In the first half of this two-parter (which basically act as their own episodes), we get a glimpse at the spiritual side of Avatar, while also seeing more evidence of Zuko and Iroh's close bond and Firebending skills. This new aspect is a great addition to the show's universe, and it's one of the best episodes so far.
On their road trip, Team Avatar come across a forest that has burned down, followed by a town in need of Aang's help. With the solstice approaching, the physical and spiritual worlds are growing closer together, and a malevolent spirit is abducting townspeople. As the Avatar, Aang is the bridge between worlds but has no idea how it works yet. After Sokka is abducted, Aang's attempts to find the spirit result in him being transported to the Spirit World, where he comes across the animal companion of Avatar Roku, his predecessor. The dragon-esque creature leads Aang to a temple where he will be able to communicate with Roku on the solstice, soon approaching. Learning the angry spirit is that of the burned down forest, Aang imparts wisdom that someday the forest will return, and the creature (revealed to be a huge panda-type bear) leaves and releases everyone. A simple story introducing a more complex and spiritual aspect to the story, this is very well done and a new and interesting addition. Elsewhere, Iroh is captured by Earthbenders, and Zuko temporarily gives up pursuing Aang to save his uncle. Their ensuing battle with the Earthbenders shows the duo's synchronization and closeness, and it's a neat subplot to pass the time. With Team Avatar having to go into the Fire Nation to find the temple where Roku is, an interesting premise for the next episode is set up.
Altogether, the addition of the spiritual aspect to Avatar (a long-running theme in the show) is a fascinating and intriguing one, and handled quite well here. Both stories are simple but pulled off quite well, and it's one of the best early episodes of the show.
On their road trip, Team Avatar come across a forest that has burned down, followed by a town in need of Aang's help. With the solstice approaching, the physical and spiritual worlds are growing closer together, and a malevolent spirit is abducting townspeople. As the Avatar, Aang is the bridge between worlds but has no idea how it works yet. After Sokka is abducted, Aang's attempts to find the spirit result in him being transported to the Spirit World, where he comes across the animal companion of Avatar Roku, his predecessor. The dragon-esque creature leads Aang to a temple where he will be able to communicate with Roku on the solstice, soon approaching. Learning the angry spirit is that of the burned down forest, Aang imparts wisdom that someday the forest will return, and the creature (revealed to be a huge panda-type bear) leaves and releases everyone. A simple story introducing a more complex and spiritual aspect to the story, this is very well done and a new and interesting addition. Elsewhere, Iroh is captured by Earthbenders, and Zuko temporarily gives up pursuing Aang to save his uncle. Their ensuing battle with the Earthbenders shows the duo's synchronization and closeness, and it's a neat subplot to pass the time. With Team Avatar having to go into the Fire Nation to find the temple where Roku is, an interesting premise for the next episode is set up.
Altogether, the addition of the spiritual aspect to Avatar (a long-running theme in the show) is a fascinating and intriguing one, and handled quite well here. Both stories are simple but pulled off quite well, and it's one of the best early episodes of the show.
