| No. |
Episode Title |
Episode Writer(s) |
Comment |
| 61 |
The Great Divide (111) |
John O'Bryan |
This isn't a "bad" episode; no episode of Avatar is "bad." But this episode lacks a real point, to be honest. Only real purpose was to show Aang can solve problems. Lack of Zuko puts this last.
|
60
|
Nightmares and Daydreams (309)
|
John O'Bryan
|
Zuko saved this episode from being a complete waste of time. Others will argue it developed Kataang, and Aang as a normal person, but I don't buy it. You don't put an episode like this right before one of the biggest specials of the series.
|
59
|
Avatar Day (205)
|
John O'Bryan
|
Noticing a pattern with the writers? O'Bryan is not a bad writer, it's not his fault he gets the least-interesting assignments. Another episode saved by Zuko and Iroh. Rough Rhinos were cool, though.
|
58
|
The King of Omashu (105)
|
John O'Bryan
|
I'm sure by now you think I really hate John O'Bryan. Well, I don't, it's just coincidence. TKOO is entertaining at first, but it loses its appeal after the original viewing. First episode without Zuko and Iroh, also.
|
57
|
Imprisoned (106)
|
Matthew Hubbard
|
I like this episode for the powerful role Katara is given. But other than that, what is there? A sleezy old man turns Haru in for saving him, they rebel and go home to fight off the FN some more. Haru is not my favorite character, either.
|
56
|
The Runaway (307)
|
Josh Hamilton
|
Initially I really liked this episode, but it has fallen down my list. TR has a nice little twist, with Combustion Man setting the girls up, but overall it's kinda boring. One question remains though: Did Katara have any clothes on in that lake? :P
|
55
|
The Spirit World (Winter Solstice Pt. 1) (107)
|
Aaron Ehasz
|
I love the set-up of the spirit world. This episode itself sets up the season 1 finale and, in my opinion, makes it better. Even with that, though, I think the episode lacks a little bit of excitement. It's the head writer's first episode, and even though it's not bad at all, he gets better.
|
54
|
Appa's Lost Days (216)
|
Elizabeth Welch Ehasz
|
With all due respect to the Genesis awards, I'm not sure this episode deserves an award, and I apologize to all who really liked it. It has a lot of good info, and I like the Ozai's Angels-Kyoshi Warriors showdown, but it was kind of a waste. Could have been compacted into the previous ep.
|
53
|
The Painted Lady (303)
|
Josh Hamilton
|
This episode catches a lot of flack - it is NOT filler! It is a well-written episode and I love the plot. The last segment is brilliantly directed and well done. However, Avatar has done much much better.
|
52
|
The Warriors of Kyoshi (104)
|
Nick Malis
|
Too bad so many good season 1 episodes get bumped down so far. There are just too many good ones! You gotta get chills when Aang takes command and puts the fires on the island out.
|
51
|
The Waterbending Scroll (109)
|
John O'Bryan
|
Episode 109 just feels right. Whenever you watch it, it's just a down-right fun episode. Pirates, scrolls, ships, waterfalls, red-eyed monkey statues, what's not to like? Really good episode any time you watch it.
|
50
|
Jet (110)
|
James Eagan
|
Jet is an awesome character, and his epik fight scene with Aang make this one a memorable. This episode truly shows Katara will fall for anyone. Solid Sokka development as well.
|
49
|
The Tales of Ba Sing Se (215)
|
Various
|
Let's throw the term "filler" out in the backyard and bury it. This episode is not filler; only 1 or 2 episodes of Avatar really deserve that. Ba Sing Se needed to be explored, and they needed to prove Zuko still liked girls. Mission Accomplished.
|
| 48 |
The Boy in the Iceberg (101) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
It's the first episode - and it was a really good one. It introduces us to the main characters Aang, Katara, Sokka, Appa, Zuko and Iroh. When Aang and Katara venture into that abandoned warship, you knew this series was going to be different.
|
| 47 |
The Firebending Masters (313) |
John O'Bryan |
Zukaang shippers got their episode. The creators just had to make Aang and Zuko dance, and follow that up with rainbows all around the two of them. The Sun Warriors were cool, as was the story of the dragons, but this one could have been better I think.
|
| 46 |
The Avatar Returns (102) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
If you weren't convinced this was "just another kids show" by 101, 102 sealed the deal. Aang pwning Zuko Avatar-state-style for the first time was epik. Although, I for one am glad Aang grew out of his I'm-just-a-kid stages pretty quickly.
|
| 45 |
The Headband (302) |
John O'Bryan |
Talk to any fanatical Kataang shipper and this episode will probably be on their top 20. While TH is really good, shipping doesn't make episodes for me - plus I dont even ship Kataang! This one has the amazing Wang/Sapphire Fire scene, and who could hate that?
|
| 44 |
The Northern Air Temple (117) |
Elizabeth Welch Ehasz |
The head writer's wife's first episode is brilliant. Mrs. Ehasz introduces the mechanist, a man who is a genius inventor and built an air glider for his wheelchair-bound son. He did, however, aid the Fire Nation, but that led to an amazing battle and also the ominous ending.
|
| 43 |
Sokka's Master (304) |
Tim Hedrick |
Sokka's very own episode, aww. This episode produces an epik Sokka-Piandao sword-fight, which automatically makes this episode great. It still retains that typical Avatar humor, but it makes us realize - this show would be really boring without Sokka!
|
| 42 |
The Beach (305) |
Katie Mattila |
This episode shows how anything is possible, even on Nickelodeon. You know what I mean, three words: Ty Lee and Katara. Ty Lee's bathing suit and Katara's wardrobe malfunction highlight this episode. Also, Combustion Man rocks.
|
| 41 |
The Southern Air Temple (103) |
Michael Dante DiMartino |
TSAT is amazing. Zhao is one of my all-time favorite villains, and he is introduced in this episode. Also, we see Aang get super-upset for the first time. We get foreshadowing of Roku and his dragon here as well, and then there is the truly spectacular Agni Kai with Zhao and Zuko. This is one to watch definitely again.
|
| 40 |
Return to Omashu (203) |
Elizabeth Welch Ehasz |
Hello Ty Lee and Mai. Welcome back Bumi, for one episode. This ep. is key because Bumi teaches us the key to earthbending is to wait and listen. And it sets forth 204 and 206 up as really important episodes. Don't forget the awesome action on the Omashu slides. Azula shows she really has some moves, at least. Ty Lee captures the hearts of fanboys everywhere.
|
| 39 |
The Chase (208) |
Josh Hamilton |
"The Chase" was a huge one. The first Aang vs. Zuko vs. Azula battle. Then it was Everyone vs. Azula, and she took down Iroh and escaped. We truly realize how devilish Azula is. Just a terrific episode. But the most key development of 208 was Ty Lee developing a crush on Sokka!
|
| 38 |
The Avatar State (201) |
Aaron Ehasz/Elizabeth Welch Ehasz/Tim Hedrick/John O'Bryan |
Throughout the first season we wondered "what was really with this Avatar state thing?". In 120, Aang used it to pwn the Fire Nation. In 201, we got all the answers we could have wanted. It was a huge episode in the grand scheme thing of things. Aang's choice in the season 2 finale was set up by this, as was the series finale. Oh, and spirit water!
|
| 37 |
The Western Air Temple (312) |
Tim Hedrick/Elizabeth Welch Ehasz |
Where's "The Eastern Air Temple"-titled episode? But I digress. I like this episode. I hate the criticism for it. Katara was in character fo sho, and her death threat was for 2 reasons: 1) she cares about Aang deeply and 2) Aang is the world's last hope, Ozai will rule the world and her and her brother would probably be killed. Zuko joins the group, big moment guys.
|
| 36 |
The Cave of Two Lovers (202) |
Josh Hamilton |
Chong is the bomb. He should have joined the group. No but he and the hippies kicked some major booty. I like this episode for it's humor. Other then that, the romance doesn't really interest me. This one will be high on shipper's lists, but for me there are 35 better episodes in this series.
|
| 35 |
Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice Pt. 2) (108) |
Michael Dante DiMartino |
Can you vividly picture in your mind the look on Zhao's face when Roku comes out of the chamber and pwns him? It's such a memorable picture, and that whole scene is one of my favorites of the whole series. Roku is such a great character. Gotta love Shyu, too.
|
| 34 |
The Desert (211) |
Tim Hedrick |
This was also a game-changer. We find out Appa's been sold and the gang is going to Ba Sing Se to look for him. The Order of the White Lotus is introduced, and they help Iroh and Zuko go to Ba Sing Se. Xin Fu and Master Yu return and this time go after Zuko and Iroh. Sokka gets high. Aang gets realllllllllllly angry. All in all, it's very solid.
|
| 33 |
The Awakening (301) |
Aaron Ehasz |
There were a lot of complaints about this episode when it first aired. Maybe because it was our first new episode in almost a year, and it left a lot to be desired. Well, while the direction was off a bit, this had some of the most important scenes in the whole series. Zuko talking to his father again (and the dramatic Ozai-face reveal). Zuko's return to the Fire Nation and Lo and Li's epik recap of the fall of Ba Sing Se. Aang's talking to Roku and Yue. It's all important folks!
|
| 32 |
The Ember Island Players (317) |
Tim Hedrick/John O'Bryan/Josh Hamilton |
This episode idea was originally Tim's, and must have been one fun episode to write! I love the comedy here. My only complaint has nothing to with the actual episode: it's that Kataangers who flipped out about zero talk about the 310 kiss in 312-316 flip out because the interaction in 317 wasn't perfect. Kataang has to be perfect. Hello, no it doesn't. No relationship is perfect, and if it is it isn't believable. Learn to accept it people. (I'm not ship-bashing here, just stating the facts.)
|
| 31 |
The Serpent's Pass (212) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Josh Hamilton |
I think the writer's figured here "Let's try and think up as much as we can and throw it into one episode!". Jet's back, and meets Zuko. Suki's back, and is still in love with Sokka. Smellerbee is actually a girl. Suph (Suki/Toph) happens. Reference back to Yue. Sukka's first real kiss. A baby is born. Aang gets hopeful again. Oh and there's a giant Fire Nation drill heading into Ba Sing Se!
|
| 30 |
The Library (210) |
John O'Bryan |
If there ever was an episode that changed everything in a series, it's 210. Let's see, what changed? Hmm Appa's gone, the gang must head to Ba Sing Se because they just discovered info about a solar eclipse when they can attack the Fire Nation. Yeah that's pretty major. Also gotta love the multiple plays on Toph's blindness (sorry if that is offensive).
|
| 29 |
The Southern Raiders (316) |
Elizabeth Welch Ehasz |
Ah, let the controversy begin! Yes this has Zuko and Katara bonding, but that's all it is, bonding. Same as Zuko and Sokka in the two episodes previous to it and with Zuko and Aang in 313. What really grabs you about this episode is what you would think: Katara's mother. Katara also bloodbends here (told you she would do it again after, what, 308?!?!). And then there's the Sukka tent thing...
|
| 28 |
The Fortuneteller (114) |
Aaron Ehasz/John O'Bryan |
Even though this episode is more shipping-driven (and therefore Kataang-driven) it is still awesome. Aang's a powerful bender, yes. Way to fail, Katara. In case you didn't know, the Calm Man (the dude who Sokka says he hates in the end) is one of my all-time favorite characters. He's just awesome. The animation is fantastic and the writing was nominated for an Annie.
|
| 27 |
The Swamp (204) |
Tim Hedrick |
This too is one underrated episode. This is definitely one of my favorites. The Swamp-bending Rednecks are hilarious. The first major separation of Aang, Katara and Sokka leads essentially to the introduction of Toph. Also nice to see an episode with some pure Appa and Momo bonding. I wish the Swamp had come into play more in the series, though. :(
|
| 26 |
Bitter Work (209) |
Aaron Ehasz |
Aang begins - and apparently masters, according to Nickelodeon commercials at the time - Earthbending in this episode. One thing Kataangers often overlook is that Katara gives Toph advice on how to teach Aang in this episode. It's subtle, but major Kataang in my opinion. I love the geniousity of Sokka's role/place in this episode too.
|
| 25 |
The Boiling Rock, Pt. 1 (314) |
May Chan |
The Sokka-Zuko banter in this episode is hilarious. Chit-Sang is a great character. The Sokka-Suki reunion scene was ok. But nonetheless, Suki's return (yet again) was really awesome (Sokka needs a squeeze too). Too bad we knew the Hakoda thing was coming well in advance, otherwise that would have been a much better surprise at the end.
|
| 24 |
The Drill (213) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
The Drill might not be so high on many people's lists - though I have seen people have it even higher. A decent amount of this episode is spent just sitting around thinking about things. But give Aang some credit for using all that thinking to come up with a good plan. And no one can deny Aang's awesomeness in that final scene.
|
| 23 |
Bato of the Water Tribe (115) |
Ian Wilcox |
Bato is underrated episode. It gets lost in the midst of the great stretch of episodes there. The animation is so good it makes me _____ (fill in any type of word or phrase that could mean extreme happiness). Plus, I love the twist of Aang lying to Sokka and Katara. And who doesn't love Jun?
|
| 22 |
Sozin's Comet, Pt. 1: The Phoenix King (318) |
Michael Dante DiMartino |
Maybe you consider this low for one of the finale episodes, but I couldn't really put it any higher. It's important, as we find out the plan was to wait, but Zuko convinces them otherwise. It does have the Melonlord!Toph, though!
|
| 21 |
The Puppetmaster (308) |
Tim Hedrick |
I can't say enough about this one - I just love it. Yeah it loses it's surprise appeal after the first viewing, but it's still purely awesome. Hama is a fantastic character - and her voice actress provides pure gold in this one. This is probably the most downright creepy episode of Avatar ever produced. Bloodbending is amazing.
|
| 20 |
The Day of Black Sun, Pt. 1: The Invasion (310) |
Michael Danyte DiMartino |
The day we have waited an entire seasons-worth of episodes for is finally here: the day of the invasion of the Fire Nation. The tanks and subs are really cool. Apparently the Fire Nation sucks at defending itself even with fire. And you can't forget to take out the "battlements," k?
|
| 19 |
The Guru (219) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
Guru Pathik rocks my socks. He and Aang joke around a lot, but still get something serious done - work on Aang mastering the Avatar state. Azula continues to show her brillance here - beginning the steps of a coup. Xin Fu and Master Yu get pwned Toph. Oh, and Zuko acts humanly toward Iroh and helps him with his tea shop.
|
| 18 |
The Deserter (116) |
Tim Hedrick |
Jeong Jeong is one of my favorite non-main characters. So naturally his episode would be in my top 20. Zhao also being in this episode doesn't hurt. The scene in which Aang outsmarts Zhao is classic in my mind. Don't forget Aang burning Katara - and in turn she discovers her new ability. Won an Annie for best storyboarding.
|
| 17 |
The Siege of the North, Pt. 1 (119) |
John O'Bryan |
Excellent is the only way you can describe 119. Even by itself, it still shines as one of season one's best. Gotta give some love to the Katara vs. Zuko fight, and Zuko ultimately pwning her on her own turf. The Iroh and Zuko scene here is really moving, though.
|
| 16 |
The Blue Spirit (113) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
I submit to you that 112-120 is maybe the best stretch of episodes for Avatar. All are really good, high-quality episodes. This episode shows why you should love Zuko: no matter his motives (we don't really know what they were) he still saved Aang's life. Aang, his enemy. Plus who knew Zuko had those swords skills?
|
| 15 |
The Earth King (218) |
John O'Bryan |
Hey, an O'Bryan episode in the top 15 - who would have guessed? This episode is ranked so how on my list for one reason: the ending. I was almost peeing myself for hours after seeing this episode (not really, figure of speech). Maybe I'm dumb (and I don't think I am) but I didn't see that one coming. It stunned me. The rest of the episode was decent, but the ending puts this one in my top 15.
|
| 14 |
The Avatar and the Firelord (306) |
Elizabeth Welch Ehasz |
I love history. As you will see - the flashback episodes are some of my favorites, and this is no exception. With so many questions about Avatar Roku and Firelord Sozin, they were (mostly) answered here. This episode reeked of epikness. And boy was the ending a good one. This was Zuko's turning point, no doubt.
|
| 13 |
The Boiling Rock, Pt. 2 (315) |
Josh Hamilton |
What an amazing episode. You're thinking "Ok, it's almost finale time - something big has to happen, right?". Well that's exactly what happened! Where do I start with this one? The Mai/Zuko scene, Suki capturing the warden, Azula/Ty Lee vs. Zuko/Suki, the betrayal, etc. An unexpected curve ball from the writers is what this one is.
|
| 12 |
The Waterbending Master (118) |
Michael Dante DiMartino |
Got a friend you want to introduce to Avatar? Show them 118. This episode has everything, and is the perfect example of what Avatar in general has to offer. It has humor at the right moments, balanced with romance and action perfectly. Zhao proves his true evilness.
|
| 11 |
The Blind Bandit (206) |
Michael Dante DiMartino |
The introduction of Toph Beifong as a new member of the gang. She's a fantastic character, and this episode is just as fantastic. Kudos to DiMartino - who wrote a very balanced episode (equal amount of humor and action). This was Toph's episode, and it's a heckuva one.
|
| 10 |
The Storm (112) |
Aaron Ehasz |
This episode is the first masterpiece of the series, in my opinion. The writing is superb, the directing is amazing, the animation top-notch, the voice acting excellent. Zuko's and Aang's backstories parralelling each other in somewhat of a foreshadowing of things to come. Zuko's cry during that Agni Kai still gives me chills.
|
| 9 |
Zuko Alone (207) |
Elizabeth Welch Ehasz |
I have always been a Zuko fan, even when he was hunting the gang down. So an entire episode devoted to him and his past was an early Christmas present from the Avatar writers. Learning about Ursa, Azulon, Ozai's coronation, it was all so amazing. He's one of the greatest characters - in terms of overall depth - I have seen. His story is fascinating, yet somehow relatable to a lot of people.
|
| 8 |
City of Walls and Secrets (214) |
Tim Hedrick |
This episode showed us Ba Sing Se is not the utopia we have come to think of it as. It has more problems than we knew. Citizens are brainwashed into not saying anything about the war, the Earth King is being controlled by a rogue adviser, and Joo Dee is breathing down the gang's necks. It's a heckuva city.
|
| 7 |
Sozin's Comet, Pt. 2: The Old Masters (319) |
Aaron Ehasz
|
An episode with the past 4 Avatars, Jun, Bumi, Pakki, Jeong Jeong, Piandao and of course Iroh. What's not to like? Also has the much-anticipated Zuko and Iroh reunion, which doesn't disappoint. And the lion turtle talks!
|
| 6 |
The Day of Black Sun, Pt. 2: The Eclipse (311) |
Aaron Ehasz |
I love Azula, ok. She was genius (up until her friends ditched her later), as was this episode. If you need proof that Avatar's head writer can write a friggin' great story, turn to 311. The direction was brilliant too. DOBS (both 310 and 311 combined) turned season 3 around in a hurry.
|
| 5 |
Lake Laogai (217) |
Tim Hedrick |
This is a classic nobody can deny. To deny it would be to commit high treason in the Avatar community. It is spectacular, what else can I say. The epik scene with Jet, Long Feng and the gang is too epik for words. And of course the return of Appa. Also, don't mess with Katara...
|
| 4 |
The Siege of the North, Pt. 2 (120) |
Aaron Ehasz |
Words cannot describe the effect this finale had on fans when they first watched it. It sent shockwaves through the animation industry. That's how epik it was. Koizilla, the Yue sacrifice, Koh and the spirits, Zhao. If someone watches 120, there is no way they can claim this is a kid's show.
|
| 3 |
The Crossroads of Destiny (220) |
Aaron Ehasz |
Try watching this episode again and you won't be able to avoid getting chills. Azula's tricky manipulation, Zuko's choice, Azula shooting Aang with lightning. It's too epik. "The Earth Kingdom has fallen," are the last words of Book 2: Earth.
|
| 2 |
Sozin's Comet, Pt. 4: Avatar Aang (321) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
Most would have this as #1 on their list. This is an AMAZING episode. Aang takes Ozai's bending away, Katara pwns Azula, and everyone is happy (except the two who just were pwned). The world is back to normal and peace is restored. But the previous episode beats it, in my view, because of it's emotionalness.
|
| 1 |
Sozin's Comet, Pt. 3: Into the Inferno (320) |
Michael Dante DiMartino/Bryan Konietzko |
Director Joaquim Dos Santos is nominated for an Annie award for this episode, and deservedly-so. Of the 4 finale episodes, this one has the most emotion and arguably the most action. Highlights: Azula banishing everyone, Zuko saving Katara epikly (and their entire duel - best scene of the series for me and NOT because of shipping), Toph's near-death experience (yeah it's kinda cruel to call that a highlight), Ursa & the epik beginning of Ozai-Aang fight. On the podcast I was the first to say this topped 321 (Michelle later agreed with me) and since then I have seen a lot of people's lists rank this one higher than 321. Yeah take that Dylan! : D
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