Nickelodean's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Discusion [Archive] - Page 29

Jove

06-17-2008, 11:07 PM

Okay, so as Mider said, let's make this a big deal. Put it in your signature, spread the word to others, and don't limit it to just NF. If you're a member at Distant Horizon, AvatarSpirit, the TV.com Avatar forum, frequent CAPSLOCK or Avatar the Last Airbender Fans on LiveJournal, frequent DongBuFeng or AvatarPortal or anywhere else, spread the word. We've got the rest of the week.

This will be the schedule:

Saturday, June 21: The Boy in the Iceberg; The Avatar Returns; The Southern Air Temple
Sunday, June 22: The Warriors of Kyoshi; The King of Omashu
Monday, June 23: Imprisoned; The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1); Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)
Tuesday, June 24: The Waterbending Scroll; Jet
Wednesday, June 25: The Great Divide; The Storm; The Blue Spirit
Thursday, June 26: The Fortuneteller; Bato of the Water Tribe
Friday, June 27: The Deserter; The Northern Air Temple
Saturday, June 28: The Waterbending Master; The Siege of the North, Part I; The Siege of the North, Part II
Sunday, June 29: The Avatar State; The Cave of Two Lovers; Return to Omashu
Monday, June 30: The Swamp; Avatar Day; The Blind Bandit
Tuesday, July 1: Zuko Alone; The Chase; Bitter Work
Wednesday, July 2: The Library; The Desert
Thursday, July 3: The Serpent's Pass; The Drill

Friday, July 4: 4th of July Weekend
Saturday, July 5: 4th of July Weekend

Sunday, July 6: City of Walls and Secrets; Tales of Ba Sing Se
Monday, July 7: Appa's Lost Days; Lake Laogai; The Earth King
Tuesday, July 8: The Guru; The Crossroads of Destiny
Wednesday, July 9: The Awakening; The Headband
Thursday, July 10: The Painted Lady; Sokka's Master
Friday, July 11: The Beach; The Avatar and the Firelord
Saturday, July 12: The Runaway; The Puppetmaster
Sunday, July 13: The Day of Black Sun Part 1: The Invasion; The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse

That takes up to Monday, July 14, when Nick will dump all the remaining unaired episodes upon us within the week, leading to the four-part finale on Saturday, July 19.

Each morning, a post will be made to remind everyone of that day's episodes. Everyone can watch them whenever, and we will discuss them that afternoon and night, until the next morning.

kewlmyc

06-17-2008, 11:48 PM

What do you mean by "sig it?" What do you want sigged?

Okay, so as Mider said, let's make this a big deal. Put it in your signature, spread the word to others, and don't limit it to just NF. If you're a member at Distant Horizon, AvatarSpirit, the TV.com Avatar forum, frequent CAPSLOCK or Avatar the Last Airbender Fans on LiveJournal, frequent DongBuFeng or AvatarPortal or anywhere else, spread the word. We've got the rest of the week.

Anyway, I came up with a little schedule for this, trying to keep episodes that belong together from being separated. How's this look?

Saturday, June 21: The Boy in the Iceberg; The Avatar Returns; The Southern Air Temple
Sunday, June 22: The Warriors of Kyoshi; The King of Omashu
Monday, June 23: Imprisoned; The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1); Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)
Tuesday, June 24: The Waterbending Scroll; Jet
Wednesday, June 25: The Great Divide; The Storm; The Blue Spirit
Thursday, June 26: The Fortuneteller; Bato of the Water Tribe
Friday, June 27: The Deserter; The Northern Air Temple
Saturday, June 28: The Waterbending Master; The Siege of the North, Part I; The Siege of the North, Part II
Sunday, June 29: The Avatar State; The Cave of Two Lovers; Return to Omashu
Monday, June 30: The Swamp; Avatar Day; The Blind Bandit
Tuesday, July 1: Zuko Alone; The Chase; Bitter Work
Wednesday, July 2: The Library; The Desert
Thursday, July 3: The Serpent's Pass; The Drill

Friday, July 4: 4th of July Weekend
Saturday, July 5: 4th of July Weekend

Sunday, July 6: City of Walls and Secrets; Tales of Ba Sing Se
Monday, July 7: Appa's Lost Days; Lake Laogai; The Earth King
Tuesday, July 8: The Guru; The Crossroads of Destiny
Wednesday, July 9: The Awakening; The Headband
Thursday, July 10: The Painted Lady; Sokka's Master
Friday, July 11: The Beach; The Avatar and the Firelord
Saturday, July 12: The Runaway; The Puppetmaster
Sunday, July 13: The Day of Black Sun Part 1: The Invasion; The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse

What I was thinking is that each morning, that day's episodes will be posted as a reminder. Everyone will be able to watch them whenever, and we discuss that night.

Fix'd for ya.

Ennoea

06-18-2008, 07:59 AM

We get two days off:dance

This is a great schedule.

Superrazien

06-18-2008, 12:13 PM

Does anyone know where I can download the soundtrack?

Mider T

06-18-2008, 12:19 PM

That schedule works perfectly Jove, I was thinking 3 eps a day and 4th of July break as well, thanks man.

Jove

06-18-2008, 05:12 PM

Does anyone know where I can download the soundtrack?

There's no soundtrack at the moment, but there are several dozen pieces of music from the show that have been made available by the Track Team. I PM'd you my collection of them.

That schedule works perfectly Jove, I was thinking 3 eps a day and 4th of July break as well, thanks man.

Excellent. I'll re-edit the post so I can sig it.

Superrazien

06-18-2008, 10:58 PM

There's no soundtrack at the moment, but there are several dozen pieces of music from the show that have been made available by the Track Team. I PM'd you my collection of them.

And for that you get + Reps.

Hana

06-19-2008, 01:17 PM

OMG! The mass rewatch is EPIC! I'll be linking that post to my sig ASAP.

Ema Skye

06-19-2008, 05:45 PM

An Avatar rewatch? sounds intresting I might be able to do it :)

Mider T

06-19-2008, 06:19 PM

*Insert Zhao laugh* Let's get this rewatch on the road!

Jove

06-19-2008, 09:59 PM

As we prepare for the super-epic Rewatch, I came across this:

http://www.nick.com/turbonick/index.jhtml?evthubid=5

There's something up on TurboNick called "Countdown to the Comet," where you can vote for your five favorite fight scenes in Avatar, by episode. There's some peculiar choices to choose from, but my list was:

5. The Blind Bandit
4. The Earth King
3. Siege of the North, Part 2
2. The Drill
1. The Crossroads of Destiny

But it also reveals the name of the four-part finale. It is Sozin's Comet:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d192/joviansatellite/AvatarTurboNick.png

Kaenboshi

06-19-2008, 10:51 PM

^

A) Rewatch. Awesome.
B) Official airdates. Also awesome.
C) Nick actually doing Avatar promotion...

:uwah

Morwain

06-19-2008, 11:27 PM

Yay, massive rewatch, with 3 episodes on my birthday!

kakoishii

06-20-2008, 12:35 AM

^

A) Rewatch. Awesome.
B) Official airdates. Also awesome.
C) Nick actually doing Avatar promotion...

:uwah

so hell has finally frozen over :amuse

also as being the first to coin the term "epic rewatch" I hereby patent it :quite

Mider T

06-20-2008, 08:20 AM

I already patented EAR (Epic Avatar Rewatch) :pek

masterriku

06-20-2008, 07:55 PM

damn it I gotta go search for these eps.

TO THE INTERNET.:nuts

oh wait I'm already here.

Superstarseven

06-20-2008, 11:47 PM

OK who wants to see the gang in a PSA using original animation that won't be seen anywhere in the series? Yeah I know you do.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mkSTqY40MgU

Noah

06-20-2008, 11:56 PM

Super Rewatch of Galactic Proportions (SRGP)begins in just over an hour for us East coasters! Prepare thyselves!

Epic is old hat now. Galactic is the new adjective. Use it and be cool! Cool on a galactic scale, even!

Mider T

06-21-2008, 06:20 AM

Rewatch: Day 1 Thoughts

The Boy in the Iceberg

So this world is interesting, apparantly there are 4 nations which reminded of superpowers based off of the elements. We get a bickering brother and sister at the beginning who find a strange, Cailou-like boy in an iceberg. He plays and learns of a game called Penguin sledding *yawn* but things start to get really interesting when the Fire Nation (Antagonist) Prince called Zuko is on his way to the South Pole. All and all, it was an okay intro. 8/10

The Avatar Returns

So Aang is this savior of the world called the Avatar?! Can't say I didn't see it coming but this battle was amazing, fire and air in an icy environment. They lose Prince Zuko for the time being and the giant bison flys them away, which was awesome. I can tell now I'm gonna love this series. 9/10

The Southern Air Temple

This place was Aang's home before he frozen in the iceberg huh? For a whole century? It's a beautiful place and I thought he'd learn some new moves here but maybe not. Turns out like the title suggests, he is the last airbender left and ironically the Avatar. New character Momo the flying lemur is win. A bit dull on the action though. 7/10

Final Conclusion: That certainly was a way to start off a series. The mysticism theme really gets to me but with all of the danger definitely on the way it makes me wonder will the gang, Aang Katara and Sokka, ever reach the North Pole? These characters have alot of room for depth and personal growth so I'll stay tuned. This is one of the first fighting series I've seen from Nick.

Taurus Versant

06-21-2008, 06:45 AM

That's a cool way to kick things off, Mider, treating it like a new thing. Enjoyable.

Mider T

06-21-2008, 06:52 AM

I hope others will follow the example, but you guys can do it anyway you want:zaru

Jove

06-21-2008, 07:17 AM

Damn Mider, you're quick. I like the angle.

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 1: Aang's Day

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 1: The Boy in the Iceberg

Book 1: Water, Chapter 2: The Avatar Returns

Book 1: Water, Chapter 3: The Southern Air Temple

With today's episodes, we are introduced to the Avatar world and we meet five of the six main characters of the series: Aang, Sokka, Katara, Prince Zuko, and Uncle Iroh. These initial episodes are focused primarily on Aang, the Avatar. Having been frozen for the last 100 years, he confronts some harrowing truths, and begins to accept the present and let go of the past. We also have our first confrontation between Aang and Zuko, the first occurrence of the Avatar State, and we meet our main protagonist for Book 1, the demented and charismatic Admiral Zhao.

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Mider T

06-21-2008, 07:29 AM

Just had to outdo me didn't ya?:pek

iLike:LOS

Gary

06-21-2008, 07:54 AM

lol competing who has more info :lmao

Jove

06-21-2008, 08:58 AM

Just had to outdo me didn't ya?:pek

iLike:LOS

Not yet; that was just my daily reminder post. So with my proper post, I can outdo you twice in one day? Aw hey-all yeah. :LOS

By the way, that's a nice find, SS7. I wonder why Zuko's not enjoying the pool party.

blackssk

06-21-2008, 12:56 PM

PRnChExdDuk

Canute87

06-21-2008, 02:23 PM

I would just use wikipedia:zaru

Mider T

06-21-2008, 03:28 PM

Or you could just do the rewatch, otherwise...:dupe

Noah

06-21-2008, 04:04 PM

Between trying to make posters and logos for stupid people who can't decide on what they want, I've managed to watch the pilot.

Man, that opening is epic. The short version of that song just doesn't cut it at all. It's funny seeing how serious the series gets as it goes along. You can definitely see how they were trying to Nick and its younger audience for these first two episodes: Aang's first words are asking Katara out, Sokka being a complete joke and all the other corny little cheap hit and toilet jokes.

Oh: It also totally shot down the stupid Katara/Zuko shippers before it even ends. The goddamn pilot tells us that Aang and Katara will get together in the end and the kiddies still close their eyes and pretend. These kids need to learn what foreshadowing is. :zaru

The Cheat

06-21-2008, 06:26 PM

Give me links to the first three episodes.

Mider T

06-21-2008, 06:28 PM

Ask for the them in the pimping thread.

Jove

06-21-2008, 09:35 PM

Give me links to the first three episodes.

You can watch them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

My thoughts on the episodes:

The Boy in the Iceberg

--- Noah's spot-on. The original opening sequence is breathtaking.

--- It's so weird watching these initial episodes. It's like a totally different show. The animation and color scheme are a bit different than what the show would settle into. There's definitely some movements that you wouldn't see after these episodes. And there's also no purpose to the show yet, besides traveling to the Northern Water Tribe. Things are a bit frivolous and lighthearted.

--- As far as that is concerned, though, it's definitely more akin to a normal kid's show at this point, but it's nothing compared to the ten-minute pilot. If you've seen that, it's astounding how different the show is from that, which is really like a normal Nick show with it's goofiness and jocularity.

--- The structure's kind of interesting, too. Most scenes in Avatar are clean; they have a clear break which either ends the act or is intercut with another scene. But Zuko's discovery of the light from Aang's iceberg; it interweaves with Sokka and Katara's discovery, and it's really fluid. It's cool to see the minor differences in these shows that disappeared as they learned how they wanted to make the show.

--- Some character performances are fully formed from the beginning. Jack DeSena's Sokka and Mako's Iroh are so natural, it's amazing. They really captured the essence of these characters from the very beginning. Others, like Mae Whitman's Katara and especially Dante Basco's Zuko, are slightly different. They adapted their performances as the series, and the characters, progressed.

--- It's cool to see skeptical Sokka again. It's been so long since he's accepted bending and the Avatar Spirit as orthodoxy. His character is just so complete and deep now, but the tendencies and idiosyncrasies remain. DeSena really is amazing.

--- The Penguin sledding scene... the music, the action, it really is the first iconic moment of the show.

The Avatar Returns

--- The art of these first episodes are breathtaking. With the extra time, we see so many landscape pans and extra shots. One of the things that critics love about Avatar is that there are very intricate and incredible backgrounds, some of which we only see for a few seconds. We see them here.

--- Isn't it a bit jarring seeing the Book 1 designs? Obviously, all the damn merchandise for the show uses these designs, but they've basically been about the same since about 1/3rd of the way through book 2. And in Zuko;s case, that's almost a completely different character, with his uncontrollable hair growth. :amuse

--- It's definitely weird to see Iroh firebend at Aang near the end of the episode, considering all we know about his history at this point.

--- We hear the "Agni Kai" leitmotif a bit throughout the episode. I love the Track Team; they can reposition their pieces and make it sound so natural.

The Northern SOUTHERN Air Temple

--- I definitely like the episodes better without the "Previously on Avatar.." recap/foreshadowings at the beginning.

--- I love the foreshadowing when Aang goes into the Avatar State, and we see the Fire Sage Temple. I wish we could have had scenes at the other two locations, they looked pretty cool.

--- The design of the Air Temple Sanctuary is jaw-dropping. So beautiful. I love the slate-colored hue over it, as well. Avatar's lighting is so awesome.

--- I also like the infamous "Fake Kyoshi." The Avatar next to Roku is a random guy, since they hadn't figured out Kyoshi's character yet.

--- Zhao just explodes off the screen with presence. It's easy to see now why people were so disappointed with Azula until mid-way through Book 2. Zhao is just a classic self-absorbed and devious antagonist. Jason Isaacs is perfect.

--- The Agni Kai scene is AMAZING. The sunset coloring is brilliant, the sequencing and framing is fantastic, and the music is perfect and propulsive. Everything about this scene is perfect.

Mider T

06-21-2008, 09:42 PM

What's the "Northern" Air Temple?:wink

Dragonus Nesha

06-22-2008, 12:51 AM

Epic Rewatch - Day 1: I'm falling in love with Iroh all over again. :ohpek

Also, I was a little confused about something. Why didn't the various temples react when Aang went into the Avatar-state fighting Zuko?

Piekage

06-22-2008, 01:37 AM

My thoughts -

The Boy in the Iceberg - Pretty great episode. One of the first things that appealed to me in the first place was Sokka and Katara's bantering. Zuko's prep time for facing the Avatar makes me lol, because it's time wasted, and if Aang had mastered all the elements at the time he'd get raped quite royally. Aang took the news pretty well, all things considered. Thats what I love about Avatar, when they get bad news, they don't start angsting all over the place.

The Avatar Returns - Aang's true nature is revealed, and he begin there journey with some friends. Great episode, we see Aang and the Avatar State in action.

The Southern Air Temple - I still wonder how the Fire Nation got up there, or what happened to the corpses of the Airbenders and Flying Bison. And the temple seems well preserved. Still, Good stuff. Iroh shows how awesome he is yet again by pwning Zhao.

Also, I was a little confused about something. Why didn't the various temples react when Aang went into the Avatar-state fighting Zuko?
I'd guess because of how close he was to those statues.

Jove

06-22-2008, 02:22 AM

Thats what I love about Avatar, when they get bad news, they don't start angsting all over the place.

That's a great point. One of the things you find in Avatar is that the characters adapt to difficulties they find. I can't wait for The Drill, it's the best episode for that.

Jove

06-22-2008, 10:22 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 2: Sokka and Plot Point 1a

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 4: The Warriors of Kyoshi

Book 1: Water, Chapter 5: The King of Omashu

Today, as the kids begin their trip to the Northern Water Tribe in earnest, we begin to uncover the depth of the other main characters, beginning with Sokka. Here, in his confrontations with the Kyoshi Warriors, Sokka learns that there are consequences to his chauvinism, and in turn gains his first (and certainly not last) romance of the show. We also meet the eccentric Bumi, the king of one of the last Earth Kingdom strongholds, Omashu. Bumi delivers the first plot point: Aang must master all four elements and defeat the current Fire Lord, Ozai.

We're also introduced to the finest character the show has ever, or will ever see, the Cabbage Merchant.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Canute87

06-22-2008, 10:46 AM

I already did my rewatch, i feel so lonely.

Mider T

06-22-2008, 11:11 AM

Rewatch: Day 2 Thoughts

The Warriors of Kyoshi

Hehe I gotta say this wasn't a pretty amusing episode as well as a fun one, as their is playful banter and I love playful banter. It was a pretty cool sea monster battle and nice to see Sokka and Katara without their heavy clothes. Speaking of Sokka's, he's quite the smooth criminal:cool. So Kyoshi was the avatar before the one before Aang, and she was fighter like these girls on the island. The end kind of made me sad and it leads me to wonder, wherever Aang goes will he leave destruction in his path? Either way I hope the series continues like this. 9.5/10

The King of Omashu

Well we finally see the first city of one of the powers called the Earth Kingdom, named Omashu. It seems Aang's been to the city before in the previous century and caused havoc with a snot nosed brat named Bumi. This time it starts with a Cabbage man? The could've chose bananas in my opinion. Either way, he quickly gets into trouble by fighting the crazysexycool King who's old and ripped. I'm lovin this Earthbending and this guy kind of reminds of Master Roshi. Though I can't say I was surprised when we found out that he was Bumi, it was an overall pleasing and funny episode, though not enjoyable as the last one. 8.5/10.

Final Conclusion: It seems in the war againist the Fire Nation, the Earth Kingdom has faired the best. They fight using the most direct methods we've seen so far and it passes over to their personalities (tough and not willing to back down). I want to learn more about the history of the world during the time Aang was gone after watching these episodes and am growing more interested in the story as a whole.

Superrazien

06-22-2008, 06:22 PM

Ok to the people that read Spoilers, without Spoiling much I just want to know if Iroh comes back in a bad ass way?

Mider T

06-22-2008, 06:33 PM

We'll answer you if you join the rewatch

ViolentlyHappy

06-22-2008, 06:44 PM

Mider T

06-22-2008, 06:49 PM

Yeah, I never said anything about earthbending itself in The Kyoshi Warriors review.

Superrazien

06-22-2008, 09:01 PM

We'll answer you if you join the rewatch

Ive started my own rewatch a while ago, Im on book 3 episode 9. Once I finish that Ill join yours.

The Cheat

06-22-2008, 10:35 PM

I'm too lazy to participate in a rewatch this large, besides, I'm not much into rewatching.

Mider T

06-22-2008, 10:37 PM

Too lazy? It's not even actual work it's just watch 23 minute episodes :/

Jove

06-22-2008, 10:58 PM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Warriors of Kyoshi

---The humor in this episode is spot-on. The spinning marbles, the "master of evasive maneuvering" line... there's a lot in here with the dialogue and timing that they got away from in Book 3. That "The Avatar's on Kyoshi Island?!" telephone joke still kills me.

--- I also like the Hard Day's Night sequence; the music is perfect, You can hear the subtle Beatlesque pop flourishes in the traditional Avatar sound. The Track Team were perfect from the beginning.

--- It's amusing to hear the line about Kyoshi being born on the island 400 years previous. It's a seemingly innocuous line, but eventually caused a mountain of timeline and canon problems for the fandom.

--- Foaming Mouth Guy's landmark appearance is still a treat.

--- This is the first episode where we see the dichotomy of Aang. The episode begins with his carefree Nomadic nature with the elephant Koi, and then his Avatar sense of duty at the end when he saves the town from the fires.

--- Suki's the top girl on the show. No debate necessary.

The King of Omashu

--- I wish there were more than just the two episodes set in Omashu. It's design is incredible. The package delivery system, the vertical structuring, and the business of the city make it an intriguing and bizarre counterpart to Ba Sing Se.

--- It's strange to watch this episode, having now seen "Return to Omashu." The tones of the two are so wildly different.

--- Ah yes, Cabbage Merchant. If you want to know the real theme of today's episodes, it's the Foaming Mouth Guy and Cabbage Merchant, the true protagonist/antagonist combo of the series.

--- I love how they make no real effort to hide how blatant it is that the Earth King is Bumi. I guess the pleasure truly is in the journey.

--- Andre Sogliuzzo just owns the Bumi character. What a marvelous performance. He's one of the few of the actors that was equally good in the video game, as well. It's odd to think that he's also Hakoda.

--- Bumi says to Aang, "I'm the most powerful earthbender you'll ever see." At this point, we had not seen Earthbending, so Bumi was godly. Then Toph came and stole all his thunder.

Sylar

06-22-2008, 11:13 PM

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/5246/avatarfanmetersbyrufftoed9.jpg

I rate these episodes as a Foam 5, a Zhao 2, and a Cabbage 5. :hehee

Noah

06-22-2008, 11:40 PM

The Warriors of Kyoshi is a good episode, but it's mostly just there to set up the characters' personalities, Suki, Aang's determination and seriousness as the Avatar, Suki, Sokka's growth into a real fighter and, Suki. Not a bad episode, but it's pretty low on my favorites list.

I think our second episode of the day is probably the episode that officially hooked me on Avatar. It's probably because Bumi is so goddamn awesome. I really miss that guy. I hope he comes back in time for Sozin's Comet. Maybe he could be a member of the White Lotus and be part of the team that I'm sure Iroh is gathering.

--- Bumi says to Aang, "I'm the most powerful earthbender you'll ever see." At this point, we had not seen Earthbending, so Bumi was godly. Then Toph came and stole all his thunder.

At the point he says that, he's not exactly lying. Toph hadn't developed metal bending by then, and as far as we know, she's the only one who can. Of course, that's not to say Bumi can't necessarily do that. This is the guy who can bend just by having a two-inch opening at his eyes. I wouldn't say it's impossible for him to be the greatest earth bender...at least until the finale when Toph proves she's his equal or superior, anyway.

Jove

06-23-2008, 08:20 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 3: Katara and Plot Point 1b

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 6: Imprisoned

Book 1: Water, Chapter 7: The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)

Book 1: Water, Chapter 8: Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)

In today’s episodes, we meet video game superstar Haru, and begin to unwrap the second half of the Water Tribe brother-sister combo, Katara. Attempting to rescue a group of Earthbenders from a Fire Nation prison-ship, Katara displays most of her defining qualities: optimism, perseverance, and altruism.

“Imprisoned” is also one of the most infamous episodes of the show. It’s ending, with Zuko clutching Katara’s lost necklace aboard the abandoned prison-ship, is the beginning of Zutara. For most Avatards, this is either a day of celebration or revulsion.

Afterwards, Zuko, having discovered that his uncle has been captured, is faced with a decision that will shed a clear light on his character, and sense of honor: save Iroh or pursue Aang? Later, Aang finally meets his spirit guide, Avatar Roku, with Zuko and Zhao in frantic pursuit. Roku not only reveals how the war began, but delivers the plot point that will be the focus of the rest of the series: Aang must not only defeat Fire Lord Ozai, but must to it before the return of Sozin’s Comet, which will return at the end of the Summer.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Mider T

06-23-2008, 09:39 AM

Rewatch: Day 3 Thoughts

Imprisoned

For some reason I'm not impressed. Maybe it's because Haru has the hots for a guy who seems to have a father complex. Another fluid fight though, which was enough to keep me interested; other than that not much else to say except...Zuko has Katara's necklace what will the masses speculate?:awesome 5.5/10

The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)

Well nice little Spirit fight that led into something deeper. The Spirit World looks mighty mystical, keeping my attention. In the equally entrancing subplot, Iroh got captured by the Earth Kingdom guys which was a bit funny. Sokka was dead on in this episode as well. Nice little cliffhanger at the end. 9/10

Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)

So Avatar meets Avatar, this old guy is chalk full of info including why there's a war in the first place. The Fire Temple is as well a corrupt place (obviously:facepalm), another burst of funny action at the end. I'm glad each group has their respective comedians (Iroh and Sokka). Still, I wanted more info. 8/10

Final Conclusion: Enlightening episodes to say the least, but for some reason I just felt unfufilled, kinda like Iroh without his clothes(:awesome). It was awesome we got to see the previous Avatar and his dragon was just as cool. Aang has defeat the Fire Lord by the time Sozin's comet comes at the end of the summer, my senses are telling me it's late fall/early winter. Serious business.

Gentleman

06-23-2008, 02:40 PM

Jove

06-23-2008, 03:58 PM

I'm gonna join in, I just have to find my season discs. If not then would someone mind sending me to a link to an easy place to watch them? I'll probably just join in on whatever episodes we're on today.

Nobody reads my daily Rewatch reminder posts? :(

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Mider T

06-23-2008, 05:49 PM

Hey cool S P O T's in, spread the word man.

:lmao Jove, I still read them:awesome

Blix

06-23-2008, 08:29 PM

Anyone know when the next episodes are due?

Mider T

06-23-2008, 08:33 PM

Do the rewatch with us and we'll tell you.

The Cheat

06-23-2008, 08:48 PM

Anyone know when the next episodes are due?

Nick is airing 312 through 317 on july 14th tthrough july 18th. They air the finale on july 19th. Now rep me.

Gentleman

06-23-2008, 10:23 PM

Nobody reads my daily Rewatch reminder posts? :(

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Thanks a bunch, but I found my season discs so now I don't need to download or stream them. :awesome

About to start watching now, hope I'm not too late!

Noah

06-24-2008, 12:38 AM

Holy crap. It's only three days into Galactic Rewatch and I'm already behind. Goddamn my eyes for working 9-5 and then signing up for movie projects work that I can't complete in a timely fashion. I only managed to see the episode with Haru the douche today.

Oh. And that's my review of it. Haru is a douche. :awesome

Taurus Versant

06-24-2008, 07:14 AM

I read your posts Jove. I'm being worked to dust from my final school year which cuts out my rewatch, but I can read here.

Jove

06-24-2008, 07:51 AM

Fell asleep early before I could watch and post...

My thoughts on Today's Yesterday's episodes:

Imprisoned

--- I like the way they structured the beginning of this season. After we've attained a bit of knowledge and understanding of the main characters, they give two solid episodes in a row for Earthbending.

--- This is our first taste of Fire Nation imperialism. This is so well-done. We don't just see enormous things like mass prison camps, but little things like the harassment of shops, or the way they make people turn on each other (when the old man exposes Haru).

--- Why give Haru the mustache? I can't even look at him anymore. :notrust

--- The necklace continues to be one of the most well-explained inanimate objects in a story I've seen. The mentions of Katara and Sokka's mother have me really excited for The Southern Raiders.

--- Watching Katara refuse to leave the prison-ship... in the context of having seen almost the entirety of the show, it's amazing how many times she's almost ruined everything because of her stubbornness.

--- "That lemur is earthbending!" :laugh

--- George Takei kills with this character. Flawless.

The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)

--- The look of the episode is tremendous. The twilight coloring and lightning was brilliant.

--- A lot is uncovered here. Obviously, we go deeper into the Avatar world, and the Spirit World is introduced, but we also see more depth in some of the relationships. Iroh and Zuko become more than just a comic mismatch, and we see Sokka begin to become protective of Aang.

--- It's frustrated to see Iroh recognizance of spirits, knowing that it will not be elaborated upon further. It still baffles me; that's not something you prominently display in a serial and not bring back at some point. The fucking necklace practically has it's own spin-off and Iroh's journey INTO has no relevance to the plot?!

--- This was a nature episode, but it wasn't preachy. The writing in Avatar is so deft.

Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2)

--- The scene where the Gaang and Zuko run Zhao's blockade is one of the most exciting in the show. The pacing, the sequencing, the music, the animation... everything works perfectly. The tension is incredible. The coup de grace is the Zuko-Zhao stare-down, one of my favorite moments of any episode of the show.

--- We see the first signs of anguish in Zuko, hinting at his resentment over his fate.

--- Sokka's ingenuity also begins to emerge.

--- Subtle moment: we see the first lamp oil bomb go off a split-second before the others.

--- "Where's Shyu?" I wonder how, or if, Shyu will play a role in the upcoming episodes. It's such a prominently placed question, but without any attention drawn to it. It would seem that they're clearly suggesting a return.

--- Awwwwwww, Zhao's first failure... such memories.

--- As far as chapters go, this is easily in my top 5.

Jove

06-24-2008, 07:57 AM

I read your posts Jove. I'm being worked to dust from my final school year which cuts out my rewatch, but I can read here.

Ha, wait until you get a taste of a Finals Week in college.

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 4: Katara’s Ships Cast Off

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 9: The Waterbending Scroll

Book 1: Water, Chapter 10: Jet

We continue with focus on Katara, as we uncover some of her vulnerabilites. We see her struggle with advanced Waterbending and become jealous of Aang’s natural ability. However, she also begins to compile a list of romantic possibilites. These episodes not only expand on Kataang and Zutara, but we also meet the charming but morally ambiguous Jet, who will do anything to defeat the Fire Nation.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

The Question

06-24-2008, 09:37 AM

Mider T

06-24-2008, 10:08 AM

Rewatch: Day 4 Thoughts

The Waterbending Scroll

Well it's a cut from all the action packedness of last week but I still liked today's episode. Katara's seems to be fleshing out quite nicely and Aang may or may not be a prodigy with Waterbending since we haven't seen how the other Avatars faired. All of the three way battling for a scroll and Pai Sho tile had me laughing, though Prince Zuko really needs to get in control of his temper before he has a heart attack. All in all, the episode was quite enjoyable, though it was more like a one time thing. 8/10

Jet

Uh oh, I had a bad feeling about this episode with the one line title (which usually seems to imply something bad happens, and I was half right. At first, we get the jock of the Avatar world joining forces with the Gaang (I like that term, I'll use it from now on:LOS) which is fine and dandy but he starting obviously hitting on Katara while Aang was acting like a kid. That bothered me quite a bit, luckily Sokka was looking out for his baby sister. The plan showed Jet's true colors though, he is willing to sacrifice lives if the ends deem it necessary. I guess there are all sorts of people in the Avatar World. Though it ended on a slightly humorous note, this episode did not really keep my attention. 7/10

Final Conclusion: Is it just mean or does it seem like the writers are trying build up Katara's character for some reason? It's nice that Aang learned waterbending but he needs to hurry up with the other 2 as well. And what will become of the ever increasing popularity of the Sokkanator? I'm sure staying tuned in to find out.

Princess Mahi

06-24-2008, 03:55 PM

oh so long to wait, what, time has actually passed, so theres LESS time to wait! YAY!!!

Mider T

06-24-2008, 04:06 PM

Yeah, so in the meantime join the rewatch.

Jove

06-24-2008, 05:24 PM

Hmm...a Galactic Rewatch? Impressive! I shall have to forego my studies and (re)watch this mysterious Avatar show.:pek

Oh, and I didn't know George Takei did a voice on the show. Who does he voice?

On the subject of Haru's mustache, I think this video explains it's significance quite well.:twitch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIOgGBE5yOw

Takei was the warden running the prison ship in "Imprisoned." He's himself-level phenomenal. I really wish they would have brought back that character in some manner, just for him.

Wow, "Waterbending Scroll" ranked higher than "Jet?" I suppose looking at it from the angle you're using, Mider, that makes sense. Some of these lines are killing me. "...Though Prince Zuko really needs to get in control of his temper before he has a heart attack." :laugh Man, that's such a loaded comment for then and now.

Dimezanime20

06-24-2008, 05:49 PM

Wow, you guys are really doing it huh? As much as I love Avatar, I don't think I can put myself through watching it all over again from season 1.

Piekage

06-24-2008, 06:02 PM

So behind... :sweatdrop

I blame crappy interwebs.

The Waterbending Scroll - I enjoyed this one. A Major thing I was hoping for when I started Avatar was more Katara development, she's one of my favorite characters. I really wanted to see her become an uber-Waterbender. So this episode was nice, to see what potential she has brought forth. It's also the first episode we see a bit of Irou's involvement in the White Lotus.

Jet - One of the few Avatar episodes I didn't care for. I never did like Jet, he seemed shady throughout the entire episode, and he turned out to be an ass after all. But of course, Sokka makes everything better. :nod

Mider T

06-24-2008, 07:22 PM

Takei was the warden running the prison ship in "Imprisoned." He's himself-level phenomenal. I really wish they would have brought back that character in some manner, just for him.

Wow, "Waterbending Scroll" ranked higher than "Jet?" I suppose looking at it from the angle you're using, Mider, that makes sense. Some of these lines are killing me. "...Though Prince Zuko really needs to get in control of his temper before he has a heart attack." :laugh Man, that's such a loaded comment for then and now.

Now?:pek I simply know the episodes as the rewatch goes by.:noworry

I callz em likes I seez em:zaru

Superstarseven

06-24-2008, 10:42 PM

Check out this lucky teenage bastard who attended the Avatar wrap party just because his family knows Sifu Kisu.

http://jackmunch.deviantart.com/art/Blind-Bandit-and-Twinkletoes-89541732

A picture with Jessie Flowers (Toph) and Zach Eisen (Aang).

LIL_M0

06-24-2008, 10:53 PM

Jove

06-25-2008, 01:10 AM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Waterbending Scroll

--- Stripped-down Aang in the briefs never ceases to disturb me.

--- Looking back, Iroh was the redeeming aspect of Zuko at this point. The Lotus Tile is an interesting plot object to be reintroduced to. Something as innocuous as Pai Sho having such importance was akin to Tobi being Madara.

--- It's also interesting to note that Iroh never takes part in these fights, knowing now that he could have easily dominated any of them. It's peculiar that he allows them to occur, though. The character we are familiar with currently would never allow the Avatar to be captured. But he's wise; he probably knew Aang would escape somehow.

--- The Pirates are so cartoonish. I wish I could say I'm glad they weren't brought back, but I can't. And I have a sense of dread that they might be back once more.

--- Cabbage Man! This is the important appearance, even more so than the initial appearance, because this is where the joke official becomes a runner.

--- This is the first episode where we see some real waterbending, and it's an adroit choice to do it in the 9th episode. It reacquaints us with the purpose of the Book.

Jet

--- It's hard to imagine that Jet's only been in three episodes. He practically seems like a minor main character. But I like his character, because he's a great juxtaposition. He's a typical tweener misguided antagonist, but his actions and manner in the latter half of this episode are so casually demonic. It's great. It's the Avatar formula: imbuing substance and weight into the kid's show.

--- The speech, however... with the jeering and cheering and prancing about over a victory feast, it was more cartoonish than the pirates.

--- Jet's fights are excellent. Think about his three fights: Aang, Zuko, and Long Feng/Aang... they really put a lot of effort into his battles. Jet deserves it too, being such an important catalyst at key points in the show.

--- The Katara-Jet romantic "hints" are so blatant and excessive, it would be reflexive if the show had been known for such romances at the time.

--- It still astounds me how much trouble the Gaang gets into because Katara won't listen to Sokka.

Taurus Versant

06-25-2008, 07:34 AM

Poor Sokka, so unappreciated by his fellows, yet loved by us.

Jove

06-25-2008, 08:04 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 5: Parallelism

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 11: The Great Divide

Book 1: Water, Chapter 12: The Storm

Book 1: Water, Chapter 13: The Blue Spirit

Today’s episodes begin what is perhaps the most important and most stressed motif of the show: the similarities in the journeys of Aang and Zuko. Although there had been some hints before “The Storm” of this, this is the first time it has been presented explicitly. In “The Storm,” Aang and Zuko both find themselves in an increasingly difficult situation, and their struggles and choices reflect their similarities and differences of nature. This would be the template, with varying degrees of subtlety, for many of the succeeding episodes of the show.

We are also introduced to the popular “Blue Spirit” character, and given the first hints at a friendship between Aang and Zuko.

Today also contains one of the most controversial episodes of the series, the reviled “The Great Divide.” Many consider this the worst episode of the series. After this point, the word “filler” would unfortunately become ubiquitous in the fandom.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Mider T

06-25-2008, 10:30 AM

Rewatch: Day 5 Thoughts

The Great Divide

Well it looked like the writers got kinda bored, went out for lunch, and let monkeys do their job for this piece of crap. This has got to be the most fail episode episode yet. The gaang runs into the Grand Canyon of the Avatar world to find a guy who helps pass with his earthbending *yawn* it's not long before they find to tribes who have beef with each other over some ancient thing. The mystery of what the beef was is the only thing that kept me watching throughout the whole episode and it never actually answered the question, we just got a based on assumption answer. Though this is actually the first time Aang has tried to quell fighting using is duties as the Avatar, the episode was boring as hell and didn't advance the plot in any way which so far happens to almost every episode featuring an Earthbender (which I hope we get an interesting one in the future:awesome). Fans may skip this if they like, as it serves no purpose so they may as well just included it on the DVD as a bonus episode. 2/10.

The Storm

This is my favorite episode so far, as it shows not only the past of Aang and Prince Zuko, but how they're not so different afterall. I feel a bit sad for the both of them after watching this as they both were faced with incredible burdens after certain incidents happened (Aang being declared Avatar early and Prince Zuko speaking out againist his father, the Fire Lord). Aang seemed to crack under the pressure and ran away, got caught in a storm and sealed himself the same way Katara and Sokka found him in the first episode. He must feel an incredible amount of guilt being forced to grow up so quickly and the loss of his friend (Monk Gyatso). We now know that Prince Zuko got his scar by being burned by his father for speaking out againist his father's cold hearted plans. He was banished until he could capture the Avatar, it's what drives him so much to not just regain his honor but his father's love as well. The Storm brought out the best in the main characters and in me too. 9.5/10

The Blue Spirit

This, coupled with the last episode, could possibly be put together in a special called "Guilt and Suffering, Torment and Honor: Prince Zuko and Aang's story". In this episode, Katara and Sokka have falled ill and Aang has to find the cure for it (a la Secret of NIMH) but the Fire Nation paticularly Zhao sees this an excellent time to capture the Avatar. Meanwhile Prince Zuko dons an alter ego by the name of the Blue Spirit complete with dueling swords after Zhao gets a promotion. Through this Masked Mystery Man's identity he is able to save the Avatar only to catch him for himself another time. Makes me think of the famous Austin Powers' Dr. Evil line "We're not so different, you and I". 9/10

Final Conclusion: If only the circumstances were different...if only...Prince Zuko and Aang could've been, and probably would've been, the best of friends. Aang seems to extend his hand in gratitude only to have it pushed away by Prince Zuko, who starting to seem more like a confused young man rather than a villan. Also I'd like to know more about this "Zula" character in Prince Zuko's flashback, she seemed to be smiling maliciously akin to Zhao when he was burned by his father. The Firelord doesn't seem to be a very nice person, and Iroh from what I can tell is more a father-like figure to Prince Zuko even sticking up for him when his crew talks slander behind his back. I really enjoyed today's episodes though, sans the first one which I will not even mention in the final conclusion.

OokamiAnko

06-25-2008, 01:21 PM

I've seen this airbender thing on tv, is it any good?:oh

LIL_M0

06-25-2008, 01:23 PM

I've seen this airbender thing on tv, is it any good?:oh
No. It sucks ass, this thread of 7100 posts is all of us ranting about how bad it is... And then we re-watched for teh lulz. :LOS

The Cheat

06-25-2008, 01:23 PM

I've seen this airbender thing on tv, is it any good?:oh

Yes, its awesomw.

OokamiAnko

06-25-2008, 01:32 PM

umm...sorry I was just asking.. :(

The Cheat

06-25-2008, 02:21 PM

umm...sorry I wsa just asking.. :(

Stop moping and watch it already.

OokamiAnko

06-25-2008, 02:24 PM

:oh um okay sorry, I will

Mider T

06-25-2008, 03:26 PM

Yeah we can all tell you our biased view, but the only way to know is to watch it for yourself.

Personally I think it's excellent.

St. Jimmy

06-25-2008, 03:28 PM

Avatar=Nicks Greatest Show Currently

Mider T

06-25-2008, 03:30 PM

Of course, Nick isn't exactly 'on top of the world' right now:hehee

OokamiAnko

06-25-2008, 03:30 PM

Mider T

06-25-2008, 03:39 PM

Hmm sounds like The Fortuneteller, nobody is gonna get mad if you just watch the series from the start.

St. Jimmy

06-25-2008, 03:42 PM

3Ze5CDNTFSk
One Of The Best Songs From The Series :LOS

SECRET TUNNEL, SECRET TUNNEL!

The Cheat

06-25-2008, 03:48 PM

Avatar=Nicks Greatest Show Currently

Fail,Avatar=Nicks Greatest Show of all time.

Mider T

06-25-2008, 03:52 PM

Rugrats was teh shitz:pek

St. Jimmy

06-25-2008, 03:54 PM

Rugrats was teh shitz:pek

That And Ren And Stimpy

LIL_M0

06-25-2008, 03:55 PM

That And Ren And Stimpy
"What eez it man?!" :awesome

St. Jimmy

06-25-2008, 03:58 PM

Happy Happy Joy Joy :awesome

Mider T

06-25-2008, 03:59 PM

U EEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIOTTTT:argh

St. Jimmy

06-25-2008, 04:00 PM

lol The Horse

Well Sir, I Dont Like It

Dragonus Nesha

06-25-2008, 05:18 PM

I watched some episode when this village was on fire and a guy was appologising for treating a girl like a girl, I thought it was kinda boring but Im assuming there is some sort of interesting stuff in it?Hmm sounds like The Fortuneteller, nobody is gonna get mad if you just watch the series from the start.How did you get "The Fortuneteller" out of that? We just rewatched an episode with a burning village and a treatment of a girl like a girl. It was most likely "The Warriors of Kyoshi."

Taurus Versant

06-25-2008, 05:21 PM

Grar, you beat me to saying it'd be the Kyoshi warriors.

Jove

06-26-2008, 01:22 AM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Great Divide

--- This is a very controversial episode in the fandom, and I can understand why. There's literally zero plot relevance, and in hindsight, there's even less than that. At least with "Imprisoned," Haru and his dad returned. They did nothing, but they did return. "The Great Divide" is pretty much the only self-contained episode of the series.

--- Still, I kind of like it. It shows the menial side of the Avatar's work.

--- What I LOVE about this episode is the stylized animation for the three different versions of the Wei Jin/Jin Wei story. I particularly liked the expressionist version of the Zhangs.

--- The Guide: Wilfred Brimley or Yamamoto? You make the call.

--- This is the true beginning of annoyingly maternal Katara. What I like about Avatar is that it allows things to happen organically. Most shows would probably force that character trait onto the character from the beginning, but Avatar allowed it to emerge in the interactions with other characters.

--- On the subject of the word "filler." After this episode, just about every goddamn episode of the show has been labeled filler. Well, there is NO filler in Avatar. The correct distinction would be "inconsequential," or something like that. Filler is applicable when someone, in adapting a work from one medium to another, has to "fill in" certain parts with material, usually, non-canon material. It's impossible to have filler in an original story. Everything presented is part of the story, no matter how irrelevant. "Filler" is specious.

The Storm

--- This is truly a magnificent episode. I can't get over how perfectly timed this episode is; it fits perfectly into the structure of Book 1. After spending enough episodes learning a bit about the Avatar world and the ancillary main character, we now are treated to a full exposition on our two main character, Aang and Zuko.

--- This is the most important Zuko episode to date, even more so than when he chose to save Iroh. Iroh was always Zuko's anchor, the person that allowed us to feel the possibility of redemption in Zuko, but this is the first time he shows concern for others. And, of course, we learn that his only real fault is loyalty and devotion to his nation, and his people.

--- And we are given the most important line of the series thus far: "The Avatar gives Zuko hope."

--- It's enriching to watch the opening dream sequence, having now seen The Guru. There's some call-backs in the Guru to this sequence. Avatar doesn't waste many frames.

--- As far as one-off characters go, the Fisherman is definitely amongst my very favorites.

--- The lighting in the cave where Katara finds Aang is complex and remarkable. Absolutely perfect. So are the intercuts between Aang's story and Iroh's retelling of Zuko's story. It's kind of sad to watch, considering the same thing was botched in "The Awakening."

--- This is probably the most explicit the show got, besides parts of Book 3. The parallel between Aang and Zuko was never this similar. They are literally caught in the same situation, and they also make similar choices. The template for the rest of the show always put them in slightly similar situations,and the results were always different: Aang always overcame his grief, while Zuko was usually engulfed by his.

--- Azula's first appearance was kind of cool. The fandom instantly understood that she was not a random character.

The Blue Spirit

--- Awesome little moment: The title screen's music that is a play on that opening sting of the Blue Spirit leitmotif.

--- Zuko is unbeatable as the Blue Spirit. End of discussion. No one could beat him. Not a fully realized Avatar. Not Superman. Not Madara, Itachi, or Aizen. Light Yagami could write his name in the Death Note; Zuko as Blue Spirit would thwart it somehow.

--- I wish we'd see more of the Yu Yen archers in the show. They have cool music.

--- I definitely got the feeling of the Dennis Moore sketch with Momo's endless barrage of useless gifts for Sokka and Katara.

--- This episode is basically a double-episode with "The Storm." Having been presented with their similarities, they bring them together and unveil their complementary skills. Now we're not just pulling for Zuko to choose good, we're distinctly rooting for Zuko and Aang to work together. And we close it out with the famous shot of Zuko turning his back on the Fire Nation emblem. In our context, it's so satisfying to watch the roots take hold back in Book 1.

Jesus, I'm really getting out of hand with these TL/DR's. I guess I'm sorry. Epic rewatch is epic. :zaru

niyesuH

06-26-2008, 01:28 AM

still no new episode

i cant say that i really miss it

masterriku

06-26-2008, 02:50 AM

Sigh for some reason i can't bring myself to rewatch the first 3/4 of book 1 again someone pm when we reach the north pole part.

Mider T

06-26-2008, 07:00 AM

--- Zuko is unbeatable as the Blue Spirit. End of discussion. No one could beat him. Not a fully realized Avatar. Not Superman. Not Madara, Itachi, or Aizen. Light Yagami could write his name in the Death Note; Zuko as Blue Spirit would twart it somehow.

Fuggin sig'd. You've spittin out epic one-liners this whole review, but this one takes the cake.

ReikaiDemon

06-26-2008, 07:04 AM

Wooooooow, it's been a loooooooong while =o o= Hey, there's a mass rewatching? When did this start? =@.@=

Jove

06-26-2008, 08:06 AM

Wooooooow, it's been a loooooooong while =o o= Hey, there's a mass rewatching? When did this start? =@.@=

A few days ago. We're going straight through to July 14th. Pick up whenever you can.

When it comes to the Blue Spirit, I can only speak the truth. Unknockoutable... except for when the Yu Yen guy knocked him out with the arrow, but otherwise...

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 6: Trust Issues

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 14: The Fortuneteller

Book 1: Water, Chapter 15: Bato of the Water Tribe

Having established out main characters and their complex relationship with each other, we now enenter the Avatar world. Today’s episodes are related by their common theme: trust. Problems arising due to trust is the main conflict of both episodes. In “The Fortuneteller,” the town’s blind trust in Aunt Wu’s predictions nearly results in the destruction of the entire village. Later, Aang’s panic over Sokka and Katara’s rekindled relationship with an old Water Tribe friend nearly destroys the trust between the three.

We’re also introduced to Jun, an instantly popular character in the fandom, although she was popular with no one more than she was with Iroh.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Mider T

06-26-2008, 08:45 AM

Rewatch: Day 6 Thoughts

The Fortuneteller

Well shippers rejoice because they episode had Katara and Aang trying to find their respective romantic partners after hints dropped by Aunt Wu, a supposed Fortuneteller. This woman reminds me of my own grandmother, despite her get rich schemes she seems to be truly wise to the young hearts of others and there is wisdom in her words. I rather enjoyed this episode as well, it had comedy "...Aunt Wu came, we've had a tradition of not doing that", dramaz "....floozy", and even romance. Aang put out a volcano which was completely badass, it was also the defining moment of when Katara would consider Aang a suitable.....suitor. 7.5/10

Bato of the Water Tribe

Tensions are rising beginning at the episode, as you can see what direction the story is heading in. The Gaang meets up with Bato, a water tribe warrior was injuried and left behind by Sokka and Katara's father. Reunited with kin, the siblings are overjoyed but seem to leave Aang behind emotionally, as such he feels jealous and thinks his fun times are coming to an end. A letter comes from Sokka and Katara's father but Aang intercepts it so they won't get any deserting ideas, he later regrets the decision. In the end though, Sokka and Katara stick to their original plan and continue their journey with Aang to the North Pole. A test of friendship was apparant in this episode and it's also starting to show more of Aang's "darker" nature if you want to call it that. I get the feeling out of everything he can dish out, he really doesn't like lonliness. That character flaw might hurt him later on. 6.5/10

Final Conclusion: Meh, today's episodes were average to me. Besides the first water tribe warrior we saw, it's a take or leave it situation of watching. I mean it was fun while it lasted, but there was no real bending fights or philosophies to mull over that the show usually has. Just a relaxed day, so I guess I'm indifferent. Satisfied, but indifferent.

OokamiAnko

06-26-2008, 09:16 AM

umm ..sorry to bug you guys again but is the guy with the pony tail the bad guy?

Mider T

06-26-2008, 09:24 AM

For now, yes he is. I thought we told you to watch the series.

OokamiAnko

06-26-2008, 09:33 AM

:laugh yeah, it's on tomorrow

Vault

06-26-2008, 09:49 AM

still no new episodes i see ¬_¬

Mider T

06-26-2008, 09:51 AM

:laugh yeah, it's on tomorrow

I meant from the beginning, online.

OokamiAnko

06-26-2008, 09:53 AM

um..Im not exactly alloud to do that but I'll ask my friend to get them for me :)

St. Jimmy

06-26-2008, 09:58 AM

You Can Watch Them For Free :facepalm

OokamiAnko

06-26-2008, 10:02 AM

umm..:huhno I mean Im not alloud to watch videos on the internet, uses too much bandwidth or something :laugh

St. Jimmy

06-26-2008, 10:09 AM

Oh, Well Then Sucks For You :zaru

OokamiAnko

06-26-2008, 10:22 AM

I'll get them soon then :laugh

Mider T

06-26-2008, 10:24 AM

You can't watch videos on the net? Yet you buy them? Are you rich?

OokamiAnko

06-26-2008, 10:31 AM

umm...well we're already over our internet limit... :laugh

Jove

06-26-2008, 06:32 PM

umm...well we're already over our internet limit... :laugh

Hmmm, that's too bad. Yu have until July 14th to catch up, though. If you like the show, you will. The most common story I've heard from new fans is that once they started watching episodes, they could not stop.

Jove

06-26-2008, 06:36 PM

Hot off the presses, TVshowsonDVD comes through yet again. Here is the back cover, which reveals THE FULL EPISODE TITLES OF THE FOUR-PART FINALE!

http://www.tvshowsondvd.net/graphics/news3/Avatar-Bk3Vol4_rear.jpg

http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Avatar-Airbender-Season-3-Volume-4/9933

So it looks like the Phoenix Lord business happens right away. I'm really interested to see what "The Old Masters" refers to. How many masters? Will this be our Iroh episode? Now I'm beyond obsessed over the finale.

Chee

06-26-2008, 06:43 PM

ViolentlyHappy

06-26-2008, 08:16 PM

Superrazien

06-26-2008, 09:01 PM

Wtf I cant wait for this!

Kaenboshi

06-26-2008, 09:05 PM

Heh, I haven't kept up with the rewatch at all so far. :S Guess I'll try to jump in at some point.Hot off the presses, TVshowsonDVD comes through yet again. Here is the back cover, which reveals THE FULL EPISODE TITLES OF THE FOUR-PART FINALE!

http://www.tvshowsondvd.net/graphics/news3/Avatar-Bk3Vol4_rear.jpg

http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Avatar-Airbender-Season-3-Volume-4/9933

So it looks like the Phoenix Lord business happens right away. I'm really interested to see what "The Old Masters" refers to. How many masters? Will this be our Iroh episode? Now I'm beyond obsessed over the finale. Nice. :iria It's getting harder and harder to wait, though. X3

Oh, and Countdown to the Comet finally updated the category. This week's is favorite weapon. (http://www.nick.com/turbonick/index.jhtml?evthubid=5)

Jove

06-26-2008, 09:33 PM

Oh, and Countdown to the Comet finally updated the category. This week's is favorite weapon. (http://www.nick.com/turbonick/index.jhtml?evthubid=5)

Oh, cool. I went with:

1. Sokka's Master
2. Appa's Lost Days
3. Avatar Roku
4. The Waterbending Master
5. Jet

ViolentlyHappy

06-26-2008, 09:57 PM

Heh, I haven't kept up with the rewatch at all so far. :S Guess I'll try to jump in at some point. Nice. :iria It's getting harder and harder to wait, though. X3]

Neither have I... :wink

Oh, and Countdown to the Comet finally updated the category. This week's is favorite weapon. (http://www.nick.com/turbonick/index.jhtml?evthubid=5)

I went with:

-Avatar Roku
-Sokka's Master
-Appa's Lost Days
-Jet
-The Waterbending Master

Jove

06-26-2008, 10:34 PM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Fortuneteller

--- Anti-shippers wail, because this is the first episode that really annihilates your arguments. It's fact: shipping is part of the show. Call it romance if you'd like, but there's no ignoring it. My favorite argument is the "let them be kids" plea. Tell that to the writers; tell that to the creators.

--- Aunt Wu is an enigma. She seems to believe that her ability is legitimate, but she also acknowledges her faults when things she predicted are not accurate.

--- So Aunt Wu is totally devoted to her own judgements, which often cause complete havoc for everyone around her. No wonder she hit it off with Katara.

--- The first appearance of the platypus bear, which I'm pretty sure is the most recurring hybrid animal.

--- There not much to this episode. Sokka continues to prove himself as a man that would fit right into the Enlightment era, and Aang continues to reveals the depths of his power.

Bato of the Water Tribe

--- I'm really surprised that Mider rated this episode so poorly; this is one of my favorite episodes. Excellent character development, intense fight scenes... there's quite a bit here.

--- Truthfully, this day could have been "Sokka's Day." The previous episode highlights his skeptical mind, and this episode gives us real empathy for him with the flashbacks. And the Ice-dodging scene complements the flashbacks by showing us his maturation. When you pair this episode with Sokka's Master, you can argue that Sokka is the most elaborated and intricate character in the show, besides Zuko.

--- Obviously, people went nuts for Jun the second she hit the screen. I'm now very curious about her role in the upcoming episodes. I wonder how she'll react to seeing Zuko again. Her hybrid animal still repulses me.

--- Having now seen Bato in "Day of Black Sun," I wish they would have kept is arm wrapped.

--- This is, in my opinion, the best fight between Aang and Zuko, and it's an immaculate scene. The movements are so precise; Sifu Kisu obviously put a lot of effort into choreographing this one. It's so sophisticated and kinetic.

Kaenboshi

06-26-2008, 10:49 PM

^

I believe Bato's arm has been unwrapped since The Guru.

BTW, have you and Mider been the only two doing reviews?

Jove

06-26-2008, 10:57 PM

^

I believe Bato's arm has been unwrapped since The Guru.

BTW, have you and Mider been the only two doing reviews?

There's been a few others from different people, but yeah, pretty much.

Taurus Versant

06-27-2008, 05:32 AM

Princess Azula has been appointed the Fire Lord. Adding that to her losing her friends and the clips we've seen over her going crazy, shit's about to get epic.

And I read Jove and Mider's reviews, they're enjoyable.

Jove

06-27-2008, 08:14 AM

Princess Azula has been appointed the Fire Lord. Adding that to her losing her friends and the clips we've seen over her going crazy, shit's about to get epic.

Seriously. The PhoenixKing business is in the beginning[I] of the Finale? Lliterally every second of the finale is going to be insanely awesome.

[I]Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 7: Affected By the Fire Nation

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 16: The Deserter

Book 1: Water, Chapter 17: The Northern Air Temple

Today we meet two eccentrics, Jeong Jeong and The Mechanist. The two could not be any more different in demeanor, personality, or living situation. They do, however, share one tragic similarity: they’ve both been deeply disturbed by the Fire Nation. Jeong Jeong, a Col. Kutrz-like character, was one of the highest ranked members of the Fire Nation military, but now straddles the line of madness, living as the only person to abandon the Fire Nation and survive.

The second character is the mad genius, The Mechanist. Having overtaken the desolate Northern Air Temple, he is forced into using his talents to assist the Fire Nation in the war. While he does not appear until much later in the series, his grandest design does make a baneful appearance much earlier.

Aang is delighted to meet Jeong Jeong, as a potential firebending teacher. He is disgusted by The Mechanist, who is seen by Aang as a usurper of his home and as someone that denigrated Air Nomad tradition. Despite Aang’s feelings, the two share one more similarity: the Fire Nation is on their doorstep.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

arcanecapricorn

06-27-2008, 03:21 PM

when is the DVD coming out?

LIL_M0

06-27-2008, 03:46 PM

S03E17 "The Ember Island Players" July 18, 2008

The group attends a play, which serves as a parody and summary of the series to date.
I wonder if it will be as entertaining as when they did it on Reboot? :awesome
vqSXIfHeC4k

Mider T

06-27-2008, 04:02 PM

Rewatch: Day 7 Thoughts

The Deserter

Well dialouge excluded, this episode got me really excited. I really liked the fact that firebending was being introduced for a good cause and by an old guy (cause we all know that Old guy = Badass in any media). The lectures about the destructive qualities though had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they were actually going to show Aang firebending before the show ended, and they did with a second purpose too. Katara's healing powers kind of made me think of a shipping idea like opposites attract (Aang's carefree yet destructive nature vs. Katara's worrying and rejuvenating one), and brought even more evidence to support this paring. The fact that Jeong Jeong was once Zhao's master as well was fairly interesting along with the fight that followed, which I believe was one of the best matches so far. More intensity building up as Aang outsmarted the large temper and even larger sideburns of Zhao, I wonder where this will lead us though since he vowed never to use that destructive power again...well he still has 3 elements under his belt, master or not. 9/10

The Northern Air Temple

Quite a silly and fun episode as we are introduced to The Mechanist, the most modern man in the series so far and mad scientist-like, along with his wheelchair-bound son Teo. They both reside in the abandoned Air temple that is the second we've seen so far, though quite different than Aang's former home as it has been transformed into a place where all sorts of kooky devices roam free. Later we learn that The Mechanist has supplying the Fire Nation with his idea albeit againist his will before the Gaang save the day as they always do. This episode was paticularly enjoyable because of Sokka, who has quite the head on his shoulders, he may actually surpass Bato or father at the rate he is progressing. 8.5/10

Final Conclusion: Much better than last week, the progression is easily visible. I say at this point we can all see which direction the characters are heading in (relationship-wise, flaws and strengths, likes and dislikes) and easily see how they could be beaten or win. Sokka is impressing me the most of all with his unmatched ingenuity, though not to say Katara's newfound powers or Aang's Firebending isn't astounding either. Eager to see where this takes us.

Mider T

06-27-2008, 04:10 PM

HOLY BRICK SHITTING, the back of the DVD cover already? Hmm, I thought the last episode would be called something else that I can't say due to spoilers but I as well wonder who The Old Masters are.

My reviews might be a bit behind over the next few days since I'm moving, but I'll just type tl;dr ones. Doesn't look like anyone other than Taurus and Jove are reading them anyway.

Jove

06-27-2008, 04:28 PM

when is the DVD coming out?

July 29. The one benefit of these absurd delays in Book 3 has been the DVD releases. Vol. 1, episodes 301-305, came out a week and a half after 305 aired. Vol. 4 will be the same situation.

Mider T

06-27-2008, 04:31 PM

29th? The episodes didn't get pushed back again did they? I'm thinking about burning them and selling them for a profit in Australia.

Jove

06-27-2008, 04:48 PM

29th? The episodes didn't get pushed back again did they? I'm thinking about burning them and selling them for a profit in Australia.

Woah.. old school piracy. :awesome

Episodes are still being aired July 14-19. The DVD will just come out right away, since these episodes have pretty much been done for months now. All that's been worked on is finishing touches on the Finale. The staff has been gone for a long time now.

I'd say there might be another Blockbuster leak, but it's probably not even worth it. The Book 3, Vol. 3 DVD came out May 6th, and The Boiling Rock was uploaded April 25th. Looking at my calendar, if it was to happen in the same way for Vol. 4, the Finale could possibly be up the 18th. One day before it airs.

Taurus Versant

06-27-2008, 07:25 PM

29th? The episodes didn't get pushed back again did they? I'm thinking about burning them and selling them for a profit in Australia.

You live in Australia too, huh? Glad to hear some others of us are around.

Mider T

06-27-2008, 07:35 PM

Jove

06-27-2008, 07:59 PM

I never thought of it as old school piracy:awesome But no, I'm just visiting Australia, New Zealand, and Micronesia for the summer, maybe I'll consider it if I like it there though.

By the by, Jove do you know when the DVD ships to blockbuster or pre-orders?

I'm not really sure about how these things work. The Blockbuster leak was the first time I had seen such a thing.

Definitely classic piracy. It's a throwback to the glory days of the early 20's, with bootleg copies of "Ulysses" being tossed around Continental Europe to avoid obscenity laws.

'Cept Avatar totally owns Joyce. Toph's a cooler blind prodigy, to boot.

Hey Taurus, how's the Australian Avatar fandom?

Taurus Versant

06-27-2008, 08:18 PM

No clue. I went to Supanova, an anime convention in Sydney last Sunday, and most of the people I was talking to recognised it if I mentioned it, but I can't account for much.

First episode I ever saw was on normal TV, and it was Toph's first episode, The Blind Bandit I think.

As you can obviously guess, I immediately watched every episode I could.

Princess Mahi

06-27-2008, 09:40 PM

Hello discussion!! The wait is slowly inching forward!

Taurus Versant

06-27-2008, 09:52 PM

You're not wrong.

The Southern Raiders and Ember Island Players, hopefully they're closer than we think.

Koi

06-27-2008, 10:22 PM

Is it wrong that I'm still putting off getting a job because I NEED to be home to watch the last episodes of Avatar?

Kilowog

06-27-2008, 10:41 PM

have any episodes after boiling rock come out? and if so anyone got any MU links?

Taurus Versant

06-27-2008, 10:48 PM

Nothing new I'm afraid...

yet.

Superstarseven

06-28-2008, 12:20 AM

Is it wrong that I'm still putting off getting a job because I NEED to be home to watch the last episodes of Avatar?

You're not able to secure a job that ends your workday before 8pm?

Dante10

06-28-2008, 12:22 AM

the boiling rock is the final episode i cant find any new ones they are sure taking there time putting these episodes out

Piekage

06-28-2008, 01:04 AM

Is it wrong that I'm still putting off getting a job because I NEED to be home to watch the last episodes of Avatar?

Avatar > A staple income. :LOS It's canon. :quite

The Deserter - Good to see firebenders that aren't after Aang. Very important episode, Katara discovers her healing abilities, and Aang learns that Firebending isn't a toy. Aang tricking Zhao was entertaning as well.

The Northern Air Temple - A pretty average episode, Sokka was the highlight though.

Jove

06-28-2008, 01:06 AM

Only two and a half weeks...

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Deserter

--- It's amusing how the beginning of the episode seems like the archetype for an inconsequential episode. These are the types that are best to watch on DVD. Watching it first-air is weird; you're always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

--- The foreshadowing in Avatar is incredible sometimes. When Aang, Sokka, and Katara are inspecting Aang's wanted poster, you only see the Blue Spirit poster for a brief few seconds, and at the bottom corner of the screen. Also, the puppet show proganda is a nice prelude to early Book 3 episodes, especially "The Headband."

--- Jeong Jeong is in my top three for minor characters. Not only is he humorously stern, but he expounds on the volatile nature of fire so eloquently. His lines are so mellifluous, and anguished. Late in Book 1 was a great spot for placing an alternate opinion on firebending and the Fire Nation.

--- So Jeong Jeong's hideout and character is clearly influenced deeply by Heart of Darkness. Avatar is obviously much more than a kid's show, but this is amazing. A reference would be impressive enough, but these are entire acts with a very erudite interpretation of a complex masterpiece of literature.

--- Awwwwww, Zhao's third failure. He's so adorable. He's comes-up-short Wolverine.

--- I haven't seen this episode in a while, but having seen it now, I don't think there's any way it's not in my top 5.

The Northern Air Temple

--- Once again, the naturalism of the show comes well crafted, with guile and grace. It's akin to the show's message on imperialism and war. In our times, it would be easy for myopic cynics to point to the current situation as Avatar's target, but that would be misappropriation. Avatar deals in ecumenical concerns, in concepts, not specifics. It's one of the advantages of being a kid's show; the main focus can't be too narrow.

--- The clear highlight of the show is that brief moment where we see The Mechanist sketching blueprints for The Drill. It's about as subtle as foreshadowing can get without being a freeze frame easter egg.

--- The final battle now plays almost as a prelude to the Day of Black Sun invasion battle.

--- Here's a fun game: see how many people the Gaang actually kill in their fights. For instance, Aang clearly killed several dozen Fire Nation soldiers with his avalanche. There's no way they survived. They're dead. And that explosion? Yup, lotta dead there. Lotta death.

--- It's peculiar how long it took for the war balloon pay-off. I think most people assumed something by the mid-way point of book 2, at the latest. Certainly something in Book 2, at the very least. Yet they waited a long time.

Jove

06-28-2008, 10:31 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 8: The Siege of the North

Episodes

Book 1: Water, Chapter 18: The Waterbending Master

Book 1: Water, Chapter 19: The Siege of the North, Part 1

Book 1: Water, Chapter 20: The Siege of the North, Part 2

After a long journey with several detours of varying importance, the Gaang finally reaches the Northern Water Tribe, in the three-part finale to Book 1. Initially in awe of it’s beauty and grandeur, they soon learn that it’s culture is as unsavory as the setting is sumptuous. Katara and Aang face difficulties in their waterbending training due to an oppressive paternalism, while Sokka has to let go of his object of affection, Princess Yue, due to her noble arranged marriage.

However, they are not the only ones approaching the Northern Water Tribe, as all of their protagonists are at it’s doorstep. When they arrive, we see the depths of Zuko’s desperation and determination, the true ruthlessness and depravity of Zhao, and Iroh’s real loyalites. This all leads to a breathtaking conclusion, where Aang and Yue both display their unique powers.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

ghstwrld

06-28-2008, 01:08 PM

So, what's this I hear about Nickelodean blitzing through the remaining episodes sometime in July?

Jove

06-28-2008, 03:48 PM

So, what's this I hear about Nickelodean blitzing through the remaining episodes sometime in July?

That's pretty much it. Episodes 312-321 will all air within one week, starting July 14th. July 19th will be the four-part finale. Opinions vary on whether this is cool or not.

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Waterbending Master

--- They certainly don't waste any time; the Gaang's capture/discovery by the N. Water Tribe is so sudden. They do this a lot, though. Not much time is wasted at the beginning before jumping into the premise and action. They're the anti-Simpsons.

--- The music as they enter the Water Tribe gates and go through the water locks is definitely in my top 3 for the show. The Track Team really outdid themselves here. The chord sequence, it's Bach-like. And I counted THREE counter-melodies. Awesome.

--- On lesser shows, I think Katar's story would have seemd more like a superfluous b-story, but here it is the culmination of her character.

--- Watching these Book 1 episodes, I wonder what Iroh's plans were. At one point he tells Zuko, "Stay hidden until we get to the North Pole and the Avatar will be yours!" What was he going to do once Zuko caught Aang?

The Siege of the North, Part 1

--- Zuko's mad dash through the turtle-seal channles is fantastic. They were trying to show the reaches of his determination, and it's so over-the-top that it works.

--- Zhao just commands every scene he is in, even scenes where he is paired with Iroh. I can see why people wonder if he could have somehow survived. His absence is still felt, even though Azula clearly outshines even him.

The Siege of the North, Part 2

--- The coloring in this episode is extraordinary. The red tinge after Zhao grabs the Moon Spirit, the black-and-white after he killsit, it's great. But the way they use the fire to illuminate things after he kills it is phenomenal.

--- The plot continues to reveal it's intricacies. There's the mention of the "hidden library" that Zhao found, which will come back later as a major plot turn. There's the brief description of Azula during Zuko's lament to Aang, badically plotting out her character. It's all so rich.

--- Now, as a season finale: this one scores huge. There are two kinds of finales: one that is a proper culmination with a clean ending, and a cliff-hanger. This is the former, and really brings together everything great about Book 1, and the show, in the end. Koi-Zilla, the Zuko-Zhao showdown, Yue's sacrifice... the last five minutes are the best five minutes of Book 1, as it should be.

Thoughts on Book 1

--- Book 1 is certainly more lighthearted than Book 2, but not as frivilous as Book 3. It's a real Journey's Tale. There was one goal in mind the entire time: reaching the Northern Water Tribe. The journey was well-balanced between episodes in which we learned about the Avatar world and the Avatar characters. Although I consider Book 2 to be masterful and perfect, Book 1 doesn't rank that far behind.

--- Think about 101 and 120 together. The difference is tangible. A character like Koh would never exist in the world of 101. By 120, a character so dark and disturbing was accepted. The depth of the show was firmly beyond a simple "Kid's show." And Book 2 would use that depth to it's finest.

Mider T

06-28-2008, 04:07 PM

Rewatch: Day 8 Thoughts

The Waterbending Master

Well the show keeps in line with "Old guy = badass" cliche as the Waterbending Master is an old fart who has many tricks up his sleeves. It also shakes things up a bit by making the guy a sexist while we have Katara as our best resident waterbender. The Gaang has finally reached the North Pole (albeit captured) to see that the place is way more "feudal" than their Southern counterparts way of living. That Sokka has also become smitten at first site with a white haired girl. But good things can't last forever as we all know. 8/10

Siege of the North pts I and 2

Zhao, he's like the opposite Orange-kun of Avatar, the guy who consistantly fails but just as soon gets promotions. The Gaang's curse of bringing destruction wherever they go has been fufilled once again as the Admiral breaks through the defense of the Northern Water Tribe and lays siege to their lands. These episodes were absolutely groundbreaking with the fights and Aang's spiritual journey, even though I didn't quite understand the ying-yang system because it's a bit different from the one in our world. Prince Zuko does seem to have redeeming qualities after all, Zhao lost his life so as to not be saved by the banished prince. Letting the Avatar go (for now) may come back to haunt him though. On another note, Princess Yue sacrificed her life to restore balance to the Moon spirit by becoming it herself, leaving her love Sokka behind. The last few seconds of the show brought the epic full circle though showing Prince Zuko's sister, Azula, as she is given orders by their father to hunt down her brother and uncle. Win and Epic. 10/10

Final Conclusion: I don't think anything will be able to top this, which makes me sad and happy at the same time.

ViolentlyHappy

06-28-2008, 08:42 PM

I do honestly wonder what happened to Zhao. I would like to think that he didn't just die by drowning. Maybe he met with the spirits or something? :wha I wish Nick would have elaborated on that a bit more.

Taurus Versant

06-28-2008, 09:06 PM

It's you guys' reactions to episode five of book two that I look forward to the most.

Jove

06-28-2008, 09:43 PM

It's you guys' reactions to episode five of book two that I look forward to the most.

I actually like that episode. Anything with Kyoshi is worthwhile. But I haven't seen it in a while, maybe it's worse than I recall. Chapter 5 of Book 3, however... I am going to fucking lambaste that episode

I do honestly wonder what happened to Zhao. I would like to think that he didn't just die by drowning. Maybe he met with the spirits or something? :wha I wish Nick would have elaborated on that a bit more.

It's so weird about Zhao. He was a failure in just about everything he did on the show, but he never lost his swagger. I'm satisfied with his death; he died with his own sense of honor, even if it was rebuking the Prince of his nation.

Taurus Versant

06-28-2008, 09:55 PM

Episode Four is Avatar Day.

Episode Five is the Blind Bandit :awesome

Superstarseven

06-28-2008, 11:50 PM

Well screw all y'all,
I love The Beach.
Season 2 is great but I'm taking a little sabbatical from those episodes, I'm a little burnt out on them so right now I'm soaking in Book 3 and will probably buy the Book 3 season set before I buy book 1 to complete the collection.

Noah

06-29-2008, 12:37 AM

Just caught up on everything again. I was about two days behind due to stupid movie deadlines. :notrust

A few thoughts now:

-Jet is basically Sokka's version of Zuko. Zuko and Aang are very similar, but they just make different choices. Jet is basically Sokka if he had made all the dickmove decisions.

-Jeong Jeong is badass. I hope he shows up again in the end.

-Oh snap! I forgot that Iroh had supposedly traveled to the spirit world. Maybe he'll have to travel again to get Aang's face back after Aang meets Koh again!

-If there was a DBZ:BT style Avatar fighting game, I want Jun and her beast to be a secret boss. Seriously. Those two are hardcore.

-Why is Azula drawn the same in The Storm as she is when we're first introduced to her? Someone must've been planning to make her the older sister when this one was drawn up.

It really his interesting how the show has developed from a kid's action show to an action show that kids can watch. The first few episodes really did feel like it was a children's show with an interesting twist to it, but in just one season it has transformed into an action show that can appeal to anyone of any age.

Jove

06-29-2008, 02:12 AM

Episode Four is Avatar Day.

Episode Five is the Blind Bandit :awesome

Episode Four is The Swamp. The Blind Bandit is Episode Six.

Taurus Versant

06-29-2008, 04:10 AM

Seriously?

I'm missing one then.

Avatar State
Return to Omashu
Swamp
Avatar day
Blind Bandit.

What am I missing?

EDIT: :facepalm:facepalm:facepalm

How the FUCK did I forget about The Secret Tunnel.

I forgot about the hippies, and betrayed myself.

[/sepukku]

Mider T

06-29-2008, 10:40 AM

Rewatch: Day 9 Thoughts

The Avatar State

At the beginning of this episode, I was still thinking about the events of The Siege of the North so I thought returning to the normal stories would be a bit dull especially since the Gaang was headed back to King Bumi's (I don't like retracing steps). Boy was I wrong, it was rather refreshing having everyone change their plans, including Prince Zuko and Iroh who are branded as traitor and failure now. Zuko's sister Azula who is apparantly very sinister and sneaky tries to get them to return the Fire Nation by lying saying that the Fire Lord wants them back. Zuko almost goes along with this to, it's revealed here that she can bend blue fire and if I know anything about fire it's that blue burns much hotter than orange or red. Back with the Gaang, an Earth King general tries to convince Aang that if he can trigger the Avatar State he will be able to defeat the Fire Lord and end the war right now, bad idea. The plan works when the general resorts to underhanded tactics and gets his ass handed to him because "bitches don't know bout the avatar state". Only Katara is able to calm him down before moving on. The best part of this episode was when Iroh and Zuko cut their ponytails. 8/10

The Cave of Two Lovers

Shipping, as the title implies, is abundant in this episode. The story goes that Omashu was named for two Earthbenders (Oma and Shu) were in love and seperated by the Earth, but not even rock itself could keep them apart. The Gaang has to travel through this long tunnel to get through to Omashu where love lights the way. Katara and Aang share a tender moment while Sokka's forehead and the palm of his hand flirt like never before. Love shines the brightest in the dark. 7/10

Final Conclusion: Did this one a bit early today because of uncertainty about the my connection. Anywho, the first episode effectively affirms that the Gaang will be in alot more trouble now that the world knows he's alive and he's being hunted by a psycho and his daughter. I wonder what Zuko and Iroh will do. If Book: Earth means more Earthbending then it's perfectly fine by me and I can't wait to see what's in store. Despite my ratings, I think it's a better season opener than the last one's.

Jove

06-29-2008, 01:31 PM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 9: Bookends

Episodes

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 1: The Avatar State

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 2: The Cave of Two Lovers

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 3: Return to Omashu

Having saved the Northern Water Tribe, the Gaang now begin a new mission, one that will be the focus of the first half of Book 2: finding Aang an Earthbending teacher. Bumi is the natural choice, so the trip is a simple revisit to Omashu. Their journey is arduous from the beginning, however, as they are nearly held hostage by a callous Earth Kingdom General and get stuck in a labyrinthine cave with a group of nomads, but they finally arrive at their destination. When they arrive in Omashu, however, they find that it’s quite different than how they left it.

They also meet their main protagonist for Book 2, the imperious, misanthropic Firebending prodigy Princess Azula. But her introduction is to Zuko and Iroh, and her failed attempt to imprison them allows them to escape, but they are now officially exiled. For the rest of Book 2, Zuko and Iroh travel as fugitives.

But the most important revelation in these epiosdes has to do specifically with Aang.. In a surreal moment with Avatar Roku, Aang learns more about the Avatar State. Aang’s struggle with the Avatar State will be the underlying theme throughout this season. The actions of this first episode will have relevance throughout the entirety of Book 2.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Jove

06-29-2008, 11:59 PM

You're still one behind, Mider.

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Avatar State

--- I consider this to be an underrated episode. At worst, it's in my top 10. It's a perfect season opener, and not just because it's intriguing and suspenseful and kinetic; it sets up everything for the rest of Book 2. When 220 was over, you could look back and see that so much derived from 201.

--- Obviously, the first noticeable thing is the Avatar State, which will be the underlying theme that links Book 2 together. But there are other things that play important roles in Book 2 that are introduced here: the amulet containing the water from the Spirit Oasis, Zuko's knife, and Azula's lightning.

--- Also, the episode sets the template for Book 2. Book 1's episodes were pretty straightforward: a solid A-story, with perhaps a few side stories related to the it. But most of Book 2 operates with the Gaang's plot as the A-story, and the Zuko/Iroh plot functioning as a B-story, often with the two having zero interaction.

--- The A and B format does function as a vehicle for Aang/Zuko parallels, though, and it begins here. Aang's struggle to unlock the Avatar State is similar to Zuko's prospect of a return home: both are unsure of the consequences, but are unable to resist.

--- I LOVE it when Avatar is surreal. The scene where Roku explains the Avatar State to Aang is one of my favorite scenes in all of Avatar. It's so sudden, it's drawn so beautifully, James Garett's delivery is so powerful... I ended up re-watching it 4 or 5 times. It's a definite prelude to the mesmerizing Chakras scenes in The Guru. It's also where we first see Avatar Kuruk and Avatar Yangchen.

--- This episode really is a tour de force. It's so gripping, from the very beginning to the solemn end.

The Cave of Two Lovers

--- I like this episode more every time I see it, and I've seen it a LOT. There was a time that when Avatar was on a Nickelodeon network, it almost always was this episode. So, I didn't like it that much at first, but it's grown on me. Also: anti-shippers lament.

--- The songs are fantastic. I particularly like the love song Chong sings in the cave.

---The humor in this episode is typical of Book 1 and 2 Avatar. It's very natural, opposed to the typically vapid "set-up and delivery" humor of most shows, or the awkward style of some of Book 3.

--- The ending is so great; it's such a twist. Jack Desena's delivery is perfect.

Return To Omashu

--- Omashu looks really cool as a Fire Nation colony. You can do just about anything with the Omashu design and it will always look awesome.

--- The introductions of Ty Lee and Mai work pretty well. It works even better with the Boiling Rock in mind. They're pretty straightforward characterizations, with small hints of more, like Mai's slight change of expression when Zuko is mentioned, or Ty Lee's ability to hinder bending.

Jove

06-30-2008, 08:21 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 10: Toph’s Day

Episodes

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 4: The Swamp

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 5: Avatar Day

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 6: The Blind Bandit

Today we meet the fourth and final member of the Gaang, the last remaining main character, Toph Bei Fong. Equally cavalier and precocious as Azula, she is arguably the strongest Earthbender in the world. She’s also blind, and sheltered by her high noble parents. The Gaang’s discovery and recruitment of her leads to a difficult decision for Toph, which will eventually catch up to her much later.

Of course, this being Avatar, they endure several unwelcome detours before they find Toph. They crashland into a surreal, ominous swampland, in which they have to confront visions from the past and future, and they spend a day in an acrimonious town, where they learn about Avatar Kyoshi.

Meanwhile, a despondent Zuko assumes the Blue Spirit identity to survive, and eventually leaves his uncle to travel on his own.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Taurus Versant

06-30-2008, 08:25 AM

I definitely look forward to these upcoming reviews from you two :hehee

Mider T

06-30-2008, 03:41 PM

Shit man, I'm so behind because of my travels. My grading point scale is going to be a bit more broad from now on?

Rewatch: Day 10 Thoughts

Return to Omashu

Gotta say I loved this episode, there was just so many different things happening at the same time, kinda like a Quentin Tarintino esque movie. Two new girls join Azula's gang named Ty Lee and Mai (pronounced May) who are friends but couldn't be more different. Ty Lee, the bubbly and outgoing teen who loves pink fights at close range by sealing one's bending contrasts so much from Mai, who seems gothic fighting at long range and only smiles when Zuko is mentioned(:hehee) Too many actions scenes to describe in detail, you'll get the full enjoyment by watching it yourself. 19/20

The Swamp

Sokka and Katara's distant hillbilly cousins are in this episode as the Gaang ventures through a giant and mystical swamp. Past memories and future visions come alive as Katara spots her mother, Sokka sees Yue, and Aang runs into some as-of-yet unknown girl. These bumpkins actually have alot to teach the Gaang in their own, fuzzy lumpkins way. 15/20

Avatar Day

I didn't quite understand the point of this episode nor was I very interested to begin with. There really was no fight aside the flashback if you could call that a fight, no romantic or plot development, none of that magic that we've all come to know and love. The only part of special mention in this episode would have to be when Kyoshi herself took over Aang's body and explained what happened, I did like however that the chunk of land became Kyoshi's Island. 12.5/20

The Blind Bandit

Another addition to the Gaang? Fuck yeah, I love this girl the Blind Bandit is blind.....and is a bandit! Girl's name is Toph and she's a Daredevil-like Earthbender, the same one we saw in "The Swamp" as apart of Aang's vision. She has a tough, tomboyish demeanor and has been winning Earthbending tournaments away from her secret life as a polished rich girl. She runs away in the end since her father isn't able to accept her decision. I dug this episode especially when Sokka went in a whisper "Water Tribe" lol. 19.5/20

Final Conclusion: God damn I'm pooped. But I'm glad we ended on the episode we did today, it was nice and I haven't seen anything as good as "The Blind Bandit" in quite some time. Toph....she'll definitely add some depth to the group but I can't help that feeling that her weakness are aerial attacks judging by Aang's fighting and Sokka's toss of the belt. Will it be her downfall? Tommorrow, same-rock time same rock-station (reps to anyone who understands what I just said).

Kaenboshi

06-30-2008, 05:10 PM

Newsflash: A new finale commercial aired!

Watch it here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDliVNRN7aI)

The Cheat

06-30-2008, 05:36 PM

Ain't gonna watch, want to be competely spoiler free.

Sylar

06-30-2008, 05:54 PM

The finale is when exactly?

Its July I know but what's the exact date?

Kaenboshi

06-30-2008, 05:56 PM

^ The 19th.

Ain't gonna watch, want to be competely spoiler free.I phrased it wrong. It's not specifically the finale, but for the entire remainder of the season.

Jove

06-30-2008, 05:59 PM

Newsflash: A new finale commercial aired!

Watch it here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDliVNRN7aI)

Awesome! Ozai is unspeakably cool.

Looks like there another one, as well. It's a commercial for Nick's "Sizzlin' Summer," and contains some clips of Aang firebending under Zuko's watch, with the others lounging behind them:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ladyleo5/?action=view&current=MVI_0328.flv

ViolentlyHappy

06-30-2008, 06:01 PM

Newsflash: A new finale commercial aired!

Watch it here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDliVNRN7aI)

:canttouchthis Awesome.
This new movie sounds interesting though.

Noah

06-30-2008, 07:23 PM

To be fair to Cheat, I'll spoiler my reaction to the promo.

Sweet Crackers! It's Bumi! At least now I can assured that, no matter what happens to make the ending shitty, this finale is full of win on a galactic scale already.

Superstarseven

06-30-2008, 08:16 PM

Awesome! Ozai is unspeakably cool.

Looks like there another one, as well. It's a commercial for Nick's "Sizzlin' Summer," and contains some clips of Aang firebending under Zuko's watch, with the others lounging behind them:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ladyleo5/?action=view&current=MVI_0328.flv

Yes I quite enjoyed that audible gasp from the cameraperson after we see Aang firebend and apparently breathe fire.

EDIT-

Uh Oh it seems like the Zutarians are getting more ammunition from the Series finale promo. Crazy theories are formulating and they'll be spouted by the absolute hardcore until the 14th.
Kinda liked them a bit when they felt defeated but man they really are as Fierce, passionate and Tenacious as Mike and Bryan said during one of the episode commentaries.

Jove

06-30-2008, 08:28 PM

Yes I quite enjoyed that audible gasp from the cameraperson after we see Aang firebend and apparently breathe fire.

These kids need to get some tripods, or stop it with the Harlem Shakes while filming. Little zoom wouldn't hurt, either. Framing, kids... framing.

masterriku

06-30-2008, 11:35 PM

Wait wait wait so they aren't gonna show eps 11-15 on t.v on on the week of the 14 hmm interesting or they are blatantly lying about that world premier thing.:notrust

Jove

07-01-2008, 12:27 AM

Wait wait wait so they aren't gonna show eps 11-15 on t.v on on the week of the 14 hmm interesting or they are blatantly lying about that world premier thing.:notrust

I don't know where you could have interpreted it that way, but here is a full, concise rundown of what is going to happen in two weeks:

Beginning July 14th, Nick will air the remaining ten episodes of Avatar, concluding on the 19th with the four-part series finale. The schedule will be:

July 14: 312: The Western Air Temple
July 15: 313: The Firebending Masters
July 16: 314: The Boiling Rock, Part 1
July 16: 315: The Boiling Rock, Part 2
July 17: 316: The Southern Raiders
July 18: 317: The Ember Island Players
July 19: 318: Sozin's Comet, Part 1: The Phoenix King
July 19: 319: Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters
July 19: 320: Sozin's Comet, Part 3: Into the Inferno
July 19: 321: Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang

And then on July 20 we have a shipper's armageddon. But as far as legitimate Nick scheduling, that's the deal. It won't change.

Now, the Rewatch... my thoughts on today's episodes:

The Swamp

--- This is one of my darkhorse favorites. It's so surreal and understated; probably the strangest episode of Avatar, besides Nightmares and Daydreams.

--- The placement of the episode is a little strange as well. The beginning of Book 2 alternated between definitely important episodes, and not-so-important episodes. But with shows like Cave of Two Lovers and The Swamp, there's no reason to complain. This is pure artistry.

--- This is basically the To a God Unknown of Avatar. There's a myriad of ways to interpret the Swamp; it's just wide-open symbolism.

--- This episode is so much cooler knowing Toph's character. The apparitions are beautifully executed.

--- People went nuts for he Blue Spirit ending, and for good reason. It's so well done; you see the mask for maybe a second in the beginning of the episode.

Avatar Day

--- I don't hate this episode. It's fun, and we learn more the unfathomably awesome Kyoshi.

--- Momo grabbing the spider out of Sokk'a mouth is the best opening to an episode in Avatar. The show really hit a groove with it's humor at this point.

--- My favorite thing about the episode is that brief few seconds where we see the guy in the caravan that Zuko robs. I love it. There's no subtlety to it at all. It's just a guy, by himself, overwhelmingly pleased, reveling in his chest full of gold. It's so ridiculous.

The Blind Bandit

--- This one was a real fan favorite from the moment it aired. Although it's an odd chocie to introduce a main character halfway through a series like this, Toph was instantly adored by the fandom.

--- It's a really interesting introduction, as well. There's not a lot of suspense left over for the Toph character as presented here. More would be added later, but here in this episode all of Toph's strengths, weaknesses, struggles, and attitudes are laid out. As I said, she was revered almost immediately.

--- It's also unsettling to watch the episode knowing that Aang's Earthbending teacher was originally going to be a giant, insanely strong man.

--- Sokka's bag has to be one of the most peculiar and fantastic runners in any episode. We also begin the first of many jokes at the expense of Toph's blindness, which is just a weird trademark for a "kid's show."

--- This was the first stand-alone episode with the "Previously On" open. I'm still ambivalent to it. Sometimes, like in Sokka's Master, it exponentially raises your excitment for the episode. Other times, like in The Serpent's Pass, you could have done without it.

blackssk

07-01-2008, 05:07 AM

L_c36YLYxUk

Mider T

07-01-2008, 07:23 AM

Rewatch: Day 11 Thoughts

Zuko Alone

Wow. One word that can barely capture the emotion and the intrigue in this episode as the title describes, has Zuko by himself. He wanders into a town like a fistfull of dollars and befriends a kid who's older brother is (or was) a soldier in the Earth Kingdom armed forces. Zuko sees his former self within this kid and he begins to have flashbacks, for the first time we are able to fully see what Zuko was like during his days as a prince since "The Storm" just gave us a glimpse. He was a mama's boy but was constantly living in the shadow of Azula (whom even back then was a huge b****) whom Ozai favored. Zuko's grandpappy Azulon ordered Zuko to be killed after Ozai spoke out againist Iroh's inheritance (Lu Ten, Iroh's son, had just been killed in battle). Conspiracy flew around until his mother left him forever in the night and Azula revealed all to Zuko the next morning when Azulon is found dead and Ozai becomes fire lord. Back in the present, Zuko defeats bandits who come to the town but not before revealing himself first. All the villagers inclucing the boy shun him and he takes his leave. Worth a mention that Mai is quite smitten with Zuko even in this time and Azula has a complex with things she's not perfect in. Captivating watch and different usage of flashbacks lead me to rate this 19/20.

The Chase

Double Wow. Huge ass machine chasing the Gaang making them sleep deprived and tearing friendships apart? Want. This goes on long enough that Toph takes on Katara's wrath in its entirety and briefly leaves the group...only to run into Iroh who's looking for Zuko. They sit down, have tea and becomes friends in an ironically different way that their elements and theme of the story has established so far. Iroh offers Toph some sagely wisdom before she takes her leave. Meanwhile, Aang cleans Appa's tail to get their followers off of their trail and sets Katara and Sokka with Appa on their way. He leads the chaser to a dusty town when it turns out to be none other than Azula (in a less than shocking move). They fight even though Aang is still sleep deprived until Zuko shows up then it becomes a 3 way battle everyone else comes and briefly joins forces to take down Azula, who still manages to escape. Iroh is critcally injured in the fighting but Zuko finally remembers where he belongs and doesn't accept the Gaang's help. Everyone goes their seperate ways and the Gaang sleeps soundly. 19/20

Bitter Work

This episode shows the comparison of Aang and Zuko once again as they both try to learn something foreign to them, Earthbending and redirecting lightning respectively. Their progress doesn't seem to be getting them anywhere though as Toph's methods are different from Katara's and Zuko's internal struggle keeps him from getting too far. Aang has to change up his way of doing things since Air and Earth are two completely different elements, so he becomes aggressive and everything is happy. Yay. Oh and did I mention Sokka is going to stop eating meat in his own little subplot. Yeah, that happens too. 13/20

Final Conclusion: While I loved the first two episodes, the last one was rather meh. I mean it was alright but I thought there was going to be more to Aang learning Earthbending, I know he might be a prodigy and all but learning an element in 23 minutes? Hmm something ain't quite right here. On the other hand Zuko is a very conflicted young man who can't create lightning because of himself and doesn't have his priorities straightened out. I hope that's not the death of him, I also hope he doesn't leave his uncle again. That guy is badass.

Jove

07-01-2008, 08:16 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 11: Zuko’s Day

Episodes

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 7: Zuko Alone

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 8: The Chase

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 9: Bitter Work

Having left his uncle, Zuko now travels the Earth Kingdom by himself, to find his own way. That way leads him to a nearly desolate Earth Kingdom town,. Zuko meets a young boy, Lee, and his family, and begins to understand the real ramifications of the war on people. But he also continues to be conflicted by his past. Zuko’s reflections shed light on not only his past, but the circumstances that put his father on the throne of the Fire Nation.

Meanwhile, Toph struggles to adjust to life on Appa, and instantly finds herself in conflict with Katara. The emotions are intensified when they discover that Azula and her gang, Mai and Ty Lee, have been tracking them.Eventually, Aang tires of running and waits to face Azula. When she arrives, they both discover that Zuko has been tracking them. What follows is one of the most exhilarating fights in the show, and, for the first time, all seven main characters face off against a common opponent.

Afterwards, Zuko and Aang begin training. They both find that their natures hinder them. Zuko’s passion prevents him from executing Iroh’s advanced firebending, while Aang’s carefree and evasive nature makes it difficult for him to grasp the straightforwardness of Earthbending, or his straightforward teacher.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

blackssk

07-01-2008, 03:33 PM

Be56ur2k9Y4

masterriku

07-01-2008, 08:11 PM

I don't know where you could have interpreted it that way, but here is a full, concise rundown of what is going to happen in two weeks:

Beginning July 14th, Nick will air the remaining ten episodes of Avatar, concluding on the 19th with the four-part series finale. The schedule will be:

July 14: 312: The Western Air Temple
July 15: 313: The Firebending Masters
July 16: 314: The Boiling Rock, Part 1
July 16: 315: The Boiling Rock, Part 2
July 17: 316: The Southern Raiders
July 18: 317: The Ember Island Players
July 19: 318: Sozin's Comet, Part 1: The Phoenix King
July 19: 319: Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters
July 19: 320: Sozin's Comet, Part 3: Into the Inferno
July 19: 321: Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang

And then on July 20 we have a shipper's armageddon. But as far as legitimate Nick scheduling, that's the deal. It won't change.

That's the schedule awesome but what I meant is that eps 312-315 are not WORLD PREMIERS

Raise your hand if you've seen those chapters and your not from the future 3 weeks from this post.

Also I wanna see when Katara and Zuko dress up like ninja. What I don't want is the ammo it will give the zutarians:doh

Well on the bright side for me I've only watch 312-315 twice must resist 3rd time before the 14th.

Superstarseven

07-01-2008, 08:47 PM

That's the schedule awesome but what I meant is that eps 312-315 are not WORLD PREMIERS
.

Yeah but that's for the casual fans. The ones who don't talk about this show on the net, schedule a massive re-watch, or know that you can find those episodes on DVD already. So while they're getting their fix of Zoey 101 they might as well know that the show with the bald kid is airing it's last episodes.
"Oh right I kinda like that show"

They neither know nor care that 2 of those episodes aired in Canada first.

Noah

07-01-2008, 11:04 PM

I'm a little behind again, so I only just finished Avatar Day. Three thoughts on it:

First, it has always been one of my least favorite episodes. The only thing that really comes out of it is seeing Kyoshi and the Blue Spirit again. However, "Boomerang! You do always come back!" is Sokka's best line until his rant about enemy birds in book three.

But I noticed something. On the wheel of punishment, the panel after Boiled & Oiled is some sort of bed of nails thing, but when whatshisface changes it, it's community service. Oh those wacky, interchangeable punishment wheels.

Jove

07-02-2008, 01:15 AM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

Zuko Alone

--- This is my favorite episode, and an episode a lot of people cite as the one that got them into the show. It's not hard to see why; how could you not adore an homage to Spaghetti Westerns that focuses entirely on the antagonist without even the slightest reference to the other main characters?

--- Flashback is such a crutch now for so many shows. It's far too easy to fabricate some hollow artisty that looks impressive with the device, but it is executed perfectly in this episode. The key is that the flashbacks only hint at Zuko's current situation, not blatantly addressing it. And the sequencing is spot-on.

--- I really like Zuko's design for this episode. He's drawn to look a tad weathered and slightly emaciated. And, of course, the famous exploding hair growth has begun. Every week we wondered how much longer it would be. He went from Johhny Unitas to Bruce Lee in what, 2 weeks of real-time?

--- More timeline chaos as Azulon is stated to be the Fire Lord for a total of 23 years, even though Sozin died roughly 70 years before Ozai ascended.

--- This is the first use of turtle-ducks, the hybrid animal that I'm convinced is responsible for 20% of the fanbase.

--- So, after this episode, the sympathy for Zuko was overwhelming, and he would never be viewed as a villain again. Oh right, Crossroads of Destiny... nevermind.

The Chase

--- What I really like about this show is how the show mimicks the plot; it's propulsive and kinetic. I was only marginally interested in this episode at first, but it's really grown on me. And it works so well after Zuko Alone, which is a very methodical episode.

--- Zuko totally steals the show with his brief appearance trailing Ozai's Angels, followed by his surprise entrance during the confrontation between Aang and Azula. Yes, he gets dominated in the fight, and it's kind of embarassing how easily he's subjugated and tossed around, but he had already won the episode by then.

--- Toph and Iroh's meeting becomes more and more awesome as time passes. The characters were already well-liked at this point, but both would become further fandom demi-gods as Book 2 progressed. Toph's character was so well established in her introduction that such a meeting was already meaningful.

Bitter Work

--- This episode is a little less entertaining than I remembered. I still like it, but being preceded by The Blind Bandit, Zuko Alone, and The Chase, it does seem like a bridge episode.

--- I said that Sokka's bag in The Blind Bandit was possibly the most peculiar runner in an episode, but Sokka being stuck in the ground whilst hunting has to be one of the stranger plot conflicts in an episode. It's unusual for Avatar; it seems more like a flimsier cartoon plot.

--- The Aang-Zuko parallel is pretty straightforward here, with the training. They are both obstructed by mental discord. Aang with his inability to deal with the explicitness of Earthbending, and Zuko with Zuko. It does, however, pair with Zuko alone to redefine Zuko as an exceedingly empathetic character. And, of course, Aang overcomes his hindrance and Zuko ends up looking like a fool.

--- Speaking of that, this has to be the most melodramatics ending in Avatar. Now I can GIVE IT BACK!!!

--- I wonder about the upcoming episodes... we knew that Iroh's teaching of the lightning re-direct technique would return, but the through-the-heart provision has not manifested yet. I still view that scene as more ominous than as the key to Zuko's ultimate victory.

Superrazien

07-02-2008, 03:50 AM

So me and my friend were thinking about some of the unanswered stuff in Avatar, and I was thinking wouldn't it be pretty cool if the White Lotus gang, was like a secrete organization to protect the last of the Air Benders.

Jove

07-02-2008, 07:39 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 12: The Fury of Aang

Episodes

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 10: The Library

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 11: The Desert

With some spare time on their hands, the Gaang relax a bit a take mini-vacations. When they discover the possibility of a great library in the desert (the same one Zhao had found), Sokka decides that they go there in order to discover something useful for the war effort. When he discovers an upcoming eclipse, and it’s effect on Firebenders, we begin the second half of Book 2: the journey to Ba Sing Se and the presentation of this information to the Earth King.

However, that’s not the only purpose for going to Ba Sing Se. Having offended Wan Shi Tong ,the knowledge spirit that controls the Library, the Gaang find themselves sinking into the desert. As Toph, on the outside, tries to stop the Library from sinking, Sandbenders steal Appa and sell him to traders from Ba Sing Se. Aang instantly plummets into despair, which turns to uncontrollable rage when the Sandbenders reappear. And so, mid-way through Book 2, we are reintroduced to The Avatar State.

Sokka also drinks cactus juice and goes bonkers.

At the same time, Zuko and Iroh are also finding their way through the tracherous Earth Kingdom desert. After tangling with the Rough Rhinos, Iroh determines that they are no longer able to continue safely traveling around the Earth Kingdom, and seeks refuge in Ba Sing Se. To get there, Iroh enlists help from some of his friends: the White Lotus Society.

As a stopgap during the mid-Book hiatus, these two episodes were aired as the one-hour special “The Fury of Aang,” on July 14, 2006.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

Mider T

07-02-2008, 10:47 AM

Rewatch: Day 12 Thoughts

The Library

Gaang and Appa, flying through the desert, finding secret libraries, gettin into trouble /robinhoodsong. A huge underground library owned by a huge owl who wanted to share his vast knowledge with humanity was unearthed thanks to Toph in this episode who has a problem with the sand besides not being able to read. Useful information is found by Sokka of how to defeat the fire nation (In a glorious shining moment showing his mathematical and scientific genius once again:edu) on something called The Day of Black Sun, i.e. solar eclipse. However they are chased out by this owl when Sandbenders try and succeed in bisonknapping Appa, to which Aang lashes out on Toph even though it wasn't her fault. It was a step forward and 3 steps back as the Gaang are now trapped in the desert. Nice. 17/20

The Desert

As the Gaang wanders through the desert aimlessly; Aang's rage increases, Sokka gets drunk off of cactus juice, Toph's vision goes kookoo, and Katara is just trying to keep it together. Iroh and Zuko also have dealt with raiders of this world's Sahara and find out that they need to seek refuge in Ba Sing Se, the same city Iroh laid siege to all of those years ago. The White Lotus, a group that transcends nations helps to make this possible since Iroh is a member. Meanwhile the Gaang catches up with the Sandbenders who stole Appa and Aang loses control when he goes in into the Avatar State, they hurridly try to explain that they already sold Appa and Katara is the only that can calm the young boy down. They figure he might be in Ba Sing Se and head there. 14/20

Final Conclusion: Valuble info here, seems the fire nation isn't so invincible. The Eclipse thing only briefly reminded me of Inuyasha while Iroh's secret group made me think "Man....what didn't this guy do in his day?". So this is what Aang is like when he loses his temper huh? Almost a match for Katara. I also find it interesting that Zhao found the library before as well and how hungrily he was reading through those scrolls, I guess it was nice seeing him again, if just for a laugh. Cactus Juice + Sokka = Win though.

Princess Mahi

07-02-2008, 12:38 PM

the 14 is so close!!!!!!! I wish they hadn't released that book though, spoilers of an ending ruin it.

Mider T

07-02-2008, 02:52 PM

Well not necessarily, I mean some finales are just plain shitfail.

Jove

07-02-2008, 11:53 PM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Library

--- It's odd to think that these episodes weren't produced with the intention of being shown together, because the Library seems like a natural first-half to The Desert, replete with the valued information plot point to set things up.

--- Sokka's "...AT THE LIBRARY!" is one of my favorite moments in Avatar. He just continues to steal scenes.

--- These are the kind of episodes where I really despise the "Previously on Avatar" opens. The Zhao reference could have been a cool, deep connection, but that montage opening diminished it entirely.

--- Continuity problem: Avatar mostly avoids such problems, so when they do arise, it's pretty big. People in the fandom obsess over timeline business, or the lunar cycle in episodes. But this one makes no sense: why does Katara refer to Zhao's destruction of the Moon Spirit as a "lunar eclipse?"

The Desert

--- This is really an episode about personalities. Katara displays the best of her persona, as her normally nagging and domineering materal instinct is shown for it's converse: she's calm, determined, protective, and compassionate, even through somberness. The somberness is key, though; you really feel a heroicism in her.

--- Aang, however, is shown in a manner unlike we've seen, with pure rage and ferocity. He's been shown as angry before, but nothing like this, where he purposely and coldly destructive. The scene where he kills the buzzard-wasp is worthwhile; the direction is fantastic.

-- And finally, we begin to unravel the enigma that is Iroh. Unfortunately, we won't fully uncover it, but it's interesting to wonder what would have happened if he did, in fact, become Fire Lord. Or, for that matter, if he would have accepted the honor. The White Lotus, though... even David Icke would have to admit that this is a pretty cool secret society.

--- I don't like the ending sequence as much as I should. The editing is off; there's one cut to many between the A-story and B-story. We really needed a long sequence of Aang in the Avatar State.

--- Speaking of which, the literal ending is incredible. It's so dramatic and heartbreaking; it's really Katara's greatest moment.

Jove

07-03-2008, 06:44 AM

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 13: The Secret of the Fire Nation

Episodes

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 12: The Serpent’s Pass

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 13: The Drill

Needing to reach Ba Sing Se, the Gaang finds that life without Appa is arduous, and travel nearly impossible. Although secured passes to a ferry that takes refugees to the city, they decide to guide the extremely pregnant Ying and her husband Tahn through the dangerous Serpent’s Pass.

They won’t be without help of their own, though, as they are reintroduced to an old friend, Suki. With Suki around, Sokka must confront his anguish over Yue, while Aang has been completely engulfed by hopelessness due to Appa’s disappearance, and has become almost nihilistic. The journey, though treacherous, eventually mollifies them.

They aren’t the only ones meeting old friends, though. Whilst on the ferry to Ba Sing Se, Zuko and Iroh meet our old friend, Jet. Looking for redemption in Ba Sing Se, he instantly likes Zuko, but Zuko rebukes his offer to join the Freedom Fighters. Initially confused, Jet becomes enraged when he discovers that Iroh is a firebender.

The trouble is tenfold for the Gaang, as Aang discovers the Mechanist’s Drill barreling it’s way towards the Great Wall of Ba Sing Se, captained by Azula. It will take the abilities of each member of the Gaang to stop it, with Aang delivering the final blow. Azula meets Aang atop the edifice, which results in a quick but thrilling battle.

They all now enter Ba Sing Se, where we will remain for the rest of Book 2.

These two episodes were aired together as the one-hour special, “The Secret of the Fire Nation,” on September 15, 2006.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

The Rewatch will be taking a break until Sunday.

Taurus Versant

07-03-2008, 07:10 AM

You guys are going through this great. Epic reads for those who can't keep up with watching.

Mider T

07-03-2008, 09:44 AM

Rewatch: Day 13 Thoughts

The Serpent's Pass

Well well well, I haven't seen this many things happen in an episode since "The Chase". The Gaang (along with Zuko and Iroh) are headed to Ba Sing Se, for Appa and safe haven respectively. However the Gaang has no choice but to walk after kindness forces them to give away their tickets for a pregnant woman and her husband. Sokka finds Suki around this time and they get lovey-dovey (something that seems to get Toph sick to her stomach:hehee). He quickly becomes overprotective though as the Gaang takes a shortcut to Ba Sing Se through a rough trail called the Serpent's Pass. Aang's temper is still on a high point as he tries to be strong for the rest of the group, Katara reminds him it's all gonna be okay (awww). Meanwhile, Zuko meets Jet who wants to become friends after his gang left him. Zuko refuses and Jet's baffled until he sees Iroh heating his tea with firebending, which gets him suspicious. Back with the Gaang, the cross a treacherous part of the trail with the combined forces of water and earthbending until Toph slips up and starts to drown. Suki saves her to which Toph's reply is "Oh Sokka, you saved me! *Smooch* From this point, I will become a Tokka shipper or Sokka harem shipper. The woman's baby is born, Aang is back to normal, and Sokka calms down after a kiss fest (that I didn't think Nick would pull off) from Suki under the moonlight a.k.a. Yue. All's well that end's well. 19.5/20

The Drill

Za Duriru deals with a giant *episode's namesake* hitting into the great wall of Ba Sing Se. The Gaang finally arrives only to deal with this which turns out to be Azula and her band of misfits again. We discover how big the last remaining fortress from the fire nation is and the true power of the Earthbending army as an awesome battle of occurs, The Second Great battle of Ba Sing Se. Other than the fighting hmm meh. 16/20

Final Conclusion: Yue, Suki, Toph, Ty Lee. Sokka seems to be quite the player. He's almost as pimp as me, he doesn't even have to be on the same team or know a girl for more than a week for them to like him, I hope we see more of this in the future. Aang is a lot more focused now, and when you go back and compare him to how he was in the first episode their almost like two totally different people. Katara can deliver babies, both human and aquatic, I guess that's....valuble? Though her gunk-bending of the "circus freak" Ty Lee was pretty rad (haven't used that word in awhile). I also liked the way her and Aang dismantled that drill. Toph...dearest Toph....the girl whom we discovered has an unrequited crush for Sokka after saving his tail many a time. What will come of these feelings? Hopefullly nothing a la School Days.:awesome

Have a great 4th of July weekend guys.

Mider T

07-03-2008, 09:45 AM

Taurus if you can, try to catch up during this break, but no sweat.

Taurus Versant

07-03-2008, 09:50 AM

I don't exactly have what constitutes at free time, as I'm so close to my finals of all high school. But listening to you guys and thinking on the memories is almost as good.

Mider T

07-03-2008, 09:55 AM

Finals in the middle of the summer?

Taurus Versant

07-03-2008, 09:59 AM

Australia. :zaru

Mider T

07-03-2008, 10:07 AM

Oh yeah...where the water spins backwards and the season are in reverse and everything is just Crikey:zaru

Jove

07-04-2008, 02:56 AM

My thoughts on today's episodes:

The Serpent's Pass

--- This is one of the most enrapturingly drawn episodes of the series. The scenes with Katara and Aang, and then Sokka and Suki, overlooking the lake are incredible, if briefly shown.

---Zach Tyler Eisen is spectacular in this episode. He really captures the nuances of Aang in his anguished and dejected demeanor.

--- A few subtle touches: In the beginning, Sokka freaking out and covering up the scrolls from Katara's water bomb is hilarious. Also, if you look closely, when the Cabbage Merchat's cabbages are destroyed, you can see a cabbage slug fly by, so they were correct to deny him.

--- Jet was a major part of the marketing of these episodes, and people wre really excited, if caustiously, to see him back. They went nuts when they saw him pair with Zuko. This is really one of those meetings that usually never happen just because it's infeasible in the natural plot, so this truly is a treat.

--- Suki is just indescribably endearing.

--- Farewell, great Serpent. See you as a deus ex machina in The Awakening.

The Drill

--- Although this episode and Zuko Alone rotate as my favorite episode, I belive The Drill is the best episode of the series thus far. There's no flaw to it at all, and everything is superlative: the action, the fighting, the logic, the humor, the pacing, the direction, the designs... everything.

--- One reason the show works so far beyond others is the Drill itself. It's a presumptuous and ridiculous construct, at least on paper. But it works so well because it's computer animation seamlessly blended in, and so the design is remarkably intricate. It's believable, because they put so much effort into making it legimate.

--- AnimationInsider.com gave The Secret of the Fire Nation a glowing review, and one of it's main contentions is that the Gaang have to struggle to succeed, and I totally concur. For instance, in Jet, they don't actually stop the dam from being destroyed, the town is simply evacuated at the last minute. Here, they have to adapt to the situation.

--- The fight scene between Aang and Azula is so intense and shambolic... I love it. Maybe my favorite one-on-one fight scene thus far.

--- The music that plays from when Aang begins to cut the rock until the Drill is ruined is called "The Final Blow," and it's easily my favorite bit of music in Avatar. It restates the main theme in such a powerful way, and seems inextractable from the action. The Track Team are just amazing.

--- One thing about Jet in these episodes that astounds me now, in context: he's already a tragic character. They completely transformed his character in two episodes, without that much screen time. Still, it's kind of hard to watch his scenes, knowing that he's traversing the path to his death.

--- The Secret of the Fire Nation was the beginning of the second half of Book 2, and got a ton of promotion. Pretty much the most promotion the show ever got, with the Burger King toys and all sorts of ads run. They definitely delivered. This episode was the perfect way to start things off; they scored a huge rating and held it for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, this was the last time Nick put that much effort into the show.

Taurus Versant

07-04-2008, 03:50 AM

Lucky this time around, you don't have to face the bitterness of the wait between Book 2 and 3.

\zol

07-04-2008, 02:49 PM

Screenshots released by nick http://www.nick.com/avatarondvd/index.jhtml(Go to photo gallery) for the upcoming eps

:>

also

http://www.imageox.com/image/292822-1215183107.jpeg

Superstarseven

07-04-2008, 03:09 PM

Yeah not sure how it happened but someone goofed up and put up screenshots from the last 6 episodes where scenes from the Book3 Volume 3 are supposed to be. If you wanna see a clearer shot of Sozin's Phoenix King headdress then that's the place to go.

Kilowog

07-04-2008, 04:12 PM

http://www.newsarama.com/tv/080703-animated-shorts.html

Mider T

07-04-2008, 06:08 PM

Okay....I'm gonna trust that last sentence. "All my questions will be answered"

Superstarseven

07-04-2008, 08:33 PM

http://www.newsarama.com/tv/080703-animated-shorts.html

Cientista wrote:

Avatar is a blatantly derivative product, I didn't even know there were fans above the age of 13.

That guy is a smart one. Just managed the avoid the huge "over 20" fanbase that this show has had for a good 3 1/2 years.

Mider T

07-04-2008, 09:03 PM

Let's find some more quotes to criticize:zaru

Jove

07-05-2008, 07:42 PM

Remember a few months ago when an ad flyer made it's way online, promising three one-hour movies and such? There's a new ad flyer out now, which updates some of the information from the last one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2638658176_7c6e909ba7_b.jpg

The new revelatory morsel of information is a "series of mini episodes on-air and inline," in Spring and Fall 2009. Also, it appears that there will be home video releases in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. Possible Avatar box sex somewhere in there?

Mider T

07-05-2008, 07:48 PM

Awesome. Say Jove what'd you do for the 4th?

Jove

07-05-2008, 08:00 PM

Actually, where I am the 3rd is more important, because that's when the better of the various city-suburbs fireworks displays is. Everyone goes over to my mom's house, which has a perfect view of them from her front lawn. But it rained and was a weekday, so it wasn't the blowout it normally is. Almost got killed by one of the ones set off in her backyard.

Yesterday, hung out with family during the day and hung out with friends at night. A nice casual 4th this year.

What'd you do? You're in Australia, right?

Mider T

07-05-2008, 08:03 PM

Not yet, I'm doin a Southern Hemisphere travel thing. Right now I'm in South Africa.

Koi

07-05-2008, 08:08 PM

Screenshots released by nick http://www.nick.com/avatarondvd/index.jhtml(Go to photo gallery) for the upcoming eps

:>

also

http://www.imageox.com/image/292822-1215183107.jpeg
UGH just looked through those screenshots and god damn am I even mre excited. And, Sokka with his hair down? Yes please. <3

Also, I'm definitely looking forward to The Southern Raiders the most, not counting the final two eps.

Taurus Versant

07-05-2008, 09:55 PM

*resists urge to click on spoilers*

Jove, I'm the one stuck in Aus.

You heading through my territory, are ya Mider? Southern Hemisphere is where it's at.

Superstarseven

07-05-2008, 10:00 PM

Alright! Undiscovered Avatar press shot art.

http://i.enewsi.com/g/generated/Entertainment/Avatar_Nick/AVATAR__scaled_300.jpg

Mider T

07-05-2008, 10:16 PM

lol stuck Taurus? Where are ya going to college at?

Taurus Versant

07-05-2008, 10:19 PM

I'm still in High School. I've got my finals coming up. Once they're done, I go into Engineering. From completing that, then I'm off to see the world.

Princess Mahi

07-06-2008, 12:03 AM

I've finished my finals, I did really really good!

Taurus Versant

07-06-2008, 12:29 AM

Congrats. Looks like I'm last up for that. I'll get the new Avatar episodes after though, that'd be sweet.

Mider T

07-06-2008, 12:33 AM

Alright, back on track though it was a nice weekend. I'll do my review in about 5-7 hours.

Noah

07-06-2008, 01:09 AM

Oh sweet, it's midnight. I'm allowed to start watching again.

Jove

07-06-2008, 02:41 AM

It is after midnight.

Avatar: the Last Airbender Rewatch

Day 14: Ba Sing Se’s Day

Episodes

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 14: City of Walls and Secrets

Book 2: Earth, Chapter 15: Tales of Ba Sing Se

From the very beginning of the series, the great walled city of Ba Sing Se had been lauded as the grandest city in the Avatar world. It’s name consistently followed the Gaang, and so it should be no surprise that once they arrived, it would be presented as if it were a character itself. Today we meet the massive urban sprawl that is Ba Sing Se, in it’s grandeur and squalor.

The Gaang learn very quickly that despite it’s pulchritudinous facade and it’s impregnable outer wall, Ba Sing Se is in fact a paradise to a mere few. The stratification within the city is more formidable than walls on the outside, and it’s undergirds more of a nuisance. They meet the city’s Cultural Minister, Long Feng, and the elite forces of the city, the Dai Li. The Dai Li were initially created by Avatar Kyoshi to protect the city’s heritage, but under Long Feng’s leadership, they effectively act as a secret police.

Their goal is to control the city by suppressing all information about the war, up to and including the war’s existence. Jet is our window into their methods. As Jet’s suspicious of Zuko and Iroh turns to obsession, he loses control and is taken into custody. The Gaang, however, are simply held up in ambling bureaucracy, stifling their desire for a meeting with the Earth King, and their search for Appa.

Due to their long wait, they have to find things to do in the city. Here we see the diversity of Ba Sing Se, as Aang builds a zoo, Zuko goes on a date, Katara and Toph bond at a salon, Sokka engages in a completely bizarre poetry slam, and Momo finds clues about Appa’s whereabouts from some unexpected friends.

City of Walls and Secrets was nominated for a Primetime Emmy, Avatar's first, and currently only, Emmy nomination.

Anyone looking for a place to watch the episodes can find them here:

http://theavatarportal.org/Watch-Episodes.php

Besides being an Epic Galactic Homeric Biblical Grandiose Superextraordinary event, the Rewatch is also casual. Watch the day's episodes at any time of the day, and discuss them in any manner that you'd like, until the nearly morning of the next day.

blackssk

07-06-2008, 03:04 AM

http://de.youtube.com/user/SsilverfoxX ....pls, SUBSCRIBE!

Mider T

07-06-2008, 09:06 AM

I just finished typing up a really long one with this thing closed due to problems, so now it's gonna be pretty brief, sorry guys.

Rewatch: Day 14 Thoughts

City of Walls and Secrets

A well executed episodes. Ba Sing Se isn't all it's cracked up to be the Gaang soon finds out as they try to further their search for Appa. They meet Long Feng, leader of the secret police the Dai Li, and quickly learn his character and what kind of person he really is. Also Jet loses patience with Zuko and Iroh after a few stalking sessions and challenges Zuko for open fight. It is very brief before the Dai Li do their thing and suppress the outrage from the temperamental teenager. He is brought to a mysterious place where things get all them ore creepier. 18.5/20

The Tales of Ba Sing Se

I liked this "break" episode if you will. It chronicled Iroh, Zuko, and the Gaang's just another day adventures. Aang saving animals and getting to be a kid, Iroh celebrating and mourning his son's birthday, Toph and Katara taking the day to do them and go to a salon, Sokka being pimp and showing his expertise with haiku poetry, Zuko going on a date *gasp*, and Momo getting the most important story ironically in which he finds a clue about Appa through a footprint. Masterful work, if they were all connected somehow like Tarantino style it would've been even more brilliant. My compliments to the director. 19/20

Final Conclusion: So this is Ba Sing Se huh? A corrupt government and people who are being lied to everyday (there's no war according to them). Akin to 1984, this place is considered a paradise due to the lack of info about the outside world and it's daily happenings. Well now that the Gaang is here and fighting the man I wonder how that will affect this way of life. I also wonder will they bring destruction with them like everywhere else they go. I'm staying tuned.