Avatar: The Last Airbender: Season 3

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

Phew, what a ride. I remember season 3 being hands down the best season, but I started having my doubts when we started. It has a pretty strong start, especially with the Foot Loose episode and Aang saying "flameo hotman," but after the strong story beats from season 2, season 3 takes some time to get going. I think it really embraces humor after a more serious season 2, and oddly enough I watch this cartoon more for its emotional story moments than its entertainment. So yeah, I'm going on the record and saying season 2 is the best ATLA season.

But HOLY HOTMAN this season ends strong and achieves higher highs then basically anything in television. We actually booked our apartment theatre and watched the last 4 episodes in one go, and it was one of my favorite watching experiences. What an incredible combination of action, high-end animation, music that moves you, and then awesome performances by a bunch of children! The red sky backdrop is so eerie and it has a lot of Frodo in Mordor vibes.

I think there are a lot of special things this season does, and it mostly starts with Zuko who has always held this show together. Yet somehow his conflict is upstaged by Aang's own internal conflict. What a terrific examination of such a serious topic inserted into a kids show. The way they handle that is exceptional. It's rare for a main character to be so compelling, especially in a kids show where the main character can be kinda a vanilla good guy, but man Aang is so interesting on his own.

So yeah, this season is nearly perfect, but my highlights outside of Sozin's Comet 4 episode finale are going to be Headband, The Beach, The Avatar and the Firelord, The Firebending Masters, and then the Ember Island Players which is truly hilarious. But I think the best episode here might be the Puppet Master. So creepy! This season also cements Katara and Suki as certified babes, and dare I say Azula too? I just feel like I could fix her.

In the end though, I really just wish there was more Iroh. Would have loved a conversation between him and Aang about the issue. Season 3 rocks, but RIP Mako. Would have loved to see you here.

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