This episode and episode 1 of season 3 are my absolute favorites. I know you reacted to this a while ago but the novel The Reckoning of Roku just got released yesterday! It is a canon story about Roku and his early life on his training. Even Gyatso is in the story! You should check it out the book.
Book 3 is a masterclass. And yes, I agree, I think Sozin went there to help but then saw an opportunity. And his ambition overpowered his sense of morality.
Aang and Roku both had normal ish lives before being told, Aang also had it thrown at him too. The fire sages probably knew that Roku was the next avatar years before his 16th birthday but all avatars are told on that date. Aang being the exception. The air sages decided to tell Aang roughly when he was 10 because they knew, or at least, had a feeling that a war or something really bad was coming. They broke with tradition, told Aang, and decided to train him early by sending him away to the other elemental nations to master the elements.
I don't think they sent him away to any other nations yet. When he ran away, he was supposed to be brought to the Western airtemple to continue his training, but not of other elements yet. Before he met Katara he hadn't ever bent water.
The only issue with the way they wrote it is that Azula also shares the same lineage but she doesn't share the same struggle. I guess you could explain it as Zuko inherited their struggle and Azula inherited their talent. What the Firelord probably wanted from the union of the two lineages was a powerhouse successor like Azula but what the Fire Nation needed was a successor who could experience the internal struggle that's necessary to bring about reform like Zuko.
I'd never thought of that but it makes sense. Although I think Azula did struggle, it was just a different kind of struggle; she grew up torn between being the monster her father wanted her to be, and the good person her mother wanted her to be. Clearly the monster won, but The Beach shows us that she's not entirely happy with it.
@@cm4n63 I have not read the comics but it did take a while in the series for the creators to develop any complexity to her character. Personally, post-series additions to her character development seem a bit after-thoughtish or retcony to me because I don't think they set up a good enough foundation for it in the series until the very end in my personal opinion. I don't think it's wise for creators to try and count on most of their audience to switch to a different medium for sequel content. Keep in mind that some even argue that the creators don't give her any character development at all or not until the very end of the series and by that point, they suffer from "too late, don't care" type of mentality towards it. I at least count "the Beach" as some character development. I think one of the biggest issues for people was that she was portrayed as too unabashedly "evil" in "Zuko Alone", it gives the impression that she's just naturally that way and it makes her character very "one-note" (quoting several people).
@@cm4n63 I don't and didn't say much about the comics. My opinion that complexity added to Azula feels more like an afterthought is a criticism of her lack of character development in the original. My comment that when they switch the medium of the sequel, less of the original audience will consume it is just factual based on human nature (although the voiced TH-cam videos of the comics will probably help draw more of the audience of the original). Neither of these comments have anything to do with the quality of the comics or the content of the comics (beyond what you stated that Azula "is not as simple" in the comics). On the contrary, both of these are congruent with the perspective of someone who's watched the show but hasn't read the comics. They reflect some possible thoughts that a reasonable prospective consumer can have based on where the original cartoon left off. All of my other comments are in regards exclusively to the portrayal of Azula in the original show. I apologize if it sounds like I'm criticizing the comics or I come off as sounding like I have knowledge of the comics. My sole focus is on the show and where the show leaves the viewer at the end.
I don't think the point of the second episode was to show that anyone can change, I think it's to remind you that the fire nation aren't all bad and that both good and bad people come from it it's about the choices and the decisions that you make as well as you put your trust in that make all the difference, it's like Aang said, the foreign nation and the fire Lord are worth treating like people because they're not all bad I mean yes the current fire Lord is a very bad person but he is still a person and it's also showing that Zuko can be the change, if he becomes fire Lord then that will be what restore balance, because if him and Aang become friends then it'll be like a new chapter or a new start for the fore nation and it will help join all foreign nations back together it would literally fix the mistakes of the past.
I think a lot of Aang's upbringing has more to do with him being an Air Nomad monk than him specifically being the Avatar. That's just how their lifestyle was. Most Avatars likely had a more regular upbringing, so they probably just lived like regular people who happened to have a high-stakes job.
I mean we do see that with Korra, she has parents, and they are still a part of her life despite her being the Avatar. Chances are that is the same for all non-Air Nomad Avatars.
I think Sozin came to help for multiple reasons. I do genuinely think he still cared about Roku but also, that kind of volcanic eruption so close to his capital would've had significant impact on his citizens. But in the end, Sozin's ambition was stronger than his compassion for his friend.
I know both of these episodes have deep character moments that can be discussed at length, but I'd just like to say, "oh what the f" is the most adequate reaction to the Bounty Hunter's attack. His bending is so unique you can see how he outmatches Team Avatar simply because no one knows how it works and how to counter it
What make this episode great is that Sozin didn't feel any jealousy towards Roku, in fact he's glad that he had an avatar as his best friend, that makes him feel like he can work together in conquering the world. Cause if it's all just because of jealousy it would be a cliché
"The Beach" is an episode that is better in a second viewing, I think. I have to appreciate the care that is taken to give even minor characters depth, motives and inner conflict.
This might be a minor spoiler if you plan on reading the comics, but i think it adds to this episode. The firelord was seeking for the perfect wife to have powerful children. He stole ursa from her home and made her his wife, knowing she was the daughter of the most recent Fire Avatar. This aligns with the themes of the show very well imo
41:42 Idk if it's been mentioned but I love how when we see Iroh talk to Zuko, the perspective we're given makes it seem like Zuko is the one behind bars.. like he's the one who is trapped. Gary intentional and very cool direction
The beach is so great as an episode! Finally, Combustionbending the most powerful form of Firebending is here! I think I wrote in an earlier post that in one Zuko's episode in Ba Sing Se was more important for his story. It was in plain sight all this time: Zuko is from Roku's lineage which is explained is dual side and inner stuggle!
![The Avatar and the Fire Lord | AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER [3x5 & 3x6] (REACTION)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UkNtP7bR-mw/mqdefault.jpg)
This might be one of my favorite episodes of the show. What is yours?
This episode and episode 1 of season 3 are my absolute favorites.
I know you reacted to this a while ago but the novel The Reckoning of Roku just got released yesterday! It is a canon story about Roku and his early life on his training. Even Gyatso is in the story! You should check it out the book.
Avatar and the Firelord is #2 for me. #1 is still yet to come
Your reaction to the big twist was seriously the same way I reacted when I first watched this show! Great reaction man!
My favorite episode also takes place on Ember Island....but you haven't seen it yet :)
woh! that is really cool that they are still releasing lore and side stuff
Book 3 is a masterclass.
And yes, I agree, I think Sozin went there to help but then saw an opportunity. And his ambition overpowered his sense of morality.
That scene with Fang choosing to die alongside Roku gets me everytime.
3x06 is my all time favorite. Roku and Sozin.. aang and zuko. It’s PERFECT
It's definitely high on my list too.
Aang and Roku both had normal ish lives before being told, Aang also had it thrown at him too. The fire sages probably knew that Roku was the next avatar years before his 16th birthday but all avatars are told on that date. Aang being the exception. The air sages decided to tell Aang roughly when he was 10 because they knew, or at least, had a feeling that a war or something really bad was coming. They broke with tradition, told Aang, and decided to train him early by sending him away to the other elemental nations to master the elements.
I don't think they sent him away to any other nations yet. When he ran away, he was supposed to be brought to the Western airtemple to continue his training, but not of other elements yet. Before he met Katara he hadn't ever bent water.
I'm recently noticing that the opening scene of the flashback with Roku and Sozin training tells you how the story ends
One of the few reactors that linked zuko’s metamorphosis dream seeing himself as the avatar to him being a descendent of an avatar, very nice.
The only issue with the way they wrote it is that Azula also shares the same lineage but she doesn't share the same struggle. I guess you could explain it as Zuko inherited their struggle and Azula inherited their talent. What the Firelord probably wanted from the union of the two lineages was a powerhouse successor like Azula but what the Fire Nation needed was a successor who could experience the internal struggle that's necessary to bring about reform like Zuko.
I'd never thought of that but it makes sense. Although I think Azula did struggle, it was just a different kind of struggle; she grew up torn between being the monster her father wanted her to be, and the good person her mother wanted her to be. Clearly the monster won, but The Beach shows us that she's not entirely happy with it.
Have you read the comics? I'm not sure azula is that simple
@@cm4n63 I have not read the comics but it did take a while in the series for the creators to develop any complexity to her character. Personally, post-series additions to her character development seem a bit after-thoughtish or retcony to me because I don't think they set up a good enough foundation for it in the series until the very end in my personal opinion. I don't think it's wise for creators to try and count on most of their audience to switch to a different medium for sequel content.
Keep in mind that some even argue that the creators don't give her any character development at all or not until the very end of the series and by that point, they suffer from "too late, don't care" type of mentality towards it. I at least count "the Beach" as some character development.
I think one of the biggest issues for people was that she was portrayed as too unabashedly "evil" in "Zuko Alone", it gives the impression that she's just naturally that way and it makes her character very "one-note" (quoting several people).
@@solonec.4285 no offense, but i don't think you can reasonably say you haven't read the comics, yet have so much to say about the comics
@@cm4n63 I don't and didn't say much about the comics. My opinion that complexity added to Azula feels more like an afterthought is a criticism of her lack of character development in the original. My comment that when they switch the medium of the sequel, less of the original audience will consume it is just factual based on human nature (although the voiced TH-cam videos of the comics will probably help draw more of the audience of the original).
Neither of these comments have anything to do with the quality of the comics or the content of the comics (beyond what you stated that Azula "is not as simple" in the comics). On the contrary, both of these are congruent with the perspective of someone who's watched the show but hasn't read the comics. They reflect some possible thoughts that a reasonable prospective consumer can have based on where the original cartoon left off.
All of my other comments are in regards exclusively to the portrayal of Azula in the original show. I apologize if it sounds like I'm criticizing the comics or I come off as sounding like I have knowledge of the comics. My sole focus is on the show and where the show leaves the viewer at the end.
This was SO PERFECT!!
I don't think the point of the second episode was to show that anyone can change, I think it's to remind you that the fire nation aren't all bad and that both good and bad people come from it it's about the choices and the decisions that you make as well as you put your trust in that make all the difference, it's like Aang said, the foreign nation and the fire Lord are worth treating like people because they're not all bad I mean yes the current fire Lord is a very bad person but he is still a person and it's also showing that Zuko can be the change, if he becomes fire Lord then that will be what restore balance, because if him and Aang become friends then it'll be like a new chapter or a new start for the fore nation and it will help join all foreign nations back together it would literally fix the mistakes of the past.
I love these two episodes! The scene at the ends of both episode are so good
I think a lot of Aang's upbringing has more to do with him being an Air Nomad monk than him specifically being the Avatar. That's just how their lifestyle was. Most Avatars likely had a more regular upbringing, so they probably just lived like regular people who happened to have a high-stakes job.
I mean we do see that with Korra, she has parents, and they are still a part of her life despite her being the Avatar. Chances are that is the same for all non-Air Nomad Avatars.
I think Sozin came to help for multiple reasons. I do genuinely think he still cared about Roku but also, that kind of volcanic eruption so close to his capital would've had significant impact on his citizens. But in the end, Sozin's ambition was stronger than his compassion for his friend.
I know both of these episodes have deep character moments that can be discussed at length, but I'd just like to say, "oh what the f" is the most adequate reaction to the Bounty Hunter's attack. His bending is so unique you can see how he outmatches Team Avatar simply because no one knows how it works and how to counter it
What make this episode great is that Sozin didn't feel any jealousy towards Roku, in fact he's glad that he had an avatar as his best friend, that makes him feel like he can work together in conquering the world. Cause if it's all just because of jealousy it would be a cliché
"The Beach" is an episode that is better in a second viewing, I think. I have to appreciate the care that is taken to give even minor characters depth, motives and inner conflict.
31:31 remember this line
This might be a minor spoiler if you plan on reading the comics, but i think it adds to this episode. The firelord was seeking for the perfect wife to have powerful children. He stole ursa from her home and made her his wife, knowing she was the daughter of the most recent Fire Avatar. This aligns with the themes of the show very well imo
Technically, Azulon was the one who picked Ursa to marry Ozai, not Ozai himself. But he did it for that reason.
Granddaughter* of the most recent fire Avatar
Sozin went there with a desire to help a friend, but when the moment came, he listened to the devil's whispers
41:42 Idk if it's been mentioned but I love how when we see Iroh talk to Zuko, the perspective we're given makes it seem like Zuko is the one behind bars.. like he's the one who is trapped. Gary intentional and very cool direction
AJ's reaction to the Roku/Zuko twist got me so hyped!! Man, I'm thinking I might do a rewatch of this show now!!
Roku’s family back in the day was nobility
The beach is so great as an episode! Finally, Combustionbending the most powerful form of Firebending is here!
I think I wrote in an earlier post that in one Zuko's episode in Ba Sing Se was more important for his story. It was in plain sight all this time: Zuko is from Roku's lineage which is explained is dual side and inner stuggle!
I think lightning is more deadly, but combustion bending likely more unique and inherited genetically
@@danielkudo4800 combustion is used to deal area damage and lightning is more a focused thing.
such a good episode!
If there was a death battle, I want it between cinder and azula.
First
I thought i had it this time 😭