User Reviews

I haven't been this excited watching a finale for a show since the Sopranos - it's that damn good - and in fact it even lives up to some of those heart-stopping moments that one has when watching the finale of, dare I compare you nerds, to Star Wars and the Matrix. It's the fulfillment of an epic journey, in the Joseph Campbell sense, and it's been building all up to a deux-ex-machina scenario where Aang has to stop the firelord Ozai from using the comet to destroy the planet and enslave it under his rule. This episode is actually the culmination of a series of finale episodes where it starts with Aang having to finally come to full grips with his responsibility to fully master all four elements, and ends up getting advice not just from his former Avatar-selves, but from a Lion-Turtle (yeah, it's that kind of show).

It's action packed in the kind of style that is perhaps violent for say the 3 to 4 year olds perhaps, but for anyone else, young or old, it's golden entertainment. It is really an epic tale told with the kind of energy and narrative (seeming) ease one saw in the best of the Star Wars movies. That it's on Nickelodeon isn't that much of a deterrent either; watching it, I knew I could expect anything, and I got more than I would've ever expected. The animation is breathtaking, even more than usual (yes, even with some CGI shots of the Fire-Nation zeppelins that look oddly out of a PS2 game), and the voice-work compliments this as well. Aside from the obvious sights to behold with Ozai and Aang's battle, there's also in particular the big final fire-battle between Prince Zukko and Princess Azula, which is as intense as any great fighting scene I've ever come across. It's that damn good.

Oh, and in case you're wondering how it all turns out, in case you've yet to see it, I'll simply say this: you'll wonder how Aang can save the world and *not* pee on fans looking for a righteous climax to a character like Firelord Ozai. But it's simply fully worth it. It's a finale to a fantasy series I wont soon ever forget.

*This review includes major spoilers of the finale/series, which are needed in order to discuss the ethics and psychology included within. If you have not yet seen the finale or series, go watch it and thank me later.*

It is rare that any finale lives up to years of hype for an excellent television show. It is even rarer for a finale to surpass that hype. This is one of the rarest of cases.

"Sozin's Comet Part 4: Avatar Aang" represents the culmination of every single character/story thread presented in the series. Most importantly however, is the question of whether or not Aang can defeat (the now) Phoenix King Ozai, and even if he can, will he betray his beliefs and actually kill Ozai? I will focus most on this aspect of the finale, but first, the finale itself includes three other important components.

While Aang battles Ozai, Sokka, Toph, and Suki play a less flashy, but still critical role by trying to stop the Fire Nation ships during the attempted genocide of the Earth Nation's people, environment, and wild-life. (They also provide a degree of comic relief to what is a very serious/mature finale for any series, but especially one aimed at children.) Meanwhile, Iroh (along with the Order of the White Lotus) fight to 'take back' Ba Sing Se for the Earth Nation. This has the most meaning for Iroh, whose prior attack on Ba Sing Se (many years earlier as a Fire Nation general) resulted in the death of his only son – an event that appeared to put him on the right path culminating in this final act of redemption.

Azula's psychological breakdown (due to the betrayal of her closest/only friends) had led her to break the rules of the Agni Kai by attacking Katara. Zuko's prior redeeming act of self-sacrifice to protect Katara from Azula's lightning leaves Katara alone to stop Azula as fast as possible so that she can try to heal Zuko. Katara's strength of mind on top of her mastery of waterbending enables her to find a way to restrain Azula without hurting her. As Azula screams and cries fire at the realization the she has genuinely lost everything, I like to think that Azula could one day remember this moment as the best thing that ever happened to her. For the first time in Azula's life, any friends that she makes, any people that care about her – she'll know that their feelings do not stem from her being a princess or out of fear, but rather because they genuinely like her. Believing in love can change people, and I like to think that Azula is not a lost cause.

As the final episode opens, Aang is still trying to hide from Ozai inside a spherical rock. Just as the rock begins to break and his back is pierced, Aang is finally able to enter the Avatar state again. Now a master of all four elements, Aang in the Avatar state is something truly scary, and Ozai's reaction is one of fear, quite possibly for the first time in his life. All of the prior incarnations of the Avatar nearly force Aang to finally kill Ozai, but before the final blow, Aang stops this from happening. It's likely that the majority of humankind would consider it justified and/or deserved to deliver the death penalty to Ozai (certainly all of Aang's past lives would fall into this category). On top of all of his prior heinous acts, Ozai literally spent the last hour trying to kill Aang as fast as possible so that he could get back to his original plans of committing genocide of an entire race of people. It is this difference that truly defines Avatar Aang. Instead, Aang uses a newly discovered form of bending – energy bending – to take away Ozai's ability to firebend, permanently.

This aspect is one that is typically met with negativity due to it falling into the category of 'dues ex machina.' I understand that criticism; however, I would argue that it is missing the point of finale (and possibly the series as a whole). Leading up to this final episode, the question of whether or not Aang would have to kill Ozai to end the war was one that Aang did not take lightly. It's possible that most people in Aang's position would simply succumb to the pressure of the situation, accept that killing Ozai is the only solution, and rationalize why it was OK thereafter. In contrast, Aang essentially exhausts every single potential source of advice until finally, he is able to find the one way in which he can stop Ozai without having to execute him. Sometimes, the path toward genuine morality is beyond difficult. The real world presents horrible situations (e.g., human trafficking, abuse, war, etc.) in which finding solutions appear impossible. The message of the finale is to never give up trying to find those solutions, however evasive they may seem. Certainly, there are cases where you cannot find that solution in time, but in this specific case, Avatar Aang's endless pursuit of a better way enabled him to set a new example for what is right for the world. The finale is about the importance of that pursuit.

In the end, the 100 Years War is finally over and the nations will have to unite to rebuild their broken and shattered world. Zuko begins his quest to find his mother (I did not mind not seeing it play out). Personally, I thought Zuko/Mei weren't a great couple, and I felt that Aang needed some time before he and Katara were ready to be together (I honestly would have preferred Zuko/Katara), but that's a very minor point and I was still happy for Aang. All in all, I still consider this the best finale for any series (cartoon or other) ever.

This television show is great and is definitely one of my absolute favourites. That said, it has some flaws and most of them are from this episode.

1) Ozai works well as a backstory for Zuko and Azula but he isn't a good antagonist for Aang 2) Ozai has been in three fights over the course of the show and two in which his opponent was willing to fight back and aside from the first one (when Zuko refused to fight) Ozai lost all of them and as such can't pose that much of a threat 3) The rock falling on that one spot on Aang's body to trigger the Avatar State was contrived (though that's a nitpick.) 4) The Lion Turtle was an idiotic Deus Ex Machina (and introducing potential consequences for Energy-bending when Aang uses it and having no follow up is just lazy writing 5) If Tai-Li's motivation were being too similar to her siblings thanks to being a septuplet then her joining the Kiyoshi Warriors doesn't really make sense (though that's a nitpick.)

That said, there were things I liked about the episode.

1) Zuko taking Azula's lightning to save Katara is an impressive culmination of his character arc 2) Azula's madness making her weak enough for Katara to win was pretty good (as was Katara healing Zuko) 3) Iroh conquering Ba Sing Se was great 4) Zuko confronting Ozai about his mother was pretty decent 5) I liked Zuko and Mei getting back together 6) I like Fire Lord Zuko's plan to rebuild 7) I like the balance between comedy drama

Is this episode good? Yes. Is it good enough to be a satisfying ending to a series this great? No.

This episode was exactly what it needed to be. Beautiful action pieces, great resolutions, well-done rising of stakes. Defintely teared up a little for Iroh and Zuko's reunion. All the characters feel in their rightful place.

10/10.

I will attempt to remain both appreciative and critical here. 'Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang' is a truly satisfying finale to a scintillating series, one that will stick with it's contented audience for a long time, but upon inspection, certain flaws present themselves.

I will begin with the finale's merits. The fight scene between Azula and Zuko was well constructed, however the sequences of the fight consisted mainly of Zuko and Azula mirroring each other in strength and technique. Azula's lightning was missed, I feel it added a further level of intimidation and strength to her character. Additionally, Azula's violation of the rules of Agni Kai adds further suspense to this charged sibling conflict. I will return to this scene later.

Zuko achieved the glory he deserved, as one of the most nuanced characters in animation. He regresses (but not so much in a negative, Freudian sense) to his earlier balanced and charming personality, and the audience is assured he will usher in better times as he attempts to repair the damages his ancestors orchestrated. HIs quest to find his mother gives continuity and integrity to his character.

The end of Iroh's story too was well carried-out. His transformation from conquering general to redeemed hero and man of spirit is completed, as his foreshadowing childhood dream manifests in reality. His final conversion from the destructive philosophy of Sozin/Ozai is completed symbolically with him burning down the Fire Nation flag in Ba Sing Se. While his future is unclear, his past and present and reconciled and juxtaposed constituting a satisfying denouement.

The fight between Aang and Ozai is satisfying as the audience observes it.

Now however I must delve into my discontentment.

Azula, a previously strong and interesting character devolved into paranoia, and mired her intimidating charm by - for no reason other than her own idiocy, cutting her own hair as she had banished her maids. Zuko's development was one of the mind rather than one of skill, so his sudden ability to match Azula both on the airships and in the fight scene feels unearned. Katara's wit to outmatch her was smart though. Her ability to best one of the strongest firebenders on the day of Sozin's Comet however, seems unlikely, but her means of doing so are considered and exciting. I consider the end to Azula's character to be lacking. Perhaps she could have realised that relationships aren't about domineering or 'crushing the world together', but finding solace in one another. As her psychic failure occurs, it certainly seems she could use some solace.

I would like to return to the Aang/Ozai fight. Upon retrospection, the fight consisted of one running from the other in fear. Aang's pacifism nearly costs him the fight, and in a way it does. He is not able to best Ozai, and requires of 'Avatar State' to send him packing In this way, it is not Aang, our beloved protagonist that is able to best Ozai, but rather all the Avatars of the past. From this moment, the conflict is mostly resolved. The audience knows that Aang will best Ozai, and the only question left is how. The writers do utilise a 'Deus ex Machina' device here, that was only semi-developed in the prior episode. Although one must admit that if it were developed further, the ending would have been entirely obvious, and somewhat less satisfying. The conflict between Aang and the philosophies of the previous Avatars was a worthwhile addition though, allowing Aang to differentiate himself and forge his own legacy.

Indeed, the use of the 'Avatar State' to defeat Ozai was previously barred by story decisions. Azula apparently 'blocked (Aang's) chi' with her lightning as she struck him down a season prior. And at least in that scene, Aang attempted to let go of Katara to master the 'Avatar State'. Here it again returns as an unquestionably overpowered defence mechanism that shows that while three seasons had been dedicating to preparing Aang to face Ozai, he never really had a chance. Even early on Aang could construct a giant sea monster when push came to shove. There was no shot where Aang unlocks his final chi and achieves 'Cosmic power' but rather it conveniently occurs silently and the conflict is decided.

There is also the question of Toph, do we even know what happens to her?

Finally, the enduring relationship of Aang and Katara. Roku's foreshadowing 'It gets better' manifests, and while the primary conflict of the plot has been resolved it feels only semi-earned. Episodes ago, Katara was 'confused', and in the same episode Zuko is positioned with her. The two had got along, and it seemed that the writers were hinting a Zuko/Katara ending, however this never happened, and I'm glad. I feel it would have undermined all Katara's kisses of Aang's cheek, and the bubbly excitement it riled in the audience. It does feel like an abandoned line of the story that just didn't get developed further after it was strongly hinted. Aang and Katara should end up together, but the way they did so felt almost forced. Perhaps rather than a big hug and cathartic kiss, an affectionate back-hug could have reassured the audience that the affection is still there, but not give everything away so easily. Despite my inexperienced speculation, I must admit that I was relieved that they end up together, with their relationship fortified through myriad trials and tribulations.

I have one last criticism before I conclude. Ozai. He was meant to be a grandiose 'archvillain' strengthened by a comet that comes only one in a hundred years. But overall, he lacked development beyond simple malice and amorality. We gain no insight into his past or motivations. Although this was not particularly required, as Azula and previously Zuko had filled these shoes. The development of Azula was overall, very pleasing, but her end, semi-disappointing.

I feel I was overly critical here, and the conclusion deserves another paragraph of praise. Many regard this finale to be among the best because it was synthesised with integrity. It wasn't soiled to introduce another conflict and drag the audience along for a few more seasons, and all the characters stayed true to themselves. Azula's arc is finalised on an inside note, but her schizoaffective tendencies have been apparent for some time. It brings all the characters together, or partitions them separately in a cathartic way that leaves the audience with a warm smile.

Overall, 'Avatar: The Last Airbender's characters were charming and they grew together in a contenting way. These characters will endure with us. They have become part of me. But alas, these our revels now are ended. This was a satisfying end to a truly wonderful series. Whilst some crimes were committed, on net the series was so charming that I will gladly forgive them. If all the world's a stage, let this wonderful culmination of impressive animation, well-conceived story, truly charming characters, and love of Eastern philosophy help us perfect our performance. Adieu, Adieu, to these wonderful writers and actors that, in moulding together a masterpiece, have too done something to mould their audience.

Allow me to prompt you. 'But release me from my bands / With the help of your good hands. / Gentle breath of yours my sails must fill / Or else my project fails / Which was to please. (...) Now my ending is despair / Unless I be relieved by prayer / Which pierces so that it assaults / Mercy itself and frees all faults. / As you from crimes would pardoned be / Let your indulgence set me free.'

It's AMAZING, the way that Aang got his avatar state back was so badass, the way they show how powerful Aang is, is just perfect, the way they show that Aang is above everyone in that universe in power is just insane and Azula in that episode just proves to me that she's the best animated antagonist in history and no one can change that fact, the fight scenes in that episode were stunning, Aang destroying those pillars, Zuko's Agni Kai against Azula, Toph Suki and Sokka's plan to sneak in the airships and the best of all, the White lotus, just an incredible addition to this already perfect series.

This is the greatest ending literally it's just so sick how sang takes fire Lords dozens powers away with energy bending. The build up for this is also so sick but the fight felt short because we loved the fight butt I would've liked it more if the ending where he could do like that blind touch that that would've only be revealed at the end it would've been so cool oprolly a 10 out of 10 if it was like that. And if the fight would've been better this whole episode would be a 1p out of 10 not a 9.9 out of 10 as the best anime episode ever but for the rest I liked it very much since I watched it like 10 times.

There's a lot within Sozin's comet that I could talk about. The action scenes, the plot, etc, etc. Those are all what make Sozin's comet so great, but it also shows you what it's like to go insane and become paranoid of everyone. The thing is that Azula became a monster because she wanted power and was going to use anyone and everyone to get it. Once she lost everyone, she snapped and tried to kill someone. What Azula did was inexcusable, however even she didn't deserve a fate like that.

Speaking of Azula, one scene in particular was very hard for me to watch because of what the VA went through. She did a fantastic job portraying Azula, but I worry about her. She went through so much for that scene and all I can hope for that she's ok.

I will divide the points with each part of the final combat by counting the last 2 chapters (Sozin's Comet part 3 and 4 -Azula / Zuko / Katara: Azula's descent of madness is brutal showing all the problems that she had inside her only protected by the fear of people and her father but when her father abandoned her, she fell into the almost madness. The haiki kai of azula and zuko was definitely the best of the whole chapter, we would finally see the complete evolution of zuko fighting against azula who had lost almost all sanity, the animation the music all the haiki kai is the best fight of all the series, although also the participation of katara made the fight more interesting and the end of azula crying and screaming is brutal to finish the best fight of all avatar.

-Sokka / Toph / Suki: All this part is taken by sokka showing all his evolution and his great leadership, and toph and suki also stand out thanks to their abilities like, although obviously sokka is the protagonist.

-The order of the white lotus: The whole scene is very great where we finally see all the white lotus fight against the fire nation demonstrating all their abilities, and the end where iroh burns the flag of the nation is very good (not counting the scene of the hug of zuko and him).

-Aang vs Ozai: It is the weakest part of the whole special, for the simple fact that to be the final villain to be the one who generated millions of traumas to everyone, their fight is bad, aang and ozai never saw each other but They knew that their destiny was to face the avatar and the lord of fire, and their fight even though it had a brutal animation does not compare at all with the haiki kai of azula and zuko that is better musically, narratively, corrography, ETC, the fight of ozai against aang is literally: Aang runs ozai chases him but aang does not want to kill him receives damage from a stone on his back takes out the avatar mode chases ozai catches him and deactivates his powers, and voila THAT ANTI-CLIMATE! (The problem is that the OZAI is the final villain and he had a somewhat boring fight)

-The ending: The ending where zuko is put as the king of aang's winged fire represents that this has finally changed and times of peace will come (although in the comics they have more history) but when everyone gathers in the tea shop Uncle Iroh is very pretty and shows that they can finally rest a bit (even though the scene of aang and katara's kiss was a bit too much, I don't care with such a good ending).