#i am so sorry but the katara and jet actors are in such different scenes rn... jet is having a breakdown and katara is preaching

[hauntingblue]

'You betrayed us' 🧍🏻‍♂️

[arabella-s-arts]

Watched the new atla show. And now I will share my thoughts because I need to put them somewhere.

I agree with people that it kind of fell flat. More like an impersonation than the actual show. Also, people are right, where is Katara's rage? I'm not going to dive into it, because people already have, but Katara is stubborn and righteous, so where'd they put those qualities?

I wish the show would stop telling us everything. Like, stop telling me that Ozai thought finding the Avatar would be impossible, and sent Zuko on this quest anyway. I know, it's obvious. I don't need to be told the subtext, that's why it's subtext. Subtality could do this show a world of good.

Zhao's death sucked. It was perfect how it was in the original, it showed Zuko's kindness, and Zhao's hubris being his downfall was perfect. Also, this isn't necessarily a complaint, just something I noticed, Zhao feels different in the show. A guy with similar aspirations and ideas, yes, but not the same guy we all hate.

The acting wasn't always the greatest, but I can't tell if it's actually the actor's fault or script (probably script).

I wish Sokka was involved in the Jet plotline, he played a big part in it originally, and it really showed his true character.

Why did Katara and Aang never get any actual training in Northern Water Tribe? That's what they were there to do. Somehow, magically Katara became a master waterbender, because she what? Believed in herself? That's not how learning a skill works. Imagine trying to learn the flute, you're confident, and you figured out on your own how to play a few notes. But you still need someone to teach you the rest of the notes, how to trill, how to read the sheet music, etc. You can't learn everything just from confidence.

The costumes bothered me so much. Sokka and Katara's coats looked so light weight, which is probably more comfortable for the actors, but those coats could not shield you from a light breeze, much less a frozen tundra. Also someone pointed out that their clothes don't actually look worn, and they're right.

What on earth was the scarf scene? Why was it there? What was the point? I am not a Zutara shipper (though I have no hate for the shippers, just dislike for the ship), and now online is just going to be posts about that.

Was Suki just not wearing her warrior make-up because she had to kiss Sokka? Either way, it's still upsetting. The one time she doesn't wear her warrior make-up (which is an honor to wear) is when she's finally in a real fight, and on the day Kyoshi shows up too. Also, no Sokka wearing warrior make-up? I get if they couldn't fit it in, but it's still a bit sad.

I don't understand them getting rid of the fact that Aang ran away, I think it really makes his character more complex as he struggles to take on the responsibilities of the Avatar.

They sorta switched Sokka and Katara's roles in the Omashu tunnels, which I don't get.

Having Zuko fight Ozai in the Agni Kai was a terrible idea.

I'm sorry to say this, because I don't like Zuko being in pain. But Zuko's scar is smaller and a lot more understated than in the animation. I don't know much about burnt tissue, or how it will scar, especially with their technology. But we rarely see heroes with facial scars beyond a line through the eye or something, I don't want it taken away. The scar doesn't even seem to reach his ear. And I'm sad about them confirming his sight was fine. Zuko with some hearing and vision loss is technically just a headcanon. But then why did Zuko only leave his unscarred side up when sleeping around people he didn't trust in the animated version?

I could tell that Aang was airbending during it, so it wasn't really flying. But it's a little too similar, especially considering how significant flying is in Korra.

The thing that bothered me the most was Yue's death. Why was it barely acknowledged?! Yue made a huge sacrifice, but instead we're making up a plotline that causes Aang to have the spotlight instead. And when Sokka was talking to Arnook about Yue, somehow the conversation became focused on Sokka, and his insecurity, instead of someone they both deeply miss (though Sokka and Yue's relationship development could've been better). Sokka is joking around again by the end of the episode, it feels like her death never happened! And why make her a fish! No offense to fishes, but it feels less impactful, and in the original, we could see how Yue was able to keep some of herself alive in the way she presents herself as a spirit, she doesn't do that here.

Some things I liked:

Zuko being upset about Aang stealing his journal.

Sokka and Suki had really good chemistry (though, the show doesn't really give us a reason why Suki likes him, she seems annoyed with him when they first meet).

The effects were good, and I liked a lot of the fight scenes.

Kyoshi.

Oma and Shu being lesbians.

That one lady hitting Zuko for trying to hurt Aang.

Suki being awkward and beating up the guy she likes.

I am impressed with how they were able to overlap some story lines. That must have been difficult to figure out.

The sets.

Azula.

[amixiifish]

Heat- Chapter 52: Flying- kick- a- pow

Actor Zuko is standing between Actor Azula, who has a Fire Nation flag behind her, and Actor Iroh, who has an Earth Kingdom flag behind him.

A light shines on Actor Zuko.

Actress Azula looks expectantly at Actor Zuko. “Well, my brother, what's it going to be? Your nation, or a life of treachery?”

Actor Iroh stops drinking from his cup and gives Actor Zuko a thumbs up. “Choose treachery, it's more fun!”

Actor Zuko walks toward Actor Iroh.

Actress Azula gasps. “No way!”

Actor Zuko stands next to Actor Iroh.

“I will take you with me by force then!” Actress Azula says, attempting to grab Actor Zuko.

Actor Zuko immediately throws Actor Iroh in front of him for Actress Azula to take.

“We captured him! Good job, brother!” Actress Azula praises.

“Thank you, sister. You disgust me, Uncle. I hope you rot!” Actor Zuko says.

The Earth Kingdom flag falls as Actress Azula and Actor Zuko exit with Actor Iroh tied up behind them.

The Gaang was furious.

Zuko had joined them, not left them!

And he loved his uncle more than anything in the whole damn world.

Zuko feels tears blur his vision.

Sokka immediately grabs the omega and whispers in hushed tones, “Sweetheart, you never did that, he did it to save you, it’s fine.”

Zuko trembles slightly. “I might as well have.”

***

The Earth Kingdoms Throne room stands tall on the stage.

Actress Mai, who pulls a sword out of her hair and throws it at a guard.

Actress Ty Lee jumps to the other guard, kisses her finger and touches the guard's shoulder, causing him to fall over.

Actress Azula jumps behind Actress Ty Lee and the three actresses pose.

The audience applauds.

Actress Aang jumps in from behind the set.

“Avatar State, yip yip!” Actress Aang cries out.

The stage light shines on Actress Aang, causing her tattoos to glow.

A stagehand runs across the stage and ties a rope to Actress Aang.

Actress Aang closes her eyes, and her eyelids glow, too, while the rope lifts her into the air.

Actress Azula jumps on stage from behind the smoke.

Actress Azula throws blue streamers at Actress Aang. “Not if my lightning can help it!”

Actress Aang peeks from behind her closed eye and grabs the blue streamer, shaking and screaming in feigned pain.

The audience looks at the scene in shock.

Zuko was appalled.

“Where the hell am I? I was literally the one that stopped Azula,” Zuko said, extremely irritated.

Actress Aang's limp body is slowly lowered to the stage.

Actresses Ty Lee and Mai pose on both sides of Actress Azula, who stands in front of Actress Aang.

Actress Azula grins triumphantly. “The Avatar is no more!”

Audience applauds loudly, while Team Avatar again gives disgusted looks.

The second intermission starts, and the Gaang, minus Aang, goes back to the staircase from before.

Suki frowns in concern at the group. “It seems like every time there's a big battle, you guys barely make it out alive. I mean, you guys lose a lot!”

Sokka glares at Suki. “You're one to talk, Suki. Didn't Azula take you captive? That's right, she did!”

Suki narrows her eyes at the other alpha. “Are you trying to get on my bad side?”

Sokka raises his hands in mock surrender. “I'm just saying…”

Katara looks around in concern. “Does anyone know where Aang is?”

Sokka shrugs. “He left to get me fire gummies, like, ten minutes ago. And I'm still waiting!”

Katara stands, brushing off her shirt. “I'm gonna check outside.”

***

Aang is standing alone on a balcony when Katara comes in and walks up to him.

Katara stands next to him. “Are you all right?”

Aang angrily takes his hat and throws it to the ground. “No, I'm not! I hate this play!”

Katara blinks in surprise. “I know it's upsetting, but it sounds like you're overreacting.”

Aang stares at her incredulously. “Overreacting? If I hadn't blocked my chakra, I'd probably be in the Avatar State right now!”

***

Team Avatar was still on the stairwell when a kid wearing an Aang costume ran by.

Sokka snaps his finger. “Jet, what are the chances you can get me backstage? I got some jokes I want to give to the actor me.

Jet looks at him seriously. “I'm an Freedom Fighter who's trained for many years in the art of stealth.”

He grins. “I could probably get you backstage.”

The two take off.

Toph looks at the running off pair before looking down at where Zuko was sitting on the floor. “Geez, everyone's getting so upset about their characters. Even you seem more down than usual, and that's saying something!”

Suki elbows Toph sharply in her back.

Zuko shakes his head, slightly angry. “You don't get it, it's different for you. You get a muscly version of yourself, taking down ten bad guys at once, and making sassy remarks.”

Toph nods. “Yeah, that's pretty great!”

Zuko sighs, burying his head in his arms. “But for me, it takes all the times I’ve fucked up and shoves them back in my face like, ‘bitch, remember me?’. My uncle, he's always been on my side, even when things were going to shit. He was there for me, he taught me so goddamn much, and how do I repay him? By abandoning him to Azula, of all people. It's my greatest regret, and I may never get to redeem myself.”

Toph sits down next to him.

Suki places a hand on his arm. “You have redeemed yourself to your uncle. You don't realize it, but you already have.”

Zuko looks up warily. “How do you know?”

“Because I once had a long conversation with the guy, and all he would talk about was you,” Toph answers.

Zuko looks at her, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “Really?”

Toph nods. “Yeah, and it was kind of annoying.”

Zuko looks away sadly. “Oh, sorry.”

Toph smiles lightly. “But it was also very sweet. All your uncle wanted was for you to find your own path, and see the light. Now you're here with us. He'd be proud.”

Toph punches Zuko’s shoulder.

Zuko winces, rubbing her shoulder. “Ow! What was that for?”

“That's how I show affection,” Toph exclaims.

The same boy with the Aang costume comes by and sees Zuko.

He looks at Zuko carefully. “Your Zuko costume is pretty good, but your scar's on the wrong side.”

The kid runs off.

Suki laughs as Toph grins as Zuko.

“The scar's not on the wrong side!” Zuko says, pouting.

***

Backstage, the actors were talking with each other and preparing their costumes.

Sokka and Jet peek backstage and spot Actor Sokka.

Jet points at him. “He's coming this way!”

Sokka jumps out in front of Actor Sokka.

Actor Sokka looks at him unimpressed. “Can I help you?”

Sokka grins. “Actually, I think I can help you. I'm a big Sokka fan, but I don't think you're representing him quite as well as you could be.”

Actor Sokka starts walking away. “Aww no, another fan with ideas.”

Sokka runs in front of him and holds some index cards. “Just hear me out. Here's something I think the real Sokka would say. What does the cabbage merchant use to fix his cabbages? A cabbage patch!”

Jet face palms in the background.

Actor Sokka chuckles. “That's actually pretty good! Let me see those!”

He grabs the cards. “‘A rocky relationship’….not bad!”

Sokka puts an arm around the Actor. “Also, don't be afraid to make up some phrases, especially before an attack. Something like….’Flying kick-a-pow!’.

Jet looks thoroughly confused on the side.

‘Flying kick-a-pow?’ Jet mouths incredulously.

What the actual fuck?

Actor Sokka and Sokka start walking away but not before Actor Sokka asks a question.

“Who are you, anyway?”

Sokka shrugs. “I'm just a guy who likes comedy.”