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Showing posts from July, 2017

Book 1, Chapter 9: The Waterbending Scroll

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The Waterbending Scroll is a fun episode that, for the first time, focuses on Aang and Katara learning waterbending. So far in the series, Aang can only waterbend in the Avatar State, and Katara, as a result of her lack of formal training, possesses merely a rudimentary understanding of the waterbending forms. On their way to the North Pole, Katara decides to teach Aang the few waterbending moves she knows. With only approximately 9 months left to master all the elements, Aang must practice bending every chance he gets! I think they found some "water to splash in." 😜 This episode is also notable for the first appearance of Iroh's board game of choice, Pai Sho. Some of you may not be aware of this, but over the years, dedicated fans have compiled a set of rules for playing Pai Sho and have even made the game available online! How amazing is that? Click  HERE  to read the rules and play the wonderful game of Pai Sho. If it's Iroh's favorite game, then it

The Winter Solstice: Avatar Roku and the Spirit World

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The Winter Solstice The Winter Solstice is the first two-part epic in ATLA, and boy oh boy, it definitely does not disappoint! Even though it's my fourth viewing, it felt like I was watching these episodes for the first time. Taking notes, pausing for screenshots, and intensely focusing on the dialogue allowed me to pick up on so many awesome details. Avatar: The Last Airbender truly deserves a viewing experience like this, and I'm so glad I took on the project. This amazing two-parter was especially enjoyable to watch.  Each episode of The Winter Solstice is thematically distinct. Part 1 serves to introduce us to the spirit world and the Avatar's role as the bridge between the spirit and mortal worlds, while Part 2 reveals Aang's connection to all the past Avatars and outlines his duty and destiny to save the world.  Part 1, The Spirit World: We begin with the Gaang casually flying on Appa towards the north pole. Just think about that for a