'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Season 1 Episode 6 Review
Image Source: Superhero Hype
I don’t want to jinx myself, but it seems that the second half of this first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender is finally hitting its stride, and I hope it keeps up that momentum because after episode five being as strong as it was, and then episode six following that with another strong go, I really hope that continues for the final two episodes.
It’s another two-parter, like the two episodes around Omashu. This one continues Aang’s quest to get his friends out of the spirit realm, trapped there by Koh. In doing so, he’s led to Avatar Roku’s home island, where a temple has been erected to honor his service. There, Aang is attacked by Fire Sages, save one sympathetic younger sage. He buys Aang enough time to converse with Roku’s spirit, where he learns more about Koh and how to get his friends out, and a little more wisdom on how to be the Avatar. He’s then captured by June, turned over to Zuko, and then taken by Zhao.
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While in Zhao’s custody, Aang is rescued by a stranger in a blue demon mask. As they escape, the stranger is knocked out and it turns out to be Zuko. As Zuko recovers, Aang tries to connect with him but ultimately falls short. He leaves Zuko as he tries to attack Aang, leaving Zuko to float back to his ship empty-handed. All of this happens amidst flashbacks to where Zuko got his scar, and how that led to his crew on the ship.
Daniel Dae Kim certainly looks the part for Ozai.
Image Source: Polygon
Again, the character building here is strong. Zuko and Iroh steal the show here, again. They are single-handedly the strongest performances in the show. The chemistry between them goes back to before he got his scar, and it’s palpable, especially when you see Zuko smile for the first time in the show as his uncle helps him get ready for Zuko’s first war council. It’s also the first time we see Zuko’s honor is more than just about himself, and that he cares for the lives of others as he tries to protest his father’s general trying to sacrifice a division of troops. This brings about the Agni Kai, or fire duel. Zuko thinks it’s going to be between him and the general, but it turns out to be his father. It’s one of the most powerful scenes in the cartoon, and it continues to be so here.
The only detriment to that scene was unfortunately Daniel Dae Kim’s portrayal, and it wasn’t even that bad. There were just some weird lines and they came out a little reserved. The rest of the scene was bangin’. He made it look easy, showing just how much more studied in the marital arts he is than his son, which also just highlights his absolutely contempt for his son as he clearly, overwhelmingly, outmatches his son. That’s why I wanted to see more emotion from him. I get his stone-like facade is meant to project fear, but there’s a rage beneath Ozai’s demeanor. He shows some of this before he starts the Agni Kai, but there are some missed opportunities during the fight where the emotion could really have pushed it further.
Ozai tries to burn his own son in an Agni Kai.
Image Source: Screen Rant
The strength of Zuko’s story outshines Aang’s, and it’s kind of a shame because the show is about Aang, but the way the writers are telling Zuko’s part, with Liu and Sun-Hyung Lee’s acting, and with Cormier’s inconsistent delivery, it’s clearly tipping one way. Don’t get me wrong, Cormier really outdid himself in this episode, presenting one of the strongest parts of Aang’s story with his personality, I just wish it was more consistent.
I can also do without the expositional narration that’s been part of these two episodes. Gyatso’s explanation at the end of episode five, and now Iroh’s at the end of this one is more of a disservice to viewers. I’m thinking along the lines of trusting your audience. Let them make the connections and learn the lessons the episode is trying to convey. The narration lessens the impact of those lessons and revelations.
It was a solid episode, and I hope this quality continues for the remaining two. The set design continues to impress, alongside some of the characters.
Rating: 8/10
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Source(s): Netflix
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