The Crossroads of Destiny | Avatar Book 2 Ep 19-20 Reaction

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[@YaBoyRoshi]

Damn Zuko 😥

[@X_Juice_X]

The way Toph just got metal bending the way she did was fire

[@raresgabriel5887]

Is it weird that I'm soo hype for this reaction?

[@dub_slade1179]

thank you guys for your entertaining reactions to this amazing show!

[@jokergh2321]

@@raresgabriel5887 You're not weird at all, these guys are literally the best Avatar reactors out there.

[@joshcook5434]

aang really did die in that moment when azula struck him. remember what roku said: if you are killed in the avatar state, the reincarnation cycle will be broken, and the avatar will be no more.

[@alanfv763]

- Aang: levels up and is about to clap everyone. - Azula: Sorry, we don't do that here.

[@julianr8544]

@GamerBear NANI!

[@tomellis2419]

If Azula shot me id stay shot.

[@RickymaRI87]

This ain't DBZ bro...

[@appledough3843]

I read Azulas line in T'Challas voice lol

[@nekoplays5433]

Azula goes SHAZAAAM

[@sharsasuke01]

When Roshi said "Zuko, why?" he felt that in his heart. lol

[@jbreezy1171]

U mean Iroh?

[@davidyodo24]

I feel my heart 💔

[@creekpiper18]

He felt that in his kokoro.. 😂

[@mariakal605]

he didn't even yell it, he just sounded so heartbroken and betrayed 😂

[@1R_D_Z]

I felt that too

[@cheeseburgamer2293]

"Don't flatter yourself, you were never even a player" Iconic ._.

[@MrSirFluffy]

Burns worse than her fire bending.

[@hugheslaufeyson257]

Burns worse than Zuko's scar.

[@webx135]

Best villain ever

[@Deadman7782]

The thug level is over 9000!

[@jonathanfoster4202]

CheeseBurGamer cold as blue flames

[@Someguyhere111]

Azula: *attacks a character powering up during a battle* Goku: "Wait, that's illegal."

[@yamyam2987]

Azula: "We don't do that here"

[@etnies777]

Sailor moon gang goes incognito

[@Prince_the_One]

@@etnies777 LMFAOOOO

[@kylepierre14]

Didn't he tell android 17 this during the tournament of power lmao

[@crescentmoondriver4343]

@@yamyam2987 your comment made me sad... RIP Chadwick

[@XxdextriousxX]

Azula: it’s terrible when you can’t trust the people who are closest to you. Mai: 👀 Ty lee: 👀

[@nonop563]

💧👁️👄👁️💧 *intense sweating*

[@janasaulters2369]

omg the foreshadowing

[@Dasaboi]

@@janasaulters2369 yo for real

[@lishaysmiraculousfanfics5346]

Dude. Boiling rock. I’m mean come on.

[@Jaysolate]

😂😂

[@TH3ON71N3G4M3R98]

The crazy thing is, Toph literally INVENTED metal bending. No one has ever done it before

[@Smooth_operator32]

Legendary af

[@ceiii9287]

That’s why she’s my favorite

[@jmanpolo5611]

It's more of discovered..

[@tornado100able]

@@Smooth_operator32 The fucking mother of metal bending !

[@TH3ON71N3G4M3R98]

Jman Polo tbf no one has ever considered it possible so in a way she really did invent it

[@hellkaiser64]

That moment when not only Azula kills Aang, but Destroyed the entire Avatar Cycle for a moment.

[@KevinTheSpeedster]

@@kyleparker613 they're mid way through book 3 I think

[@Repsforjesus67]

I'm not sure if Azula even knew that she ended the cycle though, even Roku had to clarify it to Aang so I feel like it's a secret only avatars know.

[@PaintedHoundie]

crazy. that spirit water had to snatch him up out the graveyard real quick.

[@somedudewatchintv5297]

@@kyleparker613 they at least got as far as season 3 since they referenced the new queen in the comments.

[@larryvos4377]

@@Repsforjesus67 Based on convos had in S3, pretty certain they knew death in the avatar state was the end of the line

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

At this point, Zuko is like an alcoholic who's trying to get clean. He's finally managed to break the destructive cycle that's been ruling and ruining his life for years, and then Azula goes and dangles the equivalent of an open bar in front of him. It's understandable that the poor kid's resolve breaks.

[@chikachikaslimshady1]

Yes this anology has never been made before. Only about 3 billion times. But thats nothing. Youre the only unique one. Im blown away by your sheer insight and commentary. Wow. Youre truly a scholar

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

@@chikachikaslimshady1 At no point did I say "Am I the only one who..." or any equivalent. Wind your neck in, sunshine.

[@chikachikaslimshady1]

@@Zombiewithabowtie What are you talking about? You clearly are the only one oh special one. Did you not read my comment? Yours stood out like no other. You are truly a thoughtful insightful soul. Not basic at all

[@cameronbooker7741]

I think Zuko hasn’t gone backwards or at least entirely. Three episodes ago, Zuko had finally came to the realization that he to take control of his life and the way he sees himself and stop letting his deadbeat dad dictate his life. So now even though he has made the wrong choice, he will come back home being more in tune with who he is and what he wants and that will create a conflict that will make him question everything he has ever known and ultimately make him realize his own destiny. Iroh has done all that he could to help his surrogate son find his own destiny, and together they had succeeded at the first step. Now Zuko has to continue the rest of his journey alone and complete the process in which he will come out a better person.

[@CloverKyng]

@@chikachikaslimshady1 Very Petty

[@SylverQrow]

Imma correct you. She didnt learn metal bending, she invented it.

[@jmanpolo5611]

Discovered*

[@VesonoYT]

she discovered that metal bending is possible, but she invented the act of it

[@lubu2960]

the guru said it himself, the four elements are an illusion, technically you could develop any kind of bending

[@jmanpolo5611]

@@VesonoYT Invent: create or design (something that has not existed before); be the originator of. Discover: get knowledge of, learn of, find, or find out; gain sight or knowledge of Metal bending was always there.. She didn't invent it just like a scientist can't invent hydrogen.. Hydrogen was always there. She learned of it and was the first to, it was a discovery not an invention..

[@Manaphos]

DAMN STRAIGHT 👊

[@mgzyra9592]

“Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname... ‘the Dragon of the west’?” *Savage level: 9000+*

[@mgzyra9592]

Trashthlete no.

[@gumballwatterson5037]

@Rj-Lamar yeah

[@idkmyusername1677]

Team Avatar: We can take down the drill from the inside Azula Ba Sing Se: *Uno Reverse*

[@faureamour]

Yo!! So true!

[@Hector_Moira]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@LaughableCheesecake]

@@AP_flacko can u send the link again? i joined to get the atla/lok reaction docs, and i left thinking that i was done, but it turns out that the lok document has some broken links for book one.

[@Ozai75]

One thing that people forget about Zuko is that all he wants, and all he's *ever* wanted was the approval of his Father. People do a lot of messed up stuff to find approval from their parents, and Azula, being the master manipulator she is, knew *exactly* what buttons to push on Zuko to get him to do what she wants. Even as much as Zuko loves Iroh, Iroh is not *his* dad, even though he's been a much better father figure to him than Ozai ever was.

[@22thedon90]

Same thing with Azula, she wanted approval from her father and her mother. Since she only got it from her father, when he stopped giving her that is when she started to lose her mind.

[@lawnmowerdude]

ImmortalDemigod 21 Azula had her shit together way more often than Zuko and never even seamed to try to get approval from her mother.

[@twinodoom]

lawnmowerdude She didn't try to get it because it wasn't something she could earn. Her mother's love was freely offered, and could be taken away if she ever did something to earn her disapproval. In Book 3 it's heavily implied that Azula's mother had a larger affect on her than she would like to admit, and in the flashbacks we see of her mother, she had already come to see how messed up Azula was. To Azula, it was a fruit that remains out of her reach and yet somehow in the hands of Zuko. Azula could gain power through fear, but love was something she could never control.

[@MultiDiceman]

Azula was the same way but her obsession caused her to well you know, had Zuko kept doing the same he would have ended up in a similar predicament

[@boodyjacob9322]

Zuko didn't become Firelord material until he finally made a decision for himself when he decided to join The Avatar. Before that he was always following someone else. Whether it's his good uncle or his evil sister and father. When he finally made a decision for himself, that's when he became eligible for the position.

[@donq4483]

bruh imagine finishing this episode and then RADIO SILENCE for 8 MONTHS what a cliffhanger. I still remember the first teaser for Book 3, instant 0-100 hype

[@ornelini98]

Bro i remember watching the episodes in english in 240p on a random website that gave my computer AIDS because the dub for my country was taking too long.

[@mattland2998]

I still get flashbacks to that whole summer of APPA'S LOST DAYS

[@devinp.2934]

When I watched this as a kid, I actually didn't process what happened to Aang because it was so sudden.

[@MrWashed_]

bruh that fucking wait was agonizing, avatar was truly something else.

[@salvos4154]

True, it's crazy to think that we were kids when this came out. People watching it for the first time on Netflix are lucky lol

[@brandonbroadhurst2229]

“This is not going how I was expecting it to go” 😂 literally everyone’s reaction to that fight scene, no one ever expects Aang to literally DIE

[@dastemplar9681]

Not to mention everyone had to wait a whole year for the final season. Talk about a cliffhanger...

[@beautifulbliss5883]

@@dastemplar9681 And the fact they kept playing The Great Divide episode over and over again. 😒Ugh. It's no surprise that it's the fans least favorite episode.

[@kelaarin]

When a person is struck by lightning, it goes through your body to the ground. Notice Aang has a scar on his back (where he was hit) and on his foot (where the lightning went to ground), which is why his shoe blew off. This is common among lightning victims in real life.

[@kinpagimpa]

That's a nice detail thanks!

[@noahsmith1053]

Gotta love the attention to detail

[@crashacid1]

Was hoping someone would mention this. Thank you. Hate azula, love this detail.

[@CJamesOfficial]

Had a friend of the family tells us a story when we were kids, about how one day after it rained he went for a walk down the street to get some smokes. He was wearing flip-flops and happened to step in a puddle, which had a broken telephone wire laying in it, shocked his body so hard he said that his big toe legit popped right off his foot. He showed us his foot, clear as day big toe missing and only the big toe, like a clean swipe, lol. Don't know if it was real or not but I still think about that to this day.

[@thgritic102]

I keep forgetting about that scar on his foot was caused by the same lightning strike. Every time I see it, I keep asking how did that get there?

[@Amber-sc9jp]

The thing you need to understand about Zuko though, is that his actions fall in line with how a victim of abuse would respond to such a situation. His entire life, all he's wanted is his family's love and approval. He got that from his mother, but after she was "banished" he had to rely on his father and sister. They've mentally and physically abused him his entire life, but it's all he knows. He thinks the only way he can win their affection is by "regaining his honor" aka capturing/killing the avatar. Him slowly getting better only to fall right back into their clutches is very similar to the way people in abusive relationships behave. It appears nonsensical to the rest of us, but the abuser has many psychological tactics to keep their victim under their thumb.

[@mariansmith6598]

That's an excellent point - and I think it reflects on Zuko's face, the panic and desperation, at 28:51

[@DankSouls37]

Yes, specially considering that in his case, everything he wanted his entire life was about to be handed to him on a silver platter. How could he say no?

[@Moxy125]

"they've", has it ever been said Azula abused him? She got in his head sure but the only way he suffered because of her is when she does everything he tries to do flawlessly and maybe rubs it in his face. Unless it's been confirmed, I'd be careful about saying that Azula physically and mentally abused him, despite being a child herself, an intelligent one sure but still a child.

[@amberjewell3894]

Very true. I've been learning a lot about abusive relationships. It would actually be highly unusual if Zuko could just instantly "unbrainwash" himself from his childhood programming.

[@DankSouls37]

@@Moxy125 she's been show to taunt and scare him like it's something very common on Zuko Alone, which is why Zuko has the mantra "Azula always lies"

[@jokergh2321]

The way they weave in Guru Pathik talking about the elements being one with Toph's metalbending gives me chills.

[@AhavaMath]

Every damn time too

[@bluedragonfly81]

Yes!!!!! Omg the writing and editing here was freaking aaaaaamazing

[@yktv8514]

Sameeeeee

[@162benjamin]

*Katara seriously outperformed everyone in this fight.* What I notice also is that she's been consistently holding everyone together ever since Appa got lost.

[@ChrisDixon__]

The mama bear of the gang. I love her development.

[@KanChiateyallsfavsup]

EXACTLY

[@nijahvictoria7569]

Y’all literally had perfect timing posting this, just made me a bowl of cereal and everything 💀

[@majike0355]

And I'm stuck in a waiting room for an hour+ so extra points to YaBoiRoshi

[@sholaajumobi7678]

Lucky you , in Europe here we about to go sleep sleep

[@dialavinia2946]

Lol same

[@juanfajardo1295]

Sameeee! I was eating right now looking for something to watch

[@Tangmang10]

inspired me to get a bowl of mini wheats

[@SOAD4ever47]

Finally someone points out that Aang can love her and let her go at the same time, is the feeling of pessession to get rid of. The same way Monk Gyatso most likely did to Aang and still loved him.

[@PaintedHoundie]

That's not the way spirituality like this works. In a lot of spiritual practices like this, love is attachment, and he needs to leave stuff like that behind. Remember he's talking to a *guru. monks and gurus across religions and spiritualities this is typically their position. Can't have both. Especially not in a romantic sense

[@WiqidBritt]

Yeah, the point is to not dwell on such things. To not let the fear of losing someone you love control you.

[@haarisbutt2075]

Pretty sure the point of it was so Aang understood that his love for Katara shouldn't stop him from protecting the world. If it ever came to a Katara vs The World scenario

[@SOAD4ever47]

@@PaintedHoundie you are saying that monks, gurus and spiritual guides connot feel and that Just doesnt sound right

[@PaintedHoundie]

@@SOAD4ever47 i absolutely said nothing like that at all. nor are my words implicit of that. im literally explaining spiritual and religious practices and how attachment and love is viewed in these disciplines. it doesnt mean they cannot feel, it means they undergo a discipline that understands that romantic love is either an earthly attachment or distraction, and they undertake an alternative purpose for how they live out their lives. through human history plenty of these spiritual practitioners have taken vows of celibacy, vows to not marry or be in relationships, castrated themselves so they dont even have sex anymore, etc. its an age old concept and lesson in our stories. star wars is one of the primary examples of a protag gettin corrupted by their fear of losing their earthly attachment i.e love for their girlfriend. also if doesnt sound right, it simply means youd never give up the chance for love to go down a path like that. thats not a bad thing, but it simply just isnt the path monks n gurus usually take. this monk shit is not for the average person anyway. there is a meme of buddha being a deadbeat dad, because he left his family for a journey to attain spiritual enlightenment. most uf us, including me, are not leaving their kid n wive for something abstract like that.

[@alexinator-hh5fe]

Ozai may be the main villain of the story, but Azula felt like way more of a threat. She's been dominating every bending battle besides when she got jumped, she's using her brain and took over the Earth Kingdom in a matter of days, absolutely roasted this man without even using her fire bending, and unlike most villains in stories, she didn't allow for the hero to power up.

[@tornado100able]

She was the real final boss !

[@Sesharon]

It's like Star Wars. Ozai is the Emperor, kind of a generic one-dimensional evil overlord. Azula is the Darth Vader, the more threatening and the more complex villain.

[@MrKingYuji]

Ozai/Sauron/Palpatine are the symbol of all the evil the good guys fight against. They are the corrupters. The final Agni Kai is as much about Ozai being evil as it is about Zuko vs Azula since Ozai forced them into hating each other

[@PaintedHoundie]

"HE REALLY THOUGHT WE WAS GON LET EM TRANSFORM BRUH"

[@nnightkingj]

Point is Ozai caused Azula and Zuko to be how they were his presence is felt throughout most everything in the show Azula as a character is the product of ozai

[@BrankoPlays]

crazy how katara says only "let me go" in aang's vision. It's almost like in a literal sense she's aang telling to let her go. but he can't.

[@africanodyssey4805]

Damn I never noticed that!

[@alexiacolette9994]

“Do you know how hard it’s gonna be for me to like Zuko again?!” That’s the genius of this show. It’s gonna be so easy, you’re gonna be like damn.

[@Tetraf0rce]

Fun fact: Aang did die when azula struck him with lightning.

[@alabalayolalababa8056]

I think he was on the verge of death but he didn't die.

[@kimchiva-3950]

*Fun fact*

[@itsyaboimoonmoth3505]

Sensei he did die, But katara saved his life. It’s even stated in the first episode of season three i believe

[@nahina801]

@@alabalayolalababa8056 He did die.

[@MashyManny1022]

I think Aang was clinically dead (no heartbeat, but some brain activity), but not brain dead. The Avatar cycle very nearly ended but Katara saved it.

[@jemarcusq3942]

There's a theory out there, that when Zuko got sick he had forcibly opened one of his chakras- the visions were similar to Aang's own experience. Fire Chakra deals with Willpower and is blocked by Shame.

[@jerryadams1935]

@@noahdmnc I am late,but I think that's the point.He didn't unlock his chakras in order.

[@Moonstriker2514]

"But I dont feel any shame I am as proud as ever" "Prince Zuko pride is not the antidote for shame but its source, true humility is the only antidote to shame."

[@ollie_acorn]

woah that is such a good theory, I cant believe i never have heard that 👀

[@writer_man5318]

Them: "Jesus Christ!" Show: Literally Aang and Katara in the Mary holding Jesus pose.

[@ShaniceW494]

Yup! That’s what I was thinking too lol after they said that I was like “exactly”

[@bakthihapuarachchi3447]

Wow never noticed it in all the times I watched

[@hard_candy]

Makes sense. They both come back to life in both stories.

[@aquakid360]

Full Pieta, yup! Lol

[@darkglacier9786]

“But even you can’t bend metal.” Toph: are you challenging me?

[@earendilthemariner5546]

"You cant bend metal" Toph: observe

[@AlanaRucks]

Toph: Am I a joke to you?

[@libra9633]

Haru: Are you communicating with me? - Are you communicating with ME? Sorry I had to 🤣

[@thekkore8082]

To defend the incompetent earth king at least a little Sokka told him they’re trustworthy friends so he really didn’t know

[@Scarabswarm]

The KkoRe The dude never left the palace, and was kept in the dark about so many things. Of course he'd be naive. Statecraft is a skill that you need to be taught, and it is tempered in the fires of struggle and conflict. The earth king never got the experience he needed to rule wisely.

[@thekkore8082]

Scarabswarm true but at least he has the spirit of a good leader in contrast to his daughter

[@abcd-mo5mo]

I know you guys are annoyed at Zuko but try and understand it from his perspective. All of that mental strain and the mega mind games Azula has been pulling all of these years had done a lot of damage on Zuko. All he ever wanted was his father's recognition, to show him that he wasnt a weakling. Of course its hard to watch Zuko turn like that from a viewers POV, but its psychological. Azula is a master manipulater.

[@mikkosimonen]

Yeah, it's one thing to let go of something in the abstract, but when someone offers it to you on a silver platter it's not so easy anymore.

[@abcd-mo5mo]

@@mikkosimonen yes. Exactly my point. After wanting something for so long and you finally "get" it, it's kind of a given to go for it

[@faureamour]

I saw someone post on another reaction for Zuko Alone how sad it is that he had to create a mantra about how Azula always lies at a young age just to make it through the day. There's no easy overcoming that level of psychological power.

[@abcd-mo5mo]

@@faureamour who was it?

[@cameronjosephvideos5942]

I was disappointed at first but that first half of Season 3 is what made Zuko's arc as good as it was. He needed to regain his Father's approval in order to realize that wasn't what he wanted after all.

[@foreal7712]

Aang/Hero: This isn’t even my final form! Azula: Zaps/Attacks mid transformation Everyone: Wait that’s illegal!

[@KnotPhound]

That shit was legendary cuz it absolutely destroyed that anime chiché.

[@adventmemory2247]

Azula: I will make it legal.

[@shaquilleeurope2600]

@@adventmemory2247 Azula: I *am* the law

[@ToonMageChannel]

Azula: Lightning goes brrrt

[@pn2294]

Trunks tried and failed Azula was lucky

[@lalalalisa41]

Aang's chakra points runs from the top of his head to the bottom of his spine, which as you can see, his tattoo also runs down the same way. After so long, this episode made me realize what exactly was making his tattoo glow 👌 Toph is the greatest Earthbender in the world! That whole scene with her discovering metalbending was just beautiful. The music, the visuals, and the Guru talking - just perfect! Concerning what the Guru said about "letting go", I like to point out that he said "You must *learn* to let go". How I took that was not that Aang needed to permanently let go of Katara forever, but that as the Avatar, *if the time* ever came down to putting the world first, he would have to be able to do so. So trying to temporarily forget Katara for like 5 minutes wouldn't have worked lol. Aang really had to accept learning to genuinely let her go if the time ever came. So I think this was something the Guru could've better clarified. "Don't flatter yourself. You were never even a player." By far one of my favorite Azula lines of the show! With no effort at all, she literally stomped Long Feng's ass! Azula is just a fantastic villain overall. It's also ironic that the way Azula took down Ba Sing Se was basically how the Gaang took down the drill. From the inside! Infiltrated Ba Sing Se, organized a coup, and quietly took down the city. By the time everyone finds out what had happened, it will already be too late. Unlike those before her, she didn't take down Ba Sing Se through pure force, she took it down through cunning intellect.

[@jmanpolo5611]

Well said. Also, " toph discovered metal bending" THANK YOU. people keep saying "invented" which for some reason really bothers me.

[@bluebird8221]

@@jmanpolo5611 I mean, both are correct. Technically it's possible for every earth bender to do it and it's a natural thing, so she discovered the way to do it, but if you are the first to create a technique that can bend metal, you invent this technique. So I don't know why it bother you, it's all the same imo.

[@bluebird8221]

I think Bumi would give her a run for her money though. The guy can bend with his eyebrow. (Spoiler: but if you make a fight Old Toph vs Bumi, my money is on toph.)

[@jmanpolo5611]

@@bluebird8221 I clarified this in another comment.. Cause it is a valid point. Metal bending itself was discovered but the techniques used to harness it are the things being invented.

[@jmanpolo5611]

@@bluebird8221 and I guess people have pet peeves lol..

[@MysticSerenity11]

Azula betrayed the laws of the protagonist by hitting Aang while he was transforming 😱

[@jarednzano]

*Laughs in Eren Yeager*

[@-libertyprimev1-902]

@@jarednzano *Melancholy Stare in Android 17*

[@19oco94]

she was able to pull it off because this isn't an anime lmao

[@dusky5535]

Azula and 17 did it first ​@@jarednzano

[@christiantwist3360]

Lol

[@noahb336]

Man, everytime I watch the scene with Aang opening his grief chakra, I tear up. I dont think I can even imagine or comprehend the weight of an ENTIRE race, culture, & the immense loss of life that he must feel. This story is so beautiful to me, because at the end of the day, Aang honored his people. He got justice for them, & not only that, he did it peacefully. Just as his people wouldve wanted. ❤

[@balkanbaroque]

Tearbending at this comment

[@Herpestidae]

Are we gonna talk about how Katara was about to literally wash Azula by herself or...

[@162benjamin]

*everyone is aware and i am living for it!* time for the fanboys to face reality

[@TheSuperNats]

Right? Katara gets no credit but she beats Azula every time they meet

[@XxdextriousxX]

I’m an Azula stan 😭 but you have to give credit how ironic it is that Azula was bested by what she would call a “water tribe peasant” in the end.

[@Herpestidae]

@@XxdextriousxX I mean to be completely fair I can't call the Katara/Azula matchup anything but even. Katara only had the advantage because it was night, but at the same time that would mean Azula would only have the advantage at daytime. IE the battle is basically decoded by what time of day it is lmao.

[@162benjamin]

@@Herpestidae What's amazing though is that that just proves how far Katara has come when it comes to bending. Girl had pushed herself against adversaries and travelled the world with no stop from wanting to learn and improve.

[@AngryPieMan]

I think Zuko's change was both real, but also somewhat superficial. He had a strong psychological reaction due to his decision to let Appa go, being left in shock. I think he got out of this shock by ultimately coming to terms with what he did, and finding peace with the idea that he might never capture the Avatar, return home, etc. His change in attitude reflected his peace with his current situation. Instead of complaining out tea, he accepted that this was his life now, and found ways to enjoy it. He found peace with the idea of not capturing the Avatar - but when he was given the opportunity to get all the ever wanted before... Of course he gave in to that. He had come to peace with not going home, but he never actually chose that. So when he had the chance to choose for himself, he chose what he wanted more... If he had the chance to live more time in Ba Sing Se and make his own life, he may have been ready to choose good when faced with that decision. But he wasn't ready at that moment.

[@isbammoi3358]

wow, wonderfully said.

[@christiantwist3360]

Yeah, everyone always says that he betrayed the Gaang. He really didn’t. His uncle, yes absolutely, but not the Gaang. He was literally never around when them in a non hostile environment, with the exception of the caves with Katara. Even still, that was ONE FREAKING CONVERSATION. So yeah, he didn’t betray them. Do they have every right to be angry at Zuko for chasing them around and trying to capture Aang? Yes, absolutely, but it’s unfair to say that he betrayed their trust when he never had it to begin with.

[@TriXJester]

Im always surprised that people are so shocked by Zuko's decision here, after two whole seasons of this kid's only goal being Go Home. Sure he might of had a slight change of heart over the previous few days but that only came after a realization that he had no real way to accomplish his goal and basically gave up on it. But then his sister who is probably the one person who can manipulate him the most and easiest comes to him and says that this is his one chance to do what he's wanted to for the past three years of his life. Zuko is a teenager who has been traumatized and abused and here is one of those abusers saying "If you do this, it will all be how you want it. You will have the love and respect you always wanted. You just have to do this one thing and it will all be ok" Of course Zuko was going to do what he did.

[@quentinjones6877]

I was a kid when this aired so I was probably disappointed of his decision but now as a young adult I understand

[@quentinjones6877]

@@xnortheast1106 huh?

[@christiantwist3360]

Yeah, I would be surprised if he didn’t do that

[@Madara-cu3gj]

Let's not forget the fact that Katara was about to put Azula in her place.

[@Moxy125]

I don't know. I feel like Azula would still find a way to get out of that spot. She could've used her other arm or leg to dissipate the water binding her.

[@johnrey1001]

Faatimah Patel I think so too, but katara still a badass for having her for a sec

[@Deorman]

They're clearly evenly matched and that's awesome

[@oThalesra]

Foreshadowing much?

[@troymatthews3287]

She was about to break her bones light waves on a rocks

[@sharsasuke01]

Azula is one of the best villains in fictional history.

[@REChronic54]

The “Zuko why” was so sincere 😂

[@Waltonruler5]

Lightning always has an entry an exit wound, so the lightning actually went in his back and down out his foot, you can see the exit wound later. She really knocked his shoes off.

[@shadowX2121]

Not a lot of people catch that the first time watching it. I watched it the second time to see what happen to Aang's shoe lol.

[@PPfilmemacher]

Thanks that’s the comment i was searching for! I love that the avatar creators put so much effort in the details and show us the lightning exit wound at his foot (even if many viewers and reactors did not notice this detail)

[@quentinjones6877]

Wow for years I wondered why the bottom of his foot was damaged, this makes sense

[@noahdaglio9362]

Zuko is like an addict. He was a few days clean, starting to get his shit together, then Azula just dropped a whole bag right on his face.

[@andrewbui8295]

mhm, it was a total relapse.

[@summertime_magic]

Holy f* I love the Atla fandom, I like your perspective

[@Oznerock]

A thing a lot of people don't seem to understand about this episode was that Aang letting go of Katara was *wrong*. He almost let go of what made him happy for power, and that power did nothing but get him killed. It's the same thing as Zuko did in this episode. He let go of his uncle, who made him happy, for his "honor" (his father's approval). That's *why* Aang was immediately punished for going into the avatar state. Because the message of this season is, and has been from the very first episode, that there isn't an "easy" way to mastering the elements. Because going down that path would sacrifice what made Aang a good avatar in the first place. Just like how, for Zuko, there wasn't ever an "easy" way to restore his honor, and capturing the Avatar for his father was a delusion. The two stories are parallel, and that's why this season ends on a downer for both Aang, who "dies" and loses the earth kingdom, and Zuko, who sacrifices who he is for a hollow victory.

[@God_3712]

wow I never noticed this sheesh

[@kevin4Xajstribling]

You are smart

[@Danganraptor]

It wasn't necessarily that- all Aang had to do was accept Katara wouldn't be there forever.

[@c.h.n.j.5302]

you seem to be one of those people who didn't understand what "letting her go" meant LOL

[@crowthewicked8344]

I dunno, I think the fucking lightning bolt to the spine was the thing that nearly got him killed.

that "zuko, why?" was so cute and heartbreaking 🥺

[@MrMrannoying]

Left suki out there in the forest, nude LMAO and with the facepaint

[@Mika-qb2dy]

IMAO

[@mars99]

she still got put in prison, but damn imagine if this wasn't a kids show and the guards did something while transporting her

[@catsouplover7745]

Im guessing she still has underwear lmao

[@MrMrannoying]

CatSoupLover Yeah but just the way he put it in the video is hilarious

[@TheMaitoPulla]

@@mars99 Damn....real shit.

[@Athleticigsmoker]

Yall don’t even know how good of reactors y’all are naturally lmaoooo

[@Hana-ty7kt]

Exactly! They talk just the right amount throughout the episodes - not so little they're boring, and not so much they're annoying. And they're so invested and genuine.

[@jbreezy1171]

I guess but Lupa be rambling a lot

[@cameronjosephvideos5942]

@@Hana-ty7kt They have a good mix of people. You have the girl who picks up on a lot of things and pays a lot of attention, you have the guy in the middle who just gets really emotionally invested, then the guy on the right who's just enjoying the show and cheering for the epic moments.

[@niyaodom1944]

Zuko: *RELAPSES* Roshi: "Zuko, why?" On a serious note, you three *cannot* say that Zuko deserved the scar inflicted by his father for falling back into his original allegiance. *He got that scar by calling out someone willing and ready to sacrifice soldiers.* That's called being punished for doing the right thing. Unacceptable. What he *did* deserve was the mental lashings he went through during the final season~ Ahh The Crossroads...it disappoints me every time.

[@lxlxxl6217]

I don’t think they meant he deserved to GET the scar, but that he deserves to KEEP it. As in they’re glad Katara didn’t remove it, that he deserves to live with that piece of him cus it (at the time) reflects on what’s inside him. Well idk that’s how i interpreted it.

[@VegaSlides]

@@lxlxxl6217 I mean what's inside him is a tortured young boy who wants nothing more than to be loved and accepted by his father

[@ketashi6941]

Emmanuel Odim The irony.

[@Alexander_mile]

Azula was the first firebending earth queen.

[@cbull1008]

AANG DID DIE AND AT THAT POINT THE AVATAR CYCLE WAS BROKEN ‼️ everyone make sure they know that

[@cia6333]

They already in LoK rn so I'm pretty sure they know by now

[@MrKingYuji]

The next episode will explain it. Aang tells Katara that he truly died

[@LucidOpticLab]

Escape from the spirit world tells a different story

[@wazow6281]

He didn't die though.

[@cia6333]

@@LucidOpticLab Wait but wasnt that how Aang did die but since Katara brought him back, he had to go find his past lives so he doesnt lose the avatar state or something like that?

[@dastemplar9681]

When the Guru told Aang he needs to learn to “let go”, he’s not telling Aang that he has to stop loving Katara. You can still love without attachment. He’s trying to tell Aang that his duty is the Avatar, and that nothing of this world should ever be put forward before his duty. Meaning, when the world and the greater good needs it’s Avatar, he can’t put that aside for Katara. Rather a important lesson about ones obligations. We too often sacrifice the greater good for those who we love, but Aang needed to understand that when he is most needed as the Avatar, even with Katara in danger, he needs to put the world and the greater good before her.

[@masterx712]

There end's S2. Iroh being the eternal GOAT, and Zuko watching him for 2 seasons continually shows he is still a continuously conflicted character. Fun fact the chakra's were based off of the actual knowledge in the world.

[@ItzmeMaddy]

Fun Fact: Avatar Kyoshi made the Dai Li for men and the Kyoshi warriors for women.

[@jeez8939]

Aang powers up Azula: YEAAA

[@coryscorgis]

Aang: *goes into avatar state* Azula: lightning go ZAAAPPP

[@thothunter4971]

"So anyways I started blasting"

[@Smooth_operator32]

Insanity due to neglect goes brrrrrrr

[@coryscorgis]

@@Smooth_operator32 that was a little too spot on 👁️👄👁️

[@Prince-Kai1]

When iroh looks away from Zuko I always cry while hearing the Tsungi horn play it’s so emotional all the sadness he feels after trying to protect his second son after loosing his first.

[@Amozon28]

the real hell was the 2 year hiatus after this season that made 12 yearold me think the show was cancelled on THAT ending.

[@epicfights7898]

Amozon28 LEGIT!! SAME THING I USE TO THINK WHEN I WAS LIKE 7 I THOUGHT THE SHOW WOULD NEVER GET A PROPER ENDING DURING THE HIATUS! Lol

[@MashyManny1022]

It was actually a 9-month hiatus if you look at the premiere dates.

[@jamescadet4450]

Lol I’m actually glad I barely remembered when I was in preschool, I remember bits and pieces of this episode such as Aang getting “killed” but wasn’t really following where the story was going for me to wait for the next season like everyone else.

[@LegendaryPlayer759]

Your reaction for Season 3 is going to be fire. Can’t wait.

[@YaBoyRoshi]

Lmao yeah!?

[@SupportGamin2024]

@@YaBoyRoshi lol

[@ajsksksks5223]

Them: azula almost ended the avatar cycle! Me: Laughs in korra

[@ctk2746]

Fun Fact: Dave Filoni (Creator of Star Wars: The Clone Wars) worked on Avatar. I also found it funny because just like Luke is Episode V, Aang left his friends to go and train with a master/guru but in the end they returned to their friends to help them, AND THEY BOTH GOT BODIED.

[@newsaxonyproductions7871]

It's a common set of tropes.

[@joshd919]

28:56 "zuko why?" Yea bro we all felt the same way

[@joshd919]

Avatar is one of those shows i can watch at least 10 times a year and still not be tired of it

[@carolinaa.4407]

28:55 “Zuko why” same man, I reacted the same way

[@critique08]

every other major reaction omits Aang's move at 29:04. It's one of the craziest things he had done as an air bender up to that point.

[@mephiston8522]

Fun fact, when lightning strikes, it finds the quickest way to go to the ground. That's why it blew Aang's shoe off and left a small scar on the bottom of his foot

[@Kuzon13]

4:10 when azula says “ it’s terrible when you can’t trust the people who are closest to you” both Ty-lee and Mai look at her. In the hindsight, we know they’re going to betray her

[@KiiingTroy]

Rewatching it , it makes me think they were already plotting a way to turn against her but weren’t sure how and we’re still too afraid . It wasn’t until the conversation with zuko in the boiling rock that she decided to stand against azula and Ty Lee took the window of opportunity along with her . I think Mai was always against the morals of the fire nation and her hearing zuko basically say out loud what she felt most of her life about the nation shifted her perspective or that’s my head canon anyway lol

[@stardmg]

The reason Aang could see Katara was in danger was because he was connected to all the cosmic energy in the universe.

[@pwojo9776]

Aang was confused and the guru should've explained it better when he told him to let go of his worldly attachments. It didn't mean to lose them or cut them off, it means to look beyond the physical aspect of his attachments. Just because you love someone, whether it's a significant other or family or close friend, that love should not matter whether they're still alive or not. That also goes for objects and the attachments that come with them. And again, time is an illusion; the love will always be there no matter when. Like the phrase "I'll always love you. In this life and next." It's the memories and emotional attachments that you'll always have of them.

[@skits_3d824]

What's gonna be the next thing "book 1: CAPTAIN PLANET" "book 2: AVATAR" "book 3: coming soon?"

[@Drewskii59]

@@AP_flacko sick nasty!

[@samweltan3353]

I heard from somewhere that you have to look at Zuko like a recovering drug addict at this point in time. His drug was his "honor". He was really trying to turn a new leaf for good, but the "honor" Azula was offering was just too tempting of a drug, so as any normal human, he relapsed. Edit: forgot that you guys already finished this.

[@Rohan-rp3kg]

Honour really be a hell of a drug

[@zannchristo]

Toph invented Metal bending just because she was frustrated, b r u h

[@athenamitchell790]

Aang legit died...Azula and her murderous intent🤦🏽‍♀️

[@dripdoriya1707]

But Katara brought him back

[@trenttheone5590]

Yeah toph's bending skill is directly related to her being blind. Since the original earthbenders were Badger Moles which are blind themselves. So she was basically born an earthbender master from the start. Especially when she met them for the first time.

[@alannahsarraf7137]

HELL YES, I was just wondering when the next vid was gonna be up lmao

[@blueteller]

You know, "The Crossroads of Destiny" episode hurt me so bad when I first watched it, I literally couldn't watch it again for years. I re-watched the series many times, but in the recent months was the first time EVER when I rewatched this episode. I got attached to Zuko so much I couldn't stand seeing him make this choice again.

[@kazaleaf5707]

14:30 he was like damn these biceps

[@ngxibinoboya]

Watching Aang's journey towards opening his chakra points hits different now at 28 yrs of age compared to when I watched this episode 10 years ago😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@alisprivateacc5218]

Every villain:I will let the mc power up to kick my ass. *Azula:we don't do that here.*

[@Kidapollo92]

In this episode, the first part of Zuko's dream, shown in "The Earth King", is fulfilled when Zuko has to choose between following Iroh's path or Azula's. The argument bore great similarities to the dream argument between the Red and Blue Dragons.

[@JaeExtra]

''I don''t need women'' *Goes into avatar state* I dieeddddddd lmaooo

[@Sugugus_421]

"Hoes be wack" *ASCENDS*

[@xdavier31]

"SHE BELONGS TO THE STREETS!" *ASCENDS*

[@BrokieTheJokie]

"Bitches ain't shit" -ASCENDS-

[@bubblejuiceman]

The scene in the cave where Iroh is trying to convince Zuko to not give in to his desire to restore his "honor", and Azula is trying to convince him to do the opposite is a realization of his fever dream where he was the Fire Lord and the Dragons were trying to convince him. They even stand on the same sides as the dragons in the dream (which had the voice of Azula and Iroh). You could even consider it a premonition since he get's swallowed up by the darkness in the dream rather than standing firm on his beliefs.

[@wamatt2476]

Zuko's story in season two is about addiction, and relapse. He literally goes through a detox experience.

[@mrtoast244]

That "Zuko why..?" at 28:54 was exactly how everybody reacted to this episode

[@SlimyAsian]

I usually fast forward the intros straight to the beginning of the reaction. But not here...that bass bump hard

[@nicole-yo9in]

On godddd 😂

[@jonathansinisterra5742]

The ending of ATLA Book 2 is litterally one of my favorite season endings of all time, it just gets you really hyped because things are so messed up that you really need to watch what´s comming next. I´ve already watched this show like 8 times and I am still SO HYPED for these guys to watch the endgame of the show!! hahahaha

[@candiceolivia7568]

"It's gonna be hard to get me back on his side." Book 3: *challenge accepted.*

[@angeange1478]

SPOILERS: Rewatching it, the creators teased Zaheer flying moment. When Aang let go his love for Katara he start elevating himself: he flew for a moment.

[@donflamingo5685]

Wasn't really a tease. Since korra wasn't even thought of at the time. However it's a call back to this episode. So now zaheer, that one monk, and aang have all been confirmed to use this technique.

[@Moonstriker2514]

Unfortunately that can't be as the poem goes "let go your earthly tether" and as Yang Chen stated the Avatar's duty is to the world Therefore the Avatar can't ever perform the flying technique

[@donflamingo5685]

@@Moonstriker2514 didn't the whole point of the lessons he learned today show him having to get rid of what connects him to the world?

[@kirag9509]

Don Flamingo it’s more like if it ever came to the world vs. Katara, Aang is supposed be able to let Katara go. She’s an earthly tether. But to reach TRUE enlightenment, beyond what they’re talking here, is to renounce ALL earthly attachments. What zaheer achieves (imo) is a greater detachment of earthly attachments than what an avatar must achieve to go into the avatar state

[@joshuavallente7057]

Kira G I second this. But I think Aang did float. Katara was in danger and he did abandon her for a few seconds to meditate? Which caused him to float? I’m probably just overthinking.

[@jstout333]

ep20 is a genius episode Across the board. Animation, directing, story, character development, pacing and music

[@bashiriphillips7063]

fun fact about lightning it will always try to reach the ground that's why when Azula struck aang you could see the entry wound on his back and the exit wound on his foot

[@samkaranja5709]

Everyone: the protagonist is powering up, let's stop fighting and watch Azula: (sigh) its terrible when you can't trust the people closest to you

[@harvieanicete1635]

This episode makes Azula an extremely terrifying villain. She does not give any opening for the opponent to come back. She thinks ahead of her enemies damn.

[@roxas1382]

21:32 It kinda looked like Zuko took a Water bending form and used it to fire bend, just like how uncle Iroh learned to redirect lightning by studying water bending forms

[@JohnSmith-tt3go]

Azula is the best kind of villain. Crazy strong but also crazy smart. She managed to subvert Ba Sing Se with two underlings and a handful of deaths where Iroh failed with an army and multitudes of casualties. Azula single handed stopped a millennia long Avatar cycle, only averted via last minute magic water healing. Definitely the Goat of villains to aspire to.

[@Kidapollo92]

During Katara and Azula's fight, after Katara entangles Azula's arm and leg, Zuko saves his sister with the same firebending move she performs in the opening credits.

[@alyy892]

Avatar is a MASTERPIECE! And definitely has the best finals! Seson 1: amazing season 2: mind blowing season 3: phänomenale!!!!

[@ejackson6841]

Bruh when he said “she blew a shoe off” I lost it😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CalliopePony]

Man, I remember watching this episode when it first aired. I was speechless.

[@jeremydolansky2345]

“What it’s like to chew five gum”. This had me dead😂😂

[@tarikfretes7562]

The moment when a 14 year old girl plans to invade a city 😂

[@gunchar06]

And succeeds XD.

[@Moxy125]

Only Azula could pull it off whilst roasting the wannabe competition too 😂

[@addictedtoair1351]

But it's only possible with alot of coinsidence and luck

[@timslade5808]

The lightning entered Aang's back and exited his foot, that's why his shoe was blown off

[@maggieavdoulos2408]

Ok but the way Katara looks at Aang in the reviving scene is so adorable. I think seeing Aang dead helped her realize how much she really cared about him.