Redemption is not something that is deserved, redemption comes from you wanting to change, you wanting to be better. She might achieve that, she might not.
Azula’s ending was like perfection to me. I couldnt explain it before but it just felt right. I never imagined her getting a happy ending because her story wasn’t leading that way. And yes I definitely agree! If she was given a happy ending, it would’ve diminished her story and it would just be meh. It was perfect the way it is.
Azula may not have a pleasant personality but she's isn't evil. She was a patriot/soldier that did what she was told. And she always chose the option that would lead to the least mortality. -She took Ba sing se without bloodshed. -Spared king Bumi when she took Omashu. -She could have easily asked the wardens to cut the line holding the gondola ride at boiling rock,but she didn't. Finally brought Zuko home and lied to her father so his honor be restored. She consoled him and probably went to change Ozai's mind about Zuko not being invited to the war council meeting. Zuko throw it all in her face anyway -Despite their rivalry, she looked out for Zuko. There was never a moment Zuko looked out for her. -Notice how she recruits Mae and Tai Li that specialize in subduing and not killing or causing massive destruction. She easily could have recruited the combustion man. -Always chose diplomacy over violence unless necessary. She took out Aang with lightening because he literally becomes a blood thirsty monster when he is in the avatar state. It was a sensible move to limit the carnage. -Azula had ZERO body counts on screen (apart from Aang).
I don't get where you got that she took out Aang in the avatar state because he is a bloodthirsty monster. She clearly took him out because he was going to stop her rebellion. Also, she didn't lie to Ozai because she wanted to restore Zuko's honor, it's pretty clear in the scene that she only did that because if Aang was alive all of his honor would disappear beacause he didn't really kill Aang.
@@malikpierre-louis3343she doesn't need to lie at all if that's her plan. All she has to do is just ......... not bring him back at all or bring him back in chains. Pre Ba Sing Se Zuko is an honorless traitor as far as the Fire Nation is concerned. He only had any honor at all because..........Azula said he's a hero who helped her. If she doesn't do that, Zuko is still a non-entity who either spends his life in prison or gets executed. Your theory simply doesn't make any sense unless Azula is a moron, which she demonstrably isn't
@@kylemanning6508 Ok for one, the show makes clear she only thought of this plan and told Ozai that Zuko killed Aang after they came back from Ba Sing Se ( they have at home a conversation about whether or not the avatar is dead, and when Zuko says there is no way he survived, It's implied she can tell he is lying so we can assume that's when she thought of the plan) So the whole not bringing back Zuko thing wouldn't have worked. For two, Azula didn't just say he was a hero she said he KILLED THE AVATAR, when his mission was to capture him that is a HUGE DEAL. For three how is Azula a moron ? if that plan works not only will she not be seen by Ozai has a disapointement (If he knew she was the one who "killed"Aang he wold think of her has a failure like Zuko). Also how is that a theory?! that is quite litteraly SHOWN to her plan. She litteraly tells Zuko when confronting him " if the avatar was reavealed to be alive all that honor it would disapear" or something similar.
yeah fr thats why i say avatar is anti firenation propaganda. Apart from the 'feelings' of the viewers towards her that were hurt she really didnt do anything that can be considered evil in the strict sense. Killing aang was much more of a necessary self defence move than the moves aang did to the soldiers in the northern air temple. And i think the writters knew that thats why suddenly in the end they have ozai be a crazy fire person who wants to burn his own empire, because otherwise we would have no problem rooting for the 'bad guys'. And to be fair from a christian standpoint, having the moral highground is kind of irrelevant. I mean the avatar isnt perfectly good either and can be manipulated like any other human, so its nonsensical to have him deliever justice. After the avatar gets to power he basically rules the world indirectly, so if you are a ruler of a kingdom you better not doing anything the avatar might not like in the surface, because he will come to beat you up.
I used to believe that azula deserves a redemption arc but all that changed when she started kidnapping some kids including her half sister in the comics
I just came from your AOT video and when I saw this video title, I immediately clicked. Azula most certainly does NOT deserve redemption. I don't think she's even capable of it.
Personally for me, I think that anyone who says a 14 year old child solider raised by a violent abuser is an irredeemable monster is kinda fucked up ngl.
well i understand why a lot of people wants a azula redemption arc im glad she dindt got one i. i mean yes she is symphatetic but there othe symphatetic characters in the show like jet and hamar and those 2 dindt got a happy ending.sorry for my english
I agree azula was supposed to be a mirror of what zuko could be if turned dark and just an interesting villain in general having a redemption arc wouldn’t work for the story cause by that time it would already be too late and would overshadow the other characters
She also served as a parallel to Katara’s character, and ability to express her emotions and connect with people. Azula’s defeat resulting in the first time she let herself experience emotion and in her eyes, show weakness, was a great decision. I think she deserves a redemption arc, but giving her one would’ve diminished her story. A sad ending is what make sense, and is part of what makes her story so great.
@@boxpin8967 in the show giving redemption arc would have not made sense. This much I agree. However post show, I can see it. I did read great fanfics where her redemption worked and handled well.
@@AndalusianPhilosopheryeah in the show, Azula didn’t need a redemption. However, Book 4, comics, movies, etc would be the right time to give her that arc.
Her past is only diminished if her story moving forward doesn't make sense. It's independent of whether she gets redeemed or not. Just like how someone who once overcame adversity can fall again, someone who previously fell can atone. Both can provide immense value if written well. Even if you were to continue developing both characters on their current trajectories, it's still possible to undermine both their developments if written badly. I mean, just look at any of the GoT characters. Started off great then all of them took a -50 hit to their iq, and while their motivations were preserved, little of their prior actions seemed to matter.
Does she deserve a redemption? No, most villains don’t. Should she get a redemption? In my opinion, yes. A redemption for Azula wouldn’t really take away much from her arc in the original show, in fact, I believe it’d only add to it. Her breakdown would feel less like an ending and more like an origin story. It could show that no matter how far you’ve gone, with the right help, you could at least have a chance of coming back. Plus, who wouldn’t wanna see Zuko act in a position like Iroh? And quite frankly, an Azula redemption just makes sense for both her character and the themes of ATLA in general. Why wouldn’t Zuko try to help his sister recover and change? Especially with the context of the comics, in those stories, it’s made evidently clear that Zuko is terrified of becoming like his father. Rehabilitating Azula could be the biggest step in him overcoming his fate as Ozai’s successor and help end the cycle of violence in their family once and for all. A redemption for Azula also gives Ursa a chance to redeem herself for never being there for Azula.
For people who wanted Azulas redemption... you can always read the books! Small spoiler: Only covers the start of her redemption... like the amount of progress Zuko pre-season 1 and season 1 by Iroh...
But to be fair, the reason she "fell deeper into the lie" after Mai and Ty Lee betrayed her is because she herself also has a fear of her father, thats why she shouted "You can't treat me like this, you can't treat me like Zuko", because look wht Ozai did to Zuko, he scarred his face, I personally feel like in the flashback from The Storm where we see Azula smiling at Zuko being burn, it made Azula fear Ozai, cause if she dares defy him in any way, she'd be scarred too
It’s sort of like Kevin from Ben 10. They’re both evil people who usually rejected any chance of redemption at any turn. The only difference is that Kevin actually took the chance while Azula never does. And not only that but she just keeps getting worse and worse and worse. Great video!
In the comics that have been written so far yes. However these comics extend up to 3 years after the end of the show. To Korras time still 70 years. Who knows what might happen in those years to Azula. Possibilities are endless, and we cannot say how her experiences shape her going forward. There is possibility of her choosing a different path in the years between ATLA and LOK.
I would have liked a happy ending for Azula, but as you watch the series and analyze the character, her actions and attitudes, you understand that it is impossible for her to have a happy ending, she has assumed deeply both the teachings and the role that her father gave her, she has become so unhinged with the idea of becoming perfect, that it is impossible for such a character to find redemption, and I repeat that I would love Azula to change and find peace, but that is impossible for someone like her.
I would not say it is impossible. Perhaps she will not get redeemed in Canon. However I do know of good fanfics where her redemption is handled quite well. Great example is Azula trilogy by Master Gandhalf. Hope I spelled author's name right. Also keep in mind that Azulas story stopped only a few years past events of Avatar the last Airbender. There are 65 years of unanswered questions when it comes to Azula in Canon. Legend of Korra never adressed Azulas fate. It will be a difficult and complicated road but with time help from Zuko Ursa perhaps even Aang and Iroh Azula can change. Like I said there are fanfics which do it well🙂
Like with any idea it all depends on execution. Even if it seems like she doesn't deserve redemption but they manage to write the best redemption arc ever for her then it would be something well written deserving of praise. Good ideas can be poorly written and fail while bad ideas can be done well and look incredible.
I haven’t really watched the video yet, but I’d like to say something, can Azula really *earn* a redemption arc, she’s a terrible and horrible who’s bad things, yes, she is absolutely mental, but that doesn’t excuse how much manipulation she’s done, you can’t just excuse yourself of a crime, just because you’re not right, I’d say she *needs* a redemption arc but she wouldn’t earn *or* deserve it
I never really watched Avatar.🤷 But redemption arcs are NOT needed for every villain. Like now a villain can massacre an entire city and because something tragic happened to them, the audience is supposed to forgive them? If people want redeemable villains, then IDK give them at least some morals or say they don't attack people they see as weaker. 🤷
Yeah I agree with you but to be fair iroh is not just the reason zuko redeemed herself while azula couldn't. Zuko wasn't a bad person to begin with he created a false self to please ozai . I am saying azula was a bad person I know why she had gone crazy but I am just saying the way they were raised wasn't the same but I am definitely not saying iroh didn't help zuko I mean he was like a real father to him. I think azula is CACAPLE of redemption but I liked she didn't get redeemed because that 's what her arc is about.
I would not say she did not get redemption. Her story was never given proper conclusion. There are no hints as to her ultimate fate in Korra. And we have to wait for quite some time before new avatar studios content comes out. I think post show leading into Korra Azula redemption can work. There are many ways of doing a story well.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher I don't want her to get a redemption arc As a person of course I want redemption for her she was abused and deserves a second chance but as a character she doesn't deserve a redemption She had an arc in the show . her arc actually parallels zuko 's. She already had a fall arc if she got a redemption arc her fall arc would be for nothing. She has one if not the best fall arc and she is one of my favourite villans of all time because of that.
@@rawdasalmataman7908 well in the smoke and shadow the fall arc was in a way negated. Azula got over her illusions, and her breakdown and comes back stronger. She bested Zuko in a fight at the end. Also Azula can redirect lighting now.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher Yeah but I think azula defeated zuko due to the context and environment I don't know it just didn't feel right. The fall arc was not neglected because azula feel into her lie even more Actually smoke and shadow shows it better than anything else Even if she got through the illusions Her views on the world and she still fell deeper into the lie.
@@rawdasalmataman7908 well with new avatar studios content we will see how it goes. Azulas story was never properly concluded. That story was never expanded upon. Much of what happens to her in later life is not know or unexplored. Azula is not going to just run around for life and cause chaos. Things will have to change at some point. Also I did read great fanfics done well which show Azula redemption. There are a lot of ways to do a good story. There is one magic bullet. Also Zuko wants to reach and connect with her. 🙂
I feel like the original 3 were so good and well done. I get mad because people pretty much just want more content and it's getting out of control. They just want more content which in the long run will make it jp the shark. Also I don't think it's that she deserves to get better or not, I think it's more like, not EVERYONE in the world needs to have a good guy arch. After zukos it seems like every show and movie wants to make an arch to better the characters. Truth is: not everyone becomes better in real life. Idk I find it often the ones that want all this extra shit after the series are people that just want more mindless storytelling rather than a good story.
You say "Even in the comics" like the comics aren't dogshit fanfiction, written by someone who had nothing to do with the show, who massacres the characterization of nearly every character. It's frankly, an issue in. most fandoms. The work is the work. Derivative spin-off nonsense in completely different forms of media written by people had nothing to do with the original work doesn't have anything worth saying about the characters by and large. It's glorified paid fanfiction thrown out there by corporations who just want to keep bilking desperate obsessives from their money.
Well, if a story's purpose is to make you feel, then why do I feel that Zuko's redemption is incomplete without him managing to save his sister? To leave her to her fate the way he seemingly does in the show is not the least bit heroic; it's apathy. What kind of a hero is that?
@@cynicaloptimist970 Iroh: "No. She's crazy and needs to go down." If Iroh gives up on someone, they're a lost cause. He's reasoned with muggers, runaways, bounty hunters, and murderers. Azula is just that far beyond anyone's help. The only other person he didn't forgive was Zhao for *killing the fricking moon.*
@@infinitypilot Katara: ”I will never EVER turn my back on people who need me!” I know which of those quotes I prefer to live by. And as for Iroh; in the comics he hopes that finding Ursa will give Azula some peace, so even he hasn’t given up completely.
@@infinitypilot iroh was never around Azula much as a kid so he never saw who was influencing her. if he knew her dad was the cause of her behavior, he would’ve had more empathy, he might not have been able to have a relationship with her like he did with zuko but he would’ve felt empathy for her had he known what her father was doing to her
Interesting video. I personally if I was in the writers position give Azula redemption arc. Zuko loves and cares for her, and her downfall is tragic in the show. But I respect your opinion. It is also good story telling to show that not everyone can change. I have a question: going forward from Smoke and Shadow comics (not sure if you read them) how would you see Azulas story progress up to Korras time? If you were in the writers position. What kind of plotlines relating to her character you would like to see?
Without watching the video fully, 100% agree with this statement. Simply from a writing stance she shouldn’t get a redemption arc because it would lead to the story becoming stale and repetitive AND it was established that she’s not regretful about her childhood like Zuko obviously is
I think in the show she does show some humanity when she breaks down and creators did say Azula is not purely evil and may have turned a better person in a healthier environment.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher well but you can't deny she had same mentality like her father and that's the main reason why ozai chose her and favored her skills was not the only thing.
@@Seoyeaji921 also I disagree. Redemption for Azula done well can work. I read fanfics very good ones which do it well. Also many are asking for Azula redemption. Few are asking for Zhao, for Ozai redemption. Also life is unpredictable and another thing much of her story is unwritten. Azula in legend of Korra never mentioned and we still do not know what happened to her. Her story is not concluded and still in limbo.
@@Seoyeaji921 I do not deny it, however it does not mean Azula is doomed to evil for life. In the comics it seems she is no longer worried about her father's approval.
Thats like saying Vader doesn't redemption and he clearly doesn't but he does redeems himself. Redemption is not about if the person deserves it or not its about if the character has a change of heart. We'll see in the future what the writers will do with azulas charcter I doubt they will let her just rot in the asylum/jail she has to much if potential and is an interesting character
Eh, I still think it would be cool if they gave her one. I don't think she needed one in the OG series, because it would have felt forced, out of place, and rushed. In the comic they are supposedly building up to her redemption arc though, which imo isn't the worst route they could go. You do have to factor in the reason as to why she did all of these horrible things. Azula was confused as her hallucinated mother stated. Her father and mother gave her mixed signals. Her father was a psychopathic a$$hole and her mother was wholesome. Her mother corrected her bad behavior. Her father reinforced it. This led to a lot of confusion in crucial times of child development. She and Zuko both already had a predisposition to psychopathy because of their father's genes. But they also both have the good genes of their mother. They were both troubled youths. Zuko had Iroh to help lead him on the right path, Azula was still under Ozai's influence, whereas Zuko's banishment gave him enough time away from his father and enough time with his uncle to give him much needed life lessons. Azula never got that opportunity. Even though Azula was a bad sister to Zuko, he still did love her. They even talked about things they did together as children. Zuko wants to help Azula despite her behavioral problems. Sound familiar? Iroh wanted to help his troubled relative also. The general idea is that Iroh was able to undo the god awful parenting that Ozai did, and Zuko is trying to to do the same for Azula.
Yes I agree with you that a redemption arc would make the story invalid and take away the important lessons about the paths you choose determines your destiny!But on the side of humanity and good will,she at least deserves a chance to find inner peace and perhaps ask the face stealer to take away her painful memories and allow to rebuild a new life with an identity of her own instead of that of her father!Don't get me wrong Azula's actions are beyond forgiveness but seems wrong to just let a little 14 year old kid suffer insanity for the rest of her life
I been thinking of a story. There is at some point post show final confrontation between Azula and team avatar, and Aang is forced to take away her bending. After that Azula is put into prison and escapes. But without her bending and going through identity crisis Azula changes her identity maybe even asking mother of faces to do what her mother did. Getting new face and memories. Starting new life. So Azula does meet her demise from a certain point of view like one wise old man said. This could be good ending to her story.
Personally, Azula to me never felt like she deserved redemption or even that much pity. Whilst her father did influence and encourage her, everything we are presented with in the series suggests that Azula's evil is her true nature. She is cruel, she is ambitious, she is spiteful, and that is just who she is. This is the girl whose literal first scene in the entire series is *smiling gleefully* as her father burns her brother's face. Everything about Zuko's past establishes him as having a good heart; all of our flashbacks to his childhood show him as a fundamentally caring and compassionate boy, even if he has learned arrogance due to his position as royalty. In contrast, every we see of Azula at her tender age showcases somebody who revels in pain and relishes her ability to manipulate and deceive others.
In one of the interviews creators did say that Azula does have a soft side buried deep down. Also it was implied she could have turned out better in a healthier environment also. Also do not forget that from the moment Zuko was born he was despised one he was black sheep. It really influences you. The final fight between Zuko and Azula was set up as a tragedy with somber music and mood. Contrast this with the end Aang vs Ozai fight. It was happy athomsphere with jokes. In addition Zuko in the post show comics does want to reach out to Azula, and when Zuko told Azula that she will always be his sister, it had deep impact on Azula. Neither Zuko neither Aang shares your view on Azula. Also Iroh was open to possibility of Azula changing post show by encouraging team avatar in the search comic to bring Azula along for Ursas search implying that a measure of peace could be brought to Azula also. Great fanfics have been written which do show how Azula can change for the better. Some of the fanfics are better than canon stories.
Iroh and Ursa neglected her in favor of Zuko. Her mother didn't love her enough and her Uncle just didn't care. She only decided to go after care from the asshole who made her a child soldier
@@oofball2733 everybody deserves a second chance. I think if there was a fourth season the writer said that they were going to focus on her redemption arc.
Does she deserve it? Sure. But does that mean it's good story writing? Idk about that. He mentions at the end part of her arch is that you want her to change but she doesn't change for the good. Not every character needs to be saved.
![Why Azula is the Greatest Villain of All Time [Avatar: The Last Airbender]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_q5Z6zbESVg/mqdefault.jpg)
Redemption is not something that is deserved, redemption comes from you wanting to change, you wanting to be better. She might achieve that, she might not.
Her story is so tragic
Azula’s ending was like perfection to me. I couldnt explain it before but it just felt right. I never imagined her getting a happy ending because her story wasn’t leading that way. And yes I definitely agree! If she was given a happy ending, it would’ve diminished her story and it would just be meh. It was perfect the way it is.
true im glad she dindt got redeemed. but im fine if she got a redemption arc in a comic i dont count those things an canon anyway
Azula may not have a pleasant personality but she's isn't evil. She was a patriot/soldier that did what she was told. And she always chose the option that would lead to the least mortality.
-She took Ba sing se without bloodshed.
-Spared king Bumi when she took Omashu.
-She could have easily asked the wardens to cut the line holding the gondola ride at boiling rock,but she didn't.
Finally brought Zuko home and lied to her father so his honor be restored. She consoled him and probably went to change Ozai's mind about Zuko not being invited to the war council meeting. Zuko throw it all in her face anyway
-Despite their rivalry, she looked out for Zuko. There was never a moment Zuko looked out for her.
-Notice how she recruits Mae and Tai Li that specialize in subduing and not killing or causing massive destruction. She easily could have recruited the combustion man.
-Always chose diplomacy over violence unless necessary.
She took out Aang with lightening because he literally becomes a blood thirsty monster when he is in the avatar state. It was a sensible move to limit the carnage.
-Azula had ZERO body counts on screen (apart from Aang).
I don't get where you got that she took out Aang in the avatar state because he is a bloodthirsty monster. She clearly took him out because he was going to stop her rebellion.
Also, she didn't lie to Ozai because she wanted to restore Zuko's honor, it's pretty clear in the scene that she only did that because if Aang was alive all of his honor would disappear beacause he didn't really kill Aang.
@@malikpierre-louis3343she doesn't need to lie at all if that's her plan. All she has to do is just ......... not bring him back at all or bring him back in chains. Pre Ba Sing Se Zuko is an honorless traitor as far as the Fire Nation is concerned. He only had any honor at all because..........Azula said he's a hero who helped her. If she doesn't do that, Zuko is still a non-entity who either spends his life in prison or gets executed. Your theory simply doesn't make any sense unless Azula is a moron, which she demonstrably isn't
@@kylemanning6508 Ok for one, the show makes clear she only thought of this plan and told Ozai that Zuko killed Aang after they came back from Ba Sing Se ( they have at home a conversation about whether or not the avatar is dead, and when Zuko says there is no way he survived, It's implied she can tell he is lying so we can assume that's when she thought of the plan) So the whole not bringing back Zuko thing wouldn't have worked.
For two, Azula didn't just say he was a hero she said he KILLED THE AVATAR, when his mission was to capture him that is a HUGE DEAL.
For three how is Azula a moron ? if that plan works not only will she not be seen by Ozai has a disapointement (If he knew she was the one who "killed"Aang he wold think of her has a failure like Zuko).
Also how is that a theory?! that is quite litteraly SHOWN to her plan.
She litteraly tells Zuko when confronting him " if the avatar was reavealed to be alive all that honor it would disapear" or something similar.
yeah fr thats why i say avatar is anti firenation propaganda. Apart from the 'feelings' of the viewers towards her that were hurt she really didnt do anything that can be considered evil in the strict sense. Killing aang was much more of a necessary self defence move than the moves aang did to the soldiers in the northern air temple. And i think the writters knew that thats why suddenly in the end they have ozai be a crazy fire person who wants to burn his own empire, because otherwise we would have no problem rooting for the 'bad guys'. And to be fair from a christian standpoint, having the moral highground is kind of irrelevant. I mean the avatar isnt perfectly good either and can be manipulated like any other human, so its nonsensical to have him deliever justice. After the avatar gets to power he basically rules the world indirectly, so if you are a ruler of a kingdom you better not doing anything the avatar might not like in the surface, because he will come to beat you up.
It's Either Redemption Or be Executed Optimus Prime Style For Azula.
I used to believe that azula deserves a redemption arc but all that changed when she started kidnapping some kids including her half sister in the comics
She douse not deserve a redemption
@@jadenchamoun6785 Yeah, what she said.
She never hurt anyone, though, she only wanted to mess with Zuko's head. You have to keep in mind that these are the actions of a CHILD.
@@michaeldavis9190 true
@@michaeldavis9190 So she stole babies because she wanted to hurt her own BROTHER? dear simp do you even hear yourself right now? THATS EVEN WORSE!
I just came from your AOT video and when I saw this video title, I immediately clicked. Azula most certainly does NOT deserve redemption. I don't think she's even capable of it.
Same I came from the AoT video. Idk who this guy is but goddamn these videos are good
she a on/off vilain.
Well Avatar Aang did say that anyone should be treated as worth giving a second chance.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher would you extend that principle to ozai, sozin or Zhao
@@wherermytacos5903 exactly
How does this dude not have more subs broo
Personally for me, I think that anyone who says a 14 year old child solider raised by a violent abuser is an irredeemable monster is kinda fucked up ngl.
well i understand why a lot of people wants a azula redemption arc im glad she dindt got one i. i mean yes she is symphatetic but there othe symphatetic characters in the show like jet and hamar and those 2 dindt got a happy ending.sorry for my english
I agree azula was supposed to be a mirror of what zuko could be if turned dark and just an interesting villain in general having a redemption arc wouldn’t work for the story cause by that time it would already be too late and would overshadow the other characters
Don’t show a picture of you no who next time but your right she douse not deserve a redemption arc
She also served as a parallel to Katara’s character, and ability to express her emotions and connect with people. Azula’s defeat resulting in the first time she let herself experience emotion and in her eyes, show weakness, was a great decision. I think she deserves a redemption arc, but giving her one would’ve diminished her story. A sad ending is what make sense, and is part of what makes her story so great.
@@boxpin8967 in the show giving redemption arc would have not made sense. This much I agree. However post show, I can see it. I did read great fanfics where her redemption worked and handled well.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher yeah I definitely agree with that.
@@AndalusianPhilosopheryeah in the show, Azula didn’t need a redemption. However, Book 4, comics, movies, etc would be the right time to give her that arc.
Her past is only diminished if her story moving forward doesn't make sense. It's independent of whether she gets redeemed or not. Just like how someone who once overcame adversity can fall again, someone who previously fell can atone. Both can provide immense value if written well. Even if you were to continue developing both characters on their current trajectories, it's still possible to undermine both their developments if written badly. I mean, just look at any of the GoT characters. Started off great then all of them took a -50 hit to their iq, and while their motivations were preserved, little of their prior actions seemed to matter.
After watching does it shows much heart and souls and hardwork it goes to making a story much respect to any writers
Does she deserve a redemption? No, most villains don’t. Should she get a redemption? In my opinion, yes. A redemption for Azula wouldn’t really take away much from her arc in the original show, in fact, I believe it’d only add to it. Her breakdown would feel less like an ending and more like an origin story. It could show that no matter how far you’ve gone, with the right help, you could at least have a chance of coming back. Plus, who wouldn’t wanna see Zuko act in a position like Iroh? And quite frankly, an Azula redemption just makes sense for both her character and the themes of ATLA in general. Why wouldn’t Zuko try to help his sister recover and change? Especially with the context of the comics, in those stories, it’s made evidently clear that Zuko is terrified of becoming like his father. Rehabilitating Azula could be the biggest step in him overcoming his fate as Ozai’s successor and help end the cycle of violence in their family once and for all. A redemption for Azula also gives Ursa a chance to redeem herself for never being there for Azula.
For people who wanted Azulas redemption... you can always read the books!
Small spoiler:
Only covers the start of her redemption... like the amount of progress Zuko pre-season 1 and season 1 by Iroh...
But to be fair, the reason she "fell deeper into the lie" after Mai and Ty Lee betrayed her is because she herself also has a fear of her father, thats why she shouted "You can't treat me like this, you can't treat me like Zuko", because look wht Ozai did to Zuko, he scarred his face, I personally feel like in the flashback from The Storm where we see Azula smiling at Zuko being burn, it made Azula fear Ozai, cause if she dares defy him in any way, she'd be scarred too
It’s sort of like Kevin from Ben 10. They’re both evil people who usually rejected any chance of redemption at any turn. The only difference is that Kevin actually took the chance while Azula never does. And not only that but she just keeps getting worse and worse and worse. Great video!
In the comics that have been written so far yes. However these comics extend up to 3 years after the end of the show. To Korras time still 70 years. Who knows what might happen in those years to Azula. Possibilities are endless, and we cannot say how her experiences shape her going forward. There is possibility of her choosing a different path in the years between ATLA and LOK.
I would have liked a happy ending for Azula, but as you watch the series and analyze the character, her actions and attitudes, you understand that it is impossible for her to have a happy ending, she has assumed deeply both the teachings and the role that her father gave her, she has become so unhinged with the idea of becoming perfect, that it is impossible for such a character to find redemption, and I repeat that I would love Azula to change and find peace, but that is impossible for someone like her.
I would not say it is impossible. Perhaps she will not get redeemed in Canon. However I do know of good fanfics where her redemption is handled quite well. Great example is Azula trilogy by Master Gandhalf. Hope I spelled author's name right.
Also keep in mind that Azulas story stopped only a few years past events of Avatar the last Airbender. There are 65 years of unanswered questions when it comes to Azula in Canon. Legend of Korra never adressed Azulas fate. It will be a difficult and complicated road but with time help from Zuko Ursa perhaps even Aang and Iroh Azula can change. Like I said there are fanfics which do it well🙂
Like with any idea it all depends on execution. Even if it seems like she doesn't deserve redemption but they manage to write the best redemption arc ever for her then it would be something well written deserving of praise. Good ideas can be poorly written and fail while bad ideas can be done well and look incredible.
I am feeling. Thank you.
Wow. That was all very week said! I’m subscribing to your channel. I hope to see new videos just as great as this one!
You’re good, keep doing it!
I haven’t really watched the video yet, but I’d like to say something, can Azula really *earn* a redemption arc, she’s a terrible and horrible who’s bad things, yes, she is absolutely mental, but that doesn’t excuse how much manipulation she’s done, you can’t just excuse yourself of a crime, just because you’re not right, I’d say she *needs* a redemption arc but she wouldn’t earn *or* deserve it
I never really watched Avatar.🤷 But redemption arcs are NOT needed for every villain. Like now a villain can massacre an entire city and because something tragic happened to them, the audience is supposed to forgive them? If people want redeemable villains, then IDK give them at least some morals or say they don't attack people they see as weaker. 🤷
Yeah I agree with you but to be fair iroh is not just the reason zuko redeemed herself while azula couldn't.
Zuko wasn't a bad person to begin with he created a false self to please ozai .
I am saying azula was a bad person I know why she had gone crazy but I am just saying the way they were raised wasn't the same but I am definitely not saying iroh didn't help zuko I mean he was like a real father to him.
I think azula is CACAPLE of redemption but I liked she didn't get redeemed because that 's what her arc is about.
I would not say she did not get redemption. Her story was never given proper conclusion. There are no hints as to her ultimate fate in Korra. And we have to wait for quite some time before new avatar studios content comes out. I think post show leading into Korra Azula redemption can work. There are many ways of doing a story well.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher I don't want her to get a redemption arc
As a person of course I want redemption for her she was abused and deserves a second chance but as a character she doesn't deserve a redemption
She had an arc in the show .
her arc actually parallels zuko 's.
She already had a fall arc if she got a redemption arc her fall arc would be for nothing.
She has one if not the best fall arc and she is one of my favourite villans of all time because of that.
@@rawdasalmataman7908 well in the smoke and shadow the fall arc was in a way negated. Azula got over her illusions, and her breakdown and comes back stronger. She bested Zuko in a fight at the end. Also Azula can redirect lighting now.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher Yeah but I think azula defeated zuko due to the context and environment
I don't know it just didn't feel right.
The fall arc was not neglected because azula feel into her lie even more
Actually smoke and shadow shows it better than anything else
Even if she got through the illusions
Her views on the world and she still fell deeper into the lie.
@@rawdasalmataman7908 well with new avatar studios content we will see how it goes. Azulas story was never properly concluded. That story was never expanded upon. Much of what happens to her in later life is not know or unexplored. Azula is not going to just run around for life and cause chaos. Things will have to change at some point. Also I did read great fanfics done well which show Azula redemption. There are a lot of ways to do a good story. There is one magic bullet. Also Zuko wants to reach and connect with her. 🙂
I feel like the original 3 were so good and well done. I get mad because people pretty much just want more content and it's getting out of control. They just want more content which in the long run will make it jp the shark. Also I don't think it's that she deserves to get better or not, I think it's more like, not EVERYONE in the world needs to have a good guy arch. After zukos it seems like every show and movie wants to make an arch to better the characters. Truth is: not everyone becomes better in real life. Idk I find it often the ones that want all this extra shit after the series are people that just want more mindless storytelling rather than a good story.
Even in the comics Azula didn't get a redemption
Well comics cover a time 3 years after the end of the show. Still 67 years to go until legend of Korra. A lot of stories to tell still.
You say "Even in the comics" like the comics aren't dogshit fanfiction, written by someone who had nothing to do with the show, who massacres the characterization of nearly every character.
It's frankly, an issue in. most fandoms. The work is the work. Derivative spin-off nonsense in completely different forms of media written by people had nothing to do with the original work doesn't have anything worth saying about the characters by and large. It's glorified paid fanfiction thrown out there by corporations who just want to keep bilking desperate obsessives from their money.
Well, if a story's purpose is to make you feel, then why do I feel that Zuko's redemption is incomplete without him managing to save his sister?
To leave her to her fate the way he seemingly does in the show is not the least bit heroic; it's apathy. What kind of a hero is that?
Some people simply can't be saved.
Sometimes, the best thing to do is save them from themselves.
@@infinitypilot Like I said: apathy.
That's no reason not to TRY for something better.
@@cynicaloptimist970 Iroh: "No. She's crazy and needs to go down."
If Iroh gives up on someone, they're a lost cause. He's reasoned with muggers, runaways, bounty hunters, and murderers. Azula is just that far beyond anyone's help.
The only other person he didn't forgive was Zhao for *killing the fricking moon.*
@@infinitypilot Katara: ”I will never EVER turn my back on people who need me!”
I know which of those quotes I prefer to live by.
And as for Iroh; in the comics he hopes that finding Ursa will give Azula some peace, so even he hasn’t given up completely.
@@infinitypilot iroh was never around Azula much as a kid so he never saw who was influencing her. if he knew her dad was the cause of her behavior, he would’ve had more empathy, he might not have been able to have a relationship with her like he did with zuko but he would’ve felt empathy for her had he known what her father was doing to her
Best Video ever!
Interesting video. I personally if I was in the writers position give Azula redemption arc. Zuko loves and cares for her, and her downfall is tragic in the show. But I respect your opinion. It is also good story telling to show that not everyone can change. I have a question: going forward from Smoke and Shadow comics (not sure if you read them) how would you see Azulas story progress up to Korras time? If you were in the writers position. What kind of plotlines relating to her character you would like to see?
Also Zuko wants her to get better and wants to help. Same with Ursa.
Without watching the video fully, 100% agree with this statement. Simply from a writing stance she shouldn’t get a redemption arc because it would lead to the story becoming stale and repetitive AND it was established that she’s not regretful about her childhood like Zuko obviously is
I think in the show she does show some humanity when she breaks down and creators did say Azula is not purely evil and may have turned a better person in a healthier environment.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher well but you can't deny she had same mentality like her father and that's the main reason why ozai chose her and favored her skills was not the only thing.
@@Seoyeaji921 also I disagree. Redemption for Azula done well can work. I read fanfics very good ones which do it well. Also many are asking for Azula redemption. Few are asking for Zhao, for Ozai redemption. Also life is unpredictable and another thing much of her story is unwritten. Azula in legend of Korra never mentioned and we still do not know what happened to her. Her story is not concluded and still in limbo.
@@Seoyeaji921 I do not deny it, however it does not mean Azula is doomed to evil for life. In the comics it seems she is no longer worried about her father's approval.
@@AndalusianPhilosopher maybe you are right but it's all upto the artists on what will they do with her
Thats like saying Vader doesn't redemption and he clearly doesn't but he does redeems himself. Redemption is not about if the person deserves it or not its about if the character has a change of heart. We'll see in the future what the writers will do with azulas charcter I doubt they will let her just rot in the asylum/jail she has to much if potential and is an interesting character
Bruh that's a hot take I can get into
These are all very good points. But I still insist we kill son goku… I mean get an Azula redemption ark. On account that I want one.
Eh, I still think it would be cool if they gave her one. I don't think she needed one in the OG series, because it would have felt forced, out of place, and rushed. In the comic they are supposedly building up to her redemption arc though, which imo isn't the worst route they could go. You do have to factor in the reason as to why she did all of these horrible things. Azula was confused as her hallucinated mother stated. Her father and mother gave her mixed signals. Her father was a psychopathic a$$hole and her mother was wholesome. Her mother corrected her bad behavior. Her father reinforced it. This led to a lot of confusion in crucial times of child development. She and Zuko both already had a predisposition to psychopathy because of their father's genes. But they also both have the good genes of their mother. They were both troubled youths. Zuko had Iroh to help lead him on the right path, Azula was still under Ozai's influence, whereas Zuko's banishment gave him enough time away from his father and enough time with his uncle to give him much needed life lessons. Azula never got that opportunity. Even though Azula was a bad sister to Zuko, he still did love her. They even talked about things they did together as children. Zuko wants to help Azula despite her behavioral problems. Sound familiar? Iroh wanted to help his troubled relative also. The general idea is that Iroh was able to undo the god awful parenting that Ozai did, and Zuko is trying to to do the same for Azula.
Yes I agree with you that a redemption arc would make the story invalid and take away the important lessons about the paths you choose determines your destiny!But on the side of humanity and good will,she at least deserves a chance to find inner peace and perhaps ask the face stealer to take away her painful memories and allow to rebuild a new life with an identity of her own instead of that of her father!Don't get me wrong Azula's actions are beyond forgiveness but seems wrong to just let a little 14 year old kid suffer insanity for the rest of her life
I been thinking of a story. There is at some point post show final confrontation between Azula and team avatar, and Aang is forced to take away her bending. After that Azula is put into prison and escapes. But without her bending and going through identity crisis Azula changes her identity maybe even asking mother of faces to do what her mother did. Getting new face and memories. Starting new life. So Azula does meet her demise from a certain point of view like one wise old man said. This could be good ending to her story.
Good evening 🌃. I'm fan of azula and ty lee and mai. Everyone have great day and next day and week and weekend and next week and full happiness 😊.
Blah blah blah Azula deserves a stand alone book where she gets the help she needs
Blah blah blah azula is a villian a badass villian she doesn't need any help and redemption
@@Seoyeaji921immature ass lol💀
this is the best shit i’ve ever seen!!!
Personally, Azula to me never felt like she deserved redemption or even that much pity. Whilst her father did influence and encourage her, everything we are presented with in the series suggests that Azula's evil is her true nature. She is cruel, she is ambitious, she is spiteful, and that is just who she is. This is the girl whose literal first scene in the entire series is *smiling gleefully* as her father burns her brother's face. Everything about Zuko's past establishes him as having a good heart; all of our flashbacks to his childhood show him as a fundamentally caring and compassionate boy, even if he has learned arrogance due to his position as royalty. In contrast, every we see of Azula at her tender age showcases somebody who revels in pain and relishes her ability to manipulate and deceive others.
Same.
Can I copy your kind work so I can get soulless azula simps to shut up?
In one of the interviews creators did say that Azula does have a soft side buried deep down. Also it was implied she could have turned out better in a healthier environment also. Also do not forget that from the moment Zuko was born he was despised one he was black sheep. It really influences you. The final fight between Zuko and Azula was set up as a tragedy with somber music and mood. Contrast this with the end Aang vs Ozai fight. It was happy athomsphere with jokes. In addition Zuko in the post show comics does want to reach out to Azula, and when Zuko told Azula that she will always be his sister, it had deep impact on Azula. Neither Zuko neither Aang shares your view on Azula. Also Iroh was open to possibility of Azula changing post show by encouraging team avatar in the search comic to bring Azula along for Ursas search implying that a measure of peace could be brought to Azula also. Great fanfics have been written which do show how Azula can change for the better. Some of the fanfics are better than canon stories.
Iroh and Ursa neglected her in favor of Zuko. Her mother didn't love her enough and her Uncle just didn't care. She only decided to go after care from the asshole who made her a child soldier
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Are you kidding? Of course she deserves a redemption arc.
Yeah as a person but not as a character
@@oofball2733 everybody deserves a second chance. I think if there was a fourth season the writer said that they were going to focus on her redemption arc.
It ended perfectly, the way it was supposed to, not the way you would have loved it to. Let it go!
Does she deserve it? Sure. But does that mean it's good story writing? Idk about that. He mentions at the end part of her arch is that you want her to change but she doesn't change for the good. Not every character needs to be saved.
@@hoykfnvnnesnxnnensncjforkx1616 she needs to be saved