Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this season review. Please read with caution.

This is my second time rewatching the entire series—on Netflix—for those unaware. I finished the second season of Avatar The Last Airbender on June 22, 2020. Unlike the first season (Book One: Water), I thought the writing, characterization, themes, and serialized storytelling was tighter and cleaner.

The tone of the series also became darker and more mature as the season progressed, giving the main characters more character depth and tough decisions to make. The Avatar mythology was also expanded when Aang sought to control the all-powerful Avatar State in the season premiere. We were also introduced to more characters—like Azula, Mai, Ty Lee, and Toph—this season.

Azula and Toph were major characters to add. Azula was Zuko’s sister, the favored child, a master firebender, and the leader of her small group—Ty Lee and Mai. After Zuko and Uncle Iroh were branded traitors of the Fire Nation, Azula and her friends became the primary antagonists, continuing the hunt for the Avatar.

Toph was a blind child from a wealthy Earth Kingdom family. Unknown to her family though, Toph possessed extraordinary Earthbending abilities that allowed her to “see” through the vibrations of the Earth itself. Her character was a nice addition to Team Avatar, as Aang and friends were looking for someone to teach him Earthbending.

The plot and serialized storytelling worked excellently in the show’s favor. The ability to write episodes as “mini-stories” that connect to the larger plot worked better in this season compared to the last season. I also enjoyed the major theme of political corruption in a utopian society—Ba Sing Se—so much. There was one clear filler episode—"Tales of Ba Sing Se”—but it was so insightful into the main characters’ mindset and pivotal to understanding them emotionally.

The action scenes were also well-crafted and exciting to watch. The bending and non-bending fight choreography was well-executed, and the slow motion of certain movements was effective too. The growth of Aang, Katara, and Zuko’s combat abilities was great especially during the season finale, “The Crossroads of Destiny”. The best fight in the entire season was underneath those catacombs.

Overall, the finale brought the season to a tragic end. The season was also bookended with the Avatar State, giving Book Two: Earth a full-circle type vibe with all the storylines coming to a close. Zuko’s redemption story was also the most compelling arc in this season—the whole series. Uncle Iroh’s wise advice and great tea were also helpful to relearn, reminding us that everything will work out if you keep on the right path meant only for you.

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