Avatar: The Last Airbender: Season 2

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

I watched this show a few years ago and really liked it and said it was the best animated show out there. Now, after a re-watch of season 2, I am kinda just wondering if it's not just the best show ever period? It's definitely in my all-time pantheon and likely going to be an annual re-watch.

This season is honestly perfect. Where season 1 had some episodes you could probably skip, this season is 20 perfect episodes that either move the plot forward or develop characters in important ways. Now that I know the final result, it is so cool to see how they lay the groundwork to get there. I firmly believe this show to be a masterclass in storytelling and character development and should be something schools teach in writing classes. There are so many interesting dynamics going on here between characters, but in this show the most compelling dynamic will always be within the characters themselves. I also had my mind blown when I discovered Aang's voice actor was a literal child. What range! I truly have not been able to watch this show in the same way since this discovery. That is truly a multifaceted talent, displaying huge ups and downs, all the while being genuinely funny.

Like I said, there are no bad episodes, but I think my highlights are still Cave of Two Lovers (mostly cuz it's entertaining), Zuko Alone, Appa's Lost Days, Lake Laogai, and then of course the finale, The Crossroads of Destiny, which is a true Empire Strikes Back moment filled with huge impact. And yet? None of these episodes approach Tales of Ba Sing Se which I am still nowhere near recovered from. Just the first four notes from Leaves from the Vine make me tear up.

I am wondering now if season 2 is the best season, especially because everything that happens in Ba Sing Se is truly magical and might be peak Avatar. Yet I know by the time credits roll on season 3 I'll be feeling the same there. Iroh still reigns supreme as the show's best character, and the brief moment he shares alone with Aang was a treasure, but I'll readily admit that Zuko is the most important character and the emotional thrust for everything I feel.

Man, this show is a gift.

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