I would say that this episode had an environmental message done right, if it weren't for the fact that it muddles said message. In the end, Aang must defeat the spirit Hei-Bei who seeks to avenge the destruction of nature, by simply appeasing him with words because Hei-Bei is simply misguided in carrying out his righteous anger. Unfortunately, that doesn't work here for the simple reason that Aang tried to appease Hei-Bei with words at the beginning but Hei-Bei ignored them in favour of violence. The episode does not provide an adequate explanation for Hei-Bei's 180 degree turn.
Of all things, Danny Phantom did a better job of having an environmental message in the episode Urban Jungle wherein Sam Manson vocally supports protecting the environment from the beginning to end but she nonetheless rightly and unequivocally denounces Undergrowth for being an eco-terrorist.
Despite this flaw, I do like the episode's message of seeking to rebuild the environment instead of raging at its destruction. I like how Sokka knowingly charges Hei-Bei to rescue Aang (good for him.) I like how Katara actively searches for Aang and Sokka, after they disappear. (Good for her.) I like our introduction to the Spirit World as well.
That said, the best parts of this episode are Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh. First of all, they provide good comedy, and secondly, Uncle Iroh shows us for the first time (well, technically second) just how powerful he is beneath his goofy exterior. And his being able to see Spirits is an excellent signal that he's more than meets the eye.
The fact that Prince Zuko is able to track Uncle Iroh makes sense, given he's essentially a bounty hunter at this point. And Zuko sacrificing his chance at finding Aang to rescue Uncle Iroh was one of his best moments and a great reminder that as evil as he is, his claims to have honour are not simply bravado but entirely true.
There's also a lot of set up for the next episode without any pay-off (which I can accept given that this is explicitly advertised as a part one.) So my final assessment of this episode is that it's pretty good.
Of all things, Danny Phantom did a better job of having an environmental message in the episode Urban Jungle wherein Sam Manson vocally supports protecting the environment from the beginning to end but she nonetheless rightly and unequivocally denounces Undergrowth for being an eco-terrorist.
Despite this flaw, I do like the episode's message of seeking to rebuild the environment instead of raging at its destruction. I like how Sokka knowingly charges Hei-Bei to rescue Aang (good for him.) I like how Katara actively searches for Aang and Sokka, after they disappear. (Good for her.) I like our introduction to the Spirit World as well.
That said, the best parts of this episode are Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh. First of all, they provide good comedy, and secondly, Uncle Iroh shows us for the first time (well, technically second) just how powerful he is beneath his goofy exterior. And his being able to see Spirits is an excellent signal that he's more than meets the eye.
The fact that Prince Zuko is able to track Uncle Iroh makes sense, given he's essentially a bounty hunter at this point. And Zuko sacrificing his chance at finding Aang to rescue Uncle Iroh was one of his best moments and a great reminder that as evil as he is, his claims to have honour are not simply bravado but entirely true.
There's also a lot of set up for the next episode without any pay-off (which I can accept given that this is explicitly advertised as a part one.) So my final assessment of this episode is that it's pretty good.