The Beach - Humanizing the Villains (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

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Going through why The Beach is one of my favourite episodes.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Now available on iTunes' Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud.
MUSIC:
A Keepsake from the Past - Ori
Separated by the Storm - Ori
Blue Spirit
Zuko Flashback theme
Reconciliation
Princess Azula
Saigo no Kyuusoku
Panda Lily
Yue
Walking (Prod. Ras-Hop)
WRITING PAGE:
@wordsbysage
SOCIAL MEDIA
Patreon: / sagesrain
Twitter: / sagesrain
Instagram: / sagesrain
Tumblr: / sagesrain
WRITING PAGE:
@wordsbysage
Now available on iTunes' Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

[@SagesRain]

the azula agenda will never die

[@haileyharmon5298]

Facts.

[@haileyharmon5298]

@@littledudefromacrossthestr5755 Don't be rude.

[@BoosGaming1]

She gotta go fam 🤦‍♀️

[@ashketchum13579]

Keep on the great content my man

[@marciawilliams2499]

Thank you for another lesson - Disciple

[@alexiavya722]

you never realize how good the animation is of Avatar until you take the voice lines away

[@nicarmendariz7477]

You ever wonder why were here?

[@angelopellicci179]

@@nicarmendariz7477 u good

[@Jakob_The_Stoic_Viking]

@@nicarmendariz7477 Just to suffer?

[@walesjedi9217]

@@Jakob_The_Stoic_Viking Every night, I can feel my leg… and my arm… even my fingers. The body I've lost… the comrades I've lost…

[@MoocleTheMonkey]

@@walesjedi9217 you feel it too…don’t you?

[@lonemotheomatshaba9640]

It's been 13 years since Avatar ended and it's still relevant today

[@multivitaminsaft1997]

And it always will be relevant. After all it has a little place in all of our hearts. What a wonderful piece of art, isn´t it? :)

[@sprawlz6466]

One of the best cartoons of all time. It’s better than many live action drama series. I’d argue it’s chillin right next to Breaking Bad but most would probably disagree.

[@jozen1098]

Technically it’s 7

[@thesavantart8480]

@@sprawlz6466 actually most agree since it is considered one of the best shows of all time by many critics and review sites.

[@kennylunacy]

Wait, so you don't know that the studio just started making new episodes focusing on each character?

[@Xaforn]

Very deep, Azula can’t afford to take that closer look at herself because she will see the truth, that she has been groomed and manipulated all her life. As she comes closer to realization you see her emotional outbursts leading to her loss in the end. War changes everyone, but you see it most in the younger generation who are building identities and goals.

[@k.d3983]

I don’t think so? I’m pretty sure that grooming is not the same thing in the avatar universe. Even if it was, Ozais behavior of manipulating Azula was pretty normal since shit like that was common in the royal family- or at least tolerable. Let’s face it- Azula would probably raise her child the way Ozai raised her (unless she became a completely different person). If anything, I think that Azula doesn’t want to admit that she was wrong. From the beginning, it was very apparent that Azula *didn’t* tolerate any mistakes. In addition, she *loved* to be in control. We have to remember that she had very high expectations of herself because she considered herself to be the favorite child, and she strongly believed that she wasn’t a failure like her brother Zuko. Remember when Mai betrayed her? Azula nearly killed her after she said the words.” No, you miscalculated! You should have feared me more.” The words “no, you miscalculated” was Azula being angry that someone directly and/ or heavily implied that she was *wrong*. Better yet, Azula broke down when her mother said that she loved her- this meant that Azula was *wrong* when she believed that her mother didn’t love her rather she feared of Azula. Also,she was *wrong* when she thought that her father wouldn’t treat her like Zuko- she even says that to him when he wanted to burn the whole world by himself. Azula has always had a fragile ego: she hid it very well. When her whole worldview came crashing down, she felt very lost and out of control. It’s why she tried to kill Zuko after Mai and Ty lee betrayed her. It’s also why she cut her hair sporadically, banished all her servants and the dai lee agents, and her fighting, which has always been controlled, calculative and precise, have now been a wild fire that’s out of control.

[@emuscreeches6092]

@@k.d3983 you kinda said the exact same thing as the original commenter... although I don't think "groomed" was the correct word choice

[@justanotherweirdo11]

@@k.d3983 Whether manipulation is common or normal or not is not what matters. How that manipulation affects people is what matters. Both Zuko and Azula have been shown to be mentally unhealthy, one chooses to work on themselves and the other did not. Abuse breeds abusers. I think that's what the comment is trying to highlight.

[@iantophernicus6042]

The story of Azula will always be a tragedy. So many people in the fandom write her off, stating that she was always destined to be evil and that she was twisted from the start. What people forget is that Azula never had her own Iroh. If Zuko were a prodigy bender, Ozai wouldn't have hesitated to burn and banish Azula if Zuko could fill her role. Ozai never had children. He had functions. Tools. Azula was his perfect weapon. Zuko was the obstacle that stood in Azula's way. If Ursa hadn't stepped in, Ozai wouldn't have hesitated to kill Zuko. Ursa's sacrifice made Ozai so determined to sweep Zuko away from the Fire Nation, at the first possible chance. Without Zuko, there was no one to divert the heat away from Azula. With Ursa gone, there was no one left who knew what Ozai was like beyond closed doors. Even if she could swallow her pride to ask for help from the Fire Sages or the other noble families, who would believe her? Who would actually listen to her, rather than undermining her experiences and reprimanding her for spreading such slanderous tales of her father? Who would see her, not as some bratty royal, but as a scared child asking for help? Even if she were to be believed, who would willingly consult the Fire Lord, to put an end to his vindictive malignant and controlling presence against his daughter? Who could see past the indoctrination of Fire Nation Propaganda, to recognise the true malevolent force that served to perpetuate the mindset that Sozin had forces on his nation, that actively changed history and discouraged people from learning the truth? All of this to say, as one dimensional as he became in the show, the true, terrifying nature of Ozai is given so much nuance and complexity when considering the impact he had on Azula and how she served as a microcosm to show the macrocosmic effects that he wreaked onto the Fire Nation. Azula deserved so much better. She deserved to know that she didn't need to be perfect, that she was her own person, not the ruthless weapon tjat Ozai made her believe she was. Azula deserved to be happy. If she had her own Iroh figure, she might have seen Ozai's evil manipulations over her for what they were. I could talk for ages about how I hate Ozai and his cruel treatment of Azula, but really, there's one word for it. He was EVIL. He never saw Azula as a daughter. She was one ever a resource to him, one that he could cast aside the moment she outlived her usefulness. If they had been successful on the day of Sozin's Comet, I shudder to imagine how he would have remained Phoenix King, with Azula left with the glorified title of Fire Lord, forever at his feet. Don't be like Ozai. Don't write Azula off without considering just how abhorrent her life was made, growing up in Ozai's shadow. No one can see what happens in a shadow. Don't turn a blind eye. Azula deserves more than that.

[@marshmallowvampire8503]

I guess her "monstrosity" is a good lesson more than anything. You might feel bad, or you might hate her, but I think we can all take one thing from it: that being entitled, dishonest, and sadistic is no way to live. Weither it comes from being hurt or just being naturally arrogant, it just makes them a harmful, maybe feared... creature. This guy breaks it down really well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGWYZWeQiteSnaM

[@hoo7797]

I love when Azula says "it was true but it still hurt" after telling her friends that Ursa thought she was a monster. The line is comical, but in retrospect, it's tragic. Azula fully accepts herself as a monster and doesn't give herself a chance to be loved or redeemed.

[@laurenbennett7674]

she uses that humor and light tone as a defense mechanism... such smart writing, people irl do it constantly.

[@thedelordhimselfgokublack]

Her mother never thought she was a monster. She thinks she is a monster. Her hallucination of her mother is her good side or conscience telling her everything she did is wrong. She knows it too. She feels she is too far gone to be redeemed

[@godlyhax4172]

​The mom activley said "what is wrong with that child"​@@thedelordhimselfgokublack

[@Cool30Comics]

Azula and Zuko’s relationship are great examples of why I like writing sibling relationships. We come from the same place with the same blessings and traumas, but come out totally different.

[@unicorn1655]

And there will always be this unique connection, no matter weather you stay in each other’s lives, are the best of budds or hate each other’s guts. Siblings shape you just as much as parents, sometimes even more.

[@marshmallowvampire8503]

To me it's freaking depressing how Zuko is treated. I agree completely that it is a very interesting dynamic, but the thing that stands out to me the most is that he is treated like garbage even when he had potential and was very humble to Ozai. Idk if he had a "survival of the fittest" mentality with his kids or Azula was just so much of an ass kisser he didn't notice/care and assumed Zuko was just incapable of being acceptable. Favor for a daughter over a son for really stupid reasons is something I've seen irl, and it's not just sad, it's infuriatingly unfair that the nice kid gets nothing and the mean one gets all of the positive attention b'coz they are a good at lying and simulating "good behavior". I know it's not Azula's fault, but it could easily be that with narcissism and entitlement b'coz she can self reflect and think "if it feels right, I'm gonna keep doing it".

[@morganmiller41]

@@marshmallowvampire8503 The weird part is Ozai favored Azula on firebending alone. We seen multiple times in the series Zuko is a stealth and hand-to-hand prodigy,basically a ninja. Ozai failed to see the potential in his son for not being good at one thing. Zuko could of been a great general with minimal casualties.

[@marcopohl4875]

also: showing affection by not showing affection. need I say more?

[@jordiedmond5744]

True

[@ctrI4]

I get goosebumps everytime when zuko says “I‘m angry at myself“ it’s so emotional… also when azula asks why it sounds so sincere, even if she calls him pathetic afterwards. Such a tragic story. I wish azula could have been redeemed.

[@QFl7098]

They’re making more avatar content so here’s hoping 🤞

[@mikanchan322]

I think there's actually an important lesson in Azula not being redeemable. Not everyone can, or wants to be redeemed - even if their corruption was not their own fault.

[@ceeeceee8753]

@@mikanchan322 She was so young in the series. Maybe she’ll change her mind? I mean Bryke said it’s possible for her to heal so maybe her heart will change as well.

[@multivitaminsaft1997]

@@mikanchan322 Redemption is very subjective. I think the most important question is, if she thinks, that she is redeemable. Maybe she would try to change? Maybe she want´s her friends back? Even if they hate her after what she has done, I would like to see how this change of mind develops her character. Also I think Zuko would give her another chance. He needed more than one try himself after all. My heart starts feeling warm, when I think about how Zuko and Azula would make up after all this years of rivalry and suffering. This is such a great series! :)

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@multivitaminsaft1997 Thing is, Zuko had people who helped him redeem himself, namely, his uncle and later Team Avatar. Azula lost her friends, family, and subjects. She has nobody to help her redeem herself. I don't think even Iroh would forgive her after everything she's done. And I agree that there's a lesson to be learned from an irredeemable character. Not everyone can be redeemed. Not everyone can be saved. With how Azula was brought up, she's likely too far gone. And then there's the idea that, after everything she's done, she might not be worthy or deserving of a redemption, even if she wants it herself. But hey, if Vegeta from DBZ can have a believable redemption arc, then maybe so can Azula.

[@rennox0391]

"I wanted to see these kids all of them to just be kids...but the war took that from them" damn that line is powerful it hits really hard

[@haileyharmon5298]

We respect the Fire Nation kids in this house.

[@SagesRain]

no cap

[@shay_3859]

@Mia 😨

[@kenaboss4527]

@Mia 😳

[@kylebeetha]

Imagine being put out by a little rain

[@Galaxyzzz__]

Real

[@Pman8362]

The greatness of avatar is that more than half of the episodes have enough nuance to get a video essay done on them.

[@iantophernicus6042]

The story of Azula will always be a tragedy. So many people in the fandom write her off, stating that she was always destined to be evil and that she was twisted from the start. What people forget is that Azula never had her own Iroh. If Zuko were a prodigy bender, Ozai wouldn't have hesitated to burn and banish Azula if Zuko could fill her role. Ozai never had children. He had functions. Tools. Azula was his perfect weapon. Zuko was the obstacle that stood in Azula's way. If Ursa hadn't stepped in, Ozai wouldn't have hesitated to kill Zuko. Ursa's sacrifice made Ozai so determined to sweep Zuko away from the Fire Nation, at the first possible chance. Without Zuko, there was no one to divert the heat away from Azula. With Ursa gone, there was no one left who knew what Ozai was like beyond closed doors. Even if she could swallow her pride to ask for help from the Fire Sages or the other noble families, who would believe her? Who would actually listen to her, rather than undermining her experiences and reprimanding her for spreading such slanderous tales of her father? Who would see her, not as some bratty royal, but as a scared child asking for help? Even if she were to be believed, who would willingly consult the Fire Lord, to put an end to his vindictive malignant and controlling presence against his daughter? Who could see past the indoctrination of Fire Nation Propaganda, to recognise the true malevolent force that served to perpetuate the mindset that Sozin had forces on his nation, that actively changed history and discouraged people from learning the truth? All of this to say, as one dimensional as he became in the show, the true, terrifying nature of Ozai is given so much nuance and complexity when considering the impact he had on Azula and how she served as a microcosm to show the macrocosmic effects that he wreaked onto the Fire Nation. Azula deserved so much better. She deserved to know that she didn't need to be perfect, that she was her own person, not the ruthless weapon tjat Ozai made her believe she was. Azula deserved to be happy. If she had her own Iroh figure, she might have seen Ozai's evil manipulations over her for what they were. I could talk for ages about how I hate Ozai and his cruel treatment of Azula, but really, there's one word for it. He was EVIL. He never saw Azula as a daughter. She was one ever a resource to him, one that he could cast aside the moment she outlived her usefulness. If they had been successful on the day of Sozin's Comet, I shudder to imagine how he would have remained Phoenix King, with Azula left with the glorified title of Fire Lord, forever at his feet. Don't be like Ozai. Don't write Azula off without considering just how abhorrent her life was made, growing up in Ozai's shadow. No one can see what happens in a shadow. Don't turn a blind eye. Azula deserves more than that.

[@Prince-Shogun]

Beautiful analysis!

[@Nyualum21]

Underrated comment

[@matiasmagresso7308]

Not everyone can be redeemed, Azula's mind completely collapsed at the end of the series. Not everyone can have a happy ending, you have to accept it.

[@AndalusianPhilosopher]

@@matiasmagresso7308 with all due respect, put yourself in Zukos shoes, and if this was your sister/sibling, how would you feel? I for one will not give up and I won't be able to simply give up on my sibling. If there is one thing about Zuko is that he is persistent and with time and commitment who knows? He might be able to reach out to Azula. Miracles happen. We have to wait few more years. A new Zuko based animated movie is coming out!

[@lemortedbrian6070]

She is tragic but some characters stories dont end well cuz that is just what is realistic. someone like azula who was priviledged prodigy since birth who grew up to believe in subjugating people with force dont recover from their worldview shattering easily. even iroh saw that she was too insane to be saved.

[@pudim3113]

"The beach is one of my favorite episodes ... I like it for 2 very deep and emotional reasons: THE FIRST ONE BEING THAT IT'S A BEACH EPISODE"

[@SagesRain]

lmfaoo

[@anarchy5282]

@@SagesRain Avatar is not an anime - some nerd on r/anime me. ok then explain this *points to the beach episode*

[@anatoldenevers237]

@@SagesRain great video man

[@Alex_Barbosa]

I love that it's a beach episode, but it's incredibly important to the plot and direction of the rest of the show. It's like a parody of anime beach filler episodes. It has to be intentional right? It's literally called "the beach" just add episode and it's completely on the nose.

[@michaeldavis3596]

The part that hit me the most was when Zuko yelled "I'M ANGRY AT MYSELF" that hit extremely close to home for me and Azula softly asking why made even more heartbreaking

[@twinsen1949]

One clarification of when he tells Zuko to to go to the beach with her, she goes "This place's depressing". Not just for Zuko, probably, to some extent, depressing for herself as well.

[@brandenboggess6672]

I always caught that because this is one of the only episodes where we see Azula drop her guard, even if it’s just a little. We hear so many genuine lines from her that we never get before or after this episode. I think she 100% sympathized with zuko to at least some degree, it’s just a shame she never got to open that part of herself.

[@dariusparker2685]

The fact is that Zuko never lost his honor. He was just the only person that had it in the fire nation.

[@kev95]

One of the best epsiodes due to large amounts of Azula screentime

[@spacesomeone]

hell yeah! wish we had more slice of life eps for azula and the gang, I can't get enough of her.

[@unicorn1655]

This episode made me wish we had gotten more of Zuko and Ty Lee’s friendship.

[@LilyZerep]

😁 Yes! Honestly, I can see Zuko and Ty Lee being really close friends. I could see him opening up to her more than anyone other than his mom and relating about their roles in their families. I can imagine Ty Lee and Zuko sharing secrets, having inside jokes and maybe even teaching each other their skills; Ty Lee teaching him chi blocking/ gymnastic moves to help his fighting or bending and Zuko could teach her sword dueling 🙃

[@matiasmagresso7308]

It would not hurt to see more episodes of those 4, to learn more about all of Mai and Lee.

[@RationalOrc]

I love the duality of the beach being both an unimportant filler episode yet also and extremely important serial episode that foreshadows Azula downward spiral into insanity. Her awkwardness around normal people is hilariously ironic for the cunning Azula, but you also have to remember that this truly is a day in the life of Azula. Normal people are frightened of her. They ALL want to get away from her. She doesn't know how to turn off the warrior princess ever. Her ruthless personality is only celebrated by other ruthless people, and she knows it. So when her father tells her that he's leaving her behind, it's all her worst nightmare come true. A life of normal interactions with normal people everyday forever. The one thing she just can't do. The young firelord is doomed to spend her days around advisors, servants, diplomats. All of them being oh so NORMAL people, she knows she'll frighten them off sooner or later.

[@brandenboggess6672]

Damn dude that kinda says a lot considering she banishes the entire palace her first day as fire lord…

[@lumagabriela9315]

That episode always gets me, it just stops the situation related to war and we see them, it's not trying to justificate theirs actions but rather make us identify with them. Thats why every year I watch this show, it never gets old

[@deepinthought2329]

I always took Azula's behavior in the beach to be her reaching out to her friends and brother, trying to, even is subconsciously to surround herself with people she can trust and, basically create a real family. I always saw it as although she put up a condescending, sadistic front, she did care about others, especially the people around that fire. For example, she knew her father was going to kill Zuko, and although she most likely would get in huge trouble, she warned him and their mother. We all know she would most likely have won the fight in the caves, even without Zuko's help. But she recruited him, and even without having any real reason to think the avatar had survived, she gave Zuko the credit, even though that would make him a rival for the thrown. Also I'd say the cracks in her sanity came after Zuko left, not just after her team turned on her. Basically I think that if she had an Iroh, or her brother and team didn't turn on her, she probably could have been pushed into becoming a good person.

[@JoshuaFagan]

Good video, though I'd like to add something. Azula is the one who suggests they pretend to be normal kids and not reveal their identities. Why? It's because she recognizes on some level how constrained she's been by the expectations of others, especially her father. She wants to escape those expectations and just be normal for once, yet she's so socially, psychologically scarred that everyone she interacts with thinks she's monstrous. From this perspective, even the funny moments like her bad attempts at flirting become tragic.

[@alyseleem2692]

HEY,IT'S YOU! YOUR VIDEOS ARE GREAT!

[@k.d3983]

Not exactly. If anything, Azula is more comfortable with being Azula. When she’s not being Azula, we actually see that she has a hard time fitting in and gets jealous that ty lee gets to have what she wants. Knowing Azula, what benefit would there be to revealing their identities, especially to those who with a lower social status?

[@seankwok2082]

I have to disagree, I think Azula choose to attend the party as the teenagers of ember island acted in a way towards her no one ever has. she was not feared, she was not worshipped but treated as an equal, the teenagers goals were not to be monsters or warriors but instead host a party , natrually she was curious.

[@alyseleem2692]

@@seankwok2082 True!

[@alyseleem2692]

@@k.d3983 Simple. People would worship her feet. That boy would beg for a date. Just like the way she wanted. So why didn't she?

[@victoriafolch-pi5824]

Azula is one of my favorites for two reasons (the reasons you said, really): One, because she is really fucking impressive. She's a firebending prodigy BY FOURTEEN and she took down Ba Sing Se without having to use a single soldier FROM THE INSIDE. And two, because of everything you said. She doesn't know who she is. Who is she outside of Ozai's approval? Who is she out of the toxic fire nation philosophy? But I've always found it interesting that by losing the connections she had - Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, and Ozai - she crumbled herself. And that goes back to who she is outside of control, manipulation, and fear because that's how she controlled them, but they rose above and evolved past her control. But also, it makes you wonder why losing her fragile support system messed her up so much, and more so, why it eventually culminated in her hallucinating her mother, the first connection she ever truly lost. It's like being a monster kept control over all these people, but when she lost all of them, she had to face the fact that her mother thought of her as a monster. I'll probably write an essay on it one day lol. Also! That new movie coming out from Avatar Studios should be her redemption story!!!!!

[@unicorn1655]

She deserves novel written about her and a whole mini series. I don’t think a movie could tackle every aspect of her.

[@alyseleem2692]

@@unicorn1655 We need a book 4.

[@matiasmagresso7308]

Not everyone can be redeemed, Azula's mind completely collapsed at the end of the series. Not everyone can have a happy ending, you have to accept it.

[@victoriafolch-pi5824]

@@matiasmagresso7308 she’s a fourteen-year-girl who is severely brainwashed by her culture. If Iroh, a man who killed thousands more people than Azula ever did, can be redeemed than Azula definitely deserves to be redeemed. She has done awful things, but she is also the victim and she deserves a chance to redeem herself. I only have to accept if the person doesn’t want to change, but she’s a fictional character, so you bet your ass I’m going to hope.

[@joeyparenti7815]

@@victoriafolch-pi5824 thats why shes a lost cause. She is mentally broken stop this please you know it to be true you cannot save azula

[@earthkingdomgaming8759]

Azula has to be one of my favorite antagonist characters ever.

[@AxleBoost]

She IS my favorite!

[@spacesomeone]

same! can't stop thinking about her, phenomenal villain.

[@ddbook9469]

To me I always thought the beach episode is where Azula started to crack rather than the boiling rock episode. Not obvious like the boiling rock but it was very subtle that it started that direction to the boiling rock episode.

[@evandugas7888]

Ozai was less of a threat then Azula. Ozai was always to busy to deal with the avatar himself. Azula worked as a agent to hunt the avatar and destroy the earth kingdom.

[@arianepan4664]

That's why Avatar is still relevant... Honestly, I've never watched any other series/films presenting their villains in such a realistic way.

[@stratisclouds]

Naruto gets there sometimes.

[@DavidRodriguez-uf4mq]

For me i at first never had pity for Azula, but after seeing how she truly was it was sad. But i stand by that she always had a choice to better herself, to see that she had worth outside of being the perfect war monster. The tragedy being that she never knew, it's especially worse in the comics. The next time i saw her, was her sleep deprived in a straight jacket, in an isolation cell.

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

Azula has Sociopathy; the inability to feel regret, the innate understanding of how people work, and the scarily strong ability to repress one's own emotions. Combine that last one with the inability to see anything wrong with that, and you get an emotional bottle full of a lifetime of radicalized thinking by the closest thing to a father she had, and the sheer horror of being thought of as a monster by your own mother. And then the absurd pressures of rule combined with the realization that her father saw her as no more than a tool... Azula was BOUND to crack, especially at age 14.

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

Then again; sociopaths CAN feel regret. They just often suppress that too.

[@kingswift782]

When you are a war kid it’s hards to act like a kid. She was trained to be that way and she didn’t have Iroh to teach her different. Her mother also left her which caused self esteem issue. A sociopath is someone who was born that way she was taught that way. Another example was her hate for her mother no sociopath really cares about shit like that.

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

@@kingswift782 she was that way from at least a young age (see episodes where she is portrayed younger) But I agree most of that was likely trained. Many symptoms if sociopathy can be gained due to emotional trauma or setting

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

@@kingswift782 So yeah, it probably was instilled behaviour.

[@k.d3983]

She doesn’t have sociopathy, and you can’t diagnose someone with an anti-social behavior disorder (even if they meet the requirements) if they’re under the age of 18 according to the American psychology association (apa). Also, why do people have a hard time understanding the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath? 🤨

[@KAS6558]

Which makes you ask, what did they give to their kids? Did any of them find it in them to be the parents they missed/lost and finally had to create for themselves?

[@efoxkitsune9493]

Well, if you consider LoK, we know that at least Toph and Aang didn't exactly succeed in that respect. I know it's something many fans have a gripe with, but I personally thought it made perfect sense, all things considered. It's sad, but... pretty real imo.

[@ruthjuliana9222]

I have a love/hate relationship with Azula but every villain has a story. They had to give Azula and her psychics some depth which I enjoyed. They gave almost every character some depth including team Avator. Its like a behind the curtain moment.

[@goitseonelegodi3695]

I wish uncle Iroh had time to help Princess Azula,even if he wasn't gonna save her the first couple of times around. Atleast she would have someone to go to after the loss of the war and the destined fathers defeat(Iroh's words btw)

[@r3a1itygamezz14]

I always thought that the two girls that followed Azula around were meant to represent Azula and her schizophrenia. Someone that wants to care but doesn’t know how, someone that seeks approval yet can’t find satisfaction in themselves, and these two personalities when forced into one jar (Azula) is too full and the slightest touch can push the jar to overflow which we see happen over the course of the series. Azula literally loses her mind by the end of the series which is sad. As the series went on and her friends fall off she becomes more crazed and eventually breaks down. Her final defeat was the nail in the coffin, everything she thought she was, has “overflown” she’s lost every ounce of what she held

[@reynolds1182]

I loved that they did this. Having the supposed bad guys be bad just because with no depth is like a pie with no filling but smells good. And humanizing give you a chance to have some emotion, connection with them even if your not bad. My life is like a Mai + Zuko combo.

[@Zinervawyrm]

The Beach is the reason why I think Zuko and Ty-Lee would actually make a better couple. Since the first episode of season 3, Zuko needed to talk and sort out his feelings. However, Mai repeated tells him things like, "Stop worrying", and literally yawned at him when he asked how he has changed. The two never truly conversed properly. Meanwhile, Ty-Lee genuinely tried to get Zuko to open up when she asked about why he was burning a family photo. Also her trying to find herself while traveling the world while Zuko was traveling the world and learning about himself in the process, both may have had a few similar experiences they could relate to.

[@nia5449]

Just goes to show we don’t choose the best match for us irl and don’t choose who we fall For

[@diaryofsweetchaos]

Hold up, you're onto something here. I never thought about those two together but I can see it. I also liked when Ty-Lee tried flirting with Sokka but didn't really imagine that going anywhere.

[@Zinervawyrm]

@@diaryofsweetchaos Welcome to the ever so rare as dragons Zuko and Ty-Lee ship!

[@amberslahlize7961]

@@nia5449 But people do end up marrying the people who are more similar to us, while yet there is pretty fair balance. People who need to have fences built for example, end up marrying people who will make them.

[@LilyZerep]

😃 Yes! This episode actually made me a Ty Lee/Zuko shipper. I aways hated the way Mai responded when Zuko wanted to actually talk earlier in the season "I just asked if you were cold. I didn't ask for your life story," even if she was trying to lighten his mood, it still rubbed me the wrong way. I could see Ty Lee being a great listener, communicating well with Zuko, understanding what it's like to be cast aside while your sibling/siblings get all the attention, and even being ok with him keeping secrets like in the comics (although I think Zuko would have opened up to Ty Lee and explaining his paranoia to being a great leader). I honestly think it would be cute to see Ty Lee and Zuko together ❤ 😊😁

[@BadselS]

Legendary episode, better than some heavy-plotted stuff.

[@asellape9270]

"I wanted that sweet teenage angst," you know, mate, I have to disagree there. Great video. I know you've explored Bebop and Champloo before, but personally, it'd be dope to see you explore them some more. Edit: What Zuko says about having it all but feeling nothing satisfactory also really resonated with me.

[@1nSpec]

The beach is hands down the best non story episode.

[@harmonetheanimationaddict4419]

You mean filler.

[@emuscreeches6092]

I think filler has a more negative connotation. This episode was important in developing its antagonists outside of their relationship with the protagonists, which is REALLY important. I don’t think an episode needs to have a direct impact on the plot to have importance to its themes and narratives

[@ghostlyyin]

@@harmonetheanimationaddict4419 that wasn’t filler. The episode with the rich and poor groups going with Aang to the other land is filler. Everything else (besides the recap episode) is canon

[@kkdraws9052]

It's not filler. This episode is important to the plot because it humanizes the fire nation. It's made to be watched and flesh out the main villains

[@mkferro]

The Beach emphasizes why I never gave up on Azula. She honestly tried living a normal life even when they could’ve easily used the “Royal Family” card to force social interaction. They just wanted to feel what it was like to be teenagers. How Azula showed empathy for the first time proved to me that with Ozai out of the picture, she’s capable of positive change. She’s only a “monster” thanks to her father’s desire for her to be a war machine devoid of human emotion; but that’s not what she truly wants. Hopefully in the future, we can see what she DOES want and turns her life into something beautiful. The scars of the past will always be there, but I don’t see why Azula can’t be redeemed years after coming to terms with Ozai’s abuse. If the show taught us anything, it’s that we all shape our own destiny and even with a traumatic past, it doesn’t have to define who we are. That’s why I’ll never give up on Azula. Great video as always, Sage.

[@TheKlutz31013]

Problem is after reading the comics it’s clear she won’t change. It’s been years since Ozai has been locked up but Azula is still a homicidal maniac, even after she recovers from her mental breakdown

[@horsegirl19951]

@@TheKlutz31013 She’s even kidnapping kids for a dumb reason🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mkferro]

@@TheKlutz31013 I would chalk that up to poor writing. The Search was pretty good but I had a few issues with Smoke and Shadow, including how Azula was written. Hopefully, they change course soon and write her better before they ruin her character.

[@alyseleem2692]

@@mkferro Agreed,although I doubt they'd change anything at this rate. Aaron's gone,and he was the one with that idea.

[@k.d3983]

And Azulas destiny is that she will never change. Jet was a young guy, yet he died at a young age. We see that without his hatred of the fire nation, he was a very kind guy who wanted to help people for the sake of helping people. Yet, he still died. Why can’t we have another young person face a tragic life because of their actions? That’s realistic. Like you’ve said: she tried. But, she liked being who she was. For gods sake, she destroyed the guy’s house just because he rejected her. Let’s face it- some of y’all don’t want to give up on Azula because she’s an attractive female. What I’ve noted for those who sympathize with villains, some people have a very hard time seeing a young, female attractive person be evil. How come Ozai is seen as a horrible man despite having a similar upbringing as Azula? Ozai treated him similarly based on what was familiar. But, the audience wants to hold him accountable and say that it’s his own damn fault and not his father for raising him like that. Yet, Azula is an innocent person who can do no wrong in yalls eyes because she was abused....

[@DaniG._.German]

Watching your videos made me realize that the world of Avatar The Last Airbender is a cruel world. Children become soldiers and they have to fight adults

[@AvatarTheLastPodcasters]

This episode made me realize alot about myself, I realized I was Mai. That realization startled me because I'm not necessarily fond of Mai but I relate to her because fear of parents punishments and backlash led me to be more reserved, slow to voice my opinion. Don't get me wrong I was blessed with some amazing parents but they're human, they're flawed.

[@The_Very_Tall_Midget]

I wish we could crowd fund all these amazing animators to make something on the level of avatar, even if it would be hard i would love to see more work on this level

[@9LivesDeepDives]

One of the most understated strengths Avatar The Last Airbender possesses is in these slice of life type episodes, that are less plot intensive and highly character driven. Avatar excels in subtle world building, specifically by exploring its world through its characters. The Beach is also one of my favorite episodes for the implications about the Fire Nation and the world at large you can draw from it. Aside from Tai Lee's simple but well executed character arc, this episode is chock full of discussion points that could be explored heavily. Dissecting the Fire Nation's image both within itself, and how it reflects on the world at large by focusing on the children of the Fire Lord and how they were raised, traumatized, and grew to be dysfunctional at the hands of their father. It's honestly quite fantastically done, and so simply too.

[@allthingslexi6046]

This was like one of those episodes that you feel like could have been written by fans because of how silly and comical it was but it still also had some deep moments

[@stuffmorestuff6647]

And to think... ATLA season 4 was supposed to be Azula's redemption

[@stefanocremonini2656]

Only Eshaz want that redemption. The two creators never wanted that. In fact even Azula didn't want her redemption like she said in the comics.

[@Gamelover254]

Not every character needs a “redemption”. It wouldn’t be realistic if everyone was able to gain stable ground again and learn to be a better person. Unfortunately life is filled with people who are stuck in their ways and will do anything to keep their illusions going. I also love that Azula’s mental psychosis isn’t just “solved”. It shows that not everyone is curable and can be put on a better path. Azula reminds me the best Batman villains. Crazy/psychotic yet majorly sympathetic and deep.

[@alyseleem2692]

@@stefanocremonini2656 And Ehasz made the show what it was. You know that.

[@alyseleem2692]

@@Gamelover254 And then they turned her into a villain of the week. Redemption would've been better.

[@stefanocremonini2656]

@@alyseleem2692 nope ehasz is only a writer. Di Martino and Konietzko are the two creator.

[@missladyhaha]

When Azula says to Zuko, “come down to the beach with me, this place is depressing” I can see that she herself feels what Zuko feels. That their lively normal childhood is gone.

[@draytonwoods8888]

Every time I watch avatar I get a rush of nostalgia from my childhood, been a fan since ep1 and I believe is the best show of all time!

[@Magaxstar]

I love your stuff man. You and the Channel The Meaning of NERD are my go to for philosophical avatar talk 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@kennylunacy]

In Lord Ozai's eyes, Azula was born lucky while Zuko was lucky to be born.

[@darkinstinctful123]

I love this guy's intro.

[@emmaparadis2055]

There's something so comforting about listening to you talk about an incredible episode from a show I love with some nice tea. I really appreciate the calm and focus that you bring to your videos, especially when most content built around pop culture has such bombastic energy. I've already rewatched avatar twice since it came back to Netflix but after watching thing I gUEsS I goTtA do it aGAiN :) Weird Compliment: you have such an amazing voice! Sorry if this comes off as weird or creepy I just appreciate it :)

[@Salemwaaa]

This episode showed that no matter what you are, hero or villain everyone is still human at the end of the day they’re allowed to relax and be kids not chase the avatar 24/7. #stanAzula

[@ultradripstinct7105]

Zukos lowest moment was when he was yelling to the sky to throw something at him again

[@HuntressMarcy]

It amazes me how sage is able to rewatch a show from most of our childhoods and draw so many parallels.

[@babibratzko1744]

So I wrote a 10 page essay on zuko's honor for an honors English class and I got a 98% on so I feel like I'm well versed in zuko's pursuit. So imma just get my calming cup of Jasmine tea and relax.

[@jessapop]

Can you show us :00??

[@milkyeon9271]

Damn, congrats!

[@ThatOneBard_BritzOP]

I legit wanna read it

[@dias147]

I cant tell you how much I love your content. I love your voice and your insights. i love that you look into and draw attention to small details. I love how your videos never feel rushed, and they all hit the mark. I love how I can listen to you and feel engaged and interested despite similar videos not doing it for me. thank you for this. Also if you are reading this please have a good day. DO your best and make the most of whatever situation you find yourself in.

[@SagesRain]

wow thank you for the kind words, i really appreciate it. i hope your day goes well also

[@TheTheDarkRaven]

The beach really became one of my favorite scenes when rewatching the show mainly because life hits different. I'm able to relate to the show more now compared to when it first came out. Second, being able to finally understand who our cheerful characters are up against. We stan Azula because she's a badass, but also because she is suffering from a lack of identity similar to her brother. Her brother had the assistance of others to help him find his way, while Azula never got the chance to develop that meaningful relationship with Iroh or any other character. Seeing what is one of her few low points in the show really gives us the dark side of the prodigal daughter. No form of identity for the royal family and friends reminds you that they really are just kids in the midst of a war struggling to be what they should. Love the content boss you really don't miss.

[@gekkocorner5437]

I'd disagree with Zuko's lowest moment being the Beach. I made a video called the most underrated episode of ATLA and there I talk about why Zuko is interested in the history of his family. A family that has brought him nothing but pain and a burden he doesn't want. And when he finally learns the truth he seeks guidance from the one person he can get it from. The person he stabbed in the back. His uncle. And when Iroh "pushes him away" and only explains to him what the emotions he is feeling are is when Zuko finally hits rock bottom. Zuko realizes that there is no end. He thought that capturing the Avatar was the end goal and he wished it was but it wasn't and reality finally caught up to him. The very thing he swore to destroy was a part of him. You only go look for answers when there is something so pressing that it needs answering. Zuko had no choice but to search for the truth even though it would hurt him.

[@6ixlxrd]

I’d also disagree with that. In both those instances, while still quite lost, Zuko understood (and internally rejected) what was making him unhappy. On the Beach he knew he’d gotten everything he ever wanted yet didn’t feel happy with any of it, and he knew why: he betrayed who he was to get what he wanted, but who he was turned out to be completely different from who he once wanted to be. The same thing can be said for your example. Zuko understood that something within him had changed...or that maybe he had only become more of who he had always been (the kind-hearted boy his father rejected, maimed, and banished), thus seeking information on his family and forgiveness from his uncle almost as a means of justifying himself. These aren’t Zuko’s lowest moments at all, but his highest. He’s at his peak both as a character and as a person during each of these. I’d argue that Zuko’s lowest moment is the Crossroads of Destiny. We’ve experienced him go from being a vengeful, rage-filled antagonist hell-bent on capturing the Avatar and reclaiming his honor no matter the cost, to literally collapsing after choosing to do ONE act of goodness which conflicted with everything he was and everything he stood to be. We saw him happy. He’d started smiling afterwards and became friendlier/more supportive of his uncle, seemingly FINALLY free of both the toxic fire-nation’s influence and his father’s traumatizing shadow. But then Azula appears, makes him an offer, and the Zuko we’d watched redeem himself suddenly becomes unsure. And when he’s finally faced with a decision the *ultimate* culmination of all his experiences and everything he’s gone through, one where he sides with his uncle and helps the Avatar, or sides with Azula, betrays his uncle, and embraces his old ways...he makes a decision which shocks us all and chooses his old ways. This is the lowest moment of Zuko’s character. A moment where he betrays his uncle, the audience, but most importantly, himself.

[@arfreda5912]

“The Beach” is an episode that stuck out the most for me when I think back on ATLA

[@stephj505]

Fun fact: During season 2, Azula became a fairly popular character which neither of the creators expected because she was created to be even a worse villain than Zuko. They decided to give her more humanizing moments in season 3 partially because of this and partially because they wanted to give most characters more depth in that season.

[@dragonorbminecraft]

Anyone else actually notice how Ty Lee and Mai (and even Azula) are the personification of domestic felines Ty Lee is the cuddly, flexible and attention seeking cat that needs to be loved Mai is the dismissive, prim and proper cat that also secretly cares for others Azula is the vicious, spoilt and fiery tempered, that bites, scratches and hisses but all along they are afraid and confused Bonus: Zuko is the abused, scared and abandoned cat that after given love and compassion becomes a companion with an unbreakable bond

[@InvestedGman]

I've loved this Episode and it has some funny moments like when azula said "My own mother called me a monster.....She was Right of course but it still hurt", and I remember laughing at that and I still Do. Lol

[@fantabulousstargirl]

the fire nation kids are my fave!

[@guilhermeteodosio40]

Naruto's villain: oMG U CANT BELIEVE HOW SAD AND MISERABLE MY CHILDHOOD WAS LETS WATCH A THREE EPISODES LONG FLASHBACK SOO YOU CAN UNDERSTAND MY PAIN

[@stefanocremonini2656]

To be fair Naruto's villain are much more complex. Orochimaru is an example.

[@Reality-Distortion]

Uh, and?

[@guilhermeteodosio40]

@@stefanocremonini2656 "naruto's villain are complex" lmao sure, you mean like Kaguya? Obito? Zetsu? Danzo? Nagato? (Orochimaru ain't no complex, he was just a mad scientist, I really like him thou!)

[@fenexgid3074]

@@guilhermeteodosio40 as much as I hate this avatar tlab is more complex than naruto didn't think I'd see the day

[@Reality-Distortion]

@@guilhermeteodosio40 Why did you mix complex and noncomplex ones though? Yes, Orochimaru is complex. And I don't know why would you even compare those 2 series while ATLA's only complex villain IS Azula. The only other good antagonist is Zuko but while he can justifiably be even called the most well written character in the series - "complex" wouldn't describe him very well.

[@sirraulo9002]

"You don't have to be perfect to have worth" hits kinda different.

[@ja5zyt.501]

I absolutely love when you do Avatar videos becasue you have a way with words and its always great

[@finalgirltia]

for me, what adds a different depth to this episode is that the fire nations kids are all childhood friends. they've known each other for years, but never truly /knew/ or understood each other. but you also see that they do to some extent and they do also care for each other. i wish we got more of their friendship (or more of their dynamics) in this season (and also more of the happier moments of royal family which, in this episode, were eluded to have existed)

[@wattsnottaken1]

This show was always fantastic at humanizing the enemy!

[@manettes50]

Great analysis. I actually felt sorry for Azula for the first time. At the beach, I was on the fence about those scenes where she genuinely seems to care about others and expresses herself as such but pulls back and ruins those moments. I didn’t know if she was manipulating them or had sincere moments of empathy and vulnerability.

[@Meme033094]

Me walking into into a sage rain video thinking we talking about Zuko and you make me empathize with Azula you monster!

[@Bingchilling_enjoyer]

Bro, it’s insane how chill your videos are

[@InYourNetwork]

Right? Sage got great videos to watch when you're smoking herb.

[@darkvaderr6062]

@@InYourNetwork Ong

[@cynicaloptimist970]

I remember watching Avatar when they first aired and after watching this episode I was so full of hope that no matter what, Zuko and Azula could still somehow reconcile after the war. Like you said in this video; after her loss, who is she? I thought that Zuko would find their mother and, having seen the broken child behind the mask, he would be the bigger man and ask Ursa to be with Azula and show her that she loves her too. That would have been enough for me to know that things would get better. God, I hope they will give her some sort of redemption eventually.

[@Eatv979]

I'm really grateful to have grown up watching this show. I remember coming back from school putting my backpack away, settling myself in the living room and turning on the tv to check if there was a new episode. If there was one, I'd call my older brother and sister to come watch it with me. I would even re-watch the show during re-runs

[@hezekiahthompson6817]

How the hell do you make even Audible sound so profound and legendary, 😂

[@williethomas5116]

It is very important to show that even "villains" have their own POV. They have reasons and concerns.

[@briansheehan5256]

"I am a 400 foot tall purple platypus-bear with pink horns and silver wings." - Azula, "lying" to Toph about being a monster.

[@because7768]

I love your avatar videos, incredible

[@galmax2000]

that was beyond amazing!!!!

[@kbreezy1581]

Thank you for this. I never thought I could love and appreciate this episode, or the whole series even more than I already do.

[@CharmCityGamer]

Thanks for another amazing Avatar video Sage!

[@devin_improductif6254]

love your voice and all the care you put in these videos

[@xatiter]

This was an amazing video man. The editing, your voice, the script, the characters; it really brought me close to tears. Thank you

[@bhmninerollie3662]

Thank you for going deeper into the show, it shows me how much i missed when i watched it so many years ago, and gives me a different perspective on what is really going on when i re watch it

[@yokohaloless2286]

Love your channel mate. Calming voice, good scripting

[@Aquamayne100]

Dude this is probably my new favorite video on your channel! Amazing take!!!

[@dylanbruesehoff2784]

Thank u for introducing me to the beauty of this episode

[@tmoneybaby]

love this dudes undying passion for creating content

[@gregorydaniels7610]

Another great video, I never get tired of how you delve deeper into the characters of avatar.

[@Foxywhiskers23]

I love your videos so much! No matter what you talk about your voice calms me down real quick

[@monaeckle]

One of my favorite episodes ever

[@duke0200]

I always love your videos. They're so in depth and have an amazing analysis. Also your voice is really deep and it sounds like it could narrate books! Thank you for this video!

[@shine199723]

Sometimes I forget how young everyone was in Avatar it’s crazy, they were literal children. Going through all of this. That’s crazy, and makes me think about their mental state afterwards

[@nickolasbugera2679]

I am very happy to see someone whom still shares the love for avatar. After watching it 3 times, I still find myself going back and finding thinks like quotes or acts that speak to me, and I always tell my friends to check it out because of some of the things that could eventually help you through life. I just wanted to say that you share something very important to me and I really appreciate it. Love your videos

[@TevyaSmolka]

Which is actually tragic when you think about it because you can Azula while a monster yes at the same time though you can tell all of them physiological damage people who just want to live life.

[@_astro3561]

Sage really makes you think about the the shows deeply with every video he makes

[@travisegger1316]

Such an insightful vid man! Keep it up!

[@ryan3960]

Perhaps Azula accepting that she is the monster people see her as is the real reason why the "I am a 400-foot tall platypus bear" lie is done so well? Although we can see she is not this physically, perhaps it is actually the image she projects onto herself that she believes with so much conviction that even Toph could not detect the tell-tale signs of a liar.

[@quincygraver683]

Love this video I just saw that episode recently and zuko voice actor is perfect when he acknowledges who he is really mad at

[@LuckSMTS]

Homie all your avatar videos are worth millions of views. It's great how there are people who still love and appreciate this cartoon!

[@MClaro-xs4ft]

Great video ✨ now I truly understand why people stan Azula! Thank you for going so much in depth with this one, it hurts the more you think about it

[@catelyntully9494]

I was so happy when I found your channel and finally someone else recognized Azula as a victim too, I really want to see her more in the comics if she finally had her so much needed redemtion arc or she keeps going worst like in smoke and shadow. Either way she always have been my favorite character and not only because she is strong and cool but because I felt her demise as maybe the most tragic thing in the show somehow.