Avatar the Last Airbender 2x19 & 2x20 Reaction | The Guru | The Crossroads of Destiny

[@funnylilgalreacts]

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[@Brownsouth25]

So cute

[@JNDReacts]

Zuko is an addict. He just went through withdrawal and had only been clean a couple days. Then Azula shows up with his drug of choice and dropped it at his feet, free of charge.

[@christiantwist3360]

Yeah pretty much

[@LizardGulps]

honor, honor, gimme some of that honor, I'll do anything, ANYTHING!

[@rachelespiritu4215]

Now imagine seeing that ending, then having to wait over nine months for season 3.

[@CJWest08]

that was the worst wait of my life lol

[@ZenJestr]

god I forgot how long the wait was. I remember I recorded the Season 3 trailer and rewatched it like a million times when that preview finally dropped lmao

[@ponny2948]

It was awful! And when you’re a kid 9 months seems like an eternity

[@TheMadirishgunner]

@@CJWest08 the worst wait of my life i gotta give to the ending of Season 2 waiting for Season 3 of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. atleast in avatar you see katara does heal aang before it ends

[@derpsalot6853]

@@ZenJestr on the bright side, season 3 is imo the best season of them all

[@acereporter73]

"Even you can't bend metal." And Toph took that personally...

[@yew2oob954]

Dunderheads.

[@joesplace2960]

Annnnd they were trapped in there forever. The end!

[@renooftheturks984]

I wanted to write it in the last video but since it was too old I didn't thought I'll get answers... I noticed that Toph is claimed to be the first metal bender. Buuuut what did the Dai Li agents bend when they arrested Long Feng?

[@carlbowen7965]

​@@renooftheturks984I think the chains they use were thrown as weapons, not actually bending them

[@renooftheturks984]

@@carlbowen7965 but it was prwtty precise plus they closed as soon as they got to LongFengs arms

[@saiyasha848]

"I guess it's good that he can't go into the Avatr state, because Azula could probably kill him" Damn, never had anyone predict it _this_ accurately!

[@maartenbakker8311]

She's from the Star Wars fans. I mean, episode 19 brought Aang back to Ba Sing See, like Luke in The Empire Strikes Back and pulled an order 66 on the following episode... But she knows her stuff and that is still admittedly correct.

[@95DarkFire]

@@maartenbakker8311 When Aang ran away from the Guru because of his friends and love is very similar to what Luke did in Emprie Strikes Back.

[@MohamadNadi]

What makes this finale so heartbreaking is this is the last time we hear mako iwamarsu.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

RIP 🖤🖤🖤

[@MohamadNadi]

@@funnylilgalreacts he was a friend of mine. He was exactly what you invision iroh to be in real life

[@mariachow329]

The Guru's voiceover about how the 4 elements are not separated and then Toph just straight up metal bending never fails to give be goosebumps!! Great reaction

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

Zukos choice made a lot of sense for his character. Azula offered him everything he wanted since he was banished. His fathers love, to go back home to have his "honor" back. The only thing Iroh could offer him was "being good" and asking him "What do YOU want." Well...Zuko wants his fathers love. And that is what Azula offered him.

[@pauldrake2245]

100% Plus, if Zuko had refused to help Azula, he'd have been taken prisoner as a traitor to the Fire Nation. For a teen boy, that's a tough sell. For one who's only shown that he wants back in to standing with his father & the Fire Nation, of course he would choose that. He may have shown glimmers of good, but like Sokka said, "come back when he's good on the outside."

[@cshimp10]

His honor, as well. That was the original drive but his definition of honor and how he got it back are two totally different definitions. I'm glad this happened, so that he could see the true error of his ways. In that way, he was able to get back on the right track. The story telling on this show was and still is phenomenal.

[@woogie2345]

yeah, he’s only done half the work by this point basically. he’d lost hope in the avatar quest but had no clue what was left over for him. as far as he knows, “choosing good” means working in a tea shop the rest of his life. love iroh but he failed to provide actually helpful guidance in this case:( not that zuko was ready yet to listen to it anyhow lol

[@fighterx9840]

It's very cunning that Azula used Zuko's desire for their father's acceptance to sway him to her side, and she knows that's what Zuko wanted

[@brianbrink8286]

As Yoda once said, "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose." It's okay to have attachments. Just don't let yourself be consumed by them.

[@adamgrunther1367]

I think the saddest aspect of Zuko’s turn is the fact that he betrayed Iroh, his uncle who had stayed with and cared for him all the time and the only person besides his mother to show him any love. It’s easily one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire show.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

well if you watch the season 3 (no spoliers) you will see how it all plays out. In addition it shows it is not easy to change, and there is emotional baggage that can pull you down. This is not excuse Zuko of course, since Zuko knew Azula lied to him in the past and saw how war affected people, but understand why he did what he did: He wanted his fathers love and approval and be a prince, it was always at the back of his mind.

[@chazo1367]

It’s a sad tale of someone going back to their abuser…

[@eileensnow6153]

It’s an accurate representation of healing not being linear. You make big breakthroughs, you start down the path of healing and then you backslide, and it seems like you’ve lost all the progress you’ve made. But as we see later, those lessons are still there working on your psyche. The denial is already broken.

[@ArasRud]

But still, I think it was wrong of Iroh to expext Zuko to accept the life they had. Zuko had a right to chose his own path even if it goes against what Iroh wants SPOILER And I think Iroh gets it later that Zuko making his own mistakes and his own path is much better anyway and what makes him worthy of becoming Firelord.

[@chazo1367]

@@ArasRud thing is Zuko made his choice, the only one he felt he could make, if he stayed with Iroh he would be helping the avatar and would have to live on the run forever because the fire nation captured Ba Sing Sei, going home is what he wanted for 3 years. So it was a choice of certainty or uncertainty and he chose for himself. How it affects things later is interesting.

[@kerithsunshine9584]

“Don’t flatter yourself. You weren’t even a player,” is one of my favorites of Azula’s quotes. I was so sad at Zuko’s betrayal and that Aang almost died. Luckily I first watched these on DVD so I didn’t have to wait long for season 3. Season 3 is so good, I’m so excited for your reaction to the rest!

[@DarthRenegade12]

❌❌❌❌❌❌❌SPOILER ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌so if you didn’t watch season 3 don’t read this. Aang in fact does pass away, and katara brings him back, that’s why he can’t use the avatar state in season 3 until the finale, and says it when he wakes up

[@ladyliminality7221]

Just to clarify, Azula did succeed in killing Aang while he was in the Avatar State. If it hadn't been for Katara and the vial of spirit water, the Cycle would have permanently come to a close.

[@joelramnarine]

There where others ways aang could have comeback but the water was there at the right moment

[@Gu3ssWhatsN3XT]

my favorite part about the guru episode is i had a teacher in my acting school who took us through an exercise involving breathing, releasing and other things and he took us through the chakras and as he was going through them i was lying there thinking, this sounds a lot like ATLA the way he's explaining this only at the end of the hour long session he ended it off with "congratulations you are now the avatar" Dude was the best teacher before then but after that i couldnt see anyway for any other teacher to surpass him

[@Mark.mp3]

“You have indeed felt a great loss, but love is a form of energy. The air nomads love for you has not left this world. It is still inside your heart, and is reborn in the form of new love” Ughhhh this is one of the most impactful pieces of dialogue I’ve ever heard. It still sticks with me till this day.

[@MrWhatdafuBOOM]

In the Earth King's defense, Sokka was the one who assured him the Kyoshi Warriors were trustworthy friends without even checking if it was actually them.

[@iaani_]

Aang seeing Katara in danger and leaving without completing his training is very Luke on Dagobah.

[@elpanfis]

The work here of Filoni was noticed by George Lucas, that's why he started his trip on Star Wars franchise 😉

[@patrickjenson827]

Thankfully Aang gets to keep his hand.

[@cxthednalien]

@@patrickjenson827 This makes me realise that both Aang and Luke lost the battle after they left their training in hurry And also got a trauma for life

[@elpanfis]

@@cxthednalien and Luke had redemption 😉

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

@@elpanfis I mean, yeah. But Filoni didn't write anything in Book Two.

[@seansilence2697]

I believe saying no to an Agni Kai is considered dishonorable, but what does Azula care? Zuko was the only other person there who was from the fire nation. So she could refuse without consequences.

[@Giddog40]

And since he was banished the challenge might not even carry that much weight

[@fofallebl]

Most of Azula's character/psychological issues tie in with a theory of how she has fully cleared her fire chakra, as seen in this episode it deals with willpower which she has a lot of and is blocked by shame which I feel like as a character she will never feel just based on her own issues/ how the character is written. I believe this is part of the theory why her fire is blue/stronger because she has perfect chi pathways to that chakra.

[@3Kings_Industries]

My wife and I found ATLA when we moved in together during our college years. She passed from cancer (and idiots who were spouting their anti-vax nonsense) as C19 terror started shutting down the world in summer 2020. The episode of the guru has been a consistent safe harbor as I came to grips with her passing and my new phase of life raising our child alone. Especially that message about love not being gone, but transformed. I really appreciate their perspective on the spirituality of enlightened states.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I'm sorry for your loss. This show is so incredibly powerful in so many ways.

[@emmyjr1231]

my condolences man. Wishing the best to you and your kid

[@frnknstndrgqn]

omg so sorry for your loss :( hope things are well for you and yours.

[@goestheboom5211]

Sorry about your wife but let's not put other people down for how the choose to live its not your place Thank you 😊

[@ObsessiveSting]

Be well and I hope you and your daughter are well.

[@MartinYAYs]

Thank you for everything Mako, voice of Uncle Iroh. This was indeed sadly the last time we hear him as the character in the show. 😢❤ Iroh’s second voice does a very good job on carrying his legacy very respectfully.

[@justAman548]

There is very wishy-washy info out there about him. If I’m not mistaken, this is the last episode with Iroh for a while. Uncle Iroh is the best

[@Pandaemoni]

@@justAman548 He's at least in Episode 2 of the next season, though I think his next really substantial speaking part may be in Episode 6, I may be forgetting something prior to that.

[@dylanmonaghan3342]

@@Pandaemoni You know this is not a specific spoiler but still spoiler territory right???

[@Pandaemoni]

@@dylanmonaghan3342 I do not, though I respect that you think it is and will think about it more. At first blush, though, I wonder if it _sounds like_ a spoiler to you because you know what is coming and you can imagine his appearances no other way. Saying he will appear early next season doesn't say in what context or circumstances. I mean if someone said "Hakoda will appear early next season," I wouldn't consider that a spoiler, though I might quibble with its correctness.

[@dylanmonaghan3342]

@@Pandaemoni you didn’t say later in the season you mentioned a specific episode. I find it best to keep discussions to events that have already happened. And leave future events well out of the discussion. I try to imagine how I would feel if you were spoiled for even small stuff. I would hate it and thus wouldn’t do it to others. Anyways have a think and you do you I am just expressing an opinion. You are welcome to yours :)

[@KitKatLag]

I love the irony on how Guru Pathik tells Aang to let Katara go and he rejects, but then she’s shown imprisoned at 21:30 saying, “Let me go!”

[@ikkikkikki]

ooh i never thought about that!

[@funny3291]

There's so many hidden layers in this show, that's why its re-watchable

[@Archangelarts]

And as he saw the vision of Katara in trouble I found myself saying out loud (in Yoda's voice), "Aang! You must not go! Incomplete is your training." And like other travelers on the Hero's Journey before him, he just *went*. With predictable consequences.

[@MyBlackandRedCZ]

🤯

[@Zhilbar]

So, something I just wanted to share. The message hanging up in Iroh's shop reads "I would rather be without food for three days than without tea for one day.' Dude was all about that tea lifestyle; no wonder it's the thing Jet catches him on.

[@Matuse]

The trick with the attachment is that not that you MUST let it go, but that you have the ability to do so. As is made clear, the duty of the Avatar is to the world and maintaining it's balance. You can't do that if you don't care about things. Aang is not trying to attain Buddah-like Nirvana, but developing a more mature capacity to prioritize what is important as the situation warrants.

[@ElMonoFuerte]

I would say the issue is that Aang lacks the understanding of what "let go" and "attachment" means in the context of this kind of spirituality. While the Avatar state might be a kind of Nirvana-like state of existence or not, what the 7th Chakra (at least I understand of it, so definitely bear that in mind) is in this case is a sense of objectivity and ...serenity, might be the best word. Being able to be in a state of mind where all of the other chakras don't hold you down or hold you back: you can love, but you can accept the loss of love, you can grieve, but that grief never clouds your judgement, fear is not a shackle to trap you but an armor you wear to keep you safe. I think of the "let it go" in the context of love as love, but let it not consume you or distract you from the rest of your life, do not obsess over trying to achieve love or hold onto love that is gone. In the slightly more morbid view: everything dies and decays eventually, but in order to move forward in life you must accept that reality and still act to make the world a better place, for death and decay in turn bring new life and being. The Avatar is a cycle of being born, being alive, dying, and being reborn: so too are things like love and joy, for while they are not individually eternal, as Guru Pathik says "love is a kind of energy...transformed into new love". So if the love between Aang and Katara were to end, Katara were to die, etc, the idea of the Cosmic Chakra is that while the love is good it is not as important as what the rest of your life/world/reality is and how you move forward through it.

[@ghostbeetle2950]

I would argue the point is that the show deliberately did not explain what "letting go" means to make it seem like a complete, black& white kind of choice that would force Aang into an inner conflict. All the prior chakras and their meanings were explained much more concisely. The biggest problem I have witht this, however, is that this idea of "letting go all attachments" is never brought up again properly later on, as if it didn't really matter beyond setting up the cimatic conflict in this episode. But I can still live with that. What I cannot live with is deus ex machina m*** bending.

[@gingerbardman2391]

You mentioned it earlier in the show, and it still applies: change does not happen overnight. Zuko wasn't yet at the point where he could be literally handed everything he wanted on a silver platter and turn it down. If he had more time to change and come to terms with who he was, this might have gone differently. Unfortunately for everyone he was still in a state of change, which also means open to influence. And Azula is absurdly good at influencing/manipulating people, Zuko in particular.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

I agree with you, however one would think that after all the times Azula lied to him, he would develop immunity. By that point Azula is the last person on Earth to whom he should listen. In Zuko alone episode, Zuko kept repeating "Azula always lies"

[@ElMonoFuerte]

​@@AndalusianPhilosopher Since Azula's abuse was always "Father Approved", Zuko accepted Azula's treatments as the norm, especially after their mother disappeared, but it's worth noting in most cases growing up it was Azula being mean, not being kind. It's a pretty common tactic by domestic abusers to have a special "sweet" side that they use to defuse and gaslight their victim into dispelling ideas of leaving. Zuko's still 16, so that craving for affection and validation is still unbridled, not restrained by experience and insight, so it's very easy for him to be "Azula's being nice to me: she never does that. She sounds so sincere and this is something I want to be true, it *has* to be true." Even with the experience of having Azula try to take him and Iroh into captivity at the start of the season, the years of abuse and manipulation make it hard for that kind of lesson stick.

[@BornInsane0]

@@AndalusianPhilosopher sadly that's how abusive relationships work.

[@peteryang5056]

@@AndalusianPhilosopher Sadly, one doesn't "develop immunity" to manipulation and abuse. If anything, the victim only becomes more susceptible to it over time. At this point in his arc, Zuko can forcibly repeat his mantra that "Azula always lies" all he wants - it doesn't change the fact that, underneath it all, he desperately *wants* to believe her. It's why he falls for her ploy every time. *edit: Azula always lies, not Zuko haha

[@gingerbardman2391]

@@AndalusianPhilosopher 100% yes. Zuko's delusions about his family are entirely self inflicted at this point. Zuko has never once truly faced who and what his father is, he is that desperate to have a loving family. It's a shame he rejected the one family member looking out for him to do it. Also this is Zuko, the biggest gullible dork with some of the worst judgement skills (so far in the series at least) in the entire Avatar-verse, and this is the same universe that has Sokka in it (I love our Water Tribe boy).p to where we are in the series,

[@braven5430]

My understanding of the letting go is to not let that love distract you. The purpose of opening the chakras is to control the avatar state. If every time katara is in danger and he compulsively enters the avatar state then he isn't controlling it, that why guru pathik says to learn to let go

[@cloudyheather3770]

Yep, this is how I always saw it. But I understand that in Aang's situation he didn't really have too much time to think it through, and Guru Pathik didn't have time to explain it properly.

[@Zhilbar]

​@cloudyheather3770 Not only that, but Guru Pathik is coming at this from the outside. He's definitely a knowledgeable and kindly spiritual fellow, but somewhat disconnected from the world; how well could be help with this particular trauma if he (hypothetically) has never been in love with someone?

[@cloudyheather3770]

@@Zhilbar That is very true.

[@spazzout1k350]

@@Zhilbartrue

[@nicholes6000]

That’s a great point! I always think of the trolley problem if you know what that is? I feel like that’s a really good way to think about it because I feel like lots of people don’t understand why it’s essential the avatar doesn’t have too strong attachments.

[@brutalchicken]

"Toph, you rule!" one of the purest fist pumping in the air moments for me in this whole series. I actually love how Zuko failed himself and his uncle here, it's so very human. It would've been easy for the writers to make him do the right thing, but instead he gives in and it's such a tremendous moment that makes his arc so memorable

[@TheMarcHicks]

This was definitely ATLA's Empire Strikes Back moment! So gut wrenching.

[@jacobamidon3114]

It really is beat for beat ESB but damn if it isn't compelling

[@lvfd6117]

These episodes, hell this half of the season are so racksd with emotion, so excited for these reactions

[@TheSyncos]

Ah yes. The moment where Aang (Luke) leaves his training with the Guru (Yoda) prematurely because he can sense his friends in danger. Love this show. The Zuko heel turn really does hurt. He's had so much growth that we've experienced along with him that it feels as much of a betrayal to the audience as it does to Katara.

[@Matuse]

A thing to notice in the end fight is that Katara's water wave is able to cut Azula's hair in mid-air, with no tension. That's incredibly sharp. Katara was not playing, she's trying to kill.

[@somecallmetim2112]

This is the Empire Strikes Back of Avatar. Nobody was happy walking out of the theater. I would like to point out that Zuko's choice portrayed a textbook addict's relapse behavior. His dad was the dealer, the drug is "honor". Zuko detoxed, got clean, then Azula dangled the fix in front of him again, and he couldn't not take it. Kicking addiction is hard and it doesn't happen overnight. One more very adult theme in this not-a-kids'-show.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

I also understand why he did what he did. However, Azula should have been the last person from whom he taken the drug, given their history.

[@somecallmetim2112]

@@AndalusianPhilosopher Alas, an addict frequently lacks such clarity.

[@zionnewkirk4838]

I believe it's important to remember that as messed up as their relationship is, Azula still his sister. Azula's manipulative and cruel as all hell but still his family.Had it been anyone else, Zuko might have turned it down. ​@@AndalusianPhilosopher

[@Pandaemoni]

The meaning of Guru Pathik's advice to give up love for Katara is hotly debated. Buddhists, on whom Air Nomads are based, do have currents in their philosophy relating to 'detaching' oneself from the world and worldly things to attain enlightenment. Still, some think the Guru was basically just "wrong" about giving up attachments to those you love. Others choose to interpret the guru as meaning, "love, but don't be afraid to lose her" or similarly "love her, but without jealousy". I have also read the interpretation "let go of her, but keep loving her the same way" (which I don't quite understand, though it may mean "love her, but don't be in a relationship with her,'(?) but I'm not sure). It's definitely not clear to fans what he meant exactly To be clear, when Aang raised his voice and said that he doesn't want to give up his love for Katara, the Guru didn't try to correct him as if Aang was misinterpreting things.... I don't know what "let go" was intended to mean, but I know it was something (1) unpleasant for Aang, (2) that he felt he had to apologize to Katara for (so unpleasant for her) when he let her go and (3) it was absolutely 100% effective in letting Aang control the Avatar State since we saw Aang do it. So, take that for what it's worth. [Also Iroh did *not* say "love is the true source of your power," he said Aang was wise to choose happiness and love _over_ power. For meta reasons, we can assume Iroh is correct, but what he said suggests that power _might_ not be compatible with love in Aang's case, which is not inconsistent with what Guru Pathik said.]

[@commonsensei8423]

I'm also unclear on what the guru meant by "let go" but I always assumed Aang misunderstood him. You make a good point that Aang used the guru's teaching to trigger the Avatar state, so whatever it was that Aang disliked about it, it worked. And it was bad enough for Aang to apologize to Katara before doing it, which I never thought about before.

[@dylanholman3]

Child me was so hurt and angry and betrayed by Zuko. Thank god for Katara and spirit water or the avatar would’ve been no more. Also shame on Azula breaking the rules of attacking the anime protagonist during his power up lmao

[@iAmPimmiCue]

Idk, if Zuko didn't go after Aang at the end, Azula might never have gotten that chance to hit him with the Lightning, if she didn't have it it would have meant she used it on Zuko, which I doubt he would have gone against them if he was free from that scar

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

@@iAmPimmiCue Azula offered him His fathers love and everything he always wanted. There is a good chance he would have still picked her side. Also Katara didn't have the time to use it, they were interrupted.

[@bch7905]

@@iAmPimmiCue this is also my genuine theory- even with whatever Azula offers him, being removed of the mark would cause him to have a different perspective of the people he was against for so long. Zuko isn’t cold-hearted. I don’t know if he would think himself an ally but I don’t think he would fold if he experienced an act of kindness from a former enemy; at most it would confuse him. Also this theory is based on the hypothetical that they weren’t interrupted. All four would be together which wouldn’t give Azula much time nor leeway to offer anything, and even if she did, there would be a turmoil within Zuko to even accept after not just your uncle who has supported you through basically everything but your enemies are opening up that path. It’s overwhelming in that moment. At worst he might do nothing. We’ll never know and can only go based on his true nature. I think it’s highly probable he would not side with Azula. Not that that means he would join Aang and Katara in the fight, but he wouldn’t be their adversary.

[@toto_feather8732]

Watching this finale for the first time hits too hard... I remember counting days, waiting for book 3! Much love

[@jjohansen86]

Can we just talk about how it took Iroh about five minutes to find Aang when he needed his help? And he probably could have found him months before if he really wanted to?

[@VegetaLF7]

Seriously, if Iroh were still the warlord he once was, he'd be nearly unstoppable.

[@RyanBennis]

It's so raw that a kids show kills its main character (even tho it's short)

[@StarrPower2232]

The thing you have to remember about Zuko is that when your a child who NEVER gets love from a parent, some will do anything for it.

[@pickthestickup]

We stan Guru Pathik at my house.

[@ahmetyldrm2935]

"The Guru" is i think by far my personal favourite episode. The explanation of everything, the "intense" experience and you all think your fears mistakes, grief, shames, being same, and finally reaching the cosmic energy, everything explained percetly clear and elegant. we truly understand the fundamental of being an avatar. also the visualization of cosmic energy is just genius. Aaand the scene we see toph while explaining every elemnt is the same and meanwhile toph invents metalbending. that transition is amazing

[@TacticusPrime]

Sokka's "come back when (the good's) outside him too" line is amazing. A very Empire Strikes Back feeling to this ending indeed.

[@rain6957]

So on Jett, they were fairly subdued with how they showed it, but the intention in his last scene was to hint that he was dying. There's a rumor that the original plan was even for Longshot to relieve his pain quickly, but instead they showed him standing as a sentinel over Jett as he passed, but the implication of the scene was that Jett died, it's just kind of not in the Nickelodeon brand to kill a child on screen.

[@mandmified17]

As someone who went through major losses at a young age, I always found the idea of the airbenders love for aang not leaving this world but transforming into NEW love to be so healing ❤️‍🩹

[@TheJokerAkaCirque]

a relevant detail in Azula's little faceoff with Long Feng is what she says about their respective backgrounds. She genuinely believe that the power to rule is something that comes from bloodline and "divine right". If you understand that this belief is generational, it sheds a lot of light on the Fire Lord and his predecessors as well.

[@BGTitanAvatar]

“Don’t flatter yourself, you were never even a player.” Best. Azula. Line. Ever. “Ahhh! I wanna know what he picked!” You sure about that?

[@TheParagade]

"These two aren't going to fall in love are they?" The Zutara shippers were a notorious group back in the day 😂

[@Segoviandy]

OMG OMG what a season finaleeeeeee ❤❤❤❤❤❤😭😭😭 i love your reactions

[@klemminguk]

It's a sign of great writing when someone *not* changing sides is a shocking moment.

[@icarusthefinal3206]

I love the scene with the guru talking over Toph trying to metal bend. So cool.

[@markalexander718]

Your reaction when Zuko makes the decision he made gave me so much deja vu lol I couldn't believe it

[@flyingchong]

I agree with you... ...cheerful Zuko was unnerving. Thank you Azula for turning him back lolololz.

[@pwnorbepwned]

Fun fact: the Dai Ali agent Iroh captured who told them about the coup is voiced by Phil LaMarr, voice actor of Samurai Jack. Not only does he put on his Jack voice, he pronounces “a coup” the same way he pronounces “Aku”, the main villain of Samurai Jack. Aku and Iroh share voice actors. It’s such a hidden Easter egg. 😁

[@bluecoin3771]

He also plays the Earth King himself.

[@kentbarnes1955]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My brother has been gone 20+ years so I totally understand. My you find peace in positive memories. I'm enjoying the depth of your review/analysis.

[@saberstrike000]

'You might think you're the greatest earthbender in the world but even you can't bend metal. ' Toph: 'and I took that personally.'

[@mranima748]

“Even you can’t bend metal” Toph: invents an entire metal bending society “Well shit”

[@dcplunkett]

Hang in there. I liked season 3 a lot.

[@sovcast8760]

The way they describe the chakras in this episode reminds me a bit of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

[@RaceBannon]

I love that Zuko chose Azula. I know that’s the “bad” choice, but she was offering him everything he’d wanted for three years. It makes him seem more like a real human to choose this path than he would if he’d gone against his nation at this point.

[@Jeremy_theGent]

I love Azula and Long Feng's whole dynamic here; he thinks he has her right where he wants her, but she's miles ahead of him.

[@Neekazan]

I wish people would realize that letting go of attachments isn't letting go of love. For example, if you rescue an injured wild wolf cub, heal and raise it to be a strong hunter, it may adore you, but it's still a wild animal and will be happier out in the wild and joining a pack of it's own kind. You may feel attached to them, but it's better for them to let them go. In fact, it's an act of love to do so. Love isn't attachment. The writing on this show is so brilliant. Zuko's path to redemption is done very realistically in that he makes a step forward, then two steps back. Much like irl.

[@kiml.1565]

Great metaphor. Aang doesn't need to stop feeling his feelings; he's allowed to be in love. But his impulse to put Katara above everything else prevents him from making objective decisions. What Katara NEEDS is for him to put aside his feelings and focus on doing what he has to do to save the world. The only way she can be happy (and, knowing Katara, also the only way she could ever return his feelings) is if he resists that impulse and makes the right decision.

[@JordanWylde_]

Azula killing Aang while he was in the Avatar State was surprising and foreshadowed in Book 2 Episode 1. Azula was practising lightning and Roku warned Aang the danger of the Avatar State.

[@JordanWylde_]

@@DarthRenegade12 she’s already seen season 3 episode 1 on her Patreon.

[@alexo_pog]

@@DarthRenegade12late, but, he literally said killing aang, like, thats what is shown, there is 0 spoilers about what actually happened to aang, the commenter didnt say "aang survived" or "almost killing aang" killing aang, thats what the worst case scenario is, this is an anti-spoiler

[@kljhpoiu]

I try to remember that even the optimistic, friendly Zuko that was starting to take shape was always on the side of the Fire Nation. He's been fed a lifetime of propaganda, and the idea that Team Avatar is good, actually, is not something he's thought about. As far as he's concerned, he and Uncle Iroh are still loyal subjects of the Fire Nation, even if they're out of politics and in the humble tea business. Seeing his uncle teaming up with his nation's greatest enemy, even to free him, would have turned his world upside down. When Azula says that Uncle Iroh really betrayed Zuko, it would have sounded right. Like if you were in jail and all of a sudden the door flew open and your dad and Voldemort were there to let you out.

[@Sinewmire]

Yeah, that's a point worth making. Zuko has never ceased to believe he is a temporarily embarrassed Crown Prince, rather than an exile. There's a reason Azula makes the point that he's a lot of things, but he's not a traitor.

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

@@Sinewmire Azula also offered him everything he dreamed of since he was banished. His father love and the chance to go back home with honor. The only thing Iroh could offer was "Being good, and doing the right thing." It makes much more sense that Zuko chose the side that would make all his dreams come true.

[@saiyasha848]

Seeing Zuko in "The Guru" is heartbreaking when you know whats coming. And She isn't wrong, it does not feel quite right. I think that, as definite of a positive Influence as Iroh is, in the end he is just one more voice in Zukos head. Iroh tries to get him to lead a simple life, Azula tries to fuel his ambition. Both are outside wishes, Even if irohs are much more wellmeant. ButI don't think the simple City life would have made Zuko happy in the long run. It isn't what _he_ wants. Now, what exactly it is he wants, he doesn't know yet, but I think he'll have to find it without Iroh or Azula.

[@peteryang5056]

I feel like Zuko in "The Guru" comes off as Stepford wife-ish because it's basically Zuko trying on a new personality and not knowing how to actually practice it. He was always angry and angsty and bitter, and now that he's seen that there may be other ways to live his life, he careens way too far in the other direction, to the point of borderline naivete. Unfortunately, because his newfound optimism is essentially a front he is forcing to try to mold himself into a new person, it's inherently brittle and thus implodes the moment he is confronted with something that challenges it.

[@bch7905]

@@peteryang5056 I have been looking for a way to describe this behavior of his and the reason why he would even act this way and you wrote it SO precisely! That’s exactly the issue- he still isn’t quite sure who he is or what he wants, so trying on different masks so to speak is his way of coping with the illness and hallucinations he had last episode. He still sees things so binary so it’s either angry and ashamed or optimistic and joyous. SPOILER- And is why I absolutely love his mask off personality post-redemption. It is significantly less jarring, very in character, and appropriate for a teen coming out of a lifetime of fascist indoctrination with little social skills and anger issues trying to make amends.

[@peteryang5056]

The creators of Avatar have talked about how one of their major inspirations for this finale is "The Empire Strikes Back," down to directly referencing it in a number of ways in the scene where Aang/Luke pulls away from Guru Pathik/Yoda at the last minute. And it's incredibly effective - just as everything seems to maaaaaaybe be pushing in the right direction, the show pulls the rug out and sends us plummeting to rock bottom. The perfect way to end Act 2 and set things up for the endgame.

[@sillykola50]

Zuko got played by Azula, but I kinda get it. He's obsessed with "honor" (in reality: love, respect and validation from his father and nation). It's like a recovering addict being offered their vice. And in his mind, why should he sell out his country to the enemy? He WOULD be a traitor to his nation, Iroh technically WAS betraying the Fire Nation. It takes a LOT to overpower that programming. The look on his face when he attacks Aang says a lot in my opinion. He looks wild and almost terrified, like he knows he might have made a terrible mistake but he CAN'T turn back and he's forcing himself not to feel what he did. That's how I interpret it anyway.

[@Goomyx1492]

Not even just an addiction, but being gaslit by one of the people that has gaslit and controlled him his whole life. Totally understandable that he would stumble here and make the wrong choice.

[@jamesfoster9613]

"Those two aren't gonna fall in love right?" A portion of the fandom really wished tgat, though I never did. But the shoppers are rampant.

[@andispensable]

"Oh, Bosco. Eat them!" Okay, let's calm down for a bit 😂

[@ReactWithRat]

"Omg why dont you just tell them everything" Earth king: Tells them everything "AAAAAAH" Update: You should start reviewing snacks as well because I usually skip sponsorships but you are just so fun and sweet. Just some food for thought.🤘

[@brizzleyoh]

They really gave Toph permanent wall hacks. So overpowered.

[@kaizen2049]

'Ahh that's gonna be ruin pretty quickly for him' 😭🤣 the trauma behind the sentence

[@elfbreath]

It's kind of up for interpretation what the guru meant by letting go of earthly attachments, but imo he didn't mean Aang couldn't love Katara, plenty of Avatars have had loved ones. He meant he couldn't pick her over his duty to the world.

[@xiNerdLordix]

Another reactor thinking Zuko is some kind of 1 million IQ genius with this "ruse", instead of assuming the simplest possible answer is the correct one.

[@kaijingarou6526]

So Toph got Aang and Sokka to cooperate with Iroh, located where they were keeping Zuko and Katara and found out the Kyoshi Warriors were fake. Can she take a break and get someone else to start doing something here?! 🤣

[@sabin_hood]

i enjoy watching all of your reactions, i envy someone who watch atla for the first timeee 🥰

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I will be so sad when it ends

[@af3897]

@@funnylilgalreacts there's always The legend of korra!! I think you'll love it and be great at analyzing its complexities

[@commanderkorra3316]

Toph bending metal is such a awesome moment, love he becoming the first Metal bender.

[@Great_Olaf5]

Sometimes you have to get what you think you want before you can realize what you really want.

[@joshuajordan6278]

I'm still watching your intro, but I had to pause and laugh when you mentioned heavy metal clashing with a harmonica. I immediately thought of Black Sabbath's song "The Wizard."

[@samuraishamploo3343]

Seeing Azula just break the unspoken anime rule by unaliving someone mid transformation solidified her as my fav character

[@andrewmarks2636]

I think Iroh summed it up, power and perfection vs love and happiness. Azula is power and perfection embodied which got the dy li loyalty. And she lacks love and happiness, which is something yet to explore.

[@edgarretana8377]

It just hit me that at the end of the episode Appa is carrying a whole bear on his back while they’re flying away 😂

[@ohnhai]

The Writers WON and won BIG TIME !!!

[@mattjofre]

Congrats on the tokyo treat sponsorship!

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Thanks!!!

[@kevenpinder7025]

"I am not happy about how that ended." There's a whole lot of that comin' down the pike.

[@Ryan1993uk]

these 2 episodes really echoed the Empire Strikes back, with leaving the training with Yoda unfinished, and going to save his friends, and then the empire winning

[@jmwilliamsart]

No doubt about it, Toph is the greatest Earth Bender in the world!! Those two Dunderheads had better never forget it.

[@TukaihaHithlec]

The more I see what resonates with you, the more certain I am that you’d love *Violet Evergarden.* I hope to see you react to that someday, it’s surprisingly underrated. This has been great.

[@OnceAndFutureDrengr]

I would second that. Violet Evergarden was surprisingly terrific.

[@TukaihaHithlec]

@@OnceAndFutureDrengr Considering how outstanding it is from an already outstanding studio, I’m amazed how little attention it gets.

[@Overlord0011]

Every time I hear Master Yu, I keep expecting him to say "One More Thing!" If you know, you know.

[@lidinalby7487]

Aang's let go of katara i feel like is more like when you love some one that much that we are ready to let go for their happiness, thats exactly what happens there, seeing all those people surrounding katara, he knew to save her he have to let her go, he loved her so so much that he was ready to do anything. The moment when Aang enters avatar state there is a look in katara's eyes, she was so proud and happy, all gets shattered in seconds.

[@rat4992]

Hakoda might be the most underrated minor character in the show. His talk with Katara, speech before the invasion, escape from the Boiling Rock, and this reunion with Sokka are small moments but no one ever forgets them. He perfectly represents his statement “being a man is knowing where you’re needed the most.” To cap it all off, his voice actor NAILS the performance. Definitely a role model of mine

[@brianendicott2166]

I ran to KZbin and was like omg did my girl upload today!?!? 😊 can’t wait to see what you think!

[@davidpoole7098]

"May they enjoy their life together" For approximately 3 days

[@MisjonenKomi]

Mmmh Azula is my my favourite :P But there's so many great characters here too.

[@meatpopsicle_45]

Can you imagine watching this live in 2006? I thought I was going to die waiting for Book 3, and they were almost 1,5 years apart. And on the day when the first episode of Book 3 rolled out I was... I don't even know how to describe it. I was running home from school like a mad dog with red eyes and foaming from the mouth. I even knocked a guy to the ground while running. And the finale of this show... I never felt that much emotion watching any other TV show ever in my life.

[@Amozon28]

"its a good thing he cant go into the avatar state or else azula would probably kill him" when i tell you i laughed so hard

[@nicholaswilkerson4394]

Man. Im sitting here watching you swell with pride over Zukos tranformation, and watching him talk to Katara, and the whole time im sitting here nearly in tears MYSELF, just like "oh, man... shes about to be SO heartbroken in a few minutes..."

[@wtimmins]

TOPH IS BEST BENDER. Literally no one could bend metalbending before her.

[@driezzy]

Azula is so smart, it's amazing! Let's go season 3

[@streamspoart2671]

Yep that's why i called Book 2: Desperate not Earth, too much unlucky situation, Zuko and Uncle live as a runaway, Omashu has fallen, Zuko Alone, Appa get captured and the worst, Ba Sing Se finally fallen

[@remo27]

42:16: Remember that face. The hurt, anger, and betrayal. It will be important later on. As it is, everytime I see Katara like this I just want to hug her.

[@ZheToralf]

Zuko got offfered everything he ever wanted. A reactor with experiences with abusive relationships explained how difficult it is to resist that temptation. To have everything (you think) you ever wanted.

[@SunlessNick]

I love both onion and banana, but I wouldn't want to eat (or drink a smoothie of) both at once!

[@wtimmins]

'You were never even a player' is one of the best lines.

[@Dubstyles84]

But to be fair... he did set up the board and playing pieces for Azula to use.

[@Apex2191]

For some reason i didnt notice the burns on Bato's arm until now.