Aang fails again. This is the bitter truth here, but unlike last time which felt almost inescapable in it's sadness and melancholy, this one has a glimmer of hope - that of Zuko. This is Zuko's episode through and through, regardless of how much good there is everywhere else (cause it's all excellent), and seeing him finally begin his redemption is the most cathartic the show has ever been. Time and time again we've seen him struggle, debate, and internalize his own feelings, and now they are just laid bare. This is the ultimate statement against his father, and even if he still has some struggles ahead, it's clear he actually wants to be better and isn't simply just doing it out of ease. This is who he actually is, and he is going to embrace it.
Of course, the rest of the episode is stellar as well. Azula's battle with the Avatar crew is fantastic, and bringing the Dai Lee back is a stroke of genius as it allows for all kinds of bending opportunities with them. Her taunting towards Sokka feels almost Palpatine esqe in how despicable it actually is, and it allows for a great reveal about a character fate that was left unanswered from the last season. And the ending is bittersweet in it's affairs, as it forces our characters on the run yet again and sets the stage for the final section of the series as the endgame is finally in view.
Review by LegionWrexBlockedParent2021-01-13T08:04:39Z
Aang fails again. This is the bitter truth here, but unlike last time which felt almost inescapable in it's sadness and melancholy, this one has a glimmer of hope - that of Zuko. This is Zuko's episode through and through, regardless of how much good there is everywhere else (cause it's all excellent), and seeing him finally begin his redemption is the most cathartic the show has ever been. Time and time again we've seen him struggle, debate, and internalize his own feelings, and now they are just laid bare. This is the ultimate statement against his father, and even if he still has some struggles ahead, it's clear he actually wants to be better and isn't simply just doing it out of ease. This is who he actually is, and he is going to embrace it.
Of course, the rest of the episode is stellar as well. Azula's battle with the Avatar crew is fantastic, and bringing the Dai Lee back is a stroke of genius as it allows for all kinds of bending opportunities with them. Her taunting towards Sokka feels almost Palpatine esqe in how despicable it actually is, and it allows for a great reveal about a character fate that was left unanswered from the last season. And the ending is bittersweet in it's affairs, as it forces our characters on the run yet again and sets the stage for the final section of the series as the endgame is finally in view.