I've never thought of this😭😭 Zuko only saw Aang stuffing frogs in his shirt and yelling "wait my friends need to suck on those frogs!" Zuko probably sat on the forest floor for a fat second trying to figure that one out after Aang leapt away
“It’s kind of crazy, the undertone of genocide” - I mean. Zhao very much just outright taunts Aang about the eradication of his people. I think that qualifies as overtones
“No, I don’t think I did” hits hard bc you see that Zuko has the capacity to be good and compassionate, like you see in the previous episode. But still chooses the wrong decision. “if you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see.”
@@Diegesis every episode where there is considerable character growth does that for me to be honest. I keep remembering what is in store for those characters still and how they keep growing and evolving and it's just so damn powerful to compare their place in the early seasons to their place in the end.
I have to give Arianna serious props for understanding Zuko's character so well! I love how she is catching on to subtle things that have bigger meaning as a whole, especially with later on in the show!
One of them paid by Ozai to killed Ursa's ex-boyfriend and failed, he then join the mercenaries group called Rough Rhino, you will meet him on season 2
The avatar was also alone, and trying to accomplish a completely different task when the archers jumped him. Also, the avatar is a 12 y.o. boy that hadn't really learned any elements but air yet... Lets not forget the context of the scene here. The Yuyan archers were solely made for this episode and wouldn't have a place during all the crazy battles to come.
I know i'm here a bit late, but...there are no "genocide undertones." It's literal genocide. It's actually kinda the title. The airbending civilizations were invaded and murdered, it's not just implied. It's a kid's show but as early as ep 3 we see Gyatsu's crime scene where he was attacked in a sacred temple, like 6 against 1. There's no allegories, it's not hinting, it's quite clear. This is a war story.
Really glad you picked up on the... uh... Nazi parallels within Zhao's speech. That scene is the scariest part of the whole show for me, because some people don't even realize what it is that he's implying when he says "the superior element"
I love how that scene between Aang and Zuko played out. Aang could have brought him somewhere safe and left him there, that would have been more than enough. Zuko saved him (for his own reasons, most likely), but Aang is a good dude, so he returns the favor. Zuko is safe, no reason to stay with him. Nevertheless, Aang does. Surely he must know that Zuko only saved him for selfish reasons and that his ultimate goal is to capture Aang. Aang knows that, he doesn't ask Zuko any questions or even try to argue with him about right and wrong. He just waits for him to wake up and before Zuko can speak, Aang confides something personal with him, about his own inner struggles trying to find his place in a world that is so different from the world he knew growing up. Everything he once knew and loved is gone, his old friends, even the Fire Nation his friend was from has changed. Zuko just listens to him, without saying anything or interrupting him. They just sit and let the moment happen. Then Aang finally asks him a simple question "do you think we could have been friends?" Zuko doesn't answer. A few moments pass of total silence. Then, without saying a word, he attacks, but Aang is already gone, flying away. The moment is over. Zuko stands there, alone, watching Aang flying away, and for a brief moment, his hardened expression softens. Again, no words are spoken. He just reflects on what happened, what it all means. I wonder if he regretted his actions, like he had this once in a lifetime chance to talk to the Avatar, to say anything, ask anything, but he chose to throw it away, and now he can never take it back or redo that moment. It's over. It's like they both KNOW that this is the only way it could have ended, they both have their own road to follow, they are on opposite sides of a war, but...they just wonder what could have been.
honestly those archers really weren't used enough in the series. They're probably one of the best groups the fire nation had. Precision, resilience, agility, and greater range than firebending... But it's understandable. Their force is too lethal to have them recur. Sooner or later they'd have to draw blood. Nickelodeon can't have that.
Tea brewed from ginger root is a folk remedy for colds. The plum blossom is also called "ume", which means rain. This is because the fruit ripens during the rainy season of China and Japan.
The Fire Nation is so insular and dogmatic that its hard to break free of their propaganda. You cant really blame Zuko for being the way he is, he is the crown prince after all. But simply by being in exile and being force to travel the world he is starting to shift his perspective on alot of the things he's been taught his entire life.
Zuko is the second main character. Every episode switches back and forth between Zuko and the gAang. I think Katara, Sokka and Toph are awesome secondary characters, but they orbit Aang much the same way Iroh orbits Zuko. Doesn’t mean they aren’t great characters. Hell they’re more developed and significant than the main characters of many other stories. Atla was a special show.
Zuko doesn't use firebending when he's the Blue Spirit because it would give away his identity. Instead Zuko uses two broadswords. Zuko trained with the broadswords during his time at sea. Broadswords, also called Dao, are one of the four major weapons in China. Most Chinese martial arts schools still train extensively with the Dao.
The dream team is coming. It'll take a while, but the dream team is coming. For everything Aang and the gang have to go through, Zuko's journey is just as treacherous.
@@ishaan863 That’s not how English or Time works. Plenty of kids shows dealt with hard topics. This show wasn’t the first. Good writing existed before the show existed.
@@tempsitch5632 ....no one here said this show was ahead of its time because it has good writing, you're misunderstanding someone else's comment and then being pedantic over it lmfao. Also please feel free to tell me a couple other kids shows from this era that deal with genocide, war and refugees ♥️ I must've missed that Jimmy Neutron arc
They killed all of the Airbenders except one, that's not an undertone of genocide, that's just genocide. That's not sn attempt to correct Maple, that's just me reflecting on how really dark this show can get sometimes.
Hey Diegesis I love your avatar reactions and just started watching them recently and I’m all caught up. I just want to say I love your guy's personalities and love that you guys like avatar as much as me
The Avatar reincarnation is a fixed cycle, guys. Everyone will ALWAYS know which element will next birth the Avatar. That's why the Fire Nation wiped out the Air Nomads; because they KNEW that the next Avatar would be an Airbender. After air the next element in the cycle is Water. So if Aang were to die the next avatar would be born as a Waterbender.
This is another AMAZING episode and another great reaction! I'm loving these reactions! It makes total sense that Zuko would do what he did in this episode when you know what's on the line for him. They played it well airing this episode right after The Storm. So good!
The stronghold was built by the Fire Nation military as a troop and supply hub. The Yuyan Archers are the Fire Nation's secret weapon. They are used for stealthy missions that require accuracy and precision.
As you no doubt already discovered in the final season, this show eventually explains how indoctrination looks in the fire nation, and it looks disturbingly like the indication of every empire, including America, the British empire, etc.
You should all know that this is one of the most mature cartoons ever concocted. For every fun “teehee” moment, there’s a completely real and human lesson to be learned. At this point in the series, you realize that Aang has to deal with very real and adult decisions. He’s the avatar, sure, but he’s still a kid. A kid that has to end a world war, wrestle with what is right and what is good, and save the world, all by the end of a single summer. This episode shows exactly what has been lost, and why it has to be fixed. Literally EVERYTHING is depending on a single 12 year old, and he’s not ready. Yet.
Zuko lost his father, nation, family (save Iroh) and his honor.. More than that, his sense of self worth. Desperate fear of further loss and desire to feel that self worth again are what drives his hunt.
Aang looks compromised but if he had gotten emotional enough he coulda just burst into the avatar state and collapse the entire compound. The blowing wind and fight challenge is super out of character because his friends are sick. He was like 1 more interaction from killing everyone in the building out of anger.
I tried to get into the archery class in Jr .High but it was too full. I have to admit my friend and I went at night to try and steel a bow (I have a bit of a hoodlum past I guess) but we weren't able to break in. Just as well, we would have had no idea how to use it! Frog skin really does secrete anti-microbial chemicals. I once worked in a lab studying similar chemicals in our own immune system when an article came out about frogs. Now I wouldn't suck on them, but there is at least some scientific basis to the crazy woman's advice. Another lab found chicken soup also contains similar chemicals...perhaps the basis for its reputation as "Jewish penicillin?"
Momo was pretty dumb in this episode. Aang once asked him to fetch marbles with out a jester & Momo fetched the marbles. Katara asks Momo several times to fetch water with drinking jesters & he brings everything else but water.
@@Diegesis OMG hey I just discovered you like 5 days ago and already binge watched all your ATLA series. Looking forward to Kora's. I love both your energies and genuine selves. Much love from Ireland!
Diegesis i was wondering will y'all be uploading 2 episodes per reaction because some Episodes have a part 1 an 2 & also i do luv y'all reaction to my favorite show.
Imagine zuko laying awake at night wondering
Why did they need to suck on those frogs
I've never thought of this😭😭 Zuko only saw Aang stuffing frogs in his shirt and yelling "wait my friends need to suck on those frogs!" Zuko probably sat on the forest floor for a fat second trying to figure that one out after Aang leapt away
“Did you make any new friends?”
“No, I don’t think I did.”
Hits hard.
that lines makes this episode
“It’s kind of crazy, the undertone of genocide” - I mean. Zhao very much just outright taunts Aang about the eradication of his people. I think that qualifies as overtones
“No, I don’t think I did” hits hard bc you see that Zuko has the capacity to be good and compassionate, like you see in the previous episode. But still chooses the wrong decision. “if you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see.”
That’s my favorite Iroh quote and one of my favorite scenes in TLOK
Miyuki was named after one of the storyboard artists on Avatar.
Miyuki is one of the few animals in Avatar that is not a hybrid creature.
Bosco best boi, I refuse to believe he died in any way other than a peaceful passing
The show was originally greenlit for 13 episodes. If this was to be the last, they wanted to go out strong.
Oh yeah I remember that can’t tell you how mad I would of been if it just ended here.
It's my favorite episode from season 1. With context of the future it makes me teary eyed seeing the ending
@@Diegesis every episode where there is considerable character growth does that for me to be honest. I keep remembering what is in store for those characters still and how they keep growing and evolving and it's just so damn powerful to compare their place in the early seasons to their place in the end.
@@DiegesisShhhh 🤫 Don't go around soft spoiling like that bro
@@Diegesis are you a time traveller writing comments from the future?
I have to give Arianna serious props for understanding Zuko's character so well! I love how she is catching on to subtle things that have bigger meaning as a whole, especially with later on in the show!
censoring the word "ship" was a stroke of genius
:D
The Yuyan Archers are so cool. They managed to capture the Avatar with little notice or preparation. I wish we’d seen them more.
One of them paid by Ozai to killed Ursa's ex-boyfriend and failed, he then join the mercenaries group called Rough Rhino, you will meet him on season 2
The avatar was also alone, and trying to accomplish a completely different task when the archers jumped him. Also, the avatar is a 12 y.o. boy that hadn't really learned any elements but air yet...
Lets not forget the context of the scene here. The Yuyan archers were solely made for this episode and wouldn't have a place during all the crazy battles to come.
rough rhinoes ah an excellent singing group@@streamspoart2671
The symbolism of when Zuko turned his back on the fire nation flag in the end 😮
my favorite episode of season 1
You guys are just gonna love how this show develops with its story and characters.
I know i'm here a bit late, but...there are no "genocide undertones." It's literal genocide. It's actually kinda the title. The airbending civilizations were invaded and murdered, it's not just implied. It's a kid's show but as early as ep 3 we see Gyatsu's crime scene where he was attacked in a sacred temple, like 6 against 1. There's no allegories, it's not hinting, it's quite clear. This is a war story.
Really glad you picked up on the... uh... Nazi parallels within Zhao's speech. That scene is the scariest part of the whole show for me, because some people don't even realize what it is that he's implying when he says "the superior element"
Man zuko has the best character development of all time
I love how that scene between Aang and Zuko played out. Aang could have brought him somewhere safe and left him there, that would have been more than enough. Zuko saved him (for his own reasons, most likely), but Aang is a good dude, so he returns the favor. Zuko is safe, no reason to stay with him. Nevertheless, Aang does. Surely he must know that Zuko only saved him for selfish reasons and that his ultimate goal is to capture Aang. Aang knows that, he doesn't ask Zuko any questions or even try to argue with him about right and wrong. He just waits for him to wake up and before Zuko can speak, Aang confides something personal with him, about his own inner struggles trying to find his place in a world that is so different from the world he knew growing up. Everything he once knew and loved is gone, his old friends, even the Fire Nation his friend was from has changed. Zuko just listens to him, without saying anything or interrupting him. They just sit and let the moment happen. Then Aang finally asks him a simple question "do you think we could have been friends?" Zuko doesn't answer. A few moments pass of total silence. Then, without saying a word, he attacks, but Aang is already gone, flying away. The moment is over. Zuko stands there, alone, watching Aang flying away, and for a brief moment, his hardened expression softens. Again, no words are spoken. He just reflects on what happened, what it all means. I wonder if he regretted his actions, like he had this once in a lifetime chance to talk to the Avatar, to say anything, ask anything, but he chose to throw it away, and now he can never take it back or redo that moment. It's over. It's like they both KNOW that this is the only way it could have ended, they both have their own road to follow, they are on opposite sides of a war, but...they just wonder what could have been.
honestly those archers really weren't used enough in the series. They're probably one of the best groups the fire nation had. Precision, resilience, agility, and greater range than firebending... But it's understandable. Their force is too lethal to have them recur. Sooner or later they'd have to draw blood. Nickelodeon can't have that.
Tea brewed from ginger root is a folk remedy for colds.
The plum blossom is also called "ume", which means rain.
This is because the fruit ripens during the rainy season of China and Japan.
The Fire Nation is so insular and dogmatic that its hard to break free of their propaganda. You cant really blame Zuko for being the way he is, he is the crown prince after all. But simply by being in exile and being force to travel the world he is starting to shift his perspective on alot of the things he's been taught his entire life.
Zuko is the second main character. Every episode switches back and forth between Zuko and the gAang. I think Katara, Sokka and Toph are awesome secondary characters, but they orbit Aang much the same way Iroh orbits Zuko.
Doesn’t mean they aren’t great characters. Hell they’re more developed and significant than the main characters of many other stories. Atla was a special show.
This episode is by far my favorite. I'm excited to see your reactions 😊
Mine too
this is the 2nd best. Zuko alone is by far the best.
Zuko doesn't use firebending when he's the Blue Spirit because it would give away his identity.
Instead Zuko uses two broadswords.
Zuko trained with the broadswords during his time at sea.
Broadswords, also called Dao, are one of the four major weapons in China.
Most Chinese martial arts schools still train extensively with the Dao.
The real shame was the fact they never used the Yuyan archers anymore after that. They're so good! And their theme song too.
Lol I love how "Get off my *ship*" got censored at 2:20
The dream team is coming. It'll take a while, but the dream team is coming. For everything Aang and the gang have to go through, Zuko's journey is just as treacherous.
This show has some of the best writing ever. Totally ahead of its time. It's like the feeling you get when you play TLOU1 for the first time.
How is it ahead of it’s time because of good writing ?
@@tempsitch5632 because all the other kids shows of the era....refused to deal with any of the ugly things this show handles
@@ishaan863 That’s not how English or Time works. Plenty of kids shows dealt with hard topics. This show wasn’t the first. Good writing existed before the show existed.
@@tempsitch5632 ....no one here said this show was ahead of its time because it has good writing, you're misunderstanding someone else's comment and then being pedantic over it lmfao. Also please feel free to tell me a couple other kids shows from this era that deal with genocide, war and refugees ♥️ I must've missed that Jimmy Neutron arc
@@ishaan863 Probably should have spent more time in school instead of watching cartoons, kid.
6:30 the blue spirit.... what an episode ❤️
8:38 perfection
Your insight and discussion are always very delightful to listen to at the end. You are my top current reactors to this show.
They killed all of the Airbenders except one, that's not an undertone of genocide, that's just genocide.
That's not sn attempt to correct Maple, that's just me reflecting on how really dark this show can get sometimes.
The movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was used as reference for the stairs of the herbalist institute.
“ undertones of genocide” bruh there ain’t no undertones that’s outright 😭😭😭
Hey Diegesis I love your avatar reactions and just started watching them recently and I’m all caught up. I just want to say I love your guy's personalities and love that you guys like avatar as much as me
The Avatar reincarnation is a fixed cycle, guys. Everyone will ALWAYS know which element will next birth the Avatar. That's why the Fire Nation wiped out the Air Nomads; because they KNEW that the next Avatar would be an Airbender. After air the next element in the cycle is Water. So if Aang were to die the next avatar would be born as a Waterbender.
This is another AMAZING episode and another great reaction! I'm loving these reactions! It makes total sense that Zuko would do what he did in this episode when you know what's on the line for him. They played it well airing this episode right after The Storm. So good!
The stronghold was built by the Fire Nation military as a troop and supply hub.
The Yuyan Archers are the Fire Nation's secret weapon. They are used for stealthy missions that require accuracy and precision.
You see Zuko's swords in one of the very first episodes. They hang on his bedroom wall in the ship.
Very subtle:
At the end of the episode, Zuko turns away from the Fire Nation insignia
You guys just saw the best episode of season 1, in my opinion of course. The blue spirit is in my top 5 favorite episodes of the entire show.
“Do you think we could have been friends?” One of my favorite moments in this whole show!
Love your reactions! Keep it up!
That chase scene reminded me of Samurai Jack! That is another brilliant cartoon series!
Everytime I see the Fire Nation's insignia I think of the TMNT's The Shredder.😂
As you no doubt already discovered in the final season, this show eventually explains how indoctrination looks in the fire nation, and it looks disturbingly like the indication of every empire, including America, the British empire, etc.
Archery and unicycle in high school. We ran laps in high school. All the time.
Secret tunnel! Secret tunnel! Now that I got that out...
Zuko and Iroh are awesome. And Ang is just a really good guy.
Think it also showed how well Ang and Zuko mesh together when they fought together
You should all know that this is one of the most mature cartoons ever concocted. For every fun “teehee” moment, there’s a completely real and human lesson to be learned. At this point in the series, you realize that Aang has to deal with very real and adult decisions. He’s the avatar, sure, but he’s still a kid. A kid that has to end a world war, wrestle with what is right and what is good, and save the world, all by the end of a single summer.
This episode shows exactly what has been lost, and why it has to be fixed. Literally EVERYTHING is depending on a single 12 year old, and he’s not ready. Yet.
The fire nation is just a version of imperial Japan, hence the genocide undertones lol
The herbalist sounds like Arnold’s grandma from Hey Arnold
I love these Reactions to ATLA and I'm always happy when a new Episode is uploaded!
Zuko lost his father, nation, family (save Iroh) and his honor.. More than that, his sense of self worth. Desperate fear of further loss and desire to feel that self worth again are what drives his hunt.
Aang looks compromised but if he had gotten emotional enough he coulda just burst into the avatar state and collapse the entire compound. The blowing wind and fight challenge is super out of character because his friends are sick. He was like 1 more interaction from killing everyone in the building out of anger.
Please do season 2 love this series with both of you host. Its awesome
Oh they're already on 2x7 on patreon. Season 2 is on its way good sir
1:19 by the way, those are both very strange options for gym class😂 all I got was basic shit
Personally one of my favorite episodes of Avatar the reveal is just too clean
2:20
Lmao that caught me off guard😂
I tried to get into the archery class in Jr .High but it was too full. I have to admit my friend and I went at night to try and steel a bow (I have a bit of a hoodlum past I guess) but we weren't able to break in. Just as well, we would have had no idea how to use it!
Frog skin really does secrete anti-microbial chemicals. I once worked in a lab studying similar chemicals in our own immune system when an article came out about frogs. Now I wouldn't suck on them, but there is at least some scientific basis to the crazy woman's advice.
Another lab found chicken soup also contains similar chemicals...perhaps the basis for its reputation as "Jewish penicillin?"
Always been my favorite episode.
mine too ~ Chad
Well, don't forget Aang is a monk, so he's trained to care about others ❤
Momo was pretty dumb in this episode. Aang once asked him to fetch marbles with out a jester & Momo fetched the marbles. Katara asks Momo several times to fetch water with drinking jesters & he brings everything else but water.
Why the Dolphin sfx? He said "Ship"😅😂
Because it’s 🐬ing funnier that way.
Why did they bleep out the word "ship"? (or I guess dolfined out)
i thought it was funny
General Zhao is voiced by Jason Issacs
Who played Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films
2:20 i like how you censored zuko saying ship
Thanks.
......You think we could've been friends?
"Did you make any friends today... no... I don't think I did." Soul crushing
@@Diegesis OMG hey I just discovered you like 5 days ago and already binge watched all your ATLA series. Looking forward to Kora's. I love both your energies and genuine selves. Much love from Ireland!
Much love from the States!
This episode made 8-year-old me ship zukaang lmao. Their teamwork though!
6:19 It's a Komodo-rhino...
My favourite episode on season 1
Me too
Diegesis i was wondering will y'all be uploading 2 episodes per reaction because some Episodes have a part 1 an 2 & also i do luv y'all reaction to my favorite show.
No cause we don't wanna squish the episodes even more. We do one at a time and try to do two a week
You think Zuko's going to make a comeback? 🤔🤔🤔🔥🔥🔥
Watched on da Patronz, but here's a rrribbit for the algorithm.
I can' wait until they get to Legend of Korra.
Wish we would get an upload everyday. I wanna watch u guys get thru this series asap lol then go to LOK
Love the reactions. next episodes please
all my frog gone
0:30 nice oneee😂
Love Baja blast
the blue spirit... zuko is so conflicted...
YOU MUST MAKE IT THROUGH THREE BOOKS BEFORE YOU CAN JOIN PROJECT MAYHEM!!!
Keep an eye out for the real blue spirit in the season finale!
Why spoil dude
Chad, would you consider doing more reactions yourself? You seem like a likeable dude fr
Thanks man. And no cause I've got plans for other types of content I plan to produce soon.
@@Diegesis thats wassup man, good luck 💪🏾
@@alucardvekkia3966 thanks, i need it
Cool
🔥❤️
👍🏾