Zuko (pilot)


 * This article is about the character in the pilot episode. For the character in the series, see here. For the character in the film, see here. For the character in the video games, see here. For the episode of a similar name, see "Zuko Alone".

"fire"

- I want the Avatar.

In the pilot episode, Zuko was almost identical to his character in the first book of the main series. He was a skilled and powerful firebender who wished to capture Avatar Aang. His burn scar was already present, as was his bitter and complex personality. Notably, however, Iroh was neither seen nor mentioned, indicating that his character and his considerable influence on Zuko hadn't been conceived as of yet.

History
Zuko, aboard his ship, was in pursuit of Aang, Kya and Sokka, when a sea serpent took interest in his ship, allowing the trio to escape the scene. His accompanying soldiers either fled or fainted, but Zuko merely prepared to face the creature.

Zuko was later seen entering the Fire Nation base with the head of the sea serpent, indicating his success at defeating it. He interrogated Sokka, who had been captured, but only managed to receive insults such as "scar boy". Kya was soon brought to him as well, but refused to reveal Aang's whereabouts. After Aang appeared, Zuko immediately attacked him. Ignoring a warning from a soldier that the scaffolding could collapse, Zuko battled Aang on the said scaffolding. When it eventually collapsed, they moved to the defaced Avatar's head. There, Zuko managed to corner him, but was caught off guard when Aang threw himself off the statue to activate the Avatar State and subsequently blew him off. Before hitting the ground, Aang caught him, but then let go of him when he saw Kya in trouble, therefore causing Zuko to hit a wall face first before he landed on his pet hawk.

Similarities to real series

 * Zuko was saved from falling to his certain death by Aang; Aang did a similar thing twice in the actual series.