How Sokka Became the Leader of Team Avatar

[@MYo-to9lc]

"Second best couple in the show after Zuko... and his honor" had me dying 🤣🤣🤣

[@furyberserk]

Sure, if you like abusive relationships.

[@jake_eeeeeeeeee]

MY HONOR.

[@cassavabread1716]

Soon as I heard that, I ran looking for this 😭😭

[@Rbboydstar]

Fr, I choked so hard on some snacks😂😂

[@Nemorium]

@@cassavabread1716 same

[@eoinwalker278]

My personal favourite thing about Sokka's character growth is that in the first episode he says something like "Jokes? You can't beat the fire nation with jokes!" and in the last episode he tricks a ship full of fire benders into getting dropped out the bomb doors of an airship by telling them there'll be a birthday cake in the hold 😂

[@master_samwise]

Holy crap the long game this show played. Great catch!

[@roybaggett6618]

thank you for bringing this to my attention

[@isadoracostahamsi163]

Omg, I never noticed that!!!!

[@eoinwalker278]

To be fair, I'm not the one that noticed this, it had to be pointed out to me in the format of a meme in a Facebook group XD

[@destroyerofnirn3537]

@@eoinwalker278 replace jokes with fun, and you're spot on

[@scuffedryangosling4264]

I love how the writers used Sokka, as well as Iroh, as comic relief characters without making them the cliché idiot or fool, but rather very powerful and essential characters in their own right.

[@daforkgaming3320]

I love how both characters are wise but also laid back in their own ways. Most “smart” characters tend to always be serious or full on focus

[@viz2y]

yep, sokkas genuinely one of the smartest characters in the series 🙂

[@en4833]

Mostly because we are laughing with Sokka, not at him most of the time. We laugh at his jokes, not at his expense.

[@shinigamimiroku3723]

​@@en4833The cactus juice moment notwithstanding... XD

[@icarue993]

@@shinigamimiroku3723 cactus joice, the entire first season, the cow part. Many many times, we laugh at him. We also laugh with him on eual parts

[@herpderp3916]

In some ways, I think Sokka not being a bender is what made him such a good strategist. He learned how to think outside the box and address problems in a way others might not consider.

[@drachepumpernickel7056]

This. A bender tends towards using their element and the mindset of using said element to solve their problems. "If you're a hammer, every problem looks like a nail" iroh touches on this with zuko. Him being a nonbender combined with being surrounded with benders of all the elements gives him a unique perspective on situations as well as a deeper understanding of how the various bending works, meaning he can figure out how to use those forces in ways a bender wouldn't ever consider on their own simply because they were never forced out of their box.

[@SonOvaSon]

But he is a bender, he was able to romanticize a girl in every nation (with exception of the air nomads). He is the ultimate back-bender!

[@reyvaldosoetiman2389]

​@@SonOvaSondamn He one of kind of bender huh

[@Skoxe]

As the avatar mastered each element, Sokka mastered each nations fighting style

[@Trefox87]

​@@Skoxeeven air bending with his boomerang skills

[@ddddddddddd5354]

I admire that he kept seeing his selfworth throughout the journey, he was humiliated and always surrounded by people way stronger than him, he had all the reason to crumble yet kept on going and found his balance.

[@presto7028]

Yet the best part of this is that he does question his worth in season 3! It's powerful to see him overcome to doubts, when it seems like he was bottling those feelings for a small while!

[@myaltaccount4438]

I remember seeing a post that was like: They had to make Sokka a non-bender or he would've solved all the show's problems in 3 episodes.

[@Longshot441]

@@myaltaccount4438 would have solved it with a gat.

[@ЯАга-я4л]

​​@@presto7028 kinda felt like they forgot to make a power up arc for him and like "sht, we gotta come up with something!" and then he becomes a master swordsmsn in a day. And forges a meteor sword... The same day Don't get me wrong, his main strong side is not even his fighting skills it's him being smart, but this looked like a last minute decision to level him up.

[@iantaakalla8180]

And the funny thing is his improved swordsmanship doesn’t mean anything. On the day of the solar eclipse, he was a leader. On the cliffs, he triangulated the angle to stop Combustion Man. On his trip with Zuko, he certainly had to fight but his swordsmanship was not a major part of him being effective of escaping. Finally, he does slice through stuff in the final battle but he forces an airship slice and is still not fighting people with his sword. Even in Korra, Sokka was a councilman for Republic City who showed great wisdom based on his experiences. Sokka’s swordsmanship episode, while thematically complete, is useless. I should note that it should not be cut out as it is the only time he admits he is left behind being around benders so clearly and overtly, but it is funny how his swordmanship is not put to use.

[@nightangelx1513]

I love how everytime Sokka gets humbled he never lets it get to his head. He takes it and learns from it. He’s wise beyond his age, and it’s obvious why he deserved to be welcomed into the white lotus.

[@master_samwise]

Exactly!

[@Dr._is_sleepy]

Honestly a Sokka spin-off pre Korra would be great.

[@HickoryDickory86]

Is that covered in the graphic novels? I always assumed Master Piandao gifting him the White Lotus piece upon his departure was his unofficial invitation/initiation, a way for Master Piandao to "mark him" to other members as a promising potential recruit.

[@Warflord]

@@Dr._is_sleepy That would be amazing! We can hope. I thought I've heard they're doing more Pre-korra animation? But I'm not sure if it was rumours or not :(

[@divoulos5758]

Idk man but the fact that it took him like 2 days of training to match the kyoshi warriors in fight implies that he is a very fast learner

[@joella5193]

A lot of people miss a very crucial detail about the introduction of Sokka's character. When he and Katara are fighting, and Katara breaks the iceberg, you can see that Sokka physically does his best to protect his sister, despite just being insulted and screamed at. He holds his sister close to him and tries to shield her as they drift away. When they approach the iceberg just after, Sokka again, tries to be between his sister and the "threat." Despite all his goofiness and work in progress characteristics, Sokka was a natural protector from the beginning, and took the task his father left him with very seriously.

[@christianaguiare544]

His dad really had an influence on him, it really must’ve stuck with him when his own personal hero emphasizes how important family is. After all, Bato said it best “You really are your father’s son”

[@nickelakon5369]

Don't forget he saw fire nation ships and his first instinct was to kit himself out and meet them, knowing damn well he stood no chance.

[@Godaerentalos]

I wouldn’t say that’s a heavily missed detail. It’s pretty obvious from the first episode, that Sokka is the overprotective big brother and that he took his role as the stand-in chief pretty seriously.

[@SnagTheRabbit]

Also that moment when Aang burned Katara with firebending and Sokka tackled Aang for it.

[@nickelakon5369]

@@SnagTheRabbit I think most people accept sokka as being a protector by then. It's far more prudent to bring up these really early examples to show that even though he was flawed at the start, he had really good qualities as well.

[@kylerheron9328]

Toph’s “aye aye captain” was a gut punch. I’m not crying, I promise.

[@master_samwise]

Such a beautiful moment.

[@dunkelwalde695]

Me too, its such an amazing moment in the series. The writers made such a beautiful story. All characters were given so much attention and love.

[@katielomax2364]

Right after, "Toph, the most independent and self-reliant member of the group, totally entrusts her well-being to Sokka because he has earned it." That got me good 🥲

[@AleXanDraPR369]

And the one time where she was truly blind for that moment

[@Explodingstrawberry125]

I never really understood why the "aye aye captain" by Toph was so heartwrenching, but master Samwise put it beautifully, and I finally understood the weight of her words. The girl who was depicted as one of the strongest and most independent character in the show, fully entrusted her vulnerable self to Sokka. Absolutely beautiful story writing, where it shows the growth of both characters in just one scene.

[@Eilonwy95]

I appreciate your pointing out that Sokka’s over protective instincts may have to do with the loss of his mom. I think it is accurate and not talked about enough. We all don’t recognize enough how the loss of his mother impacted Sokka. We all associate it with Katara, but she was his mom too.

[@hailthequeenFM]

Tbh the water siblings best and worst traits are because of the loss of their mother and their dad leaving. Even the way they see themselves is because of that.

[@Eilonwy95]

@@hailthequeenFM Spot on!

[@chicken0w044]

My mother used to ignore Sokka too **touches pendant**

[@shavagreycastle]

For real. I know people love Katara's revenge episode, but I hated that there's no scene of Katara apologizing to Sokka. She had no right to accuse him of not loving their mother. He does. He's just grieving differently. He recognizes that there's nothing he can do to change anything and decided to move on. This quest Katara went on had nothing to do with their mother's love, but to justify her rage and shame for being the reason for Kana's death. It's an understandable reason but still a cruel and utterly undeserved thing to say.

[@stardusthaven]

Agree! Katara's grief is usually center stage but Sokka's is not that emphasized too.

[@Whoopsie.Daisy.]

Sokka has been my favorite character since ep. 1 (within the first 5 minutes) and I'll tell you why. The exact moment I fell in love with his character was after Katara's outburst when she cracks the iceberg and as it falls it sends a huge wave at them. As their little ice raft gets tossed Sokka puts his arm protectively around his sister. He makes sure she's safe despite her ragefully lashing out at him only moments earlier. That one act proved the potential for him to become a capable, loving leader.

[@master_samwise]

Great catch!

[@KGFIQ]

technically they wouldn't have even found Aang if Sokka wasn't able to stir great emotions out of Katara which also plants the seed of leadership because even tho he was being a jerk, he. learned to use that ability to motivate instead of hate lol. We wouldn't have Avatar without Sokka doing what he does best, being himself lol

[@emma2884]

The first time I watched avatar Sokka was my least favorite. Annoyed me at first so I gave him less focus. He's also not a personality type I'm usually drawn to (at first). But the second time I watched he became my favorite. I think I needed to see how the story played in full to appreciate his arc. Zuko's arc is my fave but Sokka's arc is second.

[@ThommeGun]

he started the show protecting someone, and ended the show protecting someone. way to show that the core of who he is at both ends of his journey.

[@rkade1486]

Getting "aye aye captain" from Toph of all people is the highest level of respect you can earn from her as a leader.

[@LilMidgeto524]

just imagine: toph being blind, she is hanging in the air, which means she could not see what was happening, all that while sokka is holding on to her for dear life.. her respond with ''aye aye captain'' in that situation and her personality.. the thought of being blindfolded, dangling from the air is insane to me T-T

[@wildfire9280]

It was probably made into the highest Medal of Honor in the Earth Kingdom military/ies after the war.

[@LittleMetallic]

that scene where Sokka shields Toph with his own body is so powerful and always brings a tear to my eyes and gives me goosebumps, no matter how often I rewatch the show. This show was simply incredible and an integral part of my childhood and growing up. a true masterpiece. I cannot wait for what they will do with the new thing they´re planning of adult team avatar

[@master_samwise]

That single moment is just the perfect culmination of all Sokka’s character development. Absolutely incredible.

[@mattfr0]

whens the moment i wanna rewatch it

[@LittleMetallic]

@@mattfr0 it´s in one of the last episodes, final fight against Ozai when Sokka, Toph and Suki take over the airship together

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Assuming the Netflix version lasts as long watch Toph be the one to shield Sokka.

[@millieboon]

He actually Shields her a lot such as the episode where katara is the painted lady when they are getting taken across the water the ore swings over there head and he helps toph out

[@YippingFox]

I love how you don't notice how much Sokka changes until you place the early episodes next to the latest.

[@salvadortoscano2534]

Yeah, I barely noticed it until now. I know he was an ass in the earlier episodes, but you barely notice how he changes because his dry humor changes and gets better with the rest of his character.

[@shawerful5209]

Suki kicking his ass really starts his devolepment

[@MrJakeros]

I still think one of the best lines from Sokka was: "Riiight, and this is Katara - my flying sister."

[@master_samwise]

Right up there with “my first girlfriend turned into the moon”

[@tiagodecastro2929]

​@@master_samwise That's rough, buddy

[@glitchy3963]

“This is katara, she’s got my back. I advice you not getting wet by her, the water in her pouch traps the souls of her victims”

[@Thatraiderswagkid]

What a good personality, I sure do hope a studio streaming service doesn't ruin his personality 19 years later

[@nagathash33]

well

[@smg0368]

@@nagathash33I know, I mean can you imagine if they took out all of the flaws that made up his character at the beginning that would ultimately be changed, making his development journey compelling? I mean, what writing team could possibly mess that up…right?

[@ADxtraIsHere]

yall are funny@@smg0368

[@imaginaryproductions]

I'm rewatching Avatar for the first time in years and I couldn't get over the fact that Sokka, a teenage boy, saw a fire nation navy ship approaching his home and decided that he alone would stand in the way of whatever came out. Dude was ready to fight and die for his people. Legend.

[@aris1869]

The way sokka and suki both respect toph’s strengths and account for her weaknesses from her blindness is SO BEAUTIFUL to watch. When she launches them into the airship, they both immediately go to catch her. They grab her hand when they need to run or jump somewhere. part of the reason sokka covers toph is she wouldn’t be able to dodge the flying debris. They never coddle her, but are consciously aware or her weakness and compensate for it. I love this show so much ❤

[@gzapray7203]

Toph can handle combat on her own (and certainly hates being underestimated), but she has her limits (she had her wake up call back at the library that lead to the disaster that is Appa's loss). She and her friends know that.

[@octavarium6803]

Iroh gave advice to Zuko on what to do, while he immediately recognized Sokka's leadership. Damn!

[@richardmh1987]

it takes one to know one. Iroh was by far much more experienced, but was capable to recognize Sokka as a capable leader

[@atb2674]

OG Lotus recognizes baby Lotus

[@SSJRadioBluth]

Never caught that despite all the times I've watched this show. God this show just keeps getting better every year of my life. Long live THE AVATAR!

[@Isthisjoebiden]

​@@atb2674facts on facts😂

[@GrapevineBranch]

My favorite thing about Sokka is that he demonstrates how people can still make significant contributions even if they don't have "super powers." That's missing in a lot of fantasy stories.

[@0Jenna7]

The moment where he jumps ontop of Toph to protect her, is really important. The gang often forgets that Toph can't see because she sees things they can't possible ever hope to. And therefore acts like she can see. And they take for granted that the things they see as obvious she's never experience. Time and time that's described, an example of that is when they first introduce the hawk, where Sokka writes a letter in her name to Katara. That battle demonstrates that Sokka appreciates, values Toph as a master. We see that through his trust in letting her take the lead. Later, it also demonstrate that Sokka acknowledges there are times Toph is vulnerable. Mostly because she's blind, it's her greatest strength, and greatest weakness. He folded ontop of her because he recognized that she was in the greatest danger. Unable to see the falling metal, she could have gotten seriously injured or even died. Sokka knew that could happen so he became her barrier. Even exposed to the metal pieces, he knew he would be in less danger because for one thing, he could see them falling. But also because Toph was safe. And Toph would have been able to protect him in return.

[@troybaxter]

I'd also say it shows his love for his team too. To willingly put your life on the line to ensure a friend/family member/teammate survives is the ultimate form of love and appreciation. In essence, Sokka was showing that he has done his job as a leader for the group, and that it is okay for him to be sacrificed so long as the most important members of the team (in terms of physical actions) are still alive to complete the mission.

[@0Jenna7]

@@troybaxter I completely agree.

[@leritykay8911]

And also, even if Sokka sometimes forgets about Toph's blindness, HE is usually the one to protect her. He is the one to lead her away from Aang when he goes into the Avatar state. He is the one to tell her to follow his voice in the Serpent's Pass. And you can nearly guarantee that whenever the floor shakes, Sokka is the one Toph holds onto

[@makeda6530]

I do love how much he protects her like that, such a great guy.

[@lloydlego6088]

Also he remembers when he hit her in the face with the bending tournament belt. Oh, she can not see things in the air.

[@TERRELL_GASKINS]

Aang is the main character but Sokka is the leader of team avatar

[@MrKingYuji]

Iron Man is the central character of the MCU franchise but Captain America is the leader and face of the Avengers

[@Vinicius-zu3nx]

@@MrKingYuji Oranges and apples bro

[@illuvitarv5]

That and no matter how many times he is put down, he is still looked up to by everyone as a leader.

[@xnortheast1106]

No Aang is the leader

[@2k3d]

​@xnortheast1106 sokka is clearly the leader. He's the strategist and smartest. He plans. Aang is just the most useful asset.

[@darbyanimations]

Every character in avatar had so much thought poured into them. We usually hear about Zuko's development ( and for good reason, it's incredible! ) but I love it when people focus on the other character's development!

[@uncannyvalley3190]

I'm so happy that you pointed out WHY Sokka is pretty sexist in the first few episodes. Many people have mentioned it and praised him for overcoming it, but no one else has commented on how his culture and situation practically forced that ideology on him. You could argue against me on this, but I think a lot of sexism and racism come from family and how someone was raised and sometimes even cultures can cause this.

[@master_samwise]

Our worldview is created by the world we experience. That’s important to remember. It helps us be sympathetic

[@MM-fo2hp]

yup. we have our problems in my country but we have no understanding of racism , you might not believe it but until last year i had no idea one of my friends is black. i thought he's just tanned because of his work under the sun. in iran our race and culture is so mixed that we simply don't see it. there is absolutely nothing that separates us. we have concepts like turks have white skin and southerners have darker skin but it's nottide to race , we usually just think that if we lived in the south , we would be dark skinned ourselves. we don't tie it to our ancestry. instead we have language supremacy . a lot of us tend to be so forceful when it comes to Farsi language . and we had terrible fights with our minorities over this. so yea its all tied to to our culture . Lovely review of Sokkas character. subscribed.

[@leargamma4912]

I mean.... he's right though. In our world and in a standard, no magic place like where he grew up, women were not warriors. Women could not do every little thing men could do, and had other roles that suited them better. This is Avatar. Bending is an artform that, nomatter which gender you were, was universal amongst all who had the gift. The kyoshi warriors were different, too. These differences made sokka see his place in the world and grow from it. But he was still right, mostly.

[@notlurking2128]

​@@leargamma4912way to 100% miss the point of the Kyoshi Warriors episode :/

[@notlurking2128]

Oh and ALSO Katara's season 1 arc/finale

[@blackfox4138]

This is why I always say: Aang might be the face of Team Avatar, but Sokka is the leader. While everyone else might be nature controlling super humans, Sokka’s humility as the “normal human” allows him to understand that you can’t just brute strength your way through a problem. So he knows how to creatively utilize every one else’s bending when the benders themselves would’ve simply opted to fight head on.

[@ianchorne8129]

I've found that leaders are often not the most talented people on a team, they're the one that knows how to best utilize each members' talents

[@boopdoop2251]

Sokka’s quick acceptance of the Kyoshi warriors as capable and able warriors above his league after Suki proves her prowess against him, and Suki’s reminder that she is no less female for it, is such good writing. Their mutual respect afterward makes them such a great power couple, able to fully rely on one another. That’s the kind of relationship I hope to have someday as a woman - one full of mutual trust, mutual agency, and mutual support.

[@a.w.4708]

The part about Suki still being feminine, not some Strong, So Not Having Any Girly Features warrior despising all men and definitely not wanting a romance is a breath of fresh air. There is not a problem if some female characters acts more "manly" and/or prefer to be single, but it ALL of them are like this, together with message of "this is how every girl should act to be strong and independent" is not great. I love when there is nuance in creating Woman Warrior characters.

[@billyb7852]

The thing I love about Sokka is that he stays so true to himself. He does become a badass warrior but he doesn’t lose his wackiness. This is something that the Avatar universe is generally great at. Secondly, I knew a lot of kids like Sokka growing up, even though he can be a bit annoying, ignorant and frustrating, he grows up and glows up. He shows that even people you find annoying can change and mature over time. There’s also so much accomplished by his character being a non-bender and so not having this magical ability, but still being a protector of the group.

[@michaelwells529]

Exactly, he never loses his silly side. Lets never forget his sickest burn made in the final episode, " I guess now, you're the LOSER LORD!"

[@ethanbeifong]

This kinda goes back to when Iroh was explaining the elements to Zuko. When he was talking about the waterbenders being adaptable. It really shows that Sokka really is from the Water Tribe.

[@pokhiel1449]

u know a show is a masterpiece when after more than a decade people still talking about it

[@pasmas3217]

and they spend 20 minutes analyzing the complexity of the relief character... and there are a tone of comments adding things that didnt get covered in the video...

[@pokhiel1449]

@@pasmas3217 isn't that still proving my points? if people still could adding more and more stuffs that's mean the show is beyond a masterpiece for people still could get more understanding by having different mind, knowledge, and point of view on thinking about said characters

[@pasmas3217]

@@pokhiel1449 yeah mate, I am adding to your point

[@pokhiel1449]

@@pasmas3217 oh I see... sorry for the misunderstanding

[@restreven4455]

My favourite part about watching Avatar videos is how polite everyone is. Kills me everytime

[@marekw7562]

1 minute in and I'm already with goosebumps and almost in tears. Fantasy is such powerful genre of storytelling. When done correctly it became a culture treasure

[@elduquecaradura1468]

I mean, The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy story, and it must be rightfully qualifyied to be considered as the best fictional story ever written

[@DrPrfesurPatrik]

I would also like to argue that knowing when to be funny and when to be serious are marks of a great leader. Knowing when to break the tension with a witty joke or comment helps those around him be less tense and more connected as a group. I think a good example of how important having a sense of humor shows in the scene when sokka comes back to the camp after training with Piandao and Aang says "quick say something funny" and he responds with ""Funny how?" and they all burst out in laughter showing that his humor is not only a key characteristic of Sokka but an integral part of the group.

[@michaelwells529]

"Looks like now you're, THE LOSER LORD!"

[@kyriakosgeor]

For some reason, your description of Sokka's character development reminded me a little of Armin's development in Attack on Titan, with the key difference here that Armin struggled with low self esteem and lack of confidence, while Sokka was too pridefull! Both of them are incredibly smart and creative individuals: Sokka's problem solving and Armin's strategic thinking. At the end of their respected series, they both developed to great leaders with all the traits of one. Another parallel I noticed is that both of them tried to follow the footsteps of great leaders before them: Sokka following Hakoda's footsteps and Armin Erwin's.

[@-swxtchblade-]

I am living for this comparison and now that you pointed it out the parallels are so satisfying when you stop and think about it

[@master_samwise]

I keep seeing Attack on Titan get mentioned. I’m going to start watching it soon and hopefully make videos about its characters, assuming they’re as well done as I’ve been led to believe.

[@maelenia]

​@@master_samwise You definitely should! The Attack on Titan story is amazing and the characters are even better.

[@drrobocar6459]

@@master_samwise Prepare to be more depressed than when you watch Star Wars 3.

[@kvancmertek9296]

P😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Jose04537]

I like how the plans not always work, they failed in Ba Sin Se and they failed in the fire nation invasion. It feels heart wrenching, making the final victory cathartic.

[@ne0nn3on]

Every single story relevant character in Avatar genuinely feels like a person. Except Ozai who is just the big bad, which is honestly fine since his position in the story is not supposed to be a person, but just the concept of the final challenge everyone works towards. I adore the character development, I love every single main character in the show deeply and I am so glad I got to grow up with this animation series as a child. Because as I grow older, I find even more and more appreciation of the work and most of all love that was poured into the entire show. Avatar is genuinely a perfect story with perfect character writing in my eyes.

[@michaelwells529]

The sad thing is though, there are people like Ozai. Most aren't in positions of military power like him, but are very controlling and terrifying to the people around them, like he did in the show. This show is great because it can inspire people to "defeat" the Ozai's in their life too.

[@wildfire9280]

@@michaelwells529 Ozai’s strength as a character comes not from being a person but being a placeholder of a person. Because that’s exactly what I’d reckon most who seek out such hollow existences and embody it in every fiber of their being are like. To put it in another way; he’s not an alpha chad sigma male worshipped in glorified slideshows. He’s as disposable and ignorable as Zhao is.

[@makeda6530]

I always loved Sokka's care for Toph, she was an unstoppable force but he's often the one to grab onto or shield her in dangerous situations. And she often holds him as well. He was a great big brother not just to Katara but to the whole of team avatar. I just love those kids. You highlighted everything that makes Sokka such a great character. Gosh, Avatar rocks.

[@seriomarkj]

Sokka holding toph off the airship is such a layered moment...brings me to tears each time

[@jaybird7369]

I especially like that when they're all on a fire nation ship Katara continuously defers to Sokka. It's also because she's angry at her dad and upset because of what happened to Aang but she is constantly reminding Hakoda that Sokka is a capable, gifted, and trusted leader. It's such a beautiful payoff when Hakoda affirms this and defers to Sokka as well.

[@Andyisgodcky]

What I found impressive was how Avatar kept Sokka relevant through the whole show despite him not having bending. Too many shows have characters that are outpaced by the 'main cast' and then become irrelevant, or suddenly they can compete with main cast with some 'training' (Dragonball Z/Super, looking at you here) as the explanation. Despite Katara progressively getting more powerful and Aang getting more and more tools through mastering the other bending types, Sokka was ALWAYS important.

[@spiker.ortmann]

That's because he always had something the rest lacked and was getting better at it just like them with their powers. Sokka isn't just "the weak one" but "the clever one" instead. As the rest of the team gain more power and abilities he is sharpening his mind, leadership and fighting abilities too. His "mind bending" or "group dynamics bending" if you want to give it a "bending world name"... 😉

[@hilotakenaka]

You know, it’s weird to say this, but the Netflix ATLA writers saying they’re removing Sokka’s sexism raised some red flags because it took away aspects of his potential character growth Shows shouldn’t be afraid to depict vices in good characters, especially when the point is for them to grow out of those traits and grow as a person as a result

[@fluppet2350]

You saw the potential Sokka had when he stood facing a fire nation warship alone.

[@seansullivan6176]

The point about good leader looking to serve as opposed to being served is so true.I have had good/bad bosses that have displayed this.

[@jambott5520]

Sokka was always a leader, or he always tried to be. His development was to become better at it.

[@master_samwise]

Exactly!

[@erikflores531]

Im not gonna lie you got my like when you said "Zuko....and his honor" lol

[@master_samwise]

I’m ridiculously proud of that joke.

[@infinitepossibilities2862]

@@master_samwise It's a good one though lol

[@Anya-B.]

​​@@master_samwise Yes yes, your video is amazing, bla Bla bla. But dang you don't get enough credit for this joke. The timing, the tone, the clips, everything aligned for this incredible joke that impacted me like a joke rarely does ... You should be proud. You do deserve it.

[@gzapray7203]

Most consistent Zuko-related ship ever.

[@Diet_Mini]

The issue with the Netflix remake is they treat flaws as if flaws define a person for the rest of their lives, that having a character learn from their mistakes is too 'problematic'. No one is allowed to grow, no one is allowed to learn, and it's a reflection of our society right now where one wrong move or one negative opinion can sink your reputation or career.

[@guardiegirl5365]

Something I love about "Sokka's Master" is how the conflict of the episode (Sokka's self doubt) starts, and how brilliantly it ties in to his entire character arc. Throughout the entire series, Sokka has been the innovator, the idea guy, the one who comes up with the plan to save the day. And he knows that, and acknowledges it as his biggest strength. However, when the meteorite strikes, he's not the one to come up with the plan. All of the other members know their own strengths, how to apply them, and go about immediately putting them into effect without Sokka telling them what exactly to do. Sokka, on the other hand, can't contribute to the plan because it was already made with the other members' strengths in mind, and can't contribute as easily to the implementation of the plan because he can't bend. Even putting out the small fires comes more easily to Momo. Sokka is immediately able to acknowledge that the other members of the team have undergone their own growth, both in bending and in planning, and are able to move without him giving them guidance. This is what sends him down the path of self doubt, as he believes that he hasn't grown as a warrior at all. This is understandable, especially considering his upbringing and the pedestal he puts his father on. It takes the affirmation of both the other members and Piandao to help him re-recognize his own strengths. Even after being trained in swordsmanship, it's his innovation that gives him an edge in battle, his ability to think and use his surroundings to put Piandao in a more vulnerable fighting position. His innovation has always been his biggest strength; he just needed a master to both affirm it and give him the tools and knowledge to guide that innovation in a new direction. Knowing your own strengths and the strengths of the people around you are key traits in being a leader, and Sokka's rekindled confidence in himself and his faith in the troops are what allow him to step up as a leader in Black Sun.

[@alvarcej3]

I found this video after seeing that the live action is going to eliminate quite a lot of important things, like Sokka's initial sexism or Aang's initial avoidance of his responsabilities. What this video gets, and apparently profesional writers dont, is that flaws are needed for a character because they allow for growth. And even when learning a lesson, a character can get another flaw that needs to overcome (for example, sokka's need to protect suki after yue's tranformation). Modern writers need to let go of the idea that flaws = bad characters, because noone is perfect, not even in fiction

[@hique.]

Lol. Me too, I saw the asmongold's video 2mins ago

[@spiker.ortmann]

If anything, flaws is the base of a GOOD character. Flaws make the character relatable and the path to overcome those flaws make them an inspiration and a model. Writers tend to forget that perfection can't be improved but something or someone flawed can not only improve but cause improvement around as well ar the same time.

[@jel011]

Credit to Overanalyzing Avatar for pointing out that by the show's finale Sokka's A-Team of warriors he leads to go take out the airships are two women. Compare that to his attitude on Kyoshi Island.

[@makeda6530]

Yes, his kill squad was his second little sister and his girlfriend, we love growth~.

[@mediconmeth1186]

I’m just now realizing how truly perfect they made this show. Like the personality’s to the character development and more couldn’t and never will be bested by another movie or show

[@gavinvick3592]

Honestly, my favorite part in the whole show is when Zuko stands up to his father during the invasion, and told him his struggles made him stronger. It was just the culmination of everything he had been through and stood up to the person he feared the most, such a great moment

[@Joel--yr6me]

Yes I loved that part! I was really proud of him, because it took years for him to realize what his father did was abuse, and he acted like it was his fault. "I lost my honor, I have to restore my honor, etc." He finally realized and stood up to his abuser, telling him that what he did was cruel and wrong, and it was so cool to see

[@kcarter0265]

Sokka was my first fictional crush as a young girl. My first thought, was oh he sounds just like the boys around me when it comes to girls, but he still made me laugh. Then he grew so much as a person and I also learned to understand his motivations. It made me see boys differently and not just as obstacles or dumb lol, but as people too. He was funny, brave, loyal, smart and a warrior. Still my favorite character. And I can add that the man I married is so much like him it makes me laugh to think about. 12 year old me would be so happy to know we found our own version of Sokka.

[@troybaxter]

Sokka is legitimately my favorite character in the entire show. He shows so much growth and sets a great example of what it means to be a man and a leader. It is such a shame that we don't see characters like Sokka in modern TV/movies anymore. So many directors and producers want to make a character like Sokka be a joke and a horrible person that cannot grow, instead of a relatable person that can mature and refine into something better. For instance, in modern shows you would see outrage and defensiveness from characters and writers for a character doing what Sokka did to Suki in the 2nd Book. They would say Sokka is nothing but an irredeemable misogynist for wanting to be overprotective of Suki instead of acknowledging the RIGHTFULLY placed guilt Sokka has. Yes, Sokka couldn't do anything to protect his mother or Yue as fate was inevitable for them to be taken away, but Sokka, like most men, feels like he could have done more to uphold his promise. That is not something toxic that should be bashed by society. That is just taking the extreme end of caring and loving another person (love and care is a virtue, but too much is a vice). Instead of belittling someone for having such thoughts, a show/writer needs to understand how it can redirect those thoughts into character growth and trust. Loving and caring for someone, especially as a man, isn't a bad thing, nor should it be treated as such like it is by current media. All in all, we need people and writers to look at a character like Sokka, and use him as inspiration for their work.

[@Eilonwy95]

Spot on!

[@wildfire9280]

Right, as much as I sometimes really enjoy paragons of virtue (at least those implied to have had past development), seeing the vast room for a character to grow is a much more enticing opportunity that isn’t taken as much as I’d like it to be.

[@silviobastos3514]

The perfect Sokka's Tribute.

[@PuppyLoverSilver]

You need more subscribers, man. That was a perfect tribute to Sokka's character.

[@christopherrodriguez3646]

What a timely KZbin recommendation, coming right after the sokka Netflix actor stating they cut back on his sexism because it wouldn’t sit right with

[@gungfry7728]

Yeah, I guess we’ll just get a watered down version of him that’ll get no respect from his group at the end of the series.

[@bunnyfist4697]

The netflix team should watch this ^^'

[@saketbakshi4235]

blame modern audiences, who do not recognize the character arc in place. blame twitter, braindead yet somehow relevant to popularity.

[@flamebreaker7318]

​@saketbakshi4235 this ain't teitter dog literally no one zero zilch nada nobody wanted that to happen

[@wallywallace2184]

I really like the parallel between aang and sokka- the avatar who is supposed to lead the world in peace and the southern water tribe eldest son who puts himself in a leadership position as the only boy in the village that's over the age of 15 and later the oldest in team avatar. Sokka grows to become a competent leader to the avatar and his team, as well as becoming a leader /alongside/ the avatar. As aang learns the four elements, he's learning non-bending fighting styles from the four nations. They both grow into their roles, learn from the other nations and restore hope and balance peace to the world together. Sokka grew up too fast, aang resisted growing up too fast, both are just children ending a war with people they love for people they love.

[@acciosharpie4441]

i know i’m just being a huge crybaby but i really didn’t expect that this video to make me wanna cry😭

[@sofiastarloveuwu4161]

I don’t know why I’m crying, I’m so proud of this little water boy

[@lukeblake91]

One of the best shows of Sokkas leadership to me is the episode with sailing the gauntlet, where he uses all of his crews abilities, alongside his own leadership, to safely navigate

[@jarusrathore]

I see ATLA and MasterSamwise together, I CLICK.

[@artofhannahyoung]

Your analysis of the sokka/toph scene in the finale is so spot on I literally gasped. “Aye aye captain” 😭

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

Albert Kim and his team for the live action: Let's just take everything that made Sokka compelling and just take that away.

[@MM-dw5ir]

Suki and Sokka is literally my favorite couple in the entire Avatar franchise

[@master_samwise]

Zuko and His Honor would like a word with you.

[@icecreamorc]

Sokka was the heart of the show, the man was the voice of objection, the idea guy, the person to often bring the focus back to the task at hand, the comic relief, the relatable every man. They did him so dirty by giving him only a single flash back cameo in Korra.

[@JadenYAkt]

Ive always loved that Sokka is the leader of team avatar when aang is the main character Heck he even came up with the iconic name to be remembered over a decade later

[@djmicth4150]

the jet episode is also a great episode in Sokkas arc serves as development for the entire team in trusting Sokka as a leader doesn’t matter how good of a leader you are if no one will follow you. and jet is a perfect foil to sokka he’s a better fighter a better leader he’s just as creative but he’s immoral he really shows how sokka could end up with out the team to ground him

[@drwales]

I cried watching this. I couldn't handle all the emotions. This is a PERFECT, well written masterpiece on Sokka's Character. He indeed was among my top favorite characters in the show. It's over 15 years I watched this series, and I keep learning daily life lessons from the show. This show in itself is a beautiful masterpiece on storytelling. My daughter must watch it once she's of age.

[@danielemmanuel7829]

Zuko and his Honor are 2nd best couple to Katara and her necklace… but seriously what a great video. Love your content

[@Chillandlaugh]

Despite him being a non-bender, he came in clutch every time~ and he really was the sticky glue that really did keep everyone together~

[@1OnlyOneOnlyOne1]

I shed tears when the love of his life sacrifices herself and becomes the moon. He often remembers her and its heart-breaking to see Sokka so sad.

[@TheGlowingManYT]

You know you’ve written a good video essay when you’re viewer gets emotional towards the end, great job

[@s3la_d]

The biggest lesson I've learned is that confidence in a way is humility, real confidence is not acting as if you were great, and putting yourself on a pedestal, real confidence is knowing where you are and accepting that, whether you are great or whether you aren't

[@nathanbrumfield5027]

I will forever remember sokka as the guy who drank cactus juice and got drunk/ high or whatever you wanna call

[@nathanbrumfield5027]

It

[@lokai765]

you sir are extremely cultured, i think this is the only place i have seen lord of the rings, star wars, band of brothers and Avatar all talked about in a single video. Props to you

[@CountryChic355]

They need to have this in a " Leadership Development" program. It was excellent.

[@peppersonironi7366]

I absolutely adore your analysis! And beyond that, your voicing and editing and overall vibe are fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed this (just like all your videos!)

[@master_samwise]

Ah, you’re too kind!

[@LuisssLopezzz22]

As one of my favourite psychologists once said: "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change it"

[@Cecilia_Clementina_]

in the beginning of the show: sokka, run! im the end of the show: its sokka, run!

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

Thanks for the vid. Continue spitting facts on wisdom and leadership. I love when characters are kept flawed even after their big change. It is realistic and it shows that growth is continual. Sokka is still a teenager and he has a lot of room for growth. I related to him a lot as the idea person yet someone who was so sheltered earlier in life and had great expectations placed upon them. He made me cry in the finale episodes because I was so proud of my boy.

[@benhuckaby]

16:18 Something I remember hearing from someone a while ago was in this scene (and often when the Gaang are on Appa) because of Toph's blindness, the only thing she can see/feel is Sokka, in so many moments when she can't see, Sokka was always there without hesitation to be Toph's eyes and her grounding person. It's just a cute touch they added in the show.

[@JoseFerreira-de7oe]

Literally speechless from how you touched every point perfectly. Keep up the fantastic work. Just earned yourself a sub

[@freeranger00]

Great video! Sokka is one of my very favorite characters in any media. He grows and changes in a tangible way, while showing the value of the everyman in a world of superheroes. Team Avatar probably wouldn't have ever made it to Ba Sing Se without him.

[@uche_the_author]

I love how he was the leader and not Aang. It made them both more interesting and relatable characters unlike in most films nowadays where the protagonist is the leader.

[@troybaxter]

It's that Leader-Servant/Servant-Leader dichotomy. When it is the protagonist being the leader, more times than not it is truly a system of everyone just serving the leader.

[@wildfire9280]

@@troybaxter …Unless it’s Azula.

[@Clancy_or_Oscar]

Sokka was also the one with the best humor in the show. dont forget that

[@JMS_Hunter]

in the middle of everything crazy happening inside and around the blimps I never noticed the real depth of Toph saying aye aye captain to Sokka.

[@kaylahadjiandreou9980]

Cracked up at the part about Sokka and Suki being the second best couple...after Zuko and Honor!!! Another fantastic video! I loooove your definition on humility and also how true leaders are not bosses--they're servants. Also loving the part about Sokka feeling the need to protect Suki because of the losses he's suffered in the past. So well articulated and made me think how important it is to protect and care for people without diminishing their own strength. Thank you Master Samwise for another great analysis of a beautiful show!🎉🎉

[@master_samwise]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@colinjones8265]

This show is so good that you can really analyze and appreciate this work of art. Full of great memories

[@bottombarrelbudgetfilms1854]

I'm really glad that as time goes on more and more fans are realizing that sokka was a very mature character who just happened to have immature coping mechanisms sometimes, especially early on.

[@jacobjorgensen729]

I love how Iroh’s voice permeates the show. Like he told the shopkeeper, “though it is always best to believe in oneself, help from another person can be a great gift” (I don’t think that’s exact, but anyway, that’s exactly what Aang does for Sokka at the day of black sun.

[@Descalibrado_]

''Second best couple of the show...'' (mmh its the best one for me i wonder which..) '' except for ZUKO AND HIS HONOR'' HAHAHAH nice one

[@DanteYewToob]

A big part of Sokkas growth is that he goes from what he thinks a man should act like, to a real man who proves his strength through respect, humility and kindness instead of all of the more toxic traits he thought men should possess. He starts out sexist, not because he has anything against women, but because that’s how he thinks men should talk, and that men should protect women… etc. He thinks a man should attack first and ask questions later, and he thinks that being a man means fighting and being strong. But over the series he learns how wrong he was and becomes a young man that his father, sister and friends can be proud of. He starts treating women as equals in strength and taking them seriously as threats and potential partners, he starts to understand that it’s okay to be afraid or run away if it means survival and he learns to find his own way of being strong and helping others. But the best part is how he subtly passes some of his lessons on to the others, everyone matures along with him. Seeing him sacrifice his only chance to see his father, or putting his own pride aside for the mission were big moments that had ripple effects on the rest of the gaang. Sokka is the best… right behind Toph and Zuko of course… haha

[@GothicLightingQueen]

There are 2 scenes that are similar in what happens but very different emotionally. When Sokka pushes suki to save her from the falling rocks, and Sokka shielding toph from falling debrie. Even if he do the same thing, protectin someone from harm. In the first one, as was commented in the video, he is overprotective, he acts like a immature and clingy boyfriend. And the reaction from Suki "I can take care of myself" and him ignoring Toph and obsessing if Suki is hurt shows this. But when protecting Toph, He does a selfless action because as a leader, he is ready to sacrifice himself for the good of his team members. Not because he is worried that something will happen to her without him. Yes he cares about Suki and he cares about toph, but from his emotions point of view, saving Suki was more about his own feelings about her then about helping her.

[@makeda6530]

Then right after Suki saved Toph from the water because he was focused on the wrong thing, even if he meant well.

[@robynsteele1862]

Man this got me all emotional, Sokka was always my favorite. His growth was one of the best.

[@MisoSanSoup]

Sokka always wanted to be a strong leader like his dad and by the end of the show, he is.

[@DavidThorMoses]

I also love how Sokka is simultaneously an idiot and a genius. I feel like I can relate to that.

[@pomegranate3601]

absolutely loved that video. Sokka is my favorite character of the show, and you perfectly explained why:) i hope to see more avatar videos on your channel!

[@master_samwise]

You most certainly will!

[@old_timey_prospector]

Sokka is the very first person we see raise a weapon in defiance to the Fire Nation. And the very first person we see land a blow. I love the foreshadowing.

[@Solifeaul]

Fairly certain that if Sokka awakened to bending, of any element, he would have been able to solo the fire nation. Our man's adaptability cannot be overstated

[@dovahking1154]

so a leader needs: Creativity, humility, perseverance, adaptability and compassion.

[@gmat4380]

Awesome video. That moment where Sokka covers Toph is truly a precious moment of the show.

[@Eric-ui7lu]

This is such good writing that I actually cried watching the video

[@etienne8110]

And to top it all, Sokka is also one of the few important characters in ATLA who has no bending. He has no superpower to rely on, just his wits, courage and training. On the same page I find Mai and Ty lee very interesting female characters. Both have no bending, both overcomes this through training to be proficient in combat and both are strong yet feminine characters.