Show is spinning its wheels here. Ba dum chh
The whole sequence at the temple is so enjoyable. I really like Shyu, the one sage who has remained faithful to the avatar all this time. I appreciate Sokka, who in these early episodes seems a little too much like empty comic relief (sorta like movie Ron Weasley) having a great, resourceful idea with the fake firebending. When it doesn't work out, & Katara suggests the group just hide & pretend it did, it comes off as a pretty believable way for them to get the door open. Zuko showing up & nearly capturing Aang is a nice tense moment too. The 3-way conflict between Zuko, Zhao, & the Aang Gang makes for an interesting dynamic, & suggests to me how the arrogance of the Fire Nation causes them to splinter among themselves & work against each other, even when they share common goals. Then the conversation w/ Roku is so dang cool, setting up Sozen's Comet. I like that, even though Aang can communicate with past avatars, there seem to be limitations/stipulations that we aren't privy to yet. It took a lot of work to get in that temple, & although Roku tells Aang they'll be able to speak again, he's very vague about how exactly that will happen. It adds up to make past avatar communication feel like a truly special event, not something Aang can do anytime he wants. Finally I like that Roku's spirit chooses to not only help Aang, but destroy the temple. I wonder if he resented it after all those lapsed avatar sages.
I like the monster movie-lite quality of parts of this episode & the design of the Hei Bai a lot -- reminds me of something out of Neon Genesis Evangelion or Attack on Titan. The twist that it turns out to be the spirit of the area is a great tie to the beginning of the episode. This show continues to have the best animals, between Roku's dragon & those ridden by Zuko & the earthbenders. Uncle Iroh solidifies himself as my favorite character, first with the glimpse into his history/the siege of Ba Sing Se, & then with the reveal that he is STILL a warrior of the highest caliber, despite his preference to spend his days in tea-drinking peace. "These shackles are too loose!"
"That lemur! He's earthbending!" I like how Katara's 1st inspirational speech doesn't work at all, & it almost seems like the 2nd one won't either. Nice portrayal of an oppressed people beyond the point of hope.
It seemed like the Bumi "twist" was pretty obviously telegraphed by the flashback in the beginning. I don't remember whether I thought that during my first viewing though. It doesn't detract from the ep for me at all, partially because I really like Bumi. His antics are entertaining to me, like the whole "refurbished room" conversation. & it's compelling to see Aang reunite woth someone he knows from 100 years ago. "Lettuce leaf?"
Iroh: "You really should open a window in here." I like Sokka's story here, his outfit, & how blunt this show is about its feminist leanings. It's refreshing to see that in a 2005 show, considering those concepts are still way more controversial than they should be in 2020. I like that Zuko finds out where Aang is & tracks him down in the same episode; this show doesn't needlessly drag things out. The designs of the elephant koi & unagi are splendid.
One of Yusuke's best moments is at the end of this episode. "You know, that didn't make much sense what I just did."
"mankind or vacation" -- they both have the same value to Yusuke
