One of the things that doesn't get mentioned too often, is Aang actually demonstrates the ability to earthbend long before meeting Toph, and it's probably one of the most skillful displays of earthbending in the entire show. It's shown in the second episode of season two, when Aang and Katara are in Oma and Shu's tomb. Right after Katara tells Aang her crazy idea, you can clearly see Aang digging himself into a hole that just keeps getting deeper and deeper, and he does at superhuman speed.
Yeah, except the only ones we root for later on are Mai and Ty Lee, or the "Buttercup" and "Bubbles" of this trio... the "Blossom" of the group, we can agree can go play on the freeway.
@@aliyahpulido953 maybe you do. i felt sorry for Azula in the end. so many people forget she was only a 14 year old girl groomed by her wicked father to be a weapon instead of a child. Zuko at least was the lucky one to have Uncle Iroh to save him. she had nobody to save her from Ozai.
@@DiscusvissenRocken it's crazy when you remember their ages, especially Azula and how young she actually is. It definitely recontextualizes her character in my mind when I remember she's only 14
Azula, Commander and leader. Ty Lee, She is the joy and laughter. Mei, And she's the toughest fighter. Fighting Aang, Trying to burn the world. Here they come just in time, The Crazy fire girls
It’s really interesting to have the antagonists really carry the emotional weight of the series. Honestly Zuko is one of the best characters in modern animation.
Zuko is my favorite character besides Iroh (because everyone loves Iroh). His journey is worth watching from beginning to end, no matter how many times you've seen it.
What makes Azula a great villain is that she's smart, she's powerful, and she's badly damaged. Zuko is obsessed with regaining his honor in his father's eyes. Azula is obsessed with always being perfect and in control, in large part so she doesn't seem like Zuko. You don't expect to the see the dynamics of an abusive family in a children's cartoon but here we have it.
Well said, Azula wasn’t nearly the lucky child she was made out to be. She never had a good role model to help her sort out her messed up family dynamics. It’s tragic
And you know it from her first scene: _Well then, maybe you should worry less about the tides, who've already made up their mind about killing you, and worry more about me, who's still mulling it over._
Zuko and Iroh cutting their topknots is hugely symbolic. It's pretty much lifted from Asian culture, Japanese I think. When a member of a family (like Zuko and Iroh of the royal family) cut their topknots, they are effectively disavowing themselves from their family, from their origins. The topknot is a symbol of prestigious status especially in Fire Nation culture. By cutting them off, Zuko and Iroh are now fugitives, on the run from their family's nation, expecting at that point to perhaps never return.
In their video on book 2 Xiran Jay Zhao mentions that in, I think, Chinese culture, your hair (or whole body tbh) is considered to be your parents property so cutting it also shows that you don't belong to them anymore or disrespected a major cultural rule.
There is so much symbology in this show. The different nations alone represent real world counterparts, seasons, elements and a core human emotion. You are correct about the topknot except it was more of a status symbol for the warrior class (samurai). When the Samurai Rebellion in the 1860's happened topknots were outlawed along with carrying katana in public. This was done because the Emperor wanted to end the feudal system of the Samurai and start an imperial system. Some Samurai willing chose to cut theirs off while others had it done by force publicly to shame them.
And something that you are all forgeting is that they cut off thier top knots with the dagger, (not trying to spoil anything to Nat but you all know the background to that) but it says never give up. And I see it in two ways in a way he is givin up the posiility of "regaining his honor" by cutting the topknot, with the dagger of never give up I mean come on 3 year in the search and in the end for what? nothing, being considered a risoner if hus owne family, he IS ROYALTY, so much effort so much sacrifice so much pain for a chance to come back to be loved to be the heir of the country he loves. ALL of it LOST, and also they had to CHOSE to do that because they couldnt go back to azula, those were the two options and that was the least worst out of the two, that is how deadly she is at 13th yeas old. But alsooooooooo, they AREN´T giving up because they still on the game, fugitives yes and it will get tougher yes but they still have a posibility, hoverer small to continue or start over, but sill alive, not retained not dead, not at the hands of azula who will truly be game over, and that is also NOT GIVING UP like ufffffff choosing to loose all of it, ONE MORE SACRIFICE, like how much can they keep on loosing? but they chose to do so beacuse that will give them the posibility of keep on trying which is the one thing zuko always does, and that is also not give up! I rest my case
It’s so heartbreaking watching Toph struggle to hold the library while also trying to save Appa… the remorse and sadness in her voice is gut wrenching honestly
18:53 Mai was such a complex character. In her parents' eyes, she was demoted into second place once Tom-Tom born, but she at least cared a little about her brother. In a glance, she noted that Tom-Tom was safe, giggling away in Sokka's embrace. He held him firm, but not constricting. Her brother was safer with this stranger, than with her at that moment as she was beside the volatile Azula. And in a second, she calculated that Azula would go berserk if she really did agree to exchange Tom-Tom with Bumi, endangering Tom-Tom and her father's political position. So no, she wouldn't trade Bumi with her brother. She'd rather attacked the kidnappers than going againts Azula's 'inquiry', thank you.
i love that you caught this detail, I always just assumed it was out of her fear of azula, but your explanation makes sense. Someone who literally throws knives must be able to quickly calculate possibilities like that. Avatar really didn't underestimate its audience, there's still details I'm noticing to this day after so many watches.
Yes, The Boulder was created and designed based off of Dwane “The Rock” Johnson, hence the third person speaking. In fact, the creators wanted to get The Rock to voice The Boulder, but weren’t able to. However, they got his friend and Professional Wrestler Mick Foley to do so in his place!
a detail about toph that i LOVE is her different style of earthbending. other earthbenders tend toward more spread out, aggressive stances and movements where toph often keeps her elbows in and feet staggered. not always, of course, but because she's taught by the badgermoles/self taught, she found what works for HER
I didn't even think about it but it makes sense. I feel like her style heavily influenced what earthbending becomes in pro-bending, quicker and with precision. Which also makes sense given that we all know she loves getting in the ring.
@@MellSayzHi the bending of the elements are based on real Chinese martial arts water = tai chi fire = the northern shaolin style air = ba gua earth = hung gar toph = chow gar/southern praying mantis
One thing I really love about Azula is that they show *how* she's so damn capable: she trains over and over, not accepting even a single hair out of place. They don't have her just show up inexplicably better than everyone.
42:00 The thing that no one says is that Toph is just right. She's not "blaming" Appa because she's just telling the truth. She's pointing out the problem and she's very smart to figure that out considering she's blind and this is not something she might necessarily even think about.
Yeah, obviously she’s a little pissed off when she says it, so it sounds a little hostile towards appa, but literally all of them are in a pissy mood so she can’t be blamed 😂
@@someonesane what???? a literal child who's super tired (like all of them bc they literally couldn't sleep) was slow to make a connection that she didn't even have the luxury of SEEING? how manipulative of her
I know this is a little unrelated but does anyone else here think that toph was kind of wrong when she wouldn't help set up camp?? I know a lot of people disagree and hate on katara but she was so nice about it at first. I know toph is not used to other people but katara was kinda right when saying if they had more help/help from her then they would have been able to set up camp faster. Also, she said she wasn’t selfish by giving up everything she had to help aang but she WANTED to leave. I just want other people's opinions bc no one talks about that much either. Please be respectful. edit: also i’m now seeing that natalie agreed with this.
salty peeps in these comments lmao, Korra isn't as great as ATLA but it's still a solid show and has many great moments. And it is definitely canon. The characters aren't as deep as ATLA but the storylines are sometimes even more interesting than ATLA honestly. A lot of nuances in the different villains of the seasons. And more mature themes in general.
48:26 This is one of my favourite Avatar quotes you did not show fully, so here it goes. Zuko: I'm as proud as ever. Iroh: Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. -Really good stuff, very on point and a lesson a lot of people striving to be proud should consider.
Aang tearing up at the news of losing Appa is so sad considering Appa’s the only other living being from his life 100 years ago, they literally had never been separated up until that point
Well not the only living being from his life a 100 years ago, king bumi also. But you're right about that. And its also because airbenders are always really close to their bison. Its like with harry potter, the bison/wand picks the master. Not the other way around. They explain this more in the legend of korra, when korra is learning air bending
Azula is one of the best representations of antisocial personality disorder in a children's cartoon. Hats off to this show for showing such a cruel yet complex character.
contender for SURE ! but: Bumi Avatar Kyoshi The Earth Bender who teached Avatar Ruko and who know who else .. :)_ she IS the either the best or 2nd best of this generation , again Bumi :) but not sure if she is THE GOAT :)
In response to the "But Bumi!" comments, here's how I explain it. Bumi is probably the most powerful earthbender of his time but Toph is the GREATEST earthbender. Period! There's a difference between power and greatness.
I’m so sad we didn’t get to see your first time seeing Toph, she is a great addition to the show and really where Team Avatar comes together. Iroh and Toph are my two favorite characters and the rest of this series is why.
I love it whenever you see someone who has a plan, and part of that plan is "Force the Avatar into the Avatar State." Like, sure, my entire plan hinges on doing the most dangerous thing you could ever do. Also in that flashback about Avatar Kyoshi and the guy she allegedly kills, it was less that the guy was tiny and more that Avatar Kyoshi was SEVEN FEET TALL.
The Fire Nation wears those ponytails and top knots like Iroh and Zuko had. They cut them off to symbolize cutting off their ties to the fire nation, as well as blending in
The top knots that Iroh and Zuko cut off are symbols specifically that they are members of the royal family. They cut them off to cut ties to their family and so they could go into hiding.
The tall women we get in Avatar is amazing, and the Kyoshi novels are gold (small teaser: bloody gold, but gold) and I love listening to her talk in the show. Idk who her voice actor is but they did a wonderful job
00:00 Intro 04:11 The Avatar State S2E1 11:00 The Cave of Two Lovers S2E2 16:04 Return to Omashu S2E3 20:29 The Swamp S2E4 24:45 Avatar Day S2E5 29:17 The Blind Bandit S2E6 34:30 Zuko Alone S2E7 39:41 The Chase S2E8 45:57 Bitter Work S2E9 51:21 The Library S2E10 57:51 Outro
I was actually surprised at the depth of this show. I was already a grown man when it first aired, and I only watched it a few years ago. It's very well-done.
I think they were very conscientious when they were writing Toph Bei Fong in making her strong and capable in spite of her disability while also never denying that she is blind
what i love about this show is how the filler episodes very much do not feel like filler episodes and are still great and contribute a lot to the storyline. definitely one of the best written shows i’ve ever seen
Nattie's ATLA videos are a shining light and something to really look forward to, and Cameron does an incredible job assembling them. You guys are awesome 💛
its so enjoyable to watch someone else watch the defining point of my childhood. Also i love how she talks to the characters like she knows them personally. "zuzu? yeah thats what i was thinking aang" Hahhaaa.
29:36 Fun fact, "The Boulder" was voiced by professional wrestler Mick Foley, who was doing an impersonation of one of the most popular wrestlers of all time, "The Rock"
47:03 Katara is not trying to protect him, she just recognizes that there are students who learn better in different ways and Aang learns best with encouragement rather than force, something that makes total sense with his upbringing and personality. If anything, this episode proves that Katara is right as Aang achieves total mastery of waterbending while struggling the entire time to even get started with earth until the very last moments.
I don't think Aang would have been able to earthbend properly if he did not learn first to stand his ground. In that case, Toph's method is probably exactly what he needed, just like how he needed to learn some discipline before literally playing with fire, but didn't and was scared of using it until season 3.
I think nat mentioned this quickly in the video, but it's probably more about the different bending discipline styles. katara thinks gentle encouragement works best because that's how water is, it's gentle and goes with the flow, so teaching him in that manner is what will help him learn waterbending best. but toph teaches earthbending in a very "earthy" way; stand your ground, face things head-on, like how earth is stable and strong. which IMO is probably best for aang because he's learning exactly how each master works with their element :)
@@taylorl4317 this is so true. And also the fact that water and air are similar in this "go with the flow style" you mention, so thats why water bending kind of comes natural to aang. The opposite applies to earth and fire and the "stand your ground mentality" you mention. Which are both harder for him to learn. Earth being hard to learn and fire hard to master for him.
The Boulder was also voiced by Mick Foley, another wrestler who is a close friend and mentor to Dwayne Johnson. Also Mick Foley is a class act. And for being known for violent hardcore matches, guy is a softie and was known for playing Christmas carols in the gym while he worked out.
@@TheDancerMacabre mick Foley is just the happiest man to have been thrown through the top of a steel cage, falling 10 ft or more onto a steel chair, with two of his teeth going through his mouth and into his nose. He's the kindest man that has had his ear ripped off after accidentally being strangled by ring ropes. What a legend
One of the things that I love about this series is that there were so many prominent actors and voice actors in it. You can recognize so many people just from voice alone, it's crazy.
When Zuko says "we no longer have anything to gain by travelling together" I think its because he is getting advice from his uncle that he just doesnt wanna hear. That getting the avatar wont bring him home
@@weebleman6 Yes. Of COURSE the audio fucked up here and basically killed the excitement in the whole video. It was virtually the worst thing that could happen, so WHY NOT. I can't STAND when this stupid bullshit happens
@@JJMDude It's not that big a deal man, we still got to see her experience it some way and she even talked about things she noticed/felt the first time.
Toph is one of my favorite characters. I like her personality and she's an absolute unit. By herself she held up a massive library being sucked into the spirit world by a giant Owl spirit without knowing how long she'd have to hold it for them to get out.
The aspects you're already resonating with make me REALLY excited to see more! Also, a defense of Avatar Day: I love that Sokka has this whole thing about needing to be the one to solve the mystery, only for it to be ENTIRELY undermined by "that's not how our court system works!" and then a pun. It's the exact kind of wacky time-wasting nonsense I dig.
That Earth Kingdom General in the 1st episode is voiced by Daniel Dae Kim, who's playing Fire Lord Ozai in the Netflix reboot. Yeah, Mai and Zuko are a thing... The creators actually tried to get Dwayne Johnson to voice the Boulder, but he was busy filming one of the FF movies. So they got his friend and former tag-team partner Mick Foley to voice the Boulder. The other Earth Rumble contestants are also modeled on professional wrestlers, like the Big Bad Hippo being based on André the Giant. Team Avatar constantly forgetting Toph is blind is my 2nd favorite running gag in the show after "MY CABBAGES!" guy. I'd suggest splitting Book 3 into 3 videos so that the 4-part finale is it's own thing.
Yes! One of my favorite lines of the entire show is where she tells Azula "you miscalculated, I love Zuko, more than I fear you." Also, I just realized that her name is Azula and she always has blue flames, azul is blue in Spanish.
@@lilscenechick1995 I thought you meant that but this was 2005 and fast five didn’t come out until 2011 so The Rock was probably busy making the tooth fairy, the game plan or some other movie
I knew you'd love Azula's friends. Also here's something sad, the actor who plays uncle Iroh died before this show was totally complete. But his voice work goes on
The actor's name was Mako (just one name). When you see an episode where the title "In Honor of Mako" comes on, that means the actor had died before that episode aired. Just making it sadder...
@@k9feline2 Though it is important to note that he basically finished recording for season 2 before he died. Season 3 is a different actor... which always makes me wonder about Iroh's prison silence.
@@trequor different actor, but one who was Mako's understudy, and thus knew how to voice Iroh like Mako did. Greg Baldwin will not, however, sing Leaves from the Vine, saying that's Mako's song, and he can't do it.
@@trequor He really did. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid, and watched the show multiple times but never realized it was a different person until a couple months ago.
As you now know, he could end it in the avatar state since he would have the knowledge of all past avatars, but its unpredictability and riskiness outweighs the extra speed of ending the war
Something I love about the chase episode is that Sokka actually outsmarts Ty Lee's pressure point attack. When he blocks her fingers with his head, she jams her fingers and recoils from the pain. From that point on, she uses her fists for her pressure point attacks because of Sokka
Firebenders are more like plasmabenders, they can bend plasma. Fire and lightning are both plasma, lightning generates heat so it makes sense that firebenders would be able to wield it, but only the most talented and gifted firebenders such as Azula can do it...well, at least for now. You'll know.
The four platonic 'elements' mostly represent the states of matter: Earth - solid, Water - liquid, Air - gaseous, Fire - plasma. So it fits quite well that Firebenders also can control lightning.
@@Cau_No Ohhh, didn't think of that! It's kinda like the fantastic four representing four elements, which is kind of a retcon but a retcon that makes perfect sense (human torch - ...what else, the thing - earth, invisible woman - air, mr fantastic - water).
@@Melkac It's not a retcon at all, the Fantastic Four turning into th four elements of the ancient world was always Stan and Jack intent. Each becomes the element. Johnny becomes fire, Ben earth, Reed water and Sue air felt but not seen. And to continue this Marvel tangent, the original X-Men each has a different individual power of the Silver Age Superman: Angel/flight, Cyclops/heat vision, Iceman/freeze breath, Beast/super strength, MarvelGirl/psychic powers
@@Melkac Nice connection. Yeah, references to the 'four elements' actually show up quite often in literature. Interestingly, Asian culture actually has five classical elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wood and Metal. In Japanese, the planets are named after them, and each weekday after those, plus sun & moon. For example, the Sailor Senshi are full of references to those.
Not mine, but only because its placed right AFTER Toph's introduction episode. Growing up, I was excited to see more Toph, only to wait a week and have a... Zuko episode. No Toph to be found.
something that I just thought about, Aang was taught by the next generation of bending masters. Learning from people he'll be around for the rest of his life. It connects well with the audience intended and really adds to the world building this show excelled at!
This show has two of my favorite characters in any story I’ve seen in Toph and Iroh. They are such really solid wonderful characters. Happy to see your really liking the show so far! The videos have been really great!
Book 1 is a great introduction but season 2 and 3 are perfection! In my opinion. Season 2 is well rounded and I would have been happy with another season similar to this and season 3 a perfect end
10:45 To answer your question yes, there is a special meaning to what they did there. Its specifically Chinese. In ancient China for certain dynasties ponytails of certain types were used to show loyalty to the emperor and there were certain styles of hair that were reserved for royalty. They cutting off their tails was renouncing their ties to the fire nation. If you've seen the movie Shanghai Noon, Jackie's character is really protective of his pony tail for that vary reason.
I love "Zuko Alone" because it is just as much an Ozai episode as it is a Zuko one. It shows all Ozai ever desired was his Azulan's love, but the one person Ozai loved more than his father was his wife. It gives explanation to Ozai's evil without forgiving it.
Fun Fact: The Boulder - voiced by Mick Foley totally did his own impersonation if The Rock. I don't know if Dwayne Johnson ever saw this episode. If there's a reaction anywhere I'd love to see it.
I really just wanna thank you Natalie, I know editing these videos can take a long time and get repetitive. Thank you for providing us entertainment, love your channel!
Actually, Mai the emo girl cares about her brother. The reason why she agreed to not exchange him for Bumi was shown when she glanced at Sokka holding the baby. He was playing with her brother, that must’ve been a more loving gesture than her parents just leaving a baby to wander around. Mai knew the Gaang won’t hurt Tom-Tom, he’s in good hands. No need to exchange the King of Omashu for a baby being showered with love by the “enemy.” Edit: Also, Zuko lost his mask when Zhao blew up his ship. He must’ve gotten a new mask (also a Blue Spirit mask) from the mask vendor who passed by before the girl gave Uncle some coins.
That doesn't make sense at all I'm sorry but I think we're trying to defend mai way too much 💀she didn't even knew anything ABT the gang, it's the first time she saw her-just admit that she didn't give a shit ABT her brother
@@exploringcreativeideas7666, it’s not even about defending her. I’m just pointing out visual cues that connects to what happens in the comics, without spoiling it. If it weren’t for that, I’d also be in the same boat as you.
at Nat, this might be too late, but when editing the next part, theres an episode called Tales Of Ba Sing Se. its an episode with 5 minute stories for each character doing something. theres one called the Tale of Iroh, you think you can cut less around that one. i know people here will love your reactions to that one.
Yes, we need to see her full reaction to two of those stories, no offense to Momo, but she could skip that one as long as she devoted the rest of the time to the other two.
You can watch them in full length on her patreon. Making it so that it has less cuts on youtube is impossible because of viacom and their copyright terror
I’m blind and have often been compared to Toff because of my ability to laugh and joke about myself and my blindness. So seeing you react to her is really interesting. A love the things you say about her and how people just need to let her live. So true!
7:12 This moment feels just like "And I know I'm not your father..", "Then stop pretending to be!" from the first Spider-man, and it hurts just the same...
Hey there, I really enjoyed this. As pretty much all comments so far have said, "Leaves from the vine" and "Appa's lost days" will make you bawl your eyes out and I'm all here for it. I usually don't cry over sad scenes in movies or series but when Aang kinda fuses with the ocean spirit and when Iroh sings, I'm just a mess. Thanks again for doing this show and all the enjoyable content you've done so far. Cheers!
Ooh, I can already see that you are getting invested Natalie - and s2 and s3 just amp up the character drama as they go. You are going to love it I am sure... You will possibly want to watch "The Legend of Korra" after you finish this series - its all about the next avatar after Aang, and the kids/grandkids of these characters and how the world continues - its a much more character/trauma driven series, and deals with much more mature themes (especially family, class prejudice, order/freedom etc)
I love your videos, I think you're the only movie/show reactor I'm actually subscribed to :) The next time you have a poll for or are feeling an animated movie, I would love to see you do Iron Giant if you haven't seen it already. It's an incredible hidden gem. Much love and support!
Anyone else notice also that at 7:50 when Zuko is heading to the ship to go back to the fire nation, he's just wearing his clothes, whereas when Iroh joins them, he's already wearing his armour?? Iroh knew there was going to be a fight, whereas Zuko had already let his guard down and was vulnerable.
the fact that you almost cried when Appa got stolen sets the field for what we're going to see when you watch THAT episode. Avatar fans, if you know you know
@@DeclannShieldsFilms i didn't say anything, plus, she probably already knows about it, plus what are the chances she ever even sees my comment? So yeah
@@DeclannShieldsFilms I mean, she said it herself at the beginning of the video "by the time ya'll see this on YT I'm most likely done with season 2", so like, she already probably already knows about it, which is why I didn't mind my comment, but if ya'll are this much pressed about it, I'm sorry
Nat: "I'm getting emotionally invested", oh honey ... you haven't even seen ep. 2-15 yet. Or the last 4 episodes of season 2. Or even ventured into season 3. Bring the tissues Nat !!!
Notice that the rock armor that Toph uses has a hole for her eyes even though she's blind. It was supposed to be a hole for her nose but it was drawn incorrectly and wasn't fixed in time.
I remember when these episodes came out. I love Toph and her sarcasm. She's great at having fun at making comments and everyone forgets she can't see. I'm always cracking up.
Let me just mark myself as "Busy" on Teams so my boss won't bother me lol...I'm so glad you're reacting to this series...I may even splurge for the Patrion just for this series reactions
Loving your reaction to this series, Nat! It is one of my all-time favorites. Just one thing to keep in mind for later: pay real attention to the voice of Fire Lord Ozai! It is from someone very recognizable. I’ll not spoil it because it would be great to see your reaction to that too!
When Zuko's father Ozai (voiced by Mark Hamill) was ordered by his father Azulon to kill Zuko due to the former's attempt to usurp Iroh's birthright, Azulon himself was murdered after his daughter-in-law, Princess Ursa, made a deal with Ozai and provided the latter with a poisonous substance, which was used to end Azulon's life. Ursa was then banished from the Fire Nation in order to protect him and later accepted banishment in order to save Zuko.
One of the things that doesn't get mentioned too often, is Aang actually demonstrates the ability to earthbend long before meeting Toph, and it's probably one of the most skillful displays of earthbending in the entire show. It's shown in the second episode of season two, when Aang and Katara are in Oma and Shu's tomb. Right after Katara tells Aang her crazy idea, you can clearly see Aang digging himself into a hole that just keeps getting deeper and deeper, and he does at superhuman speed.
OKAY. YOU GOT ME. wtff, I really thought I might have missed something 😫
I was confused at first. Then I started laughing. 😂
Well done!
Man you a fool 🤣
they had us in the first half,
not gonna lie
Nat: “Uncle Iroh is the only character I would be friends with”
Also Nat: Is basically Katara
She's also got some Ty Lee in her as well
@@Mrryn maybe it's just me but I feel like she's also like sokka too
She looks like katara as well
@@GoofyGamerGirl1992 JOKING RIGHT?
What about appa?!
I've never heard someone describe the Azula Squad as the Powerpuff girls but it is so damn accurate.
Yeah, except the only ones we root for later on are Mai and Ty Lee, or the "Buttercup" and "Bubbles" of this trio... the "Blossom" of the group, we can agree can go play on the freeway.
@@aliyahpulido953 maybe you do. i felt sorry for Azula in the end. so many people forget she was only a 14 year old girl groomed by her wicked father to be a weapon instead of a child. Zuko at least was the lucky one to have Uncle Iroh to save him. she had nobody to save her from Ozai.
I thought they gave a Charlie's Angels vibe or Sozin's Devils
@@DiscusvissenRocken it's crazy when you remember their ages, especially Azula and how young she actually is. It definitely recontextualizes her character in my mind when I remember she's only 14
Azula, Commander and leader.
Ty Lee, She is the joy and laughter.
Mei, And she's the toughest fighter.
Fighting Aang,
Trying to burn the world.
Here they come just in time,
The Crazy fire girls
“Is this story real, or is it a legend?”
“Oh, it’s a real legend.”
This may be the greatest line in the show.
It’s really interesting to have the antagonists really carry the emotional weight of the series. Honestly Zuko is one of the best characters in modern animation.
One of the best characters period, really
Zuko is my favorite character besides Iroh (because everyone loves Iroh). His journey is worth watching from beginning to end, no matter how many times you've seen it.
Yup
I mean, I agree but modern animation? As if older animation was somehow different and also better?
What makes Azula a great villain is that she's smart, she's powerful, and she's badly damaged. Zuko is obsessed with regaining his honor in his father's eyes. Azula is obsessed with always being perfect and in control, in large part so she doesn't seem like Zuko. You don't expect to the see the dynamics of an abusive family in a children's cartoon but here we have it.
The real tragedy is Zuko was the lucky kid.
@@Fordo007 That is an excellent point.
Well said, Azula wasn’t nearly the lucky child she was made out to be. She never had a good role model to help her sort out her messed up family dynamics. It’s tragic
And you know it from her first scene: _Well then, maybe you should worry less about the tides, who've already made up their mind about killing you, and worry more about me, who's still mulling it over._
@@Fordo007 Finally, people get it
Book 2 and 3 are so fantastic. I'm really just out here to see Nat with "Leaves on the Vine"
Nooo, even you mentioning that makes me cry
:(
Also can't wait for her to react to *that* waterbender. If you know you know (don't spoil anyone)
@@wamas1234 who?
@@autograph415 SPOILER DON'T READ NAT
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the spooky old one named hama
Zuko and Iroh cutting their topknots is hugely symbolic.
It's pretty much lifted from Asian culture, Japanese I think. When a member of a family (like Zuko and Iroh of the royal family) cut their topknots, they are effectively disavowing themselves from their family, from their origins.
The topknot is a symbol of prestigious status especially in Fire Nation culture. By cutting them off, Zuko and Iroh are now fugitives, on the run from their family's nation, expecting at that point to perhaps never return.
In their video on book 2 Xiran Jay Zhao mentions that in, I think, Chinese culture, your hair (or whole body tbh) is considered to be your parents property so cutting it also shows that you don't belong to them anymore or disrespected a major cultural rule.
There is so much symbology in this show. The different nations alone represent real world counterparts, seasons, elements and a core human emotion.
You are correct about the topknot except it was more of a status symbol for the warrior class (samurai). When the Samurai Rebellion in the 1860's happened topknots were outlawed along with carrying katana in public. This was done because the Emperor wanted to end the feudal system of the Samurai and start an imperial system. Some Samurai willing chose to cut theirs off while others had it done by force publicly to shame them.
@@DamienDrake2940 willingly*
And something that you are all forgeting is that they cut off thier top knots with the dagger, (not trying to spoil anything to Nat but you all know the background to that) but it says never give up.
And I see it in two ways in a way he is givin up the posiility of "regaining his honor" by cutting the topknot, with the dagger of never give up I mean come on 3 year in the search and in the end for what? nothing, being considered a risoner if hus owne family, he IS ROYALTY, so much effort so much sacrifice so much pain for a chance to come back to be loved to be the heir of the country he loves. ALL of it LOST, and also they had to CHOSE to do that because they couldnt go back to azula, those were the two options and that was the least worst out of the two, that is how deadly she is at 13th yeas old.
But alsooooooooo, they AREN´T giving up because they still on the game, fugitives yes and it will get tougher yes but they still have a posibility, hoverer small to continue or start over, but sill alive, not retained not dead, not at the hands of azula who will truly be game over, and that is also NOT GIVING UP like ufffffff choosing to loose all of it, ONE MORE SACRIFICE, like how much can they keep on loosing? but they chose to do so beacuse that will give them the posibility of keep on trying which is the one thing zuko always does, and that is also not give up!
I rest my case
@@frauleinzuckerguss1906 Japanese Samurai
It’s so heartbreaking watching Toph struggle to hold the library while also trying to save Appa… the remorse and sadness in her voice is gut wrenching honestly
18:53 Mai was such a complex character. In her parents' eyes, she was demoted into second place once Tom-Tom born, but she at least cared a little about her brother. In a glance, she noted that Tom-Tom was safe, giggling away in Sokka's embrace. He held him firm, but not constricting. Her brother was safer with this stranger, than with her at that moment as she was beside the volatile Azula.
And in a second, she calculated that Azula would go berserk if she really did agree to exchange Tom-Tom with Bumi, endangering Tom-Tom and her father's political position. So no, she wouldn't trade Bumi with her brother. She'd rather attacked the kidnappers than going againts Azula's 'inquiry', thank you.
i love that you caught this detail, I always just assumed it was out of her fear of azula, but your explanation makes sense. Someone who literally throws knives must be able to quickly calculate possibilities like that. Avatar really didn't underestimate its audience, there's still details I'm noticing to this day after so many watches.
Mai is always calculating right🙂
That is such a great explanation even tho the show doesn’t go into it deep I do like that Mai explains herself in the Beach episode
DAMN
Great analysis
Yes, The Boulder was created and designed based off of Dwane “The Rock” Johnson, hence the third person speaking. In fact, the creators wanted to get The Rock to voice The Boulder, but weren’t able to. However, they got his friend and Professional Wrestler Mick Foley to do so in his place!
The Boulder return in Day of Black Sun was one of my all-time favourite moments when I first saw the show.
I still hope that if a live action Avatar is made (because, unfortunately, that has NEVER HAPPENED) they will cast Dwayne Johnson as The Boulder.
@@andrewjuby6339 I don't see any universe where a live action version can be better than the original series... so why bother?
Yes the Boulder was based from the image of the Rock but the way he speaks and his character is more based from Randy "The Macho Man" Savage.
wait wait wait... the boulder is voiced by freakin mankind???
14:18 - 14:30 Aang displays perfect earth bending by digging himself into a hole
Well done my friend. Well done indeed.
Eyyyyyyyy 🤣
I have seen that joke in many reactions now
And it still makes me laugh 🤣🤣
I am so dumb. I was rewinding and rewatch that part because i thoughy he actually did some earthbending. Ugh.
"I like that he's small" actually Kyoshi is just huge. Total boss, love that for her
I think its a bit of both. Kyoshi is tall af, but that guy was definitely on the shorter side, too.
a detail about toph that i LOVE is her different style of earthbending. other earthbenders tend toward more spread out, aggressive stances and movements where toph often keeps her elbows in and feet staggered. not always, of course, but because she's taught by the badgermoles/self taught, she found what works for HER
I didn't even think about it but it makes sense. I feel like her style heavily influenced what earthbending becomes in pro-bending, quicker and with precision. Which also makes sense given that we all know she loves getting in the ring.
@@MellSayzHi the bending of the elements are based on real Chinese martial arts
water = tai chi
fire = the northern shaolin style
air = ba gua
earth = hung gar
toph = chow gar/southern praying mantis
I tink the type of martial art her bending is based on was originally created by a blind woman. But I read that in a meme so don't take my word it.
One thing I really love about Azula is that they show *how* she's so damn capable: she trains over and over, not accepting even a single hair out of place. They don't have her just show up inexplicably better than everyone.
42:00 The thing that no one says is that Toph is just right. She's not "blaming" Appa because she's just telling the truth. She's pointing out the problem and she's very smart to figure that out considering she's blind and this is not something she might necessarily even think about.
Yeah, obviously she’s a little pissed off when she says it, so it sounds a little hostile towards appa, but literally all of them are in a pissy mood so she can’t be blamed 😂
I mean Aang admits that Toph was right after his initial crankiness wears off, that's why they bathe him and then Aang creates a fake trail.
So she knew how they were being followed, but chose to wait until the situation got out of hand to disclose it?
@@someonesane what???? a literal child who's super tired (like all of them bc they literally couldn't sleep) was slow to make a connection that she didn't even have the luxury of SEEING? how manipulative of her
I know this is a little unrelated but does anyone else here think that toph was kind of wrong when she wouldn't help set up camp?? I know a lot of people disagree and hate on katara but she was so nice about it at first. I know toph is not used to other people but katara was kinda right when saying if they had more help/help from her then they would have been able to set up camp faster. Also, she said she wasn’t selfish by giving up everything she had to help aang but she WANTED to leave. I just want other people's opinions bc no one talks about that much either. Please be respectful.
edit: also i’m now seeing that natalie agreed with this.
Nat, "looking forward to more strong female characters"
Everyone that has seen the show, "Oh, just you wait. They are coming and in full force"
Shit even more in korra
Strong like, Empire class battleships...
LoL
@Celestial Death96 Season 1 was good and unique, but Season 2 killed the lore to the point that the other 2 season were worse off for it.
@Caio Da Silva Barreto Korra retcons and breaks the ATLA lore, it's best left ignored
salty peeps in these comments lmao, Korra isn't as great as ATLA but it's still a solid show and has many great moments. And it is definitely canon. The characters aren't as deep as ATLA but the storylines are sometimes even more interesting than ATLA honestly. A lot of nuances in the different villains of the seasons. And more mature themes in general.
48:26 This is one of my favourite Avatar quotes you did not show fully, so here it goes.
Zuko: I'm as proud as ever. Iroh: Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source.
-Really good stuff, very on point and a lesson a lot of people striving to be proud should consider.
Aang tearing up at the news of losing Appa is so sad considering Appa’s the only other living being from his life 100 years ago, they literally had never been separated up until that point
Well not the only living being from his life a 100 years ago, king bumi also. But you're right about that.
And its also because airbenders are always really close to their bison. Its like with harry potter, the bison/wand picks the master. Not the other way around. They explain this more in the legend of korra, when korra is learning air bending
Azula is one of the best representations of antisocial personality disorder in a children's cartoon. Hats off to this show for showing such a cruel yet complex character.
Love when Nat see Ty Lee for the first time.
"She's adorable."
Yes, we all thought that. How wrong we were. And also how right.
Wait, when were we proven wrong?
She never stopped being adorable at any point.
@@AvalynTheAccursed I think they're just stating how incredibly adorable she is... but also how scary her chi blocking powers are
@@joshutup00 Yeah she has a strong ability but I don't think she ever stopped being adorable.
She's just adorably dangerous is all
She's just the embodiment of "looks like a cinnamon roll, is still a cinnamon roll but could kill you if she wanted."
how were any of us wrong
Y'all don't realize, but that library is absolutely ENORMOUS. And Toph HELD IT ALL UP. Definitely the greatest earth bender of all time.
I think at the end of the series, Toph is more skilled but Bumi has more raw power. Though, with age definitely surpassed Bumi in every way
contender for SURE !
but:
Bumi
Avatar Kyoshi
The Earth Bender who teached Avatar Ruko
and who know who else .. :)_
she IS the either the best or 2nd best of this generation , again Bumi :)
but not sure if she is THE GOAT :)
@@galpeleg143 Apparently in the comics she and Bumi tried to settle the issue but got interrupted.
For her age, definitely. But Avatar "makes peninsulae into islands" Kyoshi is a distant first, with Bumi in his prime at least competitive for second.
In response to the "But Bumi!" comments, here's how I explain it.
Bumi is probably the most powerful earthbender of his time but Toph is the GREATEST earthbender. Period! There's a difference between power and greatness.
The universe not letting us see your initial reaction to episode 6 is why the world is unfair
Just more proof that this is the darkest timeline.
A-freakin-men.
@@andrewjuby6339 If only Evil Abed would show up and help us get in contact with main timeline Abed so we could escape.
This was literally the episode I anticipated the most
fr
I’m so sad we didn’t get to see your first time seeing Toph, she is a great addition to the show and really where Team Avatar comes together.
Iroh and Toph are my two favorite characters and the rest of this series is why.
I love it whenever you see someone who has a plan, and part of that plan is "Force the Avatar into the Avatar State." Like, sure, my entire plan hinges on doing the most dangerous thing you could ever do.
Also in that flashback about Avatar Kyoshi and the guy she allegedly kills, it was less that the guy was tiny and more that Avatar Kyoshi was SEVEN FEET TALL.
The Fire Nation wears those ponytails and top knots like Iroh and Zuko had. They cut them off to symbolize cutting off their ties to the fire nation, as well as blending in
Probably also related to the Fu Manchu being obligatory in Qing China, so perhaps cutting it off has legal implications?
The top knots that Iroh and Zuko cut off are symbols specifically that they are members of the royal family. They cut them off to cut ties to their family and so they could go into hiding.
i think was inspired by the Japanese Samurai traditional hairdo , but may be wrong
In the fire nation, the top knot symbolizes their honor. For zuko and iroh, it could be them cutting ties to home and starting their real exile.
Fun thing about the Kyoshi scene is that Chin isn't all that small, Kyoshi was like 7 feet tall.
yea Kyoshi was an absolute beast
Tall woman supremacy
the og tall woman
The tall women we get in Avatar is amazing, and the Kyoshi novels are gold (small teaser: bloody gold, but gold) and I love listening to her talk in the show. Idk who her voice actor is but they did a wonderful job
@@wolfishpotato6978 Kyoshi is voiced by the legendary Jennifer Hale. AKA FemShep from Mass Effect
00:00 Intro
04:11 The Avatar State S2E1
11:00 The Cave of Two Lovers S2E2
16:04 Return to Omashu S2E3
20:29 The Swamp S2E4
24:45 Avatar Day S2E5
29:17 The Blind Bandit S2E6
34:30 Zuko Alone S2E7
39:41 The Chase S2E8
45:57 Bitter Work S2E9
51:21 The Library S2E10
57:51 Outro
I was actually surprised at the depth of this show. I was already a grown man when it first aired, and I only watched it a few years ago. It's very well-done.
The “she needs to go down” is so much sadder after witnessing back stories and further character developments
Toph: *Makes her first appearance*
Natalie: OH GOD THAT PIG IS FLYING
The season where character development really gets going!
nat's going to be crying every single tear she has in her body when we get to Appa's lost days
I'm so happy that Toph finally entered the story
Judging from her love for Appa, I hope Natalie is very emotionally ready and prepared A LOT of tissues when she get to see THAT episode.
Natalie: I’d love to see another strong female character in this show.
AtLA S2: ask and thy shall receive.
Toph’s just like, “hold my cactus juice”
Wait untill she met the scary gran gran
@@senyum0 _nervous laughter_
@@quegs yo toss me some cactus juice man
"I forget she was blind" THAT'S SO RELATABLE NATALIE
Azula is easily one of the most intimidating and badass villains ever.
By far one of the BEST female villains ever. she's this show's Darth Vader.
Also one of the saddest.
I think they were very conscientious when they were writing Toph Bei Fong in making her strong and capable in spite of her disability while also never denying that she is blind
what i love about this show is how the filler episodes very much do not feel like filler episodes and are still great and contribute a lot to the storyline. definitely one of the best written shows i’ve ever seen
Nattie's ATLA videos are a shining light and something to really look forward to, and Cameron does an incredible job assembling them. You guys are awesome 💛
its so enjoyable to watch someone else watch the defining point of my childhood. Also i love how she talks to the characters like she knows them personally. "zuzu? yeah thats what i was thinking aang" Hahhaaa.
29:36 Fun fact, "The Boulder" was voiced by professional wrestler Mick Foley, who was doing an impersonation of one of the most popular wrestlers of all time, "The Rock"
Wait, really?
The character is named after The Rock, but the voice Mick is doing is an impression of Macho Man Randy Savage
That and the fact that The Rock and Mick Foley were a tag team just makes it funnier.
@@aeacus5083 the Rock recommended him, because he was busy doing something else at that time
Honestly? I always felt he was doing an impersonation of "Macho Man" Randy Savage, or something.
Oh what a perfect video to watch while I'm not well. This should definitely cheer me up, thanks Nat!
Hope you feeling better soon:)
Seconded
Agreed these are some of her best reactions
yes
@@artxzay3300 Thank you 😊
47:03 Katara is not trying to protect him, she just recognizes that there are students who learn better in different ways and Aang learns best with encouragement rather than force, something that makes total sense with his upbringing and personality. If anything, this episode proves that Katara is right as Aang achieves total mastery of waterbending while struggling the entire time to even get started with earth until the very last moments.
I always figured Aang struggling with earth was just because of the whole earthbending being the opposite of airbending philosophy thing.
I don't think Aang would have been able to earthbend properly if he did not learn first to stand his ground. In that case, Toph's method is probably exactly what he needed, just like how he needed to learn some discipline before literally playing with fire, but didn't and was scared of using it until season 3.
I think nat mentioned this quickly in the video, but it's probably more about the different bending discipline styles. katara thinks gentle encouragement works best because that's how water is, it's gentle and goes with the flow, so teaching him in that manner is what will help him learn waterbending best. but toph teaches earthbending in a very "earthy" way; stand your ground, face things head-on, like how earth is stable and strong. which IMO is probably best for aang because he's learning exactly how each master works with their element :)
@@ponkhan its both
@@taylorl4317 this is so true. And also the fact that water and air are similar in this "go with the flow style" you mention, so thats why water bending kind of comes natural to aang.
The opposite applies to earth and fire and the "stand your ground mentality" you mention. Which are both harder for him to learn. Earth being hard to learn and fire hard to master for him.
The Boulder is literally an homage to The Rock from his wrestling days. He’s one of the best side characters imo
The Boulder was also voiced by Mick Foley, another wrestler who is a close friend and mentor to Dwayne Johnson.
Also Mick Foley is a class act. And for being known for violent hardcore matches, guy is a softie and was known for playing Christmas carols in the gym while he worked out.
@@TheDancerMacabre mick Foley is just the happiest man to have been thrown through the top of a steel cage, falling 10 ft or more onto a steel chair, with two of his teeth going through his mouth and into his nose. He's the kindest man that has had his ear ripped off after accidentally being strangled by ring ropes. What a legend
One of the things that I love about this series is that there were so many prominent actors and voice actors in it. You can recognize so many people just from voice alone, it's crazy.
When Zuko says "we no longer have anything to gain by travelling together" I think its because he is getting advice from his uncle that he just doesnt wanna hear. That getting the avatar wont bring him home
That's exactly what I thought. He can't entertain the idea that his father doesn't love him. He's such a tragic character, honestly
Such a shame that the initial reaction to episode 7 wasn’t saved, at least there will be plenty more iconic Toph moments.
Probably the one most were looking forward to as well
6*
@@weebleman6 Yes. Of COURSE the audio fucked up here and basically killed the excitement in the whole video. It was virtually the worst thing that could happen, so WHY NOT.
I can't STAND when this stupid bullshit happens
At least we got the canyon episode
@@JJMDude It's not that big a deal man, we still got to see her experience it some way and she even talked about things she noticed/felt the first time.
Toph is one of my favorite characters. I like her personality and she's an absolute unit. By herself she held up a massive library being sucked into the spirit world by a giant Owl spirit without knowing how long she'd have to hold it for them to get out.
The aspects you're already resonating with make me REALLY excited to see more!
Also, a defense of Avatar Day: I love that Sokka has this whole thing about needing to be the one to solve the mystery, only for it to be ENTIRELY undermined by "that's not how our court system works!" and then a pun. It's the exact kind of wacky time-wasting nonsense I dig.
That Earth Kingdom General in the 1st episode is voiced by Daniel Dae Kim, who's playing Fire Lord Ozai in the Netflix reboot.
Yeah, Mai and Zuko are a thing...
The creators actually tried to get Dwayne Johnson to voice the Boulder, but he was busy filming one of the FF movies. So they got his friend and former tag-team partner Mick Foley to voice the Boulder. The other Earth Rumble contestants are also modeled on professional wrestlers, like the Big Bad Hippo being based on André the Giant.
Team Avatar constantly forgetting Toph is blind is my 2nd favorite running gag in the show after "MY CABBAGES!" guy.
I'd suggest splitting Book 3 into 3 videos so that the 4-part finale is it's own thing.
Yes! One of my favorite lines of the entire show is where she tells Azula "you miscalculated, I love Zuko, more than I fear you." Also, I just realized that her name is Azula and she always has blue flames, azul is blue in Spanish.
@@adrianrocha49 ff movies?
@@tmac731 Fast & Furious. Never saw them referred to as FF but yeah
@@lilscenechick1995 I thought you meant that but this was 2005 and fast five didn’t come out until 2011 so The Rock was probably busy making the tooth fairy, the game plan or some other movie
"This episode ended in a tough sad place"
Oh Nat, get those tissues ready. That was a good intro into the second half of the series....
I knew you'd love Azula's friends.
Also here's something sad, the actor who plays uncle Iroh died before this show was totally complete. But his voice work goes on
The actor's name was Mako (just one name). When you see an episode where the title "In Honor of Mako" comes on, that means the actor had died before that episode aired.
Just making it sadder...
@@k9feline2 Though it is important to note that he basically finished recording for season 2 before he died. Season 3 is a different actor... which always makes me wonder about Iroh's prison silence.
@@trequor different actor, but one who was Mako's understudy, and thus knew how to voice Iroh like Mako did. Greg Baldwin will not, however, sing Leaves from the Vine, saying that's Mako's song, and he can't do it.
@@Gameflyer001 I think the replacement did a good job, all things considered.
@@trequor He really did. I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid, and watched the show multiple times but never realized it was a different person until a couple months ago.
As you now know, he could end it in the avatar state since he would have the knowledge of all past avatars, but its unpredictability and riskiness outweighs the extra speed of ending the war
Something I love about the chase episode is that Sokka actually outsmarts Ty Lee's pressure point attack. When he blocks her fingers with his head, she jams her fingers and recoils from the pain. From that point on, she uses her fists for her pressure point attacks because of Sokka
Firebenders are more like plasmabenders, they can bend plasma. Fire and lightning are both plasma, lightning generates heat so it makes sense that firebenders would be able to wield it, but only the most talented and gifted firebenders such as Azula can do it...well, at least for now. You'll know.
The four platonic 'elements' mostly represent the states of matter: Earth - solid, Water - liquid, Air - gaseous, Fire - plasma.
So it fits quite well that Firebenders also can control lightning.
@@Cau_No Ohhh, didn't think of that! It's kinda like the fantastic four representing four elements, which is kind of a retcon but a retcon that makes perfect sense (human torch - ...what else, the thing - earth, invisible woman - air, mr fantastic - water).
@@Melkac It's not a retcon at all, the Fantastic Four turning into th four elements of the ancient world was always Stan and Jack intent. Each becomes the element. Johnny becomes fire, Ben earth, Reed water and Sue air felt but not seen.
And to continue this Marvel tangent, the original X-Men each has a different individual power of the Silver Age Superman: Angel/flight, Cyclops/heat vision, Iceman/freeze breath, Beast/super strength, MarvelGirl/psychic powers
@@Melkac Nice connection. Yeah, references to the 'four elements' actually show up quite often in literature.
Interestingly, Asian culture actually has five classical elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wood and Metal.
In Japanese, the planets are named after them, and each weekday after those, plus sun & moon. For example, the Sailor Senshi are full of references to those.
@@spiderhamilton1 Really? I thought that was something made up by recent writers, pretty cool.
Zuko alone is almost always in everyone’s top 3 list of episodes, and for a good reason
Yep, Avatar is legendary thanks to the beautiful work of Elizabeth Welch Ehazs in particular. She wrote all the best episodes.
Not mine, but only because its placed right AFTER Toph's introduction episode. Growing up, I was excited to see more Toph, only to wait a week and have a... Zuko episode. No Toph to be found.
@@Shaggy_PacMan there are plenty of characters to love in this show.
something that I just thought about, Aang was taught by the next generation of bending masters. Learning from people he'll be around for the rest of his life. It connects well with the audience intended and really adds to the world building this show excelled at!
This show has two of my favorite characters in any story I’ve seen in Toph and Iroh. They are such really solid wonderful characters. Happy to see your really liking the show so far! The videos have been really great!
I feel like after she watches the whole series, she needs to watch the live action movie so she can suffer like the rest of us.
There is no movie in Ba Sing Se
then we suffer twice
@@DogOnAKeyboard Ah, not if you're joy of watching her suffer outweighs your own suffering.
Man, I’m so sorry we didn’t get to do see your first reaction to The Blind Bandit episode. It’s one of my favorites!
Book 1 is a great introduction but season 2 and 3 are perfection! In my opinion. Season 2 is well rounded and I would have been happy with another season similar to this and season 3 a perfect end
Yes yes yes, I will preach the good word of ATLA til my dying breath. I really came to love LoK after doing some living
10:45 To answer your question yes, there is a special meaning to what they did there. Its specifically Chinese. In ancient China for certain dynasties ponytails of certain types were used to show loyalty to the emperor and there were certain styles of hair that were reserved for royalty. They cutting off their tails was renouncing their ties to the fire nation. If you've seen the movie Shanghai Noon, Jackie's character is really protective of his pony tail for that vary reason.
I love "Zuko Alone" because it is just as much an Ozai episode as it is a Zuko one. It shows all Ozai ever desired was his Azulan's love, but the one person Ozai loved more than his father was his wife. It gives explanation to Ozai's evil without forgiving it.
About Katara being a badass? Sis is just getting started. Just wait till Book 3
And speaking of girl power, I have just one word for you... Toph!
Yeh, not a good thing rooting for Azula for what it is and how she ends. But for Toph, toph is the best girl ever.
@@chikitronrx0 I actually felt very bad for Azula at the end.
She could have really used an Uncle Airo in her life, instead of those 2 creepy ladies.
@@MoneyGist Yeah, but even uncle Iroh didn't saw a redemption path for her. I mean is for comedic purposes but is such a difficult place she's in.
Fun Fact: The Boulder - voiced by Mick Foley totally did his own impersonation if The Rock. I don't know if Dwayne Johnson ever saw this episode. If there's a reaction anywhere I'd love to see it.
same lol
I never before realized I needed a video of him reacting to this but now I do and my life will not be complete without it XD
I really just wanna thank you Natalie, I know editing these videos can take a long time and get repetitive. Thank you for providing us entertainment, love your channel!
I dont think she edits the videos anymore, she has far and enough patrons to pay an editor now
Actually, Mai the emo girl cares about her brother. The reason why she agreed to not exchange him for Bumi was shown when she glanced at Sokka holding the baby. He was playing with her brother, that must’ve been a more loving gesture than her parents just leaving a baby to wander around.
Mai knew the Gaang won’t hurt Tom-Tom, he’s in good hands. No need to exchange the King of Omashu for a baby being showered with love by the “enemy.”
Edit: Also, Zuko lost his mask when Zhao blew up his ship. He must’ve gotten a new mask (also a Blue Spirit mask) from the mask vendor who passed by before the girl gave Uncle some coins.
Also Azula probably would’ve killed her if she tried to refuse 😬
That doesn't make sense at all I'm sorry but I think we're trying to defend mai way too much 💀she didn't even knew anything ABT the gang, it's the first time she saw her-just admit that she didn't give a shit ABT her brother
@@exploringcreativeideas7666, it’s not even about defending her. I’m just pointing out visual cues that connects to what happens in the comics, without spoiling it. If it weren’t for that, I’d also be in the same boat as you.
@@OrdinaryCritic ooh sounds kinda interesting now but wait I've read the comics so wonder which one ur talkin'ABT 😅(pov: I am pretty forgetting)/gen
@@exploringcreativeideas7666, I forgot which one, but she took the brother from their shady dad.
12:41 Your scream for Appa's safety was so genuine, no one can't deny it hahahahahha
"APPA!!"
at Nat, this might be too late, but when editing the next part, theres an episode called Tales Of Ba Sing Se. its an episode with 5 minute stories for each character doing something. theres one called the Tale of Iroh, you think you can cut less around that one. i know people here will love your reactions to that one.
Yes, we need to see her full reaction to two of those stories, no offense to Momo, but she could skip that one as long as she devoted the rest of the time to the other two.
You can watch them in full length on her patreon. Making it so that it has less cuts on youtube is impossible because of viacom and their copyright terror
Stop spoiling
ugh we didn't get her first true reaction to Toph lol so upset but still happy she's enjoying it
I’m blind and have often been compared to Toff because of my ability to laugh and joke about myself and my blindness. So seeing you react to her is really interesting. A love the things you say about her and how people just need to let her live. So true!
7:12 This moment feels just like "And I know I'm not your father..", "Then stop pretending to be!" from the first Spider-man, and it hurts just the same...
Hey there, I really enjoyed this. As pretty much all comments so far have said, "Leaves from the vine" and "Appa's lost days" will make you bawl your eyes out and I'm all here for it. I usually don't cry over sad scenes in movies or series but when Aang kinda fuses with the ocean spirit and when Iroh sings, I'm just a mess. Thanks again for doing this show and all the enjoyable content you've done so far. Cheers!
Yay! Book 2 is my favorite season. I sometimes think of it as the "The Empire Strikes Back" of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The whole series is similar to star wars... It's the classic hero's journey...
Given the way Crossroads of Destiny ends it’s definitely Empire Strikes Back
So stoked to watch you reacting to Avatar! Can't wait to see how you find this show getting better and better.
This is one of those shows that just continuously improves as it goes on. I can't wait for the rest of these reactions.
I am so impatient for you to bring the rest of these to TH-cam! 😃
Im on the edge of my seat waiting for part 2 of this.
This series means so much to me and it's so cool to see you enjoying it
Yesss, my favourite character Azula arrives. Love this show so much!!
Ooh, I can already see that you are getting invested Natalie - and s2 and s3 just amp up the character drama as they go. You are going to love it I am sure...
You will possibly want to watch "The Legend of Korra" after you finish this series - its all about the next avatar after Aang, and the kids/grandkids of these characters and how the world continues - its a much more character/trauma driven series, and deals with much more mature themes (especially family, class prejudice, order/freedom etc)
I love your videos, I think you're the only movie/show reactor I'm actually subscribed to :) The next time you have a poll for or are feeling an animated movie, I would love to see you do Iron Giant if you haven't seen it already. It's an incredible hidden gem. Much love and support!
Anyone else notice also that at 7:50 when Zuko is heading to the ship to go back to the fire nation, he's just wearing his clothes, whereas when Iroh joins them, he's already wearing his armour?? Iroh knew there was going to be a fight, whereas Zuko had already let his guard down and was vulnerable.
One of Nat's cutest and loveliest moments was her asking so sweetly if Uncle Iroh could join the crew ;D Too adorable.
the fact that you almost cried when Appa got stolen sets the field for what we're going to see when you watch THAT episode. Avatar fans, if you know you know
All I can think about whenever she worries about Appa…
@@DeclannShieldsFilms i didn't say anything, plus, she probably already knows about it, plus what are the chances she ever even sees my comment? So yeah
Boo for even hinting that anything will happen. Boo.
@@DeclannShieldsFilms I mean, she said it herself at the beginning of the video "by the time ya'll see this on YT I'm most likely done with season 2", so like, she already probably already knows about it, which is why I didn't mind my comment, but if ya'll are this much pressed about it, I'm sorry
@@myrlasantos7826 I'll admit I didn't see that, so that's on me. My bad, I'm sorry
32:45, she didn't level the playing field, she tipped it the other way because she can still feel them.
Aang completely messing it up while trying to play it cool is a highly relatable experience for me.
Three weeks and still no part 2? We’re dying here!!
I verbally shouted, "NOOOOOOOO" when you didnt react to the desert in this episode. SO excited for your next reaction.
Nat: "I'm getting emotionally invested", oh honey ... you haven't even seen ep. 2-15 yet. Or the last 4 episodes of season 2. Or even ventured into season 3.
Bring the tissues Nat !!!
At least five boxes, anything less than that would be responsible.
Appas Lost Days is going to make her cry for sure lol
“Leaves from the vine”
Notice that the rock armor that Toph uses has a hole for her eyes even though she's blind. It was supposed to be a hole for her nose but it was drawn incorrectly and wasn't fixed in time.
Finally avatar season 2. Love ur reaction as always sis
The "you've gotta work here a little longer to qualify for vacation time" totally flew over my head as a kid 😂 that's such a funny joke to me now
I remember when these episodes came out. I love Toph and her sarcasm. She's great at having fun at making comments and everyone forgets she can't see. I'm always cracking up.
It's really hard to wait this long for your every reaction to ATLA and its so rewarding and exciting to see a notification!
Let me just mark myself as "Busy" on Teams so my boss won't bother me lol...I'm so glad you're reacting to this series...I may even splurge for the Patrion just for this series reactions
I'm on the cusp of doing that for this show too
@@Darchangel50 we'll share an account and just not tell anyone lol
I wish my team wouldn't message me while I'm on busy, or do not disturb, or in a meeting. 😔
been looking for this all week lol. Loving it
Loving your reaction to this series, Nat! It is one of my all-time favorites. Just one thing to keep in mind for later: pay real attention to the voice of Fire Lord Ozai! It is from someone very recognizable. I’ll not spoil it because it would be great to see your reaction to that too!
When Zuko's father Ozai (voiced by Mark Hamill) was ordered by his father Azulon to kill Zuko due to the former's attempt to usurp Iroh's birthright, Azulon himself was murdered after his daughter-in-law, Princess Ursa, made a deal with Ozai and provided the latter with a poisonous substance, which was used to end Azulon's life. Ursa was then banished from the Fire Nation in order to protect him and later accepted banishment in order to save Zuko.
BRO WHY SPOIL