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How do you restore your honor? How do you get rid of shame and grow into humility?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are answering the call of the commenters by doing a Villain Therapy for Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender! They talk about Zuko’s transformation from unlikeable kid to someone who makes your heart ache, as we learn more about his backstory and follow his tumultuous journey. Jonathan dives into Zuko’s trauma, both the major and micro traumas that shape his character. Alan talks about why this show may have one of the best intergenerational stories he’s ever seen.

Reminder: update to the latest version of the Patreon mobile app to get the full Drops experience! For now, Drops is in-app only.

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Comments

J

Is it possible for azula after this one? I think there’s plenty on azula and boy does she need therapy.

Quoofle

HELL YEAH! Super stoked for this one!

FearTheTREMOR

Seems like it was just yesterday that Alan said they couldn't do Avatar because it was too long on the Wandavision episode 😂 so stoked we have finally arrived!

Kalie Shepherd

I cannot even BEGIN to describe how much I NEED this in my life! I already know this will be a #CryingWithAlan video! 😂

Kalie Shepherd

Azula would end up just as long as the Ted Lasso video! There is A LOT of unpack with that one.

J

Oh definitely long as all. Better for me cause I can just listen to wonderful video while I’m working.

Dirk Ewers

Azula is messier, but I think Zuko is already the best choice of heaps of therapy. He got beaten down for 2 and a half seasons straight.

J

Let’s face it both need/needed a whole lot of therapy. I like zuko but azulas my favorite character my bias is always going to lean her way for me 🤷‍♂️

Guste

😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

Amy Petty

You did it! YOU ACTUALLY DID IT. I didn't think y'all would. Granted the total runtime is comparable to a movie trilogy, but I didn't have much hope y'all would delve into a series. I'm so happy y'all did!

ajanim

i'm gonna scream cry

Smidge

Okay, anyone else hear the countdown beep from 24 as soon as they saw the timer here? 🤭

Hikari Yamato

I will be sobbing like we all know Alan will be, but at work. And idgaf because it will be awesome and therapeutic and amazing and pun-filled.

Neil Lauriault-Miller

I’m so excited for this!! This is one of the greatest character arcs in all of modern media.

Vicki Lenoir

How does this work? Am ibgoing to have to watch the broadcast on my computer so ican chat on my phone ? Because thisbchat Windows takes up the whole Phone screen...

CinemaTherapy

Drops is in app only and we'll be trying it for the first time with you all. Please share any feedback so we can pass along to the Patreon team! They'll be on hand while we do the event.

Alyson

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!

Kayla Henley

I can't wait!!!!! I wish you guys could review this whole series!!!!!!!!!

taylor garrett

06 Japanese time, I must wake up a little!!!

Smkaial

I’ve been waiting for this one for years! Avatar is one of my absolute favorites since I was a kid! Can’t wait to hear everything you guys have to say on this masterpiece of a redemption arc!

Red MafiaPanda

I would love azula but I'm curious for aang especially at the end of the series when he's on the turtle lion's back

Hannah

You guys should do an episode on Son's of Anarchy. Gemma Teller would be a good subject 👌

Chris N

I would love to see your takes on Azula as well, if only because I feel I'm alone in the fandom in feeling that her issues predate Ursa leaving, and are much less a result of Ozai's abuse. Her perfectionism is from within herself, not a result of an overbearing abusive parent, and she genuinely delights in cruelty. She is unrepentant to the end, and therefore redemption is unlikely.

Alan Seawright

I’m very curious to see how this works.

Chris N

So far so good! This is a brilliant feature.

Creepz

So far so good!

Hannah

30 seconds!

Smidge

Awake. ish. But here 😵‍💫 Guinea Pig time! Let's see how this shindig works!

Creepz

Im so excited ATLA is the best

Alan Seawright

For the Patreon folks here, the iPad version of the app is… not ideal. I’d love a bigger video window. That countdown is cool though!

Creepz

Sweeeet

Erin n Stefan

Zuko has one of my favorite character arcs in all of fiction. Flawless redemption story

Creepz

I agree!

Chris N

Azulas face in that scene. Ugh

Neocelestia

Zuko has one of the most interesting character arcs in recent years

Dirk Ewers

Iroh is just the best

Creepz

HE SAID THE LINE

Smidge

Zuko's actor's voice work also went through one heck of a development arc, too!

Alan Seawright

David absolutely cut a BANGER of a trailer for that episode!

Erin n Stefan

I would marry iroh if that weren’t bigamy… and also impossible since he’s an animated character.

Creepz

Sure did! Good job David

Corinne

This so so cool! Thanks for testing Drops with us!

Smidge

David continues to be a treasure.

Dirk Ewers

Im gonna watch this so hard!

Erin n Stefan

David is a delight, I love whenever we get to see him

Pam Jackson

I know nothing about this at all. This is gonna be another ted lasso situation isn’t it.

Amy Robinson

I cannot wait to see their reaction to “Hello. Zuko here.”

Dirk Ewers

You know what? I drop a Superhero tier for you guys doing the thing 😆

Richard Mead

Will this video be available via the normal pattern site later? Didn't realize that 'drops' are only available on mobile.

Prim

Hour long Zuko episode letssssgooo

Erin n Stefan

Azula is the most wild batshit character… omg when she’s chained up at the end, that impotent unbridled rage is so incredible. This show is amazing

FangyFae

Oh I am going to have to enjoy this on Tuesday with the live chat. Thank you guys for doing this episode ATLA is amazing and epic and is worthy of all the love it receives!

Rob Foster

Mark Hamill just does great as a villain.

Dirk Ewers

The Patreon Discord has a bunch of Tabletop players right? Should I run a Avatar themed game for beginners on the Discord?

Erin n Stefan

Iroh is the father figure we all need in our lives

Red MafiaPanda

Mark is a great villain took me awhile to realize it was voiced by Mark XD

Creepz

Ive been meaning to try it out too Got the magpie games one

William Stollery

Zuko is, officially, the BEST redemption/anti-hero arc of any show ever. Period. There are a surprising amount of shows, films and stories out there with writing as good as ATLA, but NONE of them have redemption arcs this good. It's incredible, and I don't know how they did it.

Rob Foster

The scene where he forgives Zuko will always be in my top 10 of favorite scenes in animated series.

Alan Seawright

Kind thoughtful people always play the best villains, because they can empathize with the “baddie” and find the humanity in them.

Erin n Stefan

It was so perfectly crafted for you to gradually gain empathy for him and it feels like such a victory when he finally accepts being part of the good team

Smidge

Not old. Vintage, like the best comic books!

tiassa

Aang in All My Friends Are Dead

Alexis

Is it fair to say that Zuko has PTSD? Or is he still too in the trauma currently for it to be "post" traumatic?

Creepz

One question I can see fast forward 10 sec buttons... does tht affect everyone if one of us hit it?

Erin n Stefan

I think Zuko definitely has ptsd and has also sort of been raised in a cult

Morrumn

Who else is watxhing this at work? Cinema therapy or die

Erin n Stefan

Like fire nation feels culty to me lol with the way they view the rest of the world… they just also gained huge power

Mimik3D (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-05 07:00 Does it start automatically or do I need to press play somehow?
2023-12-13 16:07

Smidge

It started automatically for me, but you might hit play just in case?

Alan Seawright

Feel so bad for Katy Perry there. That was FORCEFUL slime.

Erin n Stefan

I’ve watched some of the show with my almost 5yo daughter… I think she needs a few more years before she can really engage though. She gets scared easily

Smidge

Don't get me reflecting on old Nickelodeon! 🤭

Terpsichore

I have a great picture of Zuko bonding with Todoroki over their shared parental trauma.

Erin n Stefan

Aang is the polar opposite of azula

Corinne

I joined on my personal Patreon account (producer Corinne 👋) but my comments are posting as the main CT account?

William Stollery

That's the point I think, they're so very much an example of how every group starts to use propaganda and their perspective to make everyone believe that they're right, rather than encouraging people to be open to new idea, people and experiences. It’s real, hauntingly so - and not just for cults. For EVERY kind of groupthink!

Erin n Stefan

I feel like my son is also very Sokka like hahaha

Creepz

Sokka was the heart of this! It does NOT work without sokka

Neocelestia

Gotta love Sonja’s bluntness lol

Erin n Stefan

All the characters are essential imho, they crafted a perfect team balance and they all perform such different narrative roles

Dirk Ewers

The Blue Spirit is such a strong episode. Really shows the duality between Aang and Zuko. Aang reaches out, and Zuko completely misreads him

Neocelestia

Sokka not Sonja lol darn it autocorrect XD

Rob Foster

Iroh is my favorite character.

tiassa

MUSHROOM FRIEND

Erin n Stefan

I want to be iroh when I grow uo

Creepz

This is me n my friends xD

William Stollery

Honest Trailers really made a great point - this show manages to be so successful as a kids show because there's SOOOO much slapstick humour and silly sound effects! It's their secret trick for how they sneak the heavy grown-up themes across 😉

Alexis

Love Sokka's character development. Especially when Suki challenges him on his season 1 sexism

Amy Robinson

My husband made Uncle Iroh's tea set , and it is so awesome that it got entered into a juried exhibit at a local art gallery.

Smidge

A LOT of the style just read "anime knockoff trying to hard". I'm glad the writing has more than backed itself, though.

Creepz

I love that moment!

Erin n Stefan

I was really pleased to find a show like this where the main character expresses so much joy instead of Harry potteresque angst

William Stollery

Would also L O V E to see an episode exploring Iroh, as a character. He's pretty similar to (book) Dumbledore - did horrible things in the past, spends the rest of his life trying to make up for what he did

Creepz

Are we the baddies?

Chris Breezy

Bruh this is an HOUR! let's GOOOO

Creepz

Oh lol!

Alan Seawright

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mitchell and Webb. Not enough Americans know about them.

CinemaTherapy

"Why am I so bad at being good?" is such a mood. - Jono

Neocelestia

The amount of impact Iroh has on The positive aspects of Zuko’s journey… I hate to think of where the character would have ended up without him.

Wiwikiwi

Alan, you know Mitchell and Webb!!!

Erin n Stefan

Iroh is just goals to me, I want to enjoy hot spring baths and drink tea as my main vice

William Stollery

I always thought the HP books were a lot more fun than the films (excluding OOTP)! But tbf ATLA is specifically aimed at kids, whereas HP is more YA

Dirk Ewers

That episode is where it starts to fids it's groove. The jokes are really strong in that episode too. And thank god it resolves the Aang/Katara jealousy really quickly.

Catherine Ginn

I was so hoping there was gonna be a Mitchell&Webb reference!! Wonderful comedians - and now Mitchell has written a history book, which is also completely hilarious and a must read!!

Creepz

I have a friend i play Baldurs Gate 3 with who often goes " are we the baddies"

Smidge

"I'm bad, and that's good! I'm not good, and that's not bad!"

Alexis

Zuko rejecting Iroh kind of reminds me of people who reject therapists who accidentally try to dive in too quickly on things they aren't ready to talk about yet

Erin n Stefan

Iroh is the only person who shows Zuko unconditional love

Smidge

Or they're afraid they "don't need help" or that getting help is too good to be true.

Red MafiaPanda

I swear you could make a video on literally everyone and I find that crazy as a show with 61 episodes

Creepz

Woah! Never thought of the swords symbolic for zuko..

Catherine Ginn

It’s called Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England’s Kings and Queens. I recently used the first chapter in a reading lesson with some high school students, and they said it was the best history thing they’d ever read.

Catherine Ginn

He also did an interview with History Hit (on YouTube) about the book, and that is also pretty funny.

Erin n Stefan

The art design of the show is really incredible

Erin n Stefan

The fights are incredibly choreographed

Chris N

I love Alan's thoughts on the visual storytelling. ATLA does that so well

Alan Seawright

Jono and I are connoisseurs of quality action, and this show holds up INCREDIBLY well.

Creepz

Poor Azula

Smidge

🎶I get knocked down! But I get up again! You're neeever gonna keep me down! 🎶

Ian C

Small note: I recommend the graphic novels that continue the ATLA story, since one of them involves Zuko searching for his mother (I think it’s called “The Search”). Pretty solid as a series follow up.

Chris Breezy

Got an idea just now: Psychology of a Hero: The Iron Giant!

Creepz

Isnt there one where zuko and azula are aangs comrades n katara n sokka are baddies?

Erin n Stefan

I think I have at least one of the graphic novels… I buy books aspirationally so I don’t think I’ve read it yet but I’ll have to start

Alexis Popko

Dark Horse Comics. There are Legend of Korra ones as well which touch on LGBTQ+ issues within the 4 nations!

William Stollery

I don't know if you're familiar with British pantomime (it's a really specific genre of stage show), but it's a great example of how to do slapstick humour for kids while still appealing to adults! (VERY Princess Bride)

Smidge

The best "kids' shows" DON'T TALK DOWN TO KIDS.

Erin n Stefan

Lmao zuko’s level of self awareness could use some work

Dirk Ewers

People mention that every episode gives things to talk about: Nostalgia Critic did 10 Minute Avatar Vlogs after seeing every episode, it's wonderful seeing him fall in love with it.

Creepz

Maaan... Rip OG Iroh

Emily Snell-Salvaggio

This is exactly what fascinates me about ATLA though. It was “targeted” for kids, but is one of those shows that has elements for all ages to deeply appreciate

CinemaTherapy

Fun fact, Dave Filoni got Clone Wars because of his work on ATLA. Man knows how to take a silly kids show into grownup epic territory.

Pam Jackson

Hang on imma write that down

William Stollery

Amazing quote from Alex Hirsch I heard, when asked how he made Gravity Falls such a clever show for kids: "I don't think it's for kids, and I don't think kids are stupid"

Erin n Stefan

Zuko’s been modeled ego and power almost exclusively so it’s hard for him to function outside of that

Hamsa

GOD YES!

Grace Mangum

YES IROH PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Alan Seawright

Meaning, he got a bad life script, and had to re-write it. Not that this is a bad movie. It’s a GREAT movie.

Smidge

BATTLE OF THE CUDDLY FATHER FIGURES

Erin n Stefan

Iroh needs all the love, our hearts are ready for this

Alexis

The fact that zuko is totally unaware of his own feelings until the beach episode in season 3. I think him figuring everything out on his own and having that explosive moment of realization is so powerful

CinemaTherapy

Fun fact, Dave Filoni got Clone Wars because of his work on ATLA. Man knows how to take a silly kids show into grownup epic territory.

Chris Breezy

#based Not surprised it's already in the pipeline! See ya in Downtown Coolsville when that comes out!

Chris N

Live your life in a way that would make uncle Iroh proud...

Erin n Stefan

It’s wonderful for children to learn these kind of emotional lessons within the safety of fiction

Grace Mangum

The music, goodness gracious

Dirk Ewers

I like that he didn't get what he wanted

Alan Seawright

Okay, (writes note) Make Iroh Episode…

William Stollery

Oof. I needed to hear that, especially today. Thank you so much Jono 🙏

Alexis

I live in PA... I lash out at the weather daily 😤😤

Dirk Ewers

Wait, me liking to watch Zuko-Drama, make me a sadist?

Smidge

My dad is a shoot-first-ask-later type so my default has become, "This isn't working. What am I probably overlooking or goofing up?"

Mevyn

Oooof, I wasnt ready. Jono always puts it so well <2

Alan Seawright

I’m not! We are shooting again in January. We’ll film it then. Takes 3-4 weeks to edit!

Hikari Yamato

Lashing out at the weather… sounds like me every single time it snows xD

Creepz

Harsh truths

CinemaTherapy

Seriously, traffic is one of the few things that makes me angry

Dirk Ewers

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT?

sara perkins

If you don’t like traffic Jonathan, stay away from Los Angeles freeways

Deborah Olsen

This moment with Iroh ❤️💔

Creepz

"Why do noses run but feet smell" Oh that wasnt one?

Smidge

I have weirdly endless empathy and patience in traffic. Hubby... does not 🤭

Neocelestia

I love Iroh so much here

Smidge

How dare you come for my weird self and my perfect sister like this, r00d

Ian C

Awwww Alan….

Alexis

Iron is probably one of the only (on scren) members of the fire nation that can see the toxic culture of the nation he lives in. I wonder how he was able to get past the brain washing?

Mevyn

Awwwwwwww

Smidge

🫂🫂🫂

Dirk Ewers

Extreme traume that's what. He was part of the culture until his son died sieging Ba Sing Sei with him

Smidge

The Golden Child being a butthead because of the echo chamber of their perfection is strong here 🤭

Chris N

The loss of his son... and while it is never explicitly stated, I firmly believe his wife committed suicide after Lu Ten died.

Erin n Stefan

Even when your wounds heal the memory of them can still affect you imho

William Stollery

Alan: "idk how we'd diagnose Ozai" Jono: *immediately starts internally trying to diagnose Ozai* 😂😂😂

Creepz

Be yourself, everyone else is taken. Only one you

Neocelestia

Well crap…. Now I wanna reach through the screen and hug Alan… :( <3

ViyellaTheRarity

I'm not sure he did. He was a full blown loyal general until his son died and I think that gave him a chance to analyze what he was fighting for

Erin n Stefan

Zuko has the redemption arc I would have wanted for Snape or Draco in HP

Smidge

The power of *Jazz hands* CINEMA! 🎥

Pam Jackson

Yep. This is all very familiar.

William Stollery

Being exposed to alternative, valid worldviews and perspectives. By getting to know and care for people outside of his own culture, worldview and experience.

Hikari Yamato

My parents, at my early childhood, were quite strict and seems to be much like Alan’s parents. But by the time my younger brother came around and was growing up they’ve swung completely the other way and (felt like to me at the time) let him get away with just about everything that I never would’ve. And I resented both my parents and brother for that for most of my late teens and early 20s.

Erin n Stefan

I’m still working through that stuff myself with my parents. I don’t doubt they love me but I had a lot of anger toward them until the past couple of years because I did not feel prepared to be my own person

Deborah Olsen

“My parents can love me and what they did hurt me” oh man… that hit ><

Alexis

I relate to zuko in that aspect so much...no contact with my parents for 7 years now

Amy Robinson

I want to vacation on Crazy Pants Island

Creepz

Same.. when i took a good long look at my negative attributes to embrace them as me.

Jasmillio

It’s funny how our parents can sometimes teach us to believe terrible things about ourselves not just by what they say but what they’ve done.

Smidge

I definitely keep interactions with my dad on MY terms now. Game changer.

Grace Mangum

I never noticed that it's the two dragons!!

Dirk Ewers

Don't worry Alan, we are on crazy pants island together, the parties are spectacular

Ian C

You’re not alone, Alan. I’ve had illness tend to hit me after overcoming major obstacles for a number of years now.

Pam Jackson

I think I prefer blue vs red dragon to angel vs demon on my shoulders

Mevyn

Oh no, that it 100% a thing, Alan. I also have that reaction 😂

William Stollery

Nah, Jono, it's not a kid's show - it's a FAMILY show. It explores grown-up themes in ways that are accessible for kids but still teaches the adults something as well. Like peak Doctor Who or Star Trek

Alan Seawright

Uncle Iroh tea fixes EVERYTHING. Also Ted Lasso is right, and tea is hot brown garbage water.

Dirk Ewers

Haha, Jono dropped the funfact in chat 10 Minutes ago

Erin n Stefan

Iroh has explored himself and found beauty there and knows that others have beauty in them as well

Alexis

When I did CPT therapy that was VERY unpleasant. Totally worth it to get to the end though.

Emily Snell-Salvaggio

Literally drinking a hot cup of tea while watching this inspired by ATLA.

Smidge

A bestie of mine did the same and had major paradigm shifts. She was glowing and I was super happy for her 🥰

William Stollery

Katara? Giving speeches about hope? Idk, sounds kinda sus 👀

Alexis Popko

I don't mind at all. Cognitive processing therapy. It is a 12 week (ish) treatment for PTSD

William Stollery

Great Alex Hirsch quote I love, when asked how he made Gravity Falls such a clever show for kids: "I don't think it's 'for kids', and I don't think kids are stupid" SOOOO true

Alexis Popko

Thank you!! It was insane, I didn't think it would work as I had bene in therapy for 3 years at that point. But I felt like a completely new person after

Grace Mangum

Anyone who loves this series should check out the channel Hello Future Me! He does a TON of fantastic content on ATLA and Zuko 🥰

Smidge

BATMAN WAS A MASTERPIECE.

Alan Seawright

Not just Zuko either! Katara, Sokka, even Azula (for the worse). They all get to take their time and grow (or decay)

Creepz

This is what made me understand world building! Great channel!

Hikari Yamato

This is his dream with the two dragons made real!

Erin n Stefan

Damn, I never saw it. My parents didn’t let us watch shows with fighting in them. No Batman, no ninja turtles, no power rangers lol

tiassa

You have chosen....poorly

Creepz

Oh shit! The fire n water even looked like the dragons

Dirk Ewers

Azula's theme is so strong

Creepz

"I mean shes right" "Noooo"

tiassa

The best lies are the ones mixed with truth

Dirk Ewers

She's out of line, but she's right

Erin n Stefan

It always shows Zuko through the bars instead of Iroh, Zuko is in a prison and Iroh is still free

Creepz

Iroh-bi-wan kenobi??

Smidge

I love picking up in little visual cues like this, good shout ☺️

Dirk Ewers

Alan surely approves of prequel memes too

Alan Seawright

Memes are the only thing the prequels are good for. Same (ESPECIALLY) with Rise of Skywalker.

William Stollery

Few shows and moments have broken my heart like Iroh's heartbreak when Zuko rants at him. Very very similar to the scene in Harry Potter (OOTP). You can see in that his regret, heartbreak, and quiet. Alan's right, whatever the reason for it, it's _so_ powerful and moving.

Dirk Ewers

The Mako funfact also always needs to be mentioned. Also, Komodo chicken sounds absolutely crazy.

Hikari Yamato

I wanna say both? Iroh’s silence speaks volumes in the end.

tiassa

Zuko has what he wanted and regrets it, Dr Horrible could relate

Creepz

Wait... now bars on iroh... Is iroh now chained by his love for zuko?

Dirk Ewers

Ohhh, ember island cuts deep

Alan Seawright

Ember Island is my favorite place in ATLA.

Amy Robinson

I love how weird and awkward Azula is in this part

Creepz

The same cabbage merchant was cast for the live action series

William Stollery

"California High School but anime" Alan, if this isn't your next project I'm gonna be disappointed! 😂

Grace Mangum

Oh dang there's no zero Toph until now!

Deborah Olsen

The boulder is a The Rock similitude

Creepz

Fun fact! IIRC he was also jackie chan in jackie chan animated adventures, where jade also has azula haircut

Dirk Ewers

Say the line Zuko...

Jasmillio

Azula over here causing breakthroughs

Erin n Stefan

Azula has no doubts because she is a psychopath lol

Amy Robinson

It’s giving “Answer the question, Claire”

William Stollery

Nah, she'd say something like "I'm not just a queen, I'm THE MOST POWERFUL QUEEN IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!! BOW BEFORE ME, MORTALS!" Or, y'know, words to that effect 😂

Creepz

Fun fact when tai lee explains her fears, azula actually looks at her with subtle concern

tiassa

Man I love Grey DeLisle

William Stollery

We need to hear more about Alan lighting mountains on fire 👀

Smidge

I will say, I've found great stress relief in hucking the medicine ball around at the gym. Especially because contact sports would just get me squished like a grape.

Erin n Stefan

LOST dialogue is that way too, they’re always shouting over each other when they argue

Alan Seawright

Yep. Dialogue should be messy, except when you NEED clarity. Because conversation is messy. And natural is better than not, except when it isn’t. I should start a channel talking about film… 🤦🏼‍♂️

Creepz

OOOH the bar n face transition

Emily Snell-Salvaggio

I feel like all of us are focused on the bar transitions now lol. That’s so cool

Ian C

To be fair, I’d almost argue that a bit less realism makes Zuko’s breakthrough stand out a bit more for the audience.

Hikari Yamato

That’s my pet peeve with the English voice acting industry. Japanese does it much better, and we can learn a lot from them

tiassa

Alan wasn't one of the BYU students who set Y Mountain on fire with fireworks in the early 2000s was he

Dirk Ewers

Generational trauma and toxic family dynamics. Jono has his work cut out for him.

tiassa

Voice direction in English has improved ASTRONOMICALLY in the last decade or so, to be fair

William Stollery

Zuko healing his generational trauma through finding inner peace? That is, as I believe the kids say, "goals"

Dirk Ewers

Eh, Zuko is in the center of it. Ozai and his mom are not fully fledhed out. We get 58 minutws of Zuko trauma already.

Creepz

I hate the feeling of "i really want this! But.... i know its not me"

Hikari Yamato

“Why am I so bad at being good!” That line is soooo ridiculous but so relatable

William Stollery

How did an angsty, arrogant, firebending bother be seated at the right hand of the father?

Adam

"Zuko is the rocky of personal growth" is the best thing I've heard in so long

Smidge

"I can do this all day."

Grace Mangum

Wait wait wait this episode is almost over but we haven't seen THE SCENE

Chris Breezy

FINALLY HE IS A BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY

tiassa

Ooh. Are you really bad at that, or are you bad at meeting someone else's expectations of who you "should be" basically sums up my family dynamics

Grace Mangum

I 😭 WAS 😭 NEVER 😭 ANGRY 😭 WITH 😭 YOU 😭

Smidge

Gandalf cameo!

tiassa

HI DOG I LOVE YOU

Corinne

Thanks for doing this with us! Drops is fun! - producer Corinne

Smidge

Woo, party complete!

Erin n Stefan

Now I get to go back and watch it again lol

Chris Breezy

Well done fam, and Merry Christmas! This was a great gift, I appreciate it deeply

Amy Robinson

Och, thank you guys. This was awesome

Smidge

Hi Corinne! ☺️

Pam Jackson

That was helpful and painful. Thank you.

Vicki Lenoir

Aww, I made it only at the end....

Alan Seawright

This was a blast! Any notes for Patreon folks (who are lurking) on how they can improve Drops?

Hikari Yamato

Thank you CT team for allowing us to enjoy and experience this (pain) together

Red MafiaPanda

I think I lost the follow towards mid way and just realized this so a note if your following in real time or something to indicate this

Alan Seawright

Thank YOU for being here and supporting the show! We’re going to do more of these in future!

Hannah

I'm going to have to Bing avatar again now! Loved this!

Grace Mangum

This was so fun!! Thanks, boys!

William Stollery

Thank you so much everyone at CT (as well as Alan & Jono) for joining us! This has been great fun 😊 While I remember: it turns out Live Drops on Patreon are hard to stay "live" with, if you join late and try to catch up. I ended up being a bit further ahead than everyone else at times! Might be something to explore more in future? Definitely need more of them though, thank you so much for doing it guys! ❤️🙏

Vicki Lenoir

Hope there will be a next time!

Red MafiaPanda

This was a great present(jk just coincidence on it being on my bday)

Hikari Yamato

This! I wasn’t able to make it on time (damn you public transit!) and I had to fast forward to catch up to everyone else

Alan Seawright

I’m out folks. More episodes to prep for you! Also a script for a movie to write!

William Stollery

Best of luck with the writing! Been doing a script myself during this - thanks for the motivation 😊

Sean Goettsche

I keep meaning to watch this show all the way through, but keep failing that. I feel like the show is already spoiled to me, but I’ll eventually get around to actually watching…after I finish Stranger Things! 😅 It will then help me regain my honor!

Hamsa

When asking whether to do an episode on Iroh. Allow me to quote Edna Mode: Is this a question?!

Victor G. of Myth And Magic Artisans

Speaking of shows that look like they'd be for kids but isn't at all... BoJack Horseman is another show just like this! If you're ever up for binging another show for an episode, there's SO much to unpack in that show. It's such an adult show.

Alyson

I want ALL Avatar the Last Airbender content you can give us. Iroh, Aang, Azula, etc, give it to us!

Frankenfreak

I once gave myself a “nervous fever” like I was a main character in a gothic novel. It felt entirely plausible to me that Zuko would give himself one too.

Josh Jones

more avatar content like one on Azula, team avatar and iroh

N8tron97

another great video! One scene that wasn't touched on, but I LOVE is when Zuko apologizes to Iroh. and Iroh forgives him. And is proud of Zuko for finding his way back. That little scene shows (in my opinion) how far Zuko went from being prideful, to humble.

Sarukana

I would love to see y'all do more Avatar!

Smeeson

This was *so* good. Honestly feel like it helped me process some trauma. ❤️ Thank you guys!

Hunter Tober-McGivern

Love the episode! Kinda unrelated but just curious have Alan or Jono ever watched any material fron Daniel Sloss? I kind of get a George Carlin vibe from him where his comedy makes me think about life. If you guys have seen it curious on your opinion of his Jigsaw bit 🙂

Amy Petty

So I'm *really* curious. Seeing that this was your most requested episode (which I actually suspected was the case a while ago, given how insanely popular Airbender is), what was y'all's reaction after having seen the whole thing? Was there any kind of sense of "No freaking wonder people were pushing for this" or anything else?

Giorgina

Yes, do Iroh!

Starlight

It occurs to me that Sixth Sense would be a good candidate for your Movie Therapists videos.

Amy Petty

It's never stated outright, but very heavily implied that his son's death had a massive impact on how he saw the world. Never mind the, ah, dragon incident, which obviously would have changed him.

Amy Petty

It is specifically being IN the trauma that makes it PTSD. You don't develop PTSD from moving *past* it, after all. If you're not traumatized, there *is* no PTSD.

Amy Petty

You're not, though? Not by an extremely long shot. People talk about her issues on Reddit and in other fandom communities all the time. That her issues predate Ursa isn't EVER questioned. Not least because the show makes it abundantly clear that she had problems long before Ursa was banished. I don't think it can be reasonably argued that Ozai isn't the *core* reason why she is the way she is. Even if you argued that her personality was bent a certain way - she could have been a perfectionist monster while still having empathy for her brother, after all - you can't set aside the fact that she grew up in the same environment and was subjected to the same abusive ideology. The ONLY reason she didn't suffer the SAME kind of abuse that Zuko did is because she had the natural firebending talent that Ozai appreciated, and she made a specific point of cultivating that talent to gain his favor. I can personally guarantee you that she was motivated as much by a defensive need for self-preservation as much as she also reveled in her father's approval. Because she had internalized the same toxic beliefs about honor and glory that Zuko had, and she saw, through Zuko's treatment, the price of failure. She's the golden child and she'll be damned before she allows anything to strip her of that status. You can see this most plainly in one of the episodes near the very end where she exclaims to Ozai, "You can't treat me like this. You can't treat me like Zuko!" Finally, I feel like it's worth pointing out that there's a growing recognition that she is every bit as much a victim of abuse as Zuko is - not least because she's a FOURTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD in the midst of the series, which is easy to forget. There already *is* a planned redemption arc being planned for her within the comics, and buzz on the street is that the live action Netflix series is planning to incorporate one - although this is by no means confirmed.

Amy Petty

I don't think it's fair or accurate to say he's been raised in a cult. The problem is the cultural values of the Fire Nation. It's a militaristic warrior society with mores around honor and glory that lend themselves to being highly toxic if you don't live up to them. It's no different from any number of real world cultures that have specific dictates about what it means, for example, to be a "real" man, or what traits and behaviors constitute "proper" masculinity or femininity. Zuko was raised by an abusive father within a culture that has toxic ideas about honor. I think it's fair enough to acknowledge that cult leaders exhibit the *same kind* of manipulative behaviors as abusive parents do, but that's not quite the same thing as saying that Zuko was raised in cult, whether you're referring to his household or the Fire Nation more generally.

Amy Petty

I feel like it needs to be said that Zuko is going off of what he can see externally. Aang is a 12 year old kid and very clearly a 'bending prodigy. Zuko can see that, so his assumption is that Aang didn't have to struggle to learn and develop his abilities. That's what he's referring to when he compares Aang to his sister. He's not thinking about the kid's *personality* at all.

Amy Petty

I tried to watch Airbender years ago, just before the movie came out. All my friends had seen it, and there was all this buzz around it that I just had to see what the fuss was about. I made it about two or three episodes in before I couldn't take it. It was too slapstick and kiddish for me. I remember thinking that it could only have been that all the adults were remembering a favorite beloved goofy kid's show from their middle-grade years and it was nostalgia driven. But earlier this year a friend persuaded me to power through the first handful of episodes and assured me that I would be hooked soon enough. He turned out to be right, and I'm so glad I listened to him. This is a phenomenal show.

Amy Petty

I would absolutely not at all mind having some deep dive episodes that focus heavily, if not even exclusively, on your filmmaking analyses of the shows y'all watch. Or even split-pieces where half the show is Jono's therapy analysis of characters, and the other half is your explanation of filmmaking.

Amy Petty

Don't focus on anyone! Do 'em all! PROBLEM SOLVED, YOU'RE WELCOME. Right, I'll see myself out. *slinks out the back*

Amy Petty

For a minute there I thought you were talking about the live action Airbender. I was so confused, sitting here going "wait, when did THAT come up???" Spoiler: The movie absolutely IS bad. So, so SOOOOO bad. It's bad on its own, for someone coming into it without any knowledge of the original cartoon series at all. But if you HAVE seen the entire cartoon, the movie is a thousand times worse because they somehow manage to get EVERYTHING wrong about why the cartoon is so powerful and meaningful for people. To be very honest, Alan, I would actually love a deep dive from *you*, specifically, on the live-action Airbender movie, because I know you'd have a LOT to say about what they did wrong and how they could have done it better.

mrsuniiverse

I'm so glad this is the first thing I've gotten to watch as a new member. Avatar (and its sequel) has been so impactful on my personal journey and helped to shape who I am today. I would love a million videos on this series, but I would especially be interested in a villain therapy for Azula. She is a deeply complex character, who was raised in the same environment as Zuko and ended up taking a totally different path.

Matt

ABOUT DAMN TIME YOU COVERED A:TLA! But in all seriousness, I’m glad you guys finally got around to covering this show because it is just AMAZING all around I would not only enjoy seeing Jono take on our favorite firebending uncle Iroh, but I’d also love to see you cover Team Avatar (or the Gaang) since a lot of their journeys are quite fascinating, especially Sokka’s, and I’d love to see you try and therapize the rest of Zuko’s family… especially Azula. Fun fact regarding Jono’s favorite character The Boulder: He was voiced by Mick Foley, a wrestler in the WWE known for having several different personas throughout his career and he based his performance of The Boulder off of his tag partner and fellow WWE wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Now that you know that, Have A Nice Day!

dotsara

Yes! Iroh & Jono!

Michael Emerson

I was hoping you would catch one of my favorite bits of I suppose visual storytelling but during the scenes where Iroh is in prison the bars were mostly shown to be over Zuko.

Reylomemes

There are some things in this show that haven’t aged well(*cough* Kataang *cough*), but Zuko and Iroh’s stories are not among them.

Amy Petty

I really feel like you have to therapize Azula after Zuko, if only because her psychopathy (if it can be called that) is so stark and she has such a different response to abuse.

Dr. Gonzo

I feel like there needs to be a part 2, because you cut it right when Zuko joins Team Avatar, but you didn't cover his activities with the Gaang, or him confronting his father, and there's a LOT of character growth in those stories as well as payoff to the things you discussed in this video. That said, I get it, video's already an hour long, but there's still meat on those bones lol.

Rena nice

I would love to see you guys talk about Kenshin humora from "rurouni Kenshin" such a good character build and really good story

Rachel Spires

I started watching ATLA when I was well into my 20s, and my motivation to power through the slapstick first few episodes was the knowledge that THE CAVE OF ZUTARA was coming (that preview is what convinced me to binge-watch the rest of the series).

Rachel Spires

the irony is that suffering DOES teach zuko respect... but not for ozai, or fire nation imperialism. it teaches him respect for himself, and for all the people of the world.

Wayward Ace

Greg Baldwin took over the role of Iroh after Mako passed. Apparently when at conventions, people have asked him to sing “ Leaves on the Vine,” and he refuses to do so. Mako was the one who performed it, and so it is Mako’s song.

Michael Jones

I'd love to see a video on Azula. I once had a debate with a friend who was insisting she was just born bad, but I was of the opinion that she was just as abused as Zuko, just in a very different way. She had all her worst attributes praised and fostered, and she learned to crave that approval. Nobody gets to a full blown psychotic episode at the age of 14 on their own. Ozai destroyed her in a way he never managed with Zuko. Would love to hear Jono's take on that.

Monica Moore

I need more avatar therapy content lol especially about Zuko. Maybe a hero therapy about his journey after making his choice to be a hero.... 😁

Melanie

I would love to see more Alan’s cinema analysis in episodes, esp the YouTube cuts, always so insightful

Timo

Question for Alan: how is it even possible to have such an amazing recap episode? I always thought they have to be boring per definition. Yet "the Ember Island Players" maybe my favorite episode of the whole show. On a (even more) serious note: some characters - like Iroh - are so incredibly well written. Do authors for these kinda shows ask professional therapists to actually look over the scripts, or would these lines be geniously be from "just" an (amazing) author?

Ryan Bischoff

I was almost 14 when this show started and I’ve loved every moment!

Marie-Soleil Cha

It took me so long to watch this series and finally caught up during the pandemic. I loved the character of Zuko just like I loved Snape. The "bad guy" who really has good in him is one of the character types I will never get tired of. While I only live 8 feet away from Burbank, I can't help but feel immense pride when I realize that this genius series was made just around the corner. So awesome! Thanks for covering it. It was really worth going out of the movie realm just for a little while. I will be looking forward to seeing the live action remake on Netflix!

Monique es

I personally think you lacked some of our favorite moments because as soon as he joins team avatar he has beatiful interactions and the moment when he is affraid to ask for foregiveness from iroh and he expects him to be angry and iroh is just happy to see him in team avatar its awsome. Buuut this is just what I was waiting for, for so long I thought you would never do it but I cried with alan

Physco Dragon

Another little bit about Zuko’s dream sequence. Yes, the dragons are voiced by Iroh and Azula which represents his current conflict, but the dragons themselves represent his generational conflict. The blue dragon that is voiced by Azula resembles the blue dragon that Sozin had while the red dragon voiced by Iroh is the dragon that Roku would ride. Amazing how deep the writers and animators get with some of these scenes.

Ian Perez

Iroh episode when plz?

Sadie

YES AVATAR FINALLY!! Loved this episode so much! More please!!! :D

Anna Godlewski

I am SO excited you guys did this episode. I've been watching you guys since you started and I've been wanting you guys to cover ATLA since then. If you guys do do the Iron episode PLS cover the scene when Iron and Zuko reunite before the comet. It's one of my favorite scenes and I would love to hear what you guys have to say. As always, loved this video and can't wait to see more!!

Wayward Ace

Absolutely! I said it in the YouTube video, but Azula may have made her decisions, described herself as a monster, and she had no sense of honor (attacked Aang when his back was turned and attacked Katara during her Agni Kai with Zuko because she knew she would lose to him and that he would defend Katara) but she was still a product of her upbringing. She saw the emotional abuse Ozai put Zuko through, and she didn’t want to suffer that, who would? In fact, one of the last things she said to Ozai was that he couldn’t treat her like Zuko. Her uncle never took the time to get to know her like he did her brother, if he did, Iroh would have known she would never want a doll. Even Ursa treated her differently, imagine how different Azula may have been if Ursa had shown her the same care and compassion she gave Zuko.

KrissyArtist

I literally just finished my rewatch of Avatar and was hoping you guys would do a video on Zuko and look what I cam across today! I love it!

Blitz Cam

I don't wanna talk much about the ATLA live action movie. I'll just say it was the worst ticket to a movie theater I ever bought. Since not only did the movie story deviate from the show, by oversimplifying everything in the worst ways, and mispronouncing characters names, and the acting didn't stand out in a good way, which I'm not sure if that was the director's fault or the actor's fault. Probably both. Well enough said, there's plenty of videos that explain why the movie is awful, even if you completely detach it from the show.

Virginia Harp

Ok now we need a phsycology of a hero for Zuko. This was absolutely. Zuko might be my favorite character ive loved him zince his first episode. I could just sense there was something about him lol.

Erin

Loved this one!! I feel like the fire nation royal family just presents a huge opportunity for family therapy. I think toxic masculinity in Azulon and ozai and healthy masculinity in iroh would be a cool angle! And just looking at Iroh’s background from being a murderer and warmonger to just a quiet mentor trying to help Zuko get on the right path sooner than he himself did

Teo Ellis

I was just over the sky super excited when I saw in my feed that an Avatar: The Last Airbender character was FINALLY going to be cinema therapyied!! 😯🥰 Not that I would've hated you guys or anything if you never did lol, but yeah, Zuko is my favorite character because of his complexity and because he arguably had to overcome the most adversity in terms of growth and just how many stumbles and falls he went through. I only wish you guys showed and went over the scene where Zuko and Iroh reunite in the Order of the White Lotus camp towards end of season 3 and how heavily emotional it was. Many of the actors portray the emotional scenes well in their voices often through all seasons of the show but this scene is the one that always makes me tear up the most because it shows just the sheer amount of monumental love they have for each other and how it comes out so raw in their voices.

Teo Ellis

Good point. Her life is definitely a tragic story, as well. The difference is, she never gets or seeks redemption because she never has a truly positive guide in the form of Iroh or someone like Iroh. If she did, she might have become a good person or at least a better person like Zuko but she never does have that and thus, she goes full villain past the event horizon where there is virtually no hope for her because she never becomes of a mind where she even considers what she does/done is wrong.

Ramyasree Kummara

Hi I didn't see the show but I can relate to Zuko, But I relate to Zuko about Self love which I always think I am the black sheep in my family despite reaching new heights So I started to think everyone will leave me even I do good..Thanks for doing this..I should listen to my inner self

Jessica Meierhofer

YES!! Please do an episode with uncle iroh!!! ❤️

BlackAdder

Thank you so much for this episode I was one of these who kept begging for episode about zuko :D Personally I don't think zuko was that afraid of his father because he was powerful, I think he just didn't want to fight him because he was his father, he loved him and he wanted his approval. Episode about Iroh would be absolutely great. Imho he is something like reverse Umbridge. There aren't really people who like Umbridge and there aren't really people who hate Iroh. It's just physically impposible unless you are psychopath. There definitely should be some episode about Hook :D Batmsn TAS also has lot of potential :D

Nova Villmark

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I come on to find TWO HOURS of ATLA!? I can't just watch this casually. I need to have food, get comfortable, turn off all distractions, etc. I'm very excited.

Nova Villmark

Uncle Iroh is my freakin' hero. I was watching old MASH episodes and the actor that played him was a guest star. I kept staring and staring at him but couldn't recognize his face. It wasn't until I turned away and he spoke that I figured out it was him and even tho he was kind of a bad guy I simply had to love him anyway.

Rayne

Thank you for doing these avatar episodes I've been waiting for you to do episodes on avatar since you first started this channel. Obviously an Iroh vs Jono episode would be awesome

Nathan Bowman

Iroh, please!! I’ve watched this series at least once a year for the past 10 years. Zuko is my favorite, but Iroh is a close second!

Emily Sullivan

Would love you guys to do Family Therapy on The Mikaelson Family and Villian Therapy on Klaus Mikaelson from The Vampire Diaries/The Originals, but I know it's too long because it's across multiple seasons on 2 different shows, maybe one day though.

Scott Rutter

One of the fascinating things about Zuko's... "cinematography" is how Zuko is framed. Whenever he makes a bad decision, his scarred side is shown - representing a choice born of his trauma.

Chetan Bafna

Why didnt you cover his redemption?

Gg

Redemption has to be next now! I love the apology zuko had with iroh, such a vulnerable moment!

Scott Lukacovic

Probably because that would technically fall under Psychology of a Hero, which should make an excellent part 2

Tavern97

Yes! Please do one on Uncle Iroh! Thank you for this one on Zuko!

Sage La Planta

I love this!! Zuko is by far my favorite character. I want you guys to dig into Uncle Iroh and Azula next! I want to see Jono get challenged in therapy by Iroh LOL. I also want to see how you could’ve maybe possibly prevented Azula’s breakdown but I also just want to know what it is yknowv

Peter

Iroh and Jonno

Aracelis Santos Torres

I love the line where Iroh says “The Avatar gives Zuko hope” it’s such a defining moment for Uncle Iroh

Curtis Barrett

Now you have to do the REAL villain therapy for Azula

Rachel Spires

interestingly, when aang and zuko learn true firebending from the dragons, it's the red dragon shown behind zuko in his close-up during the dragon dance.

Allie H

I absolutely loved this show as a kid and it's so meaningful watching it as an adult too. I've compared ever redemption arc I've watched since to Zuko.

Amy Petty

Because that's his hero arc. It's one of the truly amazing things about Zuko - his journey from villain to hero is so complex and well done that you pretty much have to consider him from both angles separately.

Shadowkiller44

We need Iroh because he is the embodiment of someone who is interested in you, listens to you, offers his help to others unconditionally. In his words "Sharing tea with a facinating stranger is one of lifes true delights." I know the feeling of "Losing controll" from things like...losing acess to things you use daily on your computer, like one time cleared all my caches and when i tried to lock into twitch i had to authentise my account via my phone number. Some weeks ago i got a new phone number so i could not acess the SMS. Trying out everything i could i got more and more stressed as silly as that sounds because i got stuck at a problem i had no solution to and started to get more stressed out the harder i tried to brute force it SOMEHOW. I then tried to change my Phone number via a request by twitch, something that would take 2-3 days at best. Getting a slight headache already and lying down at some point i booted up my old phone that i used before just to see if THERE could by something i could do. The ammount of relieve when i discovered when my old phone had an authentication app with a code for twitch on it i got up and rushed to my pc, got to twitch, type in the code and EUREKA! IT WORKED! THE PROBLEM IS FINALY SOLVED!

Steevy

all right, if 500 of the comments are for which tv video ya'll should do next, I vote zuko's redemption arc. Fantastic job on both videos, I don't have the funds to stay a patron but if I contribute to something after christmas, it's to show my profound appreciation for those deep dives and to support the hopefully budding idea of producing more ATLA content ^.^

ThiccRoman

The single most painful thing I am dealing with in my own life right now is the reality that my mother loves me so, so much... And she has been the single most emotionally manipulative and hurtful person I have ever met. And she has hurt me emotionally in ways that are going to take so damn long to recover from. It's going to be okay. It just hurts.

Robin C.

Thank you for this episode! A friend of mine recently pointed out how rare Zuko is, given that he is a character with a full redemption who does not DIE to redeem himself but owns his mistakes and actually lives out what he's learned. It's so powerful.

Sydney Ozuna

Thank you so much for doing this episode. I think Zuko is probably the best written character of all time. He’s so unbelievably real, and I find so much hope in his story. One of my favorite things about Zuko is that he is always capable, but he’s not the best at anything. He’s just a guy who keeps trying and, with the help of those who truly love him, comes out on the other side of his trauma. Speaking of people who truly love Zuko, god I would kill to see an episode about Iroh.

Heather George

I always thought Zuko's grandfather, Firelord Azulon never meant to kill Zuko. He literally is very understanding of General Iroh's defeat in Ba Sing Se and the loss of his son. What he tells Zuko's father, and Azula over hears, is you need to "understand the loss of loosing a son." I always presumed it was a test on Ozai and most likely, Azulon was planning on putting Zuko in Iroh's care and one day possibly making him Iroh's heir. Remember Azula always lies. This is who we hear the story from.

Kate Ackerley

I loved this!!! I do see things a bit differently when Iroh stays silent in prison after Zuko comes in asking for advice. I have watched this series like 5 or 6 times already and it's just my general interpretation of it. I think everyone, including Iroh have always tried to influence Zuko one way or the other and he has come at a point in his journey where his decisions really have to be his own. Zuko already knows what the right thing to do is he just wants to feel validated by someone and I think Iroh is crying because it's so hard for him not to offer the advice, or the love, or the acceptance that Zuko so deeply desires at this moment, but he knows that Zuko must develop the strength to choose the right thing on his own, despite what anyone else, Iroh included might say. I think Iroh understands how powerful the approval of a father figure is for Zuko and he is somehow withholding the need to sway Zuko towards where he wants him to go, so that when he does, Zuko feels it's truly his own merit. Just a thought.

Ally Lambert

I would really LOVE a whole video on Zuko’s first days of being good, trying to win over the gang, what happens when he first joins team Avatar and stumbles a bit to fit in and earn their trust/friendship. And how he finally earns it with the 3 original members who he’s done wrong in the past. I’d love to see John and Alan talk about that. Bonus: A while back I found a very fiery and feisty abandoned baby kitten, I took him home and I named him Zuko because of his fiery temper. Then soon after I realized that he had a burn scar (from hiding on a hot car engine) on the left side of his face above his left eye, just like prince Zuko! I was shocked, this was fate.

Katherine Clarke

Yes please for the Iroh episode! So glad y'all did this episode about one of my favorite animated character's redemption arc.

Zaylon Sevias

SO...when is the Iroh episode coming out? Dying for this one! You guys better gush over how AMAZING of not only a character he is, but how such an INCREDIABLE role model he is for healthy masculinity. He is one of the BEST written characters EVER! With love Z.

Arya Kaiba

One of the most incredible decisions in story history in my opinion is having Zuko never be able to lightning bend when so many around him could. It really cemented his character and arc and is a relatively small but ultimately massively impactful feature!

Gabe Vermund

Don't be afraid to reuse clips, like the it's time for you to look inward in Ba Sing Se. So much to unpack, like Iroh and his stomach!

Gabe Vermund

I agree. It would be great to see how to approach apologies and making up for your past.

Katharine Kroeber-Wiley

Iroh! Iroh! Iroh! "What are you doing?" "I'm mugging you, old man!" (Doubtful look) "With *that* stance?" (In other words, an Iroh episode please!) Though also, Zuko! Such an incredibly written (and acted) character. The original AtLA is so amazing. It has its lesser moments, but they are few and far between. I watched it with my kids, and I'm so grateful for that experience. (And of course we've re-watched it many times.) It's so well, and so maturely, written, indeed far better than many things meant to be for adults.

Lisa C

Finally watched this, so good! So glad that you guys immediately started working on an Uncle Iroh episode after this and Aang 😊 I wonder how you all liked the live action? I thought it was okay, and hope to see them live up to the potential in seasons 2 and 3; it was great seeing them greenlit for it. Looking forward to the episode on Uncle Iroh later this month 🍵

Amata Kaiba

It was confirmed later in the comics that Azulon absolutely did order Ozai to kill Zuko. His mother had experience as an herbalist, and made a deal with Ozai that he would spare Zuko if she poisoned Azulon that night and banished her afterward. It’s a rare case where Azula was in fact telling the truth.

Chloe lynn

Zuko's Book 2, lone ranger/samurai/cowboy storyline is one of my all time favorite things in the world.

Omri Yiftah

I think I can somehow relate to the part of the metamorphosis and that personal growth hurts. A few years ago I was in a situation where I felt like I was being rejected by everyone around me and I kept pushing people away because of that. I sank into depression and got these anxiety attacks thinking about having to meet those people (I was in a commune so I lived with them). It all exploded when we went to group therapy, and I shared all my fears and anxiety with them, along with the feeling of rejection. And at first I hurt them when sharing that. They felt attacked. But I think it's something that I needed to happen, that I needed to get out of my system. Because these were not a reflection of reality but it's still what I felt, and they learned to accept that. I started going to therapy since then and learned to put less value in what other people think of me, but it wasn't easy, it was even ugly sometimes. I'm still not entirely there, I'm not sure I'll ever will be, but I'm learning to accept these insecurities as part of myself and not the whole, and that helped me and my relationship with the people around me, and I think I'm better for that.

ardian rarang

I just went through this as well. I was rejected by my family in my early childhood and isolated myself from them when I was old enough to live in my own. For years, I avoided interacting with them as much as possible. It was until I also went through depression and therapy that I decided to confront them. Just like your experience, they didn’t see it the same way I did. I reconciled with them and now I talk with them more often. I still have some inner growth to finish as my old mindset still seeps in, but no path is ever straight. I feel better knowing someone else has gone through the same thing I went through. Thanks for sharing

Stephen B Baines

My mom WAS Katara, and maybe a bit of Aang. She was deeply hopeful, and emotional, deeply committed to nonviolence, and she refused to judge other people unequivocally. She was steadfast in her support for "others." I hear her voice every day, and I swear that she sounds like Katara in my mind - caught between empathetic emotion and fear of other's intentions toward the less fortunate. She taught those values to us, almost to a fault.My dad was Zuko, a child of of a violent Texas childhood, though I think he wanted to be Aang in his heart. But, as a former fundamentalist fire and brimstone preacher as a child, he was more a Zuko, tortured by expectations visited on him by a culture he did not agree with in the end. I did not realize the connections to these characters until I saw this.

Meg W.

Zukooooooooooooo! Good lord I freaking love him so much.

Kaitlyn Tiara Domec

PLEASE on the Iroh episode! He's suuuuuch a good character and a perfect example of non-toxic masculinity! Also- I think part of why Zuko wants to channel lightening so badly in the scene where he is yelling at the storm is to prove to Iroh- and himself- that there isn't conflict within him and he does still want his father's approval above all. The internal conflict is eating at him and he's holding on so hard to his previous beliefs (because changing them is scary and a ton of work). Iroh told him he would be unable to channel lightening until he resolved his inner turmoil so he wants to prove to himself that he still holds those fire nation values dear and his loyalty is not wavering. I also love how when Zuko dreams, he sees himself without the scar which is a pretty visual defining characteristic of his "dishonor".

MaxCool2009

Oh my gosh, I was so disappointed.You guys never showed the part.And talked about the part where zuko finally meets back up with uncle airo.That literally made the entire show for me period that I watched the series over and over and over again just to get back to that part.

Frankie Doodle

Love that Aang’s old friend Kuzon and Zuko’s name are so damn close to each other. Love it!

Ester

YOU DIDN'T INCLUDE THE SCENE WHERE ZUKO STANDS UP TO HIS FATHER DURING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE???? WHYYYYYY??? I think that's the true end to this

Ester

You had a video on anastasia confronting her trauma demons but didn't include zuko confronting his?????????? That was such an EPIC scene!!!!! I got patreon in the hopes that scene was included here!!!! Noooooooooooo

Patrick Schutte

Dear guys, why didnt you include the scene of Zuko confronting his father? I think it was a Pinnacle point for him to confront his biggest fear (wanting the love and approval of his father) and finally standing for who he is and wants to be.

Heather George

It has been a while since I read the comics, but I still intrepret it the same way. Zukos Mom hears this from Ozai and Ozai manipulates for his own ends. This is the way I see it in my head. It may be different in reality. My brain can't marry a man that is mad at one son that is using the death of his nephew for ambition and then order him to kill his own son. Why bother being mad at Ozia's insensitivity in the first place.

hrdina_teryk

I've always thought that the "I have changed" bit was meant as a link to the North Pole episode, where Katara defeated Zuko — you know, in a 'I have changed, now I will defeat you' kinda way.