I don't blame the mother at all. It's subtle but the family is thinking Zuko could possibly stay with them and fill the void of their son. On the flip side of that Zuko sees he could finally be surrounded by a family that accepts him. So when the lady finds out he's is fire nation and the Prince she is heart broken on different levels.
It really sucks that after revealing hes not only fire nation, but the prince as well, the mother and Lee change their views on him because of what the fire nation has done to their home and family. Cant blame them for changing their views on him, maybe the father might think differently since he welcomed zuko into his home without even asking who he is or his past!
Never forget WHO you are. It matters not WHAT one is, but WHO they are. Even if others think you a monster, so long as you alone know who you are, and even, as you said, what you are, the impact of the words shall scarcely be felt.
“Growing up, we were told the Fire Nation is the greatest civilization in history. And somehow, the war was our way showing our greatness to the world. What an amazing lie that was. The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation. They don’t see our greatness; they hate us, and we deserve it.” Zuko.
Theres virtually infinite things you can learn from watching and re-watching ATLA. The best part is theres no pretentious vibe and comes from a respectful place
The episode also showed how little Azulon understood Ozai. Seriously does anyone think Ozai would have given a rats ass if Zuko died? Much less learned anything from it?
@@Aggarius don't get me wrong, I doubt ozai actually loved her. but he definitely saw her as a more worthy successor to himself, and likely would not have wanted to lose that.
@@rishabhanand4973 i agree with you, i don't think ozai loved her or even was truly attatched to her but losing her would make him think at least. Im sure he would have considered her future at minimum and how useful she could be to him in the long run. He would hesitate to say yes, after all, you can see that early on, he was already using her to gain favor with his father, so clearly he values her to SOME degree.
The most tragic part of this episode for me was seeing firsthand how lonely Zuko’s childhood was, how devilish his sister was and how close he was to his mom. The book 2 episodes with Zuko really stood out to me. I believe it was earlier in book 2 when Zuko is screaming at the sky during the thunderstorm, that scene was powerful. The show is a master class in how to get viewers to care about the antagonists.
I think that in between the season 1 finale and the "Crossroads of Destiny" episodes, Zuko isn't an antagonist. He's more of a polytagonist, because we don't know if he's still trying to thwart our protagonists or if he has turned against his fellow antagonists. That's mostly why I think Zuko is such a good character, because we don't know what he's going to do next. He could be hunting the avatar, fighting his sister to the death, or working in a tea shop and he'd still look at place.
The way azula was isn't that odd to me- kids are cruel and this kid was raised favoured by ozai What got me after a few viewings is her darker urges were encouraged and nurtured by part of her family, and caused her to be shutdown in general basically whenever she interacted with her mom. She wasn't given much of a shot, in many ways. She was basically groomed into the position of a manipulative, violent person because of a childhood temperament, and the few good influences were only interested in teaching her older brother. She ended up seen as a monster or a tool to basically everyone important to her.
The dagger: "Never give up without a fight." Ursa: "That's who you are, Zuko. Someone who keeps fighting even when it's hard." Zuko, episode 120: "I don't need luck, though. I don't want it. I've had to struggle and fight, and it's made me strong. It's made me who I am."
Zuko standing triumphant, then turning to those he saved only to be rejected as they fear the banished prince and his firebending. And Zuko’s slow turn away, not saying a word, head down and not looking back. god what a powerful scene, good stuff as always Sage 🔥🌧
Zuko doesn't even flinch. He doesn't look angry or sad, he stays dead serious and walks away. He is like that, stoic, we don't get to know how he feels all the time. Aang is the opposite, he can stay silent and we know exactly how he feels, either for a big frown or a giant smile in his face. Those are two masterfully developed characters and that development is part of their aesthetic choices.
@@laurocoman I disagree. We know exactly how Zuko feels as he turns and leaves the town. Remember how he was scarred. He spoke out against the inhumane treatment of new recruits. He objected at the senseless cruelity shown by his father. Zuko feel this same anger again as Azula turns on him. And we see Zuko finally as an outside, someone helping to fight people like the fire nation. ANd it doesn't matter what good deed ZUko tried to do. People judged him for who he was, not the context of his actions. Ozai, burning his face and the town rejecting him are one in the same. The only difference is Zuko is a fire bending "master" not a scared child. He cant fight back against their reaction what would that do? Prove their point about some violent dangerous fire bender. He's feeling the exact same rejection and loss, the same anger, and injustice he felt when he was scarred, he feels as he leaves that town.
In avatar: the search comic. Ursa told ozai she can kill azulon with a poison that is hard to detect and he can slip it into azulons tea to kill him and save zukos life. Ozai agrees but makes sure ursa leaves so she cant do the same to him
@Instrumentality1000 really? You do realize that this makes her the next firelord by heridity (looking at izumi and azula we know that women can take the role) making her a benefactor of the situation. And she was not a murderer and just gave ozai the poison to do as he pleases
I never was mad at the town for turning on Zuko. Sure, he saved the kid's life. But he not only was the son of "Fire Breathing Hitler"- but he proudly boasted it. Proclaiming he is the heir to the throne. The future Fire Lord. A title that has amassed so much fear and hatred towards it. Sorry, but that's not the type of shit that people can just "get over" after one small act of kindness. And their fears are of him are ultimately justified. Zuko ends up selling out their entire kingdom for a shot at taking down the Avatar, the hero of the world. A shot at gaining favor with their Hitler. Sure, he eventually sees his mistake but it's a long journey to get too- and was never a sure thing. Zuko is my favorite character in the series by far, but it's fair to see why people were afraid of him for a good portion of the show.
@@oliverh.547 why though. The fire nation affected all of them in some way and then Zuko turns out to be a firebender, and worse than that he was the son of the firelord. The audience is already expecting Zuko to turn good, and he eventually gets there, but to the regular people of the earth kingdom he is one of the worst people that could possibly show his face.
@@yraco1232 He helped them. The villagers were very rude and short minded that they would not look at his actions but his nation. They deserved those bad earth kingdom garrison soldiers. At the beginning of the episode I felt sorry for them for having such bad people as a garrison to protect them, but when Zuko helped and they were so rude to him only because he is a firebendet and the SON of the Firelord (not the Firelord himself) even though he helped them with his firebending I was hoping that the garrison would still be so bad towards them, because they deserved it. The next time I watched the episode and saw how that earth garrison is abusing its power towards yhe villagers I was happy, because I knew those people were bad in their core as they showed at the end of the episode and they deserved everything bad from that garrison.
Oliver H. This is incredibly short sided and shows no comprehension of the realities of war, military occupation, and oppression. These people have lived miserable lives entirely because of the Fire Nation’s invasion. A small act of kindness doesn’t erase 100 years worth of occupation and suffering. These people are completely justified in hating Zuko, especially after he boasts about being from the royal family.
"The effect of the war has created an ingrained hatred towards them. where even acts of kindness are quickly forgotten" Moral of both life and the video right there
DeadlyBacon it’s amazing what difference a few writers can make. Even when it means turning a well loved show into one of the worst shows in history with one final season.
I have no problem with it it would have been better of the show hadnt rush the development with the season being so rushed they could've kept him alive
2:11 To me, it always was like a throwback to the boy he was before he was banished. To the reason, why he was banished. It has nothing to do with uncle Iroh but with his mother raising him right. To a compationate, open, helpfull boy who knows what is right and what is wrong even though his surroundings shows the opisite. Despite his father wanting him to see compation and care as weaknesses and disrespect. It is deep in his core. He might be angry and bitter, but he was nether cruel. He always was good and honerable at heart, while the outside decided to try to take it from him.
In the first season he proudly proclaims that he is not a prodigy like his sister and that he became strong through struggle. He says it in a way that seems like it's something REALLY ingrained in him. This episode explains why, good foresight in the series. They plant some seeds pretty early.
One of the things that made this series a classic and must watch was the subtlety and nuance of the series, always questioning “what and who is good or bad? Can we view the world in absolutes?” That they didn’t smack us in the face with the meaning that they left a lot up to us to read into and interpret brought the story to the level of literature and not just entertainment
Don't forget an old man in the crowd mentioned how the fire lord banished and disowned him, even this is not enough for people to not instantly hate Zuko because he is a fire bender.
I was still a kid when this episode came out and it was one of the few times a cartoon ever made me cry. At the time the thought of him being shunned because of where he was from despite his heroic act was too complex for me to grasp. Its still my favorite episode of the series.
i watched this show when i was a kid and i always liked it but i was pretty young so i never really thought about it. a year ago i started watching videos about it and realized how complex this show actually is. it‘s insane how much depth every character has and that you can still find new details about them even after years. i love this show and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Zuko resting, eating, working, and socializing with earth kingdom citizens reminds me of jon snow angrily defending himself when stating that " AYE!!! I talk like a wildling. I ate with the wildlings. I climbed the wall with the wildlings. I lay with a wilding girl...". Just because the protagonist sees the perspective of their supposed inferior enemy and can now relate with their shared experiences as opposed to everything being one sided
Zuko Alone is an episode about infighting. Infighting between the Fire Nation Royal Family and infighting between the Earth Kingdom Soldiers and Earth Kingdom Villages. You're not just fighting an enemy, you are fighting yourself. Ursa told Zuko to never forget who you are, but sometimes doing so leaves you alone.
This is the best show ever created, so much character development, such a deep story, such beautiful relationships between people. I never get tired of watching it, and everytime I do, it makes me want to cry
@@NaybOrkanaOh yeah, maybe I should read some more of those. I did read the series where they found Zuko's mother, but that didn't have much about the nations. Are the other comics worth the time investment, though? I've heard many of them aren't well written.
@@bluesteele5786 They are not of the same quality as the series, that's for sure. But they are not long, so it wouldn't be such a time loss either. It expands the world and some cool interactions but they are still coming out.
Honestly just thank you for continuing to talk about this series. There's really so much to unpack and appreciate but since it aired quite some time ago not a lot of people do. It's a wonderful series and I'm glad you're taking the time to look in-depth at the intricacies of it's themes and characters
7:46 "Though, thankfully, he had Uncle Iroh." This is somewhat deceiving. I feel no one talks about Iroh's character development enough because it's something not all too focused or understood due to Iroh's lack of screen time and the stalling of the character after Mako's death. You stated this: he was a general during the siege. In that moment, Iroh A: Loved all of his family and B: Was willing to inflict harm onto others through the war effort for the sake of his nation (regardless of moral/ethical objectivity). This changes after the death of his son as Iroh then feels the same pain he had been inflicting on others and B now changes to BB: Wants to help be a force of good in the world for the entire world. That's an important change, but ALSO now A and BB now *completely* oppose each other due to the war. In the two-year period between Ursa's disappearance and Zuko's banishment, Iroh may have been physically there with Zuko (maybe), but I have no doubt at all that Iroh must have been struggling to maintain A and BB which means he would only be able to provide Zuko with love but not council like Zuko's mother used to give to reassure Zuko due his lack of understanding (Zuko's mom was able to give both because she loved Zuko and damn well understood the turmoil of the royal family). It could even be argued that this state of Iroh remains the same throughout the next two years that Zuko and Iroh are at sea. In effect, Iroh helped, but Zuko would still have been lost (alone) with how to handle the evil in the royal family for years after Ura's disappearance. That ends the original point I was making, but it's extrapolated even further when thinking of the events of Book: Water and early Book: Earth. Although Iroh now started to at least not aid in the war effort, he was not actively attempting to stop the fire nation UNTIL he tried to defeat Admiral Zhao/help Aang and friends in the North Pole. Then when Book: Earth starts, we see the fire nation (manifested as none other than Azula, a branch of the royal family) retaliate by attempting to capture Iroh and Zuko and then branding them as traitors. With not only that but Iroh also telling Zuko he seems him as a son at the end of Book: Water and when both Iroh and Zuko cut off their top knots in the beginning of Book: Earth (a voluntary physical change of an important aspect of their outward appearances to reflect the change in BOTH of their hearts), Iroh's arc is nearly complete: A changes to AA: Loves the good people within his family. With both AA and BB, you may think Iroh's arc *is* complete. You might think he can now just live his live helping others and loving the one good member left of his family, but no. No one is *only* good. This is why Zuko's betrayal STINGS as we are all led to believe that Zuko philosophically kills the concept of AA and leaves Iroh with no other options as Zuko was his last hope for a connection to his family as he is left to rot alone in a jail cell for believing in the idea of AA. We come to learn (as Iroh did) that good people still have the potential to commit evil acts or simply make mistakes. This is why Iroh wasn't angry when Zuko apologizes (and we all cry during the scene) because he came to understand this idea: AAA: Love the people attempting to be good in the family and forgive them if they inflict evil on you now and then (mistake or intentional). All I'm saying is that this all means a LOT less if what I said in the first paragraph isn't picked up on. Iroh isn't a character that was morally sound his entire life and underwent no change throughout the show. Believing this discounts or deafens some of the most important lessons in the show because it de-humanizes Uncle Iroh and makes us think the same conclusions he came to don't apply to us and own lives. Yes, I did just take an idle statement you made and wrote out an entire article. Mb.
Side note: another tipping point is evident after azula tries to kill Iroh and Zuko says he might know what Iroh might say, that 'they should love and forgive her,' but instead he says something like, "No, she's crazy and has to go down."
A great TL;DR: the character of Iroh has such weight because he traveled down the same paths as Zuko currently is. He attempts to show him the correct way, but Zuko rejects passively accepting the life lessons Iroh is trying to give him and learns through experience. Pain, physical (the scar) but also emotional, is his teacher. Discount Iroh's story and you discount Zuko's.
This was so beautifully crafted and put together. It tells Zukos story perfectly and highlights why he is the way he is and the reality of his surroundings. fantastic job
"Here, Zuko, have this dagger. It has 'Never give up' inscribed on the blade." "It was taken from a general _who surrendered."_ I think the irony dripping off of this moment gets lost in discussions about everything else in this episode lmao.
Such a beautiful show. I recently rewatched the series and I felt happy yet sad at the same time when it was over. I feared that this community had died off but I’m happy to see people still cherish this show. Keep up the good work Sage.
Zuko needed this more than anything for his character development, visiting this town I would say is what started to open his eyes into what the Fire Nation is. As he told his dad later that ppl hate and fear the fire nation, they don’t respect or cherish it.
I think he needed this, cause his whole life he was told the Fire Nation was Great & Respected by all Nation’s. And we all know all the Nation’s Feared & Hated the Fire Nation, something Young Zuko was not told
I really want to see one about sesshomaru and how meeting rin helped him find the compassion that was buried within him. "Sesshomaru's compassion" is the name I would give it.
This episode was my introduction to the series. I didn't have Nickelodeon growing up so the few opportunities I had to see those shows were at friends' houses. Prior to Avatar, the most complex Nickelodeon show I had seen was SpongeBob SquarePants, and the most complex cartoon I'd seen was Batman Beyond. This show was so much more real and powerful than both of them, and this episode perfectly exemplifies that reality
I always found Azulon's order for Zuko's death odd. I know it was confirmed to be true in various ways, but I originally thought that it might've been Ozai twisting Azulon's words around in a sick, preconceived plot to get rid of the son he didn't want and further elevate Azula's upbringing. He definitely had the mind for it.
Rain... all of your work/analysis of shows have helped me see thing in a better light. Thank you for what you're doing man... You're a wise man, and you have my respect beyond a fan. Thank you for everything you do.
Dude it is a good day and a good series when after more than 10 freaking years it is still being talked about :D long live Avatar, better yet, Forever live Avatar!
I'm really happy someone else noticed the crooked earth kingdom soldiers and the implications it has. Zuko alone was my favorite episode until I rewatched the old masters, and it's still a solid second
I love this show so much, it's so much more than a cartoon, it's kind of a guid for spiritul growth. Ive learned a lot from watching this series, and I've watched it multiple times, it never gets old.
I don't blame the mother at all. It's subtle but the family is thinking Zuko could possibly stay with them and fill the void of their son. On the flip side of that Zuko sees he could finally be surrounded by a family that accepts him.
So when the lady finds out he's is fire nation and the Prince she is heart broken on different levels.
Exactly. War changes people
... and then so is his.
It really sucks that after revealing hes not only fire nation, but the prince as well, the mother and Lee change their views on him because of what the fire nation has done to their home and family. Cant blame them for changing their views on him, maybe the father might think differently since he welcomed zuko into his home without even asking who he is or his past!
Never date a single mother
@@PatZalatoris so how did you get that scar?
Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you.
That line is so powerful...
-Tyrion Lannister
And yet.... You betrayed me....
@@splitfries69 not soon enough.
Never forget WHO you are. It matters not WHAT one is, but WHO they are. Even if others think you a monster, so long as you alone know who you are, and even, as you said, what you are, the impact of the words shall scarcely be felt.
“Growing up, we were told the Fire Nation is the greatest civilization in history. And somehow, the war was our way showing our greatness to the world. What an amazing lie that was. The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation. They don’t see our greatness; they hate us, and we deserve it.”
Zuko.
Might as well be talking about the US at this point
@@effenberg2532 tbh
@@effenberg2532 atleast we don't start wars. We join to help. That's one redeeming factor
@@tjhicks3600 only an american could say such a thing lmao
@@tjhicks3600 Lmao no offense or anything, but nothing comes good of in fueling a war.
I love how theres always so much to talk about Avatar.
CJ almost 20 years and it is still one of the deepest and most thoughtful shows I’ve seen :)
Theres virtually infinite things you can learn from watching and re-watching ATLA. The best part is theres no pretentious vibe and comes from a respectful place
That is because ATLA is the GOAT of any film series 😄
I especially love it because i only finished watching it for the first time a few days ago and it gives me the feel that i wasn't too late :D
@@IRurushu Oh maan you are so lucky I envy you 🤣
The episode also showed how little Azulon understood Ozai. Seriously does anyone think Ozai would have given a rats ass if Zuko died? Much less learned anything from it?
agreed
right? azulon should have made ozai kill azula, as she was clearly his favorite. That would have made him hesitate.
rishabh anand probably not tbh lol
@@Aggarius don't get me wrong, I doubt ozai actually loved her. but he definitely saw her as a more worthy successor to himself, and likely would not have wanted to lose that.
@@rishabhanand4973 i agree with you, i don't think ozai loved her or even was truly attatched to her but losing her would make him think at least. Im sure he would have considered her future at minimum and how useful she could be to him in the long run. He would hesitate to say yes, after all, you can see that early on, he was already using her to gain favor with his father, so clearly he values her to SOME degree.
It’s was Zuko alone who redeemed the fire nation
and Iroh! Remember that the White Lotus did help at the end of the Hundred-year War.
And iroh!
@Geralt of Trivia oof-
Iroh: am i a joke to you?
But iroh was the one who redeemed him
The most tragic part of this episode for me was seeing firsthand how lonely Zuko’s childhood was, how devilish his sister was and how close he was to his mom. The book 2 episodes with Zuko really stood out to me. I believe it was earlier in book 2 when Zuko is screaming at the sky during the thunderstorm, that scene was powerful. The show is a master class in how to get viewers to care about the antagonists.
I think that in between the season 1 finale and the "Crossroads of Destiny" episodes, Zuko isn't an antagonist. He's more of a polytagonist, because we don't know if he's still trying to thwart our protagonists or if he has turned against his fellow antagonists. That's mostly why I think Zuko is such a good character, because we don't know what he's going to do next. He could be hunting the avatar, fighting his sister to the death, or working in a tea shop and he'd still look at place.
@@SPaleocrassas what's a polytagonist ?
Zuko was never the antagonist
@@SPaleocrassas the word you are looking for is dueteragonist
The way azula was isn't that odd to me- kids are cruel and this kid was raised favoured by ozai
What got me after a few viewings is her darker urges were encouraged and nurtured by part of her family, and caused her to be shutdown in general basically whenever she interacted with her mom.
She wasn't given much of a shot, in many ways. She was basically groomed into the position of a manipulative, violent person because of a childhood temperament, and the few good influences were only interested in teaching her older brother.
She ended up seen as a monster or a tool to basically everyone important to her.
The dagger: "Never give up without a fight."
Ursa: "That's who you are, Zuko. Someone who keeps fighting even when it's hard."
Zuko, episode 120: "I don't need luck, though. I don't want it. I've had to struggle and fight, and it's made me strong. It's made me who I am."
120? you mean 20 right?
@@Dr.JonathanCrane it means season 1 ep 20
Zuko standing triumphant, then turning to those he saved only to be rejected as they fear the banished prince and his firebending. And Zuko’s slow turn away, not saying a word, head down and not looking back. god what a powerful scene, good stuff as always Sage 🔥🌧
Zuko doesn't even flinch. He doesn't look angry or sad, he stays dead serious and walks away. He is like that, stoic, we don't get to know how he feels all the time. Aang is the opposite, he can stay silent and we know exactly how he feels, either for a big frown or a giant smile in his face. Those are two masterfully developed characters and that development is part of their aesthetic choices.
@@laurocoman I disagree. We know exactly how Zuko feels as he turns and leaves the town. Remember how he was scarred. He spoke out against the inhumane treatment of new recruits. He objected at the senseless cruelity shown by his father. Zuko feel this same anger again as Azula turns on him. And we see Zuko finally as an outside, someone helping to fight people like the fire nation.
ANd it doesn't matter what good deed ZUko tried to do. People judged him for who he was, not the context of his actions. Ozai, burning his face and the town rejecting him are one in the same. The only difference is Zuko is a fire bending "master" not a scared child. He cant fight back against their reaction what would that do? Prove their point about some violent dangerous fire bender. He's feeling the exact same rejection and loss, the same anger, and injustice he felt when he was scarred, he feels as he leaves that town.
@Lyre Beautiful
zuko was alone.
Zuko have one of the best redemption arcs. Every time I saw his transition, conflict and struggles, it's makes my heart weep. 😭
Azula was supposed to have one
@@kingedward8556 🙄🤔
@@mariapazgonzalezlesme yes, it was the head writer idea, to give her one too
When he faces ozai , one of the best scenes ever.
@@kingedward8556 Yeah, it would've been good. I think there is a comic on it though, which I'm planning to read soon when I get time.
I am a simple man. A Sage's Rain video is posted. I watch the new Sage's Rain video again and again.
Tiber Septim I see your a man of culture.
@@giovanyvelazquez1047 you're
i see a simple man, i like
@@ChillandVersatile thank you for youre correction
I too, do this a lot
I always wondered how this village reacted to Zuko and his ascension .
Sounds like a great fanfic writing prompt
jamaine gardner that’s a great point
probably a little annoyed but satisfied that the war's over
In avatar: the search comic. Ursa told ozai she can kill azulon with a poison that is hard to detect and he can slip it into azulons tea to kill him and save zukos life. Ozai agrees but makes sure ursa leaves so she cant do the same to him
@Instrumentality1000 really? You do realize that this makes her the next firelord by heridity (looking at izumi and azula we know that women can take the role) making her a benefactor of the situation. And she was not a murderer and just gave ozai the poison to do as he pleases
@Deathcoldan She just made the poison. Ozai used it. Plus Azulon, Sozin and Ozai did worse things
@Instrumentality1000 If that decision had been made, she would've been one of 2 suspects and it would not have ended well for any of them.
@@InfernosReaper idc if I was her I would have killed him.
@@vegitoblue2187 nope iroh would of been firelord, though who would come after him, who knows.
People forget is zuko used this experience in his speech against his father during the comet
The eclipse
This show ended in 2008, and is still being talked about 11 years later. For me, the greatest cartoon/anime ever made
not anime
Who cares bruh.
“ If there’s one thing we know about Zuko , it’s that he never gives up. “ -Sokka
I never was mad at the town for turning on Zuko.
Sure, he saved the kid's life. But he not only was the son of "Fire Breathing Hitler"- but he proudly boasted it. Proclaiming he is the heir to the throne. The future Fire Lord. A title that has amassed so much fear and hatred towards it.
Sorry, but that's not the type of shit that people can just "get over" after one small act of kindness. And their fears are of him are ultimately justified. Zuko ends up selling out their entire kingdom for a shot at taking down the Avatar, the hero of the world. A shot at gaining favor with their Hitler. Sure, he eventually sees his mistake but it's a long journey to get too- and was never a sure thing.
Zuko is my favorite character in the series by far, but it's fair to see why people were afraid of him for a good portion of the show.
I did actually blame the town for turning on Zuko.
I did at first. But it took me a while to realize “nah they were entirely correct.”
@@oliverh.547 why though. The fire nation affected all of them in some way and then Zuko turns out to be a firebender, and worse than that he was the son of the firelord.
The audience is already expecting Zuko to turn good, and he eventually gets there, but to the regular people of the earth kingdom he is one of the worst people that could possibly show his face.
@@yraco1232 He helped them. The villagers were very rude and short minded that they would not look at his actions but his nation. They deserved those bad earth kingdom garrison soldiers. At the beginning of the episode I felt sorry for them for having such bad people as a garrison to protect them, but when Zuko helped and they were so rude to him only because he is a firebendet and the SON of the Firelord (not the Firelord himself) even though he helped them with his firebending I was hoping that the garrison would still be so bad towards them, because they deserved it. The next time I watched the episode and saw how that earth garrison is abusing its power towards yhe villagers I was happy, because I knew those people were bad in their core as they showed at the end of the episode and they deserved everything bad from that garrison.
Oliver H.
This is incredibly short sided and shows no comprehension of the realities of war, military occupation, and oppression. These people have lived miserable lives entirely because of the Fire Nation’s invasion. A small act of kindness doesn’t erase 100 years worth of occupation and suffering.
These people are completely justified in hating Zuko, especially after he boasts about being from the royal family.
Zuko is one of the best written characters I’ve ever seen. Such a great journey to regain his and the fire nations honor
"The effect of the war has created an ingrained hatred towards them. where even acts of kindness are quickly forgotten"
Moral of both life and the video right there
Zuko's redemption arc in TLA is what Jaime's was supposed to be in GoT.
*_Change My Mind._*
DeadlyBacon it’s amazing what difference a few writers can make. Even when it means turning a well loved show into one of the worst shows in history with one final season.
DeadlyBacon GOT is a decent show at best with great cinematography and acting
I have no problem with it it would have been better of the show hadnt rush the development
with the season being so rushed they could've kept him alive
who?
Jamie's development IS like that... in the books
I am a simple man. I see a avatar video from sage's rain, I like.
i see a simple man, i like
I am also a simple man. I see a simple man liking a simple man, I like both.
@@metronome7799 Now there are 3 simple men before me I want to join.
When you realize the final Agni kai music is playing in the background...
2:11
To me, it always was like a throwback to the boy he was before he was banished. To the reason, why he was banished. It has nothing to do with uncle Iroh but with his mother raising him right. To a compationate, open, helpfull boy who knows what is right and what is wrong even though his surroundings shows the opisite. Despite his father wanting him to see compation and care as weaknesses and disrespect. It is deep in his core. He might be angry and bitter, but he was nether cruel. He always was good and honerable at heart, while the outside decided to try to take it from him.
This episode made me root for Zuko to find himself. He really went through the mud and kept going and going. I admire that about him.
Thank you for this- Zuko is my favorite character and I’m so happy you covered this episode!! ❤️🖤
Monica AP Mine too
@@tailynhudu1601 He's basically the fan favourite character in avatar
My favorite as well and one of the best written
In the first season he proudly proclaims that he is not a prodigy like his sister and that he became strong through struggle. He says it in a way that seems like it's something REALLY ingrained in him. This episode explains why, good foresight in the series. They plant some seeds pretty early.
The subtle tragic Final Agni Kai music that was played in the background of Zukos flashbacks of Azula and Ursa, is truly beautiful well done.
One of the things that made this series a classic and must watch was the subtlety and nuance of the series, always questioning “what and who is good or bad? Can we view the world in absolutes?”
That they didn’t smack us in the face with the meaning that they left a lot up to us to read into and interpret brought the story to the level of literature and not just entertainment
Don't forget an old man in the crowd mentioned how the fire lord banished and disowned him, even this is not enough for people to not instantly hate Zuko because he is a fire bender.
I was still a kid when this episode came out and it was one of the few times a cartoon ever made me cry. At the time the thought of him being shunned because of where he was from despite his heroic act was too complex for me to grasp. Its still my favorite episode of the series.
i watched this show when i was a kid and i always liked it but i was pretty young so i never really thought about it. a year ago i started watching videos about it and realized how complex this show actually is. it‘s insane how much depth every character has and that you can still find new details about them even after years. i love this show and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Zuko resting, eating, working, and socializing with earth kingdom citizens reminds me of jon snow angrily defending himself when stating that
" AYE!!! I talk like a wildling. I ate with the wildlings. I climbed the wall with the wildlings. I lay with a wilding girl...".
Just because the protagonist sees the perspective of their supposed inferior enemy and can now relate with their shared experiences as opposed to everything being one sided
Zuko Alone is an episode about infighting. Infighting between the Fire Nation Royal Family and infighting between the Earth Kingdom Soldiers and Earth Kingdom Villages. You're not just fighting an enemy, you are fighting yourself. Ursa told Zuko to never forget who you are, but sometimes doing so leaves you alone.
This is the best show ever created, so much character development, such a deep story, such beautiful relationships between people. I never get tired of watching it, and everytime I do, it makes me want to cry
The world needs "Avatar: The Last Airbender" more than ever!
A fourth season of Avatar could have been amazing if it showed the slight steps in the healing process between the nations.
Basically the comics show this. They show the birth of Republic City.
@@NaybOrkanaOh yeah, maybe I should read some more of those. I did read the series where they found Zuko's mother, but that didn't have much about the nations. Are the other comics worth the time investment, though? I've heard many of them aren't well written.
@@bluesteele5786 They are not of the same quality as the series, that's for sure. But they are not long, so it wouldn't be such a time loss either. It expands the world and some cool interactions but they are still coming out.
God, he has probably the best character arc I've ever had the pleasure of watching unfold.
Easily one of my favorite episodes
I could fall asleep to this guy's voice.
Honestly just thank you for continuing to talk about this series. There's really so much to unpack and appreciate but since it aired quite some time ago not a lot of people do. It's a wonderful series and I'm glad you're taking the time to look in-depth at the intricacies of it's themes and characters
Anything bad happens to my friends
Me : that’s rough buddy
Nobody understand expect one of my friends who just fangirls with me it’s great
You've talked about all the reasons why this is my absolute favorite episode of the season
Julian Thuesdee this and Bitter Work are some of the best television ever aired.
7:46 "Though, thankfully, he had Uncle Iroh." This is somewhat deceiving. I feel no one talks about Iroh's character development enough because it's something not all too focused or understood due to Iroh's lack of screen time and the stalling of the character after Mako's death. You stated this: he was a general during the siege. In that moment, Iroh A: Loved all of his family and B: Was willing to inflict harm onto others through the war effort for the sake of his nation (regardless of moral/ethical objectivity). This changes after the death of his son as Iroh then feels the same pain he had been inflicting on others and B now changes to BB: Wants to help be a force of good in the world for the entire world. That's an important change, but ALSO now A and BB now *completely* oppose each other due to the war.
In the two-year period between Ursa's disappearance and Zuko's banishment, Iroh may have been physically there with Zuko (maybe), but I have no doubt at all that Iroh must have been struggling to maintain A and BB which means he would only be able to provide Zuko with love but not council like Zuko's mother used to give to reassure Zuko due his lack of understanding (Zuko's mom was able to give both because she loved Zuko and damn well understood the turmoil of the royal family). It could even be argued that this state of Iroh remains the same throughout the next two years that Zuko and Iroh are at sea. In effect, Iroh helped, but Zuko would still have been lost (alone) with how to handle the evil in the royal family for years after Ura's disappearance.
That ends the original point I was making, but it's extrapolated even further when thinking of the events of Book: Water and early Book: Earth. Although Iroh now started to at least not aid in the war effort, he was not actively attempting to stop the fire nation UNTIL he tried to defeat Admiral Zhao/help Aang and friends in the North Pole. Then when Book: Earth starts, we see the fire nation (manifested as none other than Azula, a branch of the royal family) retaliate by attempting to capture Iroh and Zuko and then branding them as traitors. With not only that but Iroh also telling Zuko he seems him as a son at the end of Book: Water and when both Iroh and Zuko cut off their top knots in the beginning of Book: Earth (a voluntary physical change of an important aspect of their outward appearances to reflect the change in BOTH of their hearts), Iroh's arc is nearly complete: A changes to AA: Loves the good people within his family. With both AA and BB, you may think Iroh's arc *is* complete. You might think he can now just live his live helping others and loving the one good member left of his family, but no. No one is *only* good. This is why Zuko's betrayal STINGS as we are all led to believe that Zuko philosophically kills the concept of AA and leaves Iroh with no other options as Zuko was his last hope for a connection to his family as he is left to rot alone in a jail cell for believing in the idea of AA. We come to learn (as Iroh did) that good people still have the potential to commit evil acts or simply make mistakes. This is why Iroh wasn't angry when Zuko apologizes (and we all cry during the scene) because he came to understand this idea: AAA: Love the people attempting to be good in the family and forgive them if they inflict evil on you now and then (mistake or intentional).
All I'm saying is that this all means a LOT less if what I said in the first paragraph isn't picked up on. Iroh isn't a character that was morally sound his entire life and underwent no change throughout the show. Believing this discounts or deafens some of the most important lessons in the show because it de-humanizes Uncle Iroh and makes us think the same conclusions he came to don't apply to us and own lives.
Yes, I did just take an idle statement you made and wrote out an entire article. Mb.
Side note: another tipping point is evident after azula tries to kill Iroh and Zuko says he might know what Iroh might say, that 'they should love and forgive her,' but instead he says something like, "No, she's crazy and has to go down."
A great TL;DR: the character of Iroh has such weight because he traveled down the same paths as Zuko currently is. He attempts to show him the correct way, but Zuko rejects passively accepting the life lessons Iroh is trying to give him and learns through experience. Pain, physical (the scar) but also emotional, is his teacher. Discount Iroh's story and you discount Zuko's.
I like it!
Zoumios “And suffering will be your teacher.” Firelord Ozai.
It really sucks that he was right. But it’s 100% true.
Tbh I always wondered about this family after Zuko became Fire Lord and tried to change things for the better in the comics and such
The combination of this amazingly put together video and his deep charming voice make me truly happy
I love these atla episode reviews please do more
I absolutly admire this channel its just fascinating that so many years after it aired i can revisit these moments in these videos
This was my favorite episode of all remarking that no matter how kind you are sometimes it doesn't pay off
This was so beautifully crafted and put together. It tells Zukos story perfectly and highlights why he is the way he is and the reality of his surroundings. fantastic job
The sharing of scares is one of the greatest scenes in the show
Change my Mind
Zuko and Iroh are the best duo
You are literally my favorite TH-camr please never stop making videos. You bring joy and comfort to my life every time you make another video.
Dude my mind was blown to the point that I have replayed this 10 times 🙏 keep up the good work
"Here, Zuko, have this dagger. It has 'Never give up' inscribed on the blade."
"It was taken from a general _who surrendered."_
I think the irony dripping off of this moment gets lost in discussions about everything else in this episode lmao.
Such a beautiful show. I recently rewatched the series and I felt happy yet sad at the same time when it was over. I feared that this community had died off but I’m happy to see people still cherish this show. Keep up the good work Sage.
I really hope that the live action series lives up to the original
I love this episode, it's probably the best one in the entre series but I rarely rewatch it just because its so sad
my favorite documentary is on again
Years later, and after a number of watch-throughs, this is hands down my favorite episode.
One of the greatest episodes ever made! Philosophical and fascinating!
I'm so glad there are channels still posting avatar content out there, makes me happy
Almost forget how deep fam voice is threw me off 😂
MsquaredJ yooooo😭
Zuko needed this more than anything for his character development, visiting this town I would say is what started to open his eyes into what the Fire Nation is.
As he told his dad later that ppl hate and fear the fire nation, they don’t respect or cherish it.
I like that some people like you explore the deep meaning of avatar, because it has many to teach to people
This was an amazing and underrated episode.
I actually logged on to see if you had another video out, and I was greeted with this as one the first videos recommended to me.
I think he needed this, cause his whole life he was told the Fire Nation was Great & Respected by all Nation’s. And we all know all the Nation’s Feared & Hated the Fire Nation, something Young Zuko was not told
Omg, combination of topic of Azula and her mother and „Last Agni Kai” track. Omgg yes
Crazy, I'm going through the series again and literally just got done watching this episode
I like to watch Sages rain while going for a blaze outside at night, very calming.
I was in the middle of watching new episode of Young Justice, but had to stop to watch this video.
The hardest choices-
Mr Super-Kami Popo require the biggest sausages
I really want to see one about sesshomaru and how meeting rin helped him find the compassion that was buried within him.
"Sesshomaru's compassion" is the name I would give it.
Haven’t watched this show in years but damn for a ‘kids’ show to portray war emotionally
Zuko is a well written character in my opinion
This episode was my introduction to the series. I didn't have Nickelodeon growing up so the few opportunities I had to see those shows were at friends' houses. Prior to Avatar, the most complex Nickelodeon show I had seen was SpongeBob SquarePants, and the most complex cartoon I'd seen was Batman Beyond. This show was so much more real and powerful than both of them, and this episode perfectly exemplifies that reality
Looks like it's that time of the year
I get to watch the last Airbender again
you're too underrated man. your videos are always fantastically done. and amazing voice over, thank you!
I always found Azulon's order for Zuko's death odd.
I know it was confirmed to be true in various ways, but I originally thought that it might've been Ozai twisting Azulon's words around in a sick, preconceived plot to get rid of the son he didn't want and further elevate Azula's upbringing. He definitely had the mind for it.
Daaaaamn bro. That's a deep voice you've got
wow your voice literally makes me cry
Thank you so much for the content you post. You have no idea the kind of peace your voice and the sound of rain give me. You've got a gift.
Im glad you mentions the concepts at 1:38
you have a great voice and the same passion and love for the show as i. keep up the great work
Rain... all of your work/analysis of shows have helped me see thing in a better light. Thank you for what you're doing man... You're a wise man, and you have my respect beyond a fan. Thank you for everything you do.
Yesss been waiting for this and it's finally here
Dude it is a good day and a good series when after more than 10 freaking years it is still being talked about :D long live Avatar, better yet, Forever live Avatar!
I'm a simple man. New sages rain video? New opportunity to advertise my minecraft channel.
Zuko is my favorite fictional character of all time.
You have to watch this with headphones such a different experience
Dang the background music got me kinda emotional ngl
The Zuko alone episode could really stand on its own honestly. It’s one of the best in the entire series.
I'm really happy someone else noticed the crooked earth kingdom soldiers and the implications it has. Zuko alone was my favorite episode until I rewatched the old masters, and it's still a solid second
Zuko getting banished was the best thing that happened to him in hindsight
Definitely my - if not, one of my - favorite episodes. I think this one sunrises why this is such a great show.
Can we talk about him not stealing from the soon to be parents on the way to the town? That's good boy behavior at its finest 💅✨
I love this show so much, it's so much more than a cartoon, it's kind of a guid for spiritul growth. Ive learned a lot from watching this series, and I've watched it multiple times, it never gets old.
Love your vids as always
Use who you are to bring peace and not destruction.
Simple men like Sage’s Rain’s videos because they are deep, and because his voice is deep.
im so happy people still make videos on the avatar.
Thank you sages rain. You inspire me to pursue my craft.