Prince Zuko | He'll Save You From The Pirates | Avatar: The Last Airbender | Stuff You Like
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- I think it's time for a character study, and this week's victim is everyone's favourite honour-seeking burn victim, Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Or Avatar: The Legend of Aang. Whichever you like. Let's do some analysis on Zuko!
Zuko: he'll save you from the pirates.
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It's actually kinda funny when you think about it - Zuko's entire plan for interrogation basically boils down to "talk about my feelings and then bribe her with jewelry." I mean, he could have just threatened her, but instead he's like "trade you the avatar for a necklace? I mean, chicks dig necklaces, right?" Personally, I'd say it fits with his whole "kinda awkward" shtick kinda well. But also, yes, definitely his most Azula-like as well.
Now I'm just picturing Zuko in front of a mirror in his quarters: "Chicks dig it when you talk about your feelings AND offer to return their jewellery, right? This plan is flawless, I'm so good at this."
Zuko is more his mother than he is his father, and the need to have that acknowledgement from his father drives him to act at odds to his character - as seen in his childhood flashbacks. He is noble and a protector at heart, but his quest, as we initially sees him set on, is one that he thinks need the brutal and harsh tactics of his father - so he learns to be do. In times of danger, the razor focus is clear to him, protect or face loss.
In the moment of the interrogation, he is trying to make an exchange of what he believes each has and the other wants. It's probably less "chicks dig jewelry" and more "I can interrogate her which will please father as that is what he would expect; and not have to torture her which the right thing to do as taught by mother". So clearly, that is the best route to take. I've never seen it as being out of character, but rather a nuance of the depth of it.
Zuko definetely prefers "easy way" than "hard way"
@@JillBearup you’ve just managed to turn creepy Zuko into dorky Zuko. Respect
His name is Cheng, and his outfit is so sharp.
he should be careful not to cut himself, because it's so sharp
It could puncture the hull of a fire navy ship, leaving thousands to die at sea...because its so sharp
I forgot that is was really close to "Chad" in sound as well!
Yeah
Creepy seductive kidnapper Zuko always gave me a sense of a much more familiar trope. His movements are snake like. His voice is low and aluring. He's offering her what she desires, but at a price. This is a Faustian bargain.
Ahhhh that makes sense, he's just performing "Azula getting what she wants"
Some people argue that Ozai is a weak, one dimensional villain, but I don't think that's true. Sure we don't get that much interactions with him and we never see inside his head, but I don't think we need to. I believe the true depth of Ozai's villainy can be seen in his children, and how he treats his children even when they are useful.
Red from Overly Scarcastic productions made that point pretty well.
@@athenearosa Really? Do you remember which video she said that in?
@@slightlyembittered either in her video about dark lords or her video about the dragon trope
I totally agree. I remember once hearing that Ozai doesn't need any scars or disfiguration on his face to make him look "evil" because he already has one... the one he left on Zuko. The same applies to the emotional states of his children
Holy cow. You actually give serious analysis of fanfiction tropes, tendencies and writing/ character development.
Never seen a channel like that.
You know what action follows ofc
If you like character analysis check out "Hello Future Me"s channel
@@lilitousinezhad4756 Yess! I love this guy's work!
Four years later, but the fact that he isn't awkward around Katara also alludes to the fact that he has no romantic feelings for her, and that the creepy seductive side is only a means to end, where I feel like he makes getting information out of her as part of his 'mission' or 'task'. I definitely agree that he bases his behavior of this on his father and sister, as he had probably seen them act this way to others that they had to convince to do their bidding while being unable to hurt that individual.
Somewhere along minute four I think I got where you were going with this and my heart broke, it's just so heartbreaking all these little details that give you an "oh" moment even so long after watching it.
‘I’ll save you from the pirates.’ Do you think they knew what the one line would start in hordes of 8-12 year old girls that persists to this day?
No?
No?
We know that pirates and heroes are both female fantasies, so I don't think anyone is surprised
So, you're telling me that Zuko's plan was to use his dad's pick up lines on Katara as an interrogation technique.
Excuse me, I must go submit this to Nickelodeon as canon.
There were actually arguments within the studio on whether Kataang should be canon or Zutara, but Kataang went through.
Personally I would have liked it if it was Zutara because it has much better chemistry and just everything
@@baronvonscrufflebutt Yes, Katara and Zuko have a unique chemistry and I like them very much. But the way I address it is that in the moments that they are together, they tend to bring out more negative or serious emotions from each other. They both had issues they needed to overcome, and sometimes it's good to address those feelings, but you can't live in that headspace all the time.
@@SwordTune Yep. Sometimes the people you're with make great friends and terrible lovers. Their relationship would have been built on shared pain, and I don't think that's a great start to a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Aang and Katara make each other happy (most of the time) and their relationship gives them both hope. It is, in my opinion, a healthier foundation to build a relationship on.
@@SwordTune Personally I disagree with both of you, but I respect your opinion
That made my day! ^^
Yes! Them mirroring their father is very true when you take into account his behavior towards Ursa in the comics. After their children are born he just seems pretty distant, but early on he's a total creep. Their wedding comes to mind -- he tells her she'll never see her family again and that, as the princess of the Fire Nation, she belongs to him. He ends this statement with a kiss.
I'm confused on what Jill was indicating when she said that they got that from their dad and it shows uncomfortable things about their home life even before Ursa left. What does she mean? What does she think he did that made the kids pick up on that?
Also what comics? I would love to read it if it's canon
@@baronvonscrufflebutt So, first things first-- the comics are canon! There are a few different post-show comics, though the one I'm talking about (and my personal favorite) is called The Search. In it, Zuko, Azula and the gaang. look for his mother and find out her and Ozai's backstory. Basically, the comics show that Ozai was just creepy and predatory. What Jill is implying is, like, the same thing. He was controlling, predatory, and just overall similar to how Zuko and Azula act sometimes when they're trying to seem "powerful" or whatever.
@@sicksalt7765 ooooh okay! I'll be sure to check out the comics, then!
I did get one of their books, The Rise of Kiyoshi(it's so good), but that's it.
This is both completely messed up and brilliant. Like, it makes perfect sense, but it is also deeply disturbing. Of course, Zuko could just be channeling Azula, but lacks the social awareness to realize that he is coming across as a total creep.
Not that Azula has the social awareness either, maybe she does, but bullying your team into submission is not a viable long term leadership strategy.
Then again does Azula have any game plan that isn't bully them into submission.
@@andrewgreeb916 Nope. "Fear is the only reliable way"
I'll save you from the pirates is the first episode I remember watching as an 8 y old and that whole scene stuck with me for years. Your analysis makes the seduction aspect just. Heartbreaking and not at all seductive, but it fits so well with his character the rest of the time
... I didn't need to cry for Zuko and Azula today, thanks. This gives me so many feelings, can't I just take them both and wrap them in blankets and feed them hot chocolate while mumbling "There, there, you'll be all right," *goes to fetch my own blankets and cuddles a pillow because ATLA does things to me and for me and why oh why😭😭😭😭
Omg I never thought of that that was a really good analysis
I loved how she was using the Music from the final battle with Zuko and Azula throughout the video
I noticed this today on one of my re-watches! If you swapped Zuko out for Azula in that waterbending scroll scene with Katara, they probably would have acted in a very similar way. It shows how much Zuko even looks up to Azula, despite how much he thinks he hates her. If he acts like Azula maybe he will be closer to getting his father back, because Ozai much prefers Azula to Zuko.
Her name is ursa
So is zukos mothers name ;-;
Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the best shows in the world. I hope we see more after Korra. Korra was great, but more angsty and not quite as fun.
No way! I'm planning a Zuko study too - this is great :D
Me when seeing the thumbnail: ''Ohh no she is has made a Zutara video. Well I guess nobody is perfect''
Me after watching the video: ''It wasn't Zutara video (THANK GOD) but a very interesting analysis of his character''.
4 years late, but that Once More With Feeling reference
This! I never realized this in the umpteen times I've watched Avatar.
Nice "once more with feeling" reference, and a great video overall!
Moritz Hofinger
I noticed that, too, and thought, "O my goodness gracious, this lady has stolen my life!" I loved that episode of Buffy.
zuko: awkward on dates / if he is interested in you
also zuko: awkward on the boiling rock episodes / around sokka
MY SHIP IS SAILING
zukka nation
5:25 - 5:30 Alright, that's weird but I'm always so jealous about Zuko right here 😅😅😅
I love ATLA!
My heart breaks for them. I never considered how weird it was and now all I can see is Ozai. :'(
Thank goodness Zuko eventually is able to grow as a person, it'll take a long time and he may never be normal, but he has a good shot at a good life now, at least.
Well, shit. You are correct, in the comics that is EXACTLY how we see Ozai act with Ursa in flashbacks.
The Greeks dealt with character inconsistencies in their gods by giving them different epithets. Aphrodite had epithets connotating the capacity in which she was being worshipped: platonic, romantic, or lustful love.
This seems to be no different from divided Zuko into "Canon" and "Creepy seducer who will save you from pirates."
Conclusion, we must construct a temple to Zuko to honour his many epithets.
A dancing demon? No, something isn’t right there.
Every time I think about Zuko's family, it breaks me a little more
I caught that off-handed Buffy musical reference, you sneak
It's my favorite show of ALL TIME. I've watched it so many times I wish I could tell you the number. If I showed someone the show and they said they hated it I would be so disappointed. It's one thing not being into things but if they completely hated it from the beginning i would be crushed
i love this "sure honey, sure" hahahahaha i can't stop laughing xDDD
I need more of your videos atla analysis, and more fo zuko ( and zutara) xD
Wait....Azula is only 14? And yet she’s one of the scariest cartoon villains???? Dude, I’ve gotta step my game up.
I am late to this video but I must say.
Wow, you gave me a new reason to like Zuko. That's VERY rare these days.
This was great!!
Zuko has an affinity for heel turns...maybe thats why his signiture move is a break dance spin kick...he's literally turning his heel
"Why am I so bad at being good?!"
"Ill save you from the pirates" was the moment i started shipping Katara and Zuko🙃😬
Same, and the moment I started simping for him
Fun fact in the comic Avatar the last airbender- the search we learn Ursa was forced to marry Ozai and give up her fiancee. Then on her wedding day was forced to give up contact with her parents or anyone else in her life aside him.
Team zutara ♡
This is true. Abused kids act like their parents automatically to get by in situations where they otherwise can't because they see it works for the abuser without realizing what they're doing or how bad it is because to them it is normal. But they don't have to feel guilty and they can forgive themselves because it wasn't them but they're parents spirit acting through them. So they can change and move on. Of course they might go back and forth like Zuko or have a breakdown like Azula but there is always hope.
Hi...Zuko here.
On another level there is also Zuko's largely unspoken guilt about failing to save his mother which generates a lot of his approach/avoidance behaviour especially in relation to women.
Love your videos! ☺ this is a great show
Ghaa, this just makes me want to watch the series
Liked for the Buffy Musical reference. And ATLA, of course.
Jill, Tim from Hello Future Me has a very deep dive look at Zuko's psychology purely from a canon perspective … and yeah, Ursa was probably abused in more than one way by Ozai. It is not okay! And when you think about Azula being at most 15 when she goes full cuckoo for cocopuffs … how did they make this show for seven year olds? Genocide, racism, murder, famine, fascism, war, betrayal, terrorism, child soldiers, thievery, child abuse, torture, brainwashing/"re-education" facilities and practices, strong indications of sexual abuse, paranoid schizophrenia, kidnapping… Yes really, that's all there.
Great video!!!!!
Buffy ref! Nice!
Ah, the feels.
Was that a... Once More with Feeling reference? "A dancing demon--no, something isn't right, there..."
Going through your backlog. Wish I'd been watching 6 years ago. Love the breakdown of this interaction. The technique always did seem out of place for him, though I just chalked it up to adolescent Zuko bouncing all over the place because he's a teenager (complicated by his abusive father). I like the reasoning that he's imitating his father because what else does he have. Except for one thing. Not one thing that disproves or contradicts you. One thing that makes me go 'double ick'. You alluded to Azula & Ozai's relationship with some 'ick' aspects. There's also the scene where Zuko barges into Azula's bedroom looking for info about their mom, and Azula seems a little too happy that he's there with her in bed. Not sure how it impacts on the pirate scene but it definitely made my stomach topple. Eww, double ick. I don't like the Egyptian Fire Nation.
Either all that or it's a question of which writer wrote the episode.
It could be bunnies.
Bunnies aren’t just cute like everyone supposes. They got them hoppy legs and twitchy little noses, and what’s with
all the carrots!? What do they need such good eyesight for anyway!? Bunnies, bunnies, it must be bunnies!!
Um, actually, I own six rabbits (four now), and only one of them eats carrots.... not sure if you were being serious or not, but if u weren’t, then I guess this is just another piece of useless knowledge for you to have.
@@julianaradke9083 lol I love the comment on a 9 month old joke I posted.
These are the lyrics to a song in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Put "bunnies it must be bunnies" into the TH-cam search for the clip, it's fun. :)
@@Jcewazhere OML I just watched it and I’m dead 😂. That’s the funniest thing I’ve seen today
I love that show. I made a song based off the anime 👽😁
Just when you thought there wasn't more to cry about in this show 😨🫣🥲.
Good video Jill! 👌
I want to say as someone who’s immediate response to The Waterbending Scroll being first aired in my country was to go find fanfiction about Zuko and Katara is that “I’ll save you from the pirates” Zuko was originally created in a vacuum. When it came out, fans had no context for where seductive Zuko came from. We hadn’t met Azula as a character yet, Ozai was still faceless and we had never seen Zuko being adorkable on a date. So fans did what they do best: they took what they had and ran with it. And it sparked literally thousands of fanfics.
Holy crap...I was too young for fanfiction then (or to understand that scene could be seen as seductive), so I never thought to do that. It'd be intresting to go back and find those old fics and see how diffenent Zuko was written. Cause yeah, if you only had up to this point in the series, you might think Zuko's able to be seductive.
@@spiritofchaos58 Also up until that point Zuko had been portrayed as the main antagonist. This was before the first season finale where it was Zhao that attacked the North Pole, this was before Azula had ever left the Fire Nation and again before the Fire Lord had a face. So as much as Zuko had been shown in a very sympathetic light with an excellent Uncle who obviously adored him, Zuko was still the villain. So fanfic writers took what they had to work with and made him into a seductive baddie with a soft spot for Katara because we had no idea what a huge dork he was because we only had what we had seen before to go off of.
awesome thank you, hope you time to talk about legend of korra
You make a Buffy the Musical joke in here. Nice.
My family and I are watching through Korra after Aang’s story. I would love another series but am sure they would screw it up. The Avatar universe is legend.
And if you take a look at the Ozai/Ursa interaction in the comics you totally see where this is coming from...
Yikes!
Yeah, I've heard that theory too, that he's trying to copy Azula. It makes a lot of sense to me, his sister is excellent at manipulation and the like
I think their dorkyness has nothing to do with their parents. Aang acts just as stupid arround Katara. Their all just a bunch of teens who don’t know how to aproach the people they like. And that’s perfectly fitting.
Not the dorkiness, but the creepiness does.
I don't care what anyone says, Zuko should have ended up with that Earth Kingdom Girl
Yep
So isn’t it just me who found that scene where he bribes Katara with her mother’s necklace creepy and I found it disbursing when people say that they ship him and Katara and this is the scene where they started shipping them and they think that he likes Katara when he doesn’t and are blind as bats when he really does like a girl he’ll buy her ice cream and light lanterns for her and act awkward and cute around her not bribe her with her mothers necklace and it’s disbursing I think that he might gotten his weird stalker behaviour from his sister or father and thank god he figured out this behaviour isn’t normal
Toph- no, Iroh. Definitely
She actually said heel/ face turn and face/ heel turn! Are you a wrestling fan?
While they originated in wrestling, these terms have been adopted as trope names for years. Many trope names are used by people who have little to no knowledge of the sources of those names. That being said, I have no idea if she is a fan or not.
Everytime she was talking about his awkwardness with ambiguity im like maybe its because half is face is burnt? Easy ro take advantage of that ambiguity and say that hes awkward at the very least :/.
Episode?
?
Jill Bearup the water-bending scroll
Ah about saying I will save you from piratas by Zuko
Wait, I’m sorry I promise I’m not trying to be sarcastic. Is the theory in tow, that Zuko is like his father?
It's that, in the scene she's discussing, Zuko is trying to act like his father, because to him, that's how you get what you want
Hope that clarifies a little
Does anyone know of any scenes in which their father acts creepy and seductive in that manner? It seems a little out of character for him.
It depends on your definition of seduction. If you define it in a very broad sense, he's constantly doing it to both Azula and Zuko. He makes them behave in a way he wants them to, to accept his version of right and wrong. If you're familiar with Tolkien's work, you might have heard that Melkor "seduced" Mairon (who was later re-named Sauron). I doubt Tolkien meant that in a sexual way.
in the comics, he does. He's very creepy.
Why am I watching a video about fanfics
Which episode is this?
Black people are the Hebrew Israelites please read Deuteronomy 28.
I honestly could not stand Zuko's voice actor. I think he was miles behind every other voice actor in talent. Every line he delivered felt forced, like he didn't understand the motivations behind the character.
@@orxihui lol yes yes I am
Are you a troll?
@@maladjustedmaverick6619 no lol im serious but I guess it's an unpopular opinion so does that make it trolling?
@@zzzcocopepe No, it doesn't. I've just never heard anyone complain about Dante Basco as Zuko before. But you're perfectly entitled to that opinion.
@@maladjustedmaverick6619 I know, lol, nobody says it, it's so confusing to me because I don't like his acting in this and everybody else loves zuko