In episode 3 I mentioned that Iroh was able to both defeat his enemies and drink their tea. I think that was a pun for the idea that Iroh is almost Machevelian- accept for the fact that he genuinely is peaceful, and so those who make themselves his enemies do not realize his power. He is forever making himself the surprising victor by defining the way they should see him. In this episode he is captured by earthbenders and says,
"I acknowledge my defeat at Ba-sing-say. After 600 days my men were tired and I was tired too. And Im still tired." he falls to the ground and leaves his sandal so zuko can track them down- at the end he uses his broken chains to break the rocks of the earthbender attack. This kind of resourcefulness and perception manipulation is present in all Iroh's interactions will come into play in season 3 in Iroh's second imprisonment scenario. Interestingly enough, the same sweaty sandal will be used in season three- when Zuko once agan needs to find his uncle.
SIDE NOTE "at the winter solstice the line between the spiritual and physical world"- Deepening the mythological significance of the series.
I like the monster movie-lite quality of parts of this episode & the design of the Hei Bai a lot -- reminds me of something out of Neon Genesis Evangelion or Attack on Titan. The twist that it turns out to be the spirit of the area is a great tie to the beginning of the episode. This show continues to have the best animals, between Roku's dragon & those ridden by Zuko & the earthbenders. Uncle Iroh solidifies himself as my favorite character, first with the glimpse into his history/the siege of Ba Sing Se, & then with the reveal that he is STILL a warrior of the highest caliber, despite his preference to spend his days in tea-drinking peace. "These shackles are too loose!"
Much anime—love the lighting.
8/10
Their motives are beyond us - that is something made consistently clear throughout most of the mythos of Avatar throughout it's franchise regards to the spirits, and here we get our first look into the spirit world and how it impacts the rest of the world. The creature design here is impeccable, looking like something out of a Miyazaki movie in terms of it's patterns, look, and how it moves. It also doesn't screw around here, with the stakes being made very clear and showing just what happens when you mess with the natural order.
I really love Iroh's story here though most of all. He had been a standout character in the past, but here he really shines as we get to see him in forefront. The little hints to his backstory allow for a deepening of his character, and his relationship with Zuko is seemingly more then just a mentor-apprentice type one, instead clearly one based in familial love and respect. Plus it's a great showcase for how great of a Firebender he actually is while also showcasing his strength in a wonderfully animated action scene.
When does this start getting good?
Great episode 7/10 for now
Snaps for Iroh's cunty little hip thrust before beating down those earth kingdom soldiers.
those villagers really just left a 12-year-old boy out there to die, huh? seriously, he’s just a kid. and, as he said, “it’s not like there’s someone to teach [him] this stuff!”
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParent2016-11-16T17:39:46Z
9.2/10. Best episode of the series so far. Both the A-story and the B-story built the world in interesting ways and added some character development to the major figures in the show.
On the one hand you have Aang figuring out his bond to the spirit world without really having any guidance to do so. I enjoyed the show exploring this mythos. There's a cool world that this show has set up, and a noteworthy mythology. It's a deft move to have Aang figuring both out at the same time the audience is. Having him slowly but surely piecing together his abilities, through trial and error, makes him more relatable, and leans into the better side of the character -- the one who's in over his head and trying to good, rather than the annoying little kid.
The spirit world journey was pretty cool in and of itself. Having the animal guide of the former Avatar lead him around the spirit world, showing him visions of what's been and what's to come, is a novel way of providing some exposition and foreshadowing. The prospect of the solstice as an important time for these spiritual bonds works well, and the ancient temple that contains the promise of Aang getting to meet the man who could actually provide him some guidance in this mystifying journey is an exciting one.
I also liked the resolution that Aang figured out that the local spirit of the forest was angry. I have to admit, the whole "spirit of the area" thing is still a little new and unfamiliar to me (it definitely threw me off in Spirited Away), but it works as a unique spirit-based hurdle for Aang to have to leap over, finding a connection, a sight through to the spirit world, and the promise that the forest will regrow (thanks to Katara) that mollifies the beast rather than slaying it.
The implication seems to be that the forest was so devastated by Iroh's siege many years ago, and his story is interesting too. I've always loved the trope of the powerful old monk who employs obfuscating stupidity or impishness to belie the nature of his powers (see also: Yoda). So the idea that Iroh was captured, but found subtle and tricky ways to leave a trail behind and torment his captors is something I really responded to. Iroh's quickly become a favorite character on the show, and his mischeviousness (not to mention the abilities he shoes in the fight with the earthbenders) reinforce that.
At the same time, we get another layer to the Fire Prince as well. Rather than leaving him as a one-note bad guy, the fact that he's willing to ignore a chance to chase the Avatar in order to save his uncle shows that he has attachments and cares beyond his quest. It humanize's the show's antagonist, and provides a small but effective way to deepen the show.
Overall, it's the most I've liked Avatar thus far. "The Spirit World" not only heightens the mythos of the show through the journey to the spirit world and hints at an appearance from the last Avatar, but it gives us new dimensions for Aang, Iroh, and the Fire Prince (and even Sakara is growing on me as the Xander Harris of the group -- the less adept or tactful but brave one). An encouraging step for the show.