The first time I saw this, I did not know what to make of Zuko. I still don't know what to make of it, really, this temporary personality transplant. It seemed to make Uncle Iroh happy -- was he taking it at face value, perhaps because it's hard to doubt seeing your fondest wish come true? I was just unsettled and squirming with embarrassment. I can't even decide if it was a good choice on the part of the writers -- I guess it did signal that this change was not really real. All I know is that I much prefer the truly redeemed Zuko we got in the third season, still recognizably himself, still short-tempered and morose much of the time. I like him that way! So, kudos for relentlessly cheerful Zuko being temporary, anyway.
Other things:
-- I noticed on this rewatch that the man who nudges Hakoda when Sokka walks in has burn marks on his arm. I just liked that little detail.
-- I also think I spotted among the Airbenders in Aang's vision that grumpy guy who didn't want Aang wasting his time playing pai sho, and I was touched that Aang would grieve him too.
-- Then Aang made me tear up in his request for onion and banana juice. One of those moments where I think how much his voice actor impresses me.
-- Toph, you are indeed the greatest Earthbender in the world. :D
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Date: 2011-09-21 04:27 am (UTC)The first time I saw this, I did not know what to make of Zuko. I still don't know what to make of it, really, this temporary personality transplant. It seemed to make Uncle Iroh happy -- was he taking it at face value, perhaps because it's hard to doubt seeing your fondest wish come true? I was just unsettled and squirming with embarrassment. I can't even decide if it was a good choice on the part of the writers -- I guess it did signal that this change was not really real. All I know is that I much prefer the truly redeemed Zuko we got in the third season, still recognizably himself, still short-tempered and morose much of the time. I like him that way! So, kudos for relentlessly cheerful Zuko being temporary, anyway.
Other things:
-- I noticed on this rewatch that the man who nudges Hakoda when Sokka walks in has burn marks on his arm. I just liked that little detail.
-- I also think I spotted among the Airbenders in Aang's vision that grumpy guy who didn't want Aang wasting his time playing pai sho, and I was touched that Aang would grieve him too.
-- Then Aang made me tear up in his request for onion and banana juice. One of those moments where I think how much his voice actor impresses me.
-- Toph, you are indeed the greatest Earthbender in the world. :D