Just Started Avatar The Last Airbender

[exodus]

Just saw the first two eps of S2. Learned a little more about the Avatar Form. I like the idea of an Earth General trying to force Aang into going after the Fire Lord right *now*, it reasonably deals with that question I was just starting to wonder. So in the "cave of lovers" episode, those giant moles were supposed to be the inventors of Earth bending and taught it to humans? Literally those moles, or just moles in general? Also I thought it was cool that the new evil sister has lightning powers, it's a nice twist/addition to the fire stuff.

I don't want to give too much away but you'll learn more about "those" moles in episodes to come after you're introduced to "The Blind Bandit".

Azula will be one of the main antagonists in the show going forward. However, I have a bigger crush on her friend Mai.

Also watch the subtle changes in in how the characters are drawn as their environment changes. I especially love how Zuko & Iroh grow more and more unkempt as their wealth dwindles.

Keep watching.

 

[Skywalker]

BTW, Ang was the Moon Spirit in it's "angry" form.

Actually, I think Aang was channeling the Water Spirit, who was angry over the murder of the Moon Spirit.

I could be wrong, though.

 

[exodus]

BTW, Ang was the Moon Spirit in it's "angry" form.

Actually, I think Aang was channeling the Water Spirit, who was angry over the murder of the Moon Spirit.

I could be wrong, though.

Yes, thanks for the correction.

 

[Christopher]

So in the "cave of lovers" episode, those giant moles were supposed to be the inventors of Earth bending and taught it to humans? Literally those moles, or just moles in general?

The badgermole species overall. The Waterbenders learned from watching the Moon, the Earthbenders learned from the badgermoles, the Airbenders learned from the sky bison, and the Firebenders... ahh, but that would be telling.

Also I thought it was cool that the new evil sister has lightning powers, it's a nice twist/addition to the fire stuff.

Ohh, Azula's powers are the least of what's cool about her.

 

[Mr Light]

Speaking of flying bison, I love Aapa. Extremely cool "pet". Momo is funny without being stupid as well. Don't spoil me but I'm convinced that Momo is the reincarnation of Aang's beloved teacher. I forget the details but Momo's introduction at the abandoned Sky Temple seemed more than just coincidence.

 

[CaptainCanada]

The badgermole species overall. The Waterbenders learned from watching the Moon, the Earthbenders learned from the badgermoles, the Airbenders learned from the sky bison, and the Firebenders... ahh, but that would be telling.

This development admittedly creates a contradiction at the core of the series' mythology that has never really been bridged; namely, that bending was supposed something people learned from the animals, but that's seemingly no longer possible, and who is a bender and what kind of bender you are is determined by which of the four "nations" you belong to and essentially at random within that.

 

[Christopher]

I figure that the potential for bending is innate in each nation, but they needed the animals to show them how to use that potential, what the actual movements and techniques were for applying the power.

 

[Agony_Boothb]

I bought the first season last week, best blind buy ever. Like BSG before it, Avatar has become my new "addictive show". Probably the best cartoon since the 80's golden age. I have to admit to having a crush on sokka.

 

[exodus]

The badgermole species overall. The Waterbenders learned from watching the Moon, the Earthbenders learned from the badgermoles, the Airbenders learned from the sky bison, and the Firebenders... ahh, but that would be telling.

This development admittedly creates a contradiction at the core of the series' mythology that has never really been bridged; namely, that bending was supposed something people learned from the animals, but that's seemingly no longer possible, and who is a bender and what kind of bender you are is determined by which of the four "nations" you belong to and essentially at random within that.

..but the Lion Turtle taught Ang something very different that had been forgotten by all, even the Avatars at the end of the series.

 

[CaptainCanada]

The badgermole species overall. The Waterbenders learned from watching the Moon, the Earthbenders learned from the badgermoles, the Airbenders learned from the sky bison, and the Firebenders... ahh, but that would be telling.

This development admittedly creates a contradiction at the core of the series' mythology that has never really been bridged; namely, that bending was supposed something people learned from the animals, but that's seemingly no longer possible, and who is a bender and what kind of bender you are is determined by which of the four "nations" you belong to and essentially at random within that.

..but the Lion Turtle taught Ang something very different that had been forgotten by all, even the Avatars at the end of the series.

So? I don't see how that changes anything.

 

[Mr Light]

Just saw "Return to Omashu" which introduces the terrible trio of fire chicks. I particularly found it weird how the evil princess is friends with this sweet acrobat whose life she then threatens. The design of the Earth city is really cool with the veriticality and the huge slides. The running battle as they slide down the city was pretty damn cool. Always nice to see his crazy old friend now the king again. I thought they yet again introduced a nice piece of moral ambiguity in the show; Bumi surrendered the city without a fight to save lives and will patiently wait for the day when they can turn on their oppressors and make a final difference.

 

[SG-17]

BTW, Ang was the Moon Spirit in it's "angry" form.

Actually, I think Aang was channeling the Water Spirit, who was angry over the murder of the Moon Spirit.

I could be wrong, though.

You are correct. Aang was channeling the Ocean Spirit in retaliation for the murder of the Moon Spirit.

Also Aang did "kill" many of the crew of the Fire Nation fleet. However the Ocean Spirit was the one in control so Aang did not kill them consciously. It was left ambiguous on purpose because if it was stated that Aang killed hundreds of people, the episode would not have been aired.

This development admittedly creates a contradiction at the core of the series' mythology that has never really been bridged; namely, that bending was supposed something people learned from the animals, but that's seemingly no longer possible, and who is a bender and what kind of bender you are is determined by which of the four "nations" you belong to and essentially at random within that.

..but the Lion Turtle taught Ang something very different that had been forgotten by all, even the Avatars at the end of the series.

So? I don't see how that changes anything.

Spoiler: Don't read if you haven't watched the series finale

Originally some people had the ability to manipulate chi energy. However the animals/moon taught them to channel that "energy bending" into one specific point. As such over time they lost the ability to bend all chi, but rather just the chi associated with that element. However it appears that some people could have more control over chi than the average bender. Aang for one being the Avatar, Combustion Man was able to channel his chi into his attack, and possibly Iroh because he could see the Spirit World.

The show does have many innuendos that many children would not pick up on (like most good Nick shows), especially in the last season, the biggest being Ty Lee displaying her assets at "The Beach".

 

[Skywalker]

BTW, Ang was the Moon Spirit in it's "angry" form.

Actually, I think Aang was channeling the Water Spirit, who was angry over the murder of the Moon Spirit.

I could be wrong, though.

You are correct. Aang was channeling the Ocean Spirit in retaliation for the murder of the Moon Spirit.

Ah, right, it was the Ocean Spirit, not the Water Spirit. Thanks.

 

[Mr Light]

Just saw the introduction of "The Blind Bandit"; I can't wait to see how she interacts with the cast as a regular. Wondering if she's supposed to be a love interest for Aaang? Or maybe Sokka. They're all the same age right? Also saw "Zuko Alone" which was mainly cool for the flashbacks. Iroh used to be a typical evil conqueror before his son died? Wow. And the Fire Lord murdered his father to bypass Iroh in the succession? Wow. While there's plenty of moral ambiguity in this show, they're definitely showing Zuko's sister and the Fire Lord to be completely evil bastards. And that's fine. I liked the way Zuko saves the village from the cruel soldiers, but once his ID is revealed they immediately hate him! Thanks for avoiding the Disney ending.

 

[Christopher]

Just saw the introduction of "The Blind Bandit"; I can't wait to see how she interacts with the cast as a regular. Wondering if she's supposed to be a love interest for Aaang? Or maybe Sokka.

Ohh, what a concept.

They're all the same age right?

Aang and Toph are 12 (though Aang is technically 112). Katara is 14. Sokka is 15. Zuko is 16. Azula is 14 (which I find hard to believe).

Iroh used to be a typical evil conqueror before his son died? Wow.

He was a warrior and a great general, but that didn't mean he was evil. As you say, there's plenty of moral ambiguity in the show.

 

[darthraidr]

i just found these shorts (awesome!):
School Time Shipping

Bending Battle

Swamp Skiin' Throwdown

 

[Kelthaz]

And the Fire Lord murdered his father to bypass Iroh in the succession? Wow.

Not exactly ... I'm not sure how much I should say here, so I'll leave it with not exactly. You're close, but there's a little more to it.

 

[Mr Light]

Well Azula did mention that Uncle Iroh was silly and obsessed with poetry already, but there was the bit in his letter where he says maybe Bag Sing Se will be burned down to the ground by then! and he laughs evilly. ... Don't tell me it was really AZULA who murdered her grandfather. Well seriously don't tell me

 

[exodus]

Well Azula did mention that Uncle Iroh was silly and obsessed with poetry already, but there was the bit in his letter where he says maybe Bag Sing Se will be burned down to the ground by then! and he laughs evilly. ... Don't tell me it was really AZULA who murdered her grandfather. Well seriously don't tell me

I thought they implied who killed the Fire Lord within that same ep.?

 

[SG-17]

From what we know the blame was placed on Ursa for Azulon's death. Other than that it was left ambiguous.