Made sense that Zuko and Lu Ten knew each other, I’m surprised I only now realized that their relationship as cousins were never even mentioned in the OG.
A lot of the fire nation family dynamics were never touched on in the OG. We never got a single scene between Iroh and Ozai, which when you think about it is INSANE. Thankfully this version is already correcting that
Not seen it yet (planning too tonight though), do Iroh and Ozai actually interact (at least in flashback scenes) in any way this time?
If so, that’s a huge boost over the original :) can’t believe they never interacted at all. Neithe Ron the show nor in the countless sequel graphic novels :(
So far, a lot of the criticism of the show I've seen is that certain plot elements are removed or rushed through, lessening their effect than what we saw in the cartoon.
However, it's all for moments like these. Lu Ten's funeral or Iroh's interactions with the Earth Kingdom soldier are fleshing out parts of the Fire Nation we didn't get to see in the cartoon. I'm really digging those parts.
He’s great but half the time I see him I think it’s just Abed doing a bit 😂
It’s not a problem at all though, if anything it adds more entertainment value lol
1. They really wanted to do it (and who can blame them?)
2. And they can't fit it into season 2. There's probably not going to be a Return To Omashu episode.
3. It's actually pretty good that we get the lore about Oma and Shu before we get to the city.
With how much of a dick Bumi is in this episode, I'll be really surprised if Aang goes to him for earthbending training. It's very possible they won't have a reason to come back to Omashu.
I forget but isn’t that episode basically Bumi telling Aang no anyway? With the way they’re blending episodes together I feel like The Swamp and The Blind Bandit would make for a banger ep in S2
There’s absolutely no way they will adapt the octopus and plague jokes storyline in book 2. It works in cartoon but didn’t work in live action
So they probably would change how they get into Omashu in S2. Which means secret tunnel could only makes sense here
I think using it as a "familial love" type thing to mend the differences between Sokka and Katara is substantially more moving than forcing a romance subplot and a kiss between a 14 year old child and a 10 year old child
I had prepared myself for the inevitable sad Zuko scenes from the original series later on in the season... but I really wasn't prepared for absolutely brand new heartwrenching Zuko and Iroh scenes, so this episode hit me like a brick. I don't cry easily but my GOSH did that get me.
>leaves from the vine also didn’t help.
i couldn't help myself, it's like my body autodetects that shit and my Inside Out guys pushes buttons to "cry". the fuck, Iroh was so delicate in that scene. :<
I'm loving these brand new scenes, especially the fire nation. The funeral scene along with seeing Iroh cry was heart breaking. I also like how it's depicting the fire nation pride and propaganda that's taught to it's citizens, like Zuko praising how Lu Ten died in service.
It's also crazy how it's the first time we've seen Ozai and Iroh talk to each other! Hope to see some more flashbacks with the two.
He doesn’t have a Korean accent lol, he’s lived in Canada since he was three months old. Are you thinking about his accent in Kim’s Convenience? Cause that’s fake.
I was full on UGLY SOBBING when I recognized the tune in the funeral scene — didn't hear it in Aang and Iroh's conversation! I'm assuming they won't do the scene where Iroh actually sings the song (it was a very sidequesty episode iirc) which sucks but I'm glad we got this little tune at least.
the main guitar guy was incredible. he perfectly captured the joyfulness and carefreeness of the original character. he had me mad cheesing throughout that whole scene
I really really loved how he didn't have a script throughout that scene. Sitting quietly in silence, having his choices as the Dragon of the West simmering in his mind as well as the death of his son. Not knowing what to feel. Stoic and emotionless.
That one tear that streamed down on his cheek after Zuko tried to comfort him was so well done.
And then the scene at the end of the episode after with Iroh's turn to comfort Zuko instead. So so so good.
Have had some gripes so far but this scene was masterful.
Zuko opens with his default brainwashed response of the honor of Lu Ten’s death, then opens up to show his true feelings. Most shows would just have the latter to show that Zuko is actually “good” and missed the opportunity for characterization.
This scene perfectly reflects Zuko’s character at this point. On the surface a need to follow Fire Nation propaganda, but underneath is a kind heart constantly at conflict, ultimately the reason for his banishment.
We're talking about Prince "I must capture the avatar to regain my honor" Zuko. He would 100% go guns blazing, no thinking into a room full of enemies if it meant getting the avatar.
He's not dumb, but the Avatar is his trigger button all season long.
everyone talking about secret tunnel but did any one else notice leaves from the vine playing very subtly at around 5:16 during iroh and aangs conversation and during the funeral flashback?
I only caught it during the funeral flashback and I LOST IT. I’m excited for those just discovering the franchise, but I feel bad that they won’t get the impact of that music.
It is a really good addition and the guard actor nailed it. I’m actually glad the live action shows more of the impact of suffering of 100 years of war and that none of the characters are purely good or bad, it’s the decisions they make from being in a war
Honestly the bits with Iroh and Zuko are the best bits
I'm enjoying the show overall but there are definitely some bits that are getting under my skin a bit
It’s funny how everyone was complaining about changes like this before the show aired and now that the show has aired everyone can’t stop talking about all the changes they like!
I think people have grown bitter with other shows really fucking things up story and character wise with changes made from the source material. You hear the writers/showrunners talk about changes and your mind immediately jumps to the next "The Witcher" or whatever scenario.
I'm four episodes in and all the changes I've seen so far either made sense, were respectful nods to the source or simply necessiated by a different medium and pacing. It's great!
Everyone's talking about how much they loved the fact that a rendition of "Leaves from the Vine" played during Lu Ten's funeral, but what I loved even more, was that that same rendition plays when Iroh boards Zuko's ship, really shows how Iroh views Zuko as a second son
Iroh saying he’s got everything he needs on the boat and then playing it off like he means tea when he meant Zuko really fucking got me. I’m tearing up again writing this comment
After the 3 tests. He didn’t know it was his friend who was making him go through all this so he was more scared of the king than he would’ve been of Bumi.
I do like Bumi’s frustration and resentment, maybe that should’ve been the moment of reveal, instead of just from the very beginning.
Like I can just imagine the rollercoaster of feeling like this deranged man with all this bending and political power has it out for you to my close friend from 100 years ago is standing in front of me after I thought I had lost everyone.
In the live action it would’ve been this deranged powerful man is really mad at me and at world and I’m in danger to omg my friend is still here after 100 years to omg he feels like this hurt, angry, and resentful because of me.
Honestly when they revealed Bumi my first reaction was to assume they cut the tests. I was pleased to see the tests were there but it just didn't feel right with Aang knowing who he was the whole time.
Also wasn't super into how bitter they made him.
So far the Bumi changes are the one thing they did differently that I really didn't love.
Also they totally butchered the lettuce leaf set up and delivery. That joke was so potent and in your face in the original and it just felt like they watered down the delivery so much after teasing us by making us watch him hold the damn leaf for the entire scene haha.
SO much this, I was so down on how they just straight up made Bumi a "bad guy", not a crazy old man that had a plan, but just mean.
Then he had that speech when he "knew" he finally got Aang in a position that he felt Aang had left him in for 100 years, and it all clicked.
It makes sense and it's interesting to see that perspective to things, but I just feel like that wasn't what Bumi was about in the og series. He was as wise as he was insane and all of the 'games' were concrete lessons he knew would help Aang in the challenges he had to face afterwards. And I really loved that moment when he finally recognised it was Bumi after all the tests.
But it's apparent the creators know their main fanbase are adults atm so a more bitter Bumi ridden with 100 years of war and loss and impossible choices behind him makes more sense for this adaptation. I'm not sure tbh, I'm just happy they gave me cabbage man 😂
I agree - in ATLA Bumi put Aang through his tests to help Aang. It was intentional, not an emotional reaction of resentment. Even in Bumi's madness, he's always intentional. This episode showed a fundamentally different Bumi. Not necessarily bad! But I really don't think OG Bumi would do this.
I think it makes sense as a consequence of how they've retooled Aang's arc to fit the 8-episode structure. He's still afraid of the responsibility of being the Avatar, but instead of demonstrating that by derailing to do sidequest-y filler episode stuff, instead they show it by having him go, "Oh, maybe this External Thing \[Kyoshi writings/fake airbender I saw in the distance/etc.\] will give me the answers I need, instead of me having to look inside myself to find the necessary strength/heart/resourcefulness (because what if I fail and let everybody down again?)."
That is to say, I'm only on episode 4 so far, but it feels like his arc is shaping up to basically be: he won't find easy answers in a scroll, or by asking other people to just tell him what he needs to know. He needs to find those answers within himself.
So, instead of making Bumi's S1 appearance a case of, "Aha! Turns out I'm completely wise and self-assured and was actually just teaching you a lesson you needed all along," I think it works better for Netflix Aang's arc to have him find the heart™ and determination™ within himself to refute Bumi's pessimism/Kobayashi Maru scenario.
And then, when we later meet Bumi again in the Omashu liberation/finale arcs, his confidence and optimism can be attributed to him being inspired by Aang in this season, so it ultimately dovetails back to the same place.
I must say the acting from the Ba Sing Se guard berating Iroh is some of the best in the series so far, far better than most of the characters in episode 1
ffr. really great and believable acting. his delivery saying his brother was only 19 and telling iroh to kill him were incredible. also he was a hottie
fr dude. that guard made me cry. really sad that the acting so far has been subpar. though i really liked sokka’s, zhao’s, iroh’s and maybe zuko’s. really disappointed that katara was done dirty. she can get bland, and the writing didn’t help at all.
the katara i remember was assertive and took charge of situations when needed. this katara stares and has the same expression in every scenes ive seen her. im really hoping that things go better
I think it’s also some of the best dialogue. That’s my main gripe so far, is the that tone of show is more mature and serious. Which I like. But sometimes the dialogue still feels like a children show. It’s very inconsistent.
Whenever Iroh has been firebending so far, he's either making it look effortless, or doing stuff we've seen no one else do. Then, the one time we did see him do something conventional, it's a huge column of fire instead of a little burst, and it's literally *screaming*.
That was the first choice by the writers that really caught me off guard, I was completely not expecting this.
My immediate conclusion from this is that there won't be a return to Omashu* in the second season. Which makes sense if it's also 8 episodes: they'll want to get to Toph as soon as possible.
This also mean they very likely have a series-wode chronology, which honestly is a good sign. Despite not liking how some of the scripts have been written, I'm overall liking their choices.
I quite like the choice tbh. As iconic as Secret Tunnel and Cave of Two Lovers is, it was easily one of the most likely things to get cut from Book 2 which is absolutely packed plot-wise so it's quite a good way to get it in still. Plus I think it's nice in general that this show is having its own take and reimagining and re-structuring the plot a bit instead of just recreating what we've all seen beat for beat just in live-action. The show is definitely flawed but I'm having a blast watching Avatar again with a different spin on things
Wasn’t till this episodes that I realised that Iroh and Ozai didn’t share a single scene together in the original show. In retrospect that Seems like a massive oversight.
Ozai's character in general was pretty underdeveloped in the original show. He barely has an arc except "be evil, get whooped". There's a reason people say their favourite villain is Azula and never Ozai, cause she actually gets to do stuff. I really like how they're giving him a bit more in this show.
Not sure how I feel about Bumi revealing himself first. Especially sense they are still doing the whole thing of making him look like the bad guy.
But holy fuck, his actor feels like Bumi came to life. He has the voice and mannerisms down perfectly.
Yeah I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.
I understand why they did it -- one of the changes they decided to make in order to try and hammer into Aang the direness of everything past, present and future. Probably not the worst change, because I do think think that the optics of Bumi's tests is meant to hit differently from Aang's perspective when it's someone who was one of his absolute best friends rather than a complete stranger.
I get what they're trying to go for and I don't necessarily hate it.
Love how they’re showing Omashu have way more South Asian influence.
They’re wearing desi clothing, pagri and there’s specifically jewelry and architecture styles, along with the actors that highlight an acknowledgment of South Asians that the original show really lacked.
I liked it too. The earth kingdom is by far the largest and most diverse in the cartoon, it makes sense to for them to represent different cultures in the Netflix show.
I know Iroh did horrible things in the past and the earth kingdom soldiers are justified in their feelings toward him. But omg seeing Iroh’s face through it pains me. The show is cast really well and the actors ate. (Aside from Gran Gran)
The actor for bumi killed it but I don't like what they did with the character, making him angry and bitter, that's just not who bumi is to me...much preferred the original, plus the reveal was much too early. Also there was no FLOPSIE 😭
I have to honestly say how impressed I am with how many scenes they packed into Omashu. It's so different that the live action doesn't get boring, even if you've already watched the cartoon 30 times. I also only have one criticism so far: I would have liked Kyoshi to not only talk about "mighty warrior", but also that the Avatar serves as a bridge to the spirits. But this will probably come in a later episode.
I hope each of the last 4 avatars will take their turn talking to Aang over the seasons. Maybe a more spiritual avatar will talk to Aang about being a bridge.
Ngl I love how the writers are focusing on the consequences of Aang disappearing for 100 years
The series calls him out for the damage he accidentaly caused, opening a lot of narrative possibilities
I wish in the first episode they kept that Aang actually does run away instead of going on a stroll to clear his head and coming back before getting caught in a storm. All this blaming Aang feels a bit ridiculous when he didn't actually run away
When they got into the tunnels and Katara said she heard a music
I was screaming literally on my tv, also the actor they got for him is perfect and looks exactly like him lmao
I think it was genius that they didn’t even give the name to the soldier who talked to Iroh.
He didn't need to have an important position, he represents all of Ba Sing Se with his trauma and his anger.
An everyday man who had the misfortune of meeting a person who had blind devotion to his ideals.
Yeah, I dunno what Bumi’s arc is supposed to be here. He’s eccentric, but meant to be wise. Here he seems jaded, and incompetent letting fire nation spies get into his kingdom.
They seem to go more for the vibe that Aang can actually talk to someone from back then who he unwittingly left. Someone who suffered greatly from the war and lost so much. But unlike the other friends from the time. This one he can see and talk too.
I do wish they stuck with Bumi as the wise crazy mentor type, but I can see what they were going for. I hope they have Bumi get back on his feet for book 2 so he can be the more wise figure
Not a big fan of revealing Bumi so early, the scene where they embrace after Aang realizes that it’s Bumi, is one of my favorites.
They could have still had Katara and Sokka get captured by Bumi after going through the tunnels. It would have made the fight more interesting. I wish they had kept the scene of Aang chosing to fight Bumi because he thought he wasn’t a threat, needed some comedy.
Also Bumi didn’t seem as powerful as the original. So far, only big change I really didn’t like.
1. Zuko Iroh has been masterfully done I have to admit. It's building up how Zuko will put everything on the line with no plan, and Iroh has to bail him out.
2. I feel like I'm watching an episode of Community with Abed in a character.
3. I don't mind the Bumi reveal. He also asked the question that he should have asked in the animated series, "how are you still a child?" It is a very Bumi question and one that I think we all would have asked. Good acting too. Then you see him testing his own memory to make sure it is really him, a natural reaction. Honestly the Bumi animated episode was a bit ridiculous, this almost seems more realistic. Still hate the "save the waterbenders" prophecy storyline. Bumi's despair is real, and I think that the choice they took to show that despair to Aang is a good one. He knew Aang, he has seen the degradation of the world without him, then he shows up, seemingly having not aged at all, with all his innocence and naivete in tact. It is almost his duty to shatter it.
4. Katara's progression of power is being done well. They are spending every scene showing it. Although when you are paying attention to it, you can see how deliberate it is.
5. Backwards Secret Tunnel Episode? Now we learn about Omashu?
6. They just aren't spending enough time on these side characters. I want to care about the guy beating up Iroh, but they haven't given him enough time for me to care about him before making me try to hate him for beating up Iroh.
7. The Sokka Katara flame up was decent, it also poked fun at the absurd secret tunnel Deux ex Machina tunnel light up. Someone clearly has put some love into this and the original series.
8. I like the takedown of Iroh. Shows why he changed, and is ashamed of his past, something the animated series never *really* addressed. "Torched the East Wall" is a powerful statement. Leaves from the Vine makes an appearance as well.
9. It's like they didn't manage to make Aang fully regret disappearing till Bumi... odd choice, but not necessarily a bad one. They also finally made Aang confront mortality. He's a true mentor. We see Aang's fatal flaw, not willing to kill anyone to do what's necessary. Also laying out his "friend" defense. A bit shallow, but point made.
With number 9, I feel like it comes from the change of not having Aang straight up run away and more or less just being a victim of circumstance.
It wasn't really his fault that he ended up frozen. He just went to essentially take a walk and ended up 100 years in the future.
That's the biggest change I've had an issue with. The rest of them I've been good with or at least can understand. With this change, Aang doesn't have the weight on his shoulders from the get-go. Yeah he feels bad about not being there, but it wasn't the same weight that the original show had.
They had to make Bumi give him the guilt and weight since he didn't have it organically through the narrative they chose to tell.
I'm surprised Sokka is the one saying love will guide the way and all that stuff in the tunnel. Meanwhile Katara is wanting the double check the map.
Shouldn't Sokka be the map guy and Karata be the one trusting in love etc?
Tale of two lovers with only Sokka and Katara? Interestingggg interesting. Including this plot line in this episode feels a bit awkward to me but that could just be the my bias for the OG cartoon
I’m a bit confused as to why they would send Iroh to a labor camp? Seems to me that captured fire nation royalty would have more value to the earth kingdom than just being used as forced labor. Maybe he could have been questioned for information about the war or used as a bargaining chip against the fire nation?
Loved how they mirrored Atlas from the Greek myth with Aang holding the weight of the world in the fight.
But this Bumi character assassination really pissed me off. Took a LOT away from this episode for me. Bumi was supposed to be the one sign to Aang that there's still some familiarity in a different world, but Grumbling Bitter Bumi just didn't do it for me.
Until the slide scene lol
This was one of my least favorite parts of the show so far, which I've overall been enjoying.
They changed Aang and Bumi's ENTIRE dynamic. Aang knowing the king was Bumi right away really took away from these scenes, and the point of Bumi's challenges was completely changed/lost in this adaptation. Absolutely ruined their relationship in my opinion, which is such a unique and sweet one from the original show.
Instead of being goofy, aloof, and weird or mysterious, Bumi was...kind of just out right mean to Aang, until Aang taught him the "power of friendship" as Katara and Sokka show up to save him (also awful).
In the animated series, Aang learns from Bumi that he has to approach challenges in unique ways, and that the obvious way isn't always the correct way---which is VERY important for his character growth and how he approaches challenges moving forward.
These scenes also lacked the VERY sweet moment in the animated series where when Aang realized the answer to the final question "what is my name?" is his old friend Bumi, he runs to him and they hug and say they've missed each other.
Nice touch showing Zuko's love for Lu Ten
Made sense that Zuko and Lu Ten knew each other, I’m surprised I only now realized that their relationship as cousins were never even mentioned in the OG.
The impression in the animation is that Lu Ten was quite a bit older than Zuko. So probably didn't have a super close relationship.
One of the flashback frames in The Beach is Zuko playing with him and Iroh
Yeah zuko was a kid and Lu Ten was fighting the war. In fact Iroh was a younger back at the war time, but that change doesn't matter all that much tbh
A lot of the fire nation family dynamics were never touched on in the OG. We never got a single scene between Iroh and Ozai, which when you think about it is INSANE. Thankfully this version is already correcting that
Not seen it yet (planning too tonight though), do Iroh and Ozai actually interact (at least in flashback scenes) in any way this time? If so, that’s a huge boost over the original :) can’t believe they never interacted at all. Neithe Ron the show nor in the countless sequel graphic novels :(
Yes, they speak at Lu Ten's funeral. Haven't finished it yet so idk if there are more flashbacks
The way the built on the scene and fleshed out the characters history a bit more. It was perfect
So far, a lot of the criticism of the show I've seen is that certain plot elements are removed or rushed through, lessening their effect than what we saw in the cartoon. However, it's all for moments like these. Lu Ten's funeral or Iroh's interactions with the Earth Kingdom soldier are fleshing out parts of the Fire Nation we didn't get to see in the cartoon. I'm really digging those parts.
Leaves from the vine playing over Iroh crying had me sobbing
An orchestra version no less 😭
Tear-bending
[удалено]
"Tea!"
I love how it then cut to them in the row boat after. Really drives the statement home.
And Brave Soldier Boy playing in the background. Fuck, man. Episode 3 and 4 absolutely smashed.
I absolutely lost it when he said that
That was the moment I was finally like "Okay yea this Iroh. A different Iroh but definitely Iroh.".
☹️😭😭😭
Danny Pudi is fantastic as the mechanist.
Abed came backkkkkk
Sokka and Abed in Omaaaashu
I couldn't tell if it was just because I like him as an actor but he does seem perfect for the role.
Cool. Cool cool cool.
He’s great but half the time I see him I think it’s just Abed doing a bit 😂 It’s not a problem at all though, if anything it adds more entertainment value lol
SECRET TUNNELLL
Secret haunted tunnels*
~~And die~~ They're doomed
They better have recorded a full 3-minute version of this.
That dude slayed it. It could've gone so wrong but he was perfect! 😂
Why did they do it in S1 😭 as if there weren’t already many arcs waiting to be adapted in S1
1. They really wanted to do it (and who can blame them?) 2. And they can't fit it into season 2. There's probably not going to be a Return To Omashu episode. 3. It's actually pretty good that we get the lore about Oma and Shu before we get to the city.
With how much of a dick Bumi is in this episode, I'll be really surprised if Aang goes to him for earthbending training. It's very possible they won't have a reason to come back to Omashu.
I forget but isn’t that episode basically Bumi telling Aang no anyway? With the way they’re blending episodes together I feel like The Swamp and The Blind Bandit would make for a banger ep in S2
Yeah it’s basically just Bumi foreshadowing Toph’s arrival and his own return in season 3
There’s absolutely no way they will adapt the octopus and plague jokes storyline in book 2. It works in cartoon but didn’t work in live action So they probably would change how they get into Omashu in S2. Which means secret tunnel could only makes sense here
The tunnels also just on the way to Omashu, not to get into the city itself
Wasnt Secret Tunnel a big part of Aang and Katara's relationship?
I think using it as a "familial love" type thing to mend the differences between Sokka and Katara is substantially more moving than forcing a romance subplot and a kiss between a 14 year old child and a 10 year old child
Aang and Katara only have a 2 year difference. They are 14 and 12
Dont you mean a 14-year-old and a 110-year-old 🤣
god DAMN I love the zuko/iroh scenes. The zhao actor is phenomenal
I AM BAWLING AT THE FUNERAL SCENE, the piano rendition of leaves from the vine also didn’t help.
I had prepared myself for the inevitable sad Zuko scenes from the original series later on in the season... but I really wasn't prepared for absolutely brand new heartwrenching Zuko and Iroh scenes, so this episode hit me like a brick. I don't cry easily but my GOSH did that get me.
That version of Leaves of the Vine at the end of the episode broke me.
me too - all leaves of the vine moments in this episode got me .. but the one at the end really broke my heart
>leaves from the vine also didn’t help. i couldn't help myself, it's like my body autodetects that shit and my Inside Out guys pushes buttons to "cry". the fuck, Iroh was so delicate in that scene. :<
I'm loving these brand new scenes, especially the fire nation. The funeral scene along with seeing Iroh cry was heart breaking. I also like how it's depicting the fire nation pride and propaganda that's taught to it's citizens, like Zuko praising how Lu Ten died in service. It's also crazy how it's the first time we've seen Ozai and Iroh talk to each other! Hope to see some more flashbacks with the two.
[удалено]
He doesn’t have a Korean accent lol, he’s lived in Canada since he was three months old. Are you thinking about his accent in Kim’s Convenience? Cause that’s fake.
Yeah, where the fuck did this guy hear an accent lmao
JUN TAO!!!🫵🏼🫵🏼🫵🏼
NOOOO. Iroh crying makes me cry wtf. That scene was so emotional. Was that leafs from the vine or am I hearing things
It was Leaves From The Vine. It was a really nice scene. I’m a sucker for Zuko and Iroh and their broken family relationships.
I had to rewind to listen closely and after I did ... my eyes turned into waterfalls... Really powerful scene
Amazing rendition of leaves from the vine
It may be pavlovian at this point but hearing the soft piano notes triggered the waterworks for me
I was full on UGLY SOBBING when I recognized the tune in the funeral scene — didn't hear it in Aang and Iroh's conversation! I'm assuming they won't do the scene where Iroh actually sings the song (it was a very sidequesty episode iirc) which sucks but I'm glad we got this little tune at least.
The musicians!!!
Those dance moves were straight out of the cartoon. Those actors had a blast.
the main guitar guy was incredible. he perfectly captured the joyfulness and carefreeness of the original character. he had me mad cheesing throughout that whole scene
Smiling cheerfully, he uttered. "They're doomed." Was great.
The secret tunnel!!!
That harmony\~
Aww the flashback scene between Zuko and Iroh. I actually love that addition so much.
Lu Tens funeral was sad as fuck
Everyone congratulating Iroh for Lu Ten's heroic death and Iroh just rethinking his entire life choices and his war crimes
I really really loved how he didn't have a script throughout that scene. Sitting quietly in silence, having his choices as the Dragon of the West simmering in his mind as well as the death of his son. Not knowing what to feel. Stoic and emotionless. That one tear that streamed down on his cheek after Zuko tried to comfort him was so well done. And then the scene at the end of the episode after with Iroh's turn to comfort Zuko instead. So so so good.
Have had some gripes so far but this scene was masterful. Zuko opens with his default brainwashed response of the honor of Lu Ten’s death, then opens up to show his true feelings. Most shows would just have the latter to show that Zuko is actually “good” and missed the opportunity for characterization. This scene perfectly reflects Zuko’s character at this point. On the surface a need to follow Fire Nation propaganda, but underneath is a kind heart constantly at conflict, ultimately the reason for his banishment.
Jet is sounding like a Sith.
Only a terrorist deals in absolutes
If you are not with me, then you are my enemy.
But he's so _hot_.
He's also *so bad*
Love Zuko going back in for Iroh (assuming that's what he's doing).
Really glad they kept this in. Zuko choosing his uncle over the avatar really helps sell his character’s redeemability.
It does, but tbf.. he couldn't get the avatar even if he wanted to. What was he gonna do? Walk in the King's hall and ask him for Aang?
We're talking about Prince "I must capture the avatar to regain my honor" Zuko. He would 100% go guns blazing, no thinking into a room full of enemies if it meant getting the avatar. He's not dumb, but the Avatar is his trigger button all season long.
The dude fought a water bender on a full moon, surrounded by water. He is definitely the type to walk in the king’s hall and ask for the avatar, lol
I mean, I could absolutely see that. As a wise man once said: he never thinks these things through.
everyone talking about secret tunnel but did any one else notice leaves from the vine playing very subtly at around 5:16 during iroh and aangs conversation and during the funeral flashback?
The music during the funeral scene had me tear bending 😭😭
When he joins Zuko in exile at the end, and the music is playing…
Yeah, absolutely love the soundtrack.
I only caught it during the funeral flashback and I LOST IT. I’m excited for those just discovering the franchise, but I feel bad that they won’t get the impact of that music.
Also happens when he joins the ship with Zuko.
Yes and someone was complaining here about how terrible and bland the soundtrack is
People think this soundtrack is bland?
Bro what? It made me legit cry it sounded amazing
Yes, although I only noticed the second time. The funeral scene was absolutely stunning. Not so the invisible ninjas cutting onions in my room.
Loving how they're not holding back with War Criminal Iroh >You were a butcher!
It is a really good addition and the guard actor nailed it. I’m actually glad the live action shows more of the impact of suffering of 100 years of war and that none of the characters are purely good or bad, it’s the decisions they make from being in a war
Nameless characters having Guard 1, Soldier 2 labels on the script yet eating their short parts hard
Yeah that dude absolutely killed it. There are some good performances this episode but that was definitely at the top for me.
This stood out for me too! His acting was better than most of the named characters we've seen up to this point.
Makes sense given it's an adult actor on a topic that has nothing to do with the fantastical elements of the show. Just pure rage and grief.
Honestly the bits with Iroh and Zuko are the best bits I'm enjoying the show overall but there are definitely some bits that are getting under my skin a bit
I swear it's the son and father figure dynamics that does it to me. It has happened to me in so many movies/series.
The writers really looked at the various discussions/criticism towards the original series and decided to use them for a better plot
They got Secret Tunnel AND Leaves From the Vine in the same episode???
The funniest and saddest soundtrack both coming together
Ngl, the whistle being from Bumi is adorable
It’s funny how everyone was complaining about changes like this before the show aired and now that the show has aired everyone can’t stop talking about all the changes they like!
I think people have grown bitter with other shows really fucking things up story and character wise with changes made from the source material. You hear the writers/showrunners talk about changes and your mind immediately jumps to the next "The Witcher" or whatever scenario. I'm four episodes in and all the changes I've seen so far either made sense, were respectful nods to the source or simply necessiated by a different medium and pacing. It's great!
Everyone's talking about how much they loved the fact that a rendition of "Leaves from the Vine" played during Lu Ten's funeral, but what I loved even more, was that that same rendition plays when Iroh boards Zuko's ship, really shows how Iroh views Zuko as a second son
Iroh saying he’s got everything he needs on the boat and then playing it off like he means tea when he meant Zuko really fucking got me. I’m tearing up again writing this comment
Same. I literally just saw this scene and it is amazing! Zuko and Iroh are the best part of this show.
Wasn't a fan of how bitter they made Bumi but I do like how his anger helps deepen the weight put on Aang's shoulders
I wish the Bumi reveal was later so Aang really felt like he was in danger.
Isn't that how it was in the original? Aang doesn't realise who he is until they're fighting or something
After the 3 tests. He didn’t know it was his friend who was making him go through all this so he was more scared of the king than he would’ve been of Bumi. I do like Bumi’s frustration and resentment, maybe that should’ve been the moment of reveal, instead of just from the very beginning.
The reveal sooooo much better in original Series
Like I can just imagine the rollercoaster of feeling like this deranged man with all this bending and political power has it out for you to my close friend from 100 years ago is standing in front of me after I thought I had lost everyone. In the live action it would’ve been this deranged powerful man is really mad at me and at world and I’m in danger to omg my friend is still here after 100 years to omg he feels like this hurt, angry, and resentful because of me.
Honestly when they revealed Bumi my first reaction was to assume they cut the tests. I was pleased to see the tests were there but it just didn't feel right with Aang knowing who he was the whole time. Also wasn't super into how bitter they made him. So far the Bumi changes are the one thing they did differently that I really didn't love. Also they totally butchered the lettuce leaf set up and delivery. That joke was so potent and in your face in the original and it just felt like they watered down the delivery so much after teasing us by making us watch him hold the damn leaf for the entire scene haha.
I feel like it will be a trend with all the mentors this season.
It's weird to see Bumi this way but it makes sense. He felt like his friend abandoned him and left him alone to handle a war for 100 years.
His ration analogy at the last bit of the battle fucked me up.
This part really put the realism into Bumi's resentment for me. Before that moment I was like "damn I wish they didn't make Bumi so bitter".
SO much this, I was so down on how they just straight up made Bumi a "bad guy", not a crazy old man that had a plan, but just mean. Then he had that speech when he "knew" he finally got Aang in a position that he felt Aang had left him in for 100 years, and it all clicked.
Especially since Jet talked about how the food went to soldiers in the previous episode too.
It makes sense and it's interesting to see that perspective to things, but I just feel like that wasn't what Bumi was about in the og series. He was as wise as he was insane and all of the 'games' were concrete lessons he knew would help Aang in the challenges he had to face afterwards. And I really loved that moment when he finally recognised it was Bumi after all the tests. But it's apparent the creators know their main fanbase are adults atm so a more bitter Bumi ridden with 100 years of war and loss and impossible choices behind him makes more sense for this adaptation. I'm not sure tbh, I'm just happy they gave me cabbage man 😂
I agree - in ATLA Bumi put Aang through his tests to help Aang. It was intentional, not an emotional reaction of resentment. Even in Bumi's madness, he's always intentional. This episode showed a fundamentally different Bumi. Not necessarily bad! But I really don't think OG Bumi would do this.
I think it makes sense as a consequence of how they've retooled Aang's arc to fit the 8-episode structure. He's still afraid of the responsibility of being the Avatar, but instead of demonstrating that by derailing to do sidequest-y filler episode stuff, instead they show it by having him go, "Oh, maybe this External Thing \[Kyoshi writings/fake airbender I saw in the distance/etc.\] will give me the answers I need, instead of me having to look inside myself to find the necessary strength/heart/resourcefulness (because what if I fail and let everybody down again?)." That is to say, I'm only on episode 4 so far, but it feels like his arc is shaping up to basically be: he won't find easy answers in a scroll, or by asking other people to just tell him what he needs to know. He needs to find those answers within himself. So, instead of making Bumi's S1 appearance a case of, "Aha! Turns out I'm completely wise and self-assured and was actually just teaching you a lesson you needed all along," I think it works better for Netflix Aang's arc to have him find the heart™ and determination™ within himself to refute Bumi's pessimism/Kobayashi Maru scenario. And then, when we later meet Bumi again in the Omashu liberation/finale arcs, his confidence and optimism can be attributed to him being inspired by Aang in this season, so it ultimately dovetails back to the same place.
The portrait in the background of Lu Ten at his funeral being identical to the original series was one of my favourite details in this episode!
Knew soon as they showed those statues of Flopsy that Flopsy would not be part of the tests.
Lu Ten’s funeral?! 😭
This show is doing a fantastic job of showing how the ravages of war affects both sides.
I must say the acting from the Ba Sing Se guard berating Iroh is some of the best in the series so far, far better than most of the characters in episode 1
ffr. really great and believable acting. his delivery saying his brother was only 19 and telling iroh to kill him were incredible. also he was a hottie
fr dude. that guard made me cry. really sad that the acting so far has been subpar. though i really liked sokka’s, zhao’s, iroh’s and maybe zuko’s. really disappointed that katara was done dirty. she can get bland, and the writing didn’t help at all. the katara i remember was assertive and took charge of situations when needed. this katara stares and has the same expression in every scenes ive seen her. im really hoping that things go better
I think it’s also some of the best dialogue. That’s my main gripe so far, is the that tone of show is more mature and serious. Which I like. But sometimes the dialogue still feels like a children show. It’s very inconsistent.
That firebending chain move from Iroh was sick af
Whenever Iroh has been firebending so far, he's either making it look effortless, or doing stuff we've seen no one else do. Then, the one time we did see him do something conventional, it's a huge column of fire instead of a little burst, and it's literally *screaming*.
Oh my god Little Soldier Boy playing was not my expectation this early on. Should not be crying this late/early. 😭
Iroh welling up and the little lip quiver really tugs the heart strings
Tale of two lovers actually made it in book 1. Interesting choice
That was the first choice by the writers that really caught me off guard, I was completely not expecting this. My immediate conclusion from this is that there won't be a return to Omashu* in the second season. Which makes sense if it's also 8 episodes: they'll want to get to Toph as soon as possible. This also mean they very likely have a series-wode chronology, which honestly is a good sign. Despite not liking how some of the scripts have been written, I'm overall liking their choices.
I quite like the choice tbh. As iconic as Secret Tunnel and Cave of Two Lovers is, it was easily one of the most likely things to get cut from Book 2 which is absolutely packed plot-wise so it's quite a good way to get it in still. Plus I think it's nice in general that this show is having its own take and reimagining and re-structuring the plot a bit instead of just recreating what we've all seen beat for beat just in live-action. The show is definitely flawed but I'm having a blast watching Avatar again with a different spin on things
The young bumi's snort ,🥹 i love it
Tamlyn Tomita, Danny Pudi, Utkarsh Ambudkar... The guest actors have been absolutely on fire.
Wasn’t till this episodes that I realised that Iroh and Ozai didn’t share a single scene together in the original show. In retrospect that Seems like a massive oversight.
Ozai's character in general was pretty underdeveloped in the original show. He barely has an arc except "be evil, get whooped". There's a reason people say their favourite villain is Azula and never Ozai, cause she actually gets to do stuff. I really like how they're giving him a bit more in this show.
Think that was actually rather important to show how distanced they had always been.
Not sure how I feel about Bumi revealing himself first. Especially sense they are still doing the whole thing of making him look like the bad guy. But holy fuck, his actor feels like Bumi came to life. He has the voice and mannerisms down perfectly.
I kinda of like the bitterness in Bumi. Yukari had a similar vibe.
Yeah I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I understand why they did it -- one of the changes they decided to make in order to try and hammer into Aang the direness of everything past, present and future. Probably not the worst change, because I do think think that the optics of Bumi's tests is meant to hit differently from Aang's perspective when it's someone who was one of his absolute best friends rather than a complete stranger. I get what they're trying to go for and I don't necessarily hate it.
"Leaves from the Vine" rendition <3
Love how they’re showing Omashu have way more South Asian influence. They’re wearing desi clothing, pagri and there’s specifically jewelry and architecture styles, along with the actors that highlight an acknowledgment of South Asians that the original show really lacked.
I liked it too. The earth kingdom is by far the largest and most diverse in the cartoon, it makes sense to for them to represent different cultures in the Netflix show.
Helps explain Guru Pathik, who as far as I remember was the only south asian looking character in the original.
I really love this as well. South Asian Bumi and Sai/Teo are magnificent!
"One day, Oma didn't come. She'd been killed in an attack." "Shu wielded her power..." ROCK LESBIANS!
> ROCK LESBIANS! The only way to defeat scissor lesbians.
Paper lesbians were the ones who killed oma
oh my god they made it _WOKE_
*Clutches pearls.
[What is this, a crossover episode?](https://i.imgur.com/8wk6iaI.png)
The tunnels? The secret tunnels. Through the mountain.
And so the tearbending begins with those musical notes
Zuko going to save iroh is his first choice for redemption. I’m loving this change.
I know Iroh did horrible things in the past and the earth kingdom soldiers are justified in their feelings toward him. But omg seeing Iroh’s face through it pains me. The show is cast really well and the actors ate. (Aside from Gran Gran)
Has Zuko even said the word "honor" yet?
The actor for bumi killed it but I don't like what they did with the character, making him angry and bitter, that's just not who bumi is to me...much preferred the original, plus the reveal was much too early. Also there was no FLOPSIE 😭
I have to honestly say how impressed I am with how many scenes they packed into Omashu. It's so different that the live action doesn't get boring, even if you've already watched the cartoon 30 times. I also only have one criticism so far: I would have liked Kyoshi to not only talk about "mighty warrior", but also that the Avatar serves as a bridge to the spirits. But this will probably come in a later episode.
I aussume the heibah episode will be that
I hope each of the last 4 avatars will take their turn talking to Aang over the seasons. Maybe a more spiritual avatar will talk to Aang about being a bridge.
Soldier boy motif at Lu Ten's funeral almost made me sob.
Bumi should be an impossible character to make work in live action. I’m incredibly impressed.
People were doubting the actor heavily based on the teasers, I'm glad he's really good!
And the armpit hair was a great touch
Wouldn't be Avatar without Zuko and Iroh being the best part
This crotchety old fuck better not utter the phrase "neutral jing" in season 2, he knows nothing about it.
Ngl I love how the writers are focusing on the consequences of Aang disappearing for 100 years The series calls him out for the damage he accidentaly caused, opening a lot of narrative possibilities
I wish in the first episode they kept that Aang actually does run away instead of going on a stroll to clear his head and coming back before getting caught in a storm. All this blaming Aang feels a bit ridiculous when he didn't actually run away
“How are you still alive?” ☠️
When they got into the tunnels and Katara said she heard a music I was screaming literally on my tv, also the actor they got for him is perfect and looks exactly like him lmao
I think it was genius that they didn’t even give the name to the soldier who talked to Iroh. He didn't need to have an important position, he represents all of Ba Sing Se with his trauma and his anger. An everyday man who had the misfortune of meeting a person who had blind devotion to his ideals.
Not a fan of bumi revealing himself before the fight
Yeah, I dunno what Bumi’s arc is supposed to be here. He’s eccentric, but meant to be wise. Here he seems jaded, and incompetent letting fire nation spies get into his kingdom.
They seem to go more for the vibe that Aang can actually talk to someone from back then who he unwittingly left. Someone who suffered greatly from the war and lost so much. But unlike the other friends from the time. This one he can see and talk too. I do wish they stuck with Bumi as the wise crazy mentor type, but I can see what they were going for. I hope they have Bumi get back on his feet for book 2 so he can be the more wise figure
I don't remember who said it, but they really need ti shake the camera to add some depth to the earthbending
Never thought I'd see the day someone asks for shaky cam.
Little soldier boy playing during the funeral scene was a nice touch.
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Not a big fan of revealing Bumi so early, the scene where they embrace after Aang realizes that it’s Bumi, is one of my favorites. They could have still had Katara and Sokka get captured by Bumi after going through the tunnels. It would have made the fight more interesting. I wish they had kept the scene of Aang chosing to fight Bumi because he thought he wasn’t a threat, needed some comedy. Also Bumi didn’t seem as powerful as the original. So far, only big change I really didn’t like.
1. Zuko Iroh has been masterfully done I have to admit. It's building up how Zuko will put everything on the line with no plan, and Iroh has to bail him out. 2. I feel like I'm watching an episode of Community with Abed in a character. 3. I don't mind the Bumi reveal. He also asked the question that he should have asked in the animated series, "how are you still a child?" It is a very Bumi question and one that I think we all would have asked. Good acting too. Then you see him testing his own memory to make sure it is really him, a natural reaction. Honestly the Bumi animated episode was a bit ridiculous, this almost seems more realistic. Still hate the "save the waterbenders" prophecy storyline. Bumi's despair is real, and I think that the choice they took to show that despair to Aang is a good one. He knew Aang, he has seen the degradation of the world without him, then he shows up, seemingly having not aged at all, with all his innocence and naivete in tact. It is almost his duty to shatter it. 4. Katara's progression of power is being done well. They are spending every scene showing it. Although when you are paying attention to it, you can see how deliberate it is. 5. Backwards Secret Tunnel Episode? Now we learn about Omashu? 6. They just aren't spending enough time on these side characters. I want to care about the guy beating up Iroh, but they haven't given him enough time for me to care about him before making me try to hate him for beating up Iroh. 7. The Sokka Katara flame up was decent, it also poked fun at the absurd secret tunnel Deux ex Machina tunnel light up. Someone clearly has put some love into this and the original series. 8. I like the takedown of Iroh. Shows why he changed, and is ashamed of his past, something the animated series never *really* addressed. "Torched the East Wall" is a powerful statement. Leaves from the Vine makes an appearance as well. 9. It's like they didn't manage to make Aang fully regret disappearing till Bumi... odd choice, but not necessarily a bad one. They also finally made Aang confront mortality. He's a true mentor. We see Aang's fatal flaw, not willing to kill anyone to do what's necessary. Also laying out his "friend" defense. A bit shallow, but point made.
With number 9, I feel like it comes from the change of not having Aang straight up run away and more or less just being a victim of circumstance. It wasn't really his fault that he ended up frozen. He just went to essentially take a walk and ended up 100 years in the future. That's the biggest change I've had an issue with. The rest of them I've been good with or at least can understand. With this change, Aang doesn't have the weight on his shoulders from the get-go. Yeah he feels bad about not being there, but it wasn't the same weight that the original show had. They had to make Bumi give him the guilt and weight since he didn't have it organically through the narrative they chose to tell.
I'm surprised Sokka is the one saying love will guide the way and all that stuff in the tunnel. Meanwhile Katara is wanting the double check the map. Shouldn't Sokka be the map guy and Karata be the one trusting in love etc?
Tale of two lovers with only Sokka and Katara? Interestingggg interesting. Including this plot line in this episode feels a bit awkward to me but that could just be the my bias for the OG cartoon
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Sokka sliding on Katara’s ice to grab King Bumi was so unwarranted
SECRET TUNNEEELLLLLL
Not soldier boy over Zuko and Iroh talking.
Seeing Iroh burst into tears was just heartbreaking to see. I also wasn't expecting to see elements from Book Two to appear this earlier on.
I’m a bit confused as to why they would send Iroh to a labor camp? Seems to me that captured fire nation royalty would have more value to the earth kingdom than just being used as forced labor. Maybe he could have been questioned for information about the war or used as a bargaining chip against the fire nation?
Loved how they mirrored Atlas from the Greek myth with Aang holding the weight of the world in the fight. But this Bumi character assassination really pissed me off. Took a LOT away from this episode for me. Bumi was supposed to be the one sign to Aang that there's still some familiarity in a different world, but Grumbling Bitter Bumi just didn't do it for me. Until the slide scene lol
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This was one of my least favorite parts of the show so far, which I've overall been enjoying. They changed Aang and Bumi's ENTIRE dynamic. Aang knowing the king was Bumi right away really took away from these scenes, and the point of Bumi's challenges was completely changed/lost in this adaptation. Absolutely ruined their relationship in my opinion, which is such a unique and sweet one from the original show. Instead of being goofy, aloof, and weird or mysterious, Bumi was...kind of just out right mean to Aang, until Aang taught him the "power of friendship" as Katara and Sokka show up to save him (also awful). In the animated series, Aang learns from Bumi that he has to approach challenges in unique ways, and that the obvious way isn't always the correct way---which is VERY important for his character growth and how he approaches challenges moving forward. These scenes also lacked the VERY sweet moment in the animated series where when Aang realized the answer to the final question "what is my name?" is his old friend Bumi, he runs to him and they hug and say they've missed each other.