Avatar the Last Airbender 1x15 & 1x16 Reaction | Bato of the Water Tribe | The Deserter

[@davidapodaca6307]

Roku: I have mastered the elements a thousand times in a thousand lifetimes, now I must do it once again. Me: I have watched reactions to this show a thousand times on a thousand channels, now I must do it once again.

[@DaDunge]

Thousand seems a bit much it would take you 2 years and 117 days to watch the entire show a thousand times. ;)

[@pee-buddy]

@@DaDungeNever underestimate the power of the ATLA!!! Once it got you, in never lets go.

[@jasonschuler2256]

@@DaDunge Show premiered 18 years ago, what's your point?

[@DaDunge]

@@jasonschuler2256 It's still 13% of the total time elapsed since it premiered.

[@jasonschuler2256]

@@DaDunge WHOOSH

[@hellogoodbyeandallinbetween]

Sokka's lesson here is so underappreciate. He learns about his father's definition of being a man 'knowing where you're needed'. Even though he wanted to see his dad, he knew that Aang needed him more.

[@elfbreath]

More translation stuff: Aang's wanted poster in The Deserter is in Chinese, and says "Wanted - The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious. By decree of the Fire Lord." There is also a wanted poster for Jeong Jeong that says "Wanted - Jeong Jeong. (He) was a Fire Nation Admiral, is sixty years old, and white haired. He appears weak but is a master of firebending. Hunters be cautious." And a wanted poster for the Blue Spirit that says "Wanted - The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom theater mask. His identity is unknown, but disregard rumors that he is a ghost. If you find him spare no effort in apprehending him."

[@andispensable]

wow thank you for this!

[@VioletRay-Art]

Love you for translating! ❤

[@sophiefilo16]

Dang, he's looking good for 60. I was thinking 50...

[@hellogoodbyeandallinbetween]

"I don't know why, but I thought you'd be better than Zuko!" is one of my favourite insults from this show. Plus, the scene (edited to clarify) demonstrates that Zuko is indeed better than Zhao, even though he gets beaten by Aang so much.

[@lukasr5867]

I don't think it necessarily "demonstrates" that Zuko is better. Aang only says this to aggravate Zhao further, that doesn't mean that he truly believes that. And even if he did believe that, that wouldn't yet make it actually true. In fact I think both are on an equal level (which is still impressive for Zuko, to be on the level of an Admiral with at least twice the time for practice that he had). Both are prone to get angry and make mistakes. What it DOES demonstrate however, is that Aang indeed learned firebending quite quickly, burning Zhao multiple times :)

[@remo27]

I was actually impressed with his ability to fight Aang on that narrow ledge over the well, that showed he has good balance and footwork. Considering his current state of anger and impatience not to mention not being a'natural' unlike his sister, he still makes Aang work for it some times though Aang is clearly superior at all but physical strength when all is said and done.

[@fighteer1]

Zuko indeed struggles with his firebending; that’s why he takes up the sword as well. Pride is a factor here for both him and Zhao, in both cases restricting their potential. The difference is that Zhao is far too deep in his arrogance to seek change. Zuko has a chance, still. And the catalyst is, of course, Iroh.

[@DaDunge]

We already knew that from the fact that Zuko defeats Zhao in an agni kai in the second episode.

[@DaDunge]

@@fighteer1 Self improvement was always Zuko's way, he says it in the finale of this season. "I've always had to struggle and it has made me strong". Zuko understand that every non fatal defeat is a lesson that will make you stronger.

[@eXpriest]

Jeong Jeong is such a complex and compelling character, a man whose natural talent led to him being being forged into a weapon but whose natural morality led him to despise and ultimately reject that, for someone who only gets what, six or seven minutes of screen time that's some legitimately impressive character work.

[@livvydraws-v7n]

A lot of people disliked Aang in these episodes for hiding the map and burning Katara, but for me, these things actually make me like him more. This is because he’s not one of those stereotypical “perfect” main characters. Like every normal human ever, he makes mistakes, and learns from them. It makes him a more realistic and relatable character.

[@_.soymilk]

Same, and I can’t imagine blaming Aang too much either. Eg. For the bato episode, he’s only 12 and already lost his whole life and everyone he cared about. His worst scenario would’ve been his new found family leaving him too and he was afraid. In the end he only hid the map for like half a day and then saw his mistake and fessed up, it’s very understandable

[@alexo_pog]

one thing i would improve in this episode would be giving us Aang's perspective fully until both parties realize there has been a misunderstanding and THEN cut to flashback ->aang leaves and sokka says they need to go with aang and cant go to dad" this way the audience feels like aang does, at least partially, instead of instantly seeing aang as the one in the wrong

[@LovelyLies16]

Same. Like, he's only 12 years old, just learned his Airbender family and other friends are long dead and gone (aside from his 2 pets and Bumi), and fears his new family that he JUST got will leave him too. He's going to be a kid with great responsibility who's all alone in the world. Can you blame him for making a brief and impulsive choice? It definitely makes him a more human and realistic character instead of these "perfect" leads that do no wrong.

[@Mirjoxeye]

He was selfish. He whined about airbender traditions when yapping about the fatherlord, but picked and chose which traditions to follow at which times, even abandoning his 2 kids in favor of a favorite. People are way too accepting of the RWBYesque parenting and hypocrisy.

[@livvydraws-v7n]

@@Mirjoxeye Aang never “picked and chose” wdym? He followed all Airbender beliefs. And he also never abandoned his kids. He just gave one of them a little more attention due to the fact that Tenzin would have to carry on Air Nomad culture. Yet another thing that proves his loyalty to the Airbenders

[@Anon21486]

The lesson that Jeong Jeong tried to teach Aang is something that we actually learn early on while at the same time overlooked... Recall in Episode 1 where Iroh was teaching Zuko. Iroh said something along the line of, fire comes from the breath, not the muscles. He also said that Zuko did not master the basics and was impatient. Pretty much the same thing as Aang in this episode...

[@biglc034]

This show is great at foreshadowing, even Katara getting burned is hinted at in The Storm when Aang loses control in the cave recounting his past and causes hot embers to fly out at Katara from the fire pit. Something I've noticed in rewatches. Aang and Zuko are mirrors of each other, opposite but also very similar, which is why their synergy when fighting together works so well.

[@Zcp105]

I've always had a soft spot for the deserter episode. When it aired, I was 10 and learning how to hunt and how to shoot. Jeong Jeong trying to teach Aang about the dangers of not taking the lessons seriously reminds me of my grandfather lecturing me about the importance of taking firearm safety seriously.

[@Matuse]

Historically, the avatars have all learned the elements in a specific order. They obviously start with whatever element they are born into, but then they proceed according to the avatar cycle. Air -> Water -> Earth -> Fire -> Air. The same order that the avatars get reincarnated is the order they learn bending. There is a plot-related explanation for it. The only reason that Aang was so desperate to talk to Jeong-Jeong and learn fire out of order is because of the lack of available teachers.

[@UserName-vb4lg]

I also think Aang hasn’t really internalized the WHY you have to go in order. There are good reasons for it but because he’s doing this without guidance he’s missing critical lessons he then has to learn for himself, like the grounding and patience from earth ending will help him with fire.

[@SnowyWolborg]

​@@UserName-vb4lgThat's *exactly* what it is. Take notice to when he attempted to say it was his "destiny" to master all the elements, and Jeong Jeong immediately did not want to hear that because he knew that Aang was simply repeating things that he'd heard from other people, with no real understanding behind it. And because of hos experience with Zhao, another pupil who disappointed him, he can very clearly recognize a young man who is interested in fire for the wrong reasons.

[@pearofclubs6280]

A nice touch about Jeong Jeong is how controlled his bending is. Despite creating massive amounts of fire in a forest, none of his firebending damages anything, or leaves any lingering fires.

[@SnowyWolborg]

I came here to say the exact same thing. His entire methodology behind his teachings is _controlling_ fire. When he said that fire will spread and destroy everything in its path if a bender is too undisciplined to control it, you can tell that it's coming from a lot of real life experience in the navy, watching his countrymen burn everything to the ground. And probably having given orders to do the same thing himself.

[@wemustdissent]

Of all reactors you are probably my favorite due to your really detailed take-aways and your clear connection with characters and character development. The depth of the characters in this show is only overshadowed by your own depth. You are the type of person that it is enjoyable to have a beer with and just talk about a show and how we connect with it. Really enjoy that about your channel keep up the genuine nature of your analysis and the lack of goofy thumbnails. Appreciated.

[@Thelaretus]

Agreed. Her reactions are outstanding.

[@af3897]

agreed! she's underrated

[@rosegie17]

Well said! She’s the only reactor whose discussions I never skip and she deserves more views and subs

[@daniellerobbins6503]

Bato shows such wisdom in realizing that Aang needs a family since losing the Air nomads, that's why makes sure to tell him, " you are now an honorary member of the Water Tribe."

[@Epok17]

The cool things about Jeong Jeong is that his firebending never causes collateral damage or burns anything unintentionally. His control over fire in incredible. If you watch the scene again with the giant wall, not a single tree was burned.

[@Thelaretus]

As someone else has pointed out, this is probably the best reaction to this series currently on KZbin. I really look forward to every release by manually searching for your channel every time I'm on KZbin. Fittingly, the algorithm has it figured out and every episode is instantly recommended to me.

[@TheDrag0nSlayer]

You know you can subscribe?

[@funnylilgalreacts]

⬆️⬆️⬆️ THIS 😬

[@Thelaretus]

@@funnylilgalreacts I did it. But the algorithm likes to prank me anyway.

[@kelseykrehbiel8500]

I always feel bad for Jeong Jeong in this episode. He clearly has some internalized shit about his own bending. I hope that he’s able to go on a field trip some day. I also love that Sokka is simultaneously super smart and super dumb. It’s such a teenage boy thing-or really, a teenager in general thing. As a middle school/high school teacher, it’s so real. I’ve had students like this-they’re super smart and capable, and then every once in a while they forget to use their brain.

[@kaijingarou6526]

"Iroh is just a gentle soul with the purest of hearts". Iroh the episode immediately after: *Fakes paralysis to cuddle with a hot girl 30+ years younger than him* 🤣🤣

[@gawainethefirst]

Don’t hate the Player. Hate the game.

[@kaijingarou6526]

​@@gawainethefirst No, I absolutely love Iroh. But it was so irohnic how she chose this episode in particular to say that

[@jasonschuler2256]

It's worth noting that the guy who wrote that episode ONLY wrote that one episode in the entire series, and was not asked back (for obvious reasons).

[@kaijingarou6526]

@@jasonschuler2256 I think it's a good episode though

[@jasonschuler2256]

@@kaijingarou6526 Oh, I don't lol. I put it on the same level as "The Great Divide". One of my least favorite episodes in the entire series.

[@no1guy825]

There is a point where Aang's confident enthusiasm for Firebending gives way to actual urgency and fear. There's probably 3 things going on actually....1.) confidence in Air, Water and all bending 2.) a genuine excitement to bend fire, and 3.) fear and urgency to save the world. Deadly combination. But, as Aang well knows....the team cannot stick around, near Fire Nation occupations no less, and finding a Firebending master willing to teach him is all but impossible. More out of fear at this point than true concern for the world, I believe Aang has a deep dread of the Fire Lord and the firebending armies he commands. Part of his problem with Jeong Jeong is that childish impatience, part is an overconfidence to master and "play" with the element as he does with Air, and part is a genuine terror of his destiny and to be prepared....in time.

[@Sinewmire]

Aang and Zuko fighting over the well is one of my favourite fights in the whole series, Aang's flexibilty, speed and the poses he takes reminds me a lot of Jackie Chan's extremely skilled but still comedic style. The Shirshu, the scent-tracking animal is a mix of a weasel and a star-nosed mole.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

too bad jackie chan is a han supremacist.

[@Sinewmire]

@@sirmoonslosthismind sure. I'm just talking about his style.

[@saiyasha848]

Love how quickly you notice Sokkas immense strategic potential. It would have been so easy to have him relegated to Funny Sidekick without his bending, but he is absolutely pulling his weight.

[@Pooglian]

40:17 I _think_ that the animal the bounty hunter uses is based partially on a star-nosed mole. Like most animals in the Avatar world, it's a combination of real-world animals, and I don't know where its other traits come from, but that snout is pretty distinctive.

[@rizvan1632]

Maybe anteater?

[@cctomcat321]

Giant Ant Eater, Star-Nosed Mole, and a Wolf. They're called a "shirshu."

[@Tomathias]

Take a shot every time she says "I love this for us"

[@funnylilgalreacts]

No, don’t, your liver…. 😭😭

[@rnkelly36]

Uncle Iroh is voiced by Mako until his death. It changes to Greg Baldwin to end the series but you do not notice that much. Mako's voice is so relaxing when you hear it. Someone that will be well missed in Hollywood and in animation.

[@Unti1tmrw]

What I find cool is that there’s multiple roles where Greg Baldwin’s replaced Mako. Along with ATLA, when Samurai Jack was revived in 2017 I think it was. Greg Baldwin replaced him as well.

[@kwooooo]

I really missed Mako's presence in season 3. Personally I feel like Greg Baldwin does a good impression of Mako's voice but not his cadence. I felt a loss of connection with Iroh a bit after Mako passed, like my own favorite uncle was replaced by an imposter. Thankfully his character and writing remains fantastic throughout the show. RIP Mako, the whole world's uncle.

[@brandomichaelson4094]

I didn't know this, thanks for sharing! ❤

[@FrostyTheSnowPickle]

I think I also heard somewhere that Mako's family actually cried when they heard Greg Baldwin's voice, because he sounded so much like Mako.

[@silentinfinity]

The Deserter is such an important episode for the future. Again, continue to love your insights and thoughts as the characters grow. I was amazed this show came out for younger kids on Nickelodeon. It's no wonder it grew to have a huge fan base and even more so once it hit Netflix during the pandemic. Hopefully you can finish this and Korra before the Netflix live action starts so you can do reactions to that.

[@jasonschuler2256]

I have less than zero interest in the live action show, especially after the original creators left over creative differences.

[@draconbd8896]

@@jasonschuler2256 i think they left more because of avatar studios more so creative differences. cs not long after they left avatar studios formed with nick and paramount. paramount gave them a way better deal. 3 movies and at least 1 searies rather than just the live action from netflix. i have some hope for the live action because of everywhere i look it seems they actually care about not butchering it. it probably wont be nowhere close as good as the og but i feel it will be wayyyy better than the 2010 live action, with a solid script and good cgi i dont see why it wont be at least decent

[@johnpaullogan1365]

you dare to have hope for the live action after what shyamalan did to it?

[@silentinfinity]

@@johnpaullogan1365 yep casting alone shows it'll be better

[@draconbd8896]

@@johnpaullogan1365 yea I’ve looked a lot and it seems only way this can somehow be worse is if the cgi is terrible and even then it mostly likely will still be better bc the 2010 live action was horrible all around in writing,cgi,acting

[@danielcameron9857]

You know, I've always noticed - but this series seems to bring it out more... You really have a knack for representing positive critical thinking skills when being presented with new information as stories unfold. I am grateful to have found your channel! Thanks for being you!

[@johnhelfrich977]

2:30 I know it was a small comment of yours about the last video, but I think it's worth mentioning that, yeah, aang is outside of any avatar or spirit stuff just an insanely powerful airbender. Prime example of this is the arrow tattoos, which are only given to master airbenders and which aang got either at or before he was 12 years old. If you recall from the episode "The Storm", he was the only non-adult to have them in the flashbacks, because none of his peers had mastered airbending to the same extent that he had.

[@clayongunzelle9555]

Jeong jeong is one of the best characters, he adds a lot to the world overall. He grew up with the war and overtime started to hate the element he was born with, he sees fire as only destructive which is flawed but he's so disciplined that he never shoots fire from his limbs and his movements when bending resembles more that of a water bender

[@MrTambourineMan.]

Bato saying “even that oaf knows how to concentrate” about Sokka and Sokka yelling back “hey” so offended 😂

[@biglc034]

I love how much you have gotten invested in the characters already. This show just gets better and better as the characters grow and change. Book one is great, with a couple slow episodes, but book two is where this show really starts to shine, can't wait to hear your take as the show progresses. Ithat little moment in your intro when you got emotional talking about Zuko and Iroh encompasses how many fans feel about their relationship. It's amazing how much empathy we can have for fictional characters especially when they are written and performed so well.

[@tracesosebee5485]

To say Zuko could figure Aang out with a little more restraint is a bit untrue. The thing about Airbenders in general is that it's all about dodging. Avoid and evade, any resistance should not be met straight on but circumvented. Airbenders are really tricky to pin down in a fight

[@jebus7679]

Uncle Iroh is a very fascinating character to me for his relationship with the audience. Everyone loves Uncle Iroh. He's the hilariously chill uncle who is completely unbothered by anything including Zuko's anger. But to pretty much everyone else in the show, he's the Fire Lord's brother and general of the Fire Nation's army who is a hero to the Fire Nation for his role in their genocide against the other benders.

[@artistfloor9]

Yes, and that’s why him being momentarily creepy with June is not out of character/bad writing. Because Iroh isn’t just this wise, benevolent presence. He has a sordid past and is still presently doing bad things. His story isn’t the main focus, but he’s actually on a journey of his own over the course of the show.

[@mariroldan7151]

I cant with these names lmao Bendu , Sato, Zhang 😂

[@remo27]

I do like how Aang takes advantage of a character flaw to fight and humiliate a man who is probably around 4 times his age.

[@rakat2746]

"I love Appa." My mind: "Well, than the follow minutes will hurt a bit."

[@evilwelshman]

4:30 On the subject of how severe the consequences would've been if the Fire Lord found out that Zuko helped the Avatar escape yet he did so anyway.... Perhaps it shows Zuko's desperation and how he views that he has nothing to lose. That being banished and his honour tarnished is the same and no better than whatever punishment he would've received had he been caught (which would likely have been execution for treason).

[@MCGreggy28]

“You have your father’s wit” is NOT a compliment. 😂

[@funnylilgalreacts]

The absolute DRY delivery was 🤌🏻

[@CarBENbased]

The amazing timing of you talking about how the characters aren't perfect before Bato of the Water Tribe... You are SO in tune with this show. Also the fact that the protagonists and especially antagonists are so well rounded is one of the biggest things I love about this show. Really looking forward to seeing your reactions to the rest of this. One of the highlights of my day when you upload these.

[@hiymecorp.258]

“Is he talking about Zhaang?” I literally can’t! 😂😂😂💀

[@rudewalrus5636]

Even though Iroh is definitely a surrogate father to Zuko, I don't think that at this point Zuko understands or appreciates that fact yet.

[@gabijkt]

Uncle Iroh is by no means perfect. Let's not forget he is a retired general. At some point, he was in charge of the "bad guys" and thinking of ways to win the war. He is the most interesting character in my opinion because he shows that our enemies are not pure evil monsters. He is not a bad person, he is caring and kind. But he has done terrible things. That tiktok sound "he was the best guy around / what about the people he murdered? / what murder????" suits him perfectly though.

[@rosegie17]

I almost always watch ATLA reactions and skip some of their discussions, but I LOVE your insight and never skip! You delve deeper especially into the characters as individuals and point out stuff even I never realized. Great stuff, you deserve more views and subs! ❤️

[@TheKidThatWas]

I think what more shows need are people who have already completed their character arc who guide characters who havent along their way. Esp if they let those new characters fail, like Uncle Iroh. And im not talking about like the wise master trope but people who have known failure and growth themselves.

[@samfisher6606]

Book 1, Episode 15: This episode has a really slow start but it also has the best fight in season 1 and one of the best fights in the entire series Book 1, Episode 16: Imagine how badass it would've been if Katara kept the scars on her hand? But I get why they didn't. Such a small detail would've made her impossible to animate. And Roku possessing Aang to tell Jeong Jeong off is so badass too.

[@lukasr5867]

Scars don't make you badass. Surviving and overcoming the situation giving you those scars, growing on it, that makes you badass. Agree on the rest, though :)

[@Pandaemoni]

The shirshu is a combination of a giant anteater, a wolf, and a star-nosed mole. The shirshu finding the crazy old herbalist is a minor continuity error as Katara never met her or went anywhere near her shop so far as we are shown, she was sick (and a mountain away) when Aang went there.

[@corralescoyote]

I first caught your reactions starting w Season 3 to the end. I like your reaction ing so much I’m going back through gh the rest of the series w u 😊

[@antoba]

Absolutely loving how connected to the show you are!! 🌊🪨🔥🌪️

[@brandomichaelson4094]

I love your reactions, and I appreciate your dedication to avoiding spoilers. Please keep it up - I am SO excited to see your reactions to some of my favorite upcoming episodes!!!

[@cloudwatcher608]

It’s so perfect that you wore your Mr. Miyagi shirt during this episode that is most like the training sequences in Karate Kid.

[@kwanarchive]

At this point, I don't know which running joke I like more. Cabbage Guy, or getting the names slightly wrong ;)

[@dunringill1747]

Really great reactions. I love how you connected with Sokka for what he can bring to the team.

[@davidbodor1762]

Jeong Jeong is so interesting, he became bitter and angry and vengeful against his own power and people because of how his talent was used, there's a lot of self-hate there, which is important to keep in mind. He can only see fire as destruction because of how he was taught.

[@Pentaholic88]

I don’t like Aang hiding the map and Sokka and Katara immediately abandoning him to go to their father. But I do like that they quickly regretted their decisions and the final fight with them vs Zuko and June completely made up for it. Also Jeong Jeong is very interesting and was necessary for Aang to learn from if only briefly and used those short lessons to take down Zhao

[@sayu8795]

As someone who has watched the whole series multiple times throughout my life, I think going through each episode with you and your commentary is so much fun and so insightful. I have consumed almost all of the avatar analysis content on KZbin. I know there have been more and more “react” videos out there but I only watch yours now after watching just a few of your videos! I have very few friends who haven’t ever watched the series yet so it’s so fun to watch other people’s reaction to watching it the first time. Plus I love your thoughtful and empathetic responses and careful observations!

[@adonayrivera8684]

I really love how you read this serie, you analyze the characters so well but get ready for more! ❤ thank you for your reaction!

[@kaygafane]

"still waiting for the hopping llamas" oh they're coming, don't you worry😊.

[@zachseabass7414]

Another enjoyable reaction to watch! What's funny about The Deserter episode is how it basically referends to Apocalypse Now movie - Jeong Jeong is like colonel Kurtz who settled down with natives and even his speech about firebending being a constant struggle between humanity and savagery reminds of colonel's dream about a snail on the razor's edge.

[@zubaydahtalukdar8088]

16:53 - Oooohhhhh!!!! 😯😂🤭, little did Zuko know that those words would come back and bite him in 2 seasons from now 😂😅🤣

[@blackabsinthe]

Thanks for the reaction! The Deserter is a very underrated episode in this season

[@jasonschuler2256]

Underrated? It's frequently listed by both fans and critics as one of the best episodes of Season 1.

[@Thelaretus]

These chapters are essential for the character progression and maturing as we approach Book One's finale.

[@gravitynewton4609]

She has no idea how much of a beast Iroh is and was lol

[@mranima748]

And Will be

[@leafblade3T9]

watching the Bato ep reminds me how much Appa rules. Not often is he in combat but he is such a force, especially against other beasts.

[@kerithsunshine9584]

I love the found family aspect of the show, that’s my favorite TV/movie trope. But ATLA just does it so well.

[@rodrigoborges3876]

The xierxu nose is inspired by a real life mole's nose, the star nosed mole! It looks pretty gnarly lol I think it's a mix between that and some kind of fox or wolf

[@kaijingarou6526]

I think it's the only animal with an actual name instead of the combination of the original animals. Unless it's the combination in a different language.

[@Great_Olaf5]

12:46 Ohhhhh.... _This_ was why I thought Sokka was 14. 35:10 The Deserter us also intend to highlight and partially explain why Aang (and the avatar in general) is supposed to learn the elements in a particular order. With Aang as an example, minimally spoilery, it's more to do with the elements themselves than him, he started with air, which is very insubstantial, but it moves and flows easily, airbending focuses a lot on redirecting and enhancing natural flows of air. Waterbending gets you used to working with something that moves very similarly, but has more substance to it. Sure water won't just flow up into the air on its own, but it does move without being made to. Furthermore, water can be controlled as steam (as we saw in Jet) and ice, and can be freely shifted between liquid and ice, which is even more tough. Earth is stubborn, it will not move unless you make it, water and air flow, but you can stare at a rock all day and it's not going to budge an inch unless something makes it. It's much denser than water or air, much harder to make move, you need a strong will to make it do what you want. Fire is the opposite in a lot of ways, as Jeong Jeong pointed out, it's almost alive, it will grow and consume with no input from am outside source, so where earth needs an iron will to get it to do anything, fire needs an iron will to get it to only do what you want, to make it not burn what you don't want it to burn. Each step in the chain helps with controlling the next, the order is very important. (though note this is all at the philosophical level, I know full well that a lot of those points don't perfectly line up with physics)

[@jasonschuler2256]

I would push back on this theory by noting that only one in 4 Avatars learn them in this order. If this order is so crucial, why don't Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom Avatars start with air as well?

[@Great_Olaf5]

@@jasonschuler2256 I was using Aang as an example, the order is clearly important, but I wasn't saying that air has to come first, just that each element has aspects to it that help with controlling the next in the cycle.

[@jasonschuler2256]

@@Great_Olaf5 What is it about fire that helps you control air?

[@Great_Olaf5]

@@jasonschuler2256 Fire is pretty insubstantial, for a firebending avatar, the hard part about air would be learning to let go, to let the air do what it wants, to guide it rather than tightly control it. But that's a philosophical issue, actually controlling air would be relatively easy. For an earthbending avatar, fire would help as a good intermediate, fire is powerful, and requires a really strong will to control, but is, as mentioned, physically pretty insubstantial, which an earthbender would have a hard time adjusting to, especially moving directly from earth.

[@flowersinapril4952]

In Filipino culture we’d say Sokka has ultimate, Kuya vibes (big bro vibes) !!

[@stonecoldku4161]

"I do fear what could happen to him. A very Darth Vader type situation." There is a joke like that in the video game Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2. There are items you can find or unlock that you give you backstory about people, planets, and other things. One of the items you find is a journal entry of a commander in the Empire, and it reads something like this: "Promoted again. I wish I could say it was due to my outstanding work or that it was earned, but I can't. The only reason I am rising through the ranks at this base is that officers above me keep failing Lord Vader and he is killing them, so they keep promoting everyone to fill the vacancies. The higher I climb the ranks the closer I get to Lord Vader, and due to my lack of experience as a leader I will no doubt fail him. My only hope is that my request for transfer goes through...quickly."

[@queenannsrevenge100]

Watching Aang goad Zhao into burning his own boats was absolutely beautiful. 🫶

[@brianewing5778]

Great reactions as always! I cannot wait to see when you get into the later episodes...especially season three!!! BTW, love the ponytails!!!

[@Owlsandoatmeal]

Even Uncle Iroh's not perfect, he made his mistakes in the past, but he realized what he was doing was wrong and learned and grew :)

[@CSM_Kobeni]

27:20 I really love the bonsai looking tree being set on fire. Not a lot of people realize that but its perfect symbolism. A bonsai tree represents peace, harmony and balance. Until it caught on fire. "Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony until the firenation attacked" - Intro.

[@DBoone123]

I love your reactions. You seem very thoughtful and kind.

[@DaDunge]

There's a reason the avatar cycle is the direction it is, Air is the element of freedom and an airbender needs earth, the element of stability before they go into fire.

[@stonecoldku4161]

The goofiness of this show, combined with the action and the truly heartfelt moments kind of reminds me of the Kung Fu Panda movies. If you haven't seen those, I highly recommend doing reactions for them.

[@andispensable]

IDK what's up with the subtitles, but it's supposed to be spelled as "shirshu" not xierxiu. It was even in the Kyoshi novels.

[@NameOptional-p9u]

Aang being a talented Air bender: Yeah they don't really address it, but in some in the flash backs you get hints...because Aang is the Avatar, he can master the elements as he has done so before and just doesn't realize it. A great example of this is when he is identified as the Avatar. The monks knew the cycle after Fire (Roku) is Air...so they tested the children and found that Aang liked all the past Avatar's baby toys. He didn't know he was reincarnated (if that is the correct term) but he just gravitated towards things. You also see in a flash back that Aang is the only kid at the air temple with the arrow tattoos as this is a sign of a Master Air Bender. So he mastered air at a very young age. And if he had been taken to a water bending master next, I am sure he would have mastered that very soon as well. It is all because he has done this before, many times...he just doesn't realize it.

[@Uniballer5203]

The eyeroll at 31:13 KILLED ME😂😂😂😂😂

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I hate Zhao 😂

[@Uniballer5203]

@@funnylilgalreacts jeez I can tell!😂 Im looking into starting a reaction channel as well and I hope I can emote half as well as you do, that was great😂

[@windowfries]

It seems as though your Miyagi shirt was quite fitting for episode 16, with Aang getting trained by Jeong Jeong😎

[@ceremus]

It's a small thing, but I like that they had the legendary Jennifer Hale to voice June the bounty hunter.

[@ReactWithRat]

I adore your personality. Im so happy that you are enjoying this show. ❤

[@Heavensrun]

Small clarification: Roku isn't in the spirit world. Roku is in *Aang*. (More specifically, Roku is Aang.) The spirit world isn't generally an afterlife, it's just a world inhabited by spirits. Not human spirits, either, nature spirits. Human beings live on a Buddhist cycle of reincarnation in the ATLA universe. When they pass on, they're reborn as a new person. The person they were before becomes a part of who they are going forwards, but not in a conscious fashion. Like with Buddhism, the only way to leave the wheel of reincarnation is to attain a sort of enlightenment and leave your body behind.

[@kaizen2049]

Love the new look with the pigtails!!

[@TheFireMonkey]

about the frozen frogs - they actually are used in herbalism. I remember a person who joined a martial art class and on the second lesson they asked how long before they would be like Bruce Lee - he was told that Bruce Lee trained full time for about 20 years before he reached the level that he became "known" - the guy said that was too long and quit. Aang has a bit of that in him, but a better attitude so he learns instead of quitting.

[@thontor]

June's mount, Nyla, is a shirshu. It's a combination of a giant anteater, a wolf, and a star-nosed mole.

[@patrickwaldeck6681]

I like how Jeong Jeong pulls up some sort of fire teleportation and it's never explained how the hell he did it.

[@jasonschuler2256]

Zhao literally explains it right after it happens.... He just ran into the woods while he was hidden by the fire.

[@Lemmy117]

By the way, the cast of the show makes appearances at conventions where you can meet the cast themselves.

[@corgiluver9718]

Your reactions to ATLA are always a pleasure to watch. Well as the Bato episode shows, Iroh is only almost perfect. However, Appa is the definition of perfect!

[@RodgerJoyboy]

I Was smiling the whole reaction

[@rezurekt1207]

I'm so excited for you to get to Book 2 Earth. You have some of the best reactions I've seen, just be prepared for a lot of tear jerking episodes. That's all I'll say without spoiling anything 😄 Enjoy!

[@appo9357]

33:27 That’s some high quality H2O.

[@HarukaLPs]

Miyuki has committed war crimes.

[@Fawkes42]

No cat has ever recognised the Geneva Convention

[@joshuamcaleer3501]

Uncle Iroh is one of the best examples of positive, non-toxic masculinity in media. He's just the best.

[@TheWindwall]

A presence passing through the world, aiding in wisdom, and giving strength through stability and understanding. A fine character, indeed. One of the best.

[@hellogoodbyeandallinbetween]

Except he is weirdly toxic in the Bato episode, I'm glad his breach of personal boundaries and stealing is a one episode thing

[@silentassason]

​@@hellogoodbyeandallinbetweenI mean you know when she got her motor skills back Iroh didn't get out of that unscathed 😂

[@eXpriest]

As far as nonsense buzzwords go toxic masculinity is one that needs to die already.

[@lukasr5867]

@@hellogoodbyeandallinbetween in what way do you think toxic applies here? A bit creepy, yeah. And the stealing is weird. But I don't see anything toxic.

[@westonpierce952]

I love. This lady. Her mind 🤩

[@eternalamateur8581]

Your reactions are always really in-depth and awesome, and you sometimes pick out things I didn't after multiple watches! Just got to say, especially as the series continues, you may want to keep tissues within reach. Things can get pretty real in Avatar world!

[@soorian6493]

A very appropriate shirt for episode 16

[@Kalle_Demos]

To answer your earlier question: Aang is such a powerful Airbender not only because he’s the Avatar but because he is a master Airbender. He isn’t significantly more powerful than other Benders at his base lvl. Bending as a martial art is more than learning physical moves but also philosophy and the elements as extensions of oneself and their nature. Jong Jong alludes to this. Aang and the Airbenders as a society, achieved a level of mastery that is uncommon within other nations. The Air Nomads were a society entirely comprised of Benders in contrast to The Fire Nation or Water Tribes where, as we see with Katara, only some benders will have the access to teachings of a great master. Not everyone has an Iroh or Pakku. Aang’s culture was filled with them and he benefited from that probably before his identity as the Avatar was discovered.

[@IamnotJohnFord]

Sokka is a natural leader. He displays an increasing ability to assess a situation, allocate resources, and direct people on multiple fronts. Katara being able to heal but not know it isn't crazy. She has no teacher and she's probably never seen another water bender. So, she's using try succeed, try fail, and fall backwards into techniques. Think of Luke Skywalker with no training. Zhao forges ahead with all the planning and finesse of a drunk bull. When you want death and destruction a drunken bull will suffice.

[@sammylane21]

Love you in pigtails. 💗

[@kaijingarou6526]

Aang has to master water before attempting other elements. It's the tradition but it goes a little deeper than that, but you need to see the whole show before debating about that. They gave it a try to fire before intended only because this was a truly unique occasion, given how most firebenders are their enemies. And look how that turned out. Aang is really not supposed to try any element before water right now, that's why they purposely miss the opportunity to learn earth in every Earth Kingdom city they go.

[@gracehiggins2666]

SEASON 3 SPOILERS AHEAD Well, I wouldn’t say he has to _master_ water before attempting other elements, seeing as how he doesn’t master earth before beginning firebending training with Zuko.

[@kaijingarou6526]

@@gracehiggins2666 Spoiler Not fully but at least to some level. Of course all of this is pretty vague cause they never give a 100% solid reason for it, but I think the nature of every element in respect to the one you're born with make it easier to learn it in the order of the cycle. Surely, the actual main reason is the creators just want them to follow that order xD. If you've read the Kyoshi novels, you know the need of the order is actually a little BS. Although it works different for every avatar depending on their personality and skills. I guess it's more helpful for some than others.

[@PassiveSmoking]

Zuko is a person who has had his mind poisoned by a toxic family (except Iroh, obviously), but they did not poison his heart. There's a decent person in there somewhere struggling to get out from under years of abuse.

[@masonpallanes7258]

I love your shirt!

[@nausium]

We all need an Iroh in our lives