Avatar is full of epic action, high-stakes drama,
and a history spanning thousands of years.
So how did an episode with none of those features become such a fan favorite?
Our first tale is the story of Katara and Toph,
who didn't exactly start off on the best note.
The stars sure are beautiful tonight.
Too bad you can't see them, Toph.
They haven't been fighting as much recently, but a trip to the spa
would be the first time they actually felt like friends.
[screaming]
One of the good things about being blind is that I don't have to waste my time
worrying about appearances.
I don't care what I look like.
I'm not looking for anyone's approval.
I know who I am.
That's what I really admire about you, Toph.
You're so strong and confident and self-assured.
And I know it doesn't matter, but... you're really pretty.
- I am? - Yeah, you are.
Part of what makes Toph an amazing earth bender
is that she can use her abilities to tell when someone is lying.
I can feel his breathing and heartbeat.
When people lie there's a physical reaction.
He's telling the truth.
So when Katara told her that she was pretty,
she knew Katara was telling the truth.
And after that moment, they would be friends forever.
Thank you, Katara.
Ow!
Iroh was already a fan-favorite character before the tales of Ba Sing Se.
But this chapter in his story is what made him truly unforgettable.
Iroh spent his entire day helping people
from shop owners to young children and even someone who tried to mug him.
What are you doing?
- I'm mugging you. - With that stance?
What? What are you talking about?
Just give me your money, old man!
With a poor stance you are unbalanced and you can be easily knocked over.
Hey could have destroyed that mugger even without his firebending.
Instead, he decided to help him.
While it is always best of believe in oneself,
a little help from others can be a great blessing.
Iroh wasn't always the peace-loving,
tea-drinking wise man we've all come to love.
He used to be a great general for the Fire Nation.
In fact, the last time Iroh was in Ba Sing Se,
he was there attempting to conquer the city.
My beloved Lu Ten, I will see you again.
But he abandoned the siege after losing one of his soldiers.
His own son Lu Ten.
If only I could have helped you.
♪ Leaves from the vine. ♪
♪ Falling so slow. ♪
♪ Like fragile, tiny shells drifting in the foam. ♪
♪ Little soldier boy, ♪
♪ come marching home. ♪
♪ Brave soldier boy, ♪
♪ comes marching home. ♪
During the tail of Aang, we got to see all sorts of the crazy animal hybrids.
Rabaroos and hog monkeys.
Platypus bears. Oh, my!
My ca--!
Oh, forget it!
We also got a chance to see Aang's earthbending progress,
and it's gotten much, much stronger.
He literally created an entire zoo from scratch.
How do you like your new facilities?
Excellent job, Avatar.
You should think about working with animals for a living.
Mommy, Ms. Snowflake got out of the house again.
Fluffykins? What are you doing down there?
On second thought, you should probably stick to saving people.
[nervous laughing]
The 5-7-5 Society is not to be trifled with.
Their tight security and strict teachings
make it an extremely intimidating establishment.
Unless you're Sokka.
Five, seven, then five syllables mark a haiku.
Remarkable oaf.
They call me Sokka,
that is, in the Water Tribe,
I am not an oaf.
Whole seasons are spent mastering the form, the style.
None calls it easy.
I calls it easy!
Like I paddle my canoe,
I'll paddle yours, too!
This is the closest we get to a four nation's rap battle,
because the crowd decides the victor.
That's right, I'm Sokka.
It's pronounced with an "akka".
Young ladies, I rocked ya!
Uh, that's one too many syllables there, bub.
Poetry.
Aww, it's Zuko's first date.
- What do you like to do for fun? - Nothing.
He spent the last three years of his life in banishment,
so of course it was going to be a little awkward.
You have... quite an appetite for a girl.
Um, thanks?
Even though Zuko seemed super mopey, he was genuinely having a good time.
It's just hard to keep up with Jin's unmatched enthusiasm.
I haven't practiced for a while.
It's alright.
What's wrong?
It's complicated. I have to go.
We never Zuko with Jin again after that.
All we know is she was in Ba Sing Se the day the Fire Nation took over.
She was still at the tea shop, waiting for him to return one day.
How was your night, Prince Zuko?
It was nice.
Everyone remembers how upset and angry Aang was
when Appa was captured by the sand benders.
And rightfully so.
They were best friends.
I guess this means we'll always be together.
But so was Momo.
Appa was the only one Momo could talk to.
Momo went on his own search for Appa.
There were glimmers of hope here and there, but the trail was ice-cold.
Momo experienced a much darker side of Ba Sing Se
compared to everyone else in this tale.
He met some less than friendly pygmy pumas,
got dragged into a street show,
and was captured by a city butcher!
But he did make some friends along the way.
[music playing]
This was the first sign of Appa in weeks!
The trail was hot and Team Avatar had no idea.
That wraps up this episode breakdown.
Which tale was your favorite?
Let us know in the comments and keep watching for all things Avatar!