if you’ve ever tried to help a friend get out of an abusive relationship, you’ll know it often takes multiple tries, like, they’ll get away and fall back into it over and over and over again until they hit a true breaking point. I feel like one of the things that makes zuko such a compelling character is that he goes through the same thing. also Azula’s hair has important symbolism
I cant wait until you see season 3. Mai and Ty Lee really shine there. Again they're also complex in their own right. We just don't get to see a lot more until the last season. As for Azula, I am sooo curious to see what you think at the end. She breaks my heart. Im especially curious to see how you see her and Zuko's relationship. I always have to remember that she's like 13 here. She's the same age Zuko was when he was banished.
Zuko's journey is as crucial, if not more, than Aang's. I love watching the whole crew grow but those two seem to fight their destinies the most and it is so fun watching them learn and discover themselves.
14:51 I think what Zuko story shows here is that everyone controls their own destiny, and ties to the other elements represent the idea of unity, which is present throughout ATLA. How "the greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation". The Blue Spirit itself represents everything Zuko is not: A criminal, thief, never using his firebending, even the color of the mask as opposite to red fiery nature of his.
Don't feel bad, we were ALL hurt by Zuko's choice at the end of Season 2 😢 Appa's Last Days is always a tough one to get through. Even on rewatch, I hesitate to watch that episode because it just hurts so much. He didn't deserve any of that. And, sadly, none of the gang will EVER know what happened to him because he can't tell them. Jet's fight in Ep.17 is just heartbreaking. Battling between who he is and who he's being forced to be is really sad in my eyes, and even though he could be antagonistic in the past, he is still a child, and a victim of the war just as everyone else is - he just took it differently. I like his duality, and how he can be set up as good foils for characters in the show (not saying who just in case), and the way he smiles and reassures everyone in the end just hurts, especially with Toph's line "he's lying". The last two episodes of this season are just incredible. Incredible, insightful, but very hurtful at the end. How everything falls apart with Azula coming out on top just dealt a severe blow to the plot and to the audience. We had no idea where things were going to go from there. Zuko's talk with Katara has always been so important to me. He doesn't lash out at her accusations, he quietly takes them, and then he reaches out with a proverbial branch to connect to her, and she takes it. It's a great moment for both of their characters, and then Azula comes in and manipulates him again. Yes, Azula always lies. He knows that, we know that, but she knows just what to say to get him to doubt every bit of progress he's made and that's where the crossroads come and he has to make a decision, and he makes a bad one. Remember, the main motivator and what matters to Zuko the most, as twisted as it is, he wants his father's love and approval, and if Azula offered him the chance to get that, of course that's going to lure him. It's not the easy route at all, like you said, but it still sucks lol especially him betraying Iroh. I got too much to say about this finale so I'll just be quiet and leave it at this 🤣
zuko wouldn't be one of the best redemsion arcs in fiction if it was that easy for him to switch sides. it's not enough for him to just see the other side, he also needs to be given everything he thought he wanted so he could examine if he still wants it before he could truly start to redeam himself
"That's what we've been told ! That's what Zuko tells himself !" .....exactly, but it's not true 😭 like i guess it shouldn't be that surprising that ppl don't pick up on it given the main-character adjacent bias etc. but Azula quite literally *barely ever* lies, and certainly not to him I also find it interesting that you believe there aren't enough signs about her "humanity" or whatever - but the thing is.. you do have the tools to understand her character already. You don't have to like her but you already touched on the "go go go", "controlling parental love" (re: Toph) and "rewired" mentality etc. ... It's just that you're open to apply these to Zuko and for some reason assume they don't apply to her, that says a lot in and of itself imo
Without spoiling anything, there is certainly more to Azula's sidekicks. This show is good at making every character more interesting as things go along.
A detail I love in the Appa’s Lost Days episode is that when Appa dreams of when he first met Aang, we then cut to Aang dreaming the same dream while on the Serpent’s Pass episode. It really shows how connected they are. They are literally having the same dream. The love and spiritual connection they share will forever be my favorite animal companion and human relationship. Ever.
I can’t watch Appa’s Lost Days on rewatch, it makes so sad 😢. Zuko’s conflicting loyalty is incredibly well done but we can’t talk about his arc until you complete season 3. Also, what are your opinions on Toph? She is my personal favorite and a great addition to the group but you haven’t mentioned her character a lot
I think Zuko seeing the avatar as a sitting duck and finally within reach was the tipping point. Your subconcious almost autopilots itself during these situations if you're not mentally grounded.
azula's redeeming quality is that she's competent and determined and cool af✨ depth is overrated. what happened to not being a total mess and getting shit done? kids these days would rather whine and cry for 60 episodes than infiltrate a court and conquer a kingdom😤😅
I remember when season 2's finale first aired being so, SO frustrated with Zuko. It was actually my younger cousin who said some things that at the time that ended up reframing it for me. I'm not gonna say what he said here now, since I worry it might be kind of spoiler-y since, well...my 12 year old cousin ended up being correct lol. Hopefully THIS comment isn't too spoiler-y all on its own...I just wanted commiserate with your experience and share a little--looking forward to your thoughts on season 3!
The character and dynamic of Zuko and Azula are definitely interesting, and I don't know how to say or explain it without spoiling (it's so frustrating!!😅) so you just have to wait ad witness it yourself. However, I will say that most of your theory/questions about Azula (and her team) and Zuko's plotline will be answered in S3. I personally think that S3 is THE best season of avatar, and I can't wait for you to experience it as well for the first time, it's going to be 🔥🔥.
Appa's Lost Days is both such an amazing and painful episode. When rewatching I always think about skipping it because it is so sad, but it also so well done that I never do. The episode actually won a Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States for it's depiction of animal cruelty. Still incredibly sad though. 😭
The scene with Zuko looking like Aang is one I've always seen as a layered one. I agree that a large part of it is that his identity is so wrapped up in Aang but, also, Aang is his narrative foil. They're stories mirror each other so closely and it could be that, subconsciously, he's seeing that.
Everyone during the crossroads of destiny: ok Zuko is finally gonna choose the right side. Its time, he's joining si- Zuko, what are doing? Why? Noooo!!! Zuko, you were the chosen one! You were supposed to join the Gaang, not betray them. Zuko: I just want my daddy to love me Everyone: Iroh loves you. (Sigh). Well at least Aang will go avatar state and stop Azu- NOOOOO! THAT'S AGAINST THE RULES, HE WAS POWERING UP, YOU CAN'T SHOOT HIM DURING THE POWERUP!
I love getting someone's initial reaction to this show. One of my favorite shows of all times. If you're looking for something for afterwards check out Gravity Falls. Think paranormal Rick and Morty the whole family can watch.
The earrh king is so derpy 🤣 Zuko is frustrating but awesome. I had the exact same feelings watching him at the end of season 2. But I feel like if he didn't have such a conflicting inner dialog he wouldn't be such a good character. I love azula as a villian. We definitely get more depth with her in season 3
Appa's lost days must be one of the saddest episodes, everytime I rewatch the show I make sure to skip this one. Without getting into spoilers I think most of your remarks (like Azula's friends personalities, Zukos possible redemption, etc) will be adressed in the future. And about Zutara, it's a fandom delusion 😅
For Zuko, I think he sees saving his sister as doing the right thing, period. However, by extension, that comes with siding with the fire nation. Choices for Zuko are always messy with no clear paths. He loves his family no matter the trauma and the abuse, he hates them as well. And Zuko is always struggling with defining “the right path”. …..enjoy season 3!!!!!
if you’ve ever tried to help a friend get out of an abusive relationship, you’ll know it often takes multiple tries, like, they’ll get away and fall back into it over and over and over again until they hit a true breaking point. I feel like one of the things that makes zuko such a compelling character is that he goes through the same thing. also Azula’s hair has important symbolism
Toph inventing metal bending is one of the highlights of this batch of episodes.
One of my favorite triumphant moments of the whole show!
Toph is the most badass.
ilove how Elliot constantly asks: "am i the only one who thinks this", when in fact, everyone thinks the same haha
I cant wait until you see season 3. Mai and Ty Lee really shine there. Again they're also complex in their own right. We just don't get to see a lot more until the last season.
As for Azula, I am sooo curious to see what you think at the end. She breaks my heart. Im especially curious to see how you see her and Zuko's relationship. I always have to remember that she's like 13 here. She's the same age Zuko was when he was banished.
Zuko's journey is as crucial, if not more, than Aang's. I love watching the whole crew grow but those two seem to fight their destinies the most and it is so fun watching them learn and discover themselves.
14:51 I think what Zuko story shows here is that everyone controls their own destiny, and ties to the other elements represent the idea of unity, which is present throughout ATLA. How "the greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation". The Blue Spirit itself represents everything Zuko is not: A criminal, thief, never using his firebending, even the color of the mask as opposite to red fiery nature of his.
Don't feel bad, we were ALL hurt by Zuko's choice at the end of Season 2 😢
Appa's Last Days is always a tough one to get through. Even on rewatch, I hesitate to watch that episode because it just hurts so much. He didn't deserve any of that. And, sadly, none of the gang will EVER know what happened to him because he can't tell them.
Jet's fight in Ep.17 is just heartbreaking. Battling between who he is and who he's being forced to be is really sad in my eyes, and even though he could be antagonistic in the past, he is still a child, and a victim of the war just as everyone else is - he just took it differently. I like his duality, and how he can be set up as good foils for characters in the show (not saying who just in case), and the way he smiles and reassures everyone in the end just hurts, especially with Toph's line "he's lying".
The last two episodes of this season are just incredible. Incredible, insightful, but very hurtful at the end. How everything falls apart with Azula coming out on top just dealt a severe blow to the plot and to the audience. We had no idea where things were going to go from there.
Zuko's talk with Katara has always been so important to me. He doesn't lash out at her accusations, he quietly takes them, and then he reaches out with a proverbial branch to connect to her, and she takes it. It's a great moment for both of their characters, and then Azula comes in and manipulates him again. Yes, Azula always lies. He knows that, we know that, but she knows just what to say to get him to doubt every bit of progress he's made and that's where the crossroads come and he has to make a decision, and he makes a bad one. Remember, the main motivator and what matters to Zuko the most, as twisted as it is, he wants his father's love and approval, and if Azula offered him the chance to get that, of course that's going to lure him. It's not the easy route at all, like you said, but it still sucks lol especially him betraying Iroh.
I got too much to say about this finale so I'll just be quiet and leave it at this 🤣
I recommend watching 6 episodes for either first or second batch in season 3, cause episodes 10-11 are a two parter.
zuko wouldn't be one of the best redemsion arcs in fiction if it was that easy for him to switch sides. it's not enough for him to just see the other side, he also needs to be given everything he thought he wanted so he could examine if he still wants it before he could truly start to redeam himself
"That's what we've been told ! That's what Zuko tells himself !" .....exactly, but it's not true 😭 like i guess it shouldn't be that surprising that ppl don't pick up on it given the main-character adjacent bias etc. but Azula quite literally *barely ever* lies, and certainly not to him
I also find it interesting that you believe there aren't enough signs about her "humanity" or whatever - but the thing is.. you do have the tools to understand her character already. You don't have to like her but you already touched on the "go go go", "controlling parental love" (re: Toph) and "rewired" mentality etc.
... It's just that you're open to apply these to Zuko and for some reason assume they don't apply to her, that says a lot in and of itself imo
24:49 we have to remember - Zuko is only a teenager. Dealing with all he has at that age has definitely warped how he thinks of the world.
Without spoiling anything, there is certainly more to Azula's sidekicks. This show is good at making every character more interesting as things go along.
A detail I love in the Appa’s Lost Days episode is that when Appa dreams of when he first met Aang, we then cut to Aang dreaming the same dream while on the Serpent’s Pass episode. It really shows how connected they are. They are literally having the same dream. The love and spiritual connection they share will forever be my favorite animal companion and human relationship. Ever.
the last batch of episodes for season 2 are truly devastating in so many different ways dfghdfhgdf
I can’t watch Appa’s Lost Days on rewatch, it makes so sad 😢. Zuko’s conflicting loyalty is incredibly well done but we can’t talk about his arc until you complete season 3. Also, what are your opinions on Toph? She is my personal favorite and a great addition to the group but you haven’t mentioned her character a lot
The Boulder feels conflicted
I AM GLAD IT WAS NOT JUST ME WHO THOUGHT THAT
😂😂
This finale hits like a ton of bricks, and it’s one of the best depictions of falling back into bad thought processes
I think Zuko seeing the avatar as a sitting duck and finally within reach was the tipping point. Your subconcious almost autopilots itself during these situations if you're not mentally grounded.
azula's redeeming quality is that she's competent and determined and cool af✨
depth is overrated. what happened to not being a total mess and getting shit done? kids these days would rather whine and cry for 60 episodes than infiltrate a court and conquer a kingdom😤😅
12:18 to be fair he was probably raised to be pawn, so it makes sense he would have that mindset
I remember when season 2's finale first aired being so, SO frustrated with Zuko. It was actually my younger cousin who said some things that at the time that ended up reframing it for me. I'm not gonna say what he said here now, since I worry it might be kind of spoiler-y since, well...my 12 year old cousin ended up being correct lol. Hopefully THIS comment isn't too spoiler-y all on its own...I just wanted commiserate with your experience and share a little--looking forward to your thoughts on season 3!
18:22
"we don't have time to dive into every single character"
...yet :D
You'll know the episode when it'll hit
The character and dynamic of Zuko and Azula are definitely interesting, and I don't know how to say or explain it without spoiling (it's so frustrating!!😅) so you just have to wait ad witness it yourself. However, I will say that most of your theory/questions about Azula (and her team) and Zuko's plotline will be answered in S3. I personally think that S3 is THE best season of avatar, and I can't wait for you to experience it as well for the first time, it's going to be 🔥🔥.
oh man I cant wait for you to see more of Azula next season
Poor Elliot needs therapy after this episode 😢
They did a poll on who do you hate the most in ATLA there was Osai and Azula and someone else but the most hated was the Circus guy by like 57%
Appa's Lost Days is both such an amazing and painful episode. When rewatching I always think about skipping it because it is so sad, but it also so well done that I never do. The episode actually won a Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States for it's depiction of animal cruelty. Still incredibly sad though. 😭
The scene with Zuko looking like Aang is one I've always seen as a layered one. I agree that a large part of it is that his identity is so wrapped up in Aang but, also, Aang is his narrative foil. They're stories mirror each other so closely and it could be that, subconsciously, he's seeing that.
i feel like it's very easy to find depth in azula if you analyze her next to zuko.
Everyone during the crossroads of destiny: ok Zuko is finally gonna choose the right side. Its time, he's joining si- Zuko, what are doing? Why? Noooo!!! Zuko, you were the chosen one! You were supposed to join the Gaang, not betray them.
Zuko: I just want my daddy to love me
Everyone: Iroh loves you. (Sigh). Well at least Aang will go avatar state and stop Azu- NOOOOO! THAT'S AGAINST THE RULES, HE WAS POWERING UP, YOU CAN'T SHOOT HIM DURING THE POWERUP!
I love getting someone's initial reaction to this show. One of my favorite shows of all times.
If you're looking for something for afterwards check out Gravity Falls. Think paranormal Rick and Morty the whole family can watch.
I'm so freaking excited for you to watch Season 3! There are so many amazing episodes coming up 😍
Love the hallway fight! and the Earth King is my favorite Chapter of Avatar.
so many things I wanna say but can't yettt 🤐🤐🤐
The earrh king is so derpy 🤣
Zuko is frustrating but awesome. I had the exact same feelings watching him at the end of season 2. But I feel like if he didn't have such a conflicting inner dialog he wouldn't be such a good character.
I love azula as a villian. We definitely get more depth with her in season 3
Appa's lost days breaks me every time i watch it
Appa's lost days must be one of the saddest episodes, everytime I rewatch the show I make sure to skip this one.
Without getting into spoilers I think most of your remarks (like Azula's friends personalities, Zukos possible redemption, etc) will be adressed in the future.
And about Zutara, it's a fandom delusion 😅
Your opinuon on Azulas sidekicks is probably going to change
There is no war in Ba Sing Se
Looking forward to your season 3 analysis!
When done with the show I think youd like cinema therapys take on iroh and zuko
At 10:20 Is the brain washing in book 2 darker than the genocide theme ?
For Zuko, I think he sees saving his sister as doing the right thing, period. However, by extension, that comes with siding with the fire nation. Choices for Zuko are always messy with no clear paths. He loves his family no matter the trauma and the abuse, he hates them as well. And Zuko is always struggling with defining “the right path”. …..enjoy season 3!!!!!