In order to close out the first season properly, I figured I’d count down my favorite episodes this season. It was sort of difficult, but I’ve made my choices!

5. The Winter Solstice

You have no idea…

For a while, I didn’t enjoy this one. However, aside from Imprisoned, this was the one episode that showed how far the world had fallen out of balance. Whereas Imprisoned showed the gritty effects of the war on the people of the world, this two-parter shows up that how the spirits are affected by the war.

Not only that, but it injects hope into the story of good versus evil in regards to the forest having the potential to grow back. It also introduced the main plot of the show, as well as the main goal of the protagonists. It showed the audience that there was more to this show than fancy moves and kid comedy. And the ideas it introduces about the afterlife, balance, and war are in sharp focus here. This is what I wanted more of from this season.

4. Jet

Everyone has a troubled past

Again, this is another episode that showed how the war affected the people of the world, including Jet and his Freedom Fighters. Whereas Sokka and Katara have each other, their grandmother, and father, Jet had everything he held dear burned to the ground. This isn’t to justify his actions in this episode, though. Jet was willing to murder innocents to strike an insignificant victory over the Fire Nation.

The implications here are terrible. What if Jet succeeded? The Fire Nation probably would have retaliated by burning the entire forest down. I guess it’s good the Aang intervened. However, this episode provides a more serious look at someone who has been directly affected by the war and how their actions affect others.

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