"But you make it so easy."

[ebonlock]

In a word, awesome. I liked that they dropped us into the story after a few weeks as if we too had been unconscious along with Aang. It worked extremely well with the story we were getting with our heroes, though it was a little frustrating in Zuko's story. I mean the kiss between him and Mai seemingly comes out of nowhere and isn't at all explained. Did they already have a relationship prior to his banishment and are they just picking up where they left off? Or is this something new that's happened between them? Is Zuko just desperate now that he's lost Uncle Iroh? Loved that Zuko started being his angsty self and Mai totally cut him off at the knees. Just a short exchange between them but I already kind of like the pairing. She knows how to push his buttons but actually really cares for him unlike Azula. Speaking of, does Azula know? I'm inclined to think not given her comment about Mai being unnaturally happy and seeming to be confused about that.

Still, with Azula, who knows?

Speaking of her, I'm still not clear on why she brought Zu-Zu back with her. What's she up to by bringing her only real competition for the throne back into the fold? Sure it makes a certain amount of sense given her concern that the Avatar might have survived and she's planning ahead with a fall guy if it happens. Ok, fair enough, but she didn't seem even vaguely concerned about it until they got back to the Fire Nation. I think she was telling the truth about her reasons for making Zuko out the hero to daddy dearest, but I still don't get why she wanted Zuko back. I'm going to be fascinated to see how her schemes pan out.

Also liked that the big reveal on Ozai turned him from this boogeyman-type figure into just a regular kind of guy. You could easily see Aang laying the smackdown on a monster, but how is he going to find it within himself to just kill this regular guy.

I thought the Aangst was well handled, though I found it interesting that Aang only mentioned his failure at Ba Sing Se rather than his failure with the Guru. Liked Katara's anger at her dad, though I really thought she should've shared a little of it with Aang once she found him. He totally deserved at least a little yelling at. I mean sure, hug him first then give him a good hard shake and let him know what'll happen to him if he does it again.

Sokka managed the quote of the episode, yet again, though Toph is starting to hold her own with him. Gods I want those two hooked up some day (in a few years when they're both old enough, of course). The battle on the ship was a thing of beauty to behold. Aang's anger and frustration at not being able to strike back against the Fire Nation was totally believable. Toph's metal bending continues to hold me in awe, and Jesus Katara is a force to be reckoned with these days. Do not fuck with the ladies on this show. Seriously.

I've watched the episode twice so far catching fun little details each time I do. And we spent a good hour and a half discussing what had happened last night amongst ourselves. And moonlightnrain did an amazing job hosting the premiere, even including candles and snacks for each of the nations. We've decided this is now a weekly treat to ourselves and I'm hosting this next week. Can't believe we're going to have to wait a whole 6 freaking days for the next one!

Comments

[aelfsciene.livejournal.com]

I managed to find a copy (but only one, alas) of the magazine at Legends when I picked up my comics (7 months worth, alarmingly). I didn't know it had backstory, I'm even more glad to have found it! So I'll read it this week and bring it along on Friday to share, at least. B&N had zero clue about it when I stopped in yesterday, so that was a dead end. Lee's might be a good possibility, though.

Jim watched 16 episodes of season one over the weekend. I might be able to host next week, after all! ^_^

[ebonlock.livejournal.com]

I saw the scans of the pages so now at least I know they were a couple previously. And as I say they kind of work for me so I'm not too upset about it. Saw a great icon yesterday I almost grabbed: Maiko, it's canon now!