So we at EW decided to mark the occasion by revisiting and ranking our very favorite episodes.
Don’t worry: Like the characters themselves, we strove to maintain balance.
Chancellor Agard
14.
Three amazing characters back to back?
We are truly blessed.
Threaten to kill his friends, obviously."
Nickelodeon
And who can forget just how visually astonishing Omashu is?
We still want to ride those giant chutes.
Rachel Yang
13.
On the one hand, the gang finally recovers Appa!
But is the short-lived catharsis of seeing Long Feng thrown in jail worth Jet’s tragic death?
Even his sacrifice is but the capper to a horribly sad life.
Christian Holub
12.
We viewers had only been shown it as a destructive, conquering military force.
The first was Zuko’s Agni Kai.
The Puppetmaster (book 3, episode 8)
WithThe Puppetmaster,Avatarwades into horror territory again.
He’s defeated by Suki and a “bunch of girls,” a.k.a.
This chapter also masterfully reestablishes the responsibilities that come with being the Avatar.
The Ember Island Players (book 3, episode 15)
Hello, “wacky time-wasting nonsense.”
In many ways, it’s the best kind of fan service.
Yes, it’s a filler episode in many ways, but it’s an excellent one.
Its characters are so well developed that they don’t need action-packed plots for audiences to find them interesting.
We dare you not to cry when “Leaves from the Vine” comes on.
Sokka once again showcases his ingenuity with two separate plans to rescue his loved ones from the maximum-security prison.
Ultimately, it’s Mai and Ty Lee who let the group get away by turning against Azula.
When Zhao takes the moon away, both Aang and Princess Yue step up to prevent its permanent loss.
Zuko Alone (book 2, episode 7)
Avatargoes full Western with this standalone tale about Zuko.
For three seasons, Aang has been training to become more powerful than Firelord Ozai.
Is it humane to incarcerate people for years?
The shot of Yon Rha surrounded by Katara’s rain icicles is stunning.
Thankfully, she doesn’t cross the line, but she doesn’t forgive Yon Rha either.
