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Avatar Finale Thoughts Redux
This is how you know it’s the final week of classes: instead of working on that Spanish scrap book project or that paper on British liberalism, I’m writing long, rambling posts about a(n) cartoon animated series.
First, things I forgot to mention b/c my brain was too busy trying to register Evil!Zuko:
Mai and Ty Lee. I <3 them. Ty Lee wins for "It's like we're dancing!" (And for the first time there was a moment where she sounded like Episode II Shion to me, and I shuddered. Olivia Hack!) Mai wins for "Just take the bear." Also, Mai pulls off the Kyoshi warrior look very well. Ty Lee? Not so much. I think they need to get their own spin off show. It could be like Lavern and Shirley. But who to cast as Lenny and Squiggy? Haru aaaannndddd Teo? I'd say Jet and Haru, but...that might mess up my cracktastick ship of Mai/Jet. Maybe the Earth King.Or Bosco I'll have to think about this. Incidentally, though, it is my love for their odd-couple-ness/duo-ness that wants to see them both single when the show ends. (Of course I rather want everyone single when the show ends, but you know what I mean.) Even if Ty Lokka/Tykka/whatever does amuse. They need to be crazy old spinsters who get into zany adventures some day. *nods* (Screw boys, girls; that water-tribe doofus and that prince of angst will only bring you down. You have each other. Girl power. Yeah.)
Toph still wins at awesome. Her metal bending will definitely pay off, I should think. (Hey, does this mean she'll be able to see in metal now? Or am I totally not thinking correctly?) However, I kind of feel like the whole capture-Toph subplot was a bit of waste and never really had much of a pay off. Ah, well.
Although the final fight scene was amazing, it doesn't top the one from the Earth King or Lake Laogi (sp? *is too lazy to look it up*). And I still want some sort of battle royal with everyone thrown into it. Seriously.
Azula. I liked her little divine right speech. (She still needs to die. A slow, painful, painful death.) However, I'm a tad confused as to what she's planning to do with Ba Sing Se, and why the Dai Lee went with her so willingly. (‘Twas too convenient.) Really, I'd just like to know what she's planning period. Obviously, she can't really want anything good for Zuko. Is she just going to send him off to the chopping block, or...?
Katara has pretty hair. And she was totally owning Azula. (So she was beating Azula but seemed to be pretty evenly matched against Zuko? Figure that one out. Must be those newly acquired waterbending skillz of his...)
Hakoda! I like that dude. He needed more airtime. It's nice to see, though, where Sokka gets his mad inventor/planning skillz from. …But what’s to become of his army/group/troop/whatever now that Ba Sing Se has fallen?
AND HEY!! If Zuko is back with the FN, and he’s still alive, does this mean we might see Jee again? Squee.
Second, shipping:
Kataang (and the Avatar State): I really did feel pretty ambivalent to it during these episodes (and in the Earth King too) and really don't know what to make of it. That is to say, I used to think it wouldn't ever be canon, then I did, then I didn't, then I did, and now I don't again. But, okay, yes it was brought up in a big way, and we all knew Aang wasn't going to give up Katara when the Guru told him to. (Which is stupid if you ask me; dude, you could have saved Ba Sing Se, but nooo…) But now he's given her up, or almost did, or will have to in the future? Of course, we don't even know the current state of the avatar state, so it's hard to say. Obviously, he couldn't master it in these episodes, with an entire season left (He'd just be owning left and right), so maybe there will be some sort of recover the avatar state plot next season, which might make sense if we’re to get more spirit world traveling (Hey! We still need to find out about Iroh’s trip!) and learn more about Roku.
As for the ship itself, it really didn't get much by way of development. Yes, yes, we know Aang loves Katara; people can argue over the future of his love, the manner in which it will mature, but this information is still nothing new. It's always been Katara who's up in the air, and these episodes did nothing to cast her love for Aang in a romantic light. I know Kataangs get annoyed when others (some anti-shippers, others just innocent standers by) talk about her motherly-ness, (And, hey, the creators commented on it themselves.) but it's just really hard not to see it sometimes. For example, that hug at the end of "The Desert," really did look like a mother and her child. Now, I happen to really enjoy Mother!Katara so all is well there, but it really doesn't make me want to ship them. And the finale only reinforced this. The Airbenders turning into Katara? Iroh and Katara each hugging their respective wards/"children"? That damn Pieta imagery? Even that last shot of her holding Aang. It's beautiful and I love it, but if they want them to be the "It Couple" of the show...they need to lay off it.
Zutara: Okay, yes, I've always been a largely canon shipper. (I say largely b/c some of my couples aren't necessarily canon canon, but they aren't not canon either.) However, canon is far from being a necessity when it comes to shipping, especially where Zutara with its massive fanbase is concerned. And you never want a ship to become too canon or otherwise it loses part of its allure, y'know? Really, all I'd want out of Avatar shipping is for the show to end with a possibility for my ships to develop in the future. (Just leave the door the ajar! 'Tis all I ask!)
All that said, why the hell are people saying Zutara is sunk? (We cannot be sunk! We are either a submersible vessel or a ghost ship! ...And yes I know submarines can be sunk...but it messes with my analogy.) Because of Zuko's alliance with the Darkside? Who cares about that? He was a villain in Season One. And if there's still hope for a redeemed!Zuko, there's still hope for Zutara. Hell, for the first time ever we actually have some canon "evidence" to support our ship. (And, judging by the way their interaction was going, had Zuko joined up with the Gaang, Zutara soooo would have been on! ...But it would have been easy; too easy, which in way I think is one of the reasons--thinking of the narrative, not characterization--Zuko couldn't join the good guys quite yet. WAIT! No, I'm NOT saying they couldn't let Zuko join the gaang because of Zutara. I meant, in general, everything would have been too easy had he gotten with the good'uns at this point...it's just this thought (that it would have been too easy if Zuko had said "Hey, yeah, I think I'll teach the Avatar how to firebend! Come on, everybody, group hug!) is connected to my Zutara's-more-fun-when-they're-massive-obstacles thought, so I just pegged it on here. XD) Why all the waangst?
I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I think the point of the "Zutara cave" was. Now, when I first read the synopsis and saw the preview, I attempted to keep my fangirlish hopes down by telling myself that it was going to have more to do with plot than character bonding. But now it seems the opposite was true--because within the episode itself, it served no purpose.
The mommy-bonding? If they wanted to remind us of Ursa, you'd think they would have let us hear exactly what Zuko told Katara re: his mother. (Because some sort of dialogue had to have taken place between his "That's something we have in common," and her "I'm sorry for yelling at you." And I really kinda wonder what it was. And kinda really wished they would have told us. But whatever.) And they'd already brought her up in the previous (well, technically previous previous) episode. What's more, any mommy issues Zuko has had no real roll to play in the finale. (And really, Zuzu, I don’t know as how Mommy would have approved.)
The scar healing? To bring up the Oasis Water again so we'd know what Katara was doing when she healed Aang? But they could have reminded us of the Oasis Water in any number of ways--Jet angst, anyone? Hell, they could have covered it in one of those "Previously on Avatar" things, and we'd have been all set. (Actually, was it? *doesn't remember*)
No, those two explanations may in fact be what they were thinking, and maybe they were killing two birds with one stone, but I'm not [currently] buying it. I know some have said that it was fan service, but I balk at the idea they'd throw something like that into the finale episode when they're already so short on time. (On the DVD commentary they mentioned how they have to cram complicated plotlines into half hour blocks, and sometimes this seriously shows. Things often do feel a tad rushed. The Sokka/Hakoda? Rushed. The Zuko/Katara? Rushed. And I'd much rather have gotten some extended father-son time than have pointless, random ass fan service thrown at me. I should note, though, that I'm not really criticizing with this rushed business b/c it's not that the show's bad. It's just, given more time, it could be even better.) And, although, I suppose it is possible this could have been the writers saying, "Here you go, Zutara fans. See, you aren't delusional after all; give them some time and they'll get along and form bonds that could develop into any number of things so long as Zuko is not moments away from displaying some magnificent douche-baggery," I just really don't think they'd do that. (I don’t think fandom influences them as much it might think it does.) They gave two characters some significant interaction, and they obviously have to meet up again. And this all leads me to the conclusion that this cave time will have some later affect on the storyline, be it shippy or not. (Or maybe they needed to give them a moment to keep up the Jet-Zuko comparisons. Now they've both betrayed Katara's trust! Must be the hair...)
As for the interaction itself and where the ships currently stands, well, I’d say, overall, we’re better off than we were before. Because they did form a connection. And that still stands even when Zuko later chooses to fight for Azula. They have a history now and loose ends that need tying. It’s personal. And, heee! The Parting Look. That’s enough for me. And then the fight. They were matching each other move for move—yee. Good stuff. I do wish their time together had been longer, not necessarily for shipping reasons but it felt like Katara’s “RANT-CRY-HEYLETMEHEALYOU-MEANINGFULPARTINGGLANCE” progression was a little quick. I mean, you say you’re saving the water for something important. Since when has removing Zuko’s scar become important to you?Butmaybethisishowthingsgowhenyou’resoulmatesohwhatnow?
In terms of fanon, this latest development is nothing but good. It’s angsty; it’s dark; there’s drama, more obstacles. Sure the fluff was fun...but this is more fun. And the fluff is still possible. (And, all else failing, can always just be an AU in which Zuko chose to attack Azula instead of Aang.) We now own “The Zuko Apology” (because, seriously, have we ever heard him say he’s “sorry” to anyone else?) and “The Scar Touch” (and, whoa, was that her thumb on his lip?) And now we can happily maintain that any time Zuko’s angsting and feeling guilty that it’s because of Katara, hehe. (Iroh? Iroh who?)
Third, Zuko (again): Allow me once more before I move on: Zuko, you rat bastard; how dare you turn on Iroh?????!!!!!!11111eleven
Okay, now that my brain has processed the Zuko-Iroh schism, it does make sense. I mean, yes, I do have some issues with the way the narrative set it up, and I do feel they were going for some massive shock value. But...but I’m going to overlook all that and accept the beautiful agony that Zuko’s choice has left me with. I imagine we’re supposed to feel very much what Iroh’s feeling, which is why so many felt betrayed by the finale. We saw his improvements, we were pulling for him to do “the right thing,” and when he didn’t it broke our hearts. And it wasn’t completely out of the blue. We did have the dream foreshadowing. Zuko was swallowed by the blue dragon. (And then Mommy appears, and we know he’s going to look for her re: the creators; and his palace crumbles...so perhaps finding Ursa will at last shatter his illusions...and then he wakes up to find himself Aangified...so he’ll join the Avatar’s cause? Maybe? (He doesn't have to join the gaang to join the cause or become Aang-ish, after all.) The synopsis said his dreams foreshadow strange things; I’ll assume they meant all of his dreams.)
And, yes, I am a shameless Iroh fangirl, but I can see how he was, in many ways, trying to control Zuko’s destiny himself. ...Although, a lot of that could just be chalked up to him trying to be a good influence/lead him down the path of righteousness. Either way, though, he wanted Zuko to choose his own destiny, but he wanted him to choose the destiny he (Iroh) wanted for him. Well, Zuko did choose, just not the way Iroh (and the majority of the audience) would have had him choose. And this really isn’t that surprising. Yes, Zuko’s seen the war wounds of the Earth Kingdom. Yes, he’s bonded with its citizens. Yes, his world view is widening, but that doesn’t mean he’s given up on going home and gaining daddy dearest’s love. And it certainly doesn’t mean he’s ready to join the Avatar. (What will be interesting, however, is to see how his time spent in the Earth Kingdom will affect his feelings toward the Fire Nation when/if/now that he's re-immersed in the world of red and gold.)
But, okay, all of that is fine and well. Zuko’s action was Zuko being Zuko. Stupid, impulsive, impressionable, stubborn, issue-laden Zuko, who just wants to go home and yearns for his father's love; who is and wants to be Zuko, son of Ursa and Ozai, Prince of the Fire Nation and heir to the throne. What seems to throw most fans—and still throws me if I think about it for too long—is his betrayal of Iroh. (And indeed Zuko seems to be thinking “Wtf did I just do?” himself.) Odds are Zuko really didn’t think too much about it at the time. He had a decision to make, he made it, uncle disagrees, gotta catch up to the Avatar and Azula. If he took the time to justify it, he probably just followed the same pattern he used in “The Avatar State.”
And really, these two episodes did hearken back to the first episode of the season (and the second to a certain extent—Katara trapped in a cave, scar touching, Zuko being an ass/showing us he still has a way to go on the path to redemption/betraying kindness; emphasis on Aang's Katara love). Azula pulls her “Dad’ll wuv you, Zuzu!” trick, Iroh objects, Zuko says “Screw you, Uncle! I’m going to Daddy!” Only this time Iroh doesn’t go with him. (And then of course there’s all the avatar state stuff and its relation to Katara, but I’m on Zuko now and on Zuko I shall stay!) Meaning, whatever trouble Zuko gets himself into, he’s going to have to get out of on his own. And this will, in the end, be a good thing—I hope.
What I do love most about Zuko’s choice is that bad things are going to happen to Iroh and himself. And it will have been his doing. And that is going to—hopefully and not literally—kill him. Everything before this has always been done to him; it could be blamed on someone else. But this...this is all him. Oh, it’s going to be good!
And if/when (and I really do think it’s when because they wouldn’t have given us season two if it wasn’t) Zuko chooses to become a white hat, the alliance will certainly be so much more fun to watch...so much more tension. And I really do want him to join the gaang. I demand Sokka-Zuko interaction—friendly antagonism. Demand it. You hear me Mike and Bryan? **shakes fist**
Anyway, to briefly address the “Zuko’s gotta plan!” theory, I just really don’t think he does. And if he does, Iroh most certainly doesn’t know. I suppose it’s possible that he could be developing one, or have an inkling of one. It would make a bit of sense with all the “beating you at your own game” stuff going on and with Iroh just recently yelling at him for his lacking of planning skills—because maybe that’s part of how he’s change? (Seriously, another reason I want Zuko-Sokka interaction->friendship; they'd be a killer team with Sokka's planning and Zuko's dogged abilty to follow through.) But...no...I just don’t see it happening. He sounded just a little too optimistic: “Gee, sis, d’yah think dad’ll love me now? Huh? Do you? Huh? Sis?) I suppose it’s too early to tell, though. (...I wouldn't be surprised if Mai and Ty Lee eventually betray Azula; Ty Lee's always been "nice," and Mai will most likely still have a soft spot for Zuko, so... I don't know where I'm heading with this thought...)
At any rate, this is obviously the “dark point” of the show, when all hope seems lost. Ba Sing Se has fallen. Zuko has sided with the villains. The avatar state may be in some serious trouble. Where do we go from here? Etc, etc. Things look bleak; they’re supposed to. I think the writers have us right where they want us. And Zuko, I’m not going to be okay with Zuko because I’m not supposed to be okay with Zuko. I’m supposed to be annoyed and disappointed but still terrifically fascinated by him. And so I am.
Disclaimer: I wrote this over several days and when I was procrastinating.
First, things I forgot to mention b/c my brain was too busy trying to register Evil!Zuko:
Mai and Ty Lee. I <3 them. Ty Lee wins for "It's like we're dancing!" (And for the first time there was a moment where she sounded like Episode II Shion to me, and I shuddered. Olivia Hack!) Mai wins for "Just take the bear." Also, Mai pulls off the Kyoshi warrior look very well. Ty Lee? Not so much. I think they need to get their own spin off show. It could be like Lavern and Shirley. But who to cast as Lenny and Squiggy? Haru aaaannndddd Teo? I'd say Jet and Haru, but...that might mess up my cracktastick ship of Mai/Jet. Maybe the Earth King.
Toph still wins at awesome. Her metal bending will definitely pay off, I should think. (Hey, does this mean she'll be able to see in metal now? Or am I totally not thinking correctly?) However, I kind of feel like the whole capture-Toph subplot was a bit of waste and never really had much of a pay off. Ah, well.
Although the final fight scene was amazing, it doesn't top the one from the Earth King or Lake Laogi (sp? *is too lazy to look it up*). And I still want some sort of battle royal with everyone thrown into it. Seriously.
Azula. I liked her little divine right speech. (She still needs to die. A slow, painful, painful death.) However, I'm a tad confused as to what she's planning to do with Ba Sing Se, and why the Dai Lee went with her so willingly. (‘Twas too convenient.) Really, I'd just like to know what she's planning period. Obviously, she can't really want anything good for Zuko. Is she just going to send him off to the chopping block, or...?
Katara has pretty hair. And she was totally owning Azula. (So she was beating Azula but seemed to be pretty evenly matched against Zuko? Figure that one out. Must be those newly acquired waterbending skillz of his...)
Hakoda! I like that dude. He needed more airtime. It's nice to see, though, where Sokka gets his mad inventor/planning skillz from. …But what’s to become of his army/group/troop/whatever now that Ba Sing Se has fallen?
AND HEY!! If Zuko is back with the FN, and he’s still alive, does this mean we might see Jee again? Squee.
Second, shipping:
Kataang (and the Avatar State): I really did feel pretty ambivalent to it during these episodes (and in the Earth King too) and really don't know what to make of it. That is to say, I used to think it wouldn't ever be canon, then I did, then I didn't, then I did, and now I don't again. But, okay, yes it was brought up in a big way, and we all knew Aang wasn't going to give up Katara when the Guru told him to. (Which is stupid if you ask me; dude, you could have saved Ba Sing Se, but nooo…) But now he's given her up, or almost did, or will have to in the future? Of course, we don't even know the current state of the avatar state, so it's hard to say. Obviously, he couldn't master it in these episodes, with an entire season left (He'd just be owning left and right), so maybe there will be some sort of recover the avatar state plot next season, which might make sense if we’re to get more spirit world traveling (Hey! We still need to find out about Iroh’s trip!) and learn more about Roku.
As for the ship itself, it really didn't get much by way of development. Yes, yes, we know Aang loves Katara; people can argue over the future of his love, the manner in which it will mature, but this information is still nothing new. It's always been Katara who's up in the air, and these episodes did nothing to cast her love for Aang in a romantic light. I know Kataangs get annoyed when others (some anti-shippers, others just innocent standers by) talk about her motherly-ness, (And, hey, the creators commented on it themselves.) but it's just really hard not to see it sometimes. For example, that hug at the end of "The Desert," really did look like a mother and her child. Now, I happen to really enjoy Mother!Katara so all is well there, but it really doesn't make me want to ship them. And the finale only reinforced this. The Airbenders turning into Katara? Iroh and Katara each hugging their respective wards/"children"? That damn Pieta imagery? Even that last shot of her holding Aang. It's beautiful and I love it, but if they want them to be the "It Couple" of the show...they need to lay off it.
Zutara: Okay, yes, I've always been a largely canon shipper. (I say largely b/c some of my couples aren't necessarily canon canon, but they aren't not canon either.) However, canon is far from being a necessity when it comes to shipping, especially where Zutara with its massive fanbase is concerned. And you never want a ship to become too canon or otherwise it loses part of its allure, y'know? Really, all I'd want out of Avatar shipping is for the show to end with a possibility for my ships to develop in the future. (Just leave the door the ajar! 'Tis all I ask!)
All that said, why the hell are people saying Zutara is sunk? (We cannot be sunk! We are either a submersible vessel or a ghost ship! ...And yes I know submarines can be sunk...but it messes with my analogy.) Because of Zuko's alliance with the Darkside? Who cares about that? He was a villain in Season One. And if there's still hope for a redeemed!Zuko, there's still hope for Zutara. Hell, for the first time ever we actually have some canon "evidence" to support our ship. (And, judging by the way their interaction was going, had Zuko joined up with the Gaang, Zutara soooo would have been on! ...But it would have been easy; too easy, which in way I think is one of the reasons--thinking of the narrative, not characterization--Zuko couldn't join the good guys quite yet. WAIT! No, I'm NOT saying they couldn't let Zuko join the gaang because of Zutara. I meant, in general, everything would have been too easy had he gotten with the good'uns at this point...it's just this thought (that it would have been too easy if Zuko had said "Hey, yeah, I think I'll teach the Avatar how to firebend! Come on, everybody, group hug!) is connected to my Zutara's-more-fun-when-they're-massive-obstacles thought, so I just pegged it on here. XD) Why all the waangst?
I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I think the point of the "Zutara cave" was. Now, when I first read the synopsis and saw the preview, I attempted to keep my fangirlish hopes down by telling myself that it was going to have more to do with plot than character bonding. But now it seems the opposite was true--because within the episode itself, it served no purpose.
The mommy-bonding? If they wanted to remind us of Ursa, you'd think they would have let us hear exactly what Zuko told Katara re: his mother. (Because some sort of dialogue had to have taken place between his "That's something we have in common," and her "I'm sorry for yelling at you." And I really kinda wonder what it was. And kinda really wished they would have told us. But whatever.) And they'd already brought her up in the previous (well, technically previous previous) episode. What's more, any mommy issues Zuko has had no real roll to play in the finale. (And really, Zuzu, I don’t know as how Mommy would have approved.)
The scar healing? To bring up the Oasis Water again so we'd know what Katara was doing when she healed Aang? But they could have reminded us of the Oasis Water in any number of ways--Jet angst, anyone? Hell, they could have covered it in one of those "Previously on Avatar" things, and we'd have been all set. (Actually, was it? *doesn't remember*)
No, those two explanations may in fact be what they were thinking, and maybe they were killing two birds with one stone, but I'm not [currently] buying it. I know some have said that it was fan service, but I balk at the idea they'd throw something like that into the finale episode when they're already so short on time. (On the DVD commentary they mentioned how they have to cram complicated plotlines into half hour blocks, and sometimes this seriously shows. Things often do feel a tad rushed. The Sokka/Hakoda? Rushed. The Zuko/Katara? Rushed. And I'd much rather have gotten some extended father-son time than have pointless, random ass fan service thrown at me. I should note, though, that I'm not really criticizing with this rushed business b/c it's not that the show's bad. It's just, given more time, it could be even better.) And, although, I suppose it is possible this could have been the writers saying, "Here you go, Zutara fans. See, you aren't delusional after all; give them some time and they'll get along and form bonds that could develop into any number of things so long as Zuko is not moments away from displaying some magnificent douche-baggery," I just really don't think they'd do that. (I don’t think fandom influences them as much it might think it does.) They gave two characters some significant interaction, and they obviously have to meet up again. And this all leads me to the conclusion that this cave time will have some later affect on the storyline, be it shippy or not. (Or maybe they needed to give them a moment to keep up the Jet-Zuko comparisons. Now they've both betrayed Katara's trust! Must be the hair...)
As for the interaction itself and where the ships currently stands, well, I’d say, overall, we’re better off than we were before. Because they did form a connection. And that still stands even when Zuko later chooses to fight for Azula. They have a history now and loose ends that need tying. It’s personal. And, heee! The Parting Look. That’s enough for me. And then the fight. They were matching each other move for move—yee. Good stuff. I do wish their time together had been longer, not necessarily for shipping reasons but it felt like Katara’s “RANT-CRY-HEYLETMEHEALYOU-MEANINGFULPARTINGGLANCE” progression was a little quick. I mean, you say you’re saving the water for something important. Since when has removing Zuko’s scar become important to you?
In terms of fanon, this latest development is nothing but good. It’s angsty; it’s dark; there’s drama, more obstacles. Sure the fluff was fun...but this is more fun. And the fluff is still possible. (And, all else failing, can always just be an AU in which Zuko chose to attack Azula instead of Aang.) We now own “The Zuko Apology” (because, seriously, have we ever heard him say he’s “sorry” to anyone else?) and “The Scar Touch” (and, whoa, was that her thumb on his lip?) And now we can happily maintain that any time Zuko’s angsting and feeling guilty that it’s because of Katara, hehe. (Iroh? Iroh who?)
Third, Zuko (again): Allow me once more before I move on: Zuko, you rat bastard; how dare you turn on Iroh?????!!!!!!11111eleven
Okay, now that my brain has processed the Zuko-Iroh schism, it does make sense. I mean, yes, I do have some issues with the way the narrative set it up, and I do feel they were going for some massive shock value. But...but I’m going to overlook all that and accept the beautiful agony that Zuko’s choice has left me with. I imagine we’re supposed to feel very much what Iroh’s feeling, which is why so many felt betrayed by the finale. We saw his improvements, we were pulling for him to do “the right thing,” and when he didn’t it broke our hearts. And it wasn’t completely out of the blue. We did have the dream foreshadowing. Zuko was swallowed by the blue dragon. (And then Mommy appears, and we know he’s going to look for her re: the creators; and his palace crumbles...so perhaps finding Ursa will at last shatter his illusions...and then he wakes up to find himself Aangified...so he’ll join the Avatar’s cause? Maybe? (He doesn't have to join the gaang to join the cause or become Aang-ish, after all.) The synopsis said his dreams foreshadow strange things; I’ll assume they meant all of his dreams.)
And, yes, I am a shameless Iroh fangirl, but I can see how he was, in many ways, trying to control Zuko’s destiny himself. ...Although, a lot of that could just be chalked up to him trying to be a good influence/lead him down the path of righteousness. Either way, though, he wanted Zuko to choose his own destiny, but he wanted him to choose the destiny he (Iroh) wanted for him. Well, Zuko did choose, just not the way Iroh (and the majority of the audience) would have had him choose. And this really isn’t that surprising. Yes, Zuko’s seen the war wounds of the Earth Kingdom. Yes, he’s bonded with its citizens. Yes, his world view is widening, but that doesn’t mean he’s given up on going home and gaining daddy dearest’s love. And it certainly doesn’t mean he’s ready to join the Avatar. (What will be interesting, however, is to see how his time spent in the Earth Kingdom will affect his feelings toward the Fire Nation when/if/now that he's re-immersed in the world of red and gold.)
But, okay, all of that is fine and well. Zuko’s action was Zuko being Zuko. Stupid, impulsive, impressionable, stubborn, issue-laden Zuko, who just wants to go home and yearns for his father's love; who is and wants to be Zuko, son of Ursa and Ozai, Prince of the Fire Nation and heir to the throne. What seems to throw most fans—and still throws me if I think about it for too long—is his betrayal of Iroh. (And indeed Zuko seems to be thinking “Wtf did I just do?” himself.) Odds are Zuko really didn’t think too much about it at the time. He had a decision to make, he made it, uncle disagrees, gotta catch up to the Avatar and Azula. If he took the time to justify it, he probably just followed the same pattern he used in “The Avatar State.”
And really, these two episodes did hearken back to the first episode of the season (and the second to a certain extent—Katara trapped in a cave, scar touching, Zuko being an ass/showing us he still has a way to go on the path to redemption/betraying kindness; emphasis on Aang's Katara love). Azula pulls her “Dad’ll wuv you, Zuzu!” trick, Iroh objects, Zuko says “Screw you, Uncle! I’m going to Daddy!” Only this time Iroh doesn’t go with him. (And then of course there’s all the avatar state stuff and its relation to Katara, but I’m on Zuko now and on Zuko I shall stay!) Meaning, whatever trouble Zuko gets himself into, he’s going to have to get out of on his own. And this will, in the end, be a good thing—I hope.
What I do love most about Zuko’s choice is that bad things are going to happen to Iroh and himself. And it will have been his doing. And that is going to—hopefully and not literally—kill him. Everything before this has always been done to him; it could be blamed on someone else. But this...this is all him. Oh, it’s going to be good!
And if/when (and I really do think it’s when because they wouldn’t have given us season two if it wasn’t) Zuko chooses to become a white hat, the alliance will certainly be so much more fun to watch...so much more tension. And I really do want him to join the gaang. I demand Sokka-Zuko interaction—friendly antagonism. Demand it. You hear me Mike and Bryan? **shakes fist**
Anyway, to briefly address the “Zuko’s gotta plan!” theory, I just really don’t think he does. And if he does, Iroh most certainly doesn’t know. I suppose it’s possible that he could be developing one, or have an inkling of one. It would make a bit of sense with all the “beating you at your own game” stuff going on and with Iroh just recently yelling at him for his lacking of planning skills—because maybe that’s part of how he’s change? (Seriously, another reason I want Zuko-Sokka interaction->friendship; they'd be a killer team with Sokka's planning and Zuko's dogged abilty to follow through.) But...no...I just don’t see it happening. He sounded just a little too optimistic: “Gee, sis, d’yah think dad’ll love me now? Huh? Do you? Huh? Sis?) I suppose it’s too early to tell, though. (...I wouldn't be surprised if Mai and Ty Lee eventually betray Azula; Ty Lee's always been "nice," and Mai will most likely still have a soft spot for Zuko, so... I don't know where I'm heading with this thought...)
At any rate, this is obviously the “dark point” of the show, when all hope seems lost. Ba Sing Se has fallen. Zuko has sided with the villains. The avatar state may be in some serious trouble. Where do we go from here? Etc, etc. Things look bleak; they’re supposed to. I think the writers have us right where they want us. And Zuko, I’m not going to be okay with Zuko because I’m not supposed to be okay with Zuko. I’m supposed to be annoyed and disappointed but still terrifically fascinated by him. And so I am.
Disclaimer: I wrote this over several days and when I was procrastinating.