I have thoroughly enjoyed the next couple of episodes of the live-action series version of “Avatar”. Here are my top things to note: 

1. Iroh the Foodie

In the midst of trying to hunt the Avatar with Zuko, trying to fend off various foes, and trying to persuade Zuko to be a better man, somehow, at every place he visits, Iroh finds a local cuisine that captivates his attention. Not only does this function as comic relief, but it characterizes Iroh as someone who takes it easy and cares about the little things. Rather sweet of the old man, I would say. 

2. Zuko and Iroh, better than father and son

We also get, in these episodes, a little more of this duo’s back story, including how Iroh’s son Lu Tan died in a battle and how Zuko comforts him in the moments of grief after. We see a rather warm side of Zuko as he sits with his uncle, offers his condolences and kind words about Lu Tan, giving some hope to Iroh that everything will turn out okay. Later, we see Iroh volunteer ro join Zuko on his quest to find the Avatar in spite of this meaning that Iroh, too, might not be able to see his home for many, many years. Iroh’s willingness to go with Zuko, not only as a mentor but as a friend, is proof that the real home for this duo is not with the fire nation but with each other. 

3. Kyoshi’s Comeback

This one, I did not expect, and yet, perhaps, I should have. At the end of Episode 2: “Warriors”, Kyoshi, after having a long conversation with Aang about the duties that being the Avatar entails, takes over his body and fends off the Fire Nation’s soldiers. Watching the glowing eyes and the kickass bending moves was epic. A must-watch scene. 

4. Sokka and Suki 

I ship them so hard! Suki is a diva whereas Sokka is a damsel who turns into a warrior because of her motivation. Their lust for one another is evident in their banter, their light touches, and of course in their epic kiss at the end of Episode 2 before Sokka leaves with Aang and Katara to continue their quest. I look forward to seeing Suki on screen again. 

5. Bumi, a long lost friend

His eyes tell us all: this guy is a maniac. With a terrible sense of humor, might I add. But I think it is so bad that it is good. What I appreciate about this character’s arc is that King Bumi of Omashu is someone Aang knew when they were both children. Not only does Aang function as a reminder of Bumi’s childhood, before being king to a broken nation took a toll on him, but Bumi is the representation of who Aang might have become had he stayed to bear the burdens of the hundred years’ war with the Fire Nation. But, the eventual mutual recognition that in spite of the circumstances, they are capable of youthful warmth, humor, energy, and strength serve as a hope that dwells between them. 

I do want to note here that as heartwarming as I found Aang handing over the childhood gift he got from Bumi, the bison whistle, to remind Bumi of who he used to be and of their friendship, I thought the execution of this particular plot point was done poorly. If Aang had the whistle all along and knew that showing it to Bumi should make him a good guy, why not reveal it sooner? Like when he was first jailed? I also felt there was a predictability to the whistle moment that made it anticlimactic and too soft. Perhaps better would have been the whistle accidentally falling out of Aang’s pocket and then Bumi realizing what a mistake he had made by treating Aang as the enemy. Much more plausible. 

6. Oma & Shu, a lesbian love story 

Less than the fact that they included a lesbian love story within the mythology of this realm, I loved that it was built into the narrative so smoothly without being some spectacle. It is always nice to see in fiction LGBTQ+ and other topics that have been stigmatized for so long included with such acceptance and normalcy. That is the definition of progress. Also, the myth of Oma and Shu itself is rather heartwarming and heartbreaking all the same, a beautiful combination. 

Well, that is it for this installment of the “Avatar” reviews. I will be back with one final “Avatar” review next edition, offering my thoughts about the last four episodes and the entire first season as a whole.