Avatar Extras (Book One: Water)



Avatar Extras was an event hosted by Nicktoons in which episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender were shown along with a series of pop-up extras giving facts and humorous comments.

The information provided by this event are slightly regarded as canon, though it is hard to differentiate between what is intended to be humor, and what is intended to be factual. Regardless, Avatar Extras has helped the expansion topics and subjects that were only briefly introduced during the series by various means such as providing official terminology as well as specifying pieces of information, such as the exact age of certain characters.

Below is a list comprised of trivia and information released by Avatar Extras on episodes of the first book.

The Boy in the Iceberg

 * 1) The South Pole.
 * 2) ... lowest land mass in the southern hemisphere.
 * 3) Many people think toilets in the South Pole flush counter-clockwise. That's not true.
 * 4) ... but the seats are very cold.
 * 5) Average yearly temperature: -49 degrees.
 * 6) fishing is the main source of food in the Southern Water Tribe.
 * 7) Sokka fishes with a traditional whale tooth saber.
 * 8) Fact: Katara is the only Waterbender in the South Pole.
 * 9) This episode was directed by Dave Filoni.
 * 10) Dave Filoni also directed the final episode of season one.
 * 11) Sokka's ponytail is called a warrior's wolf knot.
 * 12) Ice dodging is a skill learned by all Water Tribe men.
 * 13) In nautical terms, the left side is referred to as port side.
 * 14) Sokka hasn't mastered ice dodging yet.
 * 15) But he will.
 * 16) ... watch the episode, "Bato of the Water Tribe".
 * 17) Sokka sarcasm in three, two, one ... ["Maybe you should have 'Waterbended' us out of the ice." -Sokka]
 * 18) Referred to as Sok-casm.
 * 19) [As Katara breaks the iceberg] Angry Waterbenders have been known to "make waves".
 * 20) Advice: Avoid strange blue glowing things.
 * 21) Also, don't eat yellow snow.
 * 22) First time Aang appears in the entire series, if you don't count the intro.
 * 23) Quick Avatar lesson: not every "country" is referred to as a "nation". In fact, the Fire Nation is the only one. The others are: the Earth Kingdom, the Water Tribe.
 * 24) ... and the Air Nomads.
 * 25) What do you get when you cross a zebra with a seal? [They come onscreen] Zebra seals!
 * 26) [As Iroh plays with his tiles] The markings on these tiles represent the four elements.
 * 27) ... the four elements are an important part of the series.
 * 28) [Sokka pokes Aang in the head with a stick] Not a good way to check if someone's okay.
 * 29) ... but a good way to check tires.
 * 30) [Aang opens his eyes and sees Katara] Love at first sight.
 * 31) Penguin sledding: Aang's idea of a great first date.
 * 32) Aang wears the traditional robes of Airbending monks.
 * 33) [The following happens coinciding with the shots revealing Appa] Directing note: When revealing a new character, first show the top of the head.
 * 34) ... second, reveal an eyeball.
 * 35) ... followed by the nose.
 * 36) ... and gums.
 * 37) And finally.
 * 38) ... it's Appa!
 * 39) ["This is Katara, my flying sister." - Sokka] More Sok-casm.
 * 40) Flying bison snot: 10% water, 3% dust particles, and 87% bison mucus.
 * 41) Sokka's right. It's never a good idea to reveal too much to strangers.
 * 42) ... especially ones that explode out of icebergs.
 * 43) An Airbender's sneeze can create more propulsion than a modern day jet engine. You don't want to be around when they have a cold.
 * 44) Midnight sun madness: An acute mental disorder brought on by the never ending summer days of the South Pole.
 * 45) In the Avatar World, people learned to bend the elements by watching animals. Airbenders learned by watching flying bison. [Appa swims] It's been a while for Appa.
 * 46) Advice: If you want to win over the heart of a girl, it's never a good idea to stare at her.
 * 47) Symbolism: The use of visual elements to represent an idea. The Fire Nation symbolizes the negative effects of modern industry. And uncle symbolizes relaxation.
 * 48) ["Because their honor didn't hinge on the Avatar's capture. Mine does!" -Zuko] Back-story tease.
 * 49) [As Aang lies about not knowing the Avatar] Aang has a bad poker face. [As Katara accepts his lame excuse] Katara doesn't play poker.
 * 50) Flashback time.
 * 51) A good flashback moves the story forward.
 * 52) ... ironic, huh?
 * 53) Saltwater freezes at -1.8 degrees Celsius, or 28.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
 * 54) Airbenders receive their tattoos when they become masters.
 * 55) Americans can't get tattoos until they're 18, unless they obtain parental consent.
 * 56) Aang is the youngest Airbender to become a master, hence the tattoos at age 12.
 * 57) This is the first episode with Gran Gran.
 * 58) ... and the next episode is her last.
 * 59) Later, we learn about Gran Gran's romantic past with a Waterbending master named Pakku.
 * 60) Showboating: (v) to show off. Aang is good at showboating. [Aang crashes] Sometimes.
 * 61) Katara's signature hair loopies: common in the Southern Water Tribe.
 * 62) Katara's chores: Clean igloo. Mop the ice. Shovel snow. Defrost dinner.
 * 63) Fire-jabs are the most common attack moves for Firebenders.
 * 64) Uncle Iroh's nickname is the Dragon of the West because he can breathe fire.
 * 65) Sokka is the oldest male in the Southern Water Tribe.
 * 66) Holding in your pee can cause bladder problems and can make you squirm.
 * 67) Appa's tail makes a great ski jump.
 * 68) Longest ski jump: 239 meters.
 * 69) Penguins voiced by Dee Bradley Baker.
 * 70) Most Avatar animals are a cross between two animals. These are Penguin-otters. Note the otter whiskers. They look similar to a mustache style called the Fu Manchu.
 * 71) The Fu Manchu was made popular by kung fu movies.
 * 72) Avatar is considered a kung fu show.
 * 73) fish are the primary food source for penguins and otters.
 * 74) No animals were harmed in the making of this episode. Actually, Aang loves animals.
 * 75) Did you know that Aang is a vegetarian?
 * 76) [Aang and Katara stumble upon the abandoned ship frozen in ice] In the last episode of this season, we see how Fire Nation Ships end up this way.
 * 77) [As Aang and Katara find the weapons room on the abandoned ship] These weapons were designed after those used in Ancient China.
 * 78) Aang just realized he missed a hundred birthdays. That's a lot of birthday candles.
 * 79) This isn't the last time Aang and Katara will be behind bars. [Aang sets off the flare] Also not the last time Aang gets everyone into trouble.
 * 80) Classic Zuko squint.

The Avatar Returns

 * 1) Fun fact: the first and second episodes were originally written as a one-hour event.
 * 2) Banishment was a popular punishment in the old days. Today, being grounded is a popular punishment. Also, no Internet.
 * 3) When a scene is filmed at sunset or sunrise, it's referred to as the "golden hour". It has to do with the color of the sky. In animation, scenes at sunset are referred to as the "golden drawing". Just kidding.
 * 4) Season one starts at the South Pole and eventually ends at the North Pole. Think of it like bookends ... or an Avatar sandwich.
 * 5) Airbenders' tattoos are based off the natural markings on flying bison. Except not as big.
 * 6) Gran Gran's disappointed face. Very similar to her normal face.
 * 7) Aang sleeps with his staff. It's his version of a teddy bear.
 * 8) Water tribe warrior preparations include: gloves, boots, face paint, warm up jumping jacks [Which Sokka isn't doing] ... will do later.
 * 9) Fire Nation warrior preparations include: body armor, ankle strings for decoration, shoulder pads, and to top it off: a helmet.
 * 10) The Fire Nation poses a serious threat to the Water Tribe. The entire village could melt if the temperature rises above the freezing point.
 * 11) Sokka built that watch tower. *which was just destroyed*
 * 12) An "ice breaker" is a type of ship designed to travel through the ice. Zuko's ship could be called a "village breaker".
 * 13) Little known fact about Sokka: he's a great face painter.
 * 14) Avatar is a traditionally drawn 2-D cartoon, but it does use some computer graphic elements. In fact, Zuko's ship is often done with computer graphics. But not right now.
 * 15) This is Sokka's first time meeting Zuko. They say first impressions tell you a lot about a person.
 * 16) First impression about Zuko: likes pointy hats ... and is an all around bad guy.
 * 17) Screaming is a good way to frighten your enemy. But it doesn't work so well for a sneak attack.
 * 18) Sokka's trusty boomerang. Zuko prefers fire daggers.
 * 19) Zuko was originally going to be the love interest for Katara. She does like bad boys.
 * 20) Zuko hates to be called "just a teenager".
 * 21) "The Windmill" is a move Aang uses to deflect Firebending attacks. Not so good if you're standing behind him.
 * 22) The Southern Water Tribe now has a port.
 * 23) Most great action shows have a calm moment before the final showdown. It gives the audience time to catch their breath ... and use the bathroom.
 * 24) Katara and Aang's relationship is explored through the series. For Aang, it's mostly just frustrating. And for Sokka, it's just fuel for his never ending jokes.
 * 25) Grandmas always know just what to say. And they always have candy in their purse.
 * 26) Appa has been listening the whole time.
 * 27) Little known fact about Zuko: he's an excellent gift giver.
 * 28) Uncle Iroh can be lazy.
 * 29) Little foreshadowing ... Get ready for an Airbending move known as ... the "lung punch". If the impact doesn't knock you out, the bad breath most likely will.
 * 30) That move is called the "door opener".
 * 31) Appa is the closest thing the main characters have to a car. Without chrome rims.
 * 32) [As Aang apologizes to Fire Nation soldiers he runs past] Aang is always polite.
 * 33) Zuko and Aang actually have more in common than they knew. For one, they're both bald, if you don't count Zuko's Firebender ponytail.
 * 34) The air scooter can travel at speeds of over 30 miles per hour ... but they have no brakes.
 * 35) "Taken to the mat" is a term used in wrestling. Zuko was just taken to the mat.
 * 36) The windmill move - helpful for balancing.
 * 37) Trademarked Avatar battle music - reserved for fight sequences only.
 * 38) In near freezing water, the onset of hypothermia can happen in seconds. But the Avatar has a unique defense mechanism ... the Avatar State.
 * 39) The water vortex is a high level Waterbending move. Only a true master can do it. Aang is not a master yet, but he can do the water vortex because he is in the Avatar State.
 * 40) Visible signs of the Avatar State include: glowing tattoos, glowing eyes, and the ability to be awesome.
 * 41) Passing out is an Avatar State side effect.
 * 42) [Sokka pushes Zuko off the ship] Sokka gets his revenge
 * 43) Katara just invented a new move. It's called the "Backward water freeze"
 * 44) Uncle Iroh's not sure if he's awake or dreaming?
 * 45) Now up: Avatar baseball ... [Zuko and Iroh blast out fire] Here's the pitch ... [Aang swings his glider] And the swing. [The fire crashes into an iceberg] Result of play: a foul fireball.
 * 46) Season one's hero group is almost complete ... just missing one flying lemur.
 * 47) Don't worry, Momo will join the group next episode.
 * 48) The dark clouds represent Aang's inner turmoil. The shining light represents hope.
 * 49) Pay attention! This sets up the entire series! [Aang and Katara decide to travel to the North Pole] Did you get all that?
 * 50) Elephant koi fish, coming up in 2 episodes.

The Southern Air Temple

 * 1) This episode was written by Mike Dimartino. He's one of the two show creators.
 * 2) Aang is tying a Bison Horn knot. It's essential for steering Appa.
 * 3) He learned it at Air Scouts.
 * 4) Teenagers are often tired because their bodies use up energy to grow. Of course, some are just lazy.
 * 5) Ophidiophobia refers to the fear of snakes.
 * 6) Try to say that five times fast.
 * 7) Commander Zhao is voiced by Jason Isaacs. Jason Isaacs also plays a bad guy in the Harry Potter movies.
 * 8) Zuko and Iroh are good at a lot of things. Lying is not one of them.
 * 9) When Sokka talks to his growling stomach* Note: Stomachs can't actually talk, but if they could they would speak Hungarian. That's just a joke.
 * 10) Airbenders live high in the mountains where the strong breeze helps their Airbending. They also love the view.
 * 11) Appa growls in reply to Aang's question on the way to the temple* Appa Translation: "Are we there yet?"
 * 12) Fact: Airbenders are nomadic. They love to travel.
 * 13) Fire Nation Fun Facts: They love the color red, they have a flair for the dramatic, and their favorite hairstyle among men: the top knot.
 * 14) Dramatic sequence (between Zuko and Zhao) directed by Lauren MacMullen.
 * 15) Close up shots give the impression there's more going on in the character's head. They also show wrinkles.
 * 16) The main story of an episode is called the 'A-Story'. The A-Story almost always involves the main characters. If you haven't figured it out, this (Aang, Katara, and Sokka's story) is the A-Story.
 * 17) This shot (Aang's back to the camera, standing on the cliff point) is similar to the shot from the opening credits.
 * 18) Airball rules: Using Airbending, bounce the ball off of a series of posts to score a goal. Sokka's not so good at this game, but he's great at iceball.
 * 19) In the winter, the Southern Air Temple is almost as cold as the south pole. But the skiing is much better.
 * 20) That's: Monk Gyatso. Not: Monkey Otso
 * 21) Price of homemade Airbender cakes: one silver piece each. All proceeds go to charity.
 * 22) Avatar Trivia: The writers almost did an episode based on the idea that Momo was the reincarnated Monk Gyatso. Other story ideas that didn't make the cut include: learning about Aang's parents, and an entire episode where Sokka and Aang are handcuffed together.
 * 23) All four temples are designed to harness the natural power of the wind.
 * 24) Before the series ends, Aang will visit all the air temples. *Spoiler alert: one of them will be inhabited ... but with who?
 * 25) Opening this door (the door to the Avatar Statue room) also requires wind power. Sokka power won't do.
 * 26) Even the doorbells use air.
 * 27) More Screenplay Terminology: A separate story that parallels the A-Story is known as the B-Story.
 * 28) Firebending is naturally an aggressive style, like fire itself. Maybe this is why many Firebenders are so "Hot Headed"
 * 29) (In the Avatar Statue room) Some of the statues are more than a thousand years old. In fact, every generation of Airbenders carves a new one.
 * 30) Each element corresponds with a certain weather season: Water = Winter, Earth = Spring, Fire = Summer, Air = Autumn.
 * 31) The weather and element themes also correspond to the three television series seasons.
 * 32) As the Avatar, Aang has a bunch of super weird connections. *Fact pops up when Aang's looking at Roku's statue, becoming transfixed*.
 * 33) Roku is an important figure to Aang throughout the series.
 * 34) The headpiece on Roku was actually given to him by Fire Lord Sozin. Neat, huh?
 * 35) When Sokka says not to make a sound, and Katara retaliates with the fact that Sokka is also making a sound, only to be shushed* The shushing is also making a sound.
 * 36) Flying lemurs were originally used by the Air Nomads as a working animal. They were trained to fetched their staffs. The creators even contemplated a shot of Momo fetching a staff in this episode, raising the question: "Who trained Momo?" But in the end, they opted against it.
 * 37) Aang's got mad skills. Sokka's just mad.
 * 38) Sarcastic laugh - key for any villain.
 * 39) Arrogance - also a good villain characteristic.
 * 40) Agni Kai gets its name from the Sanskrit word Agni- which means fire, and the word Kai, Japanese for meeting. Therefore, Agni Kai means Fire Meeting.
 * 41) If Aang could hear the soundtrack *at the moment that Momo leads Aang to Gyatso* he'd probably know something bad was about to happen.
 * 42) Sokka's pretty good at saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. *Referring to him saying "Hey, have you found my dinner yet?" about Momo just before he sees Aang's crying.
 * 43) Evoking the power of the Avatar sends a signal all over the world. Not unlike Batman's Bat Signal.
 * 44) Aang is having an F-3 Avatar State vortex, with winds up to 125 miles per hour.
 * 45) Basics (of Firebending) include: A good stance, and good breathing techniques.
 * 46) This fight (between Zuko and Zhao) foreshadows a bigger showdown between Zuko and Zhao in the season finale.
 * 47) Never underestimate the power of surprise.
 * 48) Commander Zhao is notorious for having bad balance.
 * 49) Zuko is a tormented character. He is always walking the line between right and wrong. It's a theme that weighs heavy on him throughout the series.
 * 50) Uncle is polite even when he chastises someone.
 * 51) Aang's vortex is now (by the end) an F-4.
 * 52) Finding out you're the last Airbender: not so good. Getting a hug from the girl you like: not so bad.
 * 53) In a later episode, Aang finds a way to speak to Roku on the winter solstice.
 * 54) Fact: Momo means peach in Japanese.

The Warriors of Kyoshi

 * 1) Meditation can be used to improve one's focus and mental health. Sometimes it doesn't work.
 * 2) Fans are normally used to cool people off. But, they have other uses, which we'll see later.
 * 3) In the writers room, Momo antics are called Momoments. Get it?
 * 4) Aang keeps marbles in his shirt, most likely in his navel.
 * 5) Kyoshi Island was actually created by Avatar Kyoshi. Really, watch season 2.
 * 6) Elephant koi are the biggest herbivores in Kyoshi Bay and they can leap more than 20 feet into the air.
 * 7) Sokka twirled his finger next to his head* Ancient Water Tribe gesture for "out of his gourd".
 * 8) Koi sailing scores: 7.9 ... 6.8 ... 8.3.
 * 9) Synchronized Koi swimming.
 * 10) But, the audience is not impressed *when Sokka says that the fish was doing all the work*.
 * 11) Avatar swimsuit scores: 8.5 .. 9.0 .. 9.9!
 * 12) Giant beast set up - will pay off later.
 * 13) Aang can run on water. A feat that's impossible for most people. In season 2, we introduce an animal that can also run on water. It's called the Mongoose dragon.
 * 14) A matriarchal society is one that places power with the females of the tribe, and really ticks off Sokka.
 * 15) It's the Avatar's duty to accept blame. Oyah's duty is to sound angry.
 * 16) Kyoshi statue: actual size.
 * 17) Oyah's other duty is to feed the Unagi.
 * 18) Debut of "Foaming mouth guy". We'll see him again later in the series.
 * 19) Fact: fish merchants are notoriously gossipy.
 * 20) Prince Zuko is notoriously bad at sharing.
 * 21) Kyoshi statue restoration: 20,000 silver pieces. Bison massage: Priceless.
 * 22) The food guide pyramid recommends no more than 1 or 2 servings of dessert a day, and not for breakfast.
 * 23) (at Sokka) Sore loser.
 * 24) This is the first of many times Sokka mentions sneak attacks throughout the series.
 * 25) Sokka doesn't know the food guide pyramid.
 * 26) The following sequence (the girls chasing Aang) is based on The Beatles' film, "Hard Day's Night". Ask your grandparents.
 * 27) The air scooter can only last 5–10 seconds in a stationary position.
 * 28) Fact: All painters mutter to themselves.
 * 29) Push-ups are an excellent way to build upper body power, or lung power.
 * 30) Fans were first used as weapons by Japanese Samurai. They were used primarily on male, smart-alecks.
 * 31) It's always a good idea to stretch before any workout.
 * 32) * "Best warrior, huh? In your whole village? Maybe you'd be kind enough to give us a little demonstration?" - Suki* Sarcasm.
 * 33) Sokka doesn't know it, but he's the star of his own rodeo.
 * 34) Sokka roping scores: 9.4 ... 9.5 ... 9.6.
 * 35) Momo is passed out in girls arms* Don't worry, Momo is not dead.
 * 36) The food guide pyramid suggests 6 servings of vegetables per day.
 * 37) Aang enjoys Kyoshi Island for its seclusion and temperate climate.
 * 38) Koko is named for Kyoshi's daughter, who governed the island after her.
 * 39) About Kyoshi Warriors: Original members of Kiss.
 * 40) Suki is the first of many warriors that Sokka learns from during his journey with the Avatar.
 * 41) Boys wearing dresses is scientifically proven to be funny. Even the Avatar thinks so.
 * 42) Katara's Waterbending water in a bowl. Beginners Waterbending. She gets a lot better after she steals a scroll from some pirates. Watch "The Waterbending scroll" episode.
 * 43) This is the first episode with Suki, but she appears in several more. She even plays an important role in the series finale.
 * 44) "It's not about strength" - Suki* That's right, kids. Weaklings can fight too.
 * 45) In a later episode, we see Suki without her Kyoshi makeup. She's not easy to recognize.
 * 46) When Suki's got Sokka by the finger*. Small joint manipulation is illegal in most mixed-martial arts competitions.
 * 47) * Aang in the ocean*. Bathroom break. The ocean is nature's toilet.
 * 48) Kids have short attention spans.
 * 49) It's common not to reveal the entire monster until act three.
 * 50) The Kyoshi Unagi has glands that it uses to blast water at its prey. It also has tendrils for its prey to swing on, and 16 pairs of teeth.
 * 51) Unagi is actually a Japanese word for fresh water eel. As well as a delicious sushi dish.
 * 52) Aang is tossed from the Unagi into the water* Do not attempt this dive at home.
 * 53) Unagis have an instinctive fear of anything bigger than them.
 * 54) Komodo rhinos were first domesticated by the Fire Nation in the Pho Zel Dynasty.
 * 55) Houses on Kyoshi Island have high-pitched roofs to keep snow from collecting on them.
 * 56) Oyaji means 'Bringer of bad news'.
 * 57) Fans vs. Rhinos- Who will win? Rhinos.
 * 58) Zuko break dances in 3 ... 2 ... 1. *Spins fire on ground at Kyoshi Warriors*.
 * 59) Dante Basco, the voice of Zuko, is a break dancer in real life. He was part of the Street Freaks Breakdancing Crew.
 * 60) "Nice try, Avatar. But, these little girls can't save you." - Zuko*. Untrue. Little girls can do anything they put their minds to.
 * 61) Aang's helicoptering is used when he doesn't have room for a proper take off.
 * 62) Aang is starting to realize that he can't escape his destiny as the Avatar.
 * 63) "Look what I brought to this place." - Aang. "It's not your fault." - Katara.* All his fault.
 * 64) Spoiler Alert. Not the last time Suki kisses Sokka.
 * 65) The creators almost ended the episode here. *With Aang and the gang flying away to lead Zuko away from Kyoshi* That would have been lame.
 * 66) Lesson: If you're attacked by a Giant Unagi, grab its tendrils like a harness!
 * 67) Aang is, admittedly, stupid and dangerous.
 * 68) Katara hugging Aang* Now, that's an ending.

The King of Omashu

 * 1) This city Omashu is the second largest in the Earth Kingdom. Ba Sing Se is the first largest.
 * 2) Legend has it, Omashu was named after a man and a woman who fell in love. The woman's name was Oma and the man's name was Shu. Hence: Omashu.
 * 3) Wig and mustache are essential to any disguise. Just missing the sunglasses.
 * 4) "Whippersnapper" is an old person word. Other old person words include "Skedaddle", as in, "Hey you, skedaddle off my lawn!" and "Kerfuffle". Look it up.
 * 5) Omashu has an unusually high standard for their imported produce. The cabbage merchant learns this the hard way.
 * 6) The cabbage merchant was supposed to be a one-time character, but ended up appearing in several episodes throughout the series.
 * 7) Key to sneaking into places: Act like you're supposed to be there. Aang might be pushing it a bit.
 * 8) Earthbending guards are well known for sounding tough, and for being sticklers when it comes to etiquette.
 * 9) Most of Omashu runs on Earthbending.
 * 10) Legend has it Omashu was created for the people of the Earth Nation to live in peace. It's true. Watch the episode "The Cave of Two Lovers".
 * 11) Omashu hasn't changed much in 100 years. Neither has Aang.
 * 12) ["You've gotta open your brain to the possibilities." - Bumi] What Bumi is saying is you have to think outside the box. Thinking outside the box is the theme for this episode.
 * 13) Signature Bumi laugh, trademarked, all rights reserved.
 * 14) This [the chutes] is the Avatar version of a roller coaster ... pre-safety laws.
 * 15) Omashu's main industry is making weapons for the war. [A cart with spears rolls behind the gang] Here are some now. It's all fun and games until someone gets stabbed by a sword.
 * 16) [Some food fell over while the gang was riding the chutes] Now that's acceptable produce.
 * 17) Terminal velocity is a physics term describing the point at which a falling object reaches its maximum speed. But, with Airbending, Aang can go beyond terminal velocity.
 * 18) This episode was directed by Anthony Lioi. He's pretty good at directing action sequences.
 * 19) [A man in a room making a pot.] Many pottery artifacts can last for hundreds of years.
 * 20) [The cart the kids were in crashes into the room and destroys the pot.] Not that one.
 * 21) It's a well known fact that cats and lemurs don't get along.
 * 22) [Cabbage Man is adoring his cabbages] Weren't his cabbages destroyed at the front gate?
 * 23) [The cart falls on the cabbage cart] Well, they definitely are now.
 * 24) A circle with a square in the middle is a common Earth Nation design. In fact, even the Earth Kingdom money uses it.
 * 25) Malicious destruction of cabbages is a misdemeanor in most states.
 * 26) When the King is thinking about what to do with Sokka, Katara, and Aang: [Sokka:] Nervous yelp. [Katara:] Pleading stare. [Aang:] Just confused.
 * 27) This room [the dining room] is lit by emerald stones. The stones are a common light source used in the Earth Kingdom. They make everything appear greener than normal. But, people in the Earth Kingdom love to wear green. Go figure.
 * 28) Kangaroo island is not a real Avatar location. But duck island is.
 * 29) This episode was written by John o' Bryan. Other episodes written by John o' Bryan include "The Siege of the North, Part 1" and "The Great Divide."
 * 30) Running with spears is the number one way to lose an eye.
 * 31) Fact: Iceberg lettuce offers little nutritional value.
 * 32) Challenges are a common device used in Kung Fu shows. But why do they always have to be deadly?
 * 33) Aang is a glass-half-full type of guy.
 * 34) [Momo is eating an apple] The camera adds 10 pounds.
 * 35) [Momo is being pushed into the air vent] This scene was animated as if shot through a fish-eye lens.
 * 36) Airbenders are well known as the loudest snorers in the world, second only to flying bison.
 * 37) [When the King asks Aang's opinion on the King's outfit] The correct answer to this question is "It looks great!", especially if your wife asks.
 * 38) Airbenders are extremely light on their feet. Maybe that's why they're such good dancers. Aang shows off his dance moves in the season 3 episode "The Headband".
 * 39) Fun Fact: Jennamite was named after Nickelodeon executive Jenna Luttell.
 * 40) A coffee mug or keychain is considered a good souvenir. A ring that encases you in stone is usually considered a bad souvenir. But it does have a nice color.
 * 41) Omashu has many underground caverns. But this is the only one with a waterfall.
 * 42) Stalagmites are formed by minerals dripping from the ceiling.
 * 43) Many Avatar fans consider this a "filler episode", that is, it doesn't advance the over arcing story line of the series. They're as crazy as the King.
 * 44) Carnival music adds kookiness factor to the King.
 * 45) Long eared rabbit: found throughout the Earth Kingdom. Giant goat gorillas: found only in Bumi's castle.
 * 46) Safety note: Never reach into unfamiliar holes in the ground.
 * 47) Tail wagging- a sign of happiness. Another sign of happiness: licking.
 * 48) The growing crystal is considered a ticking clock; it adds a sense of urgency.
 * 49) On the two tough guys provided by the King for Aang to duel: These two characters are loosely based on the two show creators. Some even say the characters Zuko and Aang are loosely based on the two show creators. If you saw a picture of them, you'd probably be able to guess which character goes with which creator.
 * 50) This isn't the last time Aang will be in the center of an Earthbending arena.
 * 51) Initially, Bumi was supposed to have the body of a frail old man, the idea being that you don't have to have muscles to be a great Earthbender, but it was decided that he looks cooler with abs.
 * 52) Earthbending is based on a style of Kung Fu called Hung Gar. Hung Gar Kung Fu uses strong stances, rooting the fighter to the ground.
 * 53) Next season reveals that badgermoles were actually the first Earthbenders. Badger moles are naturally rooted to the ground because they are so heavy.
 * 54) King Bumi is often considered the best Earthbender in the world. He can move boulders with just his eyebrow. It's true. Watch next season.
 * 55) King Bumi is a key character in the finale. He is even part of a secret society with some surprising members.
 * 56) King Bumi is destroying his own arena. The rules are: There are no rules.
 * 57) The King always has the upper hand, *Bumi holds the boulder above Aang* or in this case, the upper rock.
 * 58) The animation style for Avatar was heavily inspired by Japanese anime. The best anime balance great action with humor and emotion.
 * 59) [Sokka: "He's an Earthbender, right? Rocky!"] Sokka's brainstorming. [Katara: "We're gonna keep trying, but that is a good backup."] And Katara's being nice. [Aang: "I had to think differently than I normally would."] There's the theme of this episode again.
 * 60) The King is back in comfy clothes.
 * 61) Here comes call back number one ...the crazy laugh is the second call back.
 * 62) Too much rock candy is bad for your teeth.
 * 63) Important info coming up in 3 ...2 ...1 ...[Bumi: "Aang, you have a difficult task ahead. The world has changed in the hundred years you've been gone. It's the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai. You have much to learn. You must master the four elements and confront the Fire Lord, and when you do, I hope you will think like a mad genius"]
 * 64) Bowing is a sign of respect.
 * 65) Note: The elderly should check with their physician before riding any roller coasters.

Imprisoned

 * 1) Tallest trees in the Earth Kingdom
 * 2) Smallest waterfall in the Earth Nation
 * 3) Nuts are an important source of nutrients for both humans and wildlife ...
 * 4) ...especially lemurs.
 * 5) [Momo cracks a nut on a rock] Obviously before nutcrackers were invented.
 * 6) Big scary boom noise was actually caused by Earthbending.
 * 7) Earthbending involves striking the ground with the hands or feet.
 * 8) It adapts from Northern Shaolin, Judo, and Shaolin wrestling.
 * 9) (as Katara calls to Haru) So much for approaching cautiously.
 * 10) Aang is hiding his tattoo with his hat.
 * 11) Aang is also hiding his true feelings for Katara.
 * 12) Haru's mom is very protective of her son.
 * 13) Spoiler alert: She already lost someone else in their family.
 * 14) [as everyone poses awkwardly] Not very good at acting natural.
 * 15) The Fire Nation is occupying several Earthbending cities and extorting money from the villagers.
 * 16) Like coal, copper is also mined but not as valuable to the Fire Nation
 * 17) Earthbender skills allow them to farm hillsides and uneven terrain.
 * 18) [Appa takes a mouthful of hay] Perfect meal for Appa.
 * 19) Totally psyched.
 * 20) Haru is one of many other characters that team Avatar will meet again in the series.
 * 21) [as Haru prepares to Earthbend] About to show off.


 * 1) [Katara is talking about her necklace.] This is the symbol of the Water Tribe.
 * 2) Spoiler alert: Katara's mother sacrificed herself to the Fire Nation in order to protect Katara.
 * 3) Oldest man in the Earth Nation
 * 4) Momo's checking out the great view.
 * 5) Dawn refers to the twilight before sunrise.
 * 6) [Aang smiles in his sleep] Dreaming of Katara.
 * 7) [Katara smiles in her sleep] Dreaming of sleeping in past dawn.
 * 8) Tattletale. [The old man shouts that Haru is an Earthbender.]
 * 9) Who needs a pump where you can just Waterbend the water out?
 * 10) Sokka is not a bender, but this is an early hint at how his strategy skills play an important role later in the series.
 * 11) Butterflies can flap their wings faster than humans can blink their eyes.
 * 12) Butterflies also put Momo in a trance.
 * 13) Katara and Sokka demonstrate their poor acting skills.
 * 14) Katara is taking it a bit too far.
 * 15) This type of background—called speed lines—is an animation technique used to indicate fast motion.
 * 16) Katara has been forced to wear prison garb over her clothing.
 * 17) (Sokka and Aang wear normal hats, but their own clothing) Totally fitting in.
 * 18) The Fire Nation is more technologically advanced than any other nation or tribe.
 * 19) But Fire Lord Ozai's passion for industry and power results in pollution, creating disharmony with the other nations and elements.
 * 20) The Fire Nation has several prison rigs. This one won't be the last one Team Avatar encounters.
 * 21) The Prison Warden is voiced by George Takei.
 * 22) He's most famous for his role as Mr. Sulu on Star Trek.
 * 23) Spoiler alert: In future episodes, the Warden is proved wrong about Earthbenders being unable to bend metal.
 * 24) Katara and Haru are the youngest prisoners on the rig.
 * 25) [Tyro: (Talking about the food): "It's not as bad as it looks." Katara gags.] It is as bad as looks.
 * 26) Even though he is still a great leader, Tyro's spirit has been broken.
 * 27) Katara is a great motivational speaker.
 * 28) Unfortunately, people don't always pay attention to what she has to say.
 * 29) The Fire Nation Lighthouse serves as a beacon for incoming ships and also keeps prisoners from trying to sneak away.
 * 30) [Katara asleep] Dreaming of tastier prison food.
 * 31) Not so easy to hide with Appa around.
 * 32) Actually buffalo are different from bison, although both belong to the same 'bovaidae' family.
 * 33) Aang realizes the Fire Nation's pollution can be used against them.
 * 34) Sokka's boomerang is his favorite weapon, but he gets a really cool sword in season 3.
 * 35) Although Aang helps, Katara is the true hero of this episode.
 * 36) High enough pressure can turn a coal into a diamond.
 * 37) Learning how to swim is a useful skill.
 * 38) The Warden regrets not taking lessons.
 * 39) [Zuko finds Katara's necklace.] Zuko's motto: Finders keepers, losers weepers.

Winter Solstice Part 1: The Spirit World

 * 1) This is a messenger Hawk - often used by the Fire Nation to courier information.
 * 2) Sokka is using a Jaw blade to carve some wood.
 * 3) In the end of the season, he tries to carve a gift for a girl. It doesn't go so well.
 * 4) One of the many benefits of Airbending is that you can express dry yourself.
 * 5) Fact: Sokka gets irritated easily.
 * 6) This story focuses on Aang realizing the weight of his Avatar responsibilities.
 * 7) Much of this dialogue is to remind the audience of the overall story. That's called a 'recap'.
 * 8) Spoiler Alert: The Waterbending teacher they find turns out to have an odd connection to Katara.
 * 9) Fact: The water in a hot spring is usually heated by the earth's interior.
 * 10) Uncle enjoys the simple pleasures in life, such as hot tea and hot springs.
 * 11) Notice the bubbles in the water.
 * 12) Zuko will try hard to erase that image from his memory.
 * 13) Katara always looks on the bright side.
 * 14) This is the Old wanderer, played by James Shigeta.
 * 15) This is the Senlin Village. Most of the villagers here are farmers and traders.
 * 16) Apparently, most of the villagers are currently indoors.
 * 17) Fact: The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year.
 * 18) Aang gets another nickname later in the series - "Twinkle Toes."
 * 19) Fact: Meadow voles are native to the Earth Kingdom.
 * 20) Fact: They are also very cute.
 * 21) Earthquake or Earthbenders?
 * 22) Uncle is called the "Dragon of the West" because he has the ability to breathe fire.
 * 23) Spirit calling 101.
 * 24) Things are never that easy.
 * 25) Not the reaction Aang was hoping for.
 * 26) Scary Hei Bai roar courtesy of voice actor Dee Bradley Baker.
 * 27) Dee also voices Momo, Appa, and many other Avatar animals.
 * 28) Ouch.
 * 29) Sokka's boomerang to the rescue.
 * 30) Or not.
 * 31) Fact: Zuko has a hard time telling these Fire Nation soldiers apart.
 * 32) He's actually never seen them without their masks.
 * 33) Pay Attention: These bear statues are a hint at what's to come.
 * 34) These are Earth Kingdom Ostrich-Horses.
 * 35) At least they could've given him his clothes back.
 * 36) Fact: Uncle can fall asleep anytime, anyplace. Even if he's tied up in shackles.
 * 37) Uncle's smelly shoe was dropped on purpose.
 * 38) Katara is holding Sokka's boomerang.
 * 39) The boomerang used to belong to their dad.
 * 40) Sokka's dad gave it to him before he went off to war.
 * 41) Fact: Uncle's smelly shoe was used to find him twice in the series.
 * 42) Fire Nation komodo rhino.
 * 43) Some people believe that animals can sense spirits.
 * 44) Whiskers on cats and dogs can act as a type of radar.
 * 45) Dragon whiskers are less predictable.
 * 46) This is Avatar Roku.
 * 47) Dragons were the first creature's to use Firebending.
 * 48) Uncle can sense Spirit World creatures.
 * 49) This Earthbender captain thinks Uncle is crazy.
 * 50) But Uncle is actually a lot smarter than he thinks.
 * 51) They don't call him Dragon of the West for nothing.
 * 52) Earthbenders, 0 - Naked Shackled Guy, 3
 * 53) This is Crescent Island, Avatar Roku's former home.
 * 54) This is not just a statue of Roku.
 * 55) Translation,, "Yes, that's when you'll be able to speak with Roku."
 * 56) This is called Rock Rolling.
 * 57) This is called Rock Skiing.
 * 58) This is called being trapped.
 * 59) Which path will Zuko follow?
 * 60) Nice Save.
 * 61) Sifu Kisu is the martial arts consultant on Avatar.
 * 62) He creates many of the moves that are demonstrated on Avatar.
 * 63) Zuko and Uncle have a complex relationship, but they make a great team.
 * 64) Hei Bai can take many forms. When angry, it is a frightening monster.
 * 65) But when content, Its a peaceful Panda.
 * 66) Fact: Pandas have a diet that is 99 Percent bamboo.
 * 67) Fact: Hei Bai prefers eating buildings.

Winter Solstice Part 2: Avatar Roku

 * 1) The moon is the fifth largest natural satellite in the solar system.
 * 2) Appa is the only Flying bison left in the entire world.
 * 3) Just like Aang is The Last Airbender.
 * 4) Airbenders learned Airbending from the Flying bison.
 * 5) This is why Airbenders have arrow tattoos on their heads.
 * 6) No time for long good-byes.
 * 7) Zuko didn't have a sweet 16th birthday party.
 * 8) He hates parties.
 * 9) The first known telescopes were invented in the early 17th century.
 * 10) This is called a trebuchet.
 * 11) That's a stinky ball of sulfur and garbage.
 * 12) Correction: Stinky fireball.
 * 13) They smell almost as bad as Iroh's sandals.
 * 14) Prince Zuko was banished for speaking out against his father.
 * 15) Turn's out he doesn't listen to his Uncle either.
 * 16) Zuko bested Commander Zhao in an Agni-Kai Duel.
 * 17) Zhao is still a little peeved.
 * 18) Burning bison hair. Almost as stinky as the fireballs.
 * 19) The Pacific Ocean is the world's largest ocean,covering 65.3 million square miles.
 * 20) This is much scarier than any roller coaster.
 * 21) Avatar action fishing.
 * 22) Appa is exhausted,
 * 23) Crescent Island was once a place of sanctuary for Avatar Roku.
 * 24) Doctor's recommend a half hour of exercise everyday.
 * 25) Even Lemur's need daily exercise.
 * 26) This Fire Temple is built in a Pagoda style. It is the only building on the island.
 * 27) The floors of the sanctuary are very slippery. The Sages have to wax it every day.
 * 28) Sometimes Aang goes with his instinct.
 * 29) Sometimes his instincts are wrong.
 * 30) This Fire Sage is named Shyu.
 * 31) Shyu is the only Fire Sage who is still loyal to the Avatar.
 * 32) Shyu is the youngest of the Sages.
 * 33) Fact: Secret doors and secret passageways are fun.
 * 34) Dramatic Fire Nation theme music courtesy of the composers, the track team.
 * 35) Magma is molten material beneath or within the earth's crust.
 * 36) Lava can reach temperatures as high as 1200 Celsius.
 * 37) Good thing Katara and Sokka aren't wearing their winter parkas.
 * 38) Shyu's father was killed when he stood up for the Avatar.
 * 39) He was raised by the other Sages but he has never felt close to them.
 * 40) The Sages walk these stairs everyday. They have great glutes.
 * 41) These columns feature dragons, they were the first creatures to bend fire.
 * 42) The plan man is thinking.
 * 43) This is Zuko's skiff.
 * 44) Zuko's skiff is more mobile than his larger ship.
 * 45) Fact: This is not the first time Uncle has shaken his head disapprovingly at Zuko.
 * 46) And it won't be the last time.
 * 47) Don't try this at home.
 * 48) Heroic big brother hiding behind kid sister.
 * 49) Not the results they were hoping for.
 * 50) At this moment, it's hard to believe that Aang meditates.
 * 51) Sokka just came up with another plan without even realizing it.
 * 52) Shyu's story is quite convincing.
 * 53) Momo's shadow.
 * 54) Five simultaneous fire blasts = Open sanctuary doors. This is similar to how the Air Temple doors open using Airbending.
 * 55) Momo is highly allergic to the Fire Nation.
 * 56) Momo's signature attack move.
 * 57) The sanctuary was built to focus the power of the sun's rays during the solstices and equinox.
 * 58) In his time, Roku was the most powerful being on earth.
 * 59) Fire Lord Ozai is one of the most powerful Firebenders in the world.
 * 60) The Avatar State is triggered when Aang is in an extreme physical or emotional state.
 * 61) The spirit of Avatar Roku can manifest itself in the natural world because of the solstice.
 * 62) Avatar Roku is punishing the Sages for being disloyal to him.
 * 63) The solstice has ended.
 * 64) Momo has a new hat.
 * 65) Courtesy of one of the Sages.
 * 66) Fact: Commander Zhao hates losing.
 * 67) This Sage misses his hat.
 * 68) This episode began and ended with a shot of the moon.
 * 69) The moon plays a central role in the season finale as well.

The Waterbending Scroll

 * 1) Reveals that by the time Aang was 6, he was better at Airbending than kids twice his age, and by the time he was 10, he was better than his teachers.
 * 2) While riding on an Air Bison, you should never stand up.
 * 3) There are 40,480 days in 112 years.
 * 4) Firebending on a rocking ship is very difficult.
 * 5) Katara practices her Waterbending everyday.
 * 6) Aang is used to learning new bending moves easily.
 * 7) Advanced Waterbenders can create waves of just about any size.
 * 8) Katara was originally going to be named Kya.
 * 9) Bison whistles were used by Air Nomads to herd the bison.
 * 10) Not all pirates wear pink lipstick.
 * 11) Just your average pawn shop, "Pirate Boutique".
 * 12) Katara just hit the jackpot.
 * 13) That explains all of the "free" items they have attained.
 * 14) Part-time Avatar. Part-time magician.
 * 15) Lucky for the kids, these pirates aren't the fastest runners.
 * 16) The spear weapons are called kwandao.
 * 17) They were probably stolen.
 * 18) This is called staff-gliding.
 * 19) Katara has "sticky fingers".
 * 20) Fact: Stealing is wrong.
 * 21) Zuko hates shopping.
 * 22) Uncle loves playing the tsungi horn.
 * 23) Say cheese.
 * 24) The "Water Whip" is the Water Tribe's most effective combat move.
 * 25) Some tasty nuts will make Momo feel better.
 * 26) Zuko's skiff.
 * 27) Water Tribe sleeping bags are very comfortable.
 * 28) Aang prefers to sleep on a mat, like the other monks.
 * 29) Katara's necklace is her most valuable possession.
 * 30) This weapon is called a meteor hammer.
 * 31) Spoiler Alert: One day these kids become friends with Zuko.
 * 32) Aang's price just went up.
 * 33) The pirates use smoke bombs for distraction - they are sneaky like that.
 * 34) A bushel of apples weighs 42 lbs.
 * 35) The pirates even trained the parrot to steal.
 * 36) Oops.
 * 37) Maybe if Momo helped push they could do it.
 * 38) Once again uncle is the voice of reason.
 * 39) Perfect timing.
 * 40) The highest waterfall in the world is the Canaima, that's in Venezuela.
 * 41) It's 3,212 ft high.
 * 42) Meanwhile, Momo is fighting his own battle.
 * 43) Appa saves the day.

Jet

 * 1) Fact: Momo loves chasing bugs.
 * 2) Especially jungle bugs.
 * 3) These are Hog monkeys.
 * 4) The film 'House of Flying Daggers' inspired the design of this forest.
 * 5) Appa's growl also draws attention.
 * 6) This argument sets up the entire episode - Sokka proving his leadership skills.
 * 7) Actually, Katara has met her. Sokka was kissed by Suki in the episode, 'The Warriors of Kyoshi.'
 * 8) Sokka gets even more lip action in the season finale.
 * 9) Spoiler Alert: He smooches a princess.
 * 10) Hippocrates once said that, "Walking is man's best medicine."
 * 11) Walking is good for your brain, heart, and bones.
 * 12) Sokka's instincts are getting irritated.
 * 13) If your clothes catch on fire remember to "Stop, Drop, and Roll ...."
 * 14) Or ....ask Katara to put it out with Waterbending.
 * 15) Fire Nation soldier meet the Freedom Fighters.
 * 16) This is Jet, their leader.
 * 17) Jet's weapons are called hook swords.
 * 18) Hook swords are traditionally associated with Northern styles of Chinese Martial Arts.
 * 19) Jet and his gang were designed by Ryu Gi Huyn.
 * 20) Ryu Gi is one of the animators on Avatar.
 * 21) Jet is an expert fighter with hook swords.
 * 22) The storyboard artists were instructed to make sure Jet always looked cool.
 * 23) Spoiler Alert: Pipsqueak and The Duke make appearances in later Avatar episodes-
 * 24) -but they aren't teamed up with Jet.
 * 25) Some people think that Smellerbee is a boy, but she's actually a girl.
 * 26) Jet is rarely without his signature twig.
 * 27) Pay Attention! This is important.
 * 28) Romantic moment in 3 ....2 ....1
 * 29) The director of this episode wanted this forest to be red to support the emotional connection between Katara and Jet.
 * 30) Smellerbee is voiced by Nika Futterman.
 * 31) The backgrounds were drawn by Bryan Konietzko and Tom Dankiewicz.
 * 32) The name of the near by Earth Kingdom town is Gaipan.
 * 33) These color backgrounds were created by Will Weston.
 * 34) Tribal feast beats courtesy of the track team.
 * 35) The Duke is rarely seen without his helmet.
 * 36) The world's largest treehouse is located in Alnwick, Scotland. It cost seven million dollars to build.
 * 37) Even with all that delicious food, Sokka still isn't happy.
 * 38) Flirting 101.
 * 39) Flattery 101.
 * 40) By communicating with bird calls the Freedom Fighters avoid detection.
 * 41) Jet considers anyone who is part of the Fire Nation to be the enemy.
 * 42) Ironically, Jet asks a Fire Nation warrior to join the Freedom Fighters in Season 2.
 * 43) Do you know who?
 * 44) Zuko!
 * 45) These are called Fire Nation snaps.
 * 46) They are made of sulfur and flint rocks.
 * 47) It's hard to imagine Jet wearing that hat.
 * 48) Aang stole Jet's present.
 * 49) Perfect bed for Appa.
 * 50) Fact: Sleeping like this could give you a stiff neck.
 * 51) Rule number one in the Freedom Fighters group:
 * 52) Never question Jet.
 * 53) Fact: Jet Picks a new twig everyday.
 * 54) Jet is a master manipulator and liar.
 * 55) These are geysers. They're extremely rare.
 * 56) Half of the world's geysers are located in Yellowstone National Park.
 * 57) Fact: Super cool guys like Jet can convince most people to do anything.
 * 58) Until they see his true colors and realize he's not so cool after all.
 * 59) Pipsqueak is the tallest member of the Freedom Fighters.
 * 60) He also has the deepest voice.
 * 61) Remember the trap Momo was caught in?
 * 62) That's called a "Water Slap."
 * 63) The anime series 'Naruto' and 'Samuri Champloo' inspired these fight scenes.
 * 64) Jet is an excellent fighter ....
 * 65) ....but he's no bender.
 * 66) Jet is giving the signal to his fighters.
 * 67) This is where we see how Longshot got his nickname.
 * 68) Spoiler Alert: In Season 2, Jet gets a chance to redeem himself to Katara -
 * 69) - but pay's the ultimate price to do so.
 * 70) These drawings were done by Sueng-Hyun Oh who is a storyboard supervisor on Avatar.

The Great Divide

 * 1) This tarp is made for animal skin.
 * 2) The rainiest city in the world is in Tutunendo, Columbia.
 * 3) Tutunendo has an average rainfall of 463 inches per year.
 * 4) Fact: Most brothers and sisters fight as much as Katara and Sokka do.
 * 5) Master Waterbender vs. Boomerang Master.
 * 6) Even Appa and Momo are fighting.
 * 7) Some of the deepest Canyons in the world are located in Tibet, China.
 * 8) This is the first episode that mentions Ba Sing Se.
 * 9) Ba Sing Se is the largest city in the Avatar world.
 * 10) Ba Sing Se means "Great Impenetrable City."
 * 11) The Zhang tribe is a society of hunters and outdoorsmen.
 * 12) This may explain their choice of clothing.
 * 13) This episode introduces the idea of war refugees migrating to the Earth Kingdom Capital.
 * 14) Bushiest mustache in the Earth Kingdom [referring to the Canyon guide].
 * 15) It's the slobs versus the neat freaks.
 * 16) Appa has reached the maximum weight capacity for flying.
 * 17) Vigorous activities are not recommended after eating.
 * 18) The Canyon guide is thinking of retiring soon.
 * 19) He dreams of moving to Ba Sing Se and opening his own shop.
 * 20) These are Canyon crawlers-a mix of spider and crocodile.
 * 21) The Canyon crawlers have a sharp sense of smell.
 * 22) Katara has maternal instincts.
 * 23) These two [Leader of the Zhang Tribe and Leader of the Gan Jin Tribe] have confrontational instincts.
 * 24) These tribes haven't always been enemies.
 * 25) Plants are at the bottom of the food chain.
 * 26) Aang realizes that keeping the peace isn't as easy as he thought.
 * 27) Soul Mates [Sokka and the Zhang Tribe Leader].
 * 28) Always remember to bring chopsticks for long journeys.
 * 29) The following [Gan Jin Tribe's story of Jin Wei] is an exaggerated reenactment of an event that took place over a hundred years ago.
 * 30) Jin Wei was not actually this handsome.
 * 31) And his cape didn't always blow like that in the wind.
 * 32) The Gan Jin Tribe believed that this [redemption] ritual [transporting the sacred orb] was needed to purify the tribe's spirit connection.
 * 33) Wei Jin wasn't really this ugly.
 * 34) But his hairstyle was pretty bad.
 * 35) Watch out for Katara's stink eye. It's pretty dangerous.
 * 36) ...And they [Sokka and the Zhang Tribe Leader] both love meat! Match made in heaven.
 * 37) We're about to see another exaggerated reenactment [Zhang Tribe's story of Wei Jin].
 * 38) The Zhang Flashback was designed and animated to pay homage to Japanese animator Hiroyuki Imaishi's style.
 * 39) Hiroyuki Imashi's work can be seen on the animated TV series called "Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi."
 * 40) Some people refer to this [sacred orb] as a bowling ball.
 * 41) When these two first met, Momo immediately took to Aang as if he was his master in a past life.
 * 42) Momo eats whatever he can get his hands on.
 * 43) The Tribes have given Sokka and Katara one more thing to argue about.
 * 44) There's always two sides to every story-sometimes more.
 * 45) The longest finger nails in the world are 28 feet long.
 * 46) The Gan Jin like to fight with the straight sword. The Zhang like to fight with the two-handed crescent sword.
 * 47) Aang is a little cranky from not eating.
 * 48) [Egg custard tart] Aang's favorite.
 * 49) What Aang doesn't know is that this custard is four weeks old.
 * 50) The Canyon crawlers are omnivores and eat whatever they find.
 * 51) Their favorite food is old Canyon guides who have big white mustaches.
 * 52) Part-time Avatar- Part-time pest controller.
 * 53) Here we go again [Aang tells us what 'really happened'].
 * 54) Kenji Ono, one of the storyboard artists on Avatar, came up with the idea to have a panda as the referee.
 * 55) Having Aang choose a panda as the referee demonstrates Aang innocence.
 * 56) The story has changed a bit over the years.
 * 57) Maybe the Gan Jin Tribe can give the Zhang Tribe makeovers.
 * 58) Fact: Making up a story about a tribe's history is wrong.
 * 59) Unless it brings two tribes together who have been feuding over a hundred years.

The Deserter

 * 1) Opening suspense.
 * 2) Number of Avatar episodes that begin at a kiosk ... 2.
 * 3) Number of episodes where Sokka is starving.
 * 4) ... too many to count.
 * 5) Wanted posters designed by co-creator Bryan Konietzko. Notice the "Blue Spirit?"
 * 6) Wanted poster translation: Wanted. The Avatar. This fugitive knows Airbending, can create whirlwinds and flee like the wind. Hunters be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.
 * 7) Foreshadowing.
 * 8) Hooded capes are a fashionable disguise.
 * 9) The Fire Days Festival is a traveling festival sponsored by the Fire Nation.
 * 10) It travels to Fire Nation occupied territories in the Earth Kingdom ... to bring a slice of home to the Fire Nation citizens abroad.
 * 11) This is the first episode where our group gets to see what it's like in the Fire Nation.
 * 12) They learn that things are hot ...
 * 13) ... and that the citizens have a different view of the world.
 * 14) This episode took some inspiration from the book Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad.
 * 15) Meet Malu, the Firebending magician.
 * 16) He was born into a family of magicians.
 * 17) "Taming the Dragon" was Malu's signature trick that made him famous.
 * 18) Malu has a surprising amount of back-story for being in only one episode.
 * 19) "Taming the Dragon" is a harmless trick.
 * 20) The fun is the perceived threat.
 * 21) Fire + Air = Confetti!
 * 22) These soldiers are not a perceived threat ... they're a real threat.
 * 23) Usually not a good idea to follow creepy, hooded men.
 * 24) But it's also not such a good idea to go to a fire festival when you're wanted by the Fire Nation.
 * 25) Aang bought the bison whistle in "The Waterbending scroll" episode.
 * 26) Smoke bomb.
 * 27) Don't worry, no soldiers were injured.
 * 28) Chey was designed after an Avatar animator from the J.M. Studio in Korea.
 * 29) The character Chey was originally written as extremely crazy.
 * 30) But after a few re-writes his craziness was toned down ... but not all the way.
 * 31) Chey's wanted poster was hanging on the Kiosk next to Aang's wanted poster.
 * 32) This episode was written by Tim Hedrick.
 * 33) It's the first of more than 7 episodes Tim wrote throughout the series.
 * 34) Sokka hates it when he's right.
 * 35) Lin Ye is the leader of a small tribe of primitive people who live deep in the woods of the Earth Kingdom.
 * 36) This tribe has little contact with the outside world and uses no modern technology.
 * 37) Which means ... no toilets.
 * 38) Lin Ye regards Jeong Jeong as a living God.
 * 39) Many people regard Aang as a living God as well.
 * 40) But really he's just a normal 112 year old kid ... that was frozen in ice and now holds the fate of the world in his hands.
 * 41) Post party clean-up.
 * 42) This guard hopes to make a good impression.
 * 43) He's up for a promotion soon.
 * 44) Admiral Zhao also stands to be promoted, if he can capture the Avatar.
 * 45) This is how Sokka takes a power nap.
 * 46) Avatars are supposed to master the elements in a certain order.
 * 47) They start with their native element and follow the cycle of the seasons.
 * 48) For Aang, that means the final element he's supposed to master is Fire.
 * 49) You could say he's trying to take an Avatar shortcut.
 * 50) Jeong Jeong's wanted poster was also on the kiosk next to Aang's.
 * 51) On the wanted poster, Jeong Jeong was much more clean cut.
 * 52) But you can still recognize the scar.
 * 53) Jeong Jeong was designed after Seung Hyun, the director of animation in Korea.
 * 54) Firebending is considered the opposite of Airbending.
 * 55) While Airbending is a passive style, Firebending is aggressive.
 * 56) Therefore, it's the hardest element for Aang to learn.
 * 57) Jeong Jeong is talking about fire right now ... but perhaps he's talking about the Fire Nation too.
 * 58) Recap: Avatar Roku is Avatar Aang ... actually Aang is all Avatars.
 * 59) Confusing, huh?
 * 60) This episode mainly focuses on Aang.
 * 61) But there's something that Katara learns that's very important.
 * 62) Hint: It has to do with Waterbending.
 * 63) Embarrassment marks.
 * 64) Jeong Jeong's teaching style is very different from most Firebending masters.
 * 65) Most masters teach you how to shoot Fire. Jeong Jeong teaches you to restrain it.

The Northern Air Temple

 * 1) This is the last episode before the kids make it to the North Pole.
 * 2) Fact: Old People loooove to tell stories.
 * 3) Usually the same ones over and over again.
 * 4) Bugs aren't as valuable as they used to be.
 * 5) Sky Bison polo Championship Results:
 * 6) The Southern Temple Winds, 3.
 * 7) The Northern Temple Baldies, 5.
 * 8) Home Temple advantage helps.
 * 9) The Northern Air Temple was mainly used as a training grounds for young Airbenders.
 * 10) Fact: Unlike the other elements, where only some people are benders ...
 * 11) ... with Air Nomads, they're all Airbenders.
 * 12) Get ready for a fly-off.
 * 13) Aang's specialty.
 * 14) Inverted Nose Dive.
 * 15) -With a twist.
 * 16) This move is known as "Ghost Riding The Wall".
 * 17) Also referred to as "Ghostin".
 * 18) This awesome flying is more than just fun to watch ...
 * 19) ... it also sets up the end of the episode.
 * 20) Teo is not just another great glider ...
 * 21) ... he's also a comedian.
 * 22) Television Terminology: When the audience discovers something new about the plot, it's called a reveal.
 * 23) Teo in a wheelchair is a reveal.
 * 24) This Air Temple is more than a 1000 years old.
 * 25) But it's had some recent upgrades.
 * 26) Great episodes use plot to explore the main characters' personalities.
 * 27) For Sokka, we learn more about how he loves technology.
 * 28) And how Aang is more traditional.
 * 29) This episode explains the idea of change on a personal level.
 * 30) The Airbenders' Wall Mural shows how Airbenders learned bending from the Air Bison.
 * 31) Bison Fountain just for decoration.
 * 32) Future episode tease: In Season Three, we see the Northern Air Temple as it was more than a 100 years ago.
 * 33) Mechanist reveal.
 * 34) The circle around the Mechanist's eye was not supposed to be a monocle.
 * 35) It was supposed to be a burn mark from a steam powered telescope.
 * 36) But the animators accidentally drew in an eyepiece.
 * 37) So the writers changed the script.
 * 38) The Mechanist is surprisingly good at guessing ages.
 * 39) Check out the Mechanist's wooden fingers and torched eyebrows.
 * 40) We'll find out more about these later.
 * 41) The Mechanist is an energetic storyteller.
 * 42) To add interest to static shots, Directors like to use expressive character shots.
 * 43) Aang's robe makes a great handkerchief.
 * 44) The Mechanist's assistant was designed after an assistant on the crew.
 * 45) The first time spark powder is mentioned in the series was in the episode titled: "Jet".
 * 46) Spark powder is like gun powder, but less kick.
 * 47) Kids, don't play with knives.
 * 48) Like all four Air Temples, this one was designed to harness the power of wind.
 * 49) But now the temple runs mostly on hot air that travels through these pipes.
 * 50) Designs on the floor represent wind.
 * 51) All four nations have their own version of an Air Sanctuary.
 * 52) You can see a glimpse of them in the season opener.
 * 53) The Northern Air Temple has an endless amount of tunnels and secret passages.
 * 54) It's a great place to play Airbender Hide and Go Seek.
 * 55) But you don't want to get lost.
 * 56) Caution. Flammable.
 * 57) Like the Air Temple, these gliders were originally used by Airbenders ...
 * 58) ... but they've been redesigned to be used by Non-Airbenders.
 * 59) Mae Whitman voices the character of Katara.
 * 60) Other animated shows that Mae Whitman has starred in include ...
 * 61) ... Johnny Bravo, and, American Dragon: Jake Long.
 * 62) And now for our "Straight From the Script" section ...
 * 63) In this scene, the script reads ...
 * 64) Katara takes a big breath and jumps off the edge of the roof.
 * 65) Katara screams and Aang runs to the edge, but looking down he realizes that she is now shrieking with laughter.
 * 66) Swallowing bugs is Momo's favorite part about flying.
 * 67) This area of the temple was designed to be the launching pad for Airbenders.
 * 68) Kind of like a runway.
 * 69) These designs are of a giant drill.
 * 70) Spoiler alert: The Fire Nation uses a giant drill in season two.
 * 71) In fact, they got the idea from the Mechanist's designs.
 * 72) The smell of rotten eggs comes from bacteria breaking down.
 * 73) Bells are often used as a warning sign.
 * 74) And for this episode, it signals something ominous.
 * 75) Fire Nation weapons include ...
 * 76) Tank Wheels.
 * 77) And a hot air balloon.
 * 78) The Mechanist's weapons can be seen all throughout the Fire Nation.
 * 79) Some of them are exactly how the Mechanist designed them ...
 * 80) Others have been improved on.
 * 81) Spoiler Alert #2: The Mechanist's hot air balloons will later be used by the Fire Nation in an important attack.
 * 82) This episode raises a tough moral question ...
 * 83) Is it okay to work for bad people in order to protect your family?
 * 84) As Avatar, Aang will have to face many moral questions.
 * 85) So this is good practice for him.
 * 86) War Minister Qin.
 * 87) Well known as an impatient man.
 * 88) War Minister Qin oversees the creation of all Fire Nation war machines.
 * 89) Air slap.
 * 90) Air Power - An important advantage in any battle.
 * 91) Sokka and the Mechanist are very similar.
 * 92) Which means twice the cheesy-ness.
 * 93) Visual models help people to grasp the concepts better.
 * 94) It's true - the power of stink saved Team Avatar's from the Shirsu in the episode, "Bato of the Water Tribe".
 * 95) The clam before the battle helps build the drama.
 * 96) The following sequence is reminiscent of old World War II films.
 * 97) Diving through clouds is dangerous in Air Combat ...
 * 98) ...because you lose visual contact.
 * 99) Aang's Ghost Riding Callback.
 * 100) The slime comes from the old bison fountain.
 * 101) These climbing chains invented by the Mechanist.
 * 102) Fire Nation Tanks were created with computer graphics.
 * 103) But they still require just as much work to animate.
 * 104) Fire Nation tanks require a minimum of three soldiers to operate.
 * 105) Two to drive and one to Firebend.
 * 106) Little Known Fact: Bison skulls are tougher than steel.
 * 107) You could call them hard headed.
 * 108) And you didn't think rotten eggs were going to pay off!
 * 109) Remember earlier when Sokka said this whole place was a bomb waiting to go off?
 * 110) Sokka is a crack shot with his boomerang.
 * 111) It comes very helpful throughout the series.
 * 112) This area is known as the Lotus Garden.
 * 113) ... because it's shaped like the Lotus Flower.
 * 114) This is one of the few Avatar episodes that end on an ominous note.

The Waterbending Master

 * 1) This is a koalaotter.
 * 2) Did you know that only about 10% of an iceberg actually sticks out of the water?
 * 3) It's where we get the term: "Tip of the iceberg."
 * 4) But these aren't normal icebergs.
 * 5) They're actually made by Waterbenders to protect their city ...
 * 6) And we're about to see how they're formed.
 * 7) Katara's never been so happy to be attacked.
 * 8) As newly appointed Admiral, Zhao has an endless amount of Fire Nation resources.
 * 9) And we'll soon see them in action.
 * 10) After 18 episodes, the kids make it to their destination.
 * 11) The symbol on the entrance represents the moon and the tides.
 * 12) These water chambers are designed after the Panama Canal.
 * 13) It helps to protect the city from unwanted ships.
 * 14) Unlike the Southern Water Tribe, in the Northern Water Tribe, there are Waterbenders everywhere.
 * 15) This is a buffalo yak.
 * 16) Interlocking water canals inspired by the waterways in Venice, Italy.
 * 17) Fact: This city was built entirely by Waterbending.
 * 18) Moon Symbols can be seen throughout the city.
 * 19) The moon is very important to Waterbenders.
 * 20) It comes from the fact that the Moon controls the tides.
 * 21) These are the actual notes played in the song.
 * 22) "Four Seasons" lyrics by Michael DiMartino.
 * 23) Music by the The Track Team.
 * 24) The Chief's Temple.
 * 25) Food for special ceremony includes ...
 * 26) fish Cakes ...
 * 27) ...Lots of Seaweed ...
 * 28) ...And one Giant Northern Sea Crabe.
 * 29) Meet Chief Arnook.
 * 30) Chief Arnook is the leader of the Northern Water Tribe.
 * 31) He is not a Waterbender, but was trained for many years as a warrior.

The Siege of the North, Part 1

 * 1) This is the first of two finale episodes.
 * 2) Pupil Sangok was designed after the brother of character designer, Angela Mueller.
 * 3) Pakku's sea sponge line is a reference to another Nickelodeon hit show, titled ...
 * 4) ...SpongeBob Squarepants.
 * 5) Ever heard of it?
 * 6) Katara is Pakku's star student.
 * 7) And she's ruining the grading curve.
 * 8) Snowman bending!
 * 9) Sokka's walking a thin line.
 * 10) ...Physically, and metaphorically.
 * 11) He's flirting with an engaged woman for crying out loud!
 * 12) Appa loves his seaweed.
 * 13) Sky Bison saliva is easily washed off.
 * 14) But the smell stays with you for days.
 * 15) Sokka relationship advice time!
 * 16) First and foremost, be cool.
 * 17) Check.
 * 18) Make light of something amazing you do—like it's no big deal.
 * 19) Check.
 * 20) And finally, know when to say the right thing.
 * 21) Check.
 * 22) That's it for Sokka's relationship advice.
 * 23) Join us next time for Sokka's advice on telling cheesy jokes.
 * 24) The writing on Avatar is a collaborative effort between the writers (led by head writer Aaron Ehasz ...
 * 25) ...And the show creators (the infamous duo, Mike and Bryan!)
 * 26) Everyone would add ideas and jokes to every episode.
 * 27) Black snow was an idea they came up with early on.
 * 28) Throughout the series we get glimpses into Uncle's past.
 * 29) But they usually only raise more questions than they answer.
 * 30) There was talk of doing an Avatar special about Uncle's battle at Ba Sing Se. But it didn't happen.
 * 31) To avoid suspicion, Zuko hangs out in the ship's boiler room.
 * 32) Tribal Drum signals an emergency.
 * 33) This is not a drill.
 * 34) Not a good time to talk about this.
 * 35) Pay attention! This sets up a major moment in the next episode.
 * 36) Foreshadowing.
 * 37) Indoor waterfalls—common in Waterbender households.
 * 38) But usually they aren't this big.
 * 39) Chief Arnook voiced by Jon Polito.
 * 40) In this shot, Chief Arnook is wearing his ceremonial outfit.
 * 41) Ice cliffs help protect the city.
 * 42) This shot was taken right from the opening credits.
 * 43) Time for our straight from the script segment.
 * 44) In this section the script reads: Suddenly, a small orange light above the ship.
 * 45) It grows larger and larger until ... Everyone sees that it is a large, fiery projectile.
 * 46) Fireballs - Part of the Fire Nation's first wave of attack.
 * 47) The Fire Nation uses trebuchets to fling the projectiles.
 * 48) Trebuchets were actually invented in medieval times.
 * 49) They use a counter balancing system that makes it possible to toss objects over great distances.
 * 50) Trebuchet operators use giant hammers to launch the machine.
 * 51) The hammers also make good weapons.
 * 52) Each trebuchet one operator and one Firebender to use.
 * 53) Meet Kukick.
 * 54) A highly skilled hammer thrower.
 * 55) Meet Appa.
 * 56) A highly skilled sky bison.
 * 57) This Waterbending move requires the efforts of several Waterbenders.
 * 58) In the season opener, we actually saw a ship in ice like this.
 * 59) Now we finally get to see how it came to be.
 * 60) This is Hahn.
 * 61) He was designed after a storyboard artist on the Avatar crew.
 * 62) These uniforms were used when the Fire Nation began the war.
 * 63) The Fire Nation got rid of the spiky shoulder pads.
 * 64) Mainly because they kept getting stuck on things.
 * 65) Chief Arnook is now in his warrior outfit.
 * 66) Note: Sideburns don't necessarily mean you have a bad temper.
 * 67) Elvis actually made sideburns famous.
 * 68) And he reportedly had a very calm demeanor.
 * 69) The color of the sky shows that it's late in the day.
 * 70) It gives a sense that the battle has been going on for a while.
 * 71) Fun fact: Waterbenders are the only benders who did not originally learn to manipulate their element from an animal.
 * 72) They learned Waterbending from the moon.
 * 73) That's one exhausted bison.
 * 74) And this is one exhausted monk.
 * 75) This and other Uncle quotes can be found in the book:
 * 76) ...Tea Time Quotables
 * 77) Zuko still has the scars from an earlier explosion.
 * 78) "Breath of Fire" is a little known Firebending technique ...
 * 79) ...It uses breathing to keep a Firebender warm in freezing conditions.
 * 80) Hahn is notoriously bad at remembering how to pronounce people's names.
 * 81) Sharpening weapons - A favorite pastime of Waterbender warriors.
 * 82) Note: Just saying "no-offense" doesn't mean you don't offend them.
 * 83) See?
 * 84) Turtle seals.
 * 85) Turtle-Seals don't grow their shells until after the first year.
 * 86) Turtle-Seals voiced by Dee Bradley Baker.
 * 87) In fact Dee Bradley Baker voices all the Avatar animals, including Appa and Momo.
 * 88) Yue is not a Waterbender, but has an unusually strong connection with the moon.
 * 89) Keeping balance is Aang's job in the world.
 * 90) That's a direct quote from the episode, "The Spirit World".
 * 91) Spoiler Alert: They're both correct.
 * 92) This door was originally intended for short, round people.
 * 93) Aang is a short, bald person.
 * 94) This location is called the Spirit Oasis.
 * 95) Every full moon, people leave offerings at the Spirit Oasis gate.
 * 96) Under the city are hundreds of underground ice caverns.
 * 97) These interconnected tunnels were formed after sea water eroded the ice.
 * 98) Sokka has officially sharpened every weapon in the armory.
 * 99) Zuko can hold his breath for an unusually long amount of time.
 * 100) Holding your breath is actually more difficult while moving.
 * 101) Because the body uses up more oxygen during physical activity.
 * 102) Aang has never been able to enter the Spirit World on purpose.
 * 103) Focusing on the koi fish is helping Aang concentrate.
 * 104) Glowing eyes can only mean one thing.
 * 105) Third act fight sequence.
 * 106) What we've all been waiting for.
 * 107) This pays-off Katara's earlier training sequence.
 * 108) See. It pays to practice.
 * 109) The sunrise is usually a sign of hope.
 * 110) But in this case, it's a sign of trouble.
 * 111) Translation: Much of a Firebender's power can be harnessed from the sun.
 * 112) The sun makes them stronger benders.
 * 113) The north tundra has some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet.

Goofs

 * Avatar Extras erroneously labels "The Great Divide" as the first episode that mentions Ba Sing Se, but it is first mentioned in "Winter Solstice Part 1: The Spirit World ".
 * Avatar Extras for "The Deserter" mentions that Firebending is the opposite of Airbending, but Firebending is in fact the opposite of Waterbending. The opposite of Airbending is Earthbending.
 * Avatar Extras for "Winter Solstice Part 2: Avatar Roku" labels the weapon on Zuko's ship as a trebuchet when it is in fact a catapult.