Avatar: The Last Airbender 2x20 Reaction

[@Stressed_Geologist]

Honestly though Mai's line "just take the bear" is iconic and underrated

[@PassingMaxQ]

Mai has a few iconic lines. Especially in a certain episode in Season 3.

[@robtaylor2017]

“We lost”

[@Stressed_Geologist]

@@PassingMaxQ "You miscalculated" is so great, my girl has guts

[@UTU49]

Azula: Blood-thirsty, sociopathic, and terrifying. Ty Lee: Cheerful. Mai: Totally apathetic. What great contrast.

[@unoriginalname6354]

On the same note, Ty Lee trying to teach Bosco how to walk on his two front paws make her endearing AF.

[@MAURICIO565]

Just here to remind you that Azula is so OP that she broke the rules of anime and attacked the protagonist in the middle of his power-up transformation.

[@onetom2222]

Lol I now imagine a villain stabbing a naked SailorMoon through the heart. Just *plonk*, series over

[@enderkaral178]

And she also refused the challenge and ordered Zuko to be immediately captured. She is the fucking best

[@benjaminschulman4033]

Not just attacked, KILLED!

[@manuelbenito1700]

When an anime character uses this technique, he/she immediately gains 40 IQ

[@CR-bq8ti]

For real, Goku had 10 minutes of screaming to turn super saiyan but my man Frieza just looked at it

[@SidPhoenix2211]

"Don't flatter yourself. You were never even a player." One of THE C O L D E S T lines in all of TV history.

[@RLucas3000]

Right up there with another of her’s next season. She really gets some of the best lines.

[@mr.hercules9722]

Its even colder than the tea in ba sing se

[@webx135]

Azula is the most no-chill badass ever.

[@jonathanfoster4202]

@@RLucas3000 which one??

[@thisisthemansworld8704]

@@mr.hercules9722 hahahah lol, good one

[@theleftywhoknocks4051]

What hurts more is when zuko attack aang you can tell the desperation is his face. You can tell he's almost manic. Finally getting the chance for everything he's wanted since before the show started. Azula is real good. She knew exactly where to attack zukos mindset

[@wandanemer2630]

You're so right! And it hurts to see...

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

When Azula strikes Aang with her lightning, hurts me every time I watch it Also hurts that this is the last time we hear Mako in the series

[@mandalore1089]

It's also such a great moment that so few other shows ever do: not allow the main character to power up.

[@Narutoanime16g]

@@mandalore1089 So true lol everyone was just standing and watching when they could have just attacked, Azula actually didn't do that trope she just like "fuck it im killing him"

[@PassingMaxQ]

@@Narutoanime16g It’s a bold piece of writing. It’s scary to break a trope when your paycheck depends on telling a gripping story. And the writers had to trust that people would still be interested in the aftermath of this twist, where one of the main protagonists, chooses “evil”.

[@christopherbacon1077]

@@Narutoanime16g This episode highlights something that a lot of people miss about Azula. Yes she's a skilled and powerful bender but how she handled Long Feng, Zuko and Aang also shows that she's a tactical genius. She'd be formidable even if she was a mundane

[@boubacardiallo9217]

Guys Vikings episode 13 🥺

[@javirebeld]

Just so it is clear: Aang literally died at that moment or in more exact words, he was on the brink of death. The only reason he "revived" was because of that special water Katara used, otherwise he would have really stayed dead.

[@webx135]

And he would have taken all the avatars with him.

[@devinbelver7124]

I guess it's the same as restarting someone heart beat. There's a short window of recovery. Luckily Katara had the tools to do it.

[@Geeageee]

This is kind of a spoiler, because we literally hear this from Aang in the next episode.

[@スノーハッピー]

@@Geeageee I think it's fairly obvious in this episode. Aang wasn't breathing. Katara uses the spirit water on him, and then he takes a breath.

[@xsah2]

@@webx135 Korra fucks that up anyway

[@applejackjk18]

Now imagine being like 15 and having to wait months after this for the third book. x_x

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

third book? nah, this is the end. the fire nation wins! hooray! : P

[@cody3766]

It was almost a full year before the third book came out! being a 5 year old I had no idea if my favorite show was ever gonna get a conclusion

[@96Darkfire]

I was eleven. At school there was this rumor thats the end of the show.

[@Antares-rt5ub]

I was 9 years old. I remember going to school a couple days after and everybody was talking about it. Plus the whole internet went nuts.

[@johns6014]

I remember that. I remember recording this on VHS and rewatching it for weeks, waiting for a resolution. At the time, Nickelodeon was really spotty about airing new episodes, taking breaks regularly. For some context, it took them nine months to air the twenty episodes of the second season - granted, that included a mid-season break - but the latter half of the season didn't have any real schedule to it, taking three months to air what was effectively six episodes (they had two two-episode blocks). After coming off of inconsistency like that, the ten months between this episode and the next seemed to last forever, and I distinctly remember the future of the show feeling very uncertain. I know the the studio had some issues, but looking at the original air dates, the first two seasons aired an episode every other week more often than not, sometimes taking over a month off for no apparent reason, not including mid season finales. The first half of season three was the only period where they maintained a consistent week-to-week schedule, with the latter half of the season being rushed out over the span of five days.

[@Golden_Flute]

This is a small, random thing in a huge episode, but I love the moment when Iroh talks about his "Dragon of the West" story, and then Zuko's smirk. I love the idea of Iroh boring angry ponytail Zuko with stories while they were at sea together for nearly three years. So when Iroh brings this story up, Zuko knows exactly what's about to go down, and he's ready. Just gold.

[@karabomasibi2331]

I love that moment for Iroh but only realized recently that Zuko knew what time it was. Probably heard that story a million times :)

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

The reason, in my opinion, why Aang seems like a little child and Katara feels like an adult. Even though they are 12 and 14, both pretty much the same age. Is because Aang grew up in a time of peace. He got to be a child, only shortly after he ran away he was frozen and then woke up in Kataras arms. So mentally he is a child. Katara grew up in the midst of a hundred year long War, she lost her mother when she was a child. And all the adult men left to go to war. She never really got to have a childhood. ALL of the other teenagers, including Azula, her friends, Zuko. The freedom fighters and Jet, ALL of them are more mature than Aang. Because they grew up in a world of War. Aang grew up in a World of peace. Among pacifistic Monks.

[@Sabor180]

Well said 👍

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

and then there's toph. she's the same age as aang, and grew up in a life of privilege and wealth. the biggest difference in their circumstances is her blindness. that's a major adversity. when aang awoke in katara's arms, he'd never experienced anything like that.

[@Pacha_RM]

Not to mention that Katara was the motherly figure to sokka, she couldn't mourn properly and she didn't had a "replacement" for her mother

[@onetom2222]

Yes to everything, except "Aang is a child; he grew up with pacifist monks" To be a monk and move past possessions and revenge or past grievances is a very adult thing to do. Aang is a child at heart, but also the most mature in different aspects

[@sam-psonsmith9951]

@@onetom2222 to let go of these things is a very mature thing to do. to be raised that way, is just a culture. he never struggled leaving his possessions because he never grew up with any possessions. In other words, people 500 years ago didn't have a hard time not watching TV. And it wasn't difficult for Aang to life without possessions. I do agree with you though, Aang is very wise spiritually. Due to his upbringing.

[@jir9923]

The disappointment that you two felt when Zuko betrayed Iroh was literally visible in the air 😂. The third season is amazing. Every character has amazing progress. Can’t wait to see your reactions.

[@mindyourbiz7454]

Zuko spent the first two seasons trying to regain his honor and ironically he truly loses it this episode by betraying Uncle.

[@dtmt502]

No he restored his own honour - Azula

[@secretcountry]

how is that ironic?

[@Sinewmire]

Iroh has told him not to be told what to do, and to think about what he really wants... Zuko really wants his honour, his father's love and his place in the Fire Nation, and then Iroh tries to tell him what to do. Iroh is right of course, but it's a decision Zuko needs to come to himself, not have imposed on him by Iroh.

[@andrewsoto1630]

@@Sinewmirenot really, Zuko doesn’t truly want to be with his father, that’s the reason he’s conflicted. That is why uncle iroh tells him to do what he wants not what’s expected.

[@Sinewmire]

@andrewsoto1630 Zuko wants to be with his father more than anything else. It's his whole motivation. It's why he's so rude to Iroh throughout season 1 - he is rejecting him as a surrogate father, as he doesn't want to accept his exile. Zuko says as much in The Day Of Black Sun. "I thought I wanted my honour, but really I just wanted to please you."

[@silversaturns]

To me Zuko’s choice was frustrating but it always made perfect sense. He’s longed for that honour for YEARS now, and here he was one decision away from getting it back. I don’t think he would have been able to ever truly find peace if he had chosen Iroh here anyway, because in the back of his mind he would have always lived stuck in that “what if I had been able to go back to my father?”. At least now he can see it for himself what he was “missing out” on lol

[@javiersandoval29]

That's so true. If he had stuck with Iroh here, it would have backfired for sure later down the road. He wouldn't have learned what he did later about the horrible lifestyle of living with Ozai and Azula. And maybe he would never have trained Aang and thus Ozai would have won. Things happen for a reason, the wrong choices give us perspective.

[@moonmanstan]

Exactly, he's been looking for that approval and love for THREE years if he'd sided with iroh there always would have been that what if in his mind.

[@sassylittleprophet]

Not only that. As someone who was also raised by abusive parents (both of them in my case) -- years ago if I had to choose between what felt right in my heart and the ultimate submission my parents said was right, I chose my parents time and time and time again. So many times. Not only is it super confusing choosing between what's kind and what's "right," but then when what's "right" is rewarded by love and self-worth, and going against your parents' will is punished both physically and by literally withdrawing their love, support, and any sense of good will from you -- it's rough. Most of the time I couldn't tell what even WAS the truly right thing to do because the adults I loved and trusted said one thing, but my heart said another (not that I often got enough time to even be able to hear what my heart was saying). I was taught to trust authority, not my own integrity. From an abused kid's standpoint, Zuko's decision makes perfect sense. He saw this as the only way to earn his father's love. Him losing his honour was based on him defying his father, doing the "wrong" thing. It makes sense that the "right" thing would be to obey his father by capturing the Avatar. Obviously, he wasn't able to do that, which is why he was so apprehensive with Azula at the end. He hadn't accomplished to the letter what his father told him to do. Not only that, but his father's allegiance demanded he betray Uncle Iroh in the process. No wonder Zuko is so damn conflicted.

[@katekadkina9312]

@@javiersandoval29aang barely used fire bending before going into avatar state in the final battle though, so he wouldn’t have lost either way, of course it was “the right way” but not the only way. Esp since avatar state always allowed him to bend the elements he hadn’t learned

[@mainescapade]

​@katekadkina9312 If aang couldn't firebend, he wouldn't have been able to redirect lightning

[@HoracioAmiritoDiaz]

You've just finished the Empire Strikes Back of the Avatar series.

[@finn1333]

its only the empire strikes back in the sense that its the second of the trilogy. While season 2 is really good, season 3 is a lot better imo. In all of season 3 there are only two episodes which stand out as meh/not as good. The Painted Lady, and Nightmares and Daydreams. The first couple season 2 episodes are good, but it really shines during the middle/end. In season 3, its banger after banger every episode

[@eshw23]

Katara shits on Azula one on one

[@Itsant33]

@@finn1333 you realize the whole atla series not LOK takes plenty of inspiration from the first trilogy that was made. Aka not the prequels.it isnt just in it being the 2nd

[@allanthomaz2260]

@@finn1333 Its the Empire Strikes Back because the good guys lose.

[@doublequack]

yes season 2 is a masterpiece

[@melisakulu8779]

The queens blessed us with two episodes at the same time

[@UTU49]

:) :) :)

[@babushka9998]

be prepared , season 3 gonna be fire

[@RLucas3000]

I saw what you did there lol

[@damlakaratekin5016]

Eyyy

[@strangereactions6]

Yepppp

[@ember-brandt]

It's lit ️‍🔥️‍🔥️‍🔥

[@ronlerner1755]

@@RLucas3000 toph didn't

[@Szentatyaisten]

My poison is Toph's subtle, tsundere-ish attraction to Sokka.

[@Qin_Lee]

While Zuko is tsundere all the time on anything

[@Guillhez]

My theory is that Toph ended up ditching both Lin's and Suyin's dads and became a lonewolf old lady was because her true love was Sokka her whole life.

[@Szentatyaisten]

@@Guillhez Su is clearly Sokka's daughter dude, haven't you see her kids?

[@Qin_Lee]

@@Szentatyaisten If Sokka and Toph have some secret relationship it could be they daughter. But it's just a rumour. If Sokka and Toph have relationship they can't be long and i think they broke up before Suyin was born , Toph don't say Sokka about his daughter to protect their friendship

[@mmxxiii9503]

@@Guillhez I had that theory too, I mean is kind of obvious

[@Ameliaisnotmyname]

They're not angry a zuko. They're sad, because their afraid hes lost his way.

[@omerfarukcavusoglu1316]

Well played, i see what you're doing😉🤙👏

[@jjj8071]

@@omerfarukcavusoglu1316 Aha bir Türk buldum

[@omerfarukcavusoglu1316]

@@jjj8071 selamlar hocam😃👋🏻

[@strangereactions6]

True

[@shastacoffey9423]

You have no right to make me cry, how dare, I’m insulted and offended I’m really hitting the zuko drama levels

[@Slifer8521]

Azula is considered one of most manipulative characters ever in the history of tv shows, she knows what zuko wanted. The thing with zuko is that he wanted to change and do good *BUT* zuko spent 3 years of his life doing an impossible task. His father sent him to search for the avatar, a person that no one *ABSOLUTELY* no one has heard or seen over for 100 years, either you find the avatar or don't come home. Azula used his desire for his father love to be restore and offer it to zuko. All zuko has ever wanted was at the pawn of his hand, all he had to do was make the decision and azula knew that zuko was willing to take that risk. Edit: zuko was never a bad guy to begin with, he was just broken and confuse.

[@Sephiroth766]

Just have to say, book 3 is where Katara truly shines. Can't wait to see your reactions to the next season.

[@antra21]

@JZS "We ALL sing!"

[@mrjordan7304]

Aang falling from the sky always make me cry because it breaks my heart. He’s a poor child who just wanted a normal life to be happy and play but instead he has to fight a war

[@ember-brandt]

🥺🥺🥺

[@bluebee7335]

I think Azula was being honest, she does believe his brother lost his honor when he did not fight and she also believes that he can restore his honor if he cooperated with her. Also, because she is Azula she finds him useful, but I think she does love Zuko in her own way (as long as he is below her in their father eyes and he does not interfere with her) you can tell this, and that she cares about him in a way in future interactions between them.

[@Qin_Lee]

It sounds funny but I think she have some brother complex. Basically all her screen time she talks about Zuko even in comics.

[@caitlinhogan5258]

I think they have something of a co-dependent relationship. Her bullying him, and him complaining but still sticking around is like, the only way they know how to be siblings to each other.

[@Qin_Lee]

@@caitlinhogan5258 I never sure about how Azula feeling about Zuko. But in comics Zuko basically telling Azula that he cares about her. And Azula was touched and she crying a little and run away. Then i realised that deep down they care for each other

[@lilywong9672]

Mako Iwamatsu's final episode. RIP.

[@blainewheaton9679]

Zuko using fire whips at the end there, matching the water bending technique, really demonstrates Iroh’s teachings. Which makes everything hurt worse!

[@brianbrink8286]

Speaking as someone who has been awake for 55 out of the past 60 hours and who had one of the worst days I've had in a long time, I just wanted to say thank you. Watching this really helped me. Keep up the great work. 🙂

[@LMReactions]

sending you lots of love

[@dylancraven3979]

I've been someplace similar, I stayed up all night for two weeks (falling unconscious for two hours at the end of each week 'cause the brain decided it was time), in order to avoid the thoughts of killing myself that came at night, before sleep. I don't know your situation, nor would I likely be able to imagine the pain it causes you, if I did. But know that it gets better. When you get through this, you will rest and be filled with a renewed sense of relief and life. Just take it one day at a time, take care of yourself, and you'll be fine. Stay strong!

[@MrWillsonx]

the Gaang will always be there for us when things get rough ❤️

[@ember-brandt]

Sending Uncle Iroh vibes of healing and love to you all ☕💚🥺

[@ushijimawakatoshi1675]

1:27 That lightning was created by Iroh btw. People seem to forget that he can generate lightning too because he rarely does it.

[@perfectlynormal5171]

A 14 year old conquering an entire Earth Kingdom and Chin the Conqueror couldn’t do it

[@Qin_Lee]

Well Chin don't have brother simbling to help him

[@Qin_Lee]

The only two reactors who don't hate Zuko after this. Respect+

[@theunderdog9353]

Well I mean can you blame people? It's what you're supposed to feel haha

[@cormano64]

@@theunderdog9353 Sure, I didn't judge any of the reactors who were frustrated. That's just a job well done on the part of the writers. Not knocking down the other reactors here, just appreciating the positivity of these girls. =)

[@theunderdog9353]

@@cormano64 Fair enough :)

[@BornInsane0]

Eh thats not true. Theres a handful of reactors who understood why Zuko did what he did.

[@RichardRIIR]

Because they both understand the character very well it's impressive

[@ЮліяЄмельянова-т6щ]

We have all been waiting for this moment

[@DonForceFeedback]

This is the last episode where we hear Mako speak :'(

[@ellis时间]

while its sad he wasn't there to finish it, Im so glad he gave this wonderful 2 seasons of Iroh that has been a positive influence around the world!

[@AlasdairGR]

I mean, we could have been so much more worse off if Mako died and we didn’t have anyone who could takeover the character. But we were so lucky to have the protégé of Mako himself be able to carry on all his characters.

[@webx135]

Fire is the element of passion, inspiration, and reaching one's potential. Get ready for an entire season of it!

[@dcharith]

"The Earth Kingdom... has fallen... " Still gives me chills after 13 years. Imagine having to wait another year to find out what happens next!

[@VenhedisKaffas]

Azula is so fascinating to watch in this series. She's really manipulative and I'm impressed, to be honest. She gets into people's minds. Every time she tries to get Zuko on her side, she tells him exactly what he wants to hear. Iroh speaks the truth but Azula says what he wants to accept so he picks Azula's side.

[@itachi2816]

Yep, she knows how to manipulate and control Zuko by using against him what he always wanted his whole life, that's one of the reasons why I think it's important for Zuko's character make the choice he made at the end of season 2. Of course at that point he could have choose to follow Iroh and do the right thing, but he would probably never get the closure that he get later on about his father and old life, so he could then finally do the right thing and move on with his life without "what ifs" and doubts on his head. Azula then is never able of using it against him again.

[@marisolmartinez4159]

So just in case y'all care about the little things: 1. At the beginning of the episode it's clear that although we haven't seen Zuko firebend that much in the previous episodes, when he takes a shot at Azula he uses a waterbending technique. So he's drawing wisdom from other bending styles to improve his own. Same with Azula later on when she evaporated Katara's wave. She stood her ground and fought like an earthbender. They're all becoming so strong and without even realizing it they're learning from their allies and enemies. 2. When Aang was shot with lightning and he falls you can see an exit burn on his foot. In real life that actually happens to people who have been struck by lightning. So cool little accuracies make this moment super thought out. And he was shot right in the base of his spine where his earth chakra was locked so although he did open the one he needed to and let go of Katara, Azula still managed to lock up a different one. 3. Aang legit did die. Katara brought him back with the water from the spirit oasis.

[@trevor3013]

I love how iroh knew where team avatar was living, he just didn't tell zuko XD

[@mrjordan7304]

This is Katara’s most traumatizing point in the series, seeing Aang fall from the sky when he was zapped by lightning and thank god Katara didn’t use the spirit water on Zuko

[@Yusei5ds0707]

If katara used on Zuko. He would have joined the avatar team and defeat Azula because he can redirect lightning

[@fede98k54]

@@Yusei5ds0707 We don't know if he would, maybe, but Azula had just hitten the right spots in her manipulation, so I really doubt it.

[@mathies3598]

@@Yusei5ds0707 and what if he didn't?

[@ember-brandt]

@@mathies3598 It's for the best that she didn't, just to be sure, but I think there was a *strong* possibility that he would have joined them right then and there if she had. I think losing that mark would have had a *_profound_* effect on him. I guess we'll ~~~never know~~~

[@mercedes_adl]

“together” will always be a trigger word now

[@KaitoDP]

Remember when you guys said you didn’t know why everyone says Zuko has the best redemption arc because you didn’t know what he does that’s so bad... well here it is :)

[@georgev3433]

This episode hits so hard because at least by The Storm (possibly earlier) you’re wanting Zuko to be a good guy. They tease it and plant that idea in your head. Then in S2 they build that idea up. All signs point that yes, Zuko is going to join the gang. But then this episode hits and all that hope, all that build up is ripped away from you. It sucks.

[@yamyam2987]

"The Earth Kingdom... has fallen." And seeing Aang in weak state supported by Katara.....

[@ErickofOliveTree]

I love the details. When Aang was strike by the lightening, his foot has some kind of scar because of electricity.

[@dmitriuswatley5533]

I’m just so happy that you did both episodes back to back. Your genuine understanding of this show is amazing. The two of you never disappoint. The emotions feel so real. Thanks for all that you do.

[@laura_gieger]

Aang did die, because of Nickelodeon not allowing the creators to show a child being murdered on screen they had to leave it ambiguous. But he was dead for a moment. Katara brought him back. And it's honestly terrifying to think about. Damn, I never got so many likes in such a short time! Thank y'all!

[@thewhatness]

And to think, the Avatar Cycle would've ended then and there if Katara used the Spirit Oasis water on Zuko's scar.

[@kailahbridgewater885]

@@thewhatness Katara*

[@wdwfanatic1394]

@@thewhatness It was Katara, not Azula

[@slycep7304]

@@thewhatness wouldn’t matter anyway, Korra is forgetful

[@thewhatness]

@@kailahbridgewater885 yeah, my bad, I was typing as I was watching, and Lola said Azula, so I typed her name when I meant Katara.

[@furkproan8372]

Just to help u guys because most people don’t know this but Aang actually died there, that is how strong Azula is. That is also why Katara had to use the special water to bring him back because normal water healing is not strong enough. Plus the reason why Aangs arrow glowed is because he rentered life as the avatar.

[@maurocardoso8907]

"The Fire Nation Strikes Back"

[@andrejnawoj8471]

Catch me staring at their reactions for Azula's attack having already memorized the entire sequence and gettin hype for how shook they would be.

[@sammylane21]

Aang, Sokka and especially Toph's faces when Iron walks in, haha!!

[@edo27]

We finally made it to the finale! you guys are so awesome for loving this show so much. you will love season 3!!

[@rogersawyers4329]

Aang did die just lucky katana healed him so fast

[@EggMixValid]

"Katana" XD

[@eshw23]

Katara shits on Azula one on one

[@EggMixValid]

@@eshw23 xD ur funny "shits on" xD

[@devinbelver7124]

@@eshw23 only if she has lots of water nearby.. unfairly, Azula doesn't need a fire source :/

[@Nheom]

@@devinbelver7124 "If you keep an open mind there is water everywhere"

[@Antares-rt5ub]

I remember watching this on TV when I was a kid and the whole internet went nuts over it. Not only that but we had to wait seven months to see the next episode. It was crazy.

[@nataliew.2965]

i totally get what y'all were saying re: shipping Aang and Katara. there's so much love, respect, and goodness between them, it's hard not to adore their connection; at the same time, they're literally children lol. and, although Katara is just a 14-year-old girl, she's still super mature for her age given all she's been through, and Aang is....well, he's Aang lol. not to say that they're not overwhelmingly compatible -- because they certainly are from what we know and are shown -- but they're both just babies!! the two of them have such a sweet, innocent, and lovely connection that i don't find myself wanting to apply any sort of shipping "litmus test," so to speak, that i normally would for YA or adult pairings to their relationship lol, so i usually just take it in and enjoy the sweetness of it for what it is. there's nothing wrong with just enjoying the ride imo!

[@NPat-zu5bh]

Well, technically Aang and Katara are closer in age than her and Zuko for example but many people ship them together or with Jet who's even older. I think it depends whether you apply realism or not. Because in reality watching a 14-years old girl with a 12-years old or a 16-years old would be equally disturbing to me. But if you just take it as a kid's show and focus more on their characters then it's not a big deal choosing to ship one way or another. Also, people need to stop pretending that Aang is a typical 12-years old and he's not "mature" for his age. He also had his childhood stolen when they told him he was the avatar and suddenly his only companion for a long time was a 70-years old monk. He also lost everyone, not just his family but his entire nation. He's the last of his kind and he blames himself for that. And throughout these 2 seasons he keeps taking wise and brave decisions trying to save everyone. He has the fate of the entire world on his shoulders and he keeps trying to find ways to not hurt his enemies even if that would make his life a lot easier. So, give him some credit. He's not a kid who plays war. He's the one who tries to stop one.

[@ember-brandt]

@@NPat-zu5bh He really is mature for his age, as well - but I think what OP meant is that shipping shouldn't really be the foremost importance in their connection to one another at this point in time. I agree with Katara when she herself applied the brakes when Aang wanted to rush her decision during the war - it was just too much, and they were still both so young. I wouldn't be surprised at ALL if that was the creators' subtle way of telling the fandom, "Chill, guys, there's more important things about this show that need to be addressed right now". I still say that the beginning of their relationship should have been postponed for the comics, just for the sake of them getting accustomed to life post-war and growing up a little more - hell, even Bryan Konietzko admitted that it felt "forced" in the series finale(*), so it's not just us being haters. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy the show and that ship, but if I could have had any say in how it played out, that's what I would have done. --------- *Source: _"Personally, at that point I didn’t want Korra to have to end up with someone at the end of series. We obviously did it in Avatar, but even that felt a bit forced to me. I’m usually rolling my eyes when that happens in virtually every action film, “Here we go again…”"_ // bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace

[@ididntwanttomakethis6588]

I’ve been waiting to see their heartbreak from this episode. When I watched this back when it originally aired I was so shook. It was so wild as a kid.

[@JokoCi]

The only true thing Azula ever told Zuko. Zuko: But what if father does not restore my honor. Azula: He does not need to.

[@fabiosalvatore3609]

And on the Beach episode: “Come to the beach with me, this place is depressing”

[@JokoCi]

@@fabiosalvatore3609 First of all, that has not happened yet... do not spoil things. Second. That is not about Zuko. It is about her feeling about a place.

[@Eleni1002]

She was actually honest with him in this episode. Everything she promised, he got it. Ticket for home? Check. Father's love? Check (as much love as Ozai can give anyway). Honour? From the perspective of the Fire Nation, check.

[@JokoCi]

@@Eleni1002 If your definition of honesty includes omission, you will be in a lot of pain in life.

[@Eleni1002]

@@JokoCi What did she say that is considered omission? Everything he promised, hr got it. It just wasn't what he wanted.

[@jz6532]

To be fair, Katara never withiness any of Zuko's inner turmoil. The only times she meet him was when he tried to capture Aang. But she was nice to offer help when Iroh was hurt and she trust him the first time he showed weakness. Katara can be fault at trusting too easily

[@javieraceves2252]

when people talk about Zuko's redemption ark, this episode is what he needed to redeem.

[@rinkusan978]

Aang did die from the lightning, but he was revived fast enough before the death was "permanent". At least, that's the common belief in the fandom. I've seen people say the creators confirmed this, but I don't have a source for that. Also, if Katara had healed Zuko's scar, he would have probably been motivated to not side with Azula.

[@_inSight__]

I wish I made this comment when this reaction came out, but as far as Katara and Aang are concerned, one of my favorite scenes between the two of them is in the very first episode. Katara said she used to go sledding when she was a kid, and Aang reminds here she still is a kid. While she might be much more mature than him at the start, I think it is both the combination of Aang's growth throughout the entire show and Aang's childish influence on Katara reminding her to enjoy herself and her youth is what evens them out and makes them perfect together by the end of the show. I don't ship them together until they are finally together because this show did an outstanding job at displaying realistic growth and the dynamics of relationships that change and grow over time. Katara and Zuko??? I honestly think only girls would think Katara is right for Zuko. He is a different kind of beast that won't be falling for the "right" girl. He wants someone real.

[@benjaminschulman4033]

I love Iroh's line about "the light at the end of the tunnel." He's so right, because contrary to the original saying, sometimes you can't even see a light at the end at all but despite that still need to ultimately preserve to get to a better place. Whatever you're struggling through or dealing with, it's okay to not 'see the light' yet because healing can be a complicated, messy, and not clear-cut process.

[@mitchellsokol8811]

The second half of book two is simply amazing.

[@gutscross9706]

"People keep saying zuko has a great redemption arc but I don't see what he has to redeem himself for"- walp.... the earth kingdoms fall caused by an abuse victim going back to his abusers

[@kamrynnbrown9318]

I find it so funny when people's first reaction to aang being struck by lightning is "you die in the avatar state..." Or "wait, if you're killed in the avatar state"😁😁

[@leafblade3T9]

Iroh asked zuko to look into his heart and ask what he truly wanted. Zuko acted on what he THOUGHT he truly wanted. It wasnt until he realized that it brought him nothing in return, that he knew he wanted more than the praise for catching the avater

[@SenorEscaso]

Just remember, those of us who watched this show as it aired had to wait months before season 3 aired after this.

[@hoya1178]

The cave scene between Zuko and Katara is so beautiful and intense. Their chemistry is so good and they create such a strong bond over similar traumas, Zuko has never let anyone touch his scar before Katara did it and that show a lot of trust. It's a shame we didn't have more scene of them together before this.

[@cg6176]

6:27 "Aang, how dare you interrupt that?!" Me: 👁👄👁

[@juwanrigby1924]

Mei don’t get a lot of screen time but she is so relatable as a non bender

[@aquaringding966]

“never have i been so betrayed by a fictional character until this episode”

[@ultimateninjaboi]

"Thats something we have in common," is such a deeply introspective line, on Zukos part. Like, a couple times in the series, characters have pointed out his scar, referring to him having been "hurt by the Fire Nation." And its always played up for the poetic irony that they're correct for the wrong reasons. But this is now him saying it, himself, albeit about his mother. HE is the one saying that she was taken by the Fire Nation. And it makes the tragedy that follows THAT much more poignant

[@hanaomer4419]

The image of Katara cradling Aangs dead body still breaks my heart. 😭

[@Fire91ful]

Ill never forget when I saw this ep so many years ago and had to wait for the next ep Avatar has so many incredible ep but ep 1 of season 3 the awakening is my fav ep of the whole series it just hits me. And for the old fans ep one of every season starts on water.

[@robtaylor2017]

To clarify on the ages of everyone: Aang - 12 Toph - 12 Katara - 14 Azula - 14 Sokka - 15 Mai - 15 Zuko - 16 Ozai - ~45 Bumi - 112 Guru Pathik - 150

[@lorisol8132]

* Aang 112 🤣

[@steveflair7815]

Aang & Zuko r my top favorite characters in the show. Every scene with them I'm 50/50 with entertainment & emotions between them. Depending on my day I'll favor 1 over the other nonetheless they r my top 2

[@etienne8110]

Imagine back in the days when this episode aired. And you had to wait MONTHS for season 3 and hoping you could be in front of your tv on time... Man, the angst.

[@abbycampos.]

I was devastated by Zuko's betrayal when I first saw this as a 10-year-old and it still hits hard. Glad to see that feeling resonates with everybody who watches this show because you still want to love him so badly. (Also, Aang did die when Azula shot lightning at him but Katara brought him back to life. So yeah. The war almost ended right then and there with a broken reincarnation cycle)

[@Dragonfly9307]

I think an amazing detail at 12:43 is that the artists changed the shape of Katara's head and face to resemble Aang right when she looks forward to show the emotional connection and mirroring between both of them.

[@Qin_Lee]

Well Katata safe that cycle

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

i feel like, if katara was the one who needed emotional support from aang, no one would dispute the couple potential. but because the roles are reversed, people have to get stupid about it. they accuse katara of "mothering" aang. well, guess what -- he goes thru the most traumatic experiences in his life, some of the most traumatic experiences in anyone's life, on screen, right in front of us. katara is there for him? good!

[@JoseRamirez-ew7vq]

I've never seen anyone be angry that katara is "mothering" aang. I think people get annoyed with her when she brings up her mother, or when she has sudden angry outbursts towards her friends for no reason

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

@@JoseRamirez-ew7vq if you think katara "has sudden angry outbursts towards her friends for no reason", then there's definitely some big stuff you're not understanding. regardless, i never accused anyone of being "angry". i said that people point to katara's supposed "mothering" as a reason not to ship aang and katara as a couple.

[@JoseRamirez-ew7vq]

@@sirmoonslosthismind Oh my bad

[@lalalalisa41]

@@sirmoonslosthismind Exactly this! I always see some people saying how it feels weird because she's such a mother to Aang. Lol umm she's actually like that with the entire Gaang and she's like that as a person. Afterall, she had to step into that kind of role (caring, being compassionate, etc.) at such a young age after her mother died.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

@@lalalalisa41 definitely. it's funny when the show itself makes fun of katara's motherly tendencies in _the runaway_ but it's annoying when fans don't seem to understand the limits to that metaphor and the limits to its relevance.

[@teddyeastside8051]

Just noticed they made Aang tell Toph (and Sokka) about the Avatar state while they were in the air so Toph couldn't have told he was lying.

[@JasmineTeaEnjoyer]

lets go, i get way to excited when these reactions drop lmao

[@GraveDigger35]

Azula: Murdered the Avatar AND casually conquered a city that's held it's ground from us for the past century in the process? #Winning

[@imtrying9812]

I die every time at Lola‘s reaction when Katara touches Zuko‘s scar😂that was an intense scene

[@s.mproductions5687]

*together why did I say that disgusting* HAHAHAAHA man The saltiness is real and I'm living for it

[@tticusFinch]

"Boi I love you but we're gonna talk about this." I imagine this is what Iroh is thinking

[@rienn-de-immortal974]

Can i just say thank you for posting this on the same day as the previous one? That's a valid reason for likes!

[@SunBeeSmoked]

I would like to point out that while Azula is an excellent fighter, and she’s aggressive, threatening, and deceitful, she actually isn’t a violent person. She actually avoids violence for the most part and doesn’t really seek it out, but she will fight if it’s the most effective way out in that moment.

[@Puckett.]

One thing that alot of people don't see is that @1:27 a lightning bolt is used to break through the wall. Everytime we've seen lightning bending it requires a slow build-up because it is very tricky to control as you build it up. This lightning bolt obviously came from Uncle Iroh who must've built up the lightning bolt while running away. This just goes to show that Uncle Iroh is the best firebender on the show and maybe the best single element bender ever. You can try to argue me but Uncle Iroh is the most powerful single element bender ever in the series.

[@erinrosado1617]

5:44 The way she put her mug down😂

[@devondablevins]

The only reason the avatar lived was because in the first season the avatar spirit gave the moon spirit/ water spirit a piece of its spirit to revive it at the north pole, mingling the spirits in that special water with the avatars spirit, so the moment before she uses the water, aang is dead and the avatar state is gone, but because a piece of that avatar spirit is in that water, the moon spirit paid its debt to the avatar and revived the avatar.

[@teeemtee5739]

Lol, your faces in the thumbnail 🤣. Same, dude. Same.

[@DrexPlays]

I said the SAME THING. didnt know he could be hurt in the avatar state lol

[@luminaryprism75]

Zuko breaks everyone’s hearts eventually

[@carlosdegraciaacuna2375]

I would love to see Attack on Titan on this channel Also can’t wait for S3 of this one

[@Benorge123]

This...

[@silversaturns]

lol the stark contrast between ATLA and AoT would be really fun

[@LMReactions]

don't worry, you will :)

[@maytran9326]

@@LMReactions yesssss, I’m excited!

[@kravtsov4721]

@@LMReactions also waiting for The Promised Neverland in the future. Right now Aot is #1 anime of january and The Promised Neverland is #2. I hope to see, this my fav anime, also AoT, but TPN is close to the heart❤️

[@no1guy825]

So....we're skippin Friday? Two on Tuesday, so...nothing for a week?

[@PolliitoAle]

I remember feeling so betrayed the first time I saw this, like wtf Zuko xD now I undesrtand that after the way he was raised, and three fucking years trying to come back home, it was just... too much of a temptation to him, he couldn't not accept it. It was everything he had wanted for so long. And he would have always wondered "what if I came back" if he joined the GAang here, instead of choosing Azula. It's also what makes his arc so amazing and grounded, after all change and redemption are not linear, it's not a hill up, it's a road with continuous ups and downs.

[@AmberyTear]

Eh, I understand Zuko going back and forth. When you have psychologically abusive family that's authoritarian and raised you in a rather old-fashioned way where honor and family is a top priority in a twisted one-sided way, it takes years to deprogram yourself and truly find freedom and peace. So many times you feel like things can be fixed, that they will finally truly accept and love you, that abuse can be stopped and everything will have a happy ending if you just try to please them one more time. You go back and forth in your inner change several times before you truly leave denial, truly understand the situation, leave it and find peace. Takes years... And without someone wise and good who truly cares about you (like Iroh), this loop happens forever for so many people.

[@nikolagostojic1000]

The fact that Azula killed him for a moment is insane

[@joel6672]

Their faces viewing Zuko are priceless

[@joejames1794]

Unpopular Opinion as much as I was disappointed in Zuko for letting Iroh down a part of me was hype as hell to see and Azula work together. To add to the ladies discussion I do think apart of Azula does cares about Zuko you guys can be the judge there’s a handful of scenes in season 3 that make me fully believe so. Also I agree on Aang and Katara platonically they were very well and I do believe they have too much siblings vibes to me.

[@Ayshir]

2-19 and 2-20 are pivotal episodes in A:tLA We have a "Dagobah-like" situation for Aang, with the Guru We have a "Kain-like" (from Final Fantasy IV) situation for Zuzu, with uncle Iroh and Azula (which remind me as the angel and devil on the shoulders in some cartoons) We have Toph power-upping, basically inventing metal bending. And we have an "Imperium Striles Back-like" situation when it all ends with bleak odds for Team Avatar (aka "the GAang") Next Book will be intense as two... which is appropriate, since there *should* have been a Book Four...

[@Saphirakii]

the disappointment and heartbreak at Zuko's choice from every reactor is so palpable every time

[@nikolajovanovic7638]

The dissapointment in irohs face because zuko betrayed him....😥

[@XJezzzzzaX]

Aang did actually die in the avatar, and then he came out if the avatar state, that was when Katara healed him and Aang came back to life but the avatar cycle is now gone

[@Arkhuman11]

WOW I'm impressed you ladies are very forgiving. When I first saw this episode I was ready to give up Zuko.

[@TyMac22]

more like obsessed😂