The Avatar Returns

Guess who's back, back again…   A little flying lemur told us it was the 15th Anniversary of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and we thought, “Hey, we liked that show.” So here we are, Team TARP together again. We discuss our memories of the series, how it's influenced pop culture, and whether or not that Netflix live-action series is ever gonna happen. We also talk about all the various ways this podcast could reincarnate in the future, be it for books, comics, or other animated series.    Also, our resident boozebender Eric Sipple creates an Avater-themed cocktail. (See the recipe below.)   Next: TBD   THE BREAKDOWN Total Run Time: 01:40:55 00:00:45  - Intro 00:09:45  - AtLA 15th Anniversary 00:43:33  - Netflix live-action update 01:05:16  - Books & Comics 01:10:30  - Animation 01:20:06  - Speculating about new podcast projects 01:37:20  - Outro / Next THE MUSIC “Avatar: The Last Airbender (Intro)” by Jeremy Zuckerman (2005) “Airbending” by Mak11, Airbending (Single) (2019) THE LINKS Wyrd Crafts Chit-Chat Episode 2 - Jessie Flower Hoopla - Streaming Audiobooks, Music, Video & eBooks Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Rise of Kyoshi (The Kyoshi Novels Book 1) by F. C. Yee THE AVATAR STATE Recipe 1 oz London dry gin (Air) 1 oz Campari (Fire) 1 oz Punt e Mes (Earth) Fill an old fashioned glass with ice (Water). Add all ingredients to the glass and stir. Garnish with a thin slice of orange.

We're back for a brand new year with a brand new comics series! Following on the successful heels of their Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels Dark Horse Comics introduces the official Legend of Korra continuation series. The first story arc is called “Turf Wars” and it's written by original series co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino with art by Irene Koh. To go along with all the new we here at The Avatar Returns are trying a slightly new format in that we'll be reviewing these books as they are initially released rather than waiting for the hardcover Library Edition collections. So in this episode we tackle Part One (of Three), and I confess that we struggle just a little bit. Picking up immediately where the animated series left off we follow Korra and Asami on their getaway into the spirit world, and while it's wonderful to see these characters again the return isn't quite as smooth as we may have hoped. Paul and Arlo are worried about a seeming return to Book One hotheaded impetuous Korra; Koh's art is a significant change from Gurihiru in the ATLA books; there's talk of the Dumbledoring of Kya; and Eric will not condone a course of action that will lead us to Turf War. (That's a joke, he actually loves this book.)   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 04:00) Main Topic (04:00 - 1:11:23) Outro / Next (1:11:23 - 1:13:50) Links The Ungrounded Turf Wars of Legend of Korra

We're baaaaack. But there's no cause for celebration as we're forced to bid a sad farewell to our beloved comics creative team. One last time writer Gene Luen Yang and art duo Gurihiru spin a tale of Team Avatar for the official tie-in graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics. Vol. 5: North and South sees Sokka and Katara return home to the Southern Water Tribe for the first time since setting off with Aang to end the Hundred Years War. But what they find may not be the quaint, egalitarian village they remember. As each volume before it, North and South explores issues of modernization, nationalism, societal and technological development. But for the first time our hosts don't all necessarily agree on the quality of the story and/or art. One of them may or may not spend much of the podcast talking about loving the book while consistently nitpicking practically everything about it. Which one of them is being an Arlo? Press play and find out!   Also, there's talk of “therapybending,” David Lynch's inevitable contribution to the World of Avatar, spoilers for Lion King(?!?), and Tattoo Watch is officially over as someone earns their ink.   Next: there's a change coming as the boys talk about how to continue the podcast in light of the glacial pace of new comics being released. There's quite a bit of discussion at the end of the episode about what to do about that, but I'll go ahead and spoil some of it for you now and let you know the next thing we'll be discussing will be the first individual volume of the Legend of Korra graphic novel series Turf War. Date TBD.     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 15:15) Main Topic (15:15 - 1:48:15) What Does the Podcast Become Now? (1:48:15 - 1:57:05) Outro / Next (1:57:05 - 2:00:12)

Goodbyes are hard. That's why we drink. In this episode your sad hosts are sad. In the absence of new Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra chapters to discuss, we get slightly inebriated and try to make it a party. There's trivia, “Who Said It” challenges, lists (because everyone loves lists), and lots of self-indulgence and time-wasting. We really do go out on the top of our game.   In all seriousness, we have had a tremendous time sharing this journey with each other and with all of our listeners. No one could have predicted how important this silly little project would become for all of us, and so reaching the end and having to step away is truly bittersweet. We're all proud of what we've done, but we're going to miss coming together every week to have these discussions. We will of course return from time to time with new episodes as the graphic novel series collected editions come out, so this isn't goodbye forever.   Thanks to each and every one of you who has joined us along the way. It's been an honor and a pleasure.     “The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation.”  

The secret is out! The truth about all of the crazy breaks and pauses and hiatuses The Avatar Returns has endured over the past year-and-a-half can finally be revealed. The truth is…we didn't want this to end. But end it has, and we must fight our way through the heartache and the pain to discuss, one last time, these final chapters of The Legend of Korra. Chapter 412, “Day of the Colossus” sees all our gathered heroes marshaling what resistance they can against Kuvira's Platinum Gundam of Spirity Death. There's a marriage proposal; Hayao Miyazaki makes a surprise (if short) return; and Meelo bends with something other than his butt. And then in chapter 413, appropriately titled “The Last Stand,” Bolin throws a building at Kuvira; Mako bends his shirt off; and Korra and Kuvira have possibly the most viscerally satisfying battle in the history of the series. Plus that marriage proposal leads to an actual wedding, and our beloved Avatar indulges in some very significant hand-holding.   And now, at the end of all things, we finally, FINALLY try and give the extraordinary series composer Jeremy Zuckerman his due. (In case we don't make it clear in the episode, he is one of the most amazing and criminally under appreciated composers working.)   Next: the shows are over but you still get one more podcast from us. Join us as we laugh, cry, and probably drink our way through a look back on the long, strange journey we've taken through these amazing shows. There could be games; we might try and stump each other with pop quizzes; it's almost guaranteed we'll argue over “Imprisoned” or “The Swamp” again. You're all invited to The Great TARP Wrap Party!     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 07:00) Main Topic (07:00 - 1:40:35) Outro / Next (1:40:35 - 1:45:40)

It's the ante-penultimate episode of The Avatar Returns and the boys are a little punch drunk. Paul shares a Star Wars/The Legend of Korra mashup that goes over like a lead balloon; Arlo makes a Thelma Schoonmaker joke that gets crickets for a response; and Eric makes a Step Up All In reference that goes completely over Arlo's head. Oh, and there are chapters to discuss, too. In 410, “Operation Beifong,” it gets all Paul Simony with a genuine mother and child reunion between Toph and Lin, while Opal introduces us to Juicy (yeah, Juicy), and Bolin eats noodles like a boss. And in chapter 411, “Kuvira's Gambit,” the Great Uniter has herself a Megazord, and Meelo has gas. (Hashtag Defend the Fart.)    As a particularly sad bonus, this episode features the very last time Arlo will get to make predictions based on upcoming chapter titles. The end of an era.    Next: all good things must come to an end as chapters 412, “Day of the Colossus” and 413, “The Last Stand” put a punctation mark on The Legend of Korra. But will it be a question mark or an exclamation point? Tune in and find out.     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 07:30) Main Topic (07:30 - 1:17:08) Outro / Next (1:17:08 - 1:22:50)

The Avatar Returns phone tree has been activated and we're answering the call as we head into the back half of The Legend of Korra Book Four. In chapter 407, “Reunion,” the band is back together…mostly. And it feels so good…mostly. Wu is down; Korra and Mako are on each others nerves; and Bolin lavabends the taste right out of some mecha suit mouths. In 408, “Remembrances,” cue the twinkling flashback music as, you guessed it Golden Girls, it's a clip show. But oh what a glorious clip show it is! Chibi Mako tells his romantic origin story to Chibi Wu; Korra and Asami share some tea and reminisce; and Varrick shares the tale of the Greatest Mover Ever Made! And finally, in 409, we journey “Beyond the Wilds” to poke things with sticks while Korra finally confronts her inner demons, which bear a striking resemblance to a hippie prison sage Zaheer.   However the bulk of our discussion tonight focuses on the hundreds of possible spin-off properties we hosts are dying to see in the future, including the possible Varrick/Bolin road movies, the anarchist PSA's of Zaheer, and the “Fearsome Foursome Phone Tree Saga!” (We also talk a little about the new Mystery Science Theater 3000 revival and the anime juggernaut that is Your Name. But really it's all about that phone tree.)   Next: the penultimate episode of our show discussions. Only two more podcasts focused on The Legend of Korra before we put a bow on the whole TARP project with our big blowout wrap party episode. So next week we'll be looking at chapters 410, “Operation Beifong,” and 411, “Kuvira's Gambit.”     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 15:00) Main Topic (15:00 - 1:29:00) Outro / Next (1:29:00 - 1:34:05)

This week on The Avatar Returns, it's a Badass Bender Beatdown as The Legend of Korra Book Four continues. In this corner, wearing the simple green tunic, the Ever-Lovin' Blue-Eyed Avatar (we still have one of those?), Korra! And in this corner, sporting a stylish Earth Empire ensemble of death metal, dancin' and singin' and movin' to the groovin', the Great Uniter herself, Kuvira!   But first we take a road trip with the Air Kids in chapter 404, “The Calling” as Aang's grandkids finally get the spotlight. And Toph proves why she's a master storyteller. Then in chapter 405, “Enemy at the Gates,” Zhu Li does the mecha suit thing better than anyone else, and poor dim Bolin slooooooowly starts to figure stuff out. And finally, in chapter 406, “Battle of Zaofu,” Kuvira smacks the taste right outta Korra's mouth. LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!   Paul murders Cousin Oliver after only one week. Eric murders a decades-old Brady Bunch meme. And Arlo murders any sense of even the most basic professionalism and respect for our audience. (Turn off your damn phone notifications, you ass!)   Next: for hopefully the very last time we take a week off to catch our breath. You guys just don't understand how difficult it is to sit still for two hours once a week and talk into a microphone about things that we love passionately. It's exhausting and just way too much to expect us pampered podcasters to pull off with any kind of consistency. So we'll take one last pause in the action to prepare ourselves for an uninterrupted run through to the end. Back the week of April 12th we will be discussing The Legend of Korra chapters 407, “Reunion,” 408, “Remembrances,” and 409, “Beyond the Wilds.”     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 14:40) Main Topic (14:40 - 1:21:40) Outro / Next (1:21:40 - 1:25:21)

Book Four: Balance begins as we move into the final season of The Legend of Korra. Time jumps in fiction tend to be something of a mixed bag, but as our story picks up three years after the end of Book Three it quickly becomes apparent the device works like a charm here, in what Arlo dubs the strongest start to any season in the entire Avatar Universe. In chapter 401, “After All These Years,” Korra is missing and former Zaofu Captain of the Guard Kuvira has become “The Great Uniter,” using military force to bring order to the chaos in the Earth Kingdom in the wake of the Queen's death. Chapter 402, “Korra Alone” answers where exactly the Avatar has disappeared to, and why. (Hint: it involved Nega-Korra.) And finally it's Toph love in chapter 403, “The Coronation” as the O.B. Original Beifong returns to go all Yoda on Korra's ass.   Paul introduces the podcast's version of Cousin Oliver. He and Eric both wax rhapsodic about Star Wars Rebels. And Arlo compares Mako to Vin Diesel. Not in a good way. (IS there a good way?)   Next: the next three chapters of Book Four; 404, “The Calling,” 405, “Enemy at the Gates,” and 406, “The Battle of Zaofu.”     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 15:20) Main Topic (15:20 - 1:42:53) Outro / Next (1:42:53 - 1:46:23)

This week, a break between seasons of The Legend of Korra means a return to the days of old as we look at the fourth collection of the Dark Horse Comics Avatar: The Last Airbender series, Volume 4: Smoke and Shadow. Having reunited with his long lost mother Ursa, Zuko returns with her to the Fire Nation Capital City (which really needs a name) and wackiness ensues, some of which serves to remind us that Avatar has actually really always been the Zuko Show. Even with mom back in the picture daddy (and uncle) issues continue to dominate the story. Mai, Ty Lee, and Suki finally get some much-needed page time, even as we lose Katara and Sokka (and the comic relief that Sokka provides). We discuss how relevant this volume feels today with its look at totalitarianism and the struggle to balance security and freedom. And Azula is back and feelin' good with a brand new Sisterhood of Evil Mental Patients in tow.    Speaking of character development, Arlo finally achieves his own Avatar State as a podcaster. And Eric makes a Hamilton reference! I'm Paul Smith and you're listening to All Benders Considered on NPR.*    (*) Not really, but…yeah.    Next: the end is coming. This is it, we begin our exploration of the final season of The Legend of Korra with Book Four: Balance. We're kicking it off with chapters 401, “After All These Years,” 402, “Korra Alone,” and 403, “The Coronation.” (And we are so deeply, deeply sorry for Arlo's predictions on what those episodes will be about.)     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 08:15) LISTENER MAIL! (08:15 - 18:30) Main Topic (18:30 - 2:08:08) Outro / Next (2:08:08 - 2:13:00)

This is a big one, kids. Team The Avatar Returns assembles to breakdown their thoughts on the final four chapters of The Legend of Korra, Book Three: Change. There's a lot to cover, starting with the typical children's television tropes of on-camera assassinations and Boxer Rebellions when Zaheer proclaims “Long Live the Queen” in chapter 310. In 311, “Ultimatum,” he may possibly have bitten off more than he can chew when he challenges Tenzin to a slap fight after airbending school. Bolin learns that the answers were inside of him all along in 312, “Enter the Void.” And Korra She-Hulks out all over Zaheer's face in the final showdown of 313, “Venom of the Red Lotus.”    Paul gets weepy over the incredible fight choreography this season. Eric is positively giddy with anticipation for Book Four: Balance. And Arlo drops the knowledge we've all needed about Shadow the Hedgehog.    Next: as always the break between seasons of Korra gives us another opportunity to revisit old friends by exploring the official Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics. This time we reconnect with the Aang Gang as they face Vol. 4 - Smoke and Shadow.     The Breakdown Main Topic (00:00 - 1:57:10) Outro / Next (1:57:10 - 2:00:03)

Welcome back, Nuktukkers! This week on The Avatar Returns we're throwing a good old fashioned Zaofu pajama party! We've got fresh Kalenutsco smoothies, air bison steaks, a game of Chekhov's Pebble, and Bolin dolls for everyone. Oh, and chapters of The Legend of Korra to discuss. We ease into things with 307, “Original Airbenders,” which features that adorable little psychopath Milo winning hearts and minds, and begins the official Book Three #TattooWatch. Then in 308, “The Terror Within,” Zaheer and the older kids crash the party and try to bring us down, while in 309, “The Stakeout” Pabu finally breaks the UPST (Unresolved Pai Sho Tension) between Bolin and Asami.    Is Zaheer a Mary Sue? Is Mako boring and useless? Are Paul and Eric drinking the Red Lotus Kool-Aid? Tune in to learn this and so much more!    Next: yet another buy week in the schedule as an unidentified member of our team goes off for a walkabout. When we return we'll be taking on chapters 310, “Long Live the Queen,” and 311, “The Ultimatum.”     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 18:35) Main Topic (18:35 - 1:41:50) Outro / Next (1:41:50 - 1:46:34)

Benders and non-benders rejoice, The Avatar Returns is back like Varrick! We've been lost in the Spirit Wilds for longer than any of us care to think about, but we fought our way out, through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, to be here with you tonight as we continue at last our exploration of Nickelodeon's award-winning Prison Break reboot, also known as The Legend of Korra, Book Three. Picking up right where we left off nearly four months(?!) ago we discuss chapter 304, “In Harm's Way,” which sees our heroes casually violating the sovereignty of a foreign nation to free some new airbenders. Then we get serious with chapters 305, “The Metal Clan” and 306, “Old Wounds,” which takes us to a brand new location, the shining city on the hill (actually it's in a valley) Zaofu, home of, you guessed it, the Metal Clan. Also home to Lin Beifong's estranged half-sister Suyin. The family drama gets thick.   Thrill to the adventures of Zaofu's own action acupuncturist! Cheer as the Earth Queen sneezes till her internal organs fall out! Ponder the intricacies of inflection! (Is it combustion lady POWERS or combustion LADY powers?)   Next: our long hiatus left us weak and out of shape, and all this heavy podcasting has really taken it out of us. So we're taking another (much MUCH shorter) break before returning in two weeks for chapters 307, “Original Airbenders,” 308, “The Terror Within,” and 309, “The Stakeout.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 15:05) Main Topic (15:05 - 1:33:00) Outro / Next (1:33:00 - 1:37:04)

All great journeys have their obstacles, detours or delays. For Avatar: The Last Airbender it was a literal hole in the ground known as "The Great Divide." For The Legend of Korra, let's be honest, it was an entire character named Unalaq. And for The Avatar Returns it's that old hobgoblin known as the real world. Circumstances outside of our control have left us with no choice but to take a temporary break in our recording schedule. This one will be a bit longer than our previous little hiccups, as we won't be returning till mid-January 2017 (!!!), but I want to emphasize the words 'temporary' and 'returning' because we will most definitely be back. You have our word, once we clear these spirit vines out of the way and kick this so-called real world's butt into submission, The Avatar Returns will return! We apologize for the timing and hope that all our fans will stick with us through these dark, podcastless days. Trust us, we're pumped to get back into production in the new year. The best of The Legend of Korra is still to come. (The Avatar Returns is scheduled to resume with Episode 37 - In Harm's Way / The Metal Clan / Old Wounds on or around January 18, 2017.)

Change is in the air as The Avatar Returns returns from our month-long walkabout with discussion of the first three chapters in The Legend of Korra Book Three. Gone are the days of meandering plot threads and questionable kaiju choices. We're right back into genuine character building, socio-philosophical quandaries, and thrilling Studio Mir action sequences. In chapter 301, “A Breath of Fresh Air,” Korra and Team Avatar are still trying to pick up the pieces after the paradigm shift of Harmonic Convergence, but they've got more on their plates than just some pesky spirit vines as new airbenders begin popping up for the first time in nearly two centuries. And we get a new villain that is already a thousand times more interesting than Unalaq in just his first few minutes of screen time. Chapter 302, “Rebirth” sees our intrepid heroes set out on a journey to gather up new airbenders in an effort to rebuild the nearly extinct Air Nation, but all they end up with is an annoying kid. Oh, and Zuko's back! And finally chapter 303 introduces us to “The Earth Queen,” the lovely, mild-mannered successor to old King What's-his-name-with-the-bear. She hates animals and is building a secret airbender army for the Earth Kingdom, so you know…she's lovely. Henry Rollins is perfectly voice-cast, but it may take some time for us to accept that. The Dai Li return, so Eric's excited. And Arlo hates Napoleon Dynamite. Next: three more tales to thrill! Chapters 304-306, “In Harm's Way,” “The Metal Clan,” and “Old Wounds.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 20:20) Main Topic (20:20 - 1:44:50) Outro / Next (1:44:50 - 1:47:28)  

The first two volumes of Dark Horse Comics' Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novel series both dealt with the difficulty of change, the cost and confusion that comes with transition. Volume 3: The Rift is no different as Aang continues to struggle with letting go of the past and learning to live in the present. The young Avatar slept through an entire lifetime while frozen in that iceberg, and in this time of peace following the end of the Hundred Years War he wants nothing more than to recapture the traditions of his culture now a century gone, but the world has moved on. And speaking of moving on, Toph must come face to face with her own past as she is unexpectedly reunited with her father, and both must come to terms with what, if anything, has changed between them. Writer Gene Luen Yang and art duo Gurihiru continue to impress with their masterful translation of these characters and themes from screen to page. And is there anything more fun that podcasting with one third of the crew under the influence? (Rhetorical question. There are lots of things more fun.) Next: The Avatar Returns takes another brief hiatus, this time to allow one of the hosts to go on a walkabout or something. (A booze-about is more likely.) But we'll be back late-September to kick off our run through The Legend of Korra Book Three: Change.     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 08:30) Main Topic (08:30 - 1:38:50) Outro / Next (1:38:50 - 1:43:39)

The Legend of Korra Book Two: Spirits finally meanders to it's somewhat muddled but more-or-less satisfying status quo-shattering conclusion with the final three chapters; 212, "Harmonic Convergence," 213, "Darkness Falls," and 214, "Light in the Dark." We discuss the season highlights (Tenzin, Nuktuk, Varrick) and lowlights (the Water Tribe civil war, the dumbing down of Lin Beifong), and which characters were best or underserved. How does Unalaq stack up against other villains? (Spoiler: he's the boringest!) Azula evolves into her ultimate form as the Spirit Mushroom. Arlo gets Seed of Wondered by the Tree of Time. And the whole shebang wraps up with Korra's Krazy Kosmic Kaiju battle! Also, this episode is late and it's Arlo's fault, and we whine about our first world podcast problems. Next: a break between books of Korra means another book of the Dark Horse Comics graphic novel continuation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. So next week we look at Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru's third installment, Volume 3: The Rift. So join us for that...we'll leave the spirit portal open for ya.     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 06:30) Main Topic (06:30 - 1:26:45) Outro / Next (1:26:45 - 1:29:38)

This week on The Avatar Returns we read the immortal classic Through the Looking-Glass, and What Korra Found There, also known as The Avatar's Adventures in Wonderland. In chapter 209, "The Guide" Korra and Tenzin are finally reunited, we meet Bum-Ju, and bid a fond(ish) farewell to animation Studio Pierrot. Then chapter 210 ushers in "A New Spiritual Age" as we follow the white dragonfly-bunny to Uncle Iroh's spirit tea party, see some genuinely creepy crawly things, and endure the return of the Dick Owl. And lastly chapter 211, "Night of a Thousand Stars" proves to be one of our favorites episodes of the entire season as Bolin becomes the real life Nuktuk we always knew he could be. But what's that? Unalaq really does have a doomsday device? Nuk-nooo! Also we nominate the new Batman: The Killing Joke animated film for the Unsexiest Flash Animation Circa 2002 Award. Next: say goodbye to Book Two as we close out the season with chapters 212-214, "Harmonic Convergence," "Darkness Falls," and "Light in the Dark."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 11:33) Main Topic (11:33 - 1:11:08) Outro / Next (1:11:08 - 1:12:48)

This week on The Avatar Returns we explore the gritty Miller and Mazzucchelli masterpiece, Avatar: Year One. Okay, not really. But we are talking about The Legend of Korra two-parter "Beginnings," which like the classic graphic novel mentioned above explores origins, in this case the origin of the Avatar State itself. We are introduced to Wan, the lovable riff-raff street rat with the heart of gold, who would ultimately go on to mess the world up in a pretty big way, and in turn become the first Avatar in order to just hold everything together. In other words, we learn that the Avatar is a bandaid.  Harmonic Convergence is almost upon us, and it's a plot device 10,000 years in the making! Can Studio Mir save us? Or perhaps the Grumpy Carrot spirit is our hero? Is Vaatu the Unalaq of spirits? Tune in to find out. Next: Book Two nears it's world-altering end as we discuss chapters 209-211, "The Guide," "A New Spiritual Age," and "Night of a Thousand Stars."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 03:10) Main Topic (03:10 - 1:22:40) Outro / Next (1:22:40 - 1:25:16)

As The Avatar Returns continues its exploration of The Legend of Korra Book Two, Eric thinks Unalaq's boringness continues to bore, Paul thinks Korra's temperamental teenager act continues to grate, and Arlo thinks Paul has gone from face to heel. [Ed. note: he's wrong, Paul has always been an evil bastard.] Fortunately for Eric, chapter 205, "Peacekeepers" features very little Unalaq. Paul is given a mostly Korra-free episode with chapter 206, "The Sting." And Arlo can forgive (or at least ignore) Paul's horribleness because Varrick's heel turn is just so amazing. And everyone comes together in their love for Nuktuk, The Hero of the South! Next: Studio Mir makes their triumphant return to animation duties with chapter 207, "Beginnings, Part 1" and 208, "Beginnings, Part 2."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 09:22) Main Topic (09:22 - 1:02:05) Outro / Next (1:02:05 - 1:04:12)

Six months later...we rejoin our regularly scheduled Avatar universe, already in progress. The Legend of Korra Book Two kicks off with a gurgle as angry squid spirits drag unsuspecting sailors to their watery graves, Korra has finally "mastered" airbending, and Mako does his best Horatio Caine impression. Chapters 201 and 202 introduce us to Korra's uncle Unalaq, who is boring but apparently important, and Varrick, who's just plain smarmy fun. Oh, and there's a whole spirit portal thing the Avatar has to deal with, but really we just like Varrick. Then in chapters 203 and 204, it's civil war all over again as boring-but-bad Unalaq leads the Northern Water Tribe in a bid to "save" their Southern Water Tribe cousins. We learn more about Tenzin's family, including his hippie chick sister Kya, and his wild and crazy older brother Bumi. The hosts agree, Bumi 2.0 is a big improvement over King Bumi. Also, Arlo reveals he's had an Eska or two in his past, and Battle Athletes Victory wins the prize for most obscure anime reference on the podcast yet. Congratulations! Next: Book Two continues with chapters 205, "Peacekeepers," and 206, "The Sting." Starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 09:00) Main Topic (09:00 - 1:14:05) LISTENER MAIL! (1:14:05 - 1:18:50) Outro / Next (1:18:50 - 1:21:03)

M. Night Shyamalan directed a movie. Arlo made us watch it. We didn't like it. We talk about it. We're sorry. (Ed. note: we experience intermittent audio issues throughout recording, because even the universe didn't want us to discuss this garbage fire of a film.) Next: we finally get back to The Legend of Korra as we kick off Book Two: Spirits with chapters 201-204, "Rebel Spirit," "The Southern Lights," "Civil Wars, Part 1," and "Civil Wars, Part 2."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 14:45) Main Topic (14:45 - 1:23:35) Outro / Next (1:23:35 - 1:26:55)

This week The Avatar Returns returns to the Avatar. We continue our discussion of Dark Horse Comics' ongoing Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novel series with Volume 2 - The Search. We talk about how the shift from the larger, more epic story told in Volume 1 - The Promise to this much smaller, more intimate tale works for us, and more importantly for the characters. Whereas the previous book explored issues we didn't even know we wanted to explore, such as colonialism and cultural appropriation, this book focuses on the bonds of family, born and found, particularly the relationship between brothers and sisters. It also addresses ideas of identity, be they physical, societal, or emotional. We praise writer Gene Luen Yang's astounding gift for continuing and building on this world and these characters we've come to love so much. And we wax embarrassingly rhapsodic about the work of art duo Gurihiru, which just keeps getting better with every volume, every chapter, every page. There's also banter this week. We say just a few words (for now) about the first season of DreamWork's Voltron: Legendary Defender, and we say way too many words about "adult" coloring books. Seriously, no one cares as much about these things as at least one of our hosts apparently does. Next: we take a week off in a desperate attempt to prepare ourselves for the following week's watch of director M. Night Shyamalan's 2010 "masterpiece," The Last Airbender. (We promise, The Legend of Korra Book Two is coming. Assuming we survive this.)     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 16:30) Main Topic (16:30 - 1:52:42) Outro / Next (1:52:42 - 1:54:56)

Book One of The Legend of Korra closes with a bang as Team Avatar and the United Forces face off against Amon and the Equalists. Chapter 111, "Skeletons in the Closet" finally reveals the true identity of Amon, and reminds us just how truly horrific bloodbending can be. And chapter 112, "Endgame" rings out the season with Asami confronting her father, Korra getting "unbent," and an argument for why villains should invest in oil-based makeup. Through all of this the boys defend murder suicide, compare The Legend of Korra to Speed Racer (Amon is Bender X?!), and explain why that ending is NOT just another "deus ex Aang." Does the show resolve Korra's identity crisis? Does she overcome her case of Avatar block? Do benders and non-benders learn to live together in harmony? This and much more this week on The Avatar Returns! Featuring music by Arlo and The Love Trapezoids. Next: we step away from silly cartoons to talk about funny books. Our look at Dark Horse Comics' official tie-in graphic novel series continues with Volume 2: The Search.     The Breakdown Main Topic (00:00 - 1:34:50) Outro / Next (1:34:50 - 1:37:24)

This week on The Avatar Returns it's action, action, and more action! In chapter 108, "When Extremes Meet," we get a full-speed car chase, and a villain stands revealed as Korra goes one-on-one against Tarrlok...the bloodbender! Dun-dun-duuuun! Then in chapter 109, "Out of the Past," Lin Beifong suits up, and we learn that Tarrlok is Yakone's son. (He's whose what now?) It all makes sense at last! (Wait, does it?!) And finally in chapter 110, "Turning the Tides," Team Avatar takes on more mechatanks, Lin and the kids defend Air Temple Island, and Naga bitchslaps the Moustache Guy. Through it all we discuss superhero tropes, fascism vs. due process, and the physics (and genetics) of bending, be it blood-, zipper-, or fartbending. Plus Iroh is back (sort of), and we banter just a bit about the announcement of the upcoming Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man animated feature film. Next: The Legend of Korra comes to the end of Book One as we discuss chapter 111, "Skeletons in the Closet" and 112, "Endgame."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 07:35) Main Topic (07:35 - 1:09:40) Outro / Next (1:09:40 - 1:12:11)

Ugh, teenage love triangles. Or quadrangles. Polyhedrons? Whatever they are, ugh! Even in the world of Avatar, kids have hormones. Fortunately, The Legend of Korra manages to deal with the bulk of this well-worn plot device in a single episode AND make it actually quite interesting, as chapter 105, "The Spirit of Competition" uses the backdrop of the Pro-bending Championship Tournament to examine the relationship between our three main heroes. Tenzin's daughters offer the wisest romantic advice, Bolin gets noodle drunk, and Pema is a home wrecker. Then, in chapter 106, "And the Winner Is...," we find out who the winner is. Duh. Who wins the tournament? Who wins the romance? How badass IS Lin Beifong? Those answers and more could only lead to "The Aftermath," as chapter 107 brings us Republic City's "Tony Stark," the return of the cabbage merchant (sort of), and freaking mechatanks! And we finally have our first Korra spin-off idea: Batman Beifong! (Bei-Bat? Bat-fong?) Next: our penultimate Book One discussion brings us to chapters 108-110, "When Extremes Meet," "Out of the Past," and "Turning the Tides."     The Breakdown Main Topic (00:00 - 1:11:00) Outro / Next (1:11:00 - 1:13:06)

Amon wants a revolution, but first we get a revelation. Chapter 103, "The Revelation" to be precise, wherein we learn that the leader of the Equalists, while really scary and kind of a dick, might possibly have a point? Paul and Eric are in full-on fanboy mode, but Arlo is initially uncomfortable with the muddy moral waters this new series is treading in, with "villains" that are actually the oppressed and "heroes" that could in fact be the oppressors. But Amon has a plan, and it involves taking away people's bending abilities! And in chapter 104, "The Voice in the Night" haunts Korra with the fear of that very thing. We talk again about how The Legend of Korra is the Angel: The Series to Avatar: The Last Airbender's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, exploring more mature, challenging, and morally ambiguous subject matter than perhaps its parent series. Also, we meet the wonderful Asami (we'll get through this love quadrangle stuff, I promise), the adorable Pabu (he's a friend, not a snack), and we jump to some disturbing conclusions about the Republic City Council, start to get really worked up about it, and then realize that we may already be falling for Amon's propaganda crap. Oh yeah, and we finally, officially settle on a time for the live-action The Last Airbender film. We will suffer for your entertainment. Next: we hit the Korra Book One midpoint with chapters 105-107, "The Spirit of Competition," "And the Winner is...," and "The Aftermath."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 10:05) Main Topic (10:05 - 1:21:00) Outro / Next (1:21:00 - 1:23:23)

It's a new age, and there's a brand new Avatar! 70 years have passed since Aang and his friends ended the Hundred Year War, and the world has moved on. Paul, Eric, and Arlo get the bend back together (get it?) to discuss the legend (and attitude) of Korra of the Southern Water Tribe. In chapter 101, "Welcome to Republic City," our new hero leaves her frozen homeland behind for the pseudo-steampunk '20s era New York-meets-Shanghai industrial revolution of the capital. We talk about how different Korra is from her predecessor, what kind of man Aang's youngest son has grown up to be, and whether non-benders can really survive in a city filled with bender gangs and metalbending cops. And in chapter 102, "A Leaf in the Wind," Korra struggles with her spiritual side, we're introduced to the sport of Pro-bending, and good lord the voice cast of this series! Plus there's listener e-mail, and the rules of pai sho. Next: The Legend of Korra Book One: Air continues with chapters 103, "The Revelation" and 104, "The Voice in the Night."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 12:15) Main Topic (12:15 - 1:06:05) LISTENER MAIL! (1:06:05 - 1:11:11) Outro / Next (1:11:11 - 1:13:25)

The show may have come to an end, but the Aang Gang lives on as we take this opportunity to discuss "The Promise," the first collected volume in Dark Horse Comics' official graphic novel series continuing the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Written by Eisner and Harvey Award winner Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese; Boxers & Saints), with art by Japanese duo Gurihiru, "The Promise" picks up right where the animated series left off, but quickly demonstrates that the happily ever afters we saw in "Sozin's Comet" may be a lot more nuanced and complicated than we thought. We talk about the book's exploration of colonialism and cultural appropriation; how Aang's true role as the Avatar, maintaining balance between four autonomous nations, may prove a greater challenge than defeating a single clearly-defined enemy; how well the author captures the voices of the characters, and how it all transitions from fluid animation to the static art form of comics.  Oh, and we add another title to the growing list of spin-off series we want to see: That's So Toph! Next: time marches on. 70 years to be exact. And with the passing of an age comes the birth of a new Avatar, with new friends, new enemies...it's a whole new world! Join us as we discuss The Legend of Korra chapters 101, "Welcome to Republic City," and 102, "A Leaf in the Wind."     The Breakdown Main Topic (00:00 - 1:10:45) Outro / Next (1:10:45 - 1:13:00)

Endings are hard. Storytellers have struggled with bringing narratives to a satisfying conclusion for as long as there have been storytellers. And audiences love to debate how well even the most venerated series have pulled it off. On this episode of The Avatar Returns Podcast our hosts have their say on whether, with "Sozin's Comet," the four-chapter series finale film event, co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino have successfully completed the epic tale of Avatar: The Last Airbender, or if the whole thing goes down like a shattered war balloon. Topics discussed include the emotional grandeur of Zuko and Azula's final Agni Kai, the resolution of Aang and Katara's "will they/won't they," the music of The Track Team, and of course the ol' deus ex Lion Turtle. Midichlorian-bending has come at last! Our journey through the world of Avatar has been emotional and inspiring, and we're sad to see it come to a close. But the show must go on, and for us it will go on with The Legend of Korra! New characters, new adventures, a brand new Avatar! But first... Next: we refuse to let the Aang Gang go quite yet, so before we begin our Korra discussions, we read the first collected volume of Dark Horse Comics' official tie-in series of graphic novels, Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise.     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 07:12) Main Topic (07:12 - 1:43:54) Outro / Next (1:43:54 - 1:47:51)

This week on The Avatar Returns podcast, Eric and Katara both feel the power of the Dark Side, one to run a marathon, the other to seek revenge (place your bets on which is which) as we take one last Zuko field trip in chapter 316, "The Southern Raiders." And then the show goes all Community on us and channels its inner Dan Harmon for chapter 317, "The Ember Island Players." Plus we reevaluate that whole Zutara pairing thing, we alienate our gardening fanbase demographic, and there's a minor medical emergency as one host "pulls their Arlo." Next: the end is here! The comet arrives and we say farewell to Avatar: The Last Airbender with the four-part series finale film event, chapters 318-321, "Sozin's Comet."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 11:26) Main Topic (11:26 - 1:10:52) Outro / Next (1:10:52 - 1:13:12)

Apparently prison break stories lead to weird tangents. This week the boys talk about the verisimilitude of Hogan's Heroes, the connections between Avatar: The Last Airbender and Voltron: Legendary Defender, and that one time Paul and Arlo compared Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Linklater's Boyhood. There's also important stuff, like if bringing Zuko into the main cast and rendering the series essentially a single-plot narrative this close to the finale has affected the tension, and if chapters 314, "The Boiling Rock, Part 1" and 315, "The Boiling Rock, Part 2" really needed to be split into separate chapters.  And lastly, there's debate over whether to tackle the Dark Horse Comics spinoff series all at once in a single bonus episode, or if we could spread them out over the course of our fast-approaching Legend of Korra episodes. Write in and let us know at tarpodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.  Next: the penultimate episode of the Avatar: The Last Airbender portion of The Avatar Returns Podcast as we reach chapters 316, "The Southern Raiders," and 317, "The Ember Island Players."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 16:45) Main Topic (16:45 - 52:19) Outro / Next (52:19 - 54:13)

Hello, Zuko here. This week on The Avatar Returns, I finally get to join the A-Plot players as the Aang Gang welcomes me in with open arms in chapter 312, "The Western Air Temple." Paul, Eric, and Arlo discuss my journey through the series to this point, including how Avatar: The Last Airbender has actually been MY story all along. Then in chapter 313, "The Firebending Masters," my new best friend the Avatar and I discover the true meaning of firebending, and no it's not dance! Meanwhile, the hosts talk about something called "Zaang?"  I don't get it.    Next: The Countdown to the Comet continues with chapters 314 and 315, "The Boiling Rock, Part 1" and "Part 2."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 12:00) Main Topic (12:00 - 58:05) Outro / Next (58:05 - 1:00:15)

It's the midseason climax as the invasion of the Fire Nation finally begins! But before that happens, your hosts debate the merits of the comedic palette cleanser that is chapter 309, "Nightmares and Daydreams." Say what you will about it, we are forever in it's debt for giving us Momo Yojimbo vs. Appa Mifune!   Once all of that is out of the way, it's time for chapters 310 and 311, "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion" and "Part 2: The Eclipse." Despite there being all that, you know, invasion and eclipse business, pretty much all anyone wants to talk about is Zuko, as our favorite emo prince finally confronts his father and accepts his true destiny, giving us what may just be one of the highest watermarks of the entire series. Truly, Avatar: The Last Airbender is in fact nothing more than one big secret backdoor pilot for the inevitable Zuko series.   Also, Eric embraces his inner Yuppie, making him the first person since 1991 to invoke that word. And 12 minutes into the show, Arlo "Joo Dee" Wiley has some kind of identity crisis that threatens to completely hijack the entire podcast.   Next: one host is off to New York to see some Broadway show about that ten dollar bill guy, so we're taking another week off. But when we return, we jump into the uninterrupted run to the series finale as we discuss chapters 312 and 313, "The Western Air Temple" and "The Firebending Masters."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 09:55) Main Topic (09:55 - 1:23:40) Outro / Next (1:23:40 - 1:26:19)

Back from another mini-hiatus, The Avatar Returns finds AJ dying. Again. But before he expires this time, we manage to squeeze in a discussion of the Fire Nation's Imperialist Japan fetish as chapter 306, "The Avatar and The Fire Lord" reveals the secret history of Roku and Sozin, and the genesis of the 100 Year War. Then chapter 307, "The Runaway" has Toph building a criminal empire, and because you demanded it, the return of the Wang Fire beard. And lastly, chapter 308 introduces us to "The Puppetmaster," in what may be Avatar: The Last Airbender's take on the darkest, scariest damned Scooby-Doo! episode ever! They would've gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for those meddling skins filled with liquid. Next: War! What is it good for? Well, three more chapters at least. We take a look at 309-311, "Nightmares and Daydreams," "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion," and "The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 14:45) Main Topic (14:45 - 1:08:35) Outro / Next (1:08:35 - 1:10:50)

Another episode of The Avatar Returns is here to teach you a lesson...ON YOUR FACE! The boys fight over who gets to be Dock, Xu, and Bushi as they critique chapter 303, "The Painted Lady." In 304, "Sokka's Master," our favorite "regular guy" gets a cool meteor sword, and Eric enrolls in Tae Bo by Iroh. And finally, it's Beach Blanket Zuko in chapter 305, "The Beach." AJ is still iffy on Sideways Eye Guy; Eric drops knowledge on the Chakra Theory of bending sub-styles; and is Avatar: The Last Airbender actually just a retooling of Daria? Next: we get morbid and creepifying with chapters 306-308, "The Avatar and The Firelord," "The Runaway," and "The Puppetmaster."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 11:15) Main Topic (11:15 - 1:15:30) Outro / Next (1:15:30 - 1:17:39)

There seems to have been some confusion among the ranks of hosts this week. To clarify, we are only discussion two chapters this time around, not three. Okay, Eric? Only two. But thanks for the enthusiasm, son. The two (not three, two) chapters we discuss this week are 301, "The Awakening," which picks up a few weeks after the tragic events in the Book Two finale, with Aang and Co. traveling on a stolen Fire Navy ship and the entire world believing the Avatar is dead (isn't that great?!), and 302, "The Headband," or as we like to call it, "Footloose in the Fire Nation." The boys chat about Aang's hair, Papa Sokka and Mama Katara, Dance Dance Revolution, and Sideways Eye Guy.   ZUKO BOMB!   Also, phone lines are open for listeners to weigh in on how Paul should live his life going forward. Vote early and often! [Ed. Note: there are no phone lines, just the e-mail.]   Next: okay Eric, NOW we're gonna talk about three chapters. 303-305, "The Painted Lady," "Sokka's Master," and "The Beach."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 09:00) Main Topic (09:00 - 1:04:20) Outro / Next (1:04:20 - 1:06:42)

The Earth Kingdom has fallen. Avatar: The Last Airbender Book Two comes to its Earth Kingdom-shattering conclusion. In chapter 219, "The Guru," Aang zips right through chakra training to master his Avatar State, but can't quite close the deal as he is drawn back into helping his friends. Then, in chapter 220, "The Crossroads of Destiny," Azula ruins everyone's lives. Seriously. She lies, she manipulates, she shoots blue fire like she's a jet engine. Things look slightly less dire when we're reminded that Toph is the greatest earthbender in the world. (And don't you dunderheads ever forget it!) But then Aang gets burned. And Zuko takes possibly the darkest, most tragic turn in the entire series.    But hey, we talk about comics, so it's not all doom and gloom. (Although AJ isn't nice about them, so maybe it is.)    Perfection and power are overrated. I think you were very wise to choose listening to this podcast.   Next: the final season of Avatar begins as we get into Book Three: Fire! We discuss chapter 301, "The Awakening," and 302, "The Headband."     The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 17:00) Main Topic (17:00 - 1:16:15) Outro / Next (1:16:15 - 1:18:25)

Yeah, let's break some rules! We radically shift the format of the show this week [Editor's note: no, we actually don't at all] as we reach the penultimate episode of our Book Two podcasts with chapters 216-218, "Appa's Lost Days," "Lake Laogai," and "The Earth King." Paul defends Dai Li dickbaggery, AJ identifies with Azula in a really uncomfortable way, and Eric finally likes a Jet storyline. And in a new regular feature [Ed. note: again, not really], the boys pitch spinoff show ideas; AJ imagines the Avatar/Bone crossover, Suki and the Veni-Yan, while Paul reveals his plans for The Young Sweepy Chronicles.    Next: we close the book on the Earth Kingdom with chapters 219, "The Guru," and 220, "The Crossroads of Destiny."   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 04:53) Main Topic (04:53 - 1:07:42) Outro / Next (1:07:42 - 1:09:30)

This week gets off to a weird start as AJ raises an existential question which, among other things, reveals Eric's secret desire to totally mess up some random 16-year old kid's life. Pretending we heard none of that, we move forward with Avatar Book Two. In chapter 214, "City of Walls and Secrets," the full splendor of Ba Sing Se finally begins to open up to us. We talk about the peaceful life Iroh and Zuko seem set to build for themselves here, while the Aang Gang are exposed to the '70s-era conspiracy element of the Impenetrable City as they cross paths with Clancy Brown and his Secret Police. And chapter 215, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" impresses us with how well it manages to tell what are essentially six complete stories, including Def Jam Sokka going all 8 Mile, Momo's graceful monkey dancing, and the heartbreaking homage to the late great Mako Iwamatsu.    Also, a listener ruins everything by pointing our our many errors. And there's some controversy over who actually wrote the vignette "The Tale of Zuko." (Note: there's no controversy, Paul was just straight-up wrong.)    Next: our penultimate episode of Book Two brings us chapters 216-218, "Appa's Lost Days," "Lake Laogai," and "The Earth King."   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 16:45) Main Topic (16:45 - 1:17:55) Outro / Next (1:17:55 - 1:19:56)

The Avatar Returns returns! We're back, having survived our various chemically altered holiday adventures. And due to some odd digital episode numbering, we end up with a bonus chapter this week which we hadn't anticipated watching yet. But perhaps it all works out for the best, since it turns out chapters 210, "The Library," and 213, "The Drill" bookend this discussion with more action-oriented, event-based stories, whereas the two middle chapters, 211, "The Desert," and 212, "The Serpent's Pass" are transitional, getting-from-place-to-place stories. We talk about giant owl-faced dick spirits, Aang almost going all Anakin Skywalker on some dudes, AJ asks Paul to dance (it gets awkward), and we forgo the usual Buffy the Vampire Slayer comparisons in favor of our first Doctor Who, Tarantino, Princess Bride, and Lost references.    Also there's a pop quiz!    Next: a short week to make up for this week's surprise fourth chapter, we'll be discussion 214, "City of Walls and Secrets," and 215, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se."   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 11:07) POP QUIZ! (11:07 - 21:45) Main Topic (21:45 - 1:16:45) Outro / Next (1:16:45 - 1:20:06)

A rare celestial event on The Avatar Returns this week as all three hosts agree on all three chapters. In what could conceivably be dubbed the Zuko Cycle, chapters 207-209, “Zuko Alone,” “The Chase,” and “Bitter Work” focus almost exclusively on everyone's favorite banished emo prince as he pulls a Caine from Kung Fu and walks the Earth…Kingdom. The boys talk about the obvious homages to classic westerns like Shane and High Noon, the care and transport of Jesus lizards, and the dramatic heft of characters with deeply emotionally rooted conflicts like Zuko and Azula. Fears that perhaps Book Two might flounder under the sophomore slump turn out to be unwarranted!    Next: we take a month off to wage war on Christmas like Fire Lord Ozai. Once the holidays are over, we pick up right where we left off, continuing Book Two with chapters 210-212, “The Library,” “The Desert,” and “The Serpent's Pass.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 05:14) Main Topic (05:14 - 1:07:12) Outro / Next (1:07:12 - 1:09:43)  

Man, rednecks ruin everything! This week, Avatar: The Last Airbender goes all Deliverance on us, and at least two of our hosts ain't down for that. Chapter 204 takes us to "The Swamp," and introduces us to the Duck Dynasty of the Avatar world. Then we drain the muck our of our boots and celebrate "Avatar Day" with Sokka Holmes and some really friendly townsfolk in chapter 205. And finally, the episode Paul has been waiting for since the beginning is here at last as chapter 206 brings the Boulder-breaking debut of "The Blind Bandit." There's some talk about whether the show and/or the characters are treading a bit of water at the moment (complete with all the terrible puns you'd expect from that). And we close it all out talking about which bending style we each imagine ourselves practicing.    Also, we continue to let AJ believe he coined the phrase "the Aang Gang." (Shhh...nobody tell him.)    Next: chapters 207-209, "Zuko Alone," "The Chase," and "Bitter Work" bring us to the mid-point of the series.   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 02:15) Main Topic (02:15 - 1:00:45) Outro / Next (1:00:45 - 1:05:12)

Sleep deprivation, unpopular opinions about lava, and oblique references to midichlorian-bending take us into the Holiday season and mark the beginning of our journey through Avatar Book Two: Earth. The chapters guiding us this week are 201-203, “The Avatar State,” “The Cave of Two Lovers,” and “Return to Omashu.” It's definite hard to follow the explosive finale to Book One we discussed last time, but these three chapters give us some truly great moments with Zuko and Iroh, including the proper introduction to the REAL bad seed of Zuko's family. There's also a new twist on firebending, the Joseph Campbellian hero's sewer journey, and the boys officially join the fandom by debating that kiss.    Oh, and there's that whole Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon thing.    Next: three more chapters, including what Paul and Eric agree is one of the big ones. We will explore 204-206, “The Swamp,” “Avatar Day,” and “The Blind Bandit.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 09:00) Main Topic (09:00 - 1:12:43) Outro / Next (1:12:43 - 1:15:28)    

The boys are back, closing out the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender discussing chapters 18-20, “The Waterbending Master,” “The Siege of the North, Part 1,” and “The Siege of the North, Part 2.” Our intrepid heroes have finally reached the Norther Water Tribe, but their troubles have only begun. Cheer as Katara kicks some misogynist butt! Shudder at the horror that is Koh, the Face Stealer! Gasp at the fishy power of Koizilla! And run in terror from…Paul singing?   (You have been warned.)   Next: We kick off Book Two - Earth with chapters 1-3, “The Avatar State,” “The Cave of the Two Lovers,” and “Return to Omashu.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 07:52) Main Topic (07:52 - 1:05:48) Outro / Next (1:05:48 - 1:08:19)    

It's a light week this week as not much happens in chapters 15-17. The kids meet up with an old friend of the family (and Uncle Iroh reveals a bit of his freaky side?) in “Bato of the Water Tribe.” We get an inside look at the power of the Dark Side (i.e. firebending) in “The Deserter.” And at “The Northern Air Temple” we meet the multi-eyed flying bison Cthulhu god. There's also a bit of discussion about the preservation of ancient cultures vs. the progress of technology, whether Aang gets let off the hook for his mistakes a bit too easily, and Katara being the Wolverine of the group.   But mostly we just mock AJ for being a world-class hipster that objectifies cartoon women.   Next: we come to the end of Book One as we discuss chapters 18-20, “The Waterbending Master,” “The Siege of the North, Part 1,” and “The Siege of the North, Part 2.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 07:55) Main Topic (07:55 - 1:04:20) Outro / Next (1:04:20 - 1:06:53)  

Another four chapter episode of The Avatar Returns sees our hosts debating chemical castration, the ‘Shipper Wars, and whether it's okay to lie sometimes. Its look at the larger context of the Avatar in microcosm (and some creepy canyon crawlers) earns “The Great Divide” more respect than expected, while meaningful character moments and truly hilarious dialogue don't quite raise “The Fortuneteller” up as high as you'd think. The two middle chapters this week, however, stand out as Paul, Eric, and AJ all agree “The Storm” and “The Blue Spirit” are truly among the finest chapters in the series to date.   Next: we take another week off before heading into the home stretch of Book One with chapters 15-17, “Bato of the Water Tribe,” The Deserter,” and “The Northern Air Temple.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 04:45) Main Topic (04:45 - 1:08:34) Outro / Next (1:08:34 - 1:11:02)

How is Avatar: The Last Airbender like Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Well they both favor stylish yet affordable boots, obviously. But there's more to it than that. The guys discuss the ideas of chosen ones and found families as we reach our first two-parter with chapters 7 and 8, “The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1)” and “Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2).” Meanwhile, “The Waterbending Scroll” and “Jet” divide our hosts. One favors the story execution in the former, another prefers the character development shown in the latter. The third host just wanted it all to end in blood and misery and crippling failure. Because that host is evil.   Also…Monkey Yahtzee. You heard me.   Next: four more chapters, 11-14, “The Great Divide,” “The Storm,” “The Blue Spirit,” and “The Fortuneteller.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 04:26) Main Topic (04:26 - 1:03:45) Outro / Next (1:03:45 - 1:05:51)  

Aang rides a fish. Sokka fights like a girl. Katara speechifies. A lemur earthbends! This and so much more as we continue our journey through the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. This time we discuss “The Warriors of Kyoshi,” “The King of Omashu,” and “Imprisoned.” One host forgot that one of these episodes even existed, while another positively loved it and puts the fandom on notice. There's talk of bending as industry, the dangers of rock candy, and what it's going to take for AJ to find Zuko interesting. (Hint: it involves hip-hop.)    Next: we continue Book One with chapters 7-10, “The Spirit World (Winter Solstice, Part 1),” “Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2),” “The Waterbending Scroll,” and “Jet.”   The Breakdown Intro / Banter (00:00 - 08:01) Main Topic (08:01 - 1:04:30) Outro / Next (1:04:30 - 1:11:46)

Welcome to the pilot episode of THE AVATAR RETURNS. It seems as though a hundred years have passed since we first committed to do this, but at last…we're here to save the world! Or at least watch and discuss every chapter of the award-winning Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequel The Legend of Korra. Each week (or so), your humble hosts Paul Smith and Arlo J. Wiley (of the Gobbledygeek podcast) and Eric Sipple (of the Making the Scene podcast) wax rhapsodic about 2-4 chapters, working their way from the epic's humble beginnings in the frozen southern wastes to the dramatic final battle in…well, that would be telling. This episode, we talk about “The Boy in the Iceberg,” “The Avatar Returns,” and “The Southern Air Temple.” Paul and Eric have seen both series before, but this is AJ's first visit to the world of Avatar. Join us as we bask in his coming of age.