I was not expecting this... *AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER* (S3 - pt. 1)

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

Click here: helixsleep.com/nataliegold for up to $200 off your Helix Sleep mattress plus two free pillows! Free shipping within the US! My mattress feels like a legit CLOUD!

[@deathking1019]

Really hope you give Korra a chance it’s pretty great

[@djlow9915]

Koda always looks so cosy 🤗

[@alexandrupatrascu2374]

Go next with the legend of korra is the continues of avatar

[@monsoon02]

wow this was posted a lot faster than I thought it would have been

[@bshaw8175]

Okay Nat there is something really funny about Piandoas comment about sokka being the most worthy person he has ever trained. IN THE COMICS WE FIND OUT HE TRAINED ZUKO!!!! Also the footloose episode aang was wearing a belt as a head band thats how they got the head band so quickly, and every single time you see aangs foot or back in this season HE has his scare they are incredibly good at stuff like that.

[@truegreen7]

I WAS NOT expecting THIS so quickly. My day is made.

[@JanFWeh]

Yeah, really looking forward to her Avatar episodes

[@shoppincarties]

didnt expect to see you here Ron, lol, love your content btw

[@brandonhamrac]

Same, I clicked immediately for fear that she uploaded it by mistake 😂

[@Degenerick]

yeh we speeding thru it on patreon,

[@semperpieeatordie6990]

Same!!!

[@Spongebrain97]

Zuko finding out he's a descendant of Roku is probably one of the best twists in fiction. For his whole life Zuko was told only to focus on being the perfect prince of the Fire Nation but is cast out because of his compassion for others which he got from his mom. Then finding out he is also beholdent to the legacy of the previous Avatar through his mom is mind blowing and poetic

[@comicalwizard664]

pls don’t dislike me i’m pretty drunk and the last thing i want is to feel like an asshole who’s hating for no reason, i’m very sorry for this comment to this community, hating what’s happened is a paradox, i just hope that y’all understand how it feels this being spoiled and projecting ur self hatred, love the nat gold community

[@bradfordraines6295]

@@comicalwizard664 what happened

[@asherc2809]

@@comicalwizard664 what lol

[@wardulenaers]

I mean it is a big twist but I wouldn't say the biggest twist is fiction. There are some story's with very big and mind-blowing plot twists.

[@JeromeProductions]

@@comicalwizard664 what even..

[@barenkd316]

A very cool bit of angle control happens in the scenes where Zuko visits Iroh. When they close up to Zuko, it looks like he is the one behind bars. Iroh is simply shown in space. Zuko is lost, trapped, unsure of anything. Even though he's physically free, he is most definitely stuck. It's a great metaphor using framing.

[@hermz8616]

Also the way they shift the camera when he is told about sozin, it shows the burn and when he is told about roku, it shifts to hide the burn and show his normal face

[@barenkd316]

@@hermz8616 this is why ATLA is my favorite show of all time! GREAT catch

[@MrMetallix]

@@barenkd316 they actually talk about this in one of the directors commentaries I believe

[@windriver2363]

The shot in question: i.imgur.com/Nj7QPiX.png

[@barenkd316]

@@MrMetallix that's something worth looking into. Thanks

[@enrath4078]

Zuko screaming about how angry he is with himself is one of the most cathartic moments in storytelling I've ever seen.

[@biglc034]

Agreed! Similarly the "My face" line in the crystal catacombs, both the “Instead of lightning, it keeps exploding in my face, like everything always does” and "Strike me! YOU'VE NEVER HELD BACK BEFORE!" in bitter work, and his confrontation of Ozai and reconciliation with Iroh make me tear up every time. Dante Basco is amazing.

[@joshholland8564]

@@biglc034 do you think when he exploded when trying to lightning bend he was combustion bending in a way

[@JesseShadows37]

“Do you really think friendships can last more than one life time?” That ALWAYS gets me in the feels

[@Qwackin604]

Nice to see you again twinkletoes

[@cjjackson2423]

She has to watch lok for it to pay off 😅😫

[@wtimmins]

@@cjjackson2423 Jesus, dude. Shh.

[@cjjackson2423]

@@wtimmins She's fiiine Maan that could literally mean ANYTHING and it's so far In there she wouldn't expect.

[@cjjackson2423]

@@wtimmins and why you only shh me did you not read the comment before mines wtf 😭😭😭

[@prashantsarkar821]

The way they frame the shot so it looks like Zuko is behind the bars and not Iroh is just so brilliant.

[@DamienZshadow]

Especially as the shot pans to the left and you see his scarred half when Iroh says "...your father's side" and then you see his unscarred half when Iroh says "but on your mother's side..."

[@joerowell1284]

A Chanel called overanalyzing avar did a awesome video on this , and his explanation is that the shots are framed as showing iroh in the light and free from the prison but zuko transitioning from being caged to being able to break out

[@goldenxninjaxchick]

@@DamienZshadow Omg all these years and I never noticed the symbolism there. This show is incredible.

[@nomorepartiezz]

Its so sad that this show is relatively short but I really respect that they had a story in mind and were able to fit so much character development into those three seasons

[@zu1211]

No I actually think that it’s a good thing the show isn’t overstaying it’s welcome it doesn’t feel stretched but a spin-off show would be cool

[@ArlanKels]

It was around for exactly how long it needed to be. One of the best things about the writing for this is that the writers knew not to overextend for the sake of more episodes.

[@NoHandlzz]

@@zu1211 it does have a spin off

[@Animated_wonder]

@@zu1211 the Legend of Korra ? 😂

[@jimhsfbay]

I really want a June spin-off. Such a cool character!

[@psypsy751]

The "headband" was actually a waistband that is part of the uniform. You can see they all had it, it's just Aang who used it to cover up his arrow.

[@taylorstratford9717]

And turned the band upside down, so the triangle matches his arrow pointing downward

[@johnmichaelchance1151]

The Beach is one of my favorite episodes. I’ve seen people react to it and say, “Wow these kids don’t know how to express themselves in a healthy way.” They don’t know how because they’re child soldiers. Every other teenager at the beach is having fun and the group can’t relate to them because they were forced to grow up fast.

[@RoccoRyg]

Yeah, it was a great episode. it's nice to see the "bad guys" when they're not doing anything villainous, just chilling.

[@pee-buddy]

Except Ty Lee. She was doing just fine.

[@neesonnaidoo4745]

Man when Aang says he needs to regain his honour while we see half his face...then it fades to Zuko's scarred side of his face. What a transition to show parallels. You were 100% right, Aang and Zuko really were the perfect protagonist and antagonist for each other

[@hopejustesen3283]

Perfect foils :)

[@corynydam2361]

One thing I’ve noticed about the fight scenes in this series is how well they convey a sense of balance. You always know who’s stance is strong, who is about to fall, and you can practically feel the panic and struggles of characters trying to keep/regain their footing. It is, I think, a large part of why the action is so good.

[@jimhsfbay]

I’ve read other comments from people who study martial arts and they love the combat in this show. Each tribe has its own form & style. This show is so good about the authenticity and the details.

[@ejz93]

​@@jimhsfbay Yes, also Master Piandao is inspired by Sifu Kisu who is the consultant of martial arts in the show.

[@generaldreagonlps6889]

Well, this show is essentially a martial arts action series so it makes sense.

[@FireFog44]

This is one of the reasons I was so disappointed in Legend of Korra. All the martial arts gets replaced by generic punches and kicks.

[@corynydam2361]

@@FireFog44 To me, that served the story. In LoK, the nations are closer than ever, and so many of their unique cultures are blending into a new whole, especially in Republic city. The styles may have been more uniform, but the quality of the action itself was, in my opinion, usually high. It just wasn’t supported by the same level of story and character development as ATLA. Good choreography doesn’t mean much if we aren’t invested in the people fighting.

[@tehdipstick]

I always felt like Natalie's original take on Sozin was correct, that he started out with good intentions, wanting to share the wealth and prosperity of the Fire Nation with the rest of the world, but when he started meeting opposition from the other nations, as well as Roku, he let his pride get the better of him, growing bitter and hateful, then hungry for more and more power. A perfect example of the road to Hell being paved with good intentions.

[@biglc034]

Also absolute power corrupting.

[@qersy127]

Historically speaking, even through the carnage of imperialism, it always ends up that the post-imperialist countries advance the most quickly not only in technology but also ethics. One could argue that imperialism was a necessary evil. A lot of the countries who weren't as aggressive historically but remain intact, ironically don't have the collective guilt to advance as fast in modern ethics, and we live in a world now where the countries that weren't at one point great empires are now largely behind in the human rights movement.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

@@qersy127 no, imperialism was absolutely not a "necessary evil" what are you talking about man just think about what you're saying for more than a few minutes, my god. Literally nothing that came after imperialism could ever justify the rivers of blood and unimaginable suffering of billions it caused and still causes to this day

[@qersy127]

@@Dell-ol6hb You clearly thought a lot about this subject. So please share to us all the many amazing countries that aren't post-imperialist. Oh right there is none because countries don't exist without some expansionist warring for control over territory. I hope you actually research what pre imperialist living was like, because you will have to go back to before primates existed. Imperialism is nessecary, because nature heavily favors it. Groups of people who don't care about consolidating resources for their offspring's society are the people who's genes dissipate from the running because resources aren't infinite. For imperialism not to ever be necessary the laws of nature would have to be flipped and humans wouldn't exist.

[@MalachiCo0]

Never adopt a "the ends justify the means" mindset

[@driezzy]

The voice acting is great. The moment in episode 1 with Katara and her father. Such good acting, and great scene.

[@AbrielMcPierce]

I was surprised to find out that mark hamill voices the firelord!

[@BigThiccEnergyy]

@@AbrielMcPierce He's a great a voice actor and in case you don't know he voiced the Joker in the Batman animated show and video games

[@Jomanji1]

It took me so long to figure out ron perlman was in this and Robert Patrick aka Mr t1000! So good

[@44r0n-9]

Funny you say that, because they switched the german voice actress and this scene in particular is when you really notice that the new one isn't very good lol

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

agreed! 😭

[@corneliahanimann2173]

"do you really think friendships can last more than one lifetime?" what an interesting question, Toph!

[@okyeawtf]

"Good to see you again, Twinkletoes."

[@matthewkreps3352]

The Kyoshi Novels tell us Earthbenders can learn a technique that slows the aging of the body, possibly even reversing it. Kyoshi used this technique to live over 200 years! If there is a (human) character from this series that lives to see Korra and Genji, its Bumi and/or Toph.

[@windwalker5765]

@@okyeawtf 😭

[@Matyek]

Foreshadow report! ;)

[@Diana-zl3ue]

@@okyeawtf SHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@BigDog-kp2mj]

40:20 Toph: Do you really think friendships can last more than one lifetime Aang: I don’t see why not Gets me everytime💜

[@RoomShambles23]

Especially since she ends up helping Korra

[@waidi3242]

Yeah it is true since in Legend of Korra they reunite 😭😭

[@kellenzaw5385]

"welcome back twinkle toes" made me sob exactly cuz of that line ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

[@DovahkiinMaster172]

It’s sad as hell because when Sozin sees the volcano erupt, his first instinct is “I need to go help my friend” It’s not until he gets to that one moment where Roku is on the ground that suddenly his dream of conquest crosses over into reality and he jumps at the opportunity even though it means sacrificing his friend.

[@webvader3006]

8:25 Katara also has never had time to process the death of her mother fully. She had to immediately take over whatever role her mother had in the tribe. And her dad left so soon after the loss of their mother. Katara has also had to be the emotional support for everyone else in the group, and so she’s hardly ever had a chance to let her emotions out.

[@naruto68744]

Don't forget at the same time, although it is never actually specifically stated that I can remember, Sokka was left as the sole adult male of the tribe in charge of the tribe's defense. Katara had other women around who understood and could help her, Sokka had to try to figure it all out on his own, while also trying to train a bunch of 8-year-olds to be men as well. Katara was given a difficult task under her circumstances, but Sokka had an impossible one and only Katara complained from episode 1, saying how she did all the work around camp. A lie, while Sokka was out "playing soldier." Honestly, Katara had a bit of an ego as well.

[@Talisguy]

@@naruto68744 It's implied that the Fire Nation hadn't been back since their mother died, so Sokka had never actually had to do anything to protect their village before Zuko showed up. I'm not saying that he wasn't given a huge load of responsibility before he was ready - he absolutely was, and the fact that Hakoda left his eleven year old son in charge instead of one of the fully grown women who were also left behind tells us everything we need to know about how Sokka developed his early sexist attitudes - but Katara was probably right about doing more actual work around camp than him. And, historically, women's labour has tended to be devalued compared to men's in a lot of cultures, so Katara saying that she's done more for the tribe than him - regardless of whether it's actually true or not - isn't egotism. She's saying that he doesn't understand or appreciate the work she has to do for him because of how their society is set up, and at least at the beginning of the show, he absolutely doesn't. ...Though it does also show a lack of consideration on her part for how stressful it has to be the village's only line of defence at fifteen. I'm not here to tell you Katara is flawless. She can be exceptionally petty and vindictive. Just saying that I don't think "I do all the work while you play soldier" is a lie.

[@j.43]

@Laney how?, All she did was say her mom died a few times and it has never been for her own benefit but to connect with others, that isn't her letting her emotions out.

[@j.43]

@@naruto68744 what is this?, Sokka had never had to do anything before aang's arrival, she was right, he was just playing soldier with the kids of the tribe, you seriously can't be comparing that to her issues as someone who actually had to suffer the effects of her mother's abscence and actually take up responsibilities. Also saying she's lying about doing work around camp like as if you were there when it's literally a way of telling the viewers what she did tf.

[@naruto68744]

@@j.43 I am not saying that Sokka was a good soldier, I am saying that he was trying to actually train the kids into being soldiers, not as a game, but because the fire nation could still attack them for any reason. I am not saying that she didn't do work around camp. I am saying that she didn't do *all* the work around camp. A keyword in a sentence can make a statement either be true or a lie. This also ignores the fact that they were going on a fishing trip that Sokka had planned to try to get food. Katara was far from being the only woman in the village at the beginning of Avatar the Last Airbender, but Sokka was definitely the closest thing to a man that was in the village, and he had to be ready, his entire tribe was counting on him.

[@lyxla2579]

The "headband" Aang has is actually a sash the other kids wear around their waist throughout the episode. That's why all the other kids suddenly have one.

[@ssshddddd]

I love how the beach episode reminds us that despite her military accomplishments and evil nature, Azula is just a 14 yo - who doesn't know how to be a 14 yo. She doesn't know how to play chill and enjoy a silly volleyball game, she can't just have fun at a party, she doesn't know to interact with other teenagers... her character is amazingly written and complex

[@psypsy751]

People forget she's Zuko's YOUNGER sister. They really wrote her to have a lasting impression from the very beginning.

[@Aggelostououranou]

Eaxctly. The beach episode is one of my absolute favorites in the show. They aren't an "evil friend group" as Natalie said. They are damaged, confused teenagers with trauma. Notice with Azula though in the end that she doesn't even recognize that she has any problems at all compared to the others who poured their hearts out sharing their past. She doesn't know she's fucked up, for the most part she believes she's perfectly fine just the way she is. The others are at least self aware and recognize where their issues stem from. That is also the first step towards healing and overcoming trauma, flaws, insecurities or whatever else may be holding you back. Azula however is the real most tragic character in this show and most people do not even realize this, at least not in the first viewing of the show because it is so nuanced and subtly presented in the story which is honestly partly what makes it so powerful and genius too. Azula had no one, she had been manipulated by her abusive,psychopathic father her whole life, she was never loved by anyone and she never knew anything else so she is under the impression there is nothing wrong with her even though she can't socialize, she cannot flirt, she cannot relax, she cannot have fun, she cannot drop her guard down and finally she cannot open up, she is not capable of feeling empathy, compassion, love or affection. Those feelings are completely foreign to her. She is the result of growing up under the constant influence of a manipulative, abusive parent. Zuko on the other hand had Iroh to guide him and help him. Ozai banishing him was the best thing he could do for him and SPOILER ALERT, he even says this to his father's face when they confront each other on the day of the eclipse. People don't realize Azula is a victim just as much as Zuko if not a bigger one and her character is a real tragedy of this show. Zuko was able to redeem himself and overcome his circumstances. Azula couldn't, not beacause she was "evil" but because she was all alone. I've said this for years and will never stop. Avatar is a true masterpiece in storytelling and character writing. It cannot be truly appreciated in a single viewing. It's much deeper and a lot more nuanced than people think.

[@charliefarmer4365]

@@Aggelostououranou nice analysis, but I wouldn’t say she’s ‘incapable’ of feeling emotions like empathy and love.

[@rendomstranger8698]

@@charliefarmer4365 I'm gonna have to disagree with you there. During the entire show, we do not see her showing empathy or unconditional love a single time. Even in the book 4 comics we do not see any indication of that. While Azula is clearly capable of feeling desperation, regret and loneliness, it seems that she truly cannot feel empathy or love. Or if she does, she is straight up incapable of expressing it.

[@joshholland8564]

@@rendomstranger8698 really she told Zuko to be careful with visiting iroh so on some level she does care about her brother just in her own messed up way kinda

[@yiledute]

"You really think friendships can last more than one life time?" This still gets me. I want her to react to Korra just so you can watch this part.

[@mangerinegirl]

I really really hope she does react to Korra when this is done!

[@RyanBennis]

8:18 I love this detail. We go from a relationship with a father who had to make the hardest choice in his life to protect his family and leave them behind to a father that made the choice to scar and banish his child and uses an abusive relationship with his children.

[@justincain2702]

I always consider the beginning of this season to be weaker than the rest, but i forget just how many great moments are in it. - ripped iroh - firelord face reveal - the hints at the white lotus - Sparky sparky boom man introduction etc

[@taylorstratford9717]

"There. I got a pretty good look at ya."

[@misteruncanny]

-"Good and Evil have always been at war inside of you"

[@cybertronguy98]

the thing i love the most about the opening episode of this season, surprisingly, isnt how Aang and Zuko are reflecting each other regarding their honor. it's actually how they mirror the relationships between Zuko and Ozai, and Katara and Hakoda. With Zuko, any love he gets from Ozai is completely conditional, for all intents and purposes, Zuko is just another pawn on the board for Ozai. compare that with Hakoda, it's night and day. here you have a father with the emotional intelligence to know his daughter is hurting, knows there's nothing he can say to fix it, but is there for her and opens up about how hard it was for him to be away from his kids, even though he needed to be. God i love this show. also, to be fair, Aang did end up on the same island that Roku's temple was on, so it was an easy guess of where he'd be.

[@creatingpulsars9979]

It took me a couple times watching it to notice the comparison being made with Zuko/Ozai and Katara/Hokoda. It was beautifully done. Showing two absent fathers, one for love, the other barely even pretending to.

[@billytessio6326]

Not only that, but Hakoda and Katara are embracing on the deck of a fire nation ship outside on a dark, cold, stormy night, while in the fire nation throne room where it is incredibly warm, Ozai won't even so much as touch Zuko.

[@nerdking1019]

Also Aang fails and Katara. His love interest is there at his side the entire time. Vs Zuko who literally gets with Mai after he achieves his goal

[@NessOnett8]

The Beach is one of the most underrated episodes of this show. Even if nothing "happens" plotwise, it does so much to develop these four characters.

[@JBuddis]

Plot means nothing if you don't care about the characters acting it out first (at least in most cases, unless character disassociation is part of the point).

[@Cinemabu11]

Roku's episode is severely underrated, especially with how he died. He held off the magma long enough for everyone to escape but also wanted to preserve as much of his village as possible. But old age and volcanic ash clouding his mind made things harder for him, and in the end he failed trying to protect his family and his home. He did the best he could seeing how no other tactics would work, considering how dangerous this volcano was. It makes him one of my favorite characters

[@mitsukitai2713]

Agreed. Ever since I learned that volcanic eruptions can eject debris for *miles* around it, Roku staying well after the rest of the village evacuated makes so much sense

[@AL-fl4jk]

His dragon wrapping himself around him before the end just fking KILLS me

[@stopthatwaffle9928]

I wouldn't say it's underrated, I feel like it's a fan favorite and for good reason

[@juansebastianraadmeza9405]

I think this episode is great as well because let’s admit it, at least 90% of people watching the episode were surprised with the twist at the end that Roku was zuko’s great grandfather, like the whole story was never hinting that and since most of us already knew that sozin was zuko’s great grandfather, so we thought that we would see sozin’s perspective of his story with roku instead of learning that roku is zuko’s grandfather. It’s just so well structured

[@44r0n-9]

How is it underrated? It's the fifth highest rated of the show ^^ (deservedly so)

[@Toaster_Weevil]

I absolutely LOVE how much this final season humanized the Fire Nation. They weren’t just a civilization of generic bad guys. Among them were actually some of the best and nicest people that the Gaang had met throughout the whole series.

[@tynehazel007]

Avatar is one of those shows that you will remember for a lifetime!

[@P4nDA_pls]

I don't see why not more than a lifetime...

[@WereMike]

This series may have one of the best character development arcs in media. It really is amazing to me that they were able to produce such a mature and deep program. The world-building and storytelling in this series is extraordinary.

[@BigHuskyGG]

its cool to see how your opinion has changed over the course of the series. starts out kid friendly and then BAM they pull out the mature themes and integrate them in a way that makes it work

[@williamsmead1802]

its like first 2 episodes are HAHA KID STUFF then BOOM genocide and Giatso's literal skeleton

[@BigHuskyGG]

@@williamsmead1802 and Boom a dude gets drowned on screen at the end of the first season 😂

[@UTU49]

I wish I had seen it when I was 5 and then every 5 years for the rest of my life.

[@gamergod9182]

"These episodes are getting so dark..." smash-cuts to the "Aang goes to school and teaches kids to dance" episode. they honestly did a fantastic job of balancing the serious moments with the comedic ones.

[@PhirePhlame]

I think a good part of that balanced feel is that it tends not to feel like an obligatory lightening-up with no purpose. For example, the dancing thing doesn't completely let go of the darkness, in that it shows how Aang of all people was tangibly better versed in the Fire Nation's culture than the current-day populace of that nation itself was allowed to be. Their traditional dances didn't have utility in the conquest mindset that they currently wanted to cultivate, so away they went.

[@Krustenkaese92]

Imagine being a kid in 2008 and that first episode of season 3 airs and you hear Katara cry to her father about leaving to go fight in a war on the other side of the world ... This show is too good.

[@riolkin]

This season is so FIRE!! ... I know that was bad.... But seriously, the twist of Zuko's heritage and Sokka's Master are such phenomenal episodes. Everything feels so connected in this final season.

[@lightgame19z]

No pun intended. This season is FIRE🔥

[@nathan4853]

I really love season 3! It's has so many powerful themes; like not giving up on your dreams, learning to accept help from others and gaining the courage to be your authentic self... just like Footloose.

[@jacob00white]

All foreshadowed in episode 2 of the season

[@joshholland8564]

Just less Kevin bacon

[@ShelobYT]

“It happened again.” had me laughing so hard

[@diegopansini3152]

13:50 I don’t think it’s about not “owing” Zuko anything, it never is when it comes to family (or at least it never should be, it’s messed up). Iroh isn’t petty and never held Zuko against him for what he did to him. He was just sad that he had lost his way and all he could do was sit silently in sadness

[@katieb9428]

Honestly Piandao is such an underrated character, he’s freaking awesome

[@SenorTugas]

I was lucky enough to watch this entire third season with my friends in college as it came out week by week. This show means everything to me.

[@mmontes1082]

The absolute bombshell that is dropped on Zuko is my favorite of the series. It completely encapsulates Zuko's character. The reason he is always so confused. Why he is so angry. The battle between good and evil is going on inside him. Bc of that he alone is the one who can help end the war. Freaking love this show man.

[@spiraljumper74]

“These episodes are getting sooo dark. . . “ Next episode: *literally* just Footloose.

[@LokRevenant]

Sokka's Master might be my favorite episode of the entire series. I can't really imagine how it would feel to have an adult mentor tell you that the things about you that annoy people or confuse people or make people think you're weird are exactly the things that make you special and powerful. Sokka has needed affirmation from an adult male for most of his life, and to get it from the greatest swordsman of all time has to feel pretty great. And Sokka's humility in admitting that he doesn't know if he's worthy for the Master to train, and his integrity in revealing his true identity, show how much he's grown. Sokka's character development over the course of the series is beautiful.

[@corbinreason6708]

I do love seeing people watching Avatar for the first time react to it. How amazing the Avatar series is. And how excited you get when watching it, falling in love with the characters and the story. Cant wait for part two.

[@Dreveryn]

Probably my favorite small detail throughout book 3, is when Zuko visits Iroh in prison, almost all of the shots are from Iroh's side. It makes it look like Zuko's the one behind bars because he's the one metaphorically trapped. Everything in this show is perfectly executed.

[@ayannaj6129]

Roku's dragon choosing to die with him makes me weep everytime! 😭

[@nvadr495]

Momo licking Appa's tongue, is so genius and subtle. Natural response for the characters and viewers alike is that Momo is being weird, but really Momo knew that shit was just berries the whole time. :D

[@KaiLucasZachary]

I feel like Momo would do it even without knowing it's berries.

[@jonathaneverson3673]

Toph's comment about Friendships lasting more than one lifetime really hits hard when Avatar Korra meets Old Toph and Toph smiles and says "Nice to see you again, Twinkle-toes."

[@elite_rock_god2292]

"Creativity, versitility, inteligence. These are the traits that defines a great swords man, these are the traits, that defines you" Gets me so much. I am so fucking proud of sokka 😂 Sokkas master is one of the best episodes in this series! The reveal that sozin AND Roku both was zukos grandparents was such a great reveal! And it makes so much sense looking back at him!

[@luigimitrotti5957]

Zuko screaming hes angry at himself gets me. And when toph wonders if friendships can last more than one lifetime, always a small tear escapes

[@Real_Genji]

The thing with Sozin was that his FIRST instinct was to come help his friend, meaning that at heart he was a good person who cared for Roku. It was only after he saw Roku dying is when he realized that the Avatar is what's stopping him from completing his plans. He separated Roku and the Avatar as 2 different people and since he concluded that the Avatar is the only thing stopping him, he wiped out the air nomads believing he could stop the Avatar from halting his plans. It's honestly quite sad and yes like you said, Roku should have spoken to him more. Those 2 separating ended up having Sozin having his own thoughts and only consoling with himself or yes men. Like Roku said, this mistake could have easily been avoided and a young 12 year old monk shouldn't have to deal with Roku's mistakes

[@amyk5067]

Was just wondering whether Natalie was going to start season 3 and this video popped up in my recommended! There are so many amazing episodes in this season and I can't wait to see Natalie's reactions!!

[@jonathanfoster4202]

Proof we live in a simulation!!

[@EthanLetters99]

I’m especially excited for the episode with Hamma

[@vixiestarfire]

@@EthanLetters99 omg me too that episode is so intense!!

[@shivamsneh7168]

@@EthanLetters99 wait whos hamma i dont remember

[@EthanLetters99]

@@shivamsneh7168 the puppet master 😉

[@ZeldaKAnderson]

When you think about it, Sokka becomes the non bending avatar, mastering every non bender style of fighting in each nation. Air ~ Created mechanical flight/Air ships Earth ~ Kyoshi Warrior training Fire ~ Swordsmanship Water ~ Spears/Boomerang

[@tnm1697]

It’s my personal belief that Sokka’s intelligence and general weapon skill prior are the reason why he mastered the basics and impressed Pian Dao with his creative mind. More often than not in the series, Sokka is making plans and tactical decisions that grow in success as the story progresses to the point where he helps make the final battle plans. On top of this he is no slouch in combat when he gets the chance as exhibited by a scene in book 2 where the crew has Azula cornered and all of them attack her and his boomerang reaches her before the bending which is shown to be pretty quick. Especially when it comes to the speed of air and fire bending

[@MrDrProfessorSir962]

I watched this as it aired back when. I’ve watched every reaction imaginable and aim to watch many more. The fresh perspectives you have offered are why i do this. Today you taught me this episode parallels Zuko’s father and Katara’s father. Perhaps obvious to some but in this instance it’s like I am re discovering this show

[@bhelliom3]

You should check out the series "overanalyzing avatar," it's a fun one for fans

[@RoccoRyg]

I love how this show makes light of the many tragedies of war. This season shows the education system in a fascistic, nationalist empire, where students are taught that their country is the best and they need to bring "civilization" to the rest of the world through conquest. A similar perspective can be found in Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan and other countries caught in the horrors of nationalism.

[@opinanlosjovenesrd3477]

~Nationalism~ but fascism.

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

I don't think you quite understand what "making light of something" means

[@Anachronos97]

France, England, the USA and so many other countries could make for perfect examples in this case, they all had that "What we do we do to bring CIVILIZATION to those barbaric countries".

[@RoccoRyg]

@@frauleinzuckerguss1906 you're right, poor choice of words. How about brings to light?

[@Shad0wspwn]

@@RoccoRyg "sheds light on" is probably what you were looking for. And yes, this show is incredible at it, I think it actually won an award for its accurate portrayal of wartime tragedy!

[@jonathanfoster4202]

The reveal of Zuko being descended from Roku and Sozin has gotta be on of the best plot points of any story, it’s just so juicy and epic

[@gmann2865]

Pt 2 is going to be nuts can’t wait for you to see it for the first time it’s what made it the best non anime go to for me love your reactions btw

[@Lancelot82923]

Season three in my opinion is my favorite it has so much character building and each episode has mature themes

[@randomusername6565]

A surprise for sure, but a welcome one.

[@LiquidAwesomePersonified]

I'm something of an avatar fan myself.

[@bjsuits]

If you didn’t know, fire lord Ozai’s voice actor is mark hamil Also the beach is one of my favorite episodes. It reminds us that they’re as wacky and troubled as aang’s group. Alsp the bomb drop of Zuko being descended from the avatar was awesome. His propensity for good and justice caused him to “lose his honor” so he shoves it down but really the lessons and respect he gets from iroh is all the honor he needs. Another thing this reminds me of is when he saved aang and Aang says “do you think in another life we could’ve been friends?” What a buildup and twist! And repeating myself but there is a reboot with another avatar I bet you would love called legends of Korra. HIGHLY recommend.

[@Wolfie_Sophie]

What I love and find absolutely genius about Ozai's face reveal is the fact that he is so handsome, so normal and doesn't have any typical "villain" features on his face. We don't have to see how evil he is on his face, we can see it on Zuko's. We can look at Zuko's face and see just how evil Ozai really is. HE was the one who scarred his son, HE was the one who almost killed him. He doesn't need any physical mark for us to know he's a monster. Contrast to Zuko, who has a BIG scar on his face, he's "scary" looking and despite all that, he has a heart of gold; actually, he has that scar BECAUSE he has a heart of gold. Zuko's scar is a symbol of his love for his people and a symbol of Ozai's tyranny and abuse. It is absolutely genius and I love it.

[@DiscusvissenRocken]

"a symbol of Ozai's tyranny and abuse" so is Azula's mental breakdown. few people realize she is just as damaged as Zuko is but unlike Zuko, who had his mother and Uncle Iroh to counter Ozai's influence she was alone, and this truly began to tear her apart once Mai and Ty Lee turned on her. Ozai is truly a wicked individual.

[@margaretdrumm6658]

"We don't have to see how evil he is on his face, we can see it on Zuko's." I love that so much. Literally this show is a storytelling masterclass.

[@maisiesummers42]

One thing I love is that for the first two seasons all we see of the fire nation is soldiers, Zuko, Iroh, and Azula (and her friends). It was wonderful to see that the citizens really are just normal people. It's an important lesson, I think.

[@Fallen-vi4eb]

I've gotta say I do love Ty Lee! She's just such a positive soul even with all the crap that's been going around. I really don't like that everyone is mean to her.

[@speedhuntr]

I'll never forget the first time finding out the Zuko + Roku revelation. It's so perfect. Can't wait for the next set. I really appreciate you doing these in large chunks!!

[@Heavensrun]

I hope you'll give Legend of Korra a watch once this is over.

[@lucas-kf2xt]

my favorite funny scene in this whole series is the "my own mother tought i was a monster... she was right of course but still hurts" hahahaha the voice acting and coming from azula makes it hilarious

[@thxirine]

the beach is my favorite episode because, well, azula is my fav character and it’s the only episode that shows her in different circumstances (i mean other than the war as a soldier), she doesn’t really know how to act as a normal teenager, doesn’t know how to talk to others or how to be nice, or how to just appreciate a volleyball game, cause she was raised to be a soldier, and that’s sad cause she’s only 14. in the beginning of the episode the old ladies says “ember island reveals the true you” and that’s very interesting, this is the ONLY episode where azula open up about something even if it was just for a second, also that’s the ONLY episode she shows a slight empathy for others (zuko and ty lee)…. god i love this episode so much

[@toto_feather8732]

I love how addicted she got to ATLA ^^ The depth of the story really shines in the last chapter

[@ImaGaemer]

Fun fact: the first three or four episodes dont have Iroh talk out of respect for the og actor who passed away and they have Zuko behind bars to show that Zuko was the one trapped not Irob

[@iantha999]

Iroh having that royal artifact in jail simply reminds me he still has alot of allies in the fire nation, even with him being trapped in jail. We should not forget that Iroh was for years (up untill his father's death) believed to be the next firelord by everyone in the fire nation.

[@TheGentleCreepers]

Feel bad for Aang, having back problems early in his teens 🤣

[@davidmichaelson1092]

Your mattress ad would go perfectly with the episode Nightmares and Daydreams. ; - ) One reason Iroh doesn't say anything at first is the new voice actor wanted more time to prepare. So they developed (brilliantly) the silent treatment scenes. And no lie. I like the way Azula flirts!

[@drakeredwingofficial]

The comedy/gags in this season are a lot more prominent than in the previous two, even if they have a lot more serious moments to balance it out. You'll see what I mean as time goes on.

[@rashenditrash]

On Ember Island, I think a really interesting detail is Tai Lee's advice to Azula - she says to smile at boys and laugh at everything they say, which is basically the SAME THING she does to Azula all the time. Tai Li's also the only person Azula ever apologizes to.

[@EthanLetters99]

watched it on patreon, and now I’m watching here. Can’t get enough avatar

[@yayoinkdab5883]

Cutting out katana and her dad in episode 1 is criminal Such a good moment😊

[@arturoleon3681]

SO, I absolutely love that you're doing this show but I wanted to share something else with you. I have had am working through a very dark low in my life right now. I havnt seen my daughter in a month and 3 days, and my depression has spiked. But videos like these, the laughs and and fun, are part of what help me go one day as a time. I appreciate you beyond words. Thank you.

[@wearblackclothes]

i agree that sokka learning to use a sword happened really fast but in a way it also makes sense since he already has combat knowledge. he uses a spear and a club and his boomerang so he isnt starts from 0 he has experience in managing distance and stamina. so really he's picking up new techniques and a moral boost.

[@tenronlightvoid7538]

Always great to see more of your Avatar reactions. This show was instrumental to my childhood growing up and seeing how many other people are discovering and enjoying it just warms my heart.

[@NA1c158]

The episode of Sokka's Master was one of the most formative lessons I've ever seen in media or experienced just in general. Everyone will always have insecurities at one point or another. Everyone will always compare themselves to other's abilities at one point or another. But what makes this special is that throughout the episode, Sokka never does anything that makes him look good according to stereotypical standards. Instead, it was was trying to show that Sokka was already full of potential just the way he naturally is. His real, genuine self is special and worthy of learning and growing. Its something that Piandao wanted Sokka to realize rather than him changing him to be someone else. That itself is the best part to me.

[@thechad4485]

When watching the scenes when Zuko visits Iroh, one thing the writers and artists did intentionally is that, while Zuko is the one that is free, it shows Zuko as the one behind the bars - as if he’s the one imprisoned. And while Iroh is the one in prison, his mind and spirit are free.

[@Carnax6969]

When you really look into it, the episode when the fire group has their vacation on the island really shows how psychologically broken they are, especially Azula. It showcases how being raised and surrounded with war and domination in mind really affected their upbringing, they aren't able to socialise and act their own age. To Azula, when she does anything there must be something to gain, rather than doing something for the sake of it or having fun, and there is no "normal" for her as she feels the need to dominate to the extreme. It's a shame, as she is a beautiful young woman, but as soon as you try to get to know her you're highly liked to be freaked out. All in all, this show has some of the best writing that I can recall in media, and there's so many messages that people can reflect on in themselves.

[@CommanderGreven1]

Absolutely loving this for you. Once this is done I do hope you consider Legend of Korra. It's not as good as Avatar but it's still very enjoyable

[@MannyD90]

I think the Footloose inspired episode is incredibly underrated. This is a child’s cartoon, and instead of just watering the plot down by making the fire nation people all evil because they are on the opposite side of the war from Aang, they humanized the fire nation. What an amazing thing for kids to see and learn. Flameo writers, flameo

[@LordBloodraven]

Zuko's revelation was a great episode to end this part on. It made me look at the episode, The Beach, very differently when Zuko shouted he didn't know what he wanted.

[@wakkadakka9192]

I love scenes where Zuko visits Iroh in prison. The frame is set such way that Zuko is always closer to the cell, and it looks like it is he the one who in prison and not Iroh. Such substitution shows that in fact it's Zuko in a prison of own doubts and desires. And then his uncle "releases him" by revealing the truth about his origins. This cartoon was made by truly talented people.

[@nrlatty22]

Woah that was quick! Sweet, more avatar!

[@ultimateninjaboi]

Avatar and the Fire Lord is such a BALLER episode. I feel like i just saw it as a lore dump episode as a kid, when the show was first airing, but now that ive got bigger adult brain, its SUCH a powerful thematic impact. Especially for Zuko.

[@m00n3yu]

Nat: “I’m sad that this journey is ending soon!” … … … *Korra has entered the chat*

[@shadowfire_08]

“I’m the avatar, you gotta deal with it!”

[@bratsmovies17]

Chat as voted to kick Korra

[@Aggelostououranou]

Unfortunately though Korra is trash compared to the Last Airbender. That's an unfair comparison though to begin with because the Last Airbender was a masterpiece. There really wasn't anything they could do that could top it. It's fun on it's own right but it is not comparable to ATLA. I view Korra as a budget ATLA essentially.

[@abbeyBominable123]

@@Aggelostououranou Korra can't really be called "budget" ATLA because the visuals in Korra are absolutely amazing and the budget for it was obviously a lot.

[@3godzilla3]

@@abbeyBominable123 The animation was probably the only good thing for me...Season 1 deserved more episodes, and the other 3 Seasons had terrible pacing (actually, Book 3 was pretty good from what I remember).

[@dannyweggy7719]

The scene between Iroh and Zuko at 39:30 and onwards, is by far my favourite sequence in the show. Every time Iroh speaks, he is seen clearly and with nothing infront of him. But everytime we see Zuko, the prison bars are placed infront of him. As if he is the one trapped

[@richardparadox163]

Nat: Why did Azula lie? My brain: *Azula always lies, Azula always lies*

[@Lupinemancer87]

Experiencing Avatar for the first time is one of the greatest journies ever, and one of the most important things to do before you die. I am so jealous that you get to watch this for the first time, cuz it is something I will never forget.

[@Vampretta666]

I really hope Natalie continues with The legend of Korra when shes done with Avatar ^^ Can't wait to eat snacks and watch this :D Sooo excited

[@UTU49]

I adore the revelation that Zuko is descended from Roku. It is yet another strong connection that he has to Aang.

[@Goldyr03]

Damn didn't expect this video to come this soon🤍

[@andrewtrujillo7054]

There's a theory that Ty Lee is a descendant of the air nomads. The thought process is that since the nomads by nature wandered around the earth, some weren't at the temples when they were overrun and the people killed. Many began living normal lives, hiding their ancestry and mingling with the other three nations. Ty Lee's personality being so similar to Aang, her attacks being about non lethal take downs, and her eyes, all point to being an air nomad descendant. Hers and Aangs are the only gray Eyes in the series.

[@alexandrupatrascu2374]

Next legend of korra?(is the continuation of the avatar)

[@wombat5334]

There is a good reason why this series is so beloved. I honestly think that anyone who actually watches this series will come to love it. Heck, its probably one of my favourite series and I was in my 30s when it came out!

[@mr.moviemafia]

I’m excited to see your reactions to “Avatar: The Legend Of Korra”, the sequel series to this show! It isn’t quite as perfect as ATLA, but it’s still amazing (especially S3 and S4)

[@artloveranimation]

Episode 6 is my personal favorite episode. Roku is my favorite side character, and the revelation about Zuko 🤯 masterful storytelling

[@raulrozza]

Hey Nat, I really hope you'll watch the Legend of Korra anytime after ATLA!