Let’s finish this!
ONE
The first episode explains Aang’s Avatar state. Remember, coming out of Season One, the last thing we saw was Giant Fish Aang wrecking the Fire Nation in the North. He can’t control or understand this superpower and it frightens him. We also learn that, although he’s unbelievably strong, he’s also vulnerable. If he’s killed in the Avatar state, the entire reincarnation cycle ends.
We also get a brief reminder that Zuko and Iroh travel alone, outcast.
TWO
The Cave of Two Lovers, that ridiculously silly episode, encompasses the season’s Two. Aang and Katara, through plot contrivance, kiss. Aang’s affection for Katara is critical at the season’s Eight.
Also, Omashu’s on fire. Returning to Bumi was Aang’s plan for learning earth bending. Now he has no teacher, and that’s definitely Trouble.
THREE
The actual episode here, The Swamp, isn’t the Three. It’s the appearance of Zuko’s Blue Spirit. Iroh, begging, is tormented by bullies. He couldn’t care less. Obviously, Iroh could squash anyone like a bug if he wished. Zuko is offended, though. Donning the disguise, he takes revenge on Iroh’s tormenters. It’s portrayed as a petty use of Zuko’s power. He even wears the Blue Spirit mask in order to steal food, something shameful.
FOUR
Although this section will have some of the best content of the series — The Blind Bandit episode — the point of the Four is Aang’s unfocused and haphazard purpose. The world is burning while Aang dithers about his training.
Of course, team building is also part of the Four, including Zuko’s journey. He was deeply abused as a child; learning to trust Iroh and to know his own heart is his arc in this season.
And then we end up at The Library.
SWITCH
Quite obviously, the Switch is the moment Appa is taken. It’s a clear demarcation in the energy of the season. The Library episode is so key. Here, Sokka discovers the Darkest Day and the Sozin’s Comet date. For the first time in the series, the gang has a plan for attacking the Fire Nation. It’s a big turning point, but Appa’s kidnapping hits hard and sucks all the air from the season.
It’s a heartbreaking Switch. Aang is still playing at being the Avatar, following Sokka on his vacation plan. While he allows himself to be distracted down below, the sand benders have time to take Appa. We could say that Sokka’s mission is equally important, but I don’t think Aang would agree. He changes and becomes more focused after this episode.
FIVE
Finding Appa is the quick summary of the Five. We learn about the dysfunction of Ba Sing Se and the Dai Li. Jet comes back as a plot tool to explain the brainwashing. And Iroh gets his tea shop, which will never suit Zuko. He’s a prince, even though he’s an exiled one. These episodes have team building and fun details, but ultimately the Five is: Appa’s gone.
SIX
The Blue Spirit returns and rescues Appa from Lake Laogai. He wears the disguise in a noble effort, in contrast to his use at the Three.
SEVEN
Iroh insists that Zuko decide who he is. When he chooses to free Appa, Zuko sends his whole body into crisis.
Also, the gang gains access to the Dai Li secret files, which propels them into the Eight.
EIGHT
Toph is captured and Azula shows up with the fake Kyoshi Warriors. (Unexplained is the resolution to Suki’s battle with her during Appa’s Lost Days in the Five. Implied but unshown is how they defeated the real Kyoshi Warriors and took their gear.)
The final double episode is also the Season’s Eight. Aang is defeated and almost killed because he came to rescue Katara rather than complete his Avatar training, the Fire Nation gains control of the Earth Kingdom, Iroh is captured, and Zuko chooses the dark side. In a trilogy, the second part is always the darkest, and this is no exception here. Redemption won’t come until Season Three.
NINE
The gang flies away on Appa. We have no idea what they’ll do next or how badly Aang is wounded. Zuko immediately doubts his choice and is reassured by Azula. We don’t trust her, but she seems to be genuinely helping him. (Spoiler: she’s not.) And Iroh’s fate is unknown. We know that his voice actor has passed; we don’t know if they’ll even continue his character.
Well, we made it through Season Two! I’m glad to tidy that up. The series has an entire Season Three, which includes some fun episodes. I don’t see myself jumping into that anytime soon. Also, they’ve managed to produce a live action version of this show. Time has passed since I last watched it; I can’t say I’m eager to revisit it, although I have an interest in comparing the character Enneagrams. The live action show makes some choices with the three main characters that change the tone of the story. I like investigating those kind of puzzles; I’m sure I’ll be unable to resist poking at the differences in the future.