Absolutely shocked that this episode isn't higher up on "best of" lists for the show. "The Beach" is phenomenal, and not just for it's odd, wacky, "let's try something new" tone - it's also a fantastic character study of the show's main antagonists by putting them in the spotlight and giving them a chance to shine. Obviously Zuko is the focus here, specifically centered on his own feelings of isolation and anger that have been festering for so long. It's surprising that Azula of all people is the one to help him get out of it, and while Azula herself remains as deliciously evil as ever it's also nice of her to get some development beyond that as we see just how unable to function in society she actually is, making her character tragic in a way. Both Ty Lee and Mai get important development too, particularly Ty Lee whose feelings of wanting to be noticed finally explain her own willingness to help Azula.
Of course, it helps that this is just a really funny episode overall. Azula trying to woo a boy is hilarious, Zuko and Mai's antics are relatable, heartwarming, and also very funny, and the entire volleyball scene is a laugh riot. And while they aren't in it that much, Team Avatar's encounter with the now revealed Combustion Bender. Amazing stuff all around.
I thought this episode was one of the funniest of all I’ve seen so far of A:TLA (just watched this episode). Azula had me in stitches, especially when she kicked that little kid’s sandcastle, lmao. Great episode.
Review by LegionWrexBlockedParent2021-01-13T07:20:44Z
Absolutely shocked that this episode isn't higher up on "best of" lists for the show. "The Beach" is phenomenal, and not just for it's odd, wacky, "let's try something new" tone - it's also a fantastic character study of the show's main antagonists by putting them in the spotlight and giving them a chance to shine. Obviously Zuko is the focus here, specifically centered on his own feelings of isolation and anger that have been festering for so long. It's surprising that Azula of all people is the one to help him get out of it, and while Azula herself remains as deliciously evil as ever it's also nice of her to get some development beyond that as we see just how unable to function in society she actually is, making her character tragic in a way. Both Ty Lee and Mai get important development too, particularly Ty Lee whose feelings of wanting to be noticed finally explain her own willingness to help Azula.
Of course, it helps that this is just a really funny episode overall. Azula trying to woo a boy is hilarious, Zuko and Mai's antics are relatable, heartwarming, and also very funny, and the entire volleyball scene is a laugh riot. And while they aren't in it that much, Team Avatar's encounter with the now revealed Combustion Bender. Amazing stuff all around.