Reviews: The Western Air Temple and The Firebending Masters
Not long after I first watched the series, I started a re-watch project in which I posted a few thoughts on each episode. However, as I got near the end of the series, I realized I wanted to do more formal reviews of the last few episodes, which include many of my favorite moments in the series. Of course, that demanded more time and effort on my part, and the project was stalled for a couple of *years* as a result. But now I've finally decided to finish it up. So here are my reviews of "The Western Air Temple" and "The Firebending Masters":
To lighten up the serious subject matter-a former enemy changing sides and attempting to gain the Gaang's trust-this episode relies on the dramatic irony between what the Gaang knows vs. what the audience knows about Zuko. This dramatic irony begins with the early scenes when the Gaang discusses finding Aang a firebending teacher. Aang is carefree at first, then apathetic, then angry. He clearly wants to avoid the subject of learning firebending, especially when he had thought until recently that the Day of Black Sun invasion plan would give him a reprieve. He's still coming to terms with the need to return to "the old plan". Meanwhile, the audience is aware that Zuko is nearby and is seeking to join the Avatar. It's clear at this point that Zuko will be Aang's teacher, but the Gaang has yet to learn this. And they don't "learn" it very easily. (Read more...)
This quest allows Zuko and Aang to bond over their common appreciation for bending and their need to grow powerful. It also allows Zuko to learn from Aang's carefree attitude, compassion, and desire to do right by everyone, and Aang to learn from Zuko's inner drive, perseverance, and brazen sort of courage. The differences between them are signified by the Chief's words to them when he gives them the eternal flame. To Aang: "The flame will go out if you make it too small." To Zuko: "Make it too big, and you might lose control." (Read more...)
Throughout the project, I have kept the main post free of spoilers for episodes that follow it, and then made an additional spoiler-friendly post. If you want to leave a comment that contains spoilers for episodes after "The Firebending Masters", go to the spoiler-friendly post. That post also has highlights from the commentary track on "The Western Air Temple", if anyone is interested in reading that.
Joie
To lighten up the serious subject matter-a former enemy changing sides and attempting to gain the Gaang's trust-this episode relies on the dramatic irony between what the Gaang knows vs. what the audience knows about Zuko. This dramatic irony begins with the early scenes when the Gaang discusses finding Aang a firebending teacher. Aang is carefree at first, then apathetic, then angry. He clearly wants to avoid the subject of learning firebending, especially when he had thought until recently that the Day of Black Sun invasion plan would give him a reprieve. He's still coming to terms with the need to return to "the old plan". Meanwhile, the audience is aware that Zuko is nearby and is seeking to join the Avatar. It's clear at this point that Zuko will be Aang's teacher, but the Gaang has yet to learn this. And they don't "learn" it very easily. (Read more...)
This quest allows Zuko and Aang to bond over their common appreciation for bending and their need to grow powerful. It also allows Zuko to learn from Aang's carefree attitude, compassion, and desire to do right by everyone, and Aang to learn from Zuko's inner drive, perseverance, and brazen sort of courage. The differences between them are signified by the Chief's words to them when he gives them the eternal flame. To Aang: "The flame will go out if you make it too small." To Zuko: "Make it too big, and you might lose control." (Read more...)
Throughout the project, I have kept the main post free of spoilers for episodes that follow it, and then made an additional spoiler-friendly post. If you want to leave a comment that contains spoilers for episodes after "The Firebending Masters", go to the spoiler-friendly post. That post also has highlights from the commentary track on "The Western Air Temple", if anyone is interested in reading that.
Joie