyeah, the thing is, Aang was told to be decisive, just, active and selfless by the other avatars. But, the turtle gave him the last piece of advise he needed. That Aang must be balanced. Too much selflessness would have been the wrong answer. And so, he was able to find the best solution.
@@Kayoss13212 AIr Nomad pacifism is based on no aggression. But they will defend themselves when attacked. Aang traveling around the world with the intent to kill the Fire Lord is aggression.
The scene in the camp before everyone splits off for their own mission is my favorite scene of the whole show. Something about the kids being nervous and worried, understandably so, contrasted with Iroh's total supreme confidence that they were going to win always stuck with me.
@@reginagoodbody213 I love that his guidance for Sokka was "What do YOU think you should do?" Iroh recognizes Sokka's strength as a strategist and leader, deferring to his judgement. And Sokka didn't disappoint.
On my death bed I'll be singing leaves from the vine, and quoting my favorite moments from this show. The things I've learned and experienced from this show feels so real to me.
I never thought about this until someone pointed it out to me, and it’s a small detail but so deep. In the beginning of the finale on the beach, Toph said she was working on her sand bending and then creates a perfect finely detailed piece of art. That means she was determined to master sand bending so that anything like what happened to Appa would never happen again. I love Toph ❤
My favorite line in the entire show is when Iroh says “the new firelord must be someone with a pure heart and unquestionable honor” and then looks at Zuko
I always love that scene. Its such a full circle moment, and we as the viewer do not doubt for a second who he is speaking of. He has gained his honor not only within the show, but from us, the audience, as well. And it comes to realization, many people did not even think of what comes next after taking down Ozai. Zuko regaining his honor and being the only one who can regain the entire fire nation's honor is a powerful scene.
I feel like one of the most overlooked lines in the series and especially for Azula is her saying "you can't treat me like this, you can't treat me like Zuko!" It shows the power dynamics and the dichotomy of living under an abusive narcissist. You are either on their good side or on their bad. No room for nuance. I know that the cracks in Azula's composure start to show after Mei and Ty Lee betray her but part of me believes it started before, after the day of black sun. Zuko's choosing sides and joining the Avatar was not something planned for. He could have killed Ozai potentially and I doubt they'd put him in danger had they known about Zuko's potential "betrayal". I'm sure there was some sibling affection in there somewhere, we saw glimpses in the beach episode, but what caused harm to Azula was the change in family dynamic. With Zuko officially gone, by his own accord having stood up to Ozai, the bad seat was left empty. Azula could no longer assume the perfect child position. Leading to uncertainty and instability in her position. Maybe that is one of the reasons she failed at the boiling rock. With Zuko gone and no longer vying for his father's love the position for whipping boy has been left open and I think Azula has been on edge trying to avoid it. This is all she knows and she knows it is better to be on the good side of the devil. If she isn't going with him to destroy the earth kingdom at his side that must mean she has now been relegated to Zuko's place. Even when Ozai tries to reassure her by making her Firelord it is immediately made clear it is a fake prize as he announces himself phoenix king and his new iconography eclipses that of the old fire nation and Firelord. She may not have had much love for her sibling but there was a comfort and familiarity in having him by her side, or at least him vying to be there, that was taken away. I'm sure I'm overanalyzing it but it makes sense to me and at this moment, knowing she no longer has the safety to let Zuko take the the heat her walls finally come crashing down. IMO
I think you're making a fair point, and consider this also: Azula and Zuko grew up believing that there was never any room for will, it was destiny that determined everything. Then Zuko walks away. This reveals a harsh truth to Azula: She always had a choice, and she never used it.
I love this! We don't see much of their home life, but being "the golden child" of a narcissistic parent explains a lot of Azula's behavior. Maybe she's not a sociopath at all, but a narcissist (as some children of narcissists turn out to be when they aren't the family scapegoat)--confident and manipulative, with a wealth of charm when she wants to put it on, but deeply, deeply insecure on the inside.
They way I see this scene as well is that Zuko told Ozai that Azula is the one who beat Aang not him, and he's still alive. So not only did his prodigy daughter lie to him, she also failed to kill the avatar. He says nothing to her about this new knowledge. Instead this is how he's punishing her. By excluding her, and throwing a now meaningless title at her. To me that was the final crack to shatter her psyche. IMO
@@d.s.9692 "But what choice do i have?! Fear is the only reliable way. Even you fear me..." The only choice she ever had was molded by her father's tyranny :c
The scene with the past avatars is one of the BEST examples of how good the writing is. "You must be decisive." "Only Justice will bring peace." "Actively shape your own destiny, and the destiny of the world." " Selfless duty calls for sacrifice." None of them tell him what he wants to hear or what to do, but nor do they tell him that he has to kill Ozai. What they tell him is exactly what he NEEDS to hear. It's beautiful, every time.
Which granted, isn’t them saying NOT to or even thinking that… but it matters that they’re not just telling him, “No you’re wrong, this is the only way.” They’re explaining their positions here. It’s especially apparent with Roku, as he initially showed mercy towards Sozin (albeit with the threat that if he tried again he WOULD kill him). It’s debatable whether offing Sozin back then (before even Azulon was born) would’ve prevented a lot of the systemic issues that led the Fire Nation into that direction… Not the same, but it came from somewhere.
@@borjankosarac3645 Yes, and they're all saying things like "I offer you this wisdom", so "do with it what you will", basically. Not a "you have to do x".
Keep in mind, its not just Aang's personal beliefs that made him feel so strongly about killing Ozai. He was the last surviving member of his entire culture. If he were to take someone's life, such a strong violation of a major tenet of the culture of his people, to him it would mean that the Air Nation was truly gone forever.
See, while I have always understood Aang's reticence to take Ozai's life, especially because of how he was raised, I've always felt like he should have had to. The energy bending always felt like a children's show cop-out to me. As Avatar Yangchen said, he might be an Airbender, but as Avatar, his duty and priority must be toward the world. Additionally, Aang has already taken many lives, and not just when in the Avatar state. He swept soldiers off the side of a mountain at the Northern Air Temple, and you know they didn't survive that. And more importantly, at least with regards to Aang's character, in the desert, he murdered a buzzard wasp, purely because he was angry. The one that snatched Momo, Aang chased, and Momo got free. Then, after Momo flew back to Aang, he, purely because of rage, sent a blade of air at it, slicing it out of the sky. Sure, a thinking person is different than a bug-bird thing, but from the point of view of someone who was raised vegetarian because his belief claims the taking of a life for any reason is wrong? There's very little distinction. Also, he should have remembered the choice his master, Monk Gyatso made when the Fire Nation attacked. It would have been a more meaningful decision, in my book, than the work-around. But again, I have also always understood that the show really couldn't have gotten away with having their protagonist kill the bad-guy.
They should let the protagonist kill the bad guy now in the Netflix show no more of this kid friendly bullshit I agree with what you're saying when you're the Avatar sometimes you have to make the hardest and toughest decisions even if it means killing an evil person Ozai deserved for all the innocent lives he and his whole family destroyed and slaughtered including Aangs own people, Katara's mother, burning Zuko and making his life a living hell and so much more it's time Netflix changes that and let it be as it should've been.@@R0ary
And let's not forget, Airbenders had killed people before. Remember the remains of monk Gyatso. Remember all those dead Fire Nation soldiers around him.
@@R0ary mad late but I want to address something about your point here. Both past air nomads and especially yang chen had the luxury of going against their beliefs and morals if absolutely necessary *because* they weren't the last Airbenders and knew that. Should they fall or fail to uphold their culture there would always be others who would come after them to preserve it as intended. However if aang broke with the most integral part of who they were, that's it, gg, no more air nomads after that. Even if aang tried to instill their peaceful way of life into his kids it would ring hollow and he'd feel like a fraud. Technically the fight was over the second he trapped ozai and thus he won right then while holding to his principles. He could've just as easily beat the dude into unconsciousness and locked him in a specialized prison like Zaheers group in Korra. Energy bending wasn't a copout or deus ex machina because he didn't *need* it to win, he'd already won without it. Energy bending was his reward for sticking to his principles and succeeding. It was also a way of actually punishing Ozai by condemning him to a life of utter powerlessness on the day that was meant to be his crowning achievement. To take Ozai's life by his own hands after already defeating him would've been to kill both himself and his culture all over again.
@@NRG-REC Thank you for sharing your perspective. I pretty much completely disagree with you, but that's fine. It's your opinion, from your point of view, so you're entitled to it. I'll just say, the reason "energy bending" has always felt like a cop-out to me is pretty simple. The show did not do any prep-work to hint that that could be a thing. There was no historical notes of people having their bending taken, no hints of energy bending being a thing, just: How do we deal with Ozai, without taking his life. My issues with the character's choices aside (I understand Aang's philosophy, and why he clings to it, but I fundamentally disagree with it in pretty much all aspects. But they are _in-character_ for him, so I'm fine with it), it's the lack of foreshadowing that annoys me, and makes it feel shoe-horned in. But yeah, for the rest, your opinion on his philosophy, and the necessity that he keep to it, are valid opinions to have; I just disagree with them. But again, thanks for weighing in. If this weren't the UA-cam comment section, I might be down for the full debate, but I try not to engage in big debates here, so let's just leave it at agreeing to disagree, shall we?
Throughout the show, Uncle Iroh cements himself as the perfect model for masculinity that all men should follow. He has NEVER been afraid to cry and express his feelings. Iroh knew that being vulnerable and in touch with your emotions isnt a weakness, and that having complete disregard for your emotions isnt a strength.
Two things, one that reunion scene gets me every time, secondly people don't realize this but a year has past since season one. Since bumi and aang are technically the same age, you saw a legit 113 year old man take back his city in 8 minuses. Pure beast
what also impressed me about it is that bumi waited so that none of his citizens or soldiers would get hurt, he was the only one to risk himself. a true leader.
I know Aang finds another way, but I still think he needed to hear Yangchen's advice. "This isn't about you" is an important lesson for someone who is responsible for protecting the world.
@funnylilgalreacts I remember a lot of online discourse about this episode that was scathing towards Aang basically calling him selfish or a coward for not wanted to kill, even when if it's against the equivalent of Fire Hitler. But people forget or don't fully understand that Aang is a devoted pacifist raised by a culture that didn't ever have an army and stressed the importance of peace. Being raised like that instills a moral compass that Aang is completely unwilling to compromise and its perfectly in character for him to practically have a mental breakdown over.
@@patrickwaldeck6681 not to mention he is the last of his people and if he does this he is basically killing off the last of his people that lives inside him
@@funnylilgalreacts I think it's important to know that avatars make mistakes too. And that every new avatar is a chance to be better, not just the same. So while her advice was right for her time and period, it might not be for Aangs reality and world. So it was important to hear, but I think sometimes when you hear something out loud it makes it much easier to understand, "That's definitely not who I want to be".
Zuko's and Iroh's reunion is probably my favourite scene of the whole show, and it's even more powerful if you think of what happened the last time Zuko fell on his knees and begged for forgiveness to a farther figure. Also a pretty cool detail I love about Toph's, Sokka's and Suki's finale: When we first met Sokka he thought girls couldn't possibly fight as good as boys can. And when we first met Toph she thought a non bender isn't a serious threat in a fight. And there they are: Sokka standing with two girls and Toph standing with two non benders, and all three of them trust each other with their lives.
Also: Iroh didn't let Zuko finish his apology, because apologizing wasn't necessary. That is the difference between Zuko's relationship with Iroh and with Ozai. Zuko had to do the impossible to get Ozai's approval (not love), and he never had to do anything to have Iroh's love. Still, Zuko's first assumption is that Iroh would have "mixed feelings" about seeing him, because that's how he thought his "father" would feel towards him, it's how Ozai always felt about him.
the thing that always makes me cry in the camp scene is that the last time zuko "disrespected" a father figure, he ended up with a scar and banish, he treated iroh so bad for so long, he shouted at him, he insulted him, he betrayed him and he was expecting iroh to be mad or even firebend at him in retaliation, but instad he got a hug, full with love and compassion you can see it in his face of confusion
Translation stuff: the chant you hear when Aang is called to the weird island is a modified version of a real Buddhist chant. The original says "Nāmó Āmítuófó", or "Bow before the Buddha of Immeasurable Light". The one in the show is a little longer and says "Nāmó Āmítuófó Shīdì", or "Bow before the Buddha of Immeasurable Light's *Disciple*".
@@melanie62954 Mandarin Chinese! Specifically, this is the Nianfo (念佛), the Chinese version of a chant used in Pure Land Buddhism. There are other variants in Sanskrit, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and I think Tibetan as well :)
Favorite lines: "I am not Toph! I am Melonlord! MUAHAHAHAH!" "I knew it was only a matter of time! APPA ATE MOMO!" "Get out of the bison's mouth, Sokka." "I knew I shouldn't have asked Kyoshi." "I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you'd lost your way."
Despite Kuruk claiming he was a “go with the flow” Avatar, his life was one of the most tragic. Because of Avatar Yangchen being extremely focused on the human world, which ensured many years of peace, the spirit world was neglected and ensured a great deal of angry spirits crossed over for Kuruk to deal with. The constant battles and attempts to appease them literally drained him of his life span, and to cope with the pain he took up the persona of a carefree fool. In the end he was able to provide peace to the spirit world, but as a result he died at only 33 years old while his successor, Kioshi, lived for over 200 years. Unfortunately his dedication to the spirit world problems led to instability between the nations that Kioshi had to deal with, and he was remembered as an incompetent Avatar.
Zuko's character growth through the series makes him one of the best rebirth/rehabilitation/redemption ark I have ever seen. I love his growth. Just look back to the first season in how he talked to his uncle, at how he screamed every line. now he speaks softly, of love, of peace, and has joy at his uncles presence. "The Old Masters" is my favorite episode in the entire series for this reason. I'm so happy you finally got to it.
So glad to finally see you react to my favorite scene in the show. Zuko and Uncle Iroh reuniting always makes me cry. It’s just such a true showing of love and such a beautiful moment
I love how readily Zuko asked for Katara’s help. I love the bond those two have formed. My impression is that in the same way he goes to Iroh to help beat Ozai (the father he wished he had against the one he was stuck with), he goes to Katara to help beat Azula (the sister he wished he had against the one he was stuck with).
It is at the camp scene of the old masters when you realize the gravity iroh actually has not just as a person but as a strategist. This is the episode where you see the true leadership of “General Iroh”
To me, Yangchen's advice is perhaps the most haunting dialogue in the show. "Many air nomads have detached themselves and found enlightenment. But the Avatar can never do it. Because your sole duty is *to* the world." Hats off to the writers.
One of my favorite moments in the show is Aang talking to the past 4 avatars seeking guidance in what to do with the fire lord. I wish we couldve gotten more of him just talking with them honestly
"Only justice will being peace" that line never fails to hit me. So true on so many levels! In a show with so many perfect quotes, it really takes a special one to stand out and for me, this is the one!
I loved the fact that way back in the Library episode we had the Lion-Turtle mentioned in passing [even a picture of one] - it was done so casually that it was easy to miss but it was a nice set up for this episode. [they were also mentioned in the sword master episode]
Zuko and Toph's (short) interaction is underrated. Zuko's cheeks turning red when Toph grabs him and Zuko being all "that's rough, buddy" to Toph's "therapy" childhood story
I watched the full unedited of all 4 episodes, but had to come watch the edited and leave a comment too. What a great journey this was, thanks for sharing with us!
I always love the scene where Zuko walks in sees uncle sleeping waits. If y’all remember in the first episode we meet uncle when Zuko wakes him up to get ang but this time he lets him rest I like the little nod the writers did to show how how much Zuko has matured
Avatar Yangchen’s wisdom is the most interesting to me. She believes, as Aang does, that all life is sacred and that the taking of life is morally wrong. Yet she still counsels him that ending Ozai’s is necessary for the world to balance itself. Despite popular opinion, a wrong can make a right. Being bound to one set of morals and ethics limits and constraints your actions, and becomes just another weapon to be used against you.
Yangchen also lived during a time where Airbenders were in abundance. Aang was the last of his kind, meaning if he sacrifices his own spiritual roots, he sacrifices the entire Air Nation along with it, as he would not be able to call himself an Air nomad if his principles are inconsistent.
@@LARVideos She was agreeing with Aang and the teachings they both received. She didn't follow them. She set aside her own spiritual needs to serve the world. People were so afraid of her that they continued to behave after she died. It's why Kuruk could be a "go with the flow" avatar.
No matter how often I’ve watched this show the moment Iroh pulls Zuko in for a hug gets me every time. Honestly this finale is one of the best television has to offer. I hope you continue on with Korra, another equally fantastic show albeit for different reasons.
Zuko saying "I forgot who I was." Is an underrrated line. Because thats what his mom meant when she Said "Never forget who you are." But Zuko thought it ment his Heritage, His Family and His Claim to the throne, Not being himself (a good Person). Thats why he told this to the Village in 2x7. And all this ist presented so suttle.
Funny thing is earlier zuko would basically refuse help from anybody because of his pride and the need to restore his honor by giving him the avatar. Now when Iroh said he can't do it by himself and that he'll needs help, he accepted that and asked Katara. He has grown from pride to humility. And restored his own honor.
The shot of Aang waiting on the rock columns, right after the Lion Turtle drops him off, brings tears to my eyes. The opening of the show has the Avatar disappearing from a column just like that. Not this time. This time Aang is going to fight for the world.
Fun fact: Jennifer Hale does the voice for June and Avatar Kyoshi. She is know for a character from the Mass Effect games, SW: Knights of the Old Republic/Old Republic, and the main hex girl from Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost to name a few.
I've always felt that the show's creator missed out on a great opportunity by not scripting an interaction between Toph and Bumi, two of the show's characters with, arguably, the biggest personalities. Just imagine the back-and-forth banter between them!
I'm not entirely sure, but I think there was a comic that showed something similar. If memory serves, it had Toph and Bumi in an Earthbending Duel a la her old arena fights, and both Earthbenders were waiting for the other to make a move. Once the rocks did start flying, the Duel ended up leveling the whole camp, so it was declared a draw.
i really love the contrast between Zuko apologizing to Iroh with when he tried to apologize to Ozai. With Ozai, it was before the court, dozens watching if not more, Zuko bowing and begging for his father's forgiveness, Ozai lets him humiliate himself in front of every important person in the fire nation and then burns him and banishes him. With Iroh, the two of them are alone in Iroh's tent and when Zuko apologizes, Iroh don't even let him finish before accepting his apology and embracing him.
Before this ends I have to say, This has been the best reaction series I’ve ever watched on YT. Thank you for all the work, effort and heart you’ve put into this. Can’t wait for the finale. Have a Wonderful Day.
Man it’s been such a crazy journey. Lily has probably been one of the most empathetic reactors of this series I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Edit: I think her name is lily at least. 😅
I love the small details that really show how far the characters have come, especially with Zuko Episode one: “Wake my Uncle! And tell him, I’ve found the avatar.” The Old Masters: “Uncle…” *sits and waits for him to wake up* I just love how he’s come. One of the best character arcs I’ve ever seen.
This has been a beautiful ride. It's great to share, but it's greater to share with someone who really really gets it. Can't wait for Korra, too. It's very special, too.
I've seen part 1 so many times, but this is the first time I noticed that Aang has a scar on his foot. You can clearly see it at 10:43 in the video when he's sliding down the roof. The lighting went into his back, but it looks like it exited out of his foot. Many people that got struck by lightning have their shoes catch on fire or just fly off.
I’ve seen that even people who don’t get hit by “Leaves From the Vine” will be hit by this. It’s a different sort of impact and it’s probably because of the nature of the things in each case.
Meteoric Iron in the past actually WAS USED in weapons so it's totally accurate for Sokka to have one. King Tut had a Meteoric Dagger buried with him in our real history.
The part where Ozai tells Azula she's staying in the Fire Nation shows us (if we didn't already knew) that he doesn't care about her at all. She's a tool for him. He made it clear by his treatment of Azula and Zuko that his affection, well, maybe not affection, attention is more fitting, is conditional. He only looks at Azula if she is performing amazingly, or if she parrots him and his cruelties (which he of course, learned from his own father, Azulon was willing to murder his own grandson to teach his son a lesson). Zuko is a good firebender, he is better than Admiral Zhao for example, but he's not a prodigy like his sister, so Ozai doesn't care. I'm sure baby Azula learned this early, her father will only care about her if she is perfect and cruel and amazing all the time. And she did what he wanted. I think if she had had loving parents (their mother wasn't able to counteract all the cruelty Ozai taught her) and a nice family she would probably have turned out different. If she didn't have to be cruel all the time in order to get her father's attention, she might have been a much better person. In a way, Zuko and Azula are the same. Both of them would do anything to earn their father's approval, but Zuko at this point has learned, through the Agni Kai, his banishment, and the love from uncle Iroh, that his father's love and approval is not something he can earn, he doesn't need it, and that he shouldn't have to earn in the first place, that he should have been loved and cared for always. Azula isn't there (yet), and might never get there. But that moment where Ozai tells her she can't come with him is clearly a big blow to her. Then he makes her firelord, which seems like a promotion, but immediately Ozai makes her position meaningless by declaring himself Phoenix King, and it's obvious that Azula's position is at best the same as it was before. I think she does understand she is kind of being put aside. Perhaps not entirely consciously, and the last few episodes make it clear she's still kind of trying to delude herself.
"I wish that he could talk to Gyatso" (while Aang is right next to Momo). Fun fact: one of the original plans for Momo was for him to be a reincarnation of Monk Gyatso, something that is both ironic and tragic, given the circumstances.
Originally, the Kraken was a giant sea turtle with an island on its back. While it might cause shipwrecks, it's also a refuge for shipwrecked sailors. You might also know it as Fiddler's Green ...
33:33 I love how this is the face Koh shows Aang when they first meet. We don’t realize it at the time but this was Kohs way of trying to get the Avatar to react. So cold and chilling in retrospect
It is incredibly hard to note and remember, but Lion Turtles were mentioned when they were at Wan Shi Tong's Library. I only noticed it the second or third time I watched the show.
you: "I wish he can talk to Gyatso" Aang: "I know you can't really talk, Momo". Oh, that's some good timing there! One of the ideas that was planned for the show, but got scrapped, is that Momo was going to be the reincarnation of Gyatso.
Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Avatar is right up there with all the other great hero journey stories. It has been such a great ride getting to watch this show again. Experiencing someone else who has never seen it befor, is probably the closest you can get to watching it for the first time again. Thank you.
One thing that I wish had happened was just a small conversation between Sokkas Master, Piandao, and Zuko because Piandao is also the one who taught Zuko the way of the sword.
I really loved how you caught on in "Nightmares and Daydreams" just how much Zuko was effected by the war meeting, and had a good idea of what exactly went down in it. This episode confirms that Zuko went through pretty much the exact same experience as his first one, but this time he didn't stand up. It was that experience that solidified what he had been slowly realizing during his time back in the Palace - that he couldnt be the perfect Prince or son that his father wanted, and that Zuko didn't want to be
"even the life of the tiniest spider fly..." aang killed all those fire nation soldiers at the air temple when he dropped an avalanch of snow on their heads. and a second time when he was the living spirit of water at the northern tribe. he killed that buzzard hornet thing out of frustration and anger when he couldnt find apa. when they were being hunted by azula and company, and they went without sleep for like a week, he killed some passing dragonfly buzzing around his head because he was cranky. there are dozens of other instances
I remember watching an interview or podcast with the voice actor of zuko. He said he met up with Jason Isaacs at a film festival while they were still making the show for something completely unrelated to ATLA, and Jason said that he was so surprised that everyone wanted to talk to him "about the cartoon they made" instead of what he was promoting, and they realized that ATLA was going to be special.
That scene is one of the few media moments that consistently makes me tear up. Really just that and the end of fellowship of the ring. So heartwarming 😭
It's interesting you mentioned Monk Gyatso during that particular scene, "I wish he could talk to Gyatso" when Aang was 'pretending to talk to Momo' There's been a theory that Momo is a reincarnation of Monk Gyatso
I’ve been looking forward to your reaction to these episodes. Thank you for being so empathetic, I can only imagine how emotionally exhausting this can get for you, we all appreciate what you do! I feel like I’m watching the series again for the first time, thank you!
I’ve always liked the quote from iroh when he talks about his destiny coming true but not in the way he though. I like it as a lesson for kids and young adults. There so many different paths to get to your goals in life. It is one of the most interesting things to talk to newly retired people. Lots of people will tell you that life took them in the strangest direction but they still achieved different goals they had in life. Either though patience or being creative and coming ip with new approach.
I like the fact that none of the Avatars actually tell Aang to kill Ozai, yet most people only interpret their advice as killing Ozai. Some people need a bit of introspection and ask themselves why they can only think of killing someone as the only solution.
pretty much how I viewed it and classic of a narcissistic parent...there would be no point of a Firelord once he became almighty ruler of the world unless he planned to have specific rulers of different regions, but it wouldn't be the same as the royal figures they have now
Funny how in Zuko's first war meeting he speaks out of turn and is banished. Azula speaks out and makes her father realize how much of a threat she is to his reputation. This leads him to conspire to put her back in her place. Also I wish the creators would have shown Aang growing in his way of handling his frustrations. He is always lashing out at people. Kudos to Zuko for teaching Katara how to set boundaries. Their friendship is honestly the healthiest one in the group.
I feel Toph and Zuko could have had a great little feild trip together. They both have contrilling parents, and they both just want their parent's love. Of course Ozia is far more evil than Toph's parents.
35:35 this is my favorite in all of Avatar the last airbender. Sacrifice your own soul for a greater good. I think there is no bigger thing you can do for others. Because of that Bash von Rosenburg from FFXII is my favorite video game character of all time. A knight who choose to live in dishonour for the good of his country and its people. But i understand that Mike and Brian didn't act on it and made Aang kill Ozai. It's a "kids show" after all.🤗
of course Ozai is hot its Mark Hamill 😏on another note we have heard of lion turtles before, its barely mentioned in the library episode its something they see in a book
Finally we see the reason for Azula's constant outwards appearance of perfection. This is why she wouldn't even allow herself to have a hair out of place during her lightning bending kata in episode 1 of Book 2. She's constantly been pushing herself because it's what Ozai expected of her. He's cultivated a deep need for his approval in her, much the same as he did with her brother. Zuko's primary drive for the first two Books was the regain his father's love and respect, and Azula's primary drive has been to keep his love and respect, yet when the time comes that he no longer needs her, he simply discards her. She was simply a tool to him, and he has no more use of her. Azula is probably just as fearful of Ozai as Zuko is, as evidenced by how he was able to quell her outburst simply by raising his voice at her. When Ozai burned and banished Zuko, he didn't do it just because he thought he was teaching his son a lesson, he also did it to send a message to his daughter. We've been shown images of Ozai showing at least some limited care for his children in the past, but the Ozai whose love and respect Zuko yearned for, the father he remembers from when he considered his family to be happy, is gone. Whatever small spark of goodness Ozai had in him died along with Fire Lord Azulon.
The reason Korra gets more flak than it deserves, at least in large part, is because it's not ATLA 2. It has a different style, tone, voice, themes and message. It's so good when you simply accept it on its own terms. Or, as a favorite podcaster of mine put it: assume the author is a genius until they prove otherwise. You might be wrong sometimes but you'll have a much better time.
You are my one single favorite reactor to this series. Your emotion, love, care for this series is amazing. I'm soooo glad I stumbled upon your channel. Beyond this series, I look forward to everything you do
I cry every time I see Zuko's reunion with Iroh. It's up there with Zuko standing up to Ozai (in terms of amazing moments) and 'Leaves From The Vine' in terms of scenes I can't watch without crying.
Iroh is my number 1 favorite character in the whole show. and i still getting emotional when he reunite with Zuko again. Uncle Iroh is a very iconic character i think.
I’m so happy you’re enjoying this show. It was an absolute joy seeing your video and another person who loves this show like me. You’ve got great energy! If I had seen you in person I’d ask you out in a heartbeat 💗☺️
That Zuko-Uroh reunion just reminded me so much of my relationship w/ my dad, and how he was able to accept and forgive me after my teenage dumb a$$ did stupid horrible teenage dumb actions. I legit feel that every man seeks something akin to the understanding and forgiveness from a fatherly figure of one sort or another. The ownership of one's stupid actions, the accountability. It's just a profoundly emotional experience for most boys, and an important milestone to becoming a man.
I love the parallel between Zuko commanding others to wake his uncle at the start of s1, to waiting for him to wake here. Did you notice that June also had a bit of character development? She is treating Nylah much more kindly than when she first appeared. Also, you have to appreciate that Ozai does have a flare for showmanship.
Zuko at the beginning of the show was always yelling for his uncle to be woken up.
Zuko at the end of the show finds Iroh asleep and patiently waits.
This right here is why Avatar is so much better than it has any reason to be. So many years later, and I'm still discovering nuances I never noticed before in a Nickelodeon show.
The most beautiful thing is that this could totally be an accident! The writers could have arrived at this completely naturally because after dozens of hours of creating these complex, deep, and real characters we know there's no other way for Zuko *to* act. It feels earned and natural and *right*. It's truly a testament to their craft.
Also, Katara, the one who was most distrustful of Zuko, was the one who encouraged him before facing and apologizing to this uncle.
Also Aang starts the show wanting to ride on cool animals, like penguins and elephant koi. He ends the show by riding on the back of the larges of all animals, the lion turtle. There are so many small details like that in this masterpiece of a show @@andrewjuby6339
@@flyingchong Also Katara, who grew up hating the fire nation for what happened with her mom, called Iroh "General" with the highest respect. The only one to have heard this level of respect from Katara.
@@andrewjuby6339 also worth noting too, Iroh asks Sokka what he thinks their destiny should be, instead of providing a plan for them. Iroh recognizes Sokka for the natural leader and strategist he is. He did not have to earn his trust, it was given unconditionally by Iroh. Man, Iroh truly is one of the greatest characters ever.
"I knew I shouldn't have asked Kyoshi," is my favorite Aang quote.😅
Once upon a time, Zuko begged on his knees for his father's forgiveness and got a scar and banishment in return. Years later, Zuko begged on his knees for his uncle's forgiveness and got a hug and and the reassurance that despite everything, he was always loved. I tearbended watching it as a kid, imagining myself as Zuko, and now as an adult with littles in my life I still tearbend, imagining myself as Iroh 😭
Right there with ya.
Yeah that was a very deep but good moment that Zuko desperately needed from someone that he couldn't get from his own father
I’m a 32 year old man and my friends and family tell me I’m a psychopath because I never cry at anything….I cry everytime I see that scene. It’s beautifully done by the creators and the voice actors.
im so happy you remained empathetic & compassionate towards aang & his struggle here. he is the last airbender; the only reminder of the air nomad beliefs & teachings. i believe he showed immense strength here by wanting to preserve that part of him & his culture.
Yessss!! I’ve seen so many people call Aang selfish for not wanting to kill Ozai. They seem to forget that Aang is the last living piece of Air Nomad culture (other than Appa and Momo ofc). If he were to go against his beliefs and kill someone, his entire culture practically goes down the drain. With the survival of Air Nomad customs resting on his shoulders, it completely makes sense that Aang is having this internal conflict.
@@livvydraws-v7nyeah, the thing is, Aang was told to be decisive, just, active and selfless by the other avatars.
But, the turtle gave him the last piece of advise he needed. That Aang must be balanced.
Too much selflessness would have been the wrong answer. And so, he was able to find the best solution.
But if you think about it, we did see some dead fire nation soldiers at the Aangs old Air nation temple 🤷🏻♂️
It's easy to stick to principles when they don't matter.
@@Kayoss13212 AIr Nomad pacifism is based on no aggression. But they will defend themselves when attacked. Aang traveling around the world with the intent to kill the Fire Lord is aggression.
The scene in the camp before everyone splits off for their own mission is my favorite scene of the whole show. Something about the kids being nervous and worried, understandably so, contrasted with Iroh's total supreme confidence that they were going to win always stuck with me.
It’s also just so nice to have Iroh back. He was missed throughout season 3
its my 2nd favorite Iroh moment next to when zuko found appa.
"Today, destiny is our friend. I know it." I also like the music in that scene.
@@ZachWilsonsMomsFriend yeah, having his guidance one more time as they absolutely needed it
@@reginagoodbody213 I love that his guidance for Sokka was "What do YOU think you should do?" Iroh recognizes Sokka's strength as a strategist and leader, deferring to his judgement. And Sokka didn't disappoint.
The old masters actually has a triple name meaning, the white lotus masters, the past avatars and the lion turtles
ATLA is one of those rare works of art that becomes a part of you.
On my death bed I'll be singing leaves from the vine, and quoting my favorite moments from this show. The things I've learned and experienced from this show feels so real to me.
I never thought about this until someone pointed it out to me, and it’s a small detail but so deep. In the beginning of the finale on the beach, Toph said she was working on her sand bending and then creates a perfect finely detailed piece of art. That means she was determined to master sand bending so that anything like what happened to Appa would never happen again. I love Toph ❤
My favorite line in the entire show is when Iroh says “the new firelord must be someone with a pure heart and unquestionable honor” and then looks at Zuko
You know, that's probably a minority pick for best quote but it's a damn good pick.
I always love that scene. Its such a full circle moment, and we as the viewer do not doubt for a second who he is speaking of. He has gained his honor not only within the show, but from us, the audience, as well. And it comes to realization, many people did not even think of what comes next after taking down Ozai. Zuko regaining his honor and being the only one who can regain the entire fire nation's honor is a powerful scene.
I feel like one of the most overlooked lines in the series and especially for Azula is her saying "you can't treat me like this, you can't treat me like Zuko!"
It shows the power dynamics and the dichotomy of living under an abusive narcissist. You are either on their good side or on their bad. No room for nuance. I know that the cracks in Azula's composure start to show after Mei and Ty Lee betray her but part of me believes it started before, after the day of black sun. Zuko's choosing sides and joining the Avatar was not something planned for. He could have killed Ozai potentially and I doubt they'd put him in danger had they known about Zuko's potential "betrayal".
I'm sure there was some sibling affection in there somewhere, we saw glimpses in the beach episode, but what caused harm to Azula was the change in family dynamic. With Zuko officially gone, by his own accord having stood up to Ozai, the bad seat was left empty. Azula could no longer assume the perfect child position. Leading to uncertainty and instability in her position. Maybe that is one of the reasons she failed at the boiling rock. With Zuko gone and no longer vying for his father's love the position for whipping boy has been left open and I think Azula has been on edge trying to avoid it. This is all she knows and she knows it is better to be on the good side of the devil. If she isn't going with him to destroy the earth kingdom at his side that must mean she has now been relegated to Zuko's place. Even when Ozai tries to reassure her by making her Firelord it is immediately made clear it is a fake prize as he announces himself phoenix king and his new iconography eclipses that of the old fire nation and Firelord. She may not have had much love for her sibling but there was a comfort and familiarity in having him by her side, or at least him vying to be there, that was taken away.
I'm sure I'm overanalyzing it but it makes sense to me and at this moment, knowing she no longer has the safety to let Zuko take the the heat her walls finally come crashing down. IMO
I think you're making a fair point, and consider this also: Azula and Zuko grew up believing that there was never any room for will, it was destiny that determined everything. Then Zuko walks away. This reveals a harsh truth to Azula: She always had a choice, and she never used it.
I love this! We don't see much of their home life, but being "the golden child" of a narcissistic parent explains a lot of Azula's behavior. Maybe she's not a sociopath at all, but a narcissist (as some children of narcissists turn out to be when they aren't the family scapegoat)--confident and manipulative, with a wealth of charm when she wants to put it on, but deeply, deeply insecure on the inside.
@@melanie62954 that describes her well. She has a very low idea of herself behind all the superficial "Princess of the Fire Nation" thing.
They way I see this scene as well is that Zuko told Ozai that Azula is the one who beat Aang not him, and he's still alive. So not only did his prodigy daughter lie to him, she also failed to kill the avatar. He says nothing to her about this new knowledge. Instead this is how he's punishing her. By excluding her, and throwing a now meaningless title at her. To me that was the final crack to shatter her psyche.
IMO
@@d.s.9692 "But what choice do i have?! Fear is the only reliable way. Even you fear me..."
The only choice she ever had was molded by her father's tyranny :c
The tears shed when Iroh and Zuko reunite is nothing to be ashamed of. I certainly did and still do!
Yeah, I'm pretty sure "doesn't tear up at the Iroh Zuko reunion" is a red flag
@@scaredscorpion
I agree 100% lol
Iv yet to see a reaction where someone doesnt cry at that scene
@@AIRWAY26
Same lol 🤣
@@scaredscorpionCan we downgrade that to yellow since I don't cry at anything because toxic masculinity is one hell of a drug?
The scene with the past avatars is one of the BEST examples of how good the writing is. "You must be decisive." "Only Justice will bring peace." "Actively shape your own destiny, and the destiny of the world." " Selfless duty calls for sacrifice." None of them tell him what he wants to hear or what to do, but nor do they tell him that he has to kill Ozai. What they tell him is exactly what he NEEDS to hear. It's beautiful, every time.
Which granted, isn’t them saying NOT to or even thinking that… but it matters that they’re not just telling him, “No you’re wrong, this is the only way.” They’re explaining their positions here.
It’s especially apparent with Roku, as he initially showed mercy towards Sozin (albeit with the threat that if he tried again he WOULD kill him). It’s debatable whether offing Sozin back then (before even Azulon was born) would’ve prevented a lot of the systemic issues that led the Fire Nation into that direction… Not the same, but it came from somewhere.
@@borjankosarac3645 Yes, and they're all saying things like "I offer you this wisdom", so "do with it what you will", basically. Not a "you have to do x".
Keep in mind, its not just Aang's personal beliefs that made him feel so strongly about killing Ozai. He was the last surviving member of his entire culture. If he were to take someone's life, such a strong violation of a major tenet of the culture of his people, to him it would mean that the Air Nation was truly gone forever.
See, while I have always understood Aang's reticence to take Ozai's life, especially because of how he was raised, I've always felt like he should have had to. The energy bending always felt like a children's show cop-out to me. As Avatar Yangchen said, he might be an Airbender, but as Avatar, his duty and priority must be toward the world. Additionally, Aang has already taken many lives, and not just when in the Avatar state. He swept soldiers off the side of a mountain at the Northern Air Temple, and you know they didn't survive that. And more importantly, at least with regards to Aang's character, in the desert, he murdered a buzzard wasp, purely because he was angry. The one that snatched Momo, Aang chased, and Momo got free. Then, after Momo flew back to Aang, he, purely because of rage, sent a blade of air at it, slicing it out of the sky. Sure, a thinking person is different than a bug-bird thing, but from the point of view of someone who was raised vegetarian because his belief claims the taking of a life for any reason is wrong? There's very little distinction.
Also, he should have remembered the choice his master, Monk Gyatso made when the Fire Nation attacked. It would have been a more meaningful decision, in my book, than the work-around. But again, I have also always understood that the show really couldn't have gotten away with having their protagonist kill the bad-guy.
They should let the protagonist kill the bad guy now in the Netflix show no more of this kid friendly bullshit I agree with what you're saying when you're the Avatar sometimes you have to make the hardest and toughest decisions even if it means killing an evil person Ozai deserved for all the innocent lives he and his whole family destroyed and slaughtered including Aangs own people, Katara's mother, burning Zuko and making his life a living hell and so much more it's time Netflix changes that and let it be as it should've been.@@R0ary
And let's not forget, Airbenders had killed people before. Remember the remains of monk Gyatso. Remember all those dead Fire Nation soldiers around him.
@@R0ary mad late but I want to address something about your point here. Both past air nomads and especially yang chen had the luxury of going against their beliefs and morals if absolutely necessary *because* they weren't the last Airbenders and knew that.
Should they fall or fail to uphold their culture there would always be others who would come after them to preserve it as intended.
However if aang broke with the most integral part of who they were, that's it, gg, no more air nomads after that.
Even if aang tried to instill their peaceful way of life into his kids it would ring hollow and he'd feel like a fraud.
Technically the fight was over the second he trapped ozai and thus he won right then while holding to his principles.
He could've just as easily beat the dude into unconsciousness and locked him in a specialized prison like Zaheers group in Korra.
Energy bending wasn't a copout or deus ex machina because he didn't *need* it to win, he'd already won without it.
Energy bending was his reward for sticking to his principles and succeeding.
It was also a way of actually punishing Ozai by condemning him to a life of utter powerlessness on the day that was meant to be his crowning achievement.
To take Ozai's life by his own hands after already defeating him would've been to kill both himself and his culture all over again.
@@NRG-REC Thank you for sharing your perspective. I pretty much completely disagree with you, but that's fine. It's your opinion, from your point of view, so you're entitled to it.
I'll just say, the reason "energy bending" has always felt like a cop-out to me is pretty simple. The show did not do any prep-work to hint that that could be a thing. There was no historical notes of people having their bending taken, no hints of energy bending being a thing, just: How do we deal with Ozai, without taking his life.
My issues with the character's choices aside (I understand Aang's philosophy, and why he clings to it, but I fundamentally disagree with it in pretty much all aspects. But they are _in-character_ for him, so I'm fine with it), it's the lack of foreshadowing that annoys me, and makes it feel shoe-horned in.
But yeah, for the rest, your opinion on his philosophy, and the necessity that he keep to it, are valid opinions to have; I just disagree with them. But again, thanks for weighing in. If this weren't the UA-cam comment section, I might be down for the full debate, but I try not to engage in big debates here, so let's just leave it at agreeing to disagree, shall we?
Throughout the show, Uncle Iroh cements himself as the perfect model for masculinity that all men should follow. He has NEVER been afraid to cry and express his feelings. Iroh knew that being vulnerable and in touch with your emotions isnt a weakness, and that having complete disregard for your emotions isnt a strength.
Have you seen Pop Culture Detective's essay on Waymond Wang from Everything Everywhere All At Once?
11:04 Aang saying there "enough" always gives me chills (Aang being childish is fun and cute, but Aang serious hits different different)
Two things, one that reunion scene gets me every time, secondly people don't realize this but a year has past since season one. Since bumi and aang are technically the same age, you saw a legit 113 year old man take back his city in 8 minuses. Pure beast
what also impressed me about it is that bumi waited so that none of his citizens or soldiers would get hurt, he was the only one to risk himself. a true leader.
@@frnknstndrgqnfacts
I know Aang finds another way, but I still think he needed to hear Yangchen's advice. "This isn't about you" is an important lesson for someone who is responsible for protecting the world.
I’m incredibly torn because I don’t want him to have to compromise who he is. I feel like that could break somebody’s spirit.
@funnylilgalreacts I remember a lot of online discourse about this episode that was scathing towards Aang basically calling him selfish or a coward for not wanted to kill, even when if it's against the equivalent of Fire Hitler. But people forget or don't fully understand that Aang is a devoted pacifist raised by a culture that didn't ever have an army and stressed the importance of peace. Being raised like that instills a moral compass that Aang is completely unwilling to compromise and its perfectly in character for him to practically have a mental breakdown over.
@@patrickwaldeck6681 not to mention he is the last of his people and if he does this he is basically killing off the last of his people that lives inside him
It's also one of the coldest lines in the whole show regardless.
@@funnylilgalreacts I think it's important to know that avatars make mistakes too. And that every new avatar is a chance to be better, not just the same. So while her advice was right for her time and period, it might not be for Aangs reality and world. So it was important to hear, but I think sometimes when you hear something out loud it makes it much easier to understand, "That's definitely not who I want to be".
Zuko's and Iroh's reunion is probably my favourite scene of the whole show, and it's even more powerful if you think of what happened the last time Zuko fell on his knees and begged for forgiveness to a farther figure.
Also a pretty cool detail I love about Toph's, Sokka's and Suki's finale:
When we first met Sokka he thought girls couldn't possibly fight as good as boys can. And when we first met Toph she thought a non bender isn't a serious threat in a fight. And there they are: Sokka standing with two girls and Toph standing with two non benders, and all three of them trust each other with their lives.
Zuko was the brave soldier boy that came marching home
I don't thing anyone with a heart is not moved by that scene. and I am excited about angelas reaction to it.
Also: Iroh didn't let Zuko finish his apology, because apologizing wasn't necessary. That is the difference between Zuko's relationship with Iroh and with Ozai. Zuko had to do the impossible to get Ozai's approval (not love), and he never had to do anything to have Iroh's love. Still, Zuko's first assumption is that Iroh would have "mixed feelings" about seeing him, because that's how he thought his "father" would feel towards him, it's how Ozai always felt about him.
@@noahschultz9031 Indeed he was. Brave soldier boy comes marching home.
the thing that always makes me cry in the camp scene is that the last time zuko "disrespected" a father figure, he ended up with a scar and banish, he treated iroh so bad for so long, he shouted at him, he insulted him, he betrayed him and he was expecting iroh to be mad or even firebend at him in retaliation, but instad he got a hug, full with love and compassion you can see it in his face of confusion
Translation stuff: the chant you hear when Aang is called to the weird island is a modified version of a real Buddhist chant. The original says "Nāmó Āmítuófó", or "Bow before the Buddha of Immeasurable Light". The one in the show is a little longer and says "Nāmó Āmítuófó Shīdì", or "Bow before the Buddha of Immeasurable Light's *Disciple*".
Uh, i thought it was just crowls from the lion turtle.
Great to know!!
What language is it in? I'm guessing Japanese, Chinese, Tibetan, Sanskrit, or Pali?
@@melanie62954 Mandarin Chinese! Specifically, this is the Nianfo (念佛), the Chinese version of a chant used in Pure Land Buddhism. There are other variants in Sanskrit, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and I think Tibetan as well :)
Favorite lines:
"I am not Toph! I am Melonlord! MUAHAHAHAH!"
"I knew it was only a matter of time! APPA ATE MOMO!"
"Get out of the bison's mouth, Sokka."
"I knew I shouldn't have asked Kyoshi."
"I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you'd lost your way."
Despite Kuruk claiming he was a “go with the flow” Avatar, his life was one of the most tragic.
Because of Avatar Yangchen being extremely focused on the human world, which ensured many years of peace, the spirit world was neglected and ensured a great deal of angry spirits crossed over for Kuruk to deal with. The constant battles and attempts to appease them literally drained him of his life span, and to cope with the pain he took up the persona of a carefree fool. In the end he was able to provide peace to the spirit world, but as a result he died at only 33 years old while his successor, Kioshi, lived for over 200 years. Unfortunately his dedication to the spirit world problems led to instability between the nations that Kioshi had to deal with, and he was remembered as an incompetent Avatar.
Zuko's character growth through the series makes him one of the best rebirth/rehabilitation/redemption ark I have ever seen. I love his growth. Just look back to the first season in how he talked to his uncle, at how he screamed every line. now he speaks softly, of love, of peace, and has joy at his uncles presence. "The Old Masters" is my favorite episode in the entire series for this reason. I'm so happy you finally got to it.
Iroh grabbing Zuko into a bear hug ruins me every single time. It’s such a raw and pure moment exactly what I would expect from Iroh
So glad to finally see you react to my favorite scene in the show. Zuko and Uncle Iroh reuniting always makes me cry. It’s just such a true showing of love and such a beautiful moment
I love how readily Zuko asked for Katara’s help. I love the bond those two have formed.
My impression is that in the same way he goes to Iroh to help beat Ozai (the father he wished he had against the one he was stuck with), he goes to Katara to help beat Azula (the sister he wished he had against the one he was stuck with).
It is at the camp scene of the old masters when you realize the gravity iroh actually has not just as a person but as a strategist. This is the episode where you see the true leadership of “General Iroh”
Iroh is the perfect example of non-toxic masculinity. He's what we should all aspire to be. You can be nurturing, strong, and weird.
He is a role model for me, because I never had a father to be that model for me.
To me, Yangchen's advice is perhaps the most haunting dialogue in the show.
"Many air nomads have detached themselves and found enlightenment. But the Avatar can never do it. Because your sole duty is *to* the world."
Hats off to the writers.
One of my favorite moments in the show is Aang talking to the past 4 avatars seeking guidance in what to do with the fire lord. I wish we couldve gotten more of him just talking with them honestly
"Only justice will being peace" that line never fails to hit me. So true on so many levels! In a show with so many perfect quotes, it really takes a special one to stand out and for me, this is the one!
"Today, destiny is our friend, I know it"
Such epicness.
28:32
Find you someone that reacts to your presence with the same sheer unbridled joy that she shows when Bumi is on screen.
I loved the fact that way back in the Library episode we had the Lion-Turtle mentioned in passing [even a picture of one] - it was done so casually that it was easy to miss but it was a nice set up for this episode. [they were also mentioned in the sword master episode]
They’ve been mentioned multiple times, I noticed rewatching it
Zuko and Toph's (short) interaction is underrated. Zuko's cheeks turning red when Toph grabs him and Zuko being all "that's rough, buddy" to Toph's "therapy" childhood story
I gotta give Ozai some props. He knows how to aesthetic and propoganda well. That Phoenix King outfit and those flags are the good stuff.
I love that you love Bumi as much as I do. Most people roll their eyes at him.
I watched the full unedited of all 4 episodes, but had to come watch the edited and leave a comment too. What a great journey this was, thanks for sharing with us!
I always love the scene where Zuko walks in sees uncle sleeping waits. If y’all remember in the first episode we meet uncle when Zuko wakes him up to get ang but this time he lets him rest I like the little nod the writers did to show how how much Zuko has matured
Your opening recap to this episode just goes to show how well you've understood the mentality of this show. Bravo!
Avatar Yangchen’s wisdom is the most interesting to me. She believes, as Aang does, that all life is sacred and that the taking of life is morally wrong. Yet she still counsels him that ending Ozai’s is necessary for the world to balance itself.
Despite popular opinion, a wrong can make a right. Being bound to one set of morals and ethics limits and constraints your actions, and becomes just another weapon to be used against you.
Yangchen absolutely does not believe that. In her time, if people threatened the balance, she stamped them out like roaches. No mercy at all.
@@Matuse She literally says "all life is sacred" like a fact...
Yangchen also lived during a time where Airbenders were in abundance. Aang was the last of his kind, meaning if he sacrifices his own spiritual roots, he sacrifices the entire Air Nation along with it, as he would not be able to call himself an Air nomad if his principles are inconsistent.
@@LARVideos She was agreeing with Aang and the teachings they both received. She didn't follow them. She set aside her own spiritual needs to serve the world. People were so afraid of her that they continued to behave after she died. It's why Kuruk could be a "go with the flow" avatar.
No matter how often I’ve watched this show the moment Iroh pulls Zuko in for a hug gets me every time.
Honestly this finale is one of the best television has to offer. I hope you continue on with Korra, another equally fantastic show albeit for different reasons.
Zuko saying "I forgot who I was." Is an underrrated line. Because thats what his mom meant when she Said "Never forget who you are." But Zuko thought it ment his Heritage, His Family and His Claim to the throne, Not being himself (a good Person). Thats why he told this to the Village in 2x7. And all this ist presented so suttle.
Funny thing is earlier zuko would basically refuse help from anybody because of his pride and the need to restore his honor by giving him the avatar. Now when Iroh said he can't do it by himself and that he'll needs help, he accepted that and asked Katara. He has grown from pride to humility. And restored his own honor.
I don't normally tear up at movies & TV but man, when Iroh pulls Zuko in for that hug...I'm not made of stone 😢❤
The shot of Aang waiting on the rock columns, right after the Lion Turtle drops him off, brings tears to my eyes. The opening of the show has the Avatar disappearing from a column just like that. Not this time. This time Aang is going to fight for the world.
Fun fact: Jennifer Hale does the voice for June and Avatar Kyoshi. She is know for a character from the Mass Effect games, SW: Knights of the Old Republic/Old Republic, and the main hex girl from Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost to name a few.
I've always felt that the show's creator missed out on a great opportunity by not scripting an interaction between Toph and Bumi, two of the show's characters with, arguably, the biggest personalities. Just imagine the back-and-forth banter between them!
I'm not entirely sure, but I think there was a comic that showed something similar. If memory serves, it had Toph and Bumi in an Earthbending Duel a la her old arena fights, and both Earthbenders were waiting for the other to make a move. Once the rocks did start flying, the Duel ended up leveling the whole camp, so it was declared a draw.
@@quentincoetzee4313I've not read that, but I can imagine exactly that. Bumi has more raw power than does Toph, but Toph is more skilled.
@@quentincoetzee4313 I was speaking more specifically on when they first met in the OLD MASTERS episode.
@@ancienttradition_stx Let's see if Netflix will do it.
With the live action Avatar coming up, now is the perfect time to push people towards ATLA.
i really love the contrast between Zuko apologizing to Iroh with when he tried to apologize to Ozai. With Ozai, it was before the court, dozens watching if not more, Zuko bowing and begging for his father's forgiveness, Ozai lets him humiliate himself in front of every important person in the fire nation and then burns him and banishes him. With Iroh, the two of them are alone in Iroh's tent and when Zuko apologizes, Iroh don't even let him finish before accepting his apology and embracing him.
Before this ends I have to say, This has been the best reaction series I’ve ever watched on YT. Thank you for all the work, effort and heart you’ve put into this. Can’t wait for the finale. Have a Wonderful Day.
Man it’s been such a crazy journey. Lily has probably been one of the most empathetic reactors of this series I’ve had the pleasure of watching.
Edit: I think her name is lily at least. 😅
It's Angela 🙂
I love the small details that really show how far the characters have come, especially with Zuko
Episode one: “Wake my Uncle! And tell him, I’ve found the avatar.”
The Old Masters: “Uncle…” *sits and waits for him to wake up*
I just love how he’s come. One of the best character arcs I’ve ever seen.
Out of 100s of other Reactors/UA-camrs, you're by far the realest and simply the best!
This has been a beautiful ride. It's great to share, but it's greater to share with someone who really really gets it. Can't wait for Korra, too. It's very special, too.
Zuko's apology to Iroh always gets me to tear up
I've seen part 1 so many times, but this is the first time I noticed that Aang has a scar on his foot. You can clearly see it at 10:43 in the video when he's sliding down the roof. The lighting went into his back, but it looks like it exited out of his foot. Many people that got struck by lightning have their shoes catch on fire or just fly off.
21:48 - YOUR FACE when Sokka was justt being Sokka… 😂😅🤣 U looked so DONE with it… 😂😅🤣
Honestly, probably not common, but the Zuko and Iroh reuniting scene always gets me more that even Leaves From the Vine. I was straight weeping
I’ve seen that even people who don’t get hit by “Leaves From the Vine” will be hit by this. It’s a different sort of impact and it’s probably because of the nature of the things in each case.
Meteoric Iron in the past actually WAS USED in weapons so it's totally accurate for Sokka to have one. King Tut had a Meteoric Dagger buried with him in our real history.
I really don't know what Aang expected when looking for advice from Avatar "I totally killed that guy" Kyoshi on alternatives to killing a guy.
The part where Ozai tells Azula she's staying in the Fire Nation shows us (if we didn't already knew) that he doesn't care about her at all. She's a tool for him. He made it clear by his treatment of Azula and Zuko that his affection, well, maybe not affection, attention is more fitting, is conditional. He only looks at Azula if she is performing amazingly, or if she parrots him and his cruelties (which he of course, learned from his own father, Azulon was willing to murder his own grandson to teach his son a lesson). Zuko is a good firebender, he is better than Admiral Zhao for example, but he's not a prodigy like his sister, so Ozai doesn't care. I'm sure baby Azula learned this early, her father will only care about her if she is perfect and cruel and amazing all the time. And she did what he wanted. I think if she had had loving parents (their mother wasn't able to counteract all the cruelty Ozai taught her) and a nice family she would probably have turned out different. If she didn't have to be cruel all the time in order to get her father's attention, she might have been a much better person.
In a way, Zuko and Azula are the same. Both of them would do anything to earn their father's approval, but Zuko at this point has learned, through the Agni Kai, his banishment, and the love from uncle Iroh, that his father's love and approval is not something he can earn, he doesn't need it, and that he shouldn't have to earn in the first place, that he should have been loved and cared for always.
Azula isn't there (yet), and might never get there. But that moment where Ozai tells her she can't come with him is clearly a big blow to her. Then he makes her firelord, which seems like a promotion, but immediately Ozai makes her position meaningless by declaring himself Phoenix King, and it's obvious that Azula's position is at best the same as it was before.
I think she does understand she is kind of being put aside. Perhaps not entirely consciously, and the last few episodes make it clear she's still kind of trying to delude herself.
"I wish that he could talk to Gyatso" (while Aang is right next to Momo). Fun fact: one of the original plans for Momo was for him to be a reincarnation of Monk Gyatso, something that is both ironic and tragic, given the circumstances.
Originally, the Kraken was a giant sea turtle with an island on its back. While it might cause shipwrecks, it's also a refuge for shipwrecked sailors. You might also know it as Fiddler's Green ...
33:33 I love how this is the face Koh shows Aang when they first meet. We don’t realize it at the time but this was Kohs way of trying to get the Avatar to react. So cold and chilling in retrospect
It is incredibly hard to note and remember, but Lion Turtles were mentioned when they were at Wan Shi Tong's Library. I only noticed it the second or third time I watched the show.
you: "I wish he can talk to Gyatso"
Aang: "I know you can't really talk, Momo".
Oh, that's some good timing there!
One of the ideas that was planned for the show, but got scrapped, is that Momo was going to be the reincarnation of Gyatso.
Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Avatar is right up there with all the other great hero journey stories. It has been such a great ride getting to watch this show again. Experiencing someone else who has never seen it befor, is probably the closest you can get to watching it for the first time again. Thank you.
One thing that I wish had happened was just a small conversation between Sokkas Master, Piandao, and Zuko because Piandao is also the one who taught Zuko the way of the sword.
I really loved how you caught on in "Nightmares and Daydreams" just how much Zuko was effected by the war meeting, and had a good idea of what exactly went down in it. This episode confirms that Zuko went through pretty much the exact same experience as his first one, but this time he didn't stand up. It was that experience that solidified what he had been slowly realizing during his time back in the Palace - that he couldnt be the perfect Prince or son that his father wanted, and that Zuko didn't want to be
"even the life of the tiniest spider fly..." aang killed all those fire nation soldiers at the air temple when he dropped an avalanch of snow on their heads. and a second time when he was the living spirit of water at the northern tribe. he killed that buzzard hornet thing out of frustration and anger when he couldnt find apa. when they were being hunted by azula and company, and they went without sleep for like a week, he killed some passing dragonfly buzzing around his head because he was cranky.
there are dozens of other instances
I remember watching an interview or podcast with the voice actor of zuko. He said he met up with Jason Isaacs at a film festival while they were still making the show for something completely unrelated to ATLA, and Jason said that he was so surprised that everyone wanted to talk to him "about the cartoon they made" instead of what he was promoting, and they realized that ATLA was going to be special.
The fact that Bumi is probably like twice the age of Piandao is crazy.
That scene is one of the few media moments that consistently makes me tear up. Really just that and the end of fellowship of the ring. So heartwarming 😭
“Where’s Momo,” is a definite contender for best line of the entire show.
That's the proper reaction to Zuko and Iroh meeting again. At 18, when I saw the premier, I bawled my eyes out.
It's interesting you mentioned Monk Gyatso during that particular scene, "I wish he could talk to Gyatso" when Aang was 'pretending to talk to Momo'
There's been a theory that Momo is a reincarnation of Monk Gyatso
I’ve been looking forward to your reaction to these episodes. Thank you for being so empathetic, I can only imagine how emotionally exhausting this can get for you, we all appreciate what you do! I feel like I’m watching the series again for the first time, thank you!
I’ve always liked the quote from iroh when he talks about his destiny coming true but not in the way he though. I like it as a lesson for kids and young adults. There so many different paths to get to your goals in life. It is one of the most interesting things to talk to newly retired people. Lots of people will tell you that life took them in the strangest direction but they still achieved different goals they had in life. Either though patience or being creative and coming ip with new approach.
I like the fact that none of the Avatars actually tell Aang to kill Ozai, yet most people only interpret their advice as killing Ozai.
Some people need a bit of introspection and ask themselves why they can only think of killing someone as the only solution.
I am actually happy that the one who gave him the best answer was Avatar Yangchen since she was a very aggressive avatar if I remember correctly
Ozai didn't want to share the "glory" with Azula. Making up an excuse of protecting the home land.
Defeating the Father-Lord 😂
pretty much how I viewed it and classic of a narcissistic parent...there would be no point of a Firelord once he became almighty ruler of the world unless he planned to have specific rulers of different regions, but it wouldn't be the same as the royal figures they have now
Azula lying and failing was a big part of it.
Bumi asking where’s MoMo is the biggest question of them all
Funny how in Zuko's first war meeting he speaks out of turn and is banished. Azula speaks out and makes her father realize how much of a threat she is to his reputation. This leads him to conspire to put her back in her place.
Also I wish the creators would have shown Aang growing in his way of handling his frustrations. He is always lashing out at people. Kudos to Zuko for teaching Katara how to set boundaries. Their friendship is honestly the healthiest one in the group.
He's still a child.
The reunion between Zuko and his uncle had a bigger emotional impact on me than I expected
I feel Toph and Zuko could have had a great little feild trip together. They both have contrilling parents, and they both just want their parent's love. Of course Ozia is far more evil than Toph's parents.
35:35 this is my favorite in all of Avatar the last airbender. Sacrifice your own soul for a greater good. I think there is no bigger thing you can do for others.
Because of that Bash von Rosenburg from FFXII is my favorite video game character of all time. A knight who choose to live in dishonour for the good of his country and its people.
But i understand that Mike and Brian didn't act on it and made Aang kill Ozai. It's a "kids show" after all.🤗
of course Ozai is hot its Mark Hamill 😏on another note we have heard of lion turtles before, its barely mentioned in the library episode its something they see in a book
And of course his wife and children are looked at as attractive too
Finally we see the reason for Azula's constant outwards appearance of perfection. This is why she wouldn't even allow herself to have a hair out of place during her lightning bending kata in episode 1 of Book 2. She's constantly been pushing herself because it's what Ozai expected of her. He's cultivated a deep need for his approval in her, much the same as he did with her brother. Zuko's primary drive for the first two Books was the regain his father's love and respect, and Azula's primary drive has been to keep his love and respect, yet when the time comes that he no longer needs her, he simply discards her. She was simply a tool to him, and he has no more use of her.
Azula is probably just as fearful of Ozai as Zuko is, as evidenced by how he was able to quell her outburst simply by raising his voice at her. When Ozai burned and banished Zuko, he didn't do it just because he thought he was teaching his son a lesson, he also did it to send a message to his daughter.
We've been shown images of Ozai showing at least some limited care for his children in the past, but the Ozai whose love and respect Zuko yearned for, the father he remembers from when he considered his family to be happy, is gone. Whatever small spark of goodness Ozai had in him died along with Fire Lord Azulon.
I know you are definitely going to be able to appreciate Korra when it comes and I can't wait!
The reason Korra gets more flak than it deserves, at least in large part, is because it's not ATLA 2. It has a different style, tone, voice, themes and message. It's so good when you simply accept it on its own terms.
Or, as a favorite podcaster of mine put it: assume the author is a genius until they prove otherwise. You might be wrong sometimes but you'll have a much better time.
You are my one single favorite reactor to this series. Your emotion, love, care for this series is amazing. I'm soooo glad I stumbled upon your channel. Beyond this series, I look forward to everything you do
I cry every time I see Zuko's reunion with Iroh. It's up there with Zuko standing up to Ozai (in terms of amazing moments) and 'Leaves From The Vine' in terms of scenes I can't watch without crying.
36:00 zuko & iroh talk.
Iroh is my number 1 favorite character in the whole show. and i still getting emotional when he reunite with Zuko again. Uncle Iroh is a very iconic character i think.
Iroh learned many things from studying other nations, redirecting lightning from waterbenders...and apparently also tear-bending. 😢
I’m so happy you’re enjoying this show. It was an absolute joy seeing your video and another person who loves this show like me. You’ve got great energy! If I had seen you in person I’d ask you out in a heartbeat 💗☺️
That Zuko-Uroh reunion just reminded me so much of my relationship w/ my dad, and how he was able to accept and forgive me after my teenage dumb a$$ did stupid horrible teenage dumb actions. I legit feel that every man seeks something akin to the understanding and forgiveness from a fatherly figure of one sort or another. The ownership of one's stupid actions, the accountability. It's just a profoundly emotional experience for most boys, and an important milestone to becoming a man.
Zuko’s reunion with Iroh is everything.
17:21 Momo: "Brains, delicious brains..." :)
I love the parallel between Zuko commanding others to wake his uncle at the start of s1, to waiting for him to wake here. Did you notice that June also had a bit of character development? She is treating Nylah much more kindly than when she first appeared. Also, you have to appreciate that Ozai does have a flare for showmanship.