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

I asked that Episode 3 make up for the erratic pacing of Episode 2, and it did.

Episode 3 takes time to allow both the characters and the viewers to process information that is being provided to them. Time to ponder what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. Allowing us the opportunity to better cement ourselves in the world, the story, and connect with the characters.

I find a stories power is in its ability to feel natural, while still being informative. Think of the number of shows/movies/games that have a Main Character with Amnesia that is used as an excuse to explain everything in the world to the viewer. Avatar could have easily fallen into that trap with Aang. He is disconnected and missed 100 years of war. Yet it never feels we are being force-fed information with Aang as an excuse. Because realistically, people don’t talk like that. Conversation feels largely natural.

Same goes for the arc developing with Prince Two-Face. Instead of blatant drops and explanations. Things are alluded to, hinted at, but never outright just penned out. Which speaking of Zuko. Immediately rising to the top of my character list. Such a powerful character with an impressive level of depth for how little time we have genuinely spent with him. I can not wait to see where he goes and what he does next.

The world now knows that the Avatar exists. Perhaps not in the childlike body of Aang, but that hope exists for relief from the Fire Nation’s Assault. The ruined state of the Air Temple, and the reaction across the world to the Awakening, helps set the stage for the grand journey set to unfold before us.

The Hero’s Journey with The Great Chase in tow. Hopefully the rollercoaster from Episode 2 is behind us, and we can continue climbing into even greater heights.

Find all current Anime Analysis of "Avatar: The Last Airbender": HERE

The Anime Analysis for the next episode of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is: HERE

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LIVE WATCH NOTES AND COMMENTS:

-          Oh the age of Television when a 30 Minute Time-Slot was actually only like… 17 minutes of new footage. Commercial Space. Intro. Outro. “Last Time”. “Next Time”. Etc.

-          I know they said the Air Nomads were wiped out. I thought they told Aang that. Yet he is very upbeat about seeing his home.

-          Wait… It is pronounced “Eye-Row”!? Why do I distinctly remember it being pronounced “Ear-oh”. Alright, anyway.

-          So, Uncle General Iroh is a renowned hero of the Fire Nation. Do we know/learn why?

-          “Blubbered Seal Jerky” sounds atrocious.

-          Ok. I thought they told Aang about the Air Nomads before. But Katara is telling him now.

-          Aang says the Air Temples are only accessible by Flying Bison. But theoretically, wouldn’t the Fire Nation have Hot Air Balloons at least?

-          Zuko was at sea for TWO YEARS!? Good lord. Ok.

-          How OLD is Zuko? I legit can’t tell.

-          Why is Commander Zhao (Xiao?) questioning Zuko’s loyalty? We haven’t seen much history as to why he wouldn’t be trustworthy. Especially when his father is the Fire Lord. But evil people do Evil Things I guess.

-          100 Years and there is ANYTHING left of the Zir Temple? I am legit surprised.

-          Good Guy Sokka, immediately diverting Aang’s feelings away from what happened to the Air Nomads.

-          Good Girl Katara protecting Aang. Sokka is right. You can’t protect him. But Aang’s innocence is painful to watch, knowing reality.

-          Help me launch cakes straight onto some monks… Damn. Elder got no chill. Or a lot of chill?

-          I think Aang already knows the reality of the world.

-          Does… Sokka know how doors work?

-          The random 3D GCI effects are interesting, since they can be very randomly used. Not a bad thing, just interesting.

-          Does ANYTHING ever phase Uncle Iroh?

-          That is NOT a firebender. That is a creature.

-          SO, if the Avatar follows a cycle. Ruko was Fire. Aang is Air. Korra is Water. Do we never get much in the way of an Earth Avatar?

-          Zuko has… a lot going on.

-          Lemur led Aang straight to depression. Another convenient coincidence. But I guess he had to find out somehow.

-          Did every tribe have an avatar shrine?

-          Yes. Lol. They immediately showed off the other shrines. Ignore me.

-          Yes, send the pretty girl to calm down Zenitsu. It always works.

-          Zuko about to get his ass beat.

-          Ok. Zuko kicks ass. Literally. He is such a real character. Mad respect.

-          Damnit Katara. Don’t make me cry. Stop that.

-          Oh, poor Aang. Thanks for hugging him when I can’t Katara.

-          Good Lemur brought Sokka food.

-          We love Momo.

-          So… How does the “Lineage” of benders work? If Aang is the last airbender, how do we one day get more? Is it a matter of teaching/practice. Or is it genetic? QUESTIONS!