How Toph Grew Up

[@Eilonwy95]

Love how even the arguably strongest character in avatar has an arc about relying on others. We all need one another.

[@QuatarTarandir]

Yep, definitely a strong character done right

[@_emory]

*aragorn therapist meme*

[@QuatarTarandir]

@@_emory So true

[@beovulf7241]

Netflix will probably make it the opposite, I AM STRONK AND INDEPENDENT.

[@ava4689]

And Azula, the other arguably strongest character has the same arc in reverse. What happens when you rely solely on brute force and throw away the people you need (Ty Lee and Mei).

[@Nargon46]

And that's how you write a disabled character. With agency and as much independence as possible, but acknowledging they are limited in certain areas, just like everyone else, and with human flaws, just like everyone else. Perfect writing.

[@ava4689]

Like when she swallows her pride, learns some grace and femininity from Katara, and asks for help in writing a letter. I love the arc in the earth kingdom.

[@bradhorowitz2765]

Toph: raised by an elite class, she was isolated from her peers, and forced to hide her true self. She dismisses authority because of its overall silliness and prejudices (it’s surprisingly anarchistic in some regard), but she is also upset that her own parents didn’t understand her and she even acts against parental figures to defy her parents (love that moment where katara correctly guesses why toph takes risks against her orders). Toph is the def of never judging a book by its cover and to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Bryke; that”s true and she became a cop as an adult of a police force that kept benders and nonbenders segregated and was prone to corruption,, becoming an authority figure, having a naive view of crime, never punishing her daughter who committed not one but two crimes, never answering lin’s questions about her dad and then dismissing her concerns. Hey, it kinda sounds a lot like her parents! Everything rhymes as George Lucas said! We smart!

[@Fetecheney]

Toph's metal suit at the end is so incredible. I just realized it doesn't have holes for her eyes. Cool detail

[@ava4689]

Sokka:Its so dark down here! Toph: Oh no! What a nightmare!

[@whimic5261]

That's funny because in an earlier episode, she uses a similar technique with earth, and she did have holes for her eyes. I guess they made an animation mistake and the holes were meant for her mouth and nose lol

[@colfdralegend]

Maturing is realizing “the power of friendship” is peak storytelling

[@irystocrattakodachithatmooms]

Until it's "I survived an exploding mech because of the power of friendship." or something just as outlandish. I wouldn't be surprised if an anime series decided to do that at some point. Oh, wait, I think Gundam SEED did such a thing, only it was the power of love.

[@supernerd8067]

Friendship is incredibly valuable, but the "power of friendship" being overused or used poorly cheapens it.

[@xavierthomas5835]

​@supernerd8067 I think people try to sell companionship as friendship. All those anime characters meet up, usually as part of some large group, become "fast friends" in some way, shape, or form, then, inexplicably, without the story ever taking time to show and tell us that they are very good friends, they love each other to death and beyond and would die for one another.

[@lukethekuya]

*TRVTHNVKE*

[@saigecade5830]

And when people get bored of "the power of friendship" when done wrong, they can go to "the magic of friendship" with my little pony 😂

[@yurkdawg]

"Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source." Is not only one of my favorite Iroh lines, but one of my favorite lines of *any* work ever

[@TheTimothyThibodeaux]

The Boulder is feeling Conflicted!

[@ivanhunter6492]

The Pebble!

[@yokai333]

Nice

[@StayArtsy]

​@ivanhunter6492 the boulder is no longer conflicted.

[@mrchristian0457]

Hey I like your profile picture!

[@mrchristian0457]

Do you by chance recognize mine too?

[@itsorcacraft9037]

This is the best way to develope a disabled character. Toph is my favorite aminated character

[@cringechannel4213]

FR!

[@furjaden8553]

I think a better term is limited

[@V1G4M1]

No, no. Disabled is alright.

[@chrisblanc663]

She is great, second only to Iroh, from this same show.

[@davidmckown3590]

I think Toph is the answer to the “girl-boss.” Arrogant and sympathetic at the same time with room for character growth.

[@StayArtsy]

Yes exactly!

[@chrisblanc663]

YES!!!!

[@greenmtngiant8123]

Toph has got the best maturity arc of any animated character, and don’t you dunderheads ever forget it!

[@yokai333]

It takes strength to show you are capable, but it takes as much strength to admit to need help.

[@larryshipper8070]

❤👏🏻👏🏻🔥

[@joelclifton6312]

If Disney had written Toph, her pride, skill and strength and lack of need for anyone else would have been her greatest character strength and it would have been played up like crazy. "Look how she doesn't take any crap from Katara! Look how she shows Aang his place! Look how she mastered sandbending in a flash, totally defeated those sandbenders AND pulled the library right out of the ground! And look how she beat up Iroh for insulting her! She's so awesome!" She would have been the ultimate girl-boss, and it would have sucked horribly, and no one would remember her. But this Toph we all remember and love, because she's real and human, and grows like a real person.

[@wherethetatosat]

I love how the show uses tea as a vehicle to show how much Iroh cares. If any other character tried to do that, it would still come off as condescending to Toph. But when Iroh does it, he just loves tea that much that you can tell it gives him the warm fuzzies inside to be able to share his love for tea with somebody else that he'll gladly pour it for them.

[@Xylos144]

I think the key component here is that hate isn't the opposite of love - apathy is. Lets say someone has no interest in sports, but everyone else in society seems to care deeply about watching sports. They pretend to like them for a time to go along with everyone else, but eventually get tired of it. That's fine. But if instead of giving up the ruse, they then outwardly, openly express their *dislike* of sports and build part of their identity about *hating* sports, they're still defining themselves relative to it. They're not free from it, they're just tying themselves further to it by being resentful and contrary. Toph rebels against getting help from people, and from authority in general, because it goes against what her parents were to her and she was sick of going along with it for so long. Accepting help doesn't mean she's weak, and rules can be important. But she can't help but actively push back against these things, because despite 'running away' her parents are still with her, living rent-free in her head. She's rebelling against them specifically, but away from them where they'll never see it, so it accomplishes nothing. It isn't until she gets closer with the gang, and eventually accepts them as a new family; even Katara as part-sister-part-maternal figure, that she's able to be helped without protest and literally, blindly jump off of cliffs without question. Because she's replaced the rebellion towards those that control her without understanding her, with trust towards those who respect her. Toph doesn't become fully capable and the best form of herself until she lets go of the ill-fitted family she left behind. It's an arc about letting go of resentment, choosing your family, and not deciding that you're beyond judgement, but deciding who is worthy of judging you.

[@michaelman957]

"Freedom exists for the purpose of Love." Amazingly true! Well said!

[@master_samwise]

Thank Cardinal Ratzinger for that one.

[@chestnut1064]

Currently I rewatch Avatar to learn humility from Zuko, and it's nice to see you also return to appreciate the tales that matter

[@xavierthomas5835]

The beginning of humility is the willingness to listen. Not just to those who you think are great, but even those who you think are terrible. Because every human being is the same, none are different, we've simply arrived at different thoughts. - King Solomon

[@5pencer]

Sneaking in the "Sleepytime" song at the end brought an unexpected amount of weight and emotion to that. Good pick!

[@lamMeTV]

We already know that the earth bending isnt a true lie detector is much closer to a polygraph

[@master_samwise]

This is true.

[@bradyburick1367]

​@@master_samwise Hey there✌I'm new to your content and love your analysis videos like this recent one and was wondering if maybe you'd like to make one about the masculinity of Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima, I don't know how much you may or may not know about it but it is a beautiful game with a great story with great characters and Jin Sakai is probably one of the best tragic heroes of time in my opinion ❤

[@master_samwise]

@@bradyburick1367 I've started playing the game but I have so little time for gaming lately! I really do want to make a video about it eventually!

[@frannypack007]

13:10 YES a video exploring the father figure relationship comparison between Zuko and Iroh/Ozai would be phenomenal

[@dirtywhitellama]

One of my favorite characters from the show. In a lot of ways her arc is more subtle than some of the others, but it's still there, she still grows and matures a lot as a character.

[@DAEDAEANT]

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson needs to play Toph in the main crew. It just makes sense since they have similar builds

[@cringechannel4213]

He could play her on ember island (apologies if that’s what you were implying already)

[@ava4689]

Nah, they definitely shouldve had him play his counterpart “The Boulder”

[@QuatarTarandir]

@@ava4689 Well, probably will run into the problem of "he can never loose" clause in his deals. But we can stick him in the Ember Islands play, lol

[@ava4689]

@@QuatarTarandir He has that clause? Makes sense I guess. I figured that since he played Maui he'd want to be the Boulder too, especially since its funny, and so obviously a parody of himself. The Boulder loses once, but comes back later and fights as their ally. Which is sorta a win in the end right?

[@justicefool3942]

Supposedly, he was supposed to play the Boulder in the show, but by the time the second season started recording, he was no longer available, so instead, they got another wrestling legend Mick Foley to voice him.

[@jodieg6318]

Avatar is such a masterclass in story telling and character development because with its ultimate theme of balance its acknowledges the good and the toxic in all of us but when channeled correctly and balanced we become the best versions of ourselves Albert Camus wrote: "Perfect freedom must be balanced with perfect justice." In Toph's case its not just keeping her promise to teach Aang; accountability in real time, but when we are accountable to ourselves and we can see both our virtues and our faults and find the balance that makes us whole.

[@MirroredPanda]

Your videos have honestly made me rewatch this show with a more critical eye, then you come out with another one, let's GOOOO!

[@TheReturnOfStormheart]

I always cry every time I watch one of your videos, how do you understand people so well

[@NerdsinChrist]

Dang man that ending made me emotional and I've never even seen the entire show. What a great video!

[@SylviaRustyFae]

Just sayin, the *best* way to watch the show if youve nvr watched it is to watch OverAnalyzing Avatars series on it; truly the best way to get into the series if not gonna actually watch it the proper way - my ADHD self can actually pay attention thru his vids quite easily heh, whereas even tho ive watched Avatar before... Its not smth i can easily get myself to just watch all the way thru again; as opposed to like just watchin an ep here or there bcuz its a rly good ep i feel like rewatchin

[@NerdsinChrist]

@@SylviaRustyFae thank you!

[@fairlyoddenginecreations]

Aang and Toph have more parallels than I thought when first watching the show. I think they would have made a fun couple tbh 😅

[@silver9wolf6]

@00:10 OMG, I never thought about this! XD Jokes aside, I love Toph

[@ravenstales6457]

the eye slit came from an animator forgetting that toph is blind lol (is a joke, but come on, how many times have team avatar, much less us the audience forgotten she's well...blind?)

[@ava4689]

It could also help with visual storytelling. Toph is blind yeah, but seeing her eyes narrow while fighting in the suit helps the audience know what she’s expressing more.

[@angelicacj]

"Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source."

[@barbarabaker1457]

This is what I love when writing (gosh I miss it, too ill at present), how we influence each other. It's so nice to see it in great stories. Currently rewatching an ancient series V, not perfect but there are various characters with experience with the situation of losing ones freedoms that show beautiful examples of what should be done. It hits hard when they don't make it (spoilers, especially the grandfather) Also like that yes, hard experience is often how we learn but it is beautiful when the example itself is enough. I once wrote of a broken friendship due to the downfall of one over childhood trauma. They are brought back together by necessity and other circumstances that made sense to the story. She hit s crossroads and it was this old friend that confronted her, before it was too late to save a healthy relationship she was throwing away for the same reason she had previously thrown her friend away, that it was time to face it, she was old enough to face it (gets a bit rocky in the process but good and multiple relationships have effects on each other I won't go into). Thank you for the video once again.

[@jamesthemuchless]

The point that Toph's motives "get purified" deserved to make it into the audio, not just a quick flashcard. That is such an important point for all of us to consider. Sometimes we just need to do what is right because it is right. Our motives may at first just be a sense of obligation, but our motives can be purified in the doing.

[@master_samwise]

Yeah... it did.

[@texasnewb2942]

I love how he works the God of War music into every video!

[@cringechannel4213]

Dawg how do you pump out this great, thought provoking videos on the weekly? It’s very inspiring, keep it up.

[@master_samwise]

I sleep less than I should.

[@SylviaRustyFae]

​@@master_samwise Yo, your audience wants you to take care of yourself, if yavent yet, you shud rly plan brks to catch up on that rest you need, ideally around a time when viewership is likely to be lower than usual; we want you to be able to do this for as long as youre able and willin - and the best way for that to happen is for you to take care of yourself and prioritise yourself, for the sake of yourself and for the sake of what your audience clearly wants... more grt content, for longer

[@trooper8835]

I love how Avatar’s character development comes in form of learning the knowledge and wisdom of the opposite elements.

[@_Kaori_Miyazono_]

Truly a channel where a creator is disgusting the philosophy of true love and freedom. I am very glad that KZbin decided to recommend you one day. Very few people touch these topics nowadays, I am glad there is space for kindness and wisdom on KZbin

[@SuperBroGaming-se6br]

Pre-video comment: I've been dying to learn more about Avatar: The Last Airbender for quite a while, so naturally, I will now, but under my favorite YTber!

[@TheHokieDoke]

Thank you Samwise for being a sane voice in the void, teaching about morals and characters and their importance in our lives. It is so refreshing!

[@GGBlaster]

Can I just say how much I adore these character breakdowns? I love these stories the first time experiencing them, but the way you peel back the layers and show all the profound underlying messages multiplies my love of these stories even more!

[@peregrination3643]

I haven't seen the show, but I'm loving the video essays on the characters.

[@larryshipper8070]

AMAZING videooo, thank you so much for sharing 😍❤👏🏻🔥 • 17:00 this scene always gets me 😭❤ •I know it wasn't exactly the point you were making but I'd like to also think that the badger moles gave Toph unconditional love through their nonjudgmental teachings and relating to her❤🥹 Wich BTW a little fun fact, the mole animal in Spanish is called TOPO so, another possible reference to her name 🥲 •oh and worry not! Like someone once said: Toph didn't get a life changing field trip with Zuko because she got it with the original wisdom source, Iroh

[@priyalgarg4060]

well great, this made me cry. This is one of the most intelligent video analyses of anything I’ve ever seen. It’s crazy how there’s still so much to say even after this show has been out for decades. Great job.

[@deandredukes95]

One of the best written disabled characters that grows to be strong

[@olleselin]

Yeah, you always discover something new to your favourite show every time you revisit it. 😁

[@jaredmoyes81]

I adore your channel so much. Thank you for the gentle way you give weighty meaning to forceful subjects.

[@LinDeGenette]

Gotta appreciate the Bluey score during the last epic words👌🏼

[@ksmurthy1148]

sokka and toph's finale scenes are some of my favorite of the entire show too - there's such depth of emotion and LOVE in those scenes, and yet, contrary to most media nowadays, absolutely no romantic subtext. they could've easily made sokka get stranded with suki and made it a romantic moment, but the choice to prioritize toph and her development both personally and in their relationship was so much more powerful than a romantic scene a la gwen stacy imo. plus sokka being toph's adoptive older bro will never not be adorable to me.

[@guidinghandreadings]

I've watch all 3 books COUNTLESS times and cannot imaging loving ATLA more than I do, but then every so often a KZbinr brings out an intelligent and thoughtful video essay and my heart swells even further! Loved this exploration of Toph - thank you!

[@IWillSayItLouder]

Idk why but this video essay made me so emotional (in the best way). Your deep dive into characters is always spot on and it’s easy to see this is something you’re passionate about. Thank you for another great one!

[@master_samwise]

Thank YOU!

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

I mean that conversation that Iroh and Toph have is one of my favorites in the show. The comparison he makes between her and Zuko is actually very touching: how they’ve both been hurt and act like they don’t need anyone when it’s really the opposite. It’s very easy when you’ve been hurt to push people away when it’s when you bring other people in is when you grow the most.

[@ava4689]

Heck yeah, I was waiting for this episode. I love the ATLA gals, especially Toph. I would argue though that Azula has the most growing up to do, rather than Toph. She literally cannot mentally handle the concept of her mothers love.

[@master_samwise]

I have a whole Azula video (not sure if you've seen it). I would say she's the most immature in that maturity and virtue are related, but Azula is intimately familiar with very "adult" things like responsibility.

[@ava4689]

​@@master_samwise I'm totally gonna go watch that video, very excited. I do wanna say add however that, Azula doesnt understand/handle responsibility necessarily, and cracked under the pressure. The moment Ozai gave her his crown, she banished everyone around her, and had a mental breakdown in the mirror, after her mother expresses her love of Azula. The only things ​that seem to make sense to Azula are power, fear, manipulation, and control. She's deeply insecure and her daddy issues drive her character forward.

[@jasonkeats931]

I love Bitter Work and this video really made me realize a sort of unseen C plot (D plot? does Sokka's predicament count?): Toph is a new teacher using drill sergeant esque teaching techniques. Lots of "stop sucking (insert insult here)", "are you a man or a mouse-worm?", and general yelling. Katara gives her some advice and she does seem to somewhat take it on board (in the form of that encouraging nod after he does something right) although clearly not truly taking it to heart. again she is to prideful to truly change her teaching style, until, after he squanders the culmination of her teachings, she screams at him again, how he should have let the rock squish him, asking him if he has what it takes. and Aang replies that he doesn't think he does. once Katara takes Aang away to take a break. I imagine Toph thinks it all over (as she cools off from how frustrating it must be for her to fail at teaching Aang, as much as he's failing to learn from her), and realizes that she's acting a bit like her parents. doing things in a single, rigid way that she (as the authority figure) chose. and of course Aang is not her. just as she wishes her parents would accommodate her, she needs to accommodate Aang. so she needs to (as you said) think like an airbender in order to reach him and teach him most effectively. so she tries something different. she starts trying to provoke him into standing his ground against her. this is a step in the right direction. She's altering her teaching plan, looking for a trick-ity trick that'll make him move that rock, rather than stubbornly clinging to something that clearly isn't working. unfortunately, it's flawed because she's his teacher, and his friend (sure, they've only really just met, but still). he was raised to be kind and turn the other cheek. forgiveness and all that. so of course he isn't going to stand up to her when she's being a dick to him (especially after he was just torn down so hard). luckily for her, their search for Sokka provides the perfect opportunity for Aang to show his spine. that same love for his friends that is making him less open to confronting Toph instead drives him to stand his ground against a wild animal threatening Sokka. Then, after it all, she starts poking him again. first by revealing that she was watching the whole time and decided not to help. and Aang, faced with her disregard for Sokka's (and his own) life being in danger, (as well as the adrenaline rush from the fight) pushes back a bit. of course, he's not standing up to her outright, so she keeps going, preparing to eat more of Aang's nuts and to misuse his glider again. and she finally gets the response she's been looking for. and afterwards she fully embraces Katara's advice, building Aang up, which allows him to finally Earthbend. of course, she still does it in her own way, looking more like a positive teaching environment plus a kind of gym bro type "Push it!" mentality, with lots of yelling (which, now that I think of it, is probably really cathartic for the girl who was forced to be demure for so long) sorry for the wall of text, I just thought it was interesting.

[@dancedancelauren]

Love it. Great insights. I think you are spot on here.

[@JB8108_]

The thumbnail looks like she's punching herself in the face 😂

[@grantwinkelbauer1120]

Hot leaf juice! And from my own nephew!

[@master_samwise]

I said what I said.

[@serafine666]

I love the video and all, but my entire day was made when I picked up parts of "The Planets" by Gustav Holst as your background music. One of my favorite orchestral suites ever. :)

[@theimperialist2686]

I love how the God of War theme song played in the beginning of the video.

[@oliviermahieu3705]

What a great video. Thanks for keeping us aware of all the qualities of this show.

[@michaelman957]

I dig the music choices throughout.

[@dman9987]

Great video brother 👌🔥 love the ALTA content

[@jaredloitz2436]

Toph + GoW mash-up wasn’t on my bingo sheet today-but this goes so hard 💪🏻

[@master_samwise]

GoW music goes with anything fantasy. It's so dang good.

[@jaredloitz2436]

Bear McCreary definitely cooked with those scores!

[@shiaras4675]

ATLA once again showing everyone how to properly write a character with a meaningful and believable growth. Side note: "Toph is actually pretty mature at this point" and then showing the clip of Melon Lord is WILD 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@motorcitymangababe]

Its been a while since I saw the episode, but i remember appreciating the niance in the relationship between toph and katara that was demonstrated on the bridge- toph waited for those girls to insult katara as well- hiding behind her tough toph facade without having to admit they hurt her feelings. That being said, katara both notices this and managesbto sooth that sore spot without directly calling attention to it. Good friendship moment.

[@jaredwalley5692]

With regards to Toph falling, I think Avatar Extras says she can sense all earth around her, down to dust or sand.

[@master_samwise]

See this is why I bring up stuff like that, so people intimately familiar with lore can set me straight. She'd still probably hit a tree or seven on her way down, though. Or get roasted once she hit the ground. Either way, understandable she doesn't want to fall, lol

[@jaredwalley5692]

@@master_samwise oh indeed! Her saying "that's A LOT of fire, isn't it?" is so powerful. Like yes, child. And you should be melting from the heat as well but, you know, kid cartoon.

[@mr_Alex_Dragon]

I'm here to recommend you Frieren, which is a show really distinct from ATLA, but at the same time can be the next successor of ATLA by the same reasons it's praised

[@master_samwise]

Started watching it this week!

[@Slexylexy]

Another amazing video! Best channel! Thank you so much ◡̈

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

As a person with a disability, developmental rather than physical, I love how Toph doesn't let her blindness stop her from achieving her goals!

[@StayArtsy]

Excellent video as always!

[@demonman905]

3:02 Hearing him talk about Freedom while wearing the shirt that says "freedom" got a chuckle out of me.

[@bananapanda9805]

I would love to see how Toph would react to: “HELLO… ARE… YOU… BLIND…??!!!!.?”

[@SylviaRustyFae]

5:44 This pt also needed an ExceptAppa mention; bcuz im prty sure Appa is indeed a master of airbending - bein the species that taught airbenders after all

[@leonardpimentel5865]

what a great video. thanks!

[@YummyMoney98]

Halo 3 soundtrack really going hard 11:10

[@jenndowden8131]

I loved this. Thank you.

[@PTSD_Guts]

Very little to do with the video, but the Faye/Ashes theme you edited into the background feels fitting to Toph as well, at least on the surface level of "Strong Woman" in multiple ways, physically, mentally, even by virtue

[@PTSD_Guts]

And then recognizing that motif of Holst from Jupiter :)

[@PTSD_Guts]

I gotta rewatch the video just for the music now

[@GrahamCStrouse]

Michaela Jill Murphy, Toph’s voice actress, did an Avatar watch-a-long/react series on KZbin earlier this year. It was a hoot. Check out “Tea Time with Toph” if you have a chance. She does some of the episodes by her lonesome. Sometimes she brings on former cast members & fans. It’s worth a watch if you’re an Avatar fan.

[@jamestolbert1856]

I love it when a strong character admits that they’re strong and cool but also admits that they’re weak and need a shoulder to cry on.

[@PhebusdesTours]

I also like that scene in the desert, when they fight the giant wasps (or hornets, or whatever they are): Toph can't aim for them since they're flying, so Katara seizes her shoulders and helps her to pull her rocks in the right direction, and of course, Toph doesn't protest. That's team work and Toph accepting help because she needs it.

[@BodhiCody-mh2ec]

Just saw your "Why Iroh is the Pinnacle of Masculinity" last night for the first time, and this morning this is in my feed. Guess I have to sub now.

[@TruthFundi]

Another fantastic video. Thanks!!

[@SpeedRunningStartups]

This is the best video ever.

[@Shylock0031]

This is such a great video! You highlight some tremendous truths displayed in this show! I enjoyed this show because of how deep it goes! The life lessons it teaches (while potentially unintentional) are so valuable and impactful. Even though this is a secular show, I, as a follower of Christ, see so many parallels to my own walk of faith! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@IcepickEvans]

The "Positve Reinforcement" comes at the end, after Aang pushes away the moose. Toph was forcing Aang to stick up for himself, which he finally does, and Toph uses that moment to teach him.

[@neilghosh3821]

Girl boss done right

[@cainyo7938]

I really need to wacth Lord of the Rings. been missing your videos.

[@barbarabaker1457]

His boromir video got me going right back to it again.

[@scottybreuer]

The old stories are still good, no matter what the imitations may be.

[@michaelmoon3429]

And you see how her parents restricting her made Toph parent differently from them, and not in a good way either. As much as Su rightly gets bashed for being a young delinquent and scarring Lin physically and figuratively, Lin also should not have been the parent for Su. Toph should have stepped in to make sure Su would understand certain boundaries.

[@kat8753]

It's like the point he made in the video about Toph rebelling against he strict parents. She took the opposite extreme approach and never really learned a healthy balance in the way she raised her own kids.

[@xavierthomas5835]

​@@kat8753That's at least one thing I like about LoTK. The characters had (somewhat) believable deviations from the happily ever after spiel where they raise wonderful and perfect kids who never deviate from the right path and have no discernable quirks or flaws. That said, it goes to show that Toph was never really a balanced and healthy person. She was always easily unsettled because her foundation of her identity was that she could bend. She lives, breathes, and sleeps earthbending. In many ways, she's still that little child, stuck in that badger-mole den.

[@morten4642]

Her parents messed her up for life. She even has trouble in keeping up with a relationship since Su and Lin have different fathers.

[@michaelmoon3429]

@morten4642 Yes, they did. What's really interesting is that in the comics, Lao Beifong actually apologizes to Toph and makes up with her. It can be assumed Poppy did the same, and by LOK, they largely mellowed out for lack of a better term. I'm also going to guess Su was sent to live with her grandparents the same reason Toph ran away only in this case Su needed someone to rein her in.

[@CamCat13]

I don't think Toph's arc was completed in ATLA. 4th season would've drove it home for her but noooo bryke had to shoot it down

[@trinstonmichaels7062]

Toph is just such a good character.

[@bigmakxp]

I love the relapse in Toph’s character with the gambling because in book 2 when she first joined team avatar she felt like she was always told what to do for the sake of the group not knowing what it means to help out others and counting on people feeling like she was bound by rules like her home life. In book 3 it’s the same but with differences and nuance. Yes, she’s helping out the group by gaining money with her scams but she’s unintentionally putting them in danger by making herself a hit. Leading to once again feeling bound by rules again! I love characters who get stuck in their old ways again temporarily due to circumstance. It makes them more human and realistic. Progress isn’t a straight line. However, most medias paint the narrative as a straight line which is simply not the case. Relapses and backslides are a part of life, but acknowledging them is the way of moving forward.

[@liamrogers2152]

Great Video Bro!

[@maxcarter265]

im loving this video, took the comments because i just got jumpscared by part of Atreus's theme from gow

[@justthinkingoutloud2538]

And people keep saying audiences don't like tough female leads. The problem is movies keep playing this character arc in reverse. The only note I'd make is that, while it's impossible to get inside their heads, I personally think it's unfair to say that Toph's parents don't genuinely love her, even if Toph says as much. I think they are merely misguided in the need they feel to protect her, and as you said, influenced by the sense of shame they fear Toph bringing on their family. They by no means earn any best parent awards, but I think they cared for her and thought they were doing what was best for her. I wish Toph reunited with them at the end of the series and they got to reconcile, but maybe that would take a lot more time.

[@master_samwise]

I agree, and I too wish we could have resolved that plotline.

[@kevinmalone7167]

I know this comment is well after the fact, but I'd like to repeat a comment from someone on a reaction channel about this subject. The writers show how both Toph and Sokka grew over the series in their mission to stop the airships. Sokka started off thinking that females were no good in a fight, and Toph dismissing Sokka as a combatant because he wasn't a bender. In that mission, Sokka relies on two females, and Toph relies on two non-benders. Masterful character progression.

[@Brandon-kt7ss]

Gotten a lot of use out 'Jupiter' lately, haven't we?

[@carlofrancisco1501]

Can you do a character analysis with Aang pls?

[@thejoyfuldragon887]

the ragnarok music fits TOO well here.

[@tobyyasutake9094]

You cheated. You played Jupiter during the emotional bit. *Sniff* stupid dust in my eye.

[@als.c]

16:28 Sleepytime?

[@evarinagarmguardian113]

I'm mentally and physically disabled adult who still lives with their parents as an adult. I can relate to Toph being 2 different people depending on who she's around. Most notably is how she is around her parents vs literally anyone else around her. I think Toph puts on a front for said autonomy, but may feel, on some level, less than what everyone (besides her parents) thinks of her, resulting in her doubling down on said front. When she's around her parents, however, she likely feels helpless to some degree, even if she knows that's not true. She even acts the part around them (I don't know how much of that is intentional or instinct). I crave independence/autonomy so badly, and it doesn't help that I often feel belittled by my parents (whether intentional or not, or whether real or perceived). However, I know I can't truly be independent ever, and very few people would be able to take on even part of my parents' ability to help/care for me (I would do it myself if I could, but I can't now and might not ever). Also, when I'm with other people without my parents around, I too put up a front and immediately get anxious when someone tries to help me in a more intimate/serious way, like Toph. I can't let them in. It's a combination of not liking to admit I can't do it all and the knowledge that their help is, more often than not, futile. It especially doesn't help that most are often impressed by what I can do to manage my disabilities (or my many talents), but I know my efforts aren't enough to survive in this world without significant help. It is so hard to trust others to not only help you when they can easily accidentally cause significant physical harm, but to also trust they won't come to the same conclusions your parents did about how incapable you are (and that they'd be right). Idk, I knew I'd like and relate to Toph a lot when going in to watch ATLA, but CHRIST not this much lol!

[@TentoesMe]

And that is what makes Avatar great! These are children with childish attitudes and problems, and we see them grow and mature, rising to the occasion.

[@dredgen0268]

God this show is awesome. ATLA for the win always.

[@beovulf7241]

I cried a lil bit 😢