THE BACKSTORIES! AVATAR The Last Airbender Episode 12-13 REACTION | ATLA

[@williamrosmer5629]

when you realize "hunting the avatar" was a snipe hunt because they assumed the avatar would never show up and they just wanted to get rid of him.

[@SnowyWolborg]

Exactly. It was just one last smack in the face from his father. Zuko was sent on a wild goose chase that was never intended to result in success.

[@kuningaskolassas4720]

It takes a special kind of evil to taunt a 12 year old kid about the genocide of his people

[@Sinnathan]

I love that the story starts with A selfish act by the protagonist And a selfless act by the antagonist

[@marvelsandals4228]

Katara: You give people hope. Iroh: The Avatar gives Zuko hope. So cool how a phrase can mean something so different in a different context.

[@Kayoss13212]

Not to mention, one ran alway from his responsibilities, while the other tried to run towards it.

[@Sinnathan]

@@Kayoss13212 yeah, that’s what I was talking about lol

[@ericschuster2680]

✍🔥✍

[@Kyzen_Wrell]

10:55 Essentially, Ozai sent Zuko on an impossible task since most thought the Avatar was dead, fully expecting his son never to return. With Aang’s return two years later, that hopeless task just became possible (hence Zuko’s obsession)

[@richardjohnson5435]

And for double the cruelty, Ozai gave Zuko false hope of a return home instead of outright banishing him completely.

[@quentincoetzee4313]

@@richardjohnson5435 Add to that, when Ozai knows the Avatar is once again active, he has Zhao hunt for him in earnest, with so much more in the way of resources than Zuko.

[@elevate07]

​@@quentincoetzee4313 Add to that, Zhao was promoted to Admiral even after several failures. Zuko was banished out the country for speaking out of turn once. Ozai was always looking for an excuse to get rid of his son.

[@maverickpwnage8534]

@@elevate07 Add to that Ozai shot lightning at Zuko, this shows that he actually tried to kill his own son. Did I do this little chain we got going on right?

[@drizzmatec]

​@maverickpwnage8534 you skipped over Ozai sending Azula to hunt down Zuko and Iroh, so they can't embarrass the royal family anymore.

[@Shuyin128MK4]

Iroh redirecting lighting is always such a treat. It shows how powerful such an old warrior like himself is.

[@NyJoanzy]

I like that it's just in the scene a whole season before what even happened is explained.

[@innocuousalias6632]

who would have thought this moment would become a major plot point for the rest of the show.

[@reaverrogue7142]

I love the headcanon that this was the first time he ever attempted it, and the look on his face is like "Holy shit, that worked?!"

[@NeddyMontz]

Shocking 🌩

[@darknessunknown4384]

Fire Lord Ozai is voiced by Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamil; equally well known for voicing the Joker in various DC projects (most notably Batman the Animated Series).

[@alk4978]

And now the son of the "Luke Skywalker" said "I won't fight you" to his father, same as Luke did to his, but with a very different outcome)

[@williamrosmer5629]

the man was so mad he got typecast as the hero he went and got typecast as awesome voice actor villain

[@vision-dz6cm]

There's a few lines where the Joker voice kinda creeps through Ozai.

[@HazySkies]

Be aware that this show is full of small details and symbolism: 3:48 Zuko's hand is steaming, emphasising his hot temper. 5:25 "Storm clouds are gathering" is deep in its layered meaning. A literal storm, but also danger ahead. 9:55 The flames while Iroh is speaking are burning intensely, reflecting the situation of the tale. 10:22 "I looked away", Iroh couldn't bear to see it, showing his disapproval but also powerlessness of the situation. Also a cameo of a few notable characters. 11:41 Iroh senses the energy of the lightning and prepares to redirect it. 21:49 This scene has some symbolism too. There is light but it's becoming more dim and dark clouds overhead, hope it's slipping away and thoughts in turmoil. 36:36 The Blue Spirit skillfully uses a satchel of water to extinguish and counter the fire blast of the guard. He could've easily firebended, but that would've further risks his identity. Also emphasises his skill. 32:49 Zuko, after looking at the flag of his nation, turns his back to it. There's some deeper meaning to that too.

[@Deorman]

Iroh Also felt guilty about Zuko's punishment, because he's the one who allowed him to attend the war meating.

[@HazySkies]

@@Deorman Oh yeah, I hadn't considered that. Good insight.

[@VainerCactus0]

32:49 Zuko, after looking at the flag of his nation, turns his back to it. There's some deeper meaning to that too. He is also sleeping with his good eye up and the eye with the scar down. He does not feel secure in this location at the moment.

[@IamnotJohnFord]

At the end Zuko stares at the Fire Nation flag. He's trying to understand how Aang, his enemy, can risk his life to save him with nothing to gain from it. Aang could've left him to the tender mercies of Admiral Zhao. Zuko comes from a culture where honor and loyalty are paramount. But, most Fire Nation people do things for their own benefit or due to orders. They will betray you if it advances themselves. Aang does what's right just because it's right. He helps anyone just because they need help.

[@lisboah]

I don't agree with your view that the people from the Fire Nation are like that. Because later on, we see that most of them are actually decent. The problem is that they were clearly raised to believe that their war is justified Spoiler For example, they are taught that Fire Lord Sozin attacked the Air Nation's army, when the Air Nomads had no military and were just monks residing at the top of mountains without bothering anyone. Sozin wiped them out just in hopes of killing the Avatar.

[@geminiblade]

Aang’s response is completely understandable since the moment they told him he was the Avatar it was a negative thing to him. His friends ostracized him even though he has no training yet as the avatar. He was being separated from monk gyatso his closest friend/father figure.

[@forcesmuggler7667]

The Storm is the best episode of S1. And obviously, Zuko did nothing here. Protecting the lives of the men is important. Crazy how Zuko is all yelling and grunting while fire bending, but was silent as the Blue Spirit. I bet he had a long conversation with Iroh about why the heck did the Avatar need those frogs?

[@bbillyk]

Iroh has a lot of worldly experience and just wisdom and would have likely at least heard of frogs that could cure fevers/flu or common cold.

[@davidseb9045]

Except at this point Zuko didn't tell Iroh that he was the Blue Spirit, even though Iroh probably suspected it after hearing what occurred, so he wouldn't have talked to him about the frogs cause that would have given him away.

[@Zachd500]

Just to clear up any possible confusion that I often see others do is thinking this was Zuko doing something good trying to rescue Aang as opposed to capturing him for himself.

[@magentaspoon5319]

Nah, Zuko was definitely trying to rescue Aang here. It would do him no good to basically steal Zhao’s price, when Aang already was captured by the Fire Nation. His plan was to let Aang go without revealing his identity, and then capture him by himself some other day. So I’d say that Zuko did do something good, but he did it for selfish/non-good reasons.

[@Zachd500]

@@magentaspoon5319 that’s ridiculous he definitely was going to try to instantly take him to his ship then take him home to get his honor back. The only reason that doesn’t happen is because he gets knocked out. Think about it, it makes no sense to release Aang because the problem for Zuko was Zhao had so many resources that it was easier for him to catch the Avatar. So it would likely just happen again were Zhao got Aang instead of Zuko his only chance at that time was to steal the Avatar and get him to his father.

[@estebanventura4620]

I love how in this episode aang didn’t do the same mistake he did the 1st time. Bc the first time he froze himself which caused him to be gone for 100 years but this time he learned from his mistake and instead of freezing himself he makes an air barrier so that way he can still bend and escape instead of trapping himself. A lot of people don’t realize it when they watch it. It just shows how much aang learns and grows from his past mistakes

[@guillermorodriguez8703]

10:30 you better remember that girl's face...

[@mori1bund]

10:26 "who's that girl though!" - Keep her in mind! You gonna meet her later... 😁⚡

[@951penalozahugo]

10:40 now knowing this: think back to the second episode. He had him, he was going home...

[@kelonpie]

Honest watching Zuko wailing from his father's hand made me cry the first time I watched this

[@buzzthebuzzard5267]

You can definitely hallucinate from a high fever.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker)’s voice as Fire Lord.

[@narukamiseta122]

Two of my favorite episodes of season 1. I think this is the point where Zuko started to become my favorite character. This is one of the first shows that made me invested in the antagonist when i was a kid.

[@streamspoart2671]

Thank you for upload 2 episodes at once now I realized the continuity, after the storm, Zuko feeling guilty not just to uncle, but to all his crew, so he choose to searching the avatar alone and he became the blue spirit

[@AeroWraith901]

Having a double flashback was so good for the storm episode.

[@nicholasmaddocks7545]

Avatar Extras Episode 12 (my favorite episode for this season) 1. Uncle Iroh is not actually out of his mind. Many people believe that you can smell a storm before it comes. Also, most doctors and researchers believe that there is a connection between barometric pressure and joint pain. 2. The idea of identifying Aang as the Avatar by having him choose certain toys was based on how Tibetan monks identify the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan monks would present the suspected Dalai Lama with numerous objects. If he chose the one that belonged to him in a previous life, the monks would take this as a sign that he was the reincarnated Dalai Lama. 3. The sepia slides were painted by Bryan Konietzko and Bryan Evans. Katara: “you give people hope” Iroh: “but the important thing is the Avatar gives Zuko hope.” This moment, solidified this as the best episode (at least for me) for the first season. The parallels between Zuko and Aang are done really well. Both of their backstories are told by a fire, how they came to be is done right, and everything falls into place with these two characters. Everything that could practically be understood about them is suddenly understood. They may be enemies, but they're very similar. They're ruled by the bad choices they made in the past, and their guilt decided their actions. While one hides behind playful innocence (Aang), the other hides behind ruthlessness and discipline (Zuko). When the episode ends with them exchanging a look, though only for a second, the connection is definitely there, whether they realize it or not; and we feel it. Overall, this episode proved that the series could have potential to be something interesting, thought provoking, and could leave a message. Episode 13 1. This episode was originally called "The Red Spirit". 2. The movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was used as reference for the stairs of the herbalist institute. Also, the institute is over 100 years old and the medicine from this Institute was once sent all over the world. 3. Zuko doesn't use firebending when he's the Blue Spirit because it would give away his identity. Instead Zuko uses two broadswords. Broadswords, also called Dao, are one of the four major weapons in China and most Chinese martial arts schools still train extensively with the Dao.

[@masansr]

Zuko's use Chinese (Earth Kingdom) weapons instead of Japanese (Fire Nation) is another way of obfuscating his identity.

[@NessOnett8]

Zuko's gotta save Aang because if Zhao had successfully delivered him, then Zuko could never capture him himself.

[@VainerCactus0]

I like how everybody on the internet agrees that Iroh should be called Uncle Iroh. He is a great father figure. Note at the end how Prince Zuko slept with his back to the flag of the Fire nation and also with his good eye facing up so he could see better when he opened his eyes. Duel use symbolism! Also you might want to fix your description. Those brackets () should probably be filled in properly. :) Copyright Disclaimer under (section number) of the (country's copyright law), allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. *ALL RIGHTS GO TO RESPECTED OWNERS*

[@saphcal]

it was beautiful to see the wheels in your brain turn as you figured out who the Blue Spirit was right before it was revealed...

[@jakesmith5278]

Awesome episodes. Glad you saw a glimpse of Prince Zuko's true enemy.

[@Theeplayboi]

episode 13 pretty much confirmed aang and zuko teaming up in the future

[@Stimulation334]

" you can't sacrifice an entire division like that. Those soldiers love and defend our nation. How can you betray them?" - zuko

[@SnowyWolborg]

It is rather ironic that Zuko was criticized for not caring about anybody but himself, but the reason that he's in this situation in the first place is because he was standing up for people who couldn't do it themselves.

[@Stimulation334]

@@SnowyWolborg he still did defense helpless people. He attacked the bullies that was attacking that earth town and used his firebending in front of everyone.

[@omarabdelalim684]

"like who's that girl though?"

[@nicholaswilkerson4394]

I always love the parallel between Zuko and Aang. Aangs story started with a show of selfishness. Zukos began with an act of compassion/selflessness.

[@trizzy2009]

My opinion is this, I like knowing the backstories on animes, it helps you understand how and why they do what they do, especially when it gets deeper into the series. W vid and reaction 💯

[@stardmg]

Even if they weren't told, the other Air Nomad kids prolly would have figured it out eventually. Everyone knew the next Avatar was supposed to be an Air Nomad in accordance to the cycle, so if they saw Aang getting special treatment, getting pulled off all the time for mysterious, private, advanced lessons, they'd know something was up.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

It should of been kept secret as long as possible because the head Monks knew Sozin was going to do "something big" soon.

[@morgonyoung4935]

“The aviator gives zuko hope” iroh always spittin

[@angelocelani714]

Ahh yes the point in the series where things get real

[@coltchan7380]

They have Aang costume and Zuko’s Blue Spirit mask at Spirit Halloween.

[@drunkenswordsman3373]

The back to back great episodes right after The Great Divide always makes me laugh

[@oscarnator230]

Loving your reactions homie! Iroh redirecting lightning is the best moment by far! It's 14/10! And you looked great in both reactions btw 😊

[@remo27]

That Firelord: real "Father of the Year" material, hmm? Oh, and part of what Zuko was punished for, when you think about it, was CARING about people. He was a bit rude in how he stated his opposition to the use of the new rookie soldiers, but in fact, ANY opposition would have been taken as disrespect, and personally, his appalled reaction was perfectly normal. Also, remember he was 13 when this happened. That's some lifetime trauma there. As for Aang, the fault is not with him, a 12 year old boy, for how he reacted, but for the stupid monks. They should have had more wisdom: if you have to 'activate' the Avatar early, then you need to consider his age and HIS needs even more than usual, and they should not have pressured him so much nor should they ever have intended to cut him off so completely from his support network of friends and loved ones. Given that, it's no wonder he ran away. Gyatsu, shines here because he was acting as a counterbalance. Anyway, in a way this doesn't ring true: generally the monks seemed wise why SO MANY of them would suddenly turn stupid doesn't feel right with me, but it works for the story.

[@Sephiroth144]

I'm guessing it'd be the situation in the world; we know the air benders were destroyed the same year the Avatar "left"- the Avatar, we should remember, who was "anointed" several years earlier than usual. It would be unlikely that the Monks did not know of the Fire Nation's military buildups or Sozin's Comet (and the effect that would have on Firebenders). Now, not saying they were right to pressure a 12 year old kid as they did, but there's a reason or three that they felt "out of time". (And frankly, given that happened and when it happened, they were likely right from a certain point of view... though it's also possible that Aang would have been killed if the monks had gotten their way.)

[@iordanvassilev8091]

I think the idea was that they are wise and knowledgeable, but they lack compassion. They are wise and intelligent enough to see the war and the attack comming, and were preparing for it in the most logical way, detaching themselves from earthly bounds such as emotions and needs, but they didn't consider that a 12 year old will not be able to detach himself from material needs and wants as easily as they do. If I have to make a comparison, they are like the mentads in Dune, working on logic, but never stopping to consider whether the basis for this logic is correct. The air sages were logical and wise, as in they knew the avatar would have to be prepared early, but never stopped to consider the human element in their strategy.

[@rowlandandrew9597]

Hi Melon These 2 episode's are fantastic Uncle Iroh redirecting the lightning is assume Plus it's show don't mess with old warriors in Avatar the last Airbender you shouldn't mess with old warriors in anime Zuko is a very nice person Protecting the lives of his men My favorite moment in this episode the conversation Aang and Katara Iroh tilling the men Zuko backstory Both Aang and Zuko had a hard time in life Zuko scarred by his father Aang forced to run so that he would lose his father but lost his father anyway its just so sad

[@NeddyMontz]

10:33 Zuko's scream still gives me chills. Ozai giving him that scar, was brutal.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Gee I wonder who that "smiling girl" is. Ahhhh probably some insignificant kid.

[@NeddyMontz]

Azula, Zuko’s younger sister

[@ManOfStamp38]

The 2 best episodes of the season right here!

[@kennethmorgan8795]

When there's only an unseen danger Zuko acts like he gives 0 shits, once people are actually threatened he steps up like a good leader.

[@rogertemple7193]

Avatar the Last Airbender and the Backstories this is great have an awesome weekend and Thanks Melon.🤠👍💯💯💯💯

[@AhsimNreiziev]

I usually mention this for episode 3, but I kinda forgot, so I'll mention it here instead: fun fact, Monk Gyatso, Aang's Airbending master and basically his father-figure, was named after the 14th and current Dalai Llama, Tenzin Gyatso. Remember that name, because it *_*might just*_* come up later.

[@GuillermoSmyser]

That green is a great color for you.

[@northwestclasspnw7974]

The Blue Spirit episode is a whole movie with a grade A twist at the end. I love this show so much and it's always a treat to see someone enjoy it fresh

[@Nancydrew301]

19:25 I dunno. When I was little with a high fever, I was seeing witches flying on brooms and stuff in the lace of my comforter 😮 I was a couple of degrees away from being Dorothy.

[@zalhararena4831]

ahhh episode 12, the one that hooked me. also, love the hair! ty for all the awesome reactions.

[@unlimited971]

Hi melon. Welcome to this fandom. Great series that i m sure you ll love

[@Hulkzilla0]

Yeah, these two episodes are top tier from Book 1

[@spencernaugle]

"A Yuyan never misses" 😭 After watching the shows i highly suggest the Books 📚

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

The books are not really that good because the authors make up stuff. Like Sozin haves a gay sister. Why? What's the point if we didn't see her in the show. Or ".....the Air Monks believe in free love...." when the air Monks are based on Buddhist Monks who try to stay celibate.

[@jakesternberg188]

Actually, from the looks of it, the General didn’t seem happy about Zuni’s punishment either. Of course, I could be wrong.

[@DevlinBlake]

Actually, some illnesses can make you act like that. When you have a really high fever, you start to dream without being asleep. That's known as delirium. It's a really dangerous sign. in a modern age he should be in a hospital.

[@shmttwon]

10:26 don't worry, you will know about her in end of s1

[@Austin.Kilgore]

19:27 Lol Tbh I do believe it really is possible to such a high fever that you become delirious to the point of having hallucinations

[@stardmg]

Dunno what the animators were going for in this episode with Zuko and his Kratos-esque pale skin, like geez! I get that it could be from him spending a few months in the South looking for the Avatar, but he looks like a goddamn ghost in this one, especially when you compare his skin-tone to his countrymen.

[@emperornguyen]

"When you're sick, you don't act like that!" Somebody needs to watch Kaguya-Sama Love Is War

[@MorganLionHeart-eg8cf]

Actually, if you are really sick, you can hallucinate, however, ordinarilly, its a much worse degree of sickness

[@danmerget]

35:10 I like the term "worldbending", even if it was accidental.

[@jameshunt9208]

19:30 If you have a high fever it can cause delierium and/hallucinations.

[@tstuart9148]

Ep12 reminds me of the air temple ep scenic where his friend and master said the mistake the others made was tell was telling him before he was even 16 and the rest of the ep kinda reinforced that while ep 13 it's a good back story ep and showed how versatile are main vaillian is

[@bicube7529]

love your reactions, keep at it

[@MatthewJamesKalasky]

7:04 Aang just got Rudolphed.

[@rebornjm]

Episode 12 you saw a monster

[@Austin.Kilgore]

Well tbh I’m pretty sure Aang only “knew” the storm was coming because he heard the old lady (fisherman’s wife) saying there was a bug storm coming and Aang just pretty much immediately trusted her . Lol I may be wrong though? Been a minute since I watch ATLA on my own

[@jameshunt9208]

13:10 being struck by a hige wave and cast into the water is not the same thing as jumping into a pool. They absolutely could be injured or drowning.

[@humayunkabir3814]

I bet if zuko faught back he would still be banished because it would show more disrespect or something

[@danielthjuegos6586]

Gracias

[@sethporter9066]

10:24 Pay close attention to that girl. She will be important come next season 😈

[@Taiga-16]

Spoiler

[@sethporter9066]

@@Taiga-16 I only said to pay attention, I didn't say who she is or any sort of info

[@tonywalker1954]

21:20 damn Zuko chill lol

[@Zachd500]

Last episode was not a filler the term filler means nothing if it’s not an adaptation. Avatar is an original animated show so none of it is filler.

[@MattSamma]

Who is that girl? Don't worry, you'll find out. Oh yes, you will 🤣

[@just1randomguy658]

31:04 Literally though.

[@jamescadet4450]

Melon Fine Ngl

[@densetsuharukan1911]

guys! the cute girl dropped more content! keep it up!

[@hazen01]

Ofc he does, he a G 🙃 11:56

[@Iamhere-cr5vu]

Who is your favorite character so far?

[@HBC423]

Who’s that girl though

[@spencernaugle]

Mirror episodes are the best episodes.

[@pillmuncher67]

James Hong!

[@Austin.Kilgore]

I hate when people hype up certain episodes or characters… it’s so annoying lol ATLA fan base is TERRIBLE about commenting spoilers (While being convinced their comments aren’t spoilers.)

[@adonayrivera8684]

Nobody likes Zaoh! 😂

[@somedudewatchintv5297]

Last episode was filler? Who said that?

[@seymourclarity8702]

Hi

[@BobGnarley.]

[@williamrosmer5629]

lmao she got the rona

[@bonkiatsu470]

🔥❤️‍🔥🔥

[@dailyboizai1751]

Anyone can redirect lightning but it’s only the fire benders who can generate it

[@Austin.Kilgore]

Are you sure about that??? I’ve never see that stated anywhere and while sure, I guess it’s also never stated that _only_ fire benders can do it… but also *•SPOILERS•* every person we’ve seen who can do it we’re fire benders (Aang included, as he’s also a fire bender)

[@dailyboizai1751]

@@Austin.KilgoreSo, I did some research and only firebenders can redirect lightning, sorry. It would still be cool to see a bender who’s not a fire bender or a non bender redirect lightning

[@ZackMuffinMan]

ooo

[@arrowfalcongreen]

The great divide is alot of people's least liked episode

[@LitBoiLuke]

plump

[@yackemup]

Please marry me. Lol

[@edwinvasquez2509]

You’re So cute looking 😍

[@Overlord0011]

10:27 Who's that girl? No one. She's never seen again. Don't worry about it.

[@Austin.Kilgore]

Stop. These types of comments literally aren’t _sly_ or anything or the sort… they’re super obviously to everyone and is literally just you commenting a low-key spoiler. (I know your not literally saying who the character is but hinting at characters being super important or having great story acts, etc., etc. are also spoilers too.)

[@abarrazarios]

Boost the algorithm ....thumbs up