Avatar the Last Airbender Season 3 Premiere Ep Recap of Redemption

Avatar the Last Airbender season 3 opened up stronger than ever. Prince Zuko and Princess Azula are back home at the Fire Nation. And, Zuko’s three plus year banishment has drawn to a close. Ba Sing Se has been crushed, and its famous wall destroyed. Zuko is even getting some kissing action on with Mai. So, why isn’t Zuko finally happy?

Well, one he has betrayed Uncle Iroh, who now remains in the Fire Nation prison. Two, thanks to Azula, everyone thinks Zuko killed the Avatar. Unfortunately, Zuko suspects different. And, he’s right.

Three weeks after his defeat at Ba Sing Se, Avatar Aang has awakened on a Fire Nation ship. Luckily, this ship is one that has been commandeered by Hakoda, Kitara and Sokka’s father. Hakoda and his troups captured the Fire Nation ship and with a clever plan, formulated by Sokka, they plan to invade the Fire Nation on the Day of Black Sun.

But, the Avatar isn’t too happy about this plan, which hinges on the world not learning that Aang is still alive. Aang blames himself for the fall of Ba Sing Se. “I don’t want you or anyone else risking their life to fix my mistake,” he yells at Kitara. Much like Prince Zuko, the Avatar seeks redemption.

The parallels between the Zuko and Aang have been seen throughout the first two seasons. Both boys were outcasts in their own way: Aang the boy who ran away from his duty as Avatar, and Zuko the banished prince. Both seek to make amends for their past failure.

“I need to redeem myself. I need my honor back.” Aang proclaimed. Now, the parallel between Aang and Zuko is more clear than ever. The question remains, will Zuko eventually join Aang?

Kitara also draws another character parallel with Aang. When the Avatar runs off to face the Fire Nation alone, she compares the Avatar to her father Hakoda. “How could you leave us behind?”

In the end, the Avatar is resigned in Sokka’s plan. “It will be better for now that no one knows I’m alive.”

One thing that surprised the Bag Man more than anything is the reveal of Fire Lord Ozai’s face. Until now, Ozai has remained in shadows hidden by the fire. Ozai looked nothing like the Bag Man expected. Instead of an evil maligned face, of a man who willingly sacrificed his wife for power, Ozai looks more like Gaston from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

This season opener was exciting, and this fan can’t wait to until next Friday to see what happens next on Avatar the Last Airbender.

So, stay tuned and prepare for episode two of Avatar the Last Airbender, Fridays at 8:30pm on Nickelodeon.