{"id":407,"date":"2011-06-15T13:15:47","date_gmt":"2011-06-15T20:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/markwatches.net\/reviews\/?p=407"},"modified":"2011-06-15T13:43:17","modified_gmt":"2011-06-15T20:43:17","slug":"mark-watches-avatar-s02e1920-the-guru-the-crossroads-of-destiny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/markwatches.net\/reviews\/2011\/06\/mark-watches-avatar-s02e1920-the-guru-the-crossroads-of-destiny\/","title":{"rendered":"Mark Watches ‘Avatar’: S02E19\/20 – The Guru \/ The Crossroads of Destiny"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the second season finale of Avatar: The Last Airbender<\/em>, Aang travels to see Guru Pathik to master the Avatar state, but events in Ba Sing Se send everyone\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s plans into complete chaos. Intrigued? Then it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time for Mark to watch Avatar<\/em>.<\/p>\n

WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST WATCH<\/strong><\/p>\n

oh my god oh my god how did kids watch this and then not cry themselves to sleep for months straight<\/em><\/p>\n

This, my friends, is some absolutely fantastic, poetic, emotional, and INTENSE storytelling. AND THIS WAS ON NICKELODEON I WILL NEVER GET OVER THIS AMAZING FACT THAT HANGS OVER THE WHOLE SHOW<\/em>.<\/p>\n

It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fun to have these \u00e2\u20ac\u0153double\u00e2\u20ac\u009d episodes from time to time, allowing the story to stretch out, giving it all a much more epic feel. (Not like what just happened needed<\/em> anything else to become epic.) And unlike the season one finale, I actually felt like there didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even need to be the split between the two parts (in terms of title screens denoting the chapter) because they flowed so well together.<\/p>\n

In a similar manner to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Earth King,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d things appear to be going right for everyone<\/em> on either side at the start of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Guru.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s obviously a problem, since we have multiple warring and conflicting factions at work here, and not everyone can win. But we open things here solely in a whole lot of surreal weirdness: Zuko\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s transformation is real<\/em>. As he bids good morning to Uncle Iroh, a tone of actual calmness in his voice<\/em>, Iroh is shocked. This is some Twilight Zone<\/em> shit and if I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know any better, I would have said that Zuko had a visit with the Dai Li. At the same time…I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t deny that I like it. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s weird, for sure, but it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s nice to see that Zuko can actually<\/em> change.<\/p>\n

Well\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6.we will get to that.<\/p>\n

It was also bizarre to get Sokka\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s story of reuniting with his father and, over the course of this episode, all of it is good?<\/em> In fact, for the entirety of this two parter, there was nothing I expected more than for Hakoda to express disappointment or to die himself. Given what this complete story shows us, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m still surprised how pleasant and emotionally powerful the Sokka\/Hakoda story line is. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s about validation, and Sokka receives the validation from his father that he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s desired ever since the man left his life.<\/p>\n

And that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s it. <\/em> This is not bad storytelling at all, for the record, but it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s surely unexpected. There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s also a nice parallel to what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s happening with Zuko as well; I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m unsure if I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve ever compared the two (and I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t find it in any of my past reviews), but we have two young men seeking validation from their fathers and this is the first complete story where one gets what he desires. He does so by doing good<\/em> and helping others. Is this supposed to be a subtle message for Zuko\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s character growth as well?<\/p>\n

This episode further sets the characters into place for the final battle during \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Crossroads of Destiny,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d so there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a lot of complex, interconnected plotting involving Katara, the Dangerous Ladies, the Dai Li, and Iroh\/Zuko. The writers handle all of these interwoven plots with finesse, never stooping to over-confusing me but never insulting my ability to pay attention and keep track of multiple story lines. There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no doubt, though, that I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think of a single \u00e2\u20ac\u0153children\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00e2\u20ac\u009d show that is this<\/em> complex in terms of what sort of story that is being told. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s enough that throughout both parts, I was kept guessing. That<\/em> is half of the fun of this. Of course I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m drawn to emotional storytelling, to narratives that mean something to my life. A lot of us are! That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s why so many of us become attached to shows like this.<\/p>\n

But good god, this is SO FUN<\/em>. There were so many possible convergences that were set up during \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Guru\u00e2\u20ac\u009d that it almost became a game to try to figure out how everyone would come together.<\/p>\n

However, what ties the entire story together is Aang\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s poetic journey with Guru Pathik, the man who teaches Aang how to control the Avatar state via his own chakras. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hard to cycle through these things without being repetitive or boring, and the writers use the ingenious device of flashbacks to not only remind of us of the past, but to re-contextualize them in a way to show how Aang is maturing as a young man. These trips to unblock his spiritual chakras are rife with emotional pain. No one needs me to summarize what happens for all seven of them, but I did want to touch on how Aang is forced to address the guilt he feels, the pain he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s caused, and the hurt he feels for a life that is largely filled with tragedy. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not that we haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seen this before, but the way that Guru Pathik brings out these memories is a way to channel a positive energy for Aang instead of bringing on more sorrow and grief.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, despite that Aang manages to master six of the seven chakras, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the seventh chakra that provides the inevitable conflict, and what a hell<\/em> of a conflict it is. The Thought Chakra, which channels cosmic energy, is blocked by the most difficult of all energies: earthly attachment. I did not understand it at first, but when I came to, I knew that this would be hard for Aang. The one thing that is tying him to this earth is Katara. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s glad that he can admit openly that he loves Katara and that here, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not tied to the shame or embarrassment he felt before. However, the concept is ridiculous to Aang. How is he supposed to let go of the one he loves? But he gives the concept a chance and we get the opportunity to see some of the most gorgeous animation we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve ever seen on Avatar. <\/em>Drenched in deep cosmic purples and blacks, Aang walks along a stream of cosmic energy resembling the aurora borealis as Katara falls far away. A large, oversized image of himself in the Avatar State stares over him, and the energy sphere radiates and flares in his palms.<\/p>\n

But an image of Katara chained in some sort of prison interrupts this all and Aang falls out of this concentration in the worst way possible. Without tackling all seven chakras at once and opening them, Guru Pathik warns that Aang will be entirely unable to enter the Avatar state at all<\/em>.<\/p>\n

And Aang, following his heart, chooses to ignore this. goddamn it<\/em>.<\/p>\n

THIS IS SUCH A DIFFICULT CALL TO MAKE. I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even imagine what I would do in a similar situation and I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t judge Aang either way. All I know is that while pursuing Katara is probably not practical at all, it sure is one gorgeous act of nobility. And I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean that as if Katara is some damsel in distress, desperately needing Aang\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s help. I just mean that Aang has chosen to follow what his heart is telling him is right and he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s doing it at a great sacrifice to himself.<\/p>\n

The first of two convergences happens here at the end of the first part, as Toph learns to finally bend metal (!!!!!!!!!) to escape her captors; Aang picks up Sokka, whose father looks on with respect towards a son off to help the Avatar; and the unbelievable coincidence that is Katara walking in on Iroh\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s tea shop and being COMPLETELY TRICKED BY THE DANGEROUS LADIES. The set-up occurs and it could not be more heartbreaking: Iroh and Zuko, believing that destiny has given them a final push towards\u00c2\u00a0 the happiness they want, walk directly into Azula\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s trap.<\/p>\n

Christ. They just<\/em> found happiness, and Azula has arrived to take it away from them. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH<\/p>\n

As the story transitions fully into “The Crossroads of Destiny,” I’m reminded of a comment I read (that I now cannot find, so speak up if it was you!) where a wonderful member of this community compared this finale to The Empire Strikes Back<\/em>. (FYI, I do not consider that a spoiler, so don’t feel bad!) It’s now apparent that each “Book” in this show is part of a trilogy, and how season two ends is such a perfect (if unbelievably upsetting) analogy to the Star Wars<\/em> trilogy that I almost feel like this is just one giant reference to that spectacular film. We’ve seen the growth of nearly every main and supporting character over the previous eighteen episodes, and the conclusion for this chapter of the story is necessary as much as it is heartbreaking.<\/p>\n

There are three stars of this second half of the story, and each one’s journey is so satisfying to experience. Immediately, it’s clear that Uncle Iroh’s time to reveal his true intentions have arrived, and that starts when we learn why<\/em> he earned the name “Dragon of the West.” I mean…..Iroh is the greatest badass ever. Even in a moment of defensive fury, he still<\/em> seems to be in control of his emotions. But it’s crystal clear now more than ever: Iroh stands in complete defiance of the Fire Nation. He has let go of his kingdom to pursue what he believes is right and what will bring his spirit happiness.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Zuko’s metamorphosis is tested with the arrival of Azula, and I suppose that I should have known right from the beginning what Zuko would ultimately do by the episode’s end. In a way, even his new temperament would allow him to fight Azula, but at the same time, he is unable to put aside his own pride and escape with his uncle, choosing to face her in an Agni Kai. WHICH SHE DENIES HIM<\/strong>. HOLY SHIT she is so fierce <\/em> and I am so conflicted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But as I said before, this first focus is on Iroh. In perhaps my favorite scene of all of season two, when Team Avatar return to their apartment and discover that Katara and Momo are not<\/em> there, there’s a knock on the door. Ready in the defensive position, they expect the worst. Except Toph says she knows who this is, and she opens the door to see Uncle Iroh standing before them, and my longstanding wish for Iroh to join Team Avatar in any capacity comes true and EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURTS<\/strong>. I don’t even know if I have words for the rush of excitement that I felt as I watched him ask Team Avatar to join up with him to rescue Katara and Zuko. Naturally, there’s a whole lot of resistance from Aang and Sokka. And that’s for a good reason! I don’t think it’s at all irrational for them to react with caution and anger at the concept. Well, aside from my desire for them to be a big happy family of rainbow benders, but I’m not writing this show so what do i know<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s at this point that the writers rather brilliantly contrast two opposing sides forced to communicate with one another. As Team Avatar heads to the Crystal Catacombs to rescue their family\/friends, we learn that Zuko has been thrown in the exact<\/em> same chamber as Katara. I’ll just get this out of the way first: I can see why Zutara is a thing now. The moments are few and far between, but knowing the ship wars that existed in this fandom, the entire conversation between these two characters made me understand why that dynamic was so appealing. At the very least, it’s probably the most fascinating interaction in the entire finale: Katara angrily lashes out at Zuko for his past actions, which have caused her and her friends such inherent pain and trauma, and Zuko, still unsure what he wants from life, simply accepts it all instead of fighting her. The “old” Zuko would have been cold and non-receptive towards Katara, and as she breaks down when she reveals that Zuko’s nation took away her mother, Zuko breaks down a little himself and tells her that now they both have something in common.<\/p>\n

It’s a genuinely touching and emotive scene, and as both characters let down their guard when they realize that this situation is not what they expected, I was surprised (in a good way) to watch Katara suggest that she try to heal Zuko’s scar. Here, right before us, is the first manifestation of trust between Katara and Zuko, and it is one hell<\/em> of a remarkable scene. For Zuko, his scar is a reminder of the pain of his “destiny,” and here’s a girl he has fought for months willing to take it away from him.<\/p>\n

I’m touched. I swear.<\/p>\n

At the same time, I was giddy with joy to see Iroh and Aang venturing together to rescue these other two, and the conversation <\/em>they<\/em> have is just as gripping and insightful. I’ve never truly believed Iroh wanted to capture Aang; his growing resentment with the Fire Nation has been foreshadowed since season one. The confirmation of his allegiance in this scene is just….god IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY. Uncle Iroh is giving advice to Aang and telling him it is wise to follow his heart.<\/p>\n

No, I’m sorry, you need to read that again:<\/p>\n

UNCLE IROH IS GIVING ADVICE TO AANG AND TELLING HIM IT IS WISE TO FOLLOW HIS HEART<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

one of the greatest days of my life tbqh<\/em><\/p>\n

But I jest when I say that, because it can’t be the greatest day of my life when the last ten minutes of this finale is what I end with. Throughout this all, we’ve seen how manipulative Azula has been to Long Feng and the Dai Li, so much so that she even convinces the Dai Li to support her<\/em> over their fellow Earth Kingdom leader. This allows the set up for the spectacular and chaotic final battle of season two, perhaps the season’s best. The final convergence occurs: Katara and Zuko are rescued, Team Avatar rushes off to save Toph and Sokka, and Azula closes in on Iroh and Zuko. The dreams that Zuko had during “The Earth King” become frighteningly real as Iroh and Azula almost act as competing dragons from his hallucination, both of them trying to convince Zuko where his destiny lies. (How heartbreaking is it when Iroh begs<\/em> Zuko to think about what redemption means for him?)<\/p>\n

We don’t see the end of this choice that Zuko is faced with as the episode cuts to the unbelievable battle that takes place between Aang, Katara, and Azula. Here, we see three masters at the height of their power duking it out in a shocking display of talent and violence. Sometimes I forget just how good<\/em> these folks are at bending, and since the emotional stakes are higher than ever, no one holds anything back. And yet, the odds are completely changed when Zuko arrives in a ball of fire and I sit on the edge of my chair, begging Zuko out loud not to listen to Azula AS IF HE COULD FUCKING HEAR ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And I’m sure you can all empathize with my sorrow as Zuko sends a blast of fire towards Aang. He has chosen to side with his father’s destiny. ZUKO WHAT ARE YOU DOING \ud83d\ude41 \ud83d\ude41 \ud83d\ude41 \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n

As Zuko splits off to fight Katara (WHICH HAS TO BE SO DEARLY AWKWARD HOLY GOD<\/em>), the fight between Azula and Aang is not going well, and when the Dai Li shows up, Aang’s moment of choosing his own<\/em> destiny arrives. Throwing up a set of crystals around him, he knows the Avatar state is the only way he can beat these people, and he emotionally lets go of Katara in a gorgeous meditation sequence. I have goosebumps now just thinking about it; we’ve not seen these specific color palates used on the show before, and I’d like to think that’s entirely intentional. The purple gives way to emerald shining energy as Aang assumes the Avatar state, mastering the seventh chakra, and he raises into the air.<\/p>\n

AND AZULA SHOOTS HIM IN THE BACK AND I AM NOT FUCKING OK WITH THIS!!!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am still <\/em>in complete and utter shock. It makes me want to cry, because Aang did everything<\/em> he was supposed to, and at the end of it, Azula’s penchant for violence NEGATES ALL OF IT.<\/p>\n

someone hold me forever<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s at this point that we are given one bleak cliffhanger, one that I cannot believe aired for children. CHILDREN SAW THIS. Children saw Iroh face off against HIS NEPHEW AND NIECE, get captured, and watch Katara nearly fail at saving Aang’s life. THIS IS SO GUT-WRENCHING TO ME I CAN HARDLY HANDLE IT!!!!!<\/p>\n

But it goes back to that reference to The Empire Strikes Back<\/em>. This is not just shit getting real. This is the writers showing us that tragedy befalls those who choose to do good, that these characters can and do get hurt when they face unbearable acts of oppressive power. This is the writers showing us that Zuko’s transformation is not a simple paint-by-numbers exercise of goodness, that this boy has been traumatized by years of neglect and pain, and that even people who are truly good at heart will make confusing decision to find their own version of peace. And even at the end of this, Zuko is still <\/em>unsure if he has done what was right.<\/p>\n

I can’t imagine a more poetic and frightening way to end season two. On the back of Appa, Team Avatar, with a badly wounded Aang and a shocked Earth King, fly over Ba Sing Se. It is a sign of their failure and a reminder that being “good” never means you always win.<\/p>\n

“The Earth Kingdom…..has fallen.”<\/p>\n

And our heroes….well, they’ve fallen, too.<\/p>\n

God damn<\/em> it.<\/p>\n

THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n