Avatar The Last Airbender 2x8 REACTION and REVIEW | FIRST TIME Watching | 'The Chase'

[@SpartanandPudgey]

ATLA 2x9, 10 & 11 available on Patreon! Click the link to get early access AND Uncut Reactions! www.patreon.com/spartanandpudgey

[@johnraypacker9059]

Iroh didn't see the attack from Azula because he was distracted when he noticed Toph was with the Avatar group. It even showed his viewpoint briefly. He was looking away from Azula at that moment and she took that short opportunity to attack him while he didn't have his eyes on her.

[@The12Fly]

yeah. Iroh is definitely sharp, but Azula (in that moment) was sharper and was focused on the battle at hand. Iroh had briefly turned his attention to the group. Not to say Iroh messed up, but we all make mistakes.

[@OrdinaryCritic]

@@The12FlyIroh messed up, that’s what mistakes are.

[@SnailHatan]

They showed him a few seconds before Azula attacked. But when the shot of him getting hit is shown, he’s looking straight at the flames. There’s also no reason to think he would just be staring at her for so long instead of just giving a quick glance, because Iroh isn’t an idiot. Bad animation direction, really.

[@sunreginatto_99]

​@@SnailHatan Quite the opposite. It was brilliant how they showed that glance right before Azula attacked.

[@dreamfyre3868]

That‘s Aangs nature. His airbending nature. Evade and deflect. He fights according to the fighting style taught by his people.

[@killerpk987]

Exactly, and he hasn't learned earthbending jet, which is his natural opposite.

[@Jonty-kq4fr]

Really cool how they brought it up before next episode!

[@kobiib8834]

aang is monk!

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

Aang is a pacifist. People need to remember that as it is an essential component of his whole story. Sparta's obsession with good guys fighting bad guys means this is entirely lost on him, which is a shame.

[@Mike90317]

Dude's still waiting for Aang to be violent or aggressive lol.

[@ZachNight]

It showed how smart Azula was. She took out Iroh, the biggest threat and dodged Sokka’s boomerang. Then she shielded herself with a barrier and escaped.

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

She was also smart enough to know that taking out Iroh would also take Zuko out of the fight. All of the others were sleep deprived already.

[@Avatar-Destiny]

18:14 And here we see the big difference between Zuko and Azula. Azula: Calculated, manages to save herself. Zuko: Headfirst into everything, falls straight down 😂

[@lanafrank6086]

That part never fails to make me laugh😂Zuko is just a sweet headstrong goof😅🫶🏼

[@DragonMoth34]

Also, if you look closely, before Iroh gets hit, he glances over and notices Toph. He is surprised to see Toph, because he had no Idea she was traveling with the Avatar. Azula, being extremely perceptive, took this opportunity. Azula is truly a master of "Neutral Jing"

[@Wisents]

Azula shined in this episode, not even all of them teaming up could stop her.

[@alexisfendi]

100% but they’ll definitely ignore this comment tho 🫤🫣

[@okpareogaga4425]

Nah I wouldn't even call that shining, aang and the gang were tired, left to aang he was already handling her well, wen they all came for her, is was typical survival getaway, I've outrun 7 dogs to survive so I won't call that shining

[@thyone3925]

They could, that's why she ran

[@emmanuelarthur5471]

@@okpareogaga4425 She shined. Just give her props

[@Paul94096]

AZULA IS A BEAAAAST THATS MY GIRL

[@liprekt]

I think what you need to understand about Aang is he's a 12-year-old monk. He was raised as a monk. One of the running themes of this series is Aang's 'mortal' beliefs (as a monk) clashing with his duties as "Avatar Aang." As the Avatar, you are not meant to be hindered by worldly beliefs and rules, because your duty is FOR the world (where different groups of people have different sets of beliefs and rules), which means, as the Avatar, you have to do everything in your power to keep the balance in the world. Him being a 12-year-old plays a part in his inner conflict -- how he's unable to separate his own beliefs from his duties as the "premature Avatar." As for why he always tends to avoid and evade, Aang's real-world martial arts style (which airbending is based on) is called Ba-Gua (baguazhang), which is basically avoiding and evading, because it's not meant as an offensive martial arts style. Each bending type is based on *different* real-world martial arts, so very different disciplines -- even styles within the same bending type (i.e. earthbending) can be different, like how earthbenders tend to practice Hung Gar as a martial arts style, then we encounter someone like Toph who uses the Southern Praying Mantis style.

[@richardjohnson5435]

Another thing to note, why everyone else is so much more mature than Aang has to deal with that Aang grew in a time with no war.

[@neilstinston1457]

That's a good take, I think it's cool that he knows it's the right thing to do (to wait and confront Azula) but he's not mentally prepared to actually fight her.

[@stellakeil96]

And you have to think about the cultural and and literal genocide of Aangs people. He is literally the only one who can carry on the cultural heritage of the airbenders, which is very much embedded in their pacifistic beliefs, their fighting style and their spiritual way of living. This is his identity as much as he is the avatar. He cant give that up

[@LouisPenman]

@@stellakeil96 He needs to and he does when he becomes more offensive throughout the show. Toph teaches him that lesson, that sometimes you need to face things head on, that lesson does not just apply to earthbending, its a lesson for life that Aang needed.

[@stellakeil96]

@@LouisPenman Obviously! And I didn't say that he doesn't learn to apply different philosophies and fighting styles if necessary throughout the series. But to bring balance to the world it is just as important to keep the air nomads culture alive. He can't stop being a pacifist, can't give up his beliefs about the sacred nature of life or his freedom. If he does, the airnomads would finally be truly gone. And that doesn't mean he can't apply earth nation philosophy in some situations

[@liamisaac1152]

Honestly Azula is so much fun. She’s definitely that villain you love to hate because she is just on another level. She’s incredibly smart and perceptive. And that gets frustrating when you want things to go right because she is just always ahead of the game

[@altrock17]

The part at 8:34 where Pudgy asks "what are those?!", and Spartan immediately without hesitation says "salamanders", and Pudgey goes "ah -_- " killed me.

[@mmxxiii9503]

She was like "a....never mind" 🤣

[@Rcmkney23]

like her calling them lizards was perfectly fine, why would spartan "correct" her to salamanders when theres no indication thats what they are? lol

[@altrock17]

@@Rcmkney23 yeah,. I think that's what I found funny

[@erikperhs_]

​@@Rcmkney23 And then he accepts they're not salamanders and corrects himself saying they're cameleons

[@mrdavman13]

I wish I had half as much confidence in anything as spartan does when he is dead wrong about something

[@DragonMoth34]

I get the biggest smile on my face when I see you guys upload a new ATLA reaction. So many new channels are doing Avatar these past couple months, and you two stand out above most of the others. Keep up the good work!

[@siraaron5282]

Iroh was distracted when he saw Toph with the Aang Gang and Azula is a master at seeing such opportunities during battles. She saw the opportunity and attack him (a suprise attack for Iroh at that time because he was distracted). Azula also knew that Iroh was the best bender among them so it would be the best to took him out first and then run away.

[@deecee6262]

I love how just how absurdly powerful they make Azula, 6 vs 1 (4 of whom are masters of their element) and she STILL landed a possibly fatal blow and barely got touched in that fight, "Zhao the Invincible" could never

[@mmxxiii9503]

4 of them did not sleep, so it was not much of a fight

[@MugenHeadNinja]

@@mmxxiii9503 still a literal 1v6

[@BhBc8f8]

Come on, let's be real here. She was up against 6 opponents, she didn't fight 6 opponents, there's a difference. She would never win fighting 6 opponents

[@mmxxiii9503]

@@BhBc8f8 she was almost defending herself against 6

[@SpeedyObserver]

It's the subtle things in avatar.. earlier in the three way standoff, we see zuko looking back and forth between azula and aang, and at the instant when he looked at and (and away from azula) azula immediately took that opportunity to attack him and set the fight off. Same thing happened with iron, we saw him look away from azula for just a moment - due to noticing toph was also here and with the avatar, and azula immediately took that chance to attack him. Azula's has keen observation and didn't let any opening slide.

[@quintorro]

Zuko still sees the gAang as his enemy. A very brief alliance against Azula isn't going to change that. Even during the 3-way he still fires a few shots at Aang. Zuko's had some growth in the recent episodes but he's still figuring himself out.

[@rjcwell770]

Iroh is by far my favorite in this show. As someone who didnt have a lot of good male role models growing up, seeing Iroh on screen always felt like the affirmation that men can be gentle, patient and emotionally open and aware, and these qualities make you strong, not weak. His outlook on life inspired me to look into the teachings of Taoism and now I live my life as an adult by those principals. I was very much a Zuko when i was a kid so in a way, Iroh kinda helped raise me too lol.

[@Sinewmire]

I love how even then, he's not perfect. He's trying to give Zuko the benefit of his life's tragedies, but it's not enough to be told, Zuko has to learn the lesson himself.

[@rjcwell770]

@@Sinewmire oh for sure. He’s accepted that he’s flawed and chooses everyday to be good. But he knows that in order to change it doesn’t matter how much someone else wants it for you, you have to want it for yourself. He’s there to guide Zuko, but always gives him the freedom to choose his own path.

[@apercu2655]

Spartan's excitement for this episode was the reaction we didn't know we needed!

[@sade9067]

Aang is a kind of like a pacifist. It's his nature to avoid and evade as he doesn't want to use violence until absolutely necessary. you guys reactions are so good!

[@jaysotho]

Azula from what you can see is an absolute beast when it comes to fire bending, she took on the combined 4 elements and tanked it with her Fire Shield and used the explosion as a way to get away. 💅🏽💅🏽💃🏽💃🏽

[@KelappanKing]

Yes, Iroh is a "beast", as you say, but even the best warrior drops his guard at some point. If you watch carefully, Iroh got briefly distracted by spotting Toph with the Avatar's crew (something he hadn't known about her before). He got sidetracked for a single moment - which was all Azula needed to drop him with a cheap shot. It's not always the strongest who wins; sometimes it's the most cunning and underhanded. You should know this from GoT.

[@edasher06]

My fav episode is near the end of this season. I can't WAIT til you get there

[@Serryy]

1. Best episode of the show. It's so fucking great to see all the different interactions. And Aang vs Azula vs Zuko is just awesome. 2. You see Iroh looking over and recognizing Toph/her being a friend of the Avatar. That moment of distraction was used by Azula.

[@hakmanp.8702]

Spartan what you gotta remember is that Aang is a Monk .. he's not a warrior, he was thought he's whole life to always avoid conflict and never be the attacker he will only atack when cornered and preferring One precise attack then many tries until one lands .. his atack is defensive.. he jump that gap for azula to fall .. he didn't attack directly but if azula had fallen she would be the one laid in floor ... Zuko would probably have fallen too like he did... But he will learn more and have his moments

[@blackeyedlily]

You have now reached the point in this series where pretty much every episode from now on is brilliant. One fun aesthetic about this episode and the previous one, Zuko Alone, is how much they both relied on a classic Western style showdown for the climax of the episode. I initially watched this series with my kids when it first aired on Nickelodeon. Prior to this series I had never really appreciated cartoons that much. But I would watch episodes of various shows to see what my kids were watching. I became so impressed with this show and believe it is one of the greatest children’s program programs ever made. There are just so many important values and lessons provided in a wonderful story. I am also watching your Game of Thrones reactions at this time, which is also a favorite story of mine (though the books are even better🙂). And I think Avatar is the perfect antidote to the things that especially bother Spartan about Game of Thrones. I also agree with other commenters that Aang’s whole philosophy and fighting style is based on the Buddhist Monk trope. So it is fundamentally defensive and comes from a pacifist nature. This is one of the things that Aang has to struggle with in his own personal battle of how to become the Avatar he needs to be for the entire world.

[@Atlasss97]

It's less iroh being rusty and more you're underestimating azula

[@jeremyrdlamaxima7052]

I know that you think it’s frustrating that Aang doesn’t use offense a lot, but you GOTTA understand that he is an airbender. Airbenders are not into fighting, they are more evasive and try not to be violent or aggressive. That’s why Aang is like that. Im sure you guys you know that. Just saying plus he is a lil kid.

[@cloudyheather3770]

And not only because of that. It goes against his own morals and beliefs and practicly everything his been teached ny other monks.

[@MrMoleHole]

@@cloudyheather3770 tbf aang bodied zuko many times before, dont see why he cant do the same to Azula....

[@cloudyheather3770]

@@MrMoleHole That's true, but like many have said it's not in his nature to fight. He said it himself that he's only ever used violence when neceserry defense. And that's what he's done every time his fought Zuko or defended someone else. The point is he's a pacifist and doesn't like resorting to violence no matter the situation.

[@MrMoleHole]

@@cloudyheather3770 why not use defense against azula? She's way more dangerous then zuko

[@cloudyheather3770]

@@MrMoleHole I mean he was using defense by not attacking her. And it's not like he was alone with her. Zuko was also fighting her which would make it easier for Aang to not fight. He was also really tired at this point so I'm not suprised that he would rather avoid actual fighting. Which again, made it easier since Zuko was there. Although I'm sure that if Aang was alone he would have been more on the attacking side. Anyway I don't what the writers are thinking so🤷🏻‍♀️ I'm just thinking what fits Aang's characterization and simply attacking head on just Isn't him yk

[@streamspoart2671]

"The stars sure are beautiful tonight..." Awh sh*t the blind joke has started

[@ragingblazemaster]

That’s how you know this series is timeless. There’s so much thought and emotion and life lessons that go into this series. Book 3, y’all will touch your heart and expand your mind so much! So glad y’all are invested! It’s hands down one of my favorite shows. Great analysis as always, I love how y’all break down the story in every episode, and appreciate the world building.

[@liamisaac1152]

Honestly one of the best shows with amazing writing. Many show writers definitely should take notes on this series to learn how it’s done. Amazing character arcs, flawed and relatable characters, and each storyline tied in perfectly.

[@KelappanKing]

💯

[@juniorsoccerlife2347]

The scene between iroh and toph is one of my favorites in the whole show it’s so wholesome to see them have that conversation about ppl and life in general ❤️❤️

[@joannaisimaginairy2859]

at 19,48 you can see sokka's boomerang flying towards azula, definitly an overlooked small detail in the show

[@curlyxcoco]

dude is only interested in action and not character dynamics and writing. the literal characteristics of themselves show through their actions/designs/ etc. its much more interesting to me to realize and experience these things

[@jakeperalta3493]

23:03 Aang is 1) an air bender, 2) a monk and 3) thé avatar, he will 9/10 avoid fights and confrontation where he can. If you remember the episode with Jet, he was holding back a lot.

[@kimberlyazula]

Azula being as epic as always.

[@kingofmeereen]

People keep forgetting about how Aang is a 12 year old pacifist monk who is taught to avoid and evade and find all life is worth preserving. The man is vegan for goodness sake. And y’all expect him to be aggro. Sometimes I feel like we watch completely different shows.

[@sadiedol4413]

You need to remember that Aang is an Air Nomad. The Air Nomads are a peaceful culture BECAUSE their bending is so strong. They strive for peace and avoid conflict. They are monks for a reason. Imagine if an airbending Master willingly got into fights all the time: they could literally suffocate you in seconds by bending the air around you. Those air balls Aang makes around himself wouldnt be hard to make around an opponents head. Aang was taught to evade and look for alternative options and he clings to that because its his culture and he is the *only* surviving member of his culture so he desperately wants to hold onto it. Its never really explained that way in the series but its confirmed by the writers and animators of the show.

[@markcruz359]

Iroh cant predict the future. He is a beast but he can still be caught off guard. I doubt he knew that Azula would blast him first

[@LuchoH838]

Guys don’t forget that when you critique Aang for running, it is literally his style of bending. He uses the wind to flow with the attacks of his opponent, to evade them swiftly and then knock them off balance. Unlike other bending disciplines, air bending teaches not to be aggressive, but to knock one out with their own weight. Airbenders are the masters of movement and evasion, not attacks. That is why Aang doesn’t “fight people head on”.

[@fakecubed]

Airbenders are basically pacifists, and they aren't called nomads my accident. Aside from their temples they aren't exactly known for staying in one place and trying to own it. Holding any particular ground isn't the airbender way.

[@Orimthekeyacolite]

For some reason you keep insisting Sokka "is the only non-bender who holds his own", even though Mai is a knife thrower and Ty Lee is a gymnast, and the latter completely wiped the floor with your guy. Admit it, you just want to root for the likeable oaf and give him undeserved credit ;)

[@brifo3394]

A little sexist as well lol

[@COSASQUEHACERviernes]

Honestly, as a fighter and a bender, Azula has all my respect. She's incredibly smart and quick-witted. Very talented with her element

[@charityhooper2377]

This is one of my favorite episodes, so I'm glad you really liked it! I love your reaction! 🥰. I just have two cents to add, lol. Aang is a monk, he doesn't condone violence, so wanting for him to attack and hurt people means wanting him to be something different than what's in his core. Secondly, (and don't hate me for saying this because I really love you guys) I hope you don't get too hung up on who's right and who's wrong. I don't even know why KZbinrs spend their time making predictions, because you make enough predictions you're bound to get something right. I mean you kind of had a 50-50 chance on that one, either yes he's following zuko or no he's not. Really wasn't anything to get that crazy over. It's not a contest, or is it?

[@nouraouni2819]

It’s a testament to how powerful Iroh is that even Azula, who isn’t afraid of anything, knows she can’t handle him. That’s why she attacks him when he is distracted, she can only defeat him in underhanded ways.

[@mirgjankupi128]

The meeting between Iroh and Toph is between 2 complete strangers. They had no clue that they were a part of enemy factions till they noticed each other in the end

[@fakecubed]

It's a mistake to think either of them is the enemy of the other. Toph has no great hatred of the Fire Nation and even less reason to hate Iroh personally. Iroh is only really interested in supporting his surrogate son, and is a fugitive from the Fire Nation currently anyway. Without even considering everything else later revealed about Iroh, Toph and Iroh are basically "the enemy of my enemy (Fire Nation) is my friend".

[@stephaniehundley6792]

I’m so glad I found your channel, I love you two together! I could watch you guys react to anything! Also, Aang instantly ran bc he saw how quickly Azula took Zuko out and was like Nope! I can’t blame him for that :) give Aang time, lots of amazing character development I this show!

[@tashaaponte]

Wow I forgot how much happens in this single episode! And Spartan the hype I love to see it! I love the interaction between Toph and Iroh it was so unexpected but really they both helped each other. And in the end when they all found each other together you can see how Toph recognizes it being Iroh on the ground hurt, and the realization when it hits her. Because both of them had opened up to each other and to find each other again not long after, really good writing. Love to see these reactions!

[@SuperGakman]

I personally feel Iroh doesn’t see it coming because he underestimated how far Azula is willing to go. He thought she wouldn’t possibly kill her uncle but she is willing to.

[@fakecubed]

Toph and Iroh sharing tea will never not be one of the greatest accidental meetings in anime history.

[@wcbranitly0692]

You guys have captured my attention like no other KZbin channel has. This Avatar, Last of Us, GoT rapid fire content is G O L D 👌

[@OceanHedgehog]

Pudgey is such a ray of sunshine, she deserves affection like hugs when she's proud of her predictions

[@Mrryn]

Really think you guys are giving Aang way too much of a hard time. Straight up telling the 12 year old sleep-deprived vegetarian pacifist monk to "get in there" and fight this firebending prodigy *and* the guy who has been after him for months suddenly reappearing and not stick to his mastered airbending fighting style. Meanwhile giving characters like Zuko repeated passes despite making "bad but in character" calls, like throwing fire at Katara and the gang and telling them to leave when they offered to help Iroh. No "c'mon Zuzu, ffs man just let them help, they just tried to take down Azula with you you thick idiot." I understand you have your preferences but the biases have started to err on the side of frustrating now.

[@DavidEcclestonSmith]

Pudgey with the Zutara fixation 😂

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Tox-ara.

[@alinac5512]

As she should be :D. Best ship in the series.

[@fakecubed]

It's an intriguing ship, but one that never would satisfy. The Avatar is the hero of the story, he has to get his girl.

[@diamcole]

20:14 I mean, he's human at the end of the day! A lot going on (family dynamics) and you can't always be on ten.

[@williamredmon4457]

This channel is becoming one of my favorites! Y’all’s dynamic and commentary is outstanding

[@SpartanandPudgey]

Thank you! we're glad you're enjoying 🙏

[@ssd2433]

@@SpartanandPudgey When is the new game of thrones episode?

[@kingofbudokai]

I will forever side with Toph in this episode. She was objectively correct about what the problem was (appa shedding), and her weight does not inconvenience Appa in the slightest, so Aang's argument is complete bs. Appa's own weight is more than ten times what they weigh combined, and the fact that he can fly regardless means the additional weight of a 12 year old little girl is entirely insignificant. Like having a gorilla carry an extra napkin. Furthermore, Katara is wrong about how a team is supposed to work. If everyone is carrying their own weight, that is the ideal possible distribution of duty. That is a perfectly reasonable point of view. If Katara had not be able to pull her weight due to illness or something, then yes, it's reasonable to ask Toph to pitch in. But Toph has no moral obligation to help Katara with a task that has not increased in difficulty via the inclusion of Toph's presence. That's not a thing.

[@williamredmon4457]

“This has to be one of the strongest ones yet” is a phrase you will be saying a lot over the next two seasons :)

[@gork8468]

To put it in Dragonball Z terms - despite being the protagonist, Aang is NOT Goku. He's Gohan. He's immensely powerful with incredible potential but he doesn't like fighting. Most of the times you see him go all out so far it's to protect others so staying defensive when he was alone makes perfect sense.

[@SpartanandPudgey]

that's actually a super helpful way of putting it!

[@levincald]

This episode really sets the tone for the rest of the series, here we could see who the real enemy of the series really is and who are ready to fight her

[@nepawu5063]

I swear this man truly can’t accept when he’s wrong. Poster boy of the “um actually…” move

[@kaijingarou6526]

17:34 The Good, the Ugly and the Bad, literally.

[@onsideobsession5412]

I've always thought Katara making fun of Toph's lack of sight is a pretty low blow

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Katara is the only one of the Gaang who says mean spirited things to the others. When the other do it's a jest.

[@stephaniehundley6792]

Maybe this was one of the times that she forgot she was blind, and simply said it bc she was inside her tent not being with everyone else. It’s possible. It does seem like the low blow, but I like to give her the benefit of the doubt.

[@MrMoleHole]

@@TheMrPeteChannel Thats simply not true, but keep up the katara hate tho

[@curlyxcoco]

@@MrMoleHole give an example as to why its not true. im curious

[@MrMoleHole]

@@curlyxcoco The others have said mean spirited things that weren't just a joke before if that's what ur asking. Aang, "I guess the jokes don't run in the family" , "We never had a problem flying when it was just the three of us!". I don't think any of the gaang truly meant the mean things they said, so why hold Katara to a higher standard?

[@TheBuffNerd92]

8:30 Mai and Ty Lee aren't benders

[@UncensoredScion]

You've got to remember Aang's a Master Airbender, part of the reason he's always dodging is that theoretically if he were to use his full abilities, it'd end the fight with most people quickly. Now, while narratively they had no option but to make him a Master at Airbending (as he's the last one and no one's left to teach him), they made Aang's character work with those restrictions to highlight other characters, Aang's a pacifist at heart - and a 12 year old boy who lived in a time of pure peace and non-violence - and for the fact that this fight - and the one before it - was to showcase just how powerful the people hunting Aang are this time. Before we had Zuko and Iroh with Zhao as a secondary antagonist, and the plot for them was the contrast between power and wisdom. While now it's serious, so we needed to show that the long distance fighter in Mai is deadly no matter what and has pinpoint precision and aim at all times, can fight against a Master Waterbender and come out on top easily And Ty Lee, the acrobat who knows pressure point attacks and can nullify any bending if given the chance to fight them Then there's Azula, the girl who faced Aang who - while being a master - was trying to escape and she cornered him, got him to trap himself and was set to kill him without mercy. Then faced off against another Master in Katara and bested her easily, had no issue with Toph and had bodied Zuko without even blinking twice. Then she struck Iroh, a man who doesn't want to hurt his niece and only wants to help Zuko find himself, a man who could be considered a Master above all the others present as he's not only a perfect Firebender, but also has years of both single combat experience but military warfare in his past. If she can do that, what else can she do when she's actually trying? That's the lesson from this episode, Azula is terrifying.

[@another_julia]

this is such a good tight episode. the smile on your face when you realized they were al converging on the same spot….that’s what makes watching reactions rewarding 🩵

[@kingofmeereen]

Funnily enough, Aang and Zuko has the most parallels and yet people just talk about Zuko and Katara parallels more because of the mom thing.

[@justanotherartist5646]

Great reaction!! Love this episode. Also some key facts to remember is that each element fights in different styles based on real world martial arts. Airbenders nature is to evade and deflect which is a masterful tactic as it also can eventually tire out their opponent. Just try to keep this in mind because otherwise it'd be like hoping Uncle Iroh would be an asshole, which is out of character and just how they are as a person. Not to mention that Aang grew in a time where there was no existence of a war. This has literally been months in the storyline, so of course he's not going to be fully adjusted to everything that's happening yet especially since it's clashing with his nature lmao. I completely understand what you mean though and why you feel that way. Having each character have their own personal issues, flaws, and what they're handling just all adds up to why each character has been written so well. It would feel very unrealistic if Aang was the "perfect face" of what an Avatar would be, considering he's 12 years old and entered a world that was war-ridden especially since he never grew up around one. Just wanted to get that out. Great reaction as usual tho 🙏

[@KeatonWarner1]

Iroh was distracted when he recognized Toph that's when Azula struck.

[@MrMoleHole]

Fantastic reaction as always Spartan and Pudgey!!! I know alot of people have probably said this already but every episode from now on is an absolute banger!!! 💯 😀

[@no1guy825]

Every scene is critical. Think you have a moment for banter or turnaways and you miss or misinterpret. The scene where Iroh makes the connection about Toph and Aang's group. Stupid to be distracted, but he was too comfortable with Azula';s position. Azula targeted him because he's the biggest threat and also distracts Zuko

[@Sinewmire]

A lot of people don't pick up that Toph wasn't complaining about Katara asking her to help, but that she mistook it as Katara offering to help *her*. A misunderstanding based on Toph's issues that's so perfectly characterful.

[@marianoortega6725]

Pudgey catchphrase, “I KNEW IT.” Lol

[@oriyanbarnes]

Ppl tend to forget that Toph legit never had friends, never even interacted with people her age. Her parents hid her existence from the world. Of course she wouldn't know how to act in a group and how to adjust with new people. Katara could have easily been nicer and directly asked for help and explain it instead of attacking her and being kinda passive agressive. Toph should have helped, but Katara could have acted better

[@thyone3925]

I understand the frustration about Aang running and evading during fights. But you have to remember that he's an airbender. They are pacifists and would rather avoid fighting all together. True Air nomads like Aang detest fighting altogether.

[@brattneyrose5652]

Spartan called Toph "classy" and I lost it.

[@robertcurtis8585]

You know how Iroh was looking at Toph and Zuko and everyone he was fighting with? That's how he didn't see Azula, who he wasn't looking at

[@Fire91ful]

Subtlety is not your strong suit. The show iroh noticing toph and gets distracted she takes advantage of that to look amd she put up her shield

[@mori1bund]

If you watch that scene again you see that Iroh was distracted for a moment because he recognized Toph, the girl he just met moments ago, is part of team Avatar. Azula saw that he was distracted and used that.

[@ent66]

"The stars sure are beautiful tonight, too bad you can't see them Toph." This burn hurts even more because she's blind.

[@Alookatportland]

I think Aang probably starts fleeing because he was anticipating a straight, one-on-one fight. When he see Azula attack Zuko, he realizes it’s not his fight anymore and isn’t ready for the possibility of a two-on-one fight.

[@ViNHaleyBuen]

LOL Pudgey: Can we just pause for a second..... HAHAHHAHAHAHAA love it!

[@carlyr972]

Mai and Ty Lee aren't benders, so Sodka wasn't the only non-bender in that fight

[@melaniekay3647]

Your synchronized “Sokka” at 6:52 had me lol-ing 😂❤

[@Julini89]

Aang won’t go on offence unless he is absolutely forced too. Air benders and air nomads they are pacifists they will only fight to defend themselves. That’s the culture Aang was born and raised into. Also the base principle of air bending is to deflect and evade.

[@setayeshhoseyni8463]

you guys really have to watch the Legend of korra after the Avatar the last airbender🤍

[@isabellagonzalez5695]

You have to remember to never underestimate Azula. She is talented, intelligent, and she will do anything to win. Iroh took his eyes off of Azula for a split second when he recognized Toph, and that was all the time Azula needed to realize it was the perfect moment to strike. She also struck someone we were least expecting. Team Avatar and Zuko are Azula's primary enemies, so she shocked everyone by attacking Iroh when she saw the chance. Again, never underestimate Azula lol.

[@KlTRA]

It's getting hella annoying at this point. Not only is Aang an Airbender but he is a MONK. It's within his nature and culture to not be violent. Can you get it in your thick head already?

[@daekry]

it's still ok to fight the people who are hunting you and your friends

[@KlTRA]

​@@daekryand he does, but Aang won't fight the way spartan wants him to (or we get to see it rarely) and he needs to understand that. Aang is a pacifist

[@KlTRA]

it's like he just isn't okay with Aang being a monk and a pacifist at this point

[@SpartanandPudgey]

it aint that serious dude 😂

[@KlTRA]

​@@SpartanandPudgeyyeah if only you got it and stopped complaining :(

[@ina7133]

Azula is such a beast

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Pudgey is clearly more Toph than Katara. Katara doesn't like fun. Pudgey does. And no that's not the Zuko Alone village.

[@skyzdk]

The whole thing about Aang not being on the attacking side, is because of his nature as an Air Nomad. The air nomads are known to have pacifistic ethics, that's also why you see Aang always "running away" from fights and that's also why he is a vegetarian

[@tshepochiloane1357]

This was the part of the series where you find yourself saying “this is my favourite episode” almost every episode lol

[@jonny5676]

Spartan is ready for a three-way. hahahaahaha!!!

[@ragingblazemaster]

Loving that y’all enjoy Soka so much 😂😂😂

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

They still don't give him sufficient credit for what he brings to the team though. He's much more than just the "comedic relief" on the team that he began as. He's a realist and is thus much more practical than the others, and the one most likely to come up with a plan or suss something out.

[@ragingblazemaster]

@@noneofyourbeeswax01 it’s growing on them lol

[@suddenimpulse030]

@@noneofyourbeeswax01 They constantly talk about how he is not given credit for how smart he is and that his plans and actions always are a huge factor in the groups success. I am confused. If anything he is given more credit by them than any reaction I've seen (personally).

[@thepudgyninja]

One of the things that is great about this show is that it consistently gets better for the entire run. There are a couple big jumps, though and one of them is when Toph joins. It marks the first big jump in quality. There's at least one more big jump, but if you're enjoying it now, I'm comfortable saying you're going to enjoy the rest of the ride.

[@fragilejem123]

The reason Aang keeps ivading is because that's what he is used to in the monk way of life. "All life is sacred." So it's not in his nature to attack, let alone kill.

[@azulablue6988]

Nah, when faced against Zuko, he didn't seem to mind attacking. That evade tactic was only against Azula. Like a plot armor, to make her seem more formidable.

[@joeyrosa648]

Lol I think with Iroh following Zuko, Pudgey was right, but Spartan wasn’t wrong 😂

[@KelappanKing]

Regarding Aang's focus on evasion: it's part of the Airbender culture, life philosophy and fighting style. It's critical you understand that the Four Nations vary in many ways including their approach to combat and martial art styles etc. (They're also, you know, peaceful monks.) Aang's style worked against Admiral Zhao when Aang tricked him into burning his own fleet. But it didn't work on King Bumi during their fight in Book 1, Episode 5 where Bumi mocked him for evading and the lack of impact of his air attacks. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't - just like any fighting style or strategy.

[@0ddkid7]

Every time Pudgey talks about Zutara, my Kataang heart hurts. Friends to lovers > enemies to lovers

[@a7dollarbagel774]

This is so real😭

[@alinac5512]

As a kid I used to like Kataang to but now as an adult I absolutely hate kataang and love zutara. Kkataang is honestly just male dream fulfillment for one of the creepy showrunners. Plus you wildly oversimplified the dynamics. In my opinion: Girl+with mature prince that understands her and respects her > Girl with 2 year old younger child that has been creepily obsessed with her and kisses her without consent. Also Aang refusing to let go of her when WORLD PEACE is literally at stake isn't romantic, it's an obsession and unhealthy. The more I think about it the more I hate Kataang. I hope Netflix gets it right.

[@0ddkid7]

@alinac5512 Way to turn innocent child love into something creepy. He was a kid & it was his first time having feelings for someone & he didn't know how to navigate, give the kid some slack. It wasnt just letting Katara go, it was earthly attachments meaning he could probably never truly love someone afterward either. Unlike Zuko, who had constantly betrayed them originally & put them in dangerous situations. He wasn't mature either, he was told how foolish he was several times by Iroh. He was a reckless kid chasing aang around the world without a real plan & then a fugitive on the run. He had to earn trust because he couldnt give up on trying to please his father meanwhile aang was always there for her & vice versa with only 1 mistrusting event. I pick trust & loyalty any day, especially when its been the entire relationship, not just a portion.

[@alinac5512]

@@0ddkid7 watch sneezy reviews breakdown of Zutara. As a kid I also liked Kataang. I never noticed just how toxic Kataang is and how much it's the "nice guy" trope and how wholesome Zutara really is. Just search for Zutara sneezy reviews and get back to me.

[@idkskills3800]

u can see why iroh gets hit he wasnt looking at azula he was looking at _____ (fill in the blank). dont get it twisted iroh is that guy

[@DarthBlaidd]

Azula is a strategist, she was cornered and looked for the easiest way out. Out of the six people in front of her three are the easiest to attack (to her mind atleast) sokka is a non bender, Toph is blind and iroh is old. Iroh being also a strategist and a former general (still general) recognises this and looks over to Toph and sokka, Azula sees this slip up and attacks iroh instead because realistically out of everyone there Iroh is the only bender there that can beat her.

[@kodilivetv9011]

At 19:57 you will notice how they show Toph's feet. She can sense Iroh's injuries. It's foreshadowing her abilities.

[@mmxxiii9503]

Everyone roasting each other in this episode is hilarious, Also let's not forget that group was with no sleep at all so Azula took advantage of it

[@seanyap1429]

Those animals the girls are riding are based on basilisk lizards, real life lizards that can run on water for short distances!

[@booglet]

6:46... that was creepy, a syncronized "Hahaha, Sokkaaa"