Recently, I was turned to the Nostalgia Critic for a top 11 worst episodes of all time for
Avatar: Last Airbender, with the caveat that none of the episodes are
necessarily “bad” but just not as good as the others. Regardless, I feel he
made some adequate points on some (like
Great Divide or Painted Lady) but
less adequate points on others The Swamp
or Boiling Rock). That said, a top 11
best episodes will be out soon (likely before this goes live). In the spirit of
all things Avatar while waiting for the final season of Legend of Korra to release, let’s give my Top 12 Best AND Worst in
one post (in lieu of a review).
Much like the Nostalgia
Critic, none of the “bad” episodes listed are absolutely horrid. They just
don’t live up to the same standards as the ones on the “good” list or the show
in general. And, again, this is just my personal opinion. You’re more than
welcome to disagree… and be wrong. Let’s start:
Best #12: The
Waterbending Scroll – There are a lot of episodes I wanted to put on this
list and ultimately had to cut to make room for a well-rounded list. And I
wanted to make sure Book 1: Water had
at least one episode from it on the list… This is that one. I don’t hate the
first season, but it’s the season where the pacing was most awkward and the
animation (while good) was still rough in comparison to the later episodes. But
looking past all that, Waterbending
Scroll was one of the best episodes of that season for giving Katara an
episode where she has a fair amount of agency and isn’t being overly preachy
and annoying. It also gives us some of the best lines from Uncle Iroh and was
the episode that cemented my love of that character. Plus this episode almost
plays like a Team-Rocket-Style comedy of errors for the villains that I love so
much and we don’t really see much of past season one. All-in-all, makes the
list because it’s one of the fun ones from season 1.
Worst #12: Sozin’s
Comet Part 1: The Phoenix King – The finale of the series is, by far, one
of the best episodes of the series (with one part making both lists). The
weakest of the three makes the worst list. And that’s a shame because, in a lot
of ways, I really do like this episode. But looking back on it, I’m reminded of
just how childish these main characters really are and how ill-prepared they
seemed to be prior to the final battle. So much so, that I agree with Zuko as
to asking how they ever thought they were capable of defeating the Fire Lord at
all. Not to mention we learn of the Fire Lord’s real plan and I have to wonder
WHY Zuko didn’t bother telling anyone. There are a lot of logic holes here that
don’t quite hold up until you consider the fact that most of the cast are still
kids. BUT given all the adventures and trials they’ve gone through, making them
more mature and adult than you’d initially believe… yeah, I refuse to take that
as an excuse. Again, not a bad episode, just a rather weak one.
Best #11: Sozin’s
Comet Part 2: The Old Masters – It was a tough call for this episode. It
was originally making this list when it was just a Top 10 list, but I had to
drop it for a variety of reasons. But as a Top 12, this is one of the best
episodes of the finale. Yes, it lacks the action of parts 3 and 4, but it gives
me a few things that I was very happy to have. It gave us the return of General
Iroh and the White Lotus. It gave me the return of Bumi AND his amazing
flashback story of how he retook Omashu (if not for this, one of the other Bumi
episodes would have been here). Plus the forming of the plan for saving the
world and what everyone’s roles had to be was a good moment too. On top of
that, Aang’s scenes on the Lion Turtle, while not exciting, were interesting as
we hadn’t seen him get in touch with other past lives beyond Roku much before.
This is a feature I would love to have seen more from Aang, but at least we got
to see it at all. Fun episode and definitely deserving of a spot on this list.
The whole finale does, but if I can only pick one episode from it, this will be
the one.
Worst #11: The Cave of
Two Lovers – I was rather hesitant to put this on the list. I’m a sucker
for romance (yeah, I know). And with characters like Aang and Katara, their
relationship almost works enough where, yeah, I like watching it unfold. The
bad thing, it’s not interesting. At least not when you compare it to Zuko and
May, Sokka and… everyone, or Korra and Asami (you know it’s happening). You
know how in other shows (Naruto is a good example) you really aren’t interested
in the personal problems of the protagonist because THEY ARE THE PROTAGONIST so
they’ll always be successful or win or get the girl? Yugi always won the duels
and still managed to keep Tea around. Naruto would always fight Sasuke but has
both Hinata and Sakura interested in him. Batman is always recluse but Catwoman
keeps coming back. Don’t get me started on Spidey and Black Cat. And this
relationship in Airbender is so
sterile and bland that it really comes off as the most lackluster relationship
I can think of in the series. I mean, if Katara would dress more like Black Cat
from Spiderman or if Aang did more stupid shit to make the relationship seem
like a bad idea, then MAYBE I would be more interested due to sexiness or
controversy. As it stands, we know it’ll happen and we don’t need to throw in
random dudes to compete with or forced scenarios where the two have problems
but then fall through hoops of romance tropes. All that said, I still like this
episode because it’s cheesy romance. Just not to the quality I would prefer…
still better than Twilight.
Best #10: The Storm
– The only other Book 1: Water
episode to make the list, the storm is a great example of Last Airbender’s best trait, the fact the story isn’t just Aang’s,
but Zuko’s as well. Throughout the entire series, the story has two sides and
you see them both and this episode highlights that by showing the tragedies
that led both our central characters to where they are as this story takes
place. We see what caused Zuko to have the scar and why he is forced to hunt
down the Avatar. We see why Aang was frozen and how the 100 Years War could,
arguably, be his fault. And while more episodes on this list will discuss this
topic again, the idea of the parallel story dynamic is wonderful and fits well
for this episode.
#10 Worst: The Guru
– The concept of this episode is interesting and I very much like what it’s
trying to do. My bigger issue with it is the ease at which Aang progresses
through the multiple layers of unlocking his chakras. Maybe it’s because the
season was pressed for time so things were cut together for time. But I would
like to have seen Aang go through more challenges and turmoil in the process of
unlocking these chakras instead of sitting for what seemed like only a couple
of minutes and then “poof” you unlocked a chakra. Again, not a bad episode, but
one that gave me the feeling it was cut down to make room for the side stories
and fit into the season schedule. Which is a shame because this also gave us
the moment when Toph creates Metal Bending… Wish I didn’t have to put this on
the list, but Toph simply couldn’t redeem this one. 
#9 Best: The
FireBending Masters – The first episode in which Aang and Zuko consciously
team up to improve their ability to Firebend. This episode really sits well for
me because it helps show Zuko’s growth as he wants to overcome the emotions
that he uses to trigger his firebending. Likewise, it shows Aang’s growth in
regards to his fear of firebending. It also shows us living dragons as well as
giving us a cool story about the origins of firebending, what happened to the
dragons, and we even end on a fun scene of Zuko and Aang being mocked for the
Dancing Dragon display. By no means a perfect episode, it does just enough
right to keep me happy with it.
#9 Worst: Jet – I
hate to agree with the critic here, but Jet’s character is rather
two-dimensional. There isn’t much to him and his imitation Robin-Hood-Band.
Which is a shame because this episode sets him up to be so much more. Instead,
he plays a role more in line with the wrench in the AangxKatara relationship (a
wrench we know won’t last long). As such, I had to put in on the list because
while most characters in the series get some decent characterization, Jet has
always felt weak to me overall.
#8 Best: The Desert
– I’m sure someone will complain about how low on the list I made this one. But
I stand by this decision because while it’s one of the most fun episodes in the
series solely because Sokka tripping on cactus juice is one of the most
memorable moments of the entire series… it makes this episode also have a
strange juxtaposition. Yes, we have the fun goofy-Sokka antics taking place.
But we also have the serious emotional response from Aang in regards to the
loss of Appa as well as Katara’s growing frustration in the situation on how
neither Aang nor Sokka are really making this journey to escape the desert any
easier. But that juxtaposition, I think, also helps make the story interesting
to watch as it walks the fine line between comical stupidity and heartfelt
moments with Aang’s legitimate rage at what’s happened. All-in-all, one of the
best episodes, no matter how you look at it. Even better on cactus juice. 
#8 Worst: The
Fortuneteller – This was an episode I was conflicted on because there are
some genuinely great moments here worth discussing. But, on the flip side, it
also has one of the most disappointing endings for an episode I can think of.
Funny, sure, but the face-palm kind of funny where you want to laugh but
because of just how dumb the situation is. For those who don’t remember,
Fortuneteller is an episode where Team Avatar goes to a villager where everyone
believes every omen told by the village fortuneteller (still with me on this
one?). She predicts the village won’t be destroyed but then the nearby volcano
threatens to destroy it. Team Avatar saves it, despite the fact that no one
believes they’ll be killed by the lava flow. As a result, everyone is safe.
Though everyone believes it’s the work of the fortuneteller for predicting the
village wouldn’t be destroyed, failing to learn the lesson they can’t rely on
her to always be right because if they hadn’t been there, she’d be wrong… and
dead. In short, I dislike this episode for the lack of a lesson learned by the
character who needed to learn the lesson and, while the jokes were fun, this
episode felt like an overall waste of time for the heroes. Again, not bad, but
not great. 
#7 Best: The Ember
Island Players – Season three is going to get a lot of episodes on this
list because it has some of the best episodes and this one is probably one of
the best ones. This episode functions as the “Clip Show” for the series,
catching audiences up to what’s happened in a comical way just before the final
battle. The trick is rather than actually being a clip show of old episodes,
the entire series is played out in the form of a stage play while the heroes
watch. But since the play is done by Fire Nation actors… there’s obviously some
creative interpretation on Aang’s journey and how it will end. Ultimately, it’s
one of my favorite episodes for the jokes and humor, being a functionally
superior clip show compared to other series, and for allowing Katara to be a
voice of reason in telling Aang their relationship isn’t worth pursuing at the
moment. Also, Toph… because it sounds like “tough.” 
#7 Worst: Daydreams
and Nightmares – This is one I debated putting on, but my issue with it is
fairly straightforward. The episode is about Aang having issues sleeping or
relaxing during the time before the Day
of the Black Sun in which he will lead a large-scale assault on the Fire
Nation and defeat the Fire Lord while he has no bending (ultimately failing,
but whatever). As such, Aang has nightmares when he tries to sleep that he will
fail. And while this is a problem I could imagine him having, it doesn’t quite
work. A lot of the jokes aren’t all the way there and play out like your
trope-heavy stress dreams of not wearing pants or forgetting homework would.
And these don’t work (for me anyway) as a stress-dream for Aang… a kid who
never actually attended school and has been in several stressful situations
already (some more so than this because he was alone). Again, not bad, but I
don’t think it works as intended. 
#6 Best: Bitter Work
– Yes, I do like the episodes where Aang picks up the tricks of the bending
trade. And the episode where Toph teaches Aang is the best of the three. You
learn the very specific differences between bending types and how certain
people are more capable of a kind of bending than others. Plus we get to see
some fun Earthbending moments from Toph in general. We also can’t forget all
the fun moments with Sokka… stuck in a whole… craving meat.
#6 Worst: The
Waterbending Master – Ironically, the episode in which Aang starts learning
about waterbending from a waterbending master is one of the worst episodes of
the series. Again, same thinking as Nostalgia Critic, the episode’s whole focus
on female empowerment and Katara’s fight for equality falls flat for me. I won’t
get into the full argument here, but if you want to watch his video, he sums up
the argument rather nicely. Again, I get this would happen and this episode
plays out fine. But it’s predictable and isn’t everything it could be.
Certainly more surprises or twists would have made the episode more enjoyable
overall.
#5 Best: Tales of Ba
Sing Se – When it comes to anime or stories in general, filler is something
I tend to dislike or avoid. It’s something that just eats time and takes away
from the plot. Dragon Ball Z and Naruto are two of the biggest offenders
(in my opinion) of utilizing filler in the absolute worst ways possible. That
being said, Avatar does have its share of filler episodes and while I never
expected to say this, Tales of Ba Sing Se
is not only the best of the filler, but among the best of the shows in general.
Barring the fact this episode was dedicated to the memory of Iroh’s original
voice actor who died shortly after completing Book 2: Earth, this episode is packed of great character building
moments and scene of genuinely good emotional connection. We get to see Toph
and Katara bond. We get to see Aang solve a minor problem. We get to see Sokka
being Sokka (which is always good). But the highlight of this episode (to me)
was the scene in which we see Zuko go on a date with a lovely young lady. There
are a lot of good, small stories happening here and it was a nice breather
episode in between lots of intense moments during the Ba Sing Se story arc.
This obviously isn’t one I’d recommend to watch if you’re new to the series
because it doesn’t showcase the cool action scenes from the show. But if you
want a demonstration on why Avatar is a masterclass of character development,
I’d argue few episodes do better than this. 
#5 Worst: The Painted
Lady – Again, much in line with Nostalgia Critic, this episode is just
plain heavy handed in the message it’s trying to beat you over the head with.
Pollution is bad and earth is good. And, again, I agree that a show that’s
managed to pull that message off subtly throughout the entirety of the series
until this episode doesn’t need an episode like this. I get that it seems like
every kids show needs an episode where the heroes topple an evil factory that’s
killing the environment, but do we really need that? I don’t think so. This
reminds me of that weird Transformers G1
episode in which the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out for control of a
special energizing pool that ends up destroying the surrounding environment
that the pool also fed. Very awkward and heavy-handed. Visually, one of the
better Avatar episodes, but we don’t need to be Captain Planet.
#4 Best: The Avatar
and the Fire Lord – The strength of Last
Airbender is that the show wasn’t just about Aang, it but was very much
Zuko’s story too. And no episode of the show demonstrated this concept better
than this (except maybe The Storm).
The key difference here is that this shows just how connected the lives of Aang
and Zuko actually are, beyond tragic backstories. We learn how the 100-Years-War
began. We get to see moments of Roku’s time as the Avatar. And we get to hear
Iroh tell us a story about how Firelord Azulon screwed over his best friend…
perhaps only friend in the world. There’s a lot to take in on this episode, but
it basically raises the stakes for the heroes, shows why Zuko needs to team up
with Aang and stop his charade, and it gives us more lore to the world. That
last one is probably what ends up winning out this choice for me. 
#4 Worst: The Beach
– This episode was just weird to me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s kinda fun in a
bizarre way. But seeing Azula at a party and terrorizing people just felt
awkward to me as a whole. I mean, yes, I imagine she would be terrorizing
people. But what is awkward to me is I just don’t see her as the party-goer
type. Plus the constant back-and-forth “arguments” between Zuko and May were
not all that great either. Again, this isn’t really a bad episode, but just
kind of weird during a season where things are supposed to be dark and intense
until the final fight. But maybe I just set my expectations too high on that
one.
#3 Best: The Puppet
Master – If you didn’t expect this one to make the list, you’re dead wrong.
If there’s anything I love, it’s creepy horror-esque atmospheres and stories. I
like horror games (when I can manage to sit through one and play it). I like
horror movies. And when Avatar threw a surprising horror-themed episode our
way, I couldn’t help but immediately love it. From the “screaming from inside
the mountain” to the rumors of a witch kidnapping people, it was all
spectacular and, on its own, would have made this list for sure. But securing a
top three spot was all because of the new aspect we were introduced to in this
episode, BLOODBENDING. It was something that was never presented until now and,
honestly, something I never expected or considered to be a possibility. But
when it was revealed that powerful waterbenders could bend blood of another
person to manipulate them (normally under a full moon) I was immediately in love
with the concept. So much so that I’m curious what other abilities could affect
parts of the body. Could Firebending be done to cause cells to combust? Could
Earthbending be used to turn bones into dust or bend them out of the body? Legend of Korra showed us bending the
air out of someone’s lungs and suffocating them. By far, a damn fine episode
and one that every top 12 list should have. 
#3 Worst: Bato of the
Water Tribe – See the Nostalgia Critic video. Yes. Aang being out of
character and basically lying to his one friends/family in this new world he
was thawed in didn’t make sense for the character and it shouldn’t have
happened. Nothing more to add to this conversation.
#2 Best: Zuko Alone
– Like I had said many times previously, the story of Avatar is both Aang’s and
Zuko’s. An episode with Zuko alone is… well… exactly as the title says. We see
an adventure of Zuko’s as he’s separated from Iroh and trying to determine what
he ultimately wants. During his travels, he helps a young boy and his family
out, who don’t realize he’s Fire Nation, when fending off against a gang of
bandits. Seeing Zuko actually help people was something incredibly bizarre when
it first aired but, in hindsight, it shows the first step in his eventually
change from villain to hero. And this is where the first domino in the line
fell. What’s more interesting is how the episode ended with the family turning
on him when they realized he could firebend. He didn’t fight back or argue with
them. He just left without another word, understanding their fear and hatred.
This was the one episode of the season that made us all expect him to turn
around at the end of the season and not try to kill Aang… that didn’t end up
being the case, but still. 
#2 Worst: The Great
Divide – While a bad episode, I refuse to acknowledge it as the worst. Yes,
it is trope heavy. Yes, Aang lies at the end (which supposedly goes against his
character [though it really doesn’t]). And, yes, it’s kinda boring and doesn’t
really give the heroes much to do. So let me address the one issue I disagree
with. Aang lying supposedly goes against his character. We’re forgetting that
this is a kid who enjoys jokes and pranking people (as seen in his various
flashbacks and stories). He’s not a bad kid, just a good natured boy who tries
to keep things fun. So him lying to get two “warring” tribes to come to peace…
yeah… I can totally see that actually happening. What annoys me more is just
how much time is wasted watching two tribes of people bicker and argue with one
another over virtually nothing. And these are people we never see or hear from
in the franchise ever again. Shows just how important this episode ended up
being long run, didn’t it?
#1 Best: The Blind
Bandit – Honestly, what else could it be? As both a Toph fan and Sokka fan,
I got the best of both. This episode is filled with excellent dialogue and
lines from Sokka and his insane cheering for The Boulder. But what makes this
episode so great is that this is the greatest introduction to a character in
basically the history of fiction. We’re introduced to a young girl who we’re
told is blind and she goes to fight giant wrestler-like Earthbenders in an
underground arena. When we see she not only kicks all their butts, but also can
see with Earthbending, it makes for an insanely hysterical and entertaining
episode. And when we learn more about Toph and where she’s from, it only makes
her that much more compelling. Every episode after this is better solely
because she is now a character. And while I get the people who aren’t fans of
either Toph or Sokka might not love this episode as much as me… I just have one
question… how can you not enjoy two of the best characters in this show? Do you
have absolutely no joy in your life?
#1 Worst: Avatar Day
– If any episode deserved a spot on the wall of shame for time wasting, it
would be Avatar Day. An episode in
which Aang is blamed for the crimes of his past life as Avatar Kyoshi and is
forced to prove her innocence… only to then be proven guilty when her past life
admits to the crime (for some reason). But then the crime is forgiven when Aang
decides to save the stupid town from Fire Nation thugs (who are only there for
the Avatar anyway). And then, to make matters dumber, the town decides to make
Avatar Day a celebration of when Aang saved them this one time instead of their
former hate fest. It gives a sense of complete insincerity in their view and
the fact they even went through the process of having a “trial” or letting
Sokka “investigate” anything (while funny) just seems like a waste of time and
resources that no actual city leader would endorse or waste time with. This
episode gets the spot for pointless stupidity and nothing more. Avatar Day is the single worst episode
of the entire series of Avatar.
And that’s all for the first entry of “The Majestic Twelve.”
Future installments will be only the “Best” or “Worst” because this was
entirely too long on its own. Next time, with only a week until the release,
we’ll try to kick off a Smash Bros related Top 12. See ya next time.
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