I'm sure everyone had no idea at the start of the first season how deep and introspective this series would go. For a western kids show, it's definitely head and shoulders above the rest in terms of maturity and storytelling.
Zabon
2023-09-17 12:08:10 +0000 UTC
So many great moments this episode. From that scene with Jet and everyone, to Appa's reunion, and of course Zuko and Iroh's talk under the lake. Between this episode and Iroh's tale from episode 15, I honestly think they are Mako's best VA work in the show. This is also one of the few times we're ever heard Iroh raise his voice. The other most notable time was to Zhao at the North pole.
His message to Zuko is an incredibly powerful one, and one that I, and I imagine a lot of others can relate to. I have certainly felt like there was a certain path I had to take in life, or certain expectations to live up to that were initiated by my parents. And while they mean and want the best for me, it doesn't mean that I have to follow that path.
As Iroh tries to convince Zuko, telling him that he should decide his destiny, not follow one he feels obligated to because of his family. Such a fantastic episode.