THE AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER SEASON 2 SERIES

While we have seen plenty of forms of physical combat before in the show, Ty Lee and Mai are completely different from what had been previously established as we are shown hand enforced chi blocking far superior to what the Kyoshi Warriors used. These two characters have great introductions that showcase their personalities and unique nonbender fighting styles that add refreshing action to the series. While Team Avatar does have an entertaining story in this episode as they search New Ozai in hopes of helping the rebellion of Omashu and saving King Bumi, the real spotlight falls on Azula’s newly introduced longtime friends Ty Lee and Mai- the oblivious acrobatic circus girl who is manipulated by the princess and the rich daughter of a high ranking Fire Nation governor. The Return to Omashu is quite an unexpected yet familiar change in tone compared to the last time audiences witnessed the crazy King Bumi and his unique messenger city. Chong’s song though is the main reason why everyone will likely remember this chapter because who could forget about the secret tunnel, through the mountain, secret secret secret secret tunnel, yeah! 16. The chapter’s setting undeniably gives way to a lot of great moments between Aang and Katara’s love relationship that is consistently being developed through the series. Although the backstory given to Omashu may come off as unnecessary, it adds a neat little amount of characterization to a location the audience sees once a season.

When Aang and crew are attempting to find the fastest route to the city of Omashu without encountering the Fire Nation they come across Chong and his nomad friends who lead them through a tunnel built by two lovers that were forbidden from seeing one another. Hippies, secret tunnels, singing, and loveable badger moles undoubtedly make this episode one that will stand out from the rest of Book 2: Earth yet it feels right at home with the optimistic attitude and deeper mystery it presents to the audience. The Cave of Two Lovers is an oddball of an episode, even by Avatar standards. It holds an interesting premise, the same just can not be said for its execution when looking over how other episodes have embraced the topics being explored. It has a few comical moments and returning gags, but Avatar Day never culminates into anything substantial for our heroes that we have not seen before. Sokka and Katara’s detective skills are a fine bulk of the episode, but this chapter should be focused more on Aang’s thoughts on his past lives contradicting with his monk teachings.

The only real difference this time is Aang is being jailed and subjected to supposed crimes caused by one of his previous lives who he eventually calls upon to help him- or rather attempts to do so as Avatar Kyoshi explains the creation of the island named in her honor and ultimately pleads guilty for what she believes was a course of rightful actions against an Earth Kingdom dictator.

The notion of towns and cities being against the Avatar is something we have seen time and time again throughout the series. While the background for Avatar Kyoshi is intriguing, Avatar Day is a whole lot of talk rather than actual exploration for what is being told. On its own, however, it is not able to create the strong roots it importantly produces. As part of a series, The Swamp is an excellent long-term addition that provides context to the show’s mythology. Aang learns about how everything in the world is connected, a theme that plays a major role down the line as it begins to prepare him to unlock his various chis needed to fight the Fire Lord, but the payoff never lands until later episodes. Sokka and Katara never receive the opportunity to explore what they traumatically saw- at least in this chapter. There are some upsetting character moments for Sokka and Katara that stand out in this episode as they each see an important loved one they have lost, yet they are overshadowed by Aang’s teachings and visions of a girl with a flying boar.

THE AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER SEASON 2 SERIES

The way in which The Swamp brings a level of spirituality to Avatar: The Last Airbender is not the most engaging episode of Book 2: Earth, but it does provide important characterization to the series as we learn more about the Avatar’s spiritual connection with the physical world.

The avatar the last airbender season 2