It’s strange that no one has tried to adapt the sequel comics, but maybe one day.
Every frame of this animated classic is gorgeous, and there are so many meaningful stories to choose from.
There is something so funny about the way Zuko says, “I’m never happy.”
Image via Nickelodeon
The setting is riveting as well: a volcano-prison, whose establishing shots alone elicit tension.
Then Suki (Jennie Kwan) shows up, as does a random prisoner who wants to break out.
Things get even more interesting when Hakoda does arrive.
Image via Nickelodeon
He’s captured by some scarily accurate archers and brought to Admiral Zhao.
Katara tries to get Momo to fetch something, but he keeps collecting the wrong thing.
“The Blue Spirit” is a season one gem in the way it balances humor and action.
But tension builds as Zuko comes across a flyer about Appa and suddenly looks up at the open sky.
Meanwhile, Joo Dee returns with an eerie explanation about visiting Lake Laogai.
The scene when Jet learns he’s been brainwashed dials up the intensity.
This coincides with the search for Appa, which leads to one of these storylines ending tragically.
We see what it was like for him back when he didn’t have his scar.
We also observe Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee when they were kids.
It’s illuminating to watch them interact, and it helps us understand them in the present.
Through flashbacks, we learn how Aang was treated differently once he was told that he was the avatar.
The isolation and the pressure this revelation put on the boy made him do something he deeply regrets.
With character work like this, it’s no wonder howAvatarhas remained so popular.
Along with moving flashbacks and graceful storytelling, this is one of the show’s most admirable masterworks.
So they have to do something extremely dangerous extremely quickly.
There’s no time to think this through; it’s time to go.
And Zuko is chasing him there.
Amidst all of this, they even have room for the show’s trademark humor.
Watching Hahn get casually thrown overboard in his 85-year-old disguise is hilarious.
Zuko is at a crossroads, and season two has been building up to which side he’ll take.
Unfortunately, Zuko informs him why this is not a viable option.
Aang’s hiatus to a nearby island and the others' frantic search to find him are perfectly paced.
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