Avatar: The Last Airbender 2x20 REACTION | "The Crossroads of Destiny" | First Time Watching!

[@eugene8910]

If he dies in the avatar state then the avatar cycle is ended, and the avatar will cease to exist

[@thebuttgoo]

I read this with Roku's voice in mind, lol

[@StoneDavid93]

​@@thebuttgoosame hahaha with the pause and everything

[@FailedSociety1247]

They know

[@JesseShadows37]

The disappointment on Iroh face at Zuko’s decision always gets to me.

[@Liesmith424]

The two ends of the Avatar emotional spectrum: 1. "I can't stop crying." 2. "Fuck Azula!"

[@Dogmaguy74]

3. "Godammit Zuko!

[@Polymathically]

9:00 And _this_ is what makes Zuko so interesting. In a lesser show, he would've jumped for that redemption arc and never looked back. But faced with the prospect of getting what he's been working toward since Book 1, and the unknown promises of a new life... Well, good job, Prince. And to think, he got exactly what he wanted. The Avatar is defeated. And he played a central role in taking out the last Earth Kingdom stronghold. Not only did he regain his honor, but now he's hero. He just had to ditch his Uncle, who was holding him back. What a champ. But seriously, Zuko's temptation feels realistic and human. It's sad, but it speaks to the choices many vulnerable people make in such situations; faced with the unknown possibilities of something different/better, they fall back on what they know. Denial isn't just a river in Egypt. Anyway. Time to let that deep breath out. You've come a long way. Book 2 is over... Kinda like the Earth Kingdom! See you in Book 3.

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

its just good writing. it made perfect sense and gives him the chance to see what his life would be like if he gets everything he Thinks he wants. This way he can see if he actually wants it and realize that his wish was empty to begin with.

[@notJkun]

His decision explored The Devil's Bargain: Gain everything, if you would but bow at Lucifer's feet.

[@MrKingYuji]

That’s why Zuko’s betrayal works. There were dire consequences both personal and large. And up to now Zuko was always an antagonist so he never really became a good guy yet.

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

@@MrKingYuji In my opinion its the only thing that makes sense. Azula just offered him everything he always wanted. His title, his "honor" his fathers respect and love. The chance to go home. While his uncle could only offer him "being good" and continuing on the same path, where his father hates him, and he is considered a traitor to his nation. And all he had to do was doing what he did the past few years. Hunt the avatar. So he would obviously take his sisters side to fulfill his deepest wishes.

[@MrKingYuji]

@@sam-psonsmith9951 heck even Iroh said “see what it is that you truly want”. What zuko truly wants is to go home and be loved by his father

[@pazz]

2:17 when maple said "It gets worse before it gets better" I was like "oh no, in this case, it gets worse before it gets much worse."

[@marvelsandals4228]

Zuko has an addiction to honor. He quit, went through withdrawal, and when his symptoms finally cleared up he felt happy and free...then Azula dangled that crap in his face again and hit that old, familiar nerve, got his cravings going. Look at him at the end, he even KNOWS he screwed up, he looks lost, confused, and ashamed of what he's done, saying "I betrayed uncle...what if father doesn't restore my honor?" He was on a great track, but he needed more time to develop his new life, identity, habits, etc. Also, while uncle Iroh is a kind, positive influence, he was guiding Zuko very close and personally, since his mind was still so fragmented. That's why Iroh seemed so distressed at the idea of Azula proposing they let Zuko decide for himself. Iroh could sense he was still too easily influenced and could be led astray.

[@maggie4028]

I love that I wasn't the only one in pure denial for the entire fight scene. Like, the entire time you're just like, "okay, Zuko. You can turn on Azula now...Zuko...please." Also, Toph being a badass the entire episode is the small win in an episode of crying.

[@jakelovell5882]

Now imagine at the age of 8 or 9, having to wait an entire year for the 3rd season

[@romanlovera427]

That’s some main villain origin story-type stuff right there

[@gibsonmunyi7225]

Tbh 8 and 9yr olds dont really care that much about waiting for shows

[@jakelovell5882]

@@gibsonmunyi7225 I did! The only thing I didn't understand is why the great divide kept playing

[@Deined]

Yep, this was unofficially the start of cable channels pulling this type of BS with animated shows, especially the more dramatic, action-oriented ones. ​@@gibsonmunyi7225There's always that _one_ dude ... 🙄 Speak for yourself. I could tell you about a number of cartoons I waited on to continue at that age. Of course, back then, no new eps and no news about them (along with no Internet to look things up) usually meant the show was canceled.

[@jeremywilliams705]

@@jakelovell5882I’ve never related to a KZbin comment more in my entire life

[@Zavooloo]

woah i wasn't expecting a double drop, that means i can order my food AND eat it while i watch yall emotionally betrayed to the degree i was when i was 12yo. Misery loves company.

[@mmxxiii9503]

Me neither, surprising

[@st6thatch385]

I do the same thing too 🤣🤣always gotta eat while I watch

[@NameOptional-p9u]

Zuko has lived a hard life. And he is very lucky to have Iroh in his life. Anyone would be lucky to have an "Iroh" in their life lol. Dude is wise, caring, and capable.

[@lucasfurtado2224]

An interesting detail: From now on Aang will have two scars, one in his back where the lightning hit him, and one in his foot, where the lighting came out.

[@McVegas2k]

Oh make no mistake. Aang died. It's thanks to Katara for reviving him.

[@TukaihaHithlec]

Katara just bringing the Avatar back _yet again_

[@Deined]

Eh, it always seemed more like he flatlined. Aang definitely _would_ have died if not for Katara's healing, though.

[@_barbie__]

​@@Deined he died

[@Deined]

@_barbie__ Nah. You can have no heartbeat and not be breathing and still be revived. I guess some of y'all don't watch enough medical dramas or, hell, just watch the news.

[@_barbie__]

@@Deined it was confirmed by aang on ep 1 of season 3 and the own writers that he died

[@peachesplums]

the deal was dying in the avatar state means the end of the avatar forever

[@AngellusRavenix]

I am so ready for season 3. PREPARE FOR THE ROLLERCOASTER THAT IS SEASON 3!! So many pre-conceived notions will be challenged.

[@MrsDuck356]

i love you

[@krisb.1565]

They’re up to episode 10 of season 3 on patreon But generally a good rule or advice to follow

[@spicytunapod]

starting to watch s3 for the first time TOMORROW and i’m literally chomping at the bit. my body is ready. bring on the chaos.

[@Zachd500]

Zuko is like a drug addict and his drug is attaining his fathers love and acceptance or his honor. He was almost clean or he was clean for a little bit but then he essentially relapses and hard I think it makes Zukos story more interesting more relatable because in real life trying to overcome an addiction or trauma isn’t easy and there are a lot of ups and downs.

[@sheyneclancy]

When they started talking about the weather during Katara's speech lol

[@xencmo4346]

Yeah I get it, reactors have to talk while watching. But this one was unfortunate...

[@ashleydavis3318]

​@@xencmo4346it was really fucking funny, though

[@HarukaLPs]

I've always loved how Iroh reacts to Zuko's brtrayal. So disappointed, he can't even look Zuko in the eye.

[@antoniogonzales1976]

"Wind Body Projection" - Thank you, I've been trying to come up with a name for that move for the longest time.

[@41J0]

This is my favorite Katara fight scene.. she really gave her all to protect herself and Aang

[@videohistory722]

Before Ba Sing Se was a sprawling metropolis, it was a small, underground city carved by earthbenders. The Crystal Catacombs are a part of the Old Ba Sing Se, and were once mined for their glowing crystals. The only way in and out of here is with earthbending , so it's the perfect prison for non-earthbenders.

[@DavidRomigJr]

Zuko’s decision is understandable. He’s been trying to get the love and recognition of his father for years, 3 since the banishment. He only JUST gave up on it ever happening and choose his new life. Then Azula came with a perfect solution on a silver platter. His choice was too new and fresh for him to resist. He had to try one last time. But, then you see his immediate regret. What Zuko has not seemed to notice yet is Iroh has been a father to him for the last 3 years, much more than Ozai ever was.

[@pinkdog4077]

The copium when The Zooks betrayed his uncle😂

[@Diegesis]

lol

[@RLucas3000]

@@Diegesis let’s just say Zuko has more in common with Jamie than anyone thought

[@antoinemartinjr.710]

This was the first time Zuko was truly without honor

[@JT_xx]

An interesting detail about this episode: After Azula zaps Aang and basically kills him, and we see Katara catch him, the particular pose of Katara holding a dying/ dead Aang in her arms is very reminiscent of a sculpture by Michaelangelo called 'La Pietà'. Its a sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross. I guess the artists for this episode wanted to evoke the same feeling of witnessing the Avatar (which is a messianic figure in this world dying and then being resurrected.

[@davidmichaelson1092]

The depth of betrayal everyone feels in this episode is testimony to how invested we all get. From this moment on...this show just gets better and better.

[@ChiefAWES0ME]

I feel that the villain always brings out thebest of the hero or heros. Azula is one of the best villains i ever seen. Where she goes from here, is something i cannot wait for both of you to see. Also, remember how you both felt with Zuko in season one. To now.

[@GRedgold]

"I went to Ba Sing Se and all I got was this lousy t-shirt and a trip to Lake Laogai. Ba Sing Se is the greatest! There is no war in Ba Sing Se!"

[@mori1bund]

Zuko's redemption wouldn't be profound if he joined the avatar now -> he would just settle for second best, because he can't get what he actually (thinks he) wants: his honor and his father's "love". To make his redemption profound, meaningful and real, he has to get everything he always thought he wanted, *and then* still refuse it. (And yes, I know that comment has spoiler, but the girls have already seen S3E11. 😀)

[@Quixotic1018]

I literally spent the last three days watching all your ATLA reactions and I'm finally caught up!

[@mmxxiii9503]

1:28 Iroh is full of surprises 9:58 Katara is aiming for the kill 11:30 Azula did killed Aang and also completed the genocide. The condition: if you are killed in the Avatar State the reincarnation cycle will be broken, and the Avatar will cease to exist

[@artgb_]

The Avatar state is when the Avatar is at his most powerful, combining the knowledge and skills of all previous benders, but in that state he is also at his most vulnerable, if the Avatar is killed in the Avatar state, the cycle of reincarnation will be broken and the Avatar will cease to exist. Azula did kill Aang, but he was resurrected by Katara's spiritual water, which is water that is filled with special spiritual energy which share special powers and properties, that water takes a lot of years to charge, and many full moons, so she can't gather more in her life anymore.

[@joshuatijerina4498]

The betrayal heard around the world

[@TheErickDH]

what betrayal is that?

[@joshuatijerina4498]

@@TheErickDH Zuko betraying Iroh

[@TheErickDH]

@@joshuatijerina4498 ok cool, was just curious what you meant, there are some wild takes on this episode and wanted to see if ya meant one of those lol

[@leafblade3T9]

huge shout-out to the earth king. after all he went through he tried his best and really cared. maybe naieve as hell but he deserves the best

[@millieboon]

He can dye in the avatar state, if she dies or is killed not in the avatar state then it with move on to the next avatar in the cycle but if he’s killed in the avatar state then there will be no more reincarnation and no more avatar

[@marvelsandals4228]

He can't dye in the avatar state, because he is bald.

[@tofu_golem]

What Zuko did is how great change works. It doesn't happen in a straight line. It happens in fits and starts and backtracking.

[@casmx7300]

5:03 Iroh is the absolute GOAT. Even though it was just a short time, I loved seeing Iroh and Aang together.

[@onlyfoes]

I like to think Zuko's change was still too fresh/unfinished at this point so the chance being honored/loved by his father was still too much of a temptation for him.

[@NestorCaster]

4:57: for the t-shirts, more like “I went to Ba Sing Se and all I got was this t-shirt… and a head of Cabbage!” 😂

[@MrDrboomstick]

"I went to Ba Sing Se and had a great time at Lake Laogai!"

[@videohistory722]

This is the only time Zuko lets someone touch his scar.

[@KrystalSuckra]

This isn't the ONLY time Zuko let someone touch his scar. Mai while kissing touch his scar in ep 3x1. It's the first in the show not the ONLY. This is not a spoiler for them since they are on ep. 3x11 on Patreon.

[@KrystalSuckra]

This ISN'T the ONLY time Zuko let someone touch his scar. Mai while kissing touch his scar in ep 3x1. Or did you pretend not to notice as certain shippers do 😂.It's first in the show NOT the ONLY. This is not a spoilers. Since they are on ep. 3x11 on Patreon.

[@timthedestroyer6894]

2:06 Zuko uses the same exact move on Azula that Katara used on him at the North Pole when she knocked him out.

[@creativeuserneim]

That shot of Katara with Aang in her arms is a reference to the Pietà

[@Pandaemoni]

This is the last episode where Mako Iwamatsu voiced Uncle Iroh. RIP Mako. Also, you are misremembering. If Aang dies in the Avatar state, it ends the Avatar cycle and he won't be reborn (or at least won't be reborn as the Avatar)...but he can die in the Avatar state.

[@spicytunapod]

THIS EPISODE IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND SO INFURIATING ALL IN ONE. i truly don’t know if i’ve been angrier at a season finale, and i watched the finale of dexter… sooooo… you tell me how maddening zuko’s decision was. (even though it makes for a more interesting story arc lmao)

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

Bosco, the non-hybrid species, regular bear, & Earth king Kuei's best friend. All I want to know is where is the rest of his kind?

[@Alexey79568]

Maybe Bosco's parents were different hybrids, like a platypus bear and a skunk bear or something and he inherited only the bear part from both of them. If that were the case Bosco would be an incredible rare creature in that world and thus at some point ended up at the Earth Kings court as a status symbol. Just a theory of course but I believe that would make sense in the ATLA universe.

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

@@Alexey79568 I like that.

[@sylverlokkshinbreaker6090]

If he dies in the Avatar state not only does he die but the entire Avatar cycle ends. That was mentioned in a previous video.

[@cjg8763]

This is such an amazing season finale. One of the all time top season finales of anything ever. I absolutely LOVE it. Everybody reacts the same to Zuko choosing the path he did. Even I reacted that way. I felt betrayed for Uncle Iroh. But in hindsight this was exactly the right decision for the creators to make for Zuko at this point. He had to experience everything he had always wanted for years, including his own father's love, for himself first hand to see it wasn't anything that he expected it to be, especially after all the experiences he had across the Earth Kingdom with commoners while on the run from Azula.

[@Ashcash95]

YES YALL FINALLY GET TO SEE Book 3!!!

[@thatweirdnigerianguy]

Zuko is the character i see the most of myself in. His story is sad but very very relatable. As someone who constantly depended on external validation from parents and others in general, If i was in his shoes, will i not make the same choices?

[@MattSamma]

Because they do so many incredible things and have a hand in saving or destroying the world, we sometimes forget that they are teenagers between the ages of 14-16. Zuko was ready to start a new life, and suddenly he has the opportunity to, according to what Azula tells him, get what he was looking for all these years. It's disappointing, but not incomprehensible that he acted the way he did (also considering that he was never a kid who thought too much before acting). On a side note, can we talk about what an EXCELLENT villain Azula is? It's not that she thinks she's more important than she really is; it's that she thinks she can subdue everyone with fear, and she's certainly doing well with that concept (her officers, the Dai Li, Ty Lee). But aside from that, she is extremely competent at both the combat and strategic levels. At this point in the series, she is probably the most dangerous firebender in the series, after Ozai. Her father raised her to become a weapon, and she did it to perfection.

[@georgesmith6218]

11:40 the idea is that if he dies in the avatar state, the avatar reincarnation will be broken and no new avatar will appear again. It is kind of a moot point for the protagonists, since there is hard time limit before damage from the war becomes irreversible and new avatar will need decades to grow up and train. but it is kind of important for antagonists since they don't want to chase a brand new avatar all over again, no matter how weak it is.

[@TheImapotato]

Zuko's betrayal was very human and I believe, if not for this, Avatar would have been an ok but not great show. BTW, for a kids show, Katara was carrying a dead 12 yr old...oof

[@TA3DArtist]

In creepy smiling voice: There are no t-shirts in Ba Sing Se

[@pepsiman990]

Ok, so you two have seen The Day Of Black Sun double feature. I'm going to tell you now, you will need tissues handy for The Boiling Rock double feature. It has ALL the emotions.

[@silentassason]

"There is no love for Ba Sing Sei" would he a decent line for a shirt imo

[@CrazeeAdam]

2 episodes yes!! Zuko is so confused in this one :( painful

[@Deined]

7:23 Oh, the Zutata ship _really_ took off with _this_ moment. 😄 Hope you girls enjoyed Avatar up to this point, because as good as Book 3 was, this was the show's peak, IMO.

[@Drewsaphina]

I just binged several of your Avatar Reacts and am loving your energy. I hope you two do a Nimona react at some point. Fair warning bring a box of tissues.

[@jraykotheanomaly2365]

Keep up the great reactions.... season 3 even gets crazier

[@cjg8763]

Great reaction. I want to start season 3 immediately but I should be getting ready for bed instead haha be back tomorrow night after work. And yes, Toph is a BAMF. They all are, actually. Toph and Katara kick serious ass at their respective bending arts, and so does Aang as a master airbender (though still working on water and earth but doing quite well with both as well). Iroh is BAMF at everything he does, even fire bending. To be fair, Azula is too, and Zuko holds himself more than well enough between his bending and his swords. And Sokka, of course, master boomerang bender. LOL

[@kuningaskolassas4720]

Each time I watch this I hope Zuko won't be an idiot here, that somehow it will be different this time.

[@cjg8763]

"I think Azula seems to think of herself as more important than she actually is." Oh yeah, that gets shown off quite well before this episode ends, in case anybody ever had their doubts before.

[@applejackjk18]

Now imagine being 12 years old and needing to wait a tear for the next episode. X_x

[@SoraJustSora]

Yay! Now it only gets better in season 3...so many good episodes.

[@Zac_Frost]

I can't wait to see the reactions to the finale, and when Zuko actually does get his moment.

[@patrickcromwell7554]

Actually Arianna he CAN die in the avatar State. In fact IN the avatar State is when he's the MOST vulnerable. If he dies while in the Avatar State, the entire legacy line of Avatars will be broken and there will not be a reincarnation. The best way to destroy the Avatar is IN the avatar State; however they're also almost infinitely more powerful because they can access memories and abilities of their past lives at will. So each new Avatar has the ability to learn from the old Avatar.

[@mel_pamzzz001]

Regarding the previous episode, I don't think the guru not being completely clear is a problem since Aang understood "letting Katara go", in the underground scene, it also meant taking care of her safety, he couldn't help Katara instantly but be in Avatar mode is what could give them a chance to escape.

[@Bumi808]

"I survived my trip to ba sing se"

[@HiddenWindshield]

"There are no t-shirts in Ba Sing Se".

[@Matthewsmith-2024]

I was a small child when this show came out, and even I was able to follow the story enough to remember that if he dies in the avatar state, the avatar is effectively eliminated from existence. It is astonishing and sad that so many "reviewers" can't even remember that simple part of the story 😮‍💨

[@DM-bk9mn]

I will never forget being 11 when this came out and being shocked at this episode 😂 the bad guys never won in cartoons!

[@cjg8763]

"I went to Ba Sing Se and all I got was brainwashed by the Dai Li. There is no war in Ba Sing Se."

[@unclelink]

See y'all next year! Oh... wait. *sigh* That was rough.

[@DaisyAzuras]

If you die in the avatar state the reincarnation stops and the avatar is no more.

[@remo27]

"I can't wait till we squish her...", while understandable, I do think you will regret those words.

[@videohistory722]

9:24 That was called a wind-Avatar body-slam.

[@HarukaLPs]

Not every ending is happy. Enjoy season 3

[@andrewvidmar3488]

if he dies in the avatar state they will be no more avatars because the avatar will end

[@kaijingarou6526]

0:42 I bet this place would be a lot more happy and colorful if its name was Ba Sing Sing 🤣

[@randyfellows]

You guys should do the show Vikings. A lot of emotional turmoil.

[@streamspoart2671]

Bye-bye depression (book 2), hello sadness (book 3), prepare a box tissue

[@gtjohns220]

Change isn't linear like you see in most cartoons.

[@tofu_golem]

Fair warning. After this scene, fans were arguing with each other about Katara + Zuko vs Katara + Aang. Later, we found out that the show creators were having pretty much the same argument behind the scenes.

[@JustAMagicDuck]

Long Feng: You’ve beaten me at my own game. Azula: You were never even a player. I hate Azula but that is one of the best exchanges in the show.

[@peppypaladin8842]

"I went to Ba Sing Se and all I got was TRAUMA"

[@DaveRedsky]

I think you guys are really spoiled with bad writing. Like no. You guys thinking he's going to turn against Azula, is such an old trope it's meaningless. I really like these things, because it really adds layers and complexity to real human emotions and actions Zuko turning makes perfect sense in his arc for this season Subverting expectations

[@תאירזלצמן]

🔥❤️ can't wait for s3 its even better!

[@byLinkly]

I would do ungodly things for maple 😫🥰

[@derekdaniels16]

You've been on this boat for a while now, but you are definitely Avatar fans now...EVERYONE hates Ba Sing Se

[@Wankers001]

Season 3 will blow your mind and will properly make you view Zuko differently. Still the best character in ATLA. Challenge me

[@AlexanderAshcroft]

welcome to the endgame

[@1nkredibleHunk]

Oh just wait girls, book 3 hits heavy with the growth and the feels..buckle up

[@elegrin5170]

If he die at the Atavar state, the cycle of avatar is over..

[@videohistory722]

Oh Aang, the more you lie, the more chakras you block.

[@Tul-rak]

Season 1: kill Admiral Choi Season 2: kill the Avatar wait, what?

[@jamesjamison5574]

Maple is damn fine❤

[@Coolguy365es]

Imagine us who watched the original run 😂, we had to wait months for season 3 and they only release half of it, they waited another whole year to release the final 10 episodes of season 3

[@RanmaSaotome121]

Totally off-topic, but was Arianna doing a Stephanie Beatriz/Rosa Diaz from B99 cosplay?

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Fun as f

[@AKpoker888]

🍿