Avatar The Last Airbender 2x11 REACTION and REVIEW | FIRST TIME Watching | 'The Desert'

[@SpartanandPudgey]

Want to watch ahead? ATLA 2x12, 13 & 14 available on Patreon! Click the link to get early access AND Uncut Reactions! www.patreon.com/spartanandpudgey

[@VannakaOSRS]

I tear up every time I watch this episode. Besides Bumi, Appa is the only friend that's connected to Aang's life from 100 years ago. It's such a sad moment, and once you've seen the entire series you'll understand it even better.

[@SnailHatan]

Huh? Watching the rest doesn’t make this any more understandable.

[@VannakaOSRS]

@@SnailHatan then you’ve definitely missed some parts! I will keep it spoiler free here though

[@umbralsky374]

So nice to see you here Vannaka, love your videos too!

[@VannakaOSRS]

@@umbralsky374 Thanks Tyler!!

[@ashleycox8480]

He's more then just Aangs oldest friend he is literally the last remnants of Aangs people, all airbenders and flying bison are gone and these 2 are the final members of Aangs entire culture

[@Fr0zenPeanut]

Katara is the real MVP in this episode; she kept everyone together and led them through the desert while Aang was distraught, Sokka (and Momo) was hallucinating and Toph was blind.

[@OMamifero]

Katara the real MVP every episode fr

[@georgerobins4110]

For real. Whenever anyone bashes Katara I always point to this episode as demonstrating why the Gaang would’ve been SCREWED without her

[@deecee6262]

you asked for Aang development, you got it! its so chilling to have this happy go lucky kid completely transformed with grief and pain for the first time, it makes me well up every time. Also, imagine how this must all be for Toph - you can barely see anything, in the middle of a tornado and you hear Aang, this gentle goofy kid, in his avatar state voice go TELL ME WHERE APPA IS

[@pabloc8808]

One of the many great decisions they made for ATLA was making the Avatar State equally epic and terrifying. The heroic scenes when Aang uses it to save the day are good, but the ones where he goes into it out of pain, rage and grief are amazing, a great reminder that he's just a kid carrying the weight of the world

[@gregoryschweitzer1735]

Oh yeah that is true. Toph had never seen Aang go into the Avatar state like Katara and Sokka had by this point. I've watched this show so many times and I never realized that.

[@withxoutxlife]

Loving the Katara appreciation. She put in some serious work this episode. The end of this episode is really rough, I'm glad Spartan was connecting to how Aang was feeling.

[@redviper6805]

Remember how Aang was devastated when he discovered his mentor’s remains? Appa and Momo are Aang’s only LIVING connections to his people. With Appa taken, that’s emotionally devastating in a HUGE way. Don’t think he meant to go into the avatar state; he was so upset that his emotions triggered it. Tell me you felt the blood in your veins freeze or that your skin was crawling when Aang shouted “TELL ME WHERE APPA IS!!”

[@lyrebirb83]

Someone pointed the following out in another reaction. Think about this from Toph's perspective. She can't see the eyes and tattoos glow, in the same she can barely sense him at all. All she knows is that suddenly where her happy go lucky student was, suddenly there's a violent sandstorm and thousands of voices are coming from where he stood. And we know from later episodes they don't really tell her things without being reminded about it. Toph had no clue what's going on at all, shes scared, almost blind for the first time in her life, vastly outnumbered and surrounded, Aang goes avatar state. And the only thing that happened that makes sense is, Sokka grabs her and tells everyone to run. While pulling her away from what ever is happening.

[@kwooooo]

One thing few reactors notice is that not only did Aang kill the buzzard-wasp that had been carrying Momo away, he killed it while it was retreating. This is something that is SO utterly against everything that the Air Nomads believed and against Aang's personally held beliefs in pacifism. Aang's rage at losing Appa reduces him to his lowest instincts, something Iroh had warned might happen to Zuko if he gave up hope.

[@oriyanbarnes]

16:43 and here we have it, Aang- the pacifist, the monk, the Airbender who only attacks for self defense... Killing an animal that is of no threat to him anymore. The wasp thingy already released Momo, there was no need to kill it... What a glimpse into Aang being dark after loosing Appa Appa is his sole connection to his past, he is his animal guide and was there for him longer than any of the gaang

[@HxC2daB]

Props to the voice actor of Aang coz he was only young too when he voiced this but he still made it soo mature when Aang lost Uppa Let’s gooooo 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@kaijingarou6526]

8:19 Not the same water. She has the spirit water in an artifact that's like a big necklace. This is just her regular water bottle she always wears when far from a water source.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

I'm surprised she didn't refill it at the Beifong household because she used allot of water on the Earth bending school bullies freezing them in place. "Island of Nonya Business"

[@kaijingarou6526]

@@TheMrPeteChannel Maybe she did off camera. We don't know.

[@716olli716]

@@kaijingarou6526 she didn’t cause Sokka says in this episode she used it on the swamp people. He was on cactus juice tho..

[@mirgjankupi128]

​@@716olli716 probably did refill but didn't empty it out first (it was mainly for bending) so the swamp water taste stayed

[@OMamifero]

I don’t think she every predicted it to be needed for drinking, so I don’t see why she would need to swap it out with new water if it’s only intended purpose is waterbending.

[@needyverse]

YOU MUZZLED APPA?! is burned into my brain. It immediately triggers tears and heartache for me, especially once he speaks with the voices of the Avatar State because I feel the bond of all Avatars and their animal guide, but also the massive loss Aang has experienced at such a young age

[@Serryy]

Katara did say in the first episode of book 2 that it hurts her to see Aang in so much rage and pain in the Avatar state. She's honestly just the MVP.

[@OccamAsylum]

Dang even my eyes watered at the end there. Appa is Aangs last living connection to his home and they've been together for a long time. It was like losing a family member you are very close to.

[@starkid910]

I take issue w/ the idea Aang hasn’t been taking things seriously: he’s goofy, yes, but we’ve seen how serious it is when it counts, like The Siege of the North And at the beginning of the Library, Aang mentions he’s been “training [his] arrow off” with Toph & Katara every day But I hear ya

[@Naahi95]

Right? Since when having a good sense of humor and not being angry all day means you don't take seriously? This guys 😂

[@darllington8995]

The look on Toph’s face of completely terror at 18:49 just shows how much of a threat the Avatar State is, and we understand the shock cause she is facing it for the first time

[@marcusanark2541]

You know it's serious when the Avatar speaks with a thousand voices.

[@kelstf4636]

I always tear up when I watch that last scene. Appa is the only person other than Bumi that Aang has from his life over 100 years ago. Appa is all he has left. That scene is the embodiment of being distraught and in pain.

[@JCrushFitness]

It incredible how “in character” they make this turn by aang feel. Every time since the beginning of the show that someone even starts to insult appa, aang flips out on them

[@huntersmith1943]

I love the stunned terror we see of Toph because she probably has no knowledge of the avatar state and knows his nature so she experiencing that for the first time and the fact she didn’t get out of the state until Sokka pulled her away was great attention to detail

[@mattyice9535]

Appa is everything Aang has left of his people. His friends, his mentors, the casual acquaintances he took for granted. All of them are gone. And Appa represents that life.

[@keanancupido]

This is one of the most powerful episodes. The music and everything. And when the voices of the past avatars came through when he spoke really showed how angry he was.

[@chemistryset1]

you know I've watched the whole series 4 times and I never considered that the chorus of voices when Aang is in the Avatar state are a representation of his past lives ...

[@keanancupido]

@@chemistryset1 it's a really interesting and very subtle addition to the avatar state. In the one scene (I won't mention which one to prevent spoilers) you'll hear Kyoshi's voice as well which was amazing!

[@bryanmerino1101]

Aang anger always is scary to see. And him not being able to control the Avatar state is basically the equivalent to a unstable nuke. I love that Katara is a literal anchor for Aang’s rage.

[@BornInsane0]

The One Eternity Later transition fucking killed me

[@hotuannam5346]

I think Aang does take his Avatar mission seriously throughout his whole journey but his experience with it is different compare to other characters like Zuko. In case of Zuko, he's pretty much been stripped off fun, optimism and positivity from his experiences in life so he's always serious and focused on his mission because to him that's the only thing of value left and his ticket back to a better life. Aang is fun-loving, optimistic and positive by nature so he likes having fun whenever he can and it may come across as slacking off and distracted sometimes. But his experience is no less daunting by any means as his mission to save the world is an extremely heavy burden, especially for a 12-year-old child, and we have seen him being crushed by the weight many times as the world counts on him. He also realized the urgency of his mission and had tried to step up many times but the results are not always positive: he grasped at the chance to learn firebending early while his friends protesting against that idea and failed since he has yet to master discipline and was impatient; he tried going with the Avatar State plan despite knowing he's not ready yet in hope of ending the war as soon as possible; he listened to Bumi's advice and tried to "listen to the earth" and got led inside the swamp while his friends are against touching the place, which in turn allowed the group to find Toph. The bad things like his failed firebending training and the Avatar State plan happened partly because he was trying to make up for lost time. For all he's been through, it's remarkable that he still maintain his cheerful outlook. Overall, I think while Aang seems more distracted and less serious, he actually takes his duty very seriously but his experience, qualities and nature as a person is different. It would take some extremely traumatic events like the lost of Appa to break him out of his character (falling into despair, lashing out at his friends, violating his code of ethic and killing when it's not necessary) and I think seeing him at his lowest points during his journey really make us appreciate his wholesome, optimistic nature (and the amount of effort to maintain it).

[@liamisaac1152]

Leave it to Katara to be the most patient in the group and headstrong when they were all at their lowest point. She could’ve also justifiably lashed out at Aang when he asked “what are YOU doing”. But she understood that coming up with a plan was more crucial than them all turning on eachother. And also knew Aang was only acting this way because of Appa. I just love her so much

[@paulanderson771]

One of my favorite things about Toph is in some scenes you watch her and you go "Why don't we just have her defeat the Firelord?" but they do really well showing all of the ways she's vulnerable too. It's really cool how much detail goes into each of the characters.

[@gravedigger8414]

Such a powerful moment when Katara calms Aang down. Incredible, goosebumps all the time. This show is just amazing.

[@thenecromancer3189]

Was waiting for this one .. "Tell me where Appa is!" Chills!

[@nathanielreik6617]

The water Katara was giving everyone to drink was just the regular water she keeps in her pouch to have in case she needs to fight in an area with no water; the special water she got is in a small pendant.

[@nathanielreik6617]

I don't know if you guys realized it but the guys that Iroh and Zuko fought were the same group that Aang and Co. fought towards the beginning of this season in Avatar Day.

[@adonayrivera8684]

That’s why Katara and Anng were meant to be together! I cry so much every time when I see that scene: Anng Crying in Avatar State, Everybody run away just Katara felt the real pain that Anng was feeling inside and then she cries with him. ❤❤❤❤ great reaction…

[@chemistryset1]

god what an emotional episode, I am basically a middle-aged man and even watching this re-cap nearly has me in tears!

[@BlackMercura]

Katara willingly giving up her only means of defence without a second thought so that her friends could get a drink while not drinking any herself. As in Iroh's words, the people of the Water Tribes have a sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.

[@SpartanandPudgey]

Want to watch ahead? ATLA 2x12, 13 & 14 available on Patreon! Click the link to get early access AND Uncut Reactions! www.patreon.com/spartanandpudgey

[@PaulaAmato22]

Remembering how Appa is bigger than a pet For Aang hits harder On this episode

[@kingofbudokai]

"TELL ME WHERE APPA IS!" I love that line so much. You can FEEL the rage in Aang's voice. His normal avatar voice doesn't sound like that, and this one sounds almost alien because it's so unlike Aang's normal self. Chills man, chills.

[@riolkin]

To track so far: Iroh can see the spirit world from the mortal plane, or he could at least see Aang and Roku's dragon, he is known as the "Dragon of the West" and laid siege to the greatest defensive structure in the world for two years, is a talented musician, master firebender, lightning bender, invented a technique for redirecting lightning by studying water benders, and now we add "Grandmaster of Secret Society" to the list. In addition to that, he has been the greatest hope we have for the Fire Nation potentially redeeming themselves because he's very kind and compassionate and wise. He's the absolute best, and I wish we could have seen a Fire Nation with him as Fire Lord. His little brother is clearly a psycho

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Toph making a rock angel is just adorable.

[@driezzy]

The ending is so beautiful.

[@ranggakd]

Aang: "You muzzled Appa!?" Kyoshi through him: "So anyways, I started blasting"

[@mightodemo5745]

The fact that he was shedding tears in avatar state kinda makes you think all the previous avatars were shedding tears because they know aangs love for appa

[@56brandonray]

One thing I love here is how when Aang calls out to appa and gets no response, you can honestly feel the waves of panic start to set in with the bass getting louder before he snaps

[@melvinmacaulay711]

Guys just for context to let you know why aang spazzed sooo much after losing appa even enough to go into avatar flow state and then lose control is because the air nation nomads have such special and strong connections to their bisons they literally raise them and grow up together alongside and then they are conservationalists so since appa is the last known of his kind it is imperative to aang to preserve and protect him at all costs for his culture as bison are the air nations spirit animals then as an avatar your spirit animal/ nature companion is sooo important to you as an avatar like roku's dragon and the avatar after aang had her own companion so even as an avatar it appa means sooo much to aang then as just aang and who he is it means sooo much to him to keep appa safe so yeah i found this episode one of my top 5 all time it was sooo goood

[@relyk9157]

This is absolutely one of my favorite episodes. Kataras determination, Aangs emotion, the connection between them… it’s really high stakes and high emotion.

[@KhrisFortin]

"There are three things all wise men fear: a moonless night, the sea during a storm, and the anger of a gentle man" - Patrick Rothfuss

[@SteamPaladin]

the best episodes of this series are the ones that are hilarious for 20 minutes and then the last 2 minutes are heartbreaking. it's like how the princess bride is one of the greatest comedies ever made, but "i want my father back you son of a bitch" is the best moment of the movie

[@LetsPlayCrazy]

This episode shows the "strong female character" I want to see in television. She isn't kicking everyones ass... she is very capable but still learning. But what I love most is what she offers. She is the emotional center of the group. That doesnt mean she is always right. In fact she is often too emotional and irrational. But when the intelligence guy just runs because he "knows" he will destroy everything, she is there... to share the pain. Being the strongest of them all. Her pained and empathetic expression, yet tired face gets me every time. One of my favourite moments in the show!

[@acenull0]

My fav part is def when they meet the sand benders 😂 I love how pissed he got "TELL ME WHERE APPA IS!!!!"

[@alphawolf7417]

Messed up part is that it wasn't that the sand benders are evil, but thanks to a few stupid members of their tribe, they're now hated by the most peaceful person alive.

[@averagejoereads7271]

All the avatars saying “TELL ME WHERE APPA IS” hits every damn time

[@justanotherartist5646]

Fun fact: Rough Rhinos that encountered Zuko and Iroh are the same ones from "Avatar Day" episode earlier in this book that attacked Aang and the town they visited.

[@manishgondhkar6479]

Toph seeing Aang in Avatar state for the 1st time there.. jaw dropping!!

[@lyrebirb83]

The last time the avatar state happened so you recall when Katara said "seeing you in that much rage and pain is scary. I'm not coming tomorrow." And she's the only one that didn't run, you can Teel by her look she was never going to run. She very likely saved every sand benders life. And was able to ground not just aang but the avatar, both of which were crying in rage at the loss of their animal guide and friend.

[@riolkin]

PS. After watching the discussion: Love your guys discussion on this episode. I knew you would appreciate this one after asking for a serious Aang. And Katara absolutely rocked this episode. She's definitely the "mom of the group" but they'd all be dead in the desert if it wasn't for her. Plus her fearlessness as she walked into Aang's avatar rage-storm, that look of sadness on her face. Powerful stuff.

[@kaijingarou6526]

21:54 Haha, the title and then Pudgey's cheeky grin after. I'm 100% sure she was already thinking of adding that to the edition.

[@xaviergardner8001]

I have always been confused on the last part where the wasp creatures are dispersed with some earthbeading pillars but im pretty sure that was sand and it was the sand benders that got rid of the wasps.

[@rakhatthenut3815]

Sandbenders are earthbenders too

[@xaviergardner8001]

@@rakhatthenut3815 yeh I know. I'm just saying that for a long time I thought it was Toph that did that but now I think it was the sand benders.

[@novapixel16]

When the sand launching up to get rid of the Buzzard Wasps, it was not Toph. It was actually the sandbenders.

[@TBHNotGonnaLie]

An airbender and their Byron are joined for life, almost like a siblings,and to top it off Appa is also Aangs Only living Connection to his Past😢

[@Jakkob37]

Theres key moments in this show that truly show an airbenders strength, if they weren't passive monks they would be scary when airbenders stop messing around it gets real

[@leftundersun]

8:20 there's no "Water Nation". There's the Fire Nation, the Water Tribes (Northern and Southern as far as we know), the Earth Kingdom (that has Earth Cities) and the Air Temples.

[@jomjom75]

Pudgey connecting with Katara on a different level, she even looks like Season 3 Katara in this vid.

[@nathanielreik6617]

The cactus Sokka drank from is supposed to be loosely based on the peyote cactus found in the southwestern United States; it is a hallucinogenic.

[@Amadeus_A]

I've seen this episode multiple times since the debut when I was a child; I don't think I've ever watched the ending without crying.

[@drago2drago]

Probably already been said by someone, but the water the group drank in the desert was not the northern tribe oasis water. The oasis water is kept in a little dangly necklace

[@Itsant33]

High Sokka is one of my fave memes. I even have a cactus juice ad with sokka. Japanese liquors and grocery stores have anime and cartoon themed foods.

[@IamnotJohnFord]

Katara is doing what she did when her mother was killed and her father took off to fight the Fire Nation. She is surprisingly strong both as a bender and a person. Aang is being forced to deal with some of the darker aspects of life. I won't say it's maturing him because right now he's operating on rage, fear, and pain. And, yes, he killed the buzzard wasp from what looked like 300-400 meters and out of the air. Aang could kill most people easily but it's not his normal nature.

[@lostfigure3703]

I think what striked to me most about Katara calming Aang down, was how exhausted she looked. As everyone else has said, she was the MVP of this episode, she kept everyone together which must have been very physically as well as mentally taxing. She was exhausted, but she stepped up right till the end.

[@IconVlog.]

18:49 I know Toph was SHOOK when she felt Aang go into the avatar state. He had never done it before with her and she can’t see. I know she was like Jdsjntdfkoufo WHAT IS HAPPENING

[@loftyguy11]

I think Katara reaching out to comfort Aang is my second favorite moment of the whole show.

[@agrippinafofanova4891]

Imagine seeing that furious face Aang has when he's angry in the Avatar state. This episode gives me chills every time I watch it. The grief Aang is going through must be unbearable for him.

[@griffinshaffer83]

In "the Chase", Aang says that Spring had just begun, so we actually has five or six months til end of summer.

[@liamwines883]

The ending of this one always hits you in the feels. Next few even more so!

[@dinoboiis8147]

I think it has to be stated how much Appa means to Aang He is WHATS LEFT of his past.

[@mmxxiii9503]

16:46 he is not playing around, he is acting more like an adult instead of being a kid. It also can be appreciated when he sliced that vulture wasp

[@amyloucurtis]

Loved your reaction to this one. You asked for it last episode, and you got it. Aangry Aang is scary

[@tashaaponte]

This second half of book 2 really picks up. I love this arc especially because you do see a lot of great character development for everyone. And losing Appa is always so hard to watch, you guys are really in for a treat. Cant wait to see you both react to more!

[@Jonathan-ug9yu]

Ba Sing Se is when this show reaches the level that is why this show has the hype it has. Shit goes OFF

[@acaciopoliveira]

The Uncle is part of the "White Lotus"... Of course he is!... :) We already knew more members of "The White Lotus" from other past episodes :) That will for sure be a thing!

[@DannyPotato]

This is the first time Toph experiences the Avatar state. She be stunned at the end there.

[@Itsant33]

The cactus is based off an actual hallucinogenic cacti known as payote.

[@eagleangel5568]

And yeah I felt bad for aang here and he was right to be upset not to the gang but what happened and especially cause he's young cause keep in mind that's technically his only family from the air temple and where he came from and his only thing from his Airbender history essentially

[@lyleseptember144]

Shout out from South Africa love your reactions 👊🇿🇦

[@kaijingarou6526]

Everyone always thinks we're getting Appa during this episode. Poor souls...

[@UncensoredScion]

People watching it for the first time miss the connective parts for even season 1 and its understandable, it's not an anime it's a Western cartoon and for the majority of them they're individual episodic style storytelling in everything. While with Avatar, the story is far more detailed, for instance the opening arc of season 1 is about loss, it details Aang, Sokka and Katara and Zuko's individual loss of family/love while finding it in others, that's the main cast introduction, after that it's the wider world introduction with 3 episodes involving the state of things - and personally why I think whoever told you to ignore the episode the great divide was very wrong for doing so as it helps flesh the world out. After this there's more development of the cast as a family, showing Aang caring for the others as they're sick after the Storm and the conclusion to that with the choice for the cast to stick with him rather than going to see their Father and ending with the culmination in book 1 at the Northern water Tribe and the battle there. It's a very well written story from beginning to end and the development gets sharper the more the series progresses as there's more to do

[@levirichards6823]

Yes he was very Aangry in this episode

[@Avatar-Destiny]

This is the first time Toph "sees" Aang in the Avatar State, and she literally can't see anything at this moment. I've always wondered how scared she was here... Also, nobody has seen an Airbender or a Sky Bison in 100 years. Then the Avatar returns and arrives at the desert. And you steal a Sky Bison. "I didn't know he belonged to the Avatar" Yeah, Suuuuuuuuuure

[@ZachWilsonsMomsFriend]

I’m so happy to have been along so far for the whole ride but I wish I found you guys towards the end of the series so I could just watch all the way through. I’m just too darn excited lol!😁

[@komiitachi]

The music in ATLA are classics, never gets old

[@Niclout]

Cactus juice 😄

[@cactusjuice8277]

Yo

[@DragonMoth34]

@@cactusjuice8277 ay y bro lemme get some sip.😋

[@cactusjuice8277]

@@DragonMoth34 lol

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

It'll quench ya!

[@StevenARC]

It’ll quench ya!

[@BobGnarley.]

It's the Quenchiest!

[@StardustSymphony4607]

Nothing's quenchier. It'll quench ya

[@bawin384]

I mean, Appa is the only thing Aang has from the world he grew up in. Everything else is either dead or destroyed. No wonder he had this adverse reaction so much so he entered the avatar state.

[@streamspoart2671]

This episode showing that Katara is the matriarch of the group, her experience live without mother and the only girl in the family now saving the group

[@TukaihaHithlec]

Killing a fleeing animal in cold blood _Kyoshi seal of approval_

[@stephaniehundley6792]

Next episode is SOOOOO GOOD!!!! Actually every episode is legit from here on out.

[@alexescalanteb]

I'm currently watching Korra with you guys, but this video came up and I can't unsee the amazing tan of Pudgey hahahaha

[@trans_panda]

three of the current main gang lost their most important part of them. Aang lost his passiveness/kindness, Sokka lost his intellect and basically his sanity, and Toph lost her sight which she needs to be useful to the team. Katara was the only one still herself in the end. Well and Momo since despite being high Momo is always a little bit of crazy the cactus juice just pushed it more to the surface.

[@whowantmuffin]

i just caught up with your videos! it's nice to listen to you talk about the characters and your expectations for the following episodes! 😄 can't wait to see you guys watch some of my favorite scenes, episodes!

[@jdnaz1288]

@17:00 - I don't think that was Toph, I think it was The Sand Benders.

[@deithlan]

LET’S GOOOOO I’ve missed you guys!

[@stephentaylor3437]

Aang: All life is sacred Also Aang: Screw them buzzards!

[@caeruXXI]

Hey i finally cought up with the videos and I gotta say, your reaction to this show is one of the best I have seen. You both do miss some details here and there but overall you do pay a lot more attention than averge to the story and the characters. Even in season 1 you noticed the evolution o Soka where most people just say that he is blunt and dont get anywere untile final arc. Very good content guys and I am looking forward to you reactions to next episodes. The few next are among the best of the show.