Idk if you normies will get to read this, but I thought I'd explain a couple things. In the scene where young Roku and Sozin were playing in the grass, Roku trips backwards over a tree root. Sozin stops his fall, but then let's him fall over in the end. This is a direct foreshadowing of the end of the episode. Sozin came to Roku's aid during the volcano eruption, but ending up letting him "fall" in the end. The writers used very clever film techniques during the conversation between Iroh and Zuko. In every shot of Zuko, he is shown to be behind bars and in the dark, while Iroh is always shown to be in the light and free. Even though Iroh is the one in jail, Zuko is the one who is mentally trapped. Iroh explained the path to redemption.

Aang to Zuko: "Do you think that in another life, we could have been friends? " - From Season 1, "The Blue Spirit"

Zuko's story is like the reverse of sozin. Sozin started out as a friend then became evil and died searching or the avatar. Zuko started out as a bad guy searching for the avatar then becomes a good guy. A friend.

Most people forget this but the part where Katara asks if they have bathrooms in the spirit world and Sokka responds with “as a matter of fact, they do not” is actually genius because when Sokka was captured into the spirit world the first thing he said upon release was “I really need to use the bathroom”

Mike and Bryan were the creators of the show's concept, but a lot of the deep, intensely GOOD writing comes from head writer Aaron Ehasz and his wife Elizabeth Ehasz. Avatar wouldn't be Avatar if it weren't for them and their writing crew, they deserve just as much credit tbh!

The reveal of roku being zuko's grandfather was such a mind blow that nahid couldnt even get a daaaaaaaaaaaayumn out XD

I never get tired of how great this episode is.

The final chakra was about your willingness to let go of the world, not a demand that you had to let go. The avatar is allowed to have romantic connections but if it is required of him, he must be willing to let them go for the sake of the world.

Everyone forgets that Azula is also a decendant of Avatar Roku, which is why she's such a naturally talented firebender. The merging of the 2 families started with Ozai marrying Ursa, which was a conscious decision by Azulon and Ozai. Not too confusing.

he went for the rescue because even after 25 years those were his instincts to help his friend - but he let desire get the best of him

Toph's question at the end of the episode :(....oh how she loves her friendship with the gang and ....twinkle toes!!!

I think Sozin really wanted to help Roku at first, but when Roku fell he considered the other possibility. It reminds me of Zuko's decision in the Book 2 ending.

Aang steady roasting 😂 himself meaning avatar roku on 5:53 "look it's that girl that didn't even know that you were alive". I'm done aang stay roasting

"Some friendships are so strong they can even transcend lifetimes"

"Some friendships are so strong they can even transcend life times" **SOBS IN KORRA**

"Hey everyone, Zuko here."

Sozin didn't "turn bad" necessarily, his ego just grew beyond its means. He was a man in a powerful position, leading the most advanced nation in the Avatar world. Sozin genuinely believed that imperialism was for the benefit of all nations, *our country is so great, how about we spread that greatness?* was his mindset. He wasn't evil, but because of the distinct choices he made and the way he rationalized those choices, he wasn't a good man. As they say, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. He changed once he became Firelord, or more so, his inner self came to fruition then.

11:18 Just now noticed the small detail of how the camera pans from Zuko's scarred side to unscarred as Iroh reveals to him Roku was his other great grandfather.

AtLA is such a great show. The scenes with Zuko and Iroh are amazing, even though Iroh is the one in jail, every shot of Zuko is seen in the dark behind bars, and every scene with Iroh is in the light with no visible bars.

Umm for future context (and since I'm a nerd) the avatar is told he or she is the avatar at the age of 16. Aang found out young because the world was going into imbalance.

"Some friendships are so strong they can even transcend lifetimes" 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Avatars naturally get told of their heritage at 16, Aang was an exception because of the Fire Nation's invasion plans against the world. 'Bitter Work' was also the title of the episode where Aang learned Earthbending (thus being the first time Aang used all 4 elements without the Avatar state; since he mastered air and water and used fire once when he burned Katara). There's also the theme of the Red and Blue Dragon again, the evil blue dragon being Sozin's steed, Zuko's lineage to Roku was also foreshadowed in Zuko's fever dream - when Zuko saw himself with Aang's arrow. However, Sozin did initially intend to save Roku, it's just that when he saw Roku dying he realised that Roku was his sole opposition to his plans, and without him he's free to go forth with his plans. Family tree is simple; Sozin and Roku are Zuko and Azula's Great Grandfathers, Azulon was their grandfather, Ozai was their father. I particularly love the landscape scene when Roku and Sozin are walking at 6:18 it's a literal work of art

I fucking love the foreshadowing in the beginning of the episode when roku and sozin were fighting as kids. Sozin and Roku are fighting each other. Roku gets beaten by a force of nature. Sozin comes to save him, but he lets him fall in the end. Also, when Zuko is talking to Iroh in prison, notice how Zuko is sitting in the dark, while Iroh is sitting in the light. It's like, Iroh is in prison physically, but mentally Zuko is the one who is actually trapped in the "dark" it reminds me of a quote from Rogue One. “There is more than one sort of prison, Captain, I sense that you carry yours wherever you go.” -Chirrut Îmwe Fun fact: Sud (Roku's Earthbending teacher) is a recycled version of Toph's original design. Toph was originally gonna be a buff guy, but the creators decided not to do that. Sud is also the earth bender in the intro.

Roku’s dragon dying with him was so sad!

Everything in this episode was done on purpose, like the fact that Roku and Sozin were born on the same day. Kyoshi could have just as easily been reincarnated as Sozin. Imagine how different the world may have been.

If Roku’s headpiece (that he got from Sozin) was destroyed by the volcano, then that headpiece must be Iroh’s! From when Iroh was the prince

I always forget that Aang was technically Zukos great grandfather lol

The Last Airbender is the best family show ever. Me and my daughter totally bonded over this show when she was a kid.

Thats rough buddy

Zuko's mom is Avatar Roku's Granddaughter and Zuko's Father Ozai and his Uncle Iroh are Fire Lord Sozen's Grandsons.

No he wanted to save him because he was his friend but when the opportunity came he took it to fulfill his goal

Wow you're right, there is reason why Monk Gyatso would have taken such a liking and familiarity towards Aang, he was best friends with the dudes past life! This is why I love these reactions years after these show took place, you learn so much from people who are seeing it for the first time.

There were three episodes the creators were considering making. One about monk giatso being reincarnated into momo. One talking about aangs parents. And one where sokka and aang got handcuffed together. Sadly none made the final cut

So many layers in this episode, definitely one of the best in the series.

The most painful part about Sozin's betrayal is that at first he genuinely wanted to help his old friend Roku. It wasn't until he found Roku helpless and suffocating that the temptation to further his vision resurfaced. It wasn't until that moment that his greed for power overwhelmed his honest desire to help him out out the volcano. So sad ...

You guys just had a LOREgasm.

"I remember the world being brighter..." Crazy to think that Sozin regretted his actions on some level

Hey, remember during the first episodes where everyone had their doubts watching this when it came out of the wheel, all because this was a "Kid's Show"?? Good times, gooooood times.... :)

I had the same reaction when I found out Roku was also Zoku's great-grandfather.

Roku's grandaughter married Ozai ---- Roku's earth bending master Sud it the guy from the intro !!!!

Do you guys realize that Roku's blood also run on Azula's vein. She is so talented af!!

Rana's reaction when Sozin left roku made my day.

The whole, "avatar can't have a family", is the ideology for aang not wanting to be the avatar IN THE MOVIE, not the show :)

One of the episodes ive been most excited for them to see!

I love how they show Roku as less of Aang's wise old master, but more as an older brother trying to make sure Aang has the tools not to make the same mistakes.

10:23 HONESTLY? ROKU'S DRAGON MAKES ME SO SAD, SUCH LOYALTY.

Toph: do you think friendships can last a life time? *years later, korra meets toph* Toph: hehehe nice to see you twinkle toes

Roku’s mistake wasn’t choosing to not kill Sozin, his mistake was not addressing the imperialism and warmongering that the Fire Nation craved. He could’ve put a stop to the increased militarization or at least warned the other nations to unite against the Fire Nation. Roku’s only actions to stop the Fire Nation was threatening Sozin, and then he went back to living his life. His mistake was indecisiveness and inaction. This is why Roku later tells Aang that he “must be decisive”.

“Love is hard, when your young.” -Roku True

I love that in Korra, Toph is happy to see Korra and that she was the first one to question if friendships can go past lifetimes is possible

just to clear up about the lineage, iroh says 'your mothers grandfather was avatar roku" to zuko which makes it clear that Ursa (zukos mom) was the granddaughter of Roku and married Ozai.

“were gonna be doing reactions in the afterlife.” my mind: The Paranormies :o

This is the best Avatar episode in my opinion.

The moment you realize Azula is Roku's great grand daughter :O

Just noticed how Aang was Bald as a spirit with Rocku and Has hair in Physical world.

Rewatching this after many years, i just realized Ron Pearlman did a fucking amazing job voicing Fire lord Sozin.

Anyone else realizes that in their time 8:50, The light is on Iroh's side of the prison cell while not in Zuko's This meant that Zukko is still lost in his inner self while Iroh is not This is why i loved this show

"I'm sparing you Sozin, in the name of our past friendship. But let me warn you that even one step out of line will result in your permanent...end." -the commanding voice of Roku is sooo powerful.

Also, Normies, keep in mind that Zuko always had two people on both his Light and Dark sides. On his Light side, he had his uncle and his mother. On his darker side, he had his father and his sister. However, considering how he is now, Zuko spent A LOT of his time with his sister and he was desperate for his father's love. Not to mention that his mother had left a long time ago, Zuko's darker side grew as he grew up with Azula and Ozai.But when he was banished and given that scar, Zuko became even darker. Though during his time with Iroh and chasing the Avatar, the seeds of goodness started to show themselves after he and Iroh became fugitives of the Fire Nation and they were hiding in Ba Sing Se. And ultimately, when Azula came looking for him, all that darkness started to come back when she offered him what he wanted most: his honor and his father's love.

Can we give props to Iroh for sitting with those gems of truth all this time? He probably knew Zuko's true destiny all along, but was patient and waited until Zuko needed to hear it most.

They were best friends and sozin went to help his old best friend fight the volcano but only realized how much he could accomplish with him gone once the toxic gas weakened roku.

Zuko's *great* grandfathers were Sozin and Roku paternal and maternal respectively.

"Some friendships are so strong they can even transcend lifetimes." I have remembered that line ten years, since I first saw the episode. I think I need to watch these episodes again. It's been years since I have seen them. There was a couple things in this reaction that I didn't even remember.

4:52 Roku: My earthbending master Sud 5:00 Rana: Is that Bumi? Roku: Am i a joke to you?

This is by far one of the best Episodes ever made!

See that whole thing about friendships lasting life time is wicked spooky foreshadowing for korra

Fun fact: the letter "Z" is honorary for the royal family of the fire nation: SoZin, AZulon, OZai, AZula, Zuko

You guys ever think of making Avatar themed Normies shirts that say "This is not a kids show"?

I love that line from Toph because of what happens in Korra: "Do you really think friendships can last more than one lifetime?"

"Do you really think friendships can last more than one lifetime?" was what I remembered when Korra met old Toph in the swamp..

*Wow! AMAZING REACTION GUYS.* I got the feels watching you guys get the feels. Thank you so much Suraj for getting this out even though you're going through some troubles, sending love your way. The editing was pretty much perfect (You're the man Twinkletoes) I think I'm going to watch it again. Also, Suraj, if I remember correctly (I'm sorry if I don't), you lost one of your animal friends not long ago. Never forget: "Some friendships are so strong, they can even transcend.. lifetimes." *To all of you:* I loved your reactions. I love how much you guys are into the show. When you guys finish the show, there's a documentary about the creators during the making of Avatar. It has a lot of cool info, staff interviews, early concepts, behind the scenes footage, and more. It's only 30 mins so I really, really hope you guys can find the time to watch it, and I really hope you guys can react to it. Please let me know if that's something you guys would be interested in. Love you Normies.

Sozin showing up always made sense to me. He genuinely believed that the fire nation was the best nation. So when the volcano blows up of course he shows up, because his nation, his people, his land were in trouble. But then give him the chance to use all of his plans to expanse the nation and he will take it. Basically when it’s in his interest he helps, but when his interest sways more heavily and he has the opportunity he will betray you.

That shot of the burning air temples, along with Ron Pearlman's narration always gives me chills.

“Being the Avatar doesn’t hurt your chances with the ladies.” Years later and it turns out, that even applies if you’re a bisexual avatar :3

It’s funny when they gasped when iroh said I was his mother’s grandfather

I'll say it again... season 3 is the best season of A:TLA

The two families didn't form together until Zuko and Azula were born.....

Firelord Sozin wanted to spread happiness and prosperity to the world and could not why his best friend, Roku, would be against it. He failed to realize you cannot force your views upon another. One person’s happiness is another person’s misery. A person needs to free to find happiness; it cannot be thrust upon you. In the end, I don’t think Sozin would be able to kill his friend (assuming he could), but when presented with the opportunity, to realize his dream, all he had to do was nothing, not save Roku, he went for it. I bet as Sozin progressed in trying to force his prosperity upon others, as the other nations naturally resisted, he likely saw them as ungrateful, his tactics became more forceful and more cruel.

It is only NOW, YEARS LATER, COUNTLESS RE-WATCHES. That I realize, when it looks like Aang is "Going to the bathroom." in the spirit world, and Sokka says, "As a matter of fact, they do not". WAAAAY back in Season 1 Episode 7, Sokka was kidnapped by Hei Bai and taken to the spirit world. The first thing he said when he comes out? "I feel like I really need to use the bathroom." It ALWAYS baffled me until now.

Ive seen this series like 4 times but I was still gasping and crying the whole time

Offtopic: I've been rewatching your GoT reactions so many times the past couple of days that you guys keep reappearing in my dreams. Weirdest part is that in every single dream I always end up fighting brown Pat for some reason.

Oh my God that Star Wars pic during the audio portion is AWESOME I love it!!!

There is a reason why iroh has the royal artifact because before Zuko he was the crown prince

2:16 You were my brother, Sozin! . . . I loved you . . . I just realized (when you asked "Why even come to help Roku"), Sozin's situation matches Zuko. Sozin had moved on with his life and was truly trying to help Roku. But when Roku got gassed, Sozin is like "Remember those plans I had decades ago? It's all suddenly possibly" and Sozin jumped at the opportunity (via leaving Roku to perish). Just like Zuko, went on with his life, but then Azula comes by and says "You can have your honor back, you can have father's love" and Zuko now realizing his old plans are possible again right in front of him, he jumped at the opportunity . . .

I knew you guys would love this one, Its in my top five favorite episodes. Sozin's final line always gives me chills.

Ayyye early upload. I see you Normies!

10:32 This show doesn't even give you 3 seconds to be sad. Because you're happy Aang came into the world, but sad at Roku's death & Sozin's betrayal. In the end you don't know how to feel. Avatar is hands down the greatest at FeelBending. Masterful storytelling

"Do you think friendships can last more than one lifetime?"... I almost teared up when I remembered this is Legend of Korra..

Dragons are to firebenders what air bisons are to airbenders :) Fang (Roku's Red Dragon) was Avatar Roku's animal guide, just as Appa is Avatar Aang's Animal Guide and Naga is Avatar Korra's Animal guide .

Who else would live in avatar if they could?

I love that Roku does a different motion for each type of bending when he's showing off the results of his training

lol Rana correctly guesses the entire plot immediately

Y'all make me love this show all over again with your reactions.

Ron Perlman Voiced Firelord Sozin.

This quarantine period makes me to rewatch all the ATLA episodes plus the normies analysis per episode. Normies, you all are amazing 💪💙.

I just realized that the title of this episode not only relates to Roku and Sozin but Zuko and Aang as well. I don't know why i didnt realize that sooner.

One of the greatest animated series ever made.

The best episode of season 3!

11:24 literally my face reaction when I first heard that bombshell... Azula got her genes from the father side, Sozin and Ozi and Zuko got his genes from his mom side, Roku and his mom... the reason y the struggle was harder for Zuko because even though he was fire nation and bad, he was with his mother and Iroh so he had good where Azula was just bad....

Toph's question about whether friendships can cross lifetimes is especially important considering that when Toph became an old lady, she became a friend to Korra.