Avatar Extras (Book Two: Earth)



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 second book.

"The Avatar State"

 * 1) This is the first episode of the second season, referred to as Book Two. Earth.
 * 2) Book Two takes place in the Spring ... and generally focuses on earthbending.
 * 3) Although this episode focuses more on the "Avatar State".
 * 4) Recap: Glowing eyes + glowing tattoos = Avatar state.
 * 5) This episode was written by four writers ... the most writers on any single Avatar episode.
 * 6) Spoiler alert: Amulet won't be seen again until the end of the season.
 * 7) Check out sleeveless Sokka!
 * 8) His outfit was redesigned to show off his "guns".
 * 9) Avatar 101: Each element is related to a season.
 * 10) The element earth is related to Spring.
 * 11) Signs of Spring include: Cherry blossoms blooming ... and topless Uncle.
 * 12) Ew.
 * 13) Avatar trivia: This resort used to be a retreat for Earth Kingdom monks.
 * 14) It's located on top of the Su Oku River.
 * 15) Azula's ship is the pride of the Fire Nation.
 * 16) In contrast to Zuko's ship, it's bigger, faster, newer, cleaner ... and more technologically advanced-er.
 * 17) Meet Azula—the favorite child of the Fire Lord.
 * 18) TV terminology: "Sides" are pages written to audition actors.
 * 19) ... Often Sides are written before the script and are never meant to be part of the show.
 * 20) The following dialogue originated as Sides, but it was so good, they went ahead and put it in the show.
 * 21) That dialogue was written by Tim Hedrick.
 * 22) Riding on Appa = sore backsides.
 * 23) Fun fact: earthbenders don't wear shoes.
 * 24) Bare feet give them a better connection to the earth and improves their earthbending.
 * 25) Unfortunately, bare feet is the number one cause of "Turf Toe".
 * 26) This is General Fong ... he is considered one of the most aggressive Generals in the Army.
 * 27) He's also very direct.
 * 28) Duh!
 * 29) Avatar recap: So far Aang has mastered 2 out of the 4 elements.
 * 30) Okay, so he hasn't completely mastered waterbending yet.
 * 31) ... but still, mastering one and a half out of four isn't bad!
 * 32) Fact: The Avatar State kept Aang alive in an iceberg for 100 years.
 * 33) The Avatar State is a destructive power ... and one that Aang feels guilty about.
 * 34) General Fong could have been a great salesman.
 * 35) Princess Azula is a firebending prodigy.
 * 36) She is one of the few firebenders who can create and bend lightning.
 * 37) Lo and Li are Azula's Sifus since childhood.
 * 38) A Sifu is a Kung Fu teacher.
 * 39) These two Sifus have many years of experience.
 * 40) General Fong is a work-aholic.
 * 41) That's called an earthbending shockwave.
 * 42) Large round weapons designed after Earth Kingdom coins ... but have no cash value.
 * 43) The weapons are unique to the Earth Kingdom.
 * 44) Classic Aang evasive move ... airball to wall run.
 * 45) Works every time.
 * 46) The guards on Azula's shiip wear unique helmets.
 * 47) It identifies them as part of the royal procession.
 * 48) This is the captain's first and last appearance in the series.
 * 49) In an early draft of the script, the captain was vaporized where he stood.
 * 50) But everyone agreed that was a little harsh.
 * 51) It's well known that Momo is the laziest of the group ... and Katara's the worriest.
 * 52) Grammar note: Worriest is not a word.
 * 53) Boomerang!
 * 54) Waterwhip!
 * 55) Avatar 101: This animal is called an ostrich-horse.
 * 56) The Ostrich-horse is a popular mode of transportation in the Earth Kingdom.
 * 57) This episode directed by Giancarlo Volpe.
 * 58) Giancarlo was the only director to work on all three seasons.
 * 59) He even won an Annie award for his work in 2006.
 * 60) If you're ever caught in quicksand, don't struggle ... try to float.
 * 61) Aang's emotional state is becoming extreme ... which means ... the Avatar State.
 * 62) Fact: Only a fully realized Avatar can control himself while in the Avatar State.
 * 63) Seeing a fight between Zuko and Azula is rare.
 * 64) She is in control the entire time, and knows just where to strike.
 * 65) Right at Zuko's emotions.
 * 66) Fire daggers are a precision weapon used in hand to hand combat.
 * 67) Lightning bending has a unique set up to generate power.
 * 68) Thankfully, Uncle has a few tricks of his own.
 * 69) Recap: Aang is not yet a fully realized Avatar.
 * 70) Which means he has no control over himself at the moment.
 * 71) Translation: Look out!
 * 72) You might remember Avatar Roku.
 * 73) He was the Avatar before Aang.
 * 74) This is Avatar Kyoshi.
 * 75) Lava bending is a combination of earthbending and firebending.
 * 76) Avatar Roku was the last Avatar to reign before the start of the War.
 * 77) These are Aang's past lives.
 * 78) Feeling weak is a common side effect when coming out of the Avatar State.
 * 79) Another side effect: Feeling guilty.
 * 80) General Fong knocks out easily.
 * 81) That was a good example of a dumb question.
 * 82) Zuko and Uncle are officially on the run.
 * 83) And Iroh hates running.
 * 84) We find out where this knife comes from later in the series.

"The Cave of Two Lovers"

 * 1) This episode directed by Lauren Macmullen.
 * 2) Lauren personally drew and water-colored the following sequence.
 * 3) Calligraphy translation: War.
 * 4) Badger-moles are blind and use earthbending to "see".
 * 5) The story of the two lovers is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.
 * 6) Recap: This woman was the first human earthbender.
 * 7) Other famous monuments include: the pyramids and the Eiffel Tower.
 * 8) Fact: It's hard to think when you're annoyed.
 * 9) Chong has on a strange hat... But Sokka's hat is even stranger -- it's Momo!
 * 10) The title of this episode is "The Cave of Two Lovers".
 * 11) It refers to the two lovers of the legend, but also to Katara and Aang.
 * 12) More blushing.
 * 13) To "shoot yourself in the foot" is to say or do something stupid which causes problems.
 * 14) ... and we're about to see it in action right now.
 * 15) And again.
 * 16) "Can't Lose the Love" lyrics by Joshua Hamilton... music by the Track Team... and performed by Dee Bradley Baker.
 * 17) Floating lights in this scene are fireflies.
 * 18) Fires illuminate to attract a mate.
 * 19) I guess love is in the air.
 * 20) Irony happening now.
 * 21) Many fans thought this episode was the beginning of Zuko becoming a good guy...that is until he stole the ostrich-horse.
 * 22) Let's just say he's complicated.
 * 23) ...Speaking of complicated... brace yourself for a huge Avatar moment!
 * 24) What happens in the cave of two lovers, stays in the cave of two lovers!
 * 25) Note: If Momo runs away, you should too!
 * 26) Wolf-bats run to gain speed before they launch into the air.
 * 27) Lesson #21: How to get rid of wolf-bats.
 * 28) Scream and wave your arms in the air like a crazy person.
 * 29) You might not look cool, but it works.
 * 30) This is the first time we see an animal earthbending.
 * 31) The following are things that Sokka is not... 1. A bender. 2. A good musician. 3. A good singer.
 * 32) Glowing crystals were first seen in the episode titled: "The King of Omashu".
 * 33) The only one that really knows whether or not Aang and Katara kissed is Appa... and he's not saying a thing.
 * 34) How Appa shows relief.
 * 35) If you haven't guessed, badger-moles are a cross between a badger and an owl.
 * 36) Wait! I mean a mole! A badger and a mole.
 * 37) Little known fact: Appa and Momo love to share stories.
 * 38) Note: Chong spells out another theme of this episode...
 * 39) Most Avatar episodes don't end with cliff hangers... but this one does.

"Return to Omashu"

 * 1) Bumi.png episode is a direct continuation of the last episode.
 * 2) Recap: Omashu is the home of the great earthbender, King Bumi.
 * 3) Omashu was thought to be untouchable because of the large canyon surrounding it.
 * 4) But the Fire Nation built giant metal drawbridges to span the chasm.
 * 5) See. Metal drawbridges.
 * 6) The last time our gang visited, Aang had to act like an old man to get in the gates.
 * 7) Which, technically, he is ... 112 years old to be exact.
 * 8) Aang looks good for his age.
 * 9) This design called Sludge-Monster Sokka.
 * 10) The purple pentapus is found in sewers where it clings to walls living on algae.
 * 11) Caution: Pentapi also stick to people.
 * 12) Aang covers his tattoos so he won't be recognized as the Avatar.
 * 13) Relax, pentapox is not a real disease.
 * 14) But chicken pox is.
 * 15) ... so don't hang around chickens.
 * 16) Hygiene tip: Always cover your mouth when you cough.
 * 17) Tune in for our next hygiene tip on proper face washing!
 * 18) The twins, Lo and Li, have been training Azula since she was a child.
 * 19) Fun fact: We actually get to see Lo and Li in bathing suits towards the end of the series.
 * 20) ... no comment.
 * 21) Azula's tactics are based on precision.
 * 22) Avatar 101: Omashu was the second largest Earth Kingdom city.
 * 23) ... until it was taken by the Fire Nation.
 * 24) Fact: Metal actually has trace amounts of earth in it.
 * 25) Bad guy introduction happening now.
 * 26) ... or should I say bad girl?
 * 27) AzulaOmashu.png.]]Mai is voiced by Cricket Leigh.
 * 28) ... and the character appears in more than 10 episodes.
 * 29) Mai uses darts and daggers to fight.
 * 30) ... the spring loaded projectiles are hidden in her large sleeves.
 * 31) Get ready for Mai's first exasperated sigh.
 * 32) Many more to come.
 * No, your TV is not upside down.
 * 1) ... meet Ty Lee, Azula's gal pal #2.
 * 2) Fact: Ty Lee has six identical sisters.
 * 3) Platypus bear's second appearance in the series.
 * 4) Fuddy-Duddy: An old fashioned, fussy person.
 * 5) An aura is color representation of your mood given off by the energy in your body.
 * 6) A pink aura is good.
 * 7) This is the underground resistance.
 * 8) They are literally underground.
 * 9) Avatar recap: in Book Two, Aang is looking for a teacher to help him master earthbending.
 * 10) He was hoping King Bumi would teach him.
 * 11) This episode is directed by Ethan Spalding.
 * 12) It's Ethan's Avatar directing debut.
 * 13) Before Avatar he worked on The Simpsons.
 * 14) TV terminology time.
 * 15) "Walla" is a sound effect imitating the chatter of a crowd.
 * 16) "Walla" happening now!
 * 17) Fun fact: The purple pentapus has five eyes and five tentacles.
 * 18) ... hence the prefix penta which means five.
 * 19) Do not try at home.
 * 20) In an early version of the script, Sokka actually gave tips on how to act sick.
 * 21) His tips included how to hunch over and properly moan in pain.
 * 22) The scene was cut down for time.
 * 23) Momo sign language for food. (pulls at Aang's mouth)
 * 24) Excellent acting.
 * 25) ... over-acting.
 * 26) Fact: The entire city of Omashu used to run on earthbending.
 * 27) But since the invasion the Fire Nation was forced to retrofit everything.
 * 28) ... now the city runs on Fire Nation machines and firebending.
 * 29) Fire flakes: The Fire Nation version of popcorn.
 * 30) Get ready for the return of ... the nicest goat-gorilla you'll ever meet!
 * 31) Gorilla goat.pngie fun fact: He loves it when you scratch his belly.
 * 32) ... he enjoys eating cans (he is part goat).
 * 33) And his dislikes include, forced labor.
 * 34) Yip yip: A term used to get air bison to fly.
 * 35) It's well known that Momo loves cherries.
 * 36) It's also well known that babies love animals.
 * 37) This is the same score used in the episode "The King of Omashu".
 * 38) ... when Aang was riding down these same mail shoots.
 * 39) Note: Unsupervised babies always get into trouble.
 * 40) Dragon dancing is popular in Chinese culture.
 * 41) Azula always has the best seat in the house.
 * 42) The Fire Nation circus travels around the occupied Earth Kingdom.
 * 43) The circus entertains Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom families alike.
 * 44) This episode was written by Elizabeth Welch Ehasz.
 * 45) It was the second of many episodes she wrote.
 * 46) Earthbender Yung is the head of the resistance.
 * 47) He used to be the captain in King Bumi's army.
 * 48) Fact: the Governor is not a firebender.
 * 49) But he was the mastermind behind the invasion of Omashu.
 * 50) Black Flowers- always a bad omen.
 * 51) Azula is a manipulator.
 * 52) Note: Babies should not play with weapons.
 * 53) Fact: Infants often lose their hair because they spend so much time lying down.
 * 54) A Messenger Hawk: The Fire Nation version of a cell phone.
 * 55) A jinx is a term often used when talking about a future event with too much confidence.
 * 56) Aang just jinxed himself.
 * 57) Azula's vehicle of choice—the palanquin.
 * 58) Azula's elite team together for the first time in the series.
 * 59) The original concept was for Azula to have a team of ninjas.
 * 60) But the idea of sidekicks with individual skills seemed much more promising.
 * 61) Omashu is the most important Fire Nation conquest to date.
 * 62) The Fire Nation goal is to make the city earthbending proof.
 * 63) To accomplish this they have begun covering the city in metal.
 * 64) King Bumi was put in a metal box and strung high in the air so that he could not earthbend.
 * 65) And yet, surprisingly, he's still in good spirits.
 * 66) In the original Avatar pilot, Aang fought Zuko on a scaffolding.
 * 67) Fact: frozen metal is brittle.
 * 68) Foot punch. Extremely painful.
 * 69) Recap: Azula is the only firebender to shoot blue flames.
 * 70) ... it's because her fire burns hotter than most.
 * 71) No trip to Omashu would be complete without mail shoot races!
 * 72) Azula always ruins the fun.
 * 73) Aside from being an acrobatic fighter, Ty Lee has another rare skill ... Chi-blocking!
 * 74) This firebending technique is known as a fire pinwheel.
 * 75) Throughout the series Aang gains knowledge that helps him later.
 * 76) Knowledge coming at ya!
 * 77) Like always, Bumi has a crazy plan that will unfold later in the series.
 * 78) This Momo reference is a callback to the episode "The King of Omashu".
 * 79) Crazy laugh—Bumi signature sign-off.
 * 80) Mai and Zuko sitting in a tree ... k-i-s-s-i-n-g.
 * 81) Avatar happy ending.

"The Swamp"

 * 1) This is Toph's first appearance in the series.
 * 2) Fact: Throwing an extra yip actually does make Appa go faster.
 * 3) Avatar Vision—You see with your mind.

"Avatar Day"

 * 1) On average, it takes a spider one hour to construct a web.
 * 2) Which means Sokka has been sleeping with his mouth open for a while.
 * 3) Meet the "Rough Rhinos".
 * 4) Not the friendliest bunch.
 * 5) Their name is derived from Teddy Roosevelt's historic calvary (sic) brigade, "The Rough Riders".
 * 6) This is Ogodei.
 * 7) His weapon of choice is a bolo.
 * 8) Vachir is the explosives expert.
 * 9) Little known fact: the Rough Rhinos are a very talented singing group.
 * 10) Spoiler alert: this isn't the last time we see the boomerang...
 * 11) ... or the Rough Rhinos.
 * 12) Note: Aang's arrow is permanently attached.
 * 13) Water Tribe money is rarely seen in the Earth Kingdom.
 * 14) Sokka crying.
 * 15) Avatar Day: is a Chin Village festival that celebrates the Avatar... sort of...
 * 16) Not actual size.
 * 17) Other festival foods include: candied plums... and sugar dumplings on a stick.
 * 18) Carrying the torch is considered an honor, like carrying the Olympic Torch.
 * 19) And here's the surprise twist.
 * 20) Avatar Day celebrates this town's hatred for the Avatar.
 * 21) Trivia: did you know the Blue Spirit was almost the Red Spirit?
 * 22) Disapproiving sound.
 * 23) Delicious sound.
 * 24) Fact: every year a different person is chosen to light the effigies...
 * 25) ... it's usually a good Samaritan selected by the Avatar Day Counsel (sic).
 * 26) Freshly waxed.
 * 27) Ceremonial white robes worn by Counsel (sic) members.
 * 28) Recap: Aang as the Avatar, is reincarnated from all past Avatars.
 * 29) In short, Aang has like a thousand past lives.
 * 30) Translation: they think it stinks.
 * 31) Fact: honor has no scent.
 * 32) This is the only Avatar episode to feature a trial.
 * 33) Sokka motivating speech not very motivating.
 * 34) "Airbending Slice" is a real move.
 * 35) Aang's head and hands are in a punishment device called a pillory...
 * 36) ... and he's behind bars—a double whammy!
 * 37) Solving the mystery of the missing seal jerky is a highlight in Sokka's life.
 * 38) Hat and magnifying glass is an homage to Sherlock Holmes.
 * 39) Rich people love to play with their gold.
 * 40) Blue mask adds an element of intimidation.
 * 41) Chin village, named after "Chin the Great".
 * 42) "Chin the Great", also known as "Chin the Conqueror".
 * 43) 370-year-old evidence usually not accepted in a court of law.
 * 44) Mayor Tong is also the village tour guide.
 * 45) Sokka secretly wishes he was a detective.
 * 46) But that's no secret.
 * 47) Ornate bubble blower—no replacement for the boomerang.
 * 48) Elephant rat in prison for stealing.
 * 49) Bald head and tattoos essential in prison.
 * 50) Kyoshi Island.
 * 51) This is Sokka and Katara's second time here.
 * 52) Kyoshi Island named after Avatar Kyoshi.
 * 53) Kyoshi as originally an Earthbender who ruled over 400 years ago.
 * 54) Did I mention the citizens of Kyoshi love Aang?
 * 55) Foaming mouth guy—a fan favorite.
 * 56) In this episode we learn how Kyoshi Island was made.
 * 57) Spoiler alert: it was sort of man made.
 * 58) Trivia: Avatar Kyoshi taught fighting skills to the women of the islands.
 * 59) Those skills are still taught today.
 * 60) The women fighters call themselves "Kyoshi Warriors".
 * 61) Avatar recap: Suki is one of the many girls Sokka had a crush on.
 * 62) It's common for villagers to build shrines to their great leaders.
 * 63) Sokka is speaking detective talk.
 * 64) Is that a compliment?
 * 65) Special outfit, hat and pipe; another reference to Sherlock Holmes.
 * 66) Sokka is truly a showman.
 * 67) Fact: prisoners are people too.
 * 68) The larger prisoner is referred to in the script as the "Sensitive Ruffian".
 * 69) And for good reason.
 * 70) Writing on mural translation:
 * 71) On this day, Avatar Kyoshi splits from the mainland and creates Kyoshi Island...
 * 72) ... Hope our citizens' culture will be isolated from the tyranny of the world forever.
 * 73) Recap: Kyoshi Day and Avatar Day are on the same day.
 * 74) The sun sets in the west—even in the world of Avatar.
 * 75) In the Earth Kingdom, there is no universal court system.
 * 76) Fact: justice is not spelled "justus".
 * 77) Being your own lawyer is usually not a good idea.
 * 78) Aang is not just representing himself, he's representing all his past lives.
 * 79) ... and he's not doing too hot.
 * 80) ... at the Five Finger Discount store.
 * 81) Talking to kids about stealing is never easy.
 * 82) Don't steal stuff!
 * 83) This is the first time in Season 2 that Zuko mentions capturing the Avatar.
 * 84) Uncle Iroh speaks from experience.
 * 85) This is the only time we see Aang in makeup.
 * 86) Sokka wore Kyoshi makeup in Book One.
 * 87) Fact: Chin Law is a mockery of itself.
 * 88) Avatar Kyoshi did not have a high-pitched voice.
 * 89) This is the first time we hear Kyoshi speak.
 * 90) ... and she's ruining Aang's case!
 * 91) Chin was Kyoshi's version of the Firelord.
 * 92) The Birth of Kyoshi required the use of all 4 elements.
 * 93) Kyoshi's head ornament represents a fan...
 * 94) ... Fans were Kyoshi's choice of weapon.
 * 95) Avatar 101: Uncle Iroh is a retired general from the Fire Nation army.
 * 96) Wheel of Punishment kind of like the "Wheel of Fortune".
 * 97) Except you always lose.
 * 98) Other punishments include: bear hug... and fed to sharks.
 * 99) It's the Rough Rhinos again!
 * 100) Little known fact: the leader of the Rough Rhinos actually served under Uncle Iroh in the army.
 * 101) This is the first time we hear them called by their name.
 * 102) The Rough Rhinos are an elite Fire Nation squad, kind of like the Green Beret, or Navy Seals.
 * 103) A boomerang's flight pattern causes them to loop back to the thrower.
 * 104) Colonel Mongke is the only Firebender in the Rough Rhinos.
 * 105) Rumor alert: some people think the Rough Rhinos are responsible for the disappearance of Jet's parents.
 * 106) Recap: Jet is a character from Book One, who we'll see later.
 * 107) Fireworks were invented in China in the 12th century.

"The Blind Bandit"

 * 1) This is a very important episode.
 * 2) In it a new character is added to the group.
 * 3) Coupon translation:
 * 4) ... Master Yu's Earthbending Academy is the best school in the entire country.
 * 5) ... Special promotion: You only need to purchase a high quality uniform.
 * 6) How Aang checks if his ears are dirty.
 * 7) Master Yu is a prestigious earthbending master who comes from generations of upper-class earthbenders.
 * 8) ... but he's really just interested in money.
 * 9) This episode won an animation award known as an Annie.
 * 10) ... for best character animation in television.
 * 11) Fact: The island of "Noneya business" is not real.
 * 12) Large bags are currently in style.
 * 13) Earth rumble six is a homage to professional wrestling.
 * 14) This episode was written by co-creator Mike DiMartino.
 * 15) Mike is a huge fan of wrestling.
 * 16) Xin Fu is the Avatar equivalent of Vince McMahon.
 * 17) Earth Rumble VI combatants.png writers and creators tried to get The Rock to voice The Boulder.
 * 18) The Rock was a professional wrestler turned actor.
 * 19) The Rock is also known as Dwayne Johnson.
 * 20) Hippo mad! Trademark. - All rights reserved.
 * 21) The Big Bad Hippo has teeth like a real hippo.
 * 22) The Boulder ended up being voiced by Mick Foley.
 * 23) Mick Foley is a famous wrestler himself known as Mankind.
 * 24) Fact: Fire Nation Man is not actually from the Fire Nation.
 * 25) Russian accent, also fake.
 * 26) Fire Nation Man is actually an awesome earthbender who takes on the persona of a bad guy.
 * 27) Earthbending catapult.
 * 28) The Gopher.
 * 29) The Gecko.
 * 30) The Headhunter.
 * 31) Fun fact: This is not the first time we've seen this girl.
 * 32) She appeared briefly in the episode, "The Swamp".
 * 33) ... as a strange vision in the mist.
 * 34) See?
 * 35) Black and white animation is a visual of how The Blind Bandit sees.
 * 36) She feels the vibrations in the earth.
 * 37) Her fighting style isn't flashy, but it's effective.
 * 38) Note: snarky attitude is not just a part of her wrestling character.
 * 39) It's part of her real character.
 * 40) Spoiler alert: The Blind Bandit's real name is Toph.
 * 41) That's why she has difficulty fighting Aang, who as an airbender is naturally light on his feet.
 * 42) In this episode Sokka reveals himself as a fashion expert.
 * 43) ... and Katara reveals herself as a thug.
 * 44) Punching sand is a common earthbending training exercise.
 * 45) Stay tuned, we see a lot more earthbending exercises in a later episode.
 * 46) Fact: The Beifong's are the richest people in the southern Earth Kingdom.
 * 47) A popular southern Water Tribe exit.
 * 48) Translation: "Taking a dive" means to lose on purpose.
 * 49) Flying boar - first seen in the episode, "The Swamp".
 * 50) Kids, don't trespass.
 * 51) Twinkle Toes is one of the many nicknames for Aang.
 * 52) Other nicknames include: "Master Arrowhead", "That bald kid", and "Hey you".
 * 53) Toph is voiced by the actor Jessie Flower.
 * 54) Originally Jessie voiced Meng in the episode, "The Fortuneteller".
 * 55) Toph is great at acting like she's in danger.
 * 56) Devious smile.
 * 57) Toph's parents have no idea that Toph is an awesome earthbender.
 * 58) Neither does her earthbending teacher, Master Yu.
 * 59) This is the first good meal our gang had had in a while.
 * 60) ... If you don't count the bugs they ate at the swamp.
 * 61) Hint hint ... Hint hint.
 * 62) Fissure.png's earthbending style doesn't rely so much on punching and kicking rocks, but on bucking the earth and breaking peoples' connection.
 * 63) Irony alert!
 * 64) The power of an airbender sneeze was first seen in the series premiere.
 * 65) Most places don't have rooms big enough for Appa.
 * 66) Fun fact: Originally Toph was going to be a 16 year old boy named Sud.
 * 67) Recap: Badgermoles were the original earthbenders.
 * 68) Like Toph badgermoles are blind.
 * 69) We later find out that Toph actually learned earthbending directly from the badgermoles.
 * 70) Metal cages are essential in catching earthbenders.
 * 71) It's because earthbenders can't bend metal ... yet.
 * 72) Traditional Chinese characters are used for all writing in the Avatar world.
 * 73) Sokka is missing the point.
 * 74) ... it's a character trait.
 * 75) Hanging earthbenders in metal cages keeps them away from the earth.
 * 76) King Bumi was held in a metal cage in the episode, "Return to Omashu".
 * 77) A bounty hunter captures fugitives for a monetary reward.
 * 78) Recap: Aang is a fugitive to the Fire Nation.
 * 79) Fact: The Hippo has the strongest jaw of any earth rumbler.
 * 80) The Fu Manchu is a mustache style popular in the Earth Kingdom.
 * 81) Expression translation: "Whaaaa?!"
 * 82) The Boulder talks about himself in the third person.
 * 83) The third person is a linguistics term.
 * 84) ... look it up.
 * 85) Toph's bending style is based on Chu Gar.
 * 86) ... also known as Southern Praying Mantis style.
 * 87) In general, earthbending is rooted in the Hung Gar style of Kung Fu.
 * 88) Did you know: Toph can feel the earth even if it isn't connected to the ground?
 * 89) The only type of earth she has trouble with is sand.
 * 90) Spoiler alert: sand is a major problem for Toph in the desert.
 * 91) Advice: if you must pop your neck, get a chiropractor to do it.
 * 92) Spitting is not considered lady-like.
 * 93) Fun fact: Toph loves her name because it sounds like the word tough.
 * 94) In a future episode Toph gets a second nickname.
 * 95) Beifong family.png and Poppy, about her secret identity.]]Spoiler alert: her second nickname is The Runaway.
 * 96) Avatar prides itself on unexpected endings.
 * 97) And here's one now.
 * 98) "For your own good" is the worst reason ever!
 * 99) The Beifong estate is the largest estate in the village.
 * 100) Toph's Blind Bandit outfit is now her regular outfit.
 * 101) Note: Toph is not good at catching non-earth items.

"Zuko Alone"

 * 1) Hints that Iroh visited the Spirit World to find Lu Ten.

"City of Walls and Secrets"

 * 1) Like many things in the city, this monorail runs on earthbending.
 * 2) In between the Outer Wall and the Inner Wall is the Agrarian Zone.
 * 3) This land is mostly used for farming... or for nature walks.
 * 4) Cactus juice is a reference to the episode "The Desert".
 * 5) "The Desert" was written by Tim Hedrick and so is this episode.
 * 6) Who's ready to see Ba Sing Se for the first time?!
 * 7) Oooo!
 * 8) Aaaah!
 * 9) Originally, our group wasn't going to make it to Ba Sing Se until the very end of the season.
 * 10) Bison whistle.
 * No, it's not broken.
 * 1) Joo Dee is designed after Avatar line producer Miken Wong.
 * 2) Miken is well known as one of the friendliest and smiliest Avatar staffers.
 * 3) Technically speaking, not everyone is safe.
 * 4) But Joo Dee is correct in that Ba Sing Se has never been invaded by an outside force.
 * 5) This is the official tour of Ba Sing Se.
 * 6) Did she say lively?
 * 7) Uncle always plans for the unexpected.
 * 8) ... and Zuko bringing home a "lady friend" would be very unexpected.
 * 9) "Life Happens Wherever You Are": An inspirational book by the Dragon of the West.
 * 10) Fact: it would be difficult to live under someone's nose.
 * 11) The Fire Nation is responsible for the disappearance of Jet's parents.
 * 12) Toph comes from an upper class family, so she's familiar with these situations.
 * 13) See.
 * 14) Last season, Zuko was hunting the Avatar.
 * 15) ... Now he's serving tea.
 * 16) This is pretty much the bottom of the barrel for Zuko.
 * 17) Tea recipes in Ba Sing Se have been untouched by innovations for generation, producing a flavorless brew.
 * 18) In other words, the tea is terrible.
 * 19) The Royal Palace design was inspired by the Forbidden City in China.
 * 20) "Cultural authority" also referred to as the Secret Police.
 * 21) The Earth King is the most powerful ruler in the entire Earth Kingdom.
 * 22) Meetings by appointment only.
 * 23) Recap: our group is anxious to see the Earth King to tell him about the eclipse.
 * 24) She just got in the way.
 * 25) Momo spends the majority of his time looking for food.
 * 26) If Aang is the good cop...
 * 27) Sokka is the bad cop.
 * 28) This pet salesman has overactive sweat glands.
 * 29) It's why he doesn't work with people.
 * 30) Professor Zei was last seen in the episode "The Library".
 * 31) And Professor Zei is most likely still in the library.
 * 32) This is nosey neighbor Pong.
 * 33) In an earlier draft of the script, there was another neighbor named "Ping".
 * 34) The writers thought it was funny to have two neighbors named Ping and Pong.
 * 35) Apparently, it wasn't funny enough to stay in the script.
 * 36) Hmm... ominous.
 * 37) Spark-rocks are the Earth Kingdom version of a match.
 * 38) Kids, don't play with spark-rocks.
 * 39) Fact: stretching every morning improves flexibility.
 * 40) Toph's still working on her impressions.
 * 41) Avatar 101: most animals in the Avatar world are a combination of two or more animals.
 * 42) A regular bear is extremely rare.
 * 43) Another thing rarely seen in Avatar is...
 * 44) ... nose picking and booger flicking.
 * 45) Acting like "people of society" can be extremely dangerous.
 * 46) Told you.
 * 47) This is Avatar's version of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
 * 48) Earth beats fire every time.
 * 49) Katara is presently breaking the first rule of society.
 * 50) ... And she just learned that rule!
 * 51) Fact: old habits are hard to break.
 * 52) Rumor alert! Some say Longshot and Smellerbee are romantically involved.
 * 53) Oh great! Now it's not a secret anymore!
 * 54) These two are common Earth Kingdom soldiers.
 * 55) They are different from the Earth King soldiers and the Dai Li.
 * 56) Ba Sing Se is well protected.
 * 57) Double swords versus double hook swords.
 * 58) I'm hooked!
 * 59) Look, it's the return of the "Official Seal of the Flying Boar".
 * 60) The official seal doesn't work every time.
 * 61) This is Long Feng.
 * 62) He's head of the Dai Li.
 * 63) We'll learn a lot more about him soon.
 * 64) Sticking out your tongue is not proper society etiquette.
 * 65) Seats this close to the bear is an honor, but it comes with a downside.
 * 66) Cultural minister / evil guy.
 * 67) Sokka has many great plans throughout the series.
 * 68) This is not one of them.
 * 69) Avatar 101: Zuko is a broadsword master.
 * 70) His alter ego "The Blue Spirit" uses them instead of firebending.
 * 71) My wheat!!!
 * 72) Jet does talk a lot.
 * 73) That didn't help.
 * 74) In this episode, Zuko serves tea and so does Aang.
 * 75) It's considered an honor to be air-blasted by the Avatar.
 * 76) This Avatar trick is known as the "spinning rainbow water-ball".
 * 77) Bosco loves it!
 * 78) Jet and Zuko are equally matched fighters.
 * 79) They saw the whole thing, but didn't do anything.
 * 80) They were on break.
 * 81) Rock-gloves mean great rock-handcuffs.
 * 82) Let's play: "Guess who's the Earth King".
 * 83) If you guessed this guy, you won!
 * 84) Sorry, we're all out of prizes.
 * 85) Rock-hands are extremely versatile.
 * 86) ... Not even Momo can escape them.
 * 87) Glowing green fire is mostly just for looks.
 * 88) Long Feng is the ultimate middleman.
 * 89) Figures.
 * 90) The name of this episode is "The City of Walls and Secrets".
 * 91) ... now we know why.
 * 92) This is the Dai Li's brainwashing technique.
 * 93) Creepy ending happening now.

"Tales of Ba Sing Se"

 * 1) Have you ever wondered how our main characters maintain their good looks?
 * 2) This is how.
 * 3) Toph likes to go all-natural.
 * 4) Fact: earthbenders love to be covered in dirt.
 * 5) ... but firebenders don't love to be covered in fire.
 * 6) This is the only Avatar episode that is made up of several "shorts".
 * 7) ... and they are all written by members of the Avatar crew.
 * 8) Pumice stones are used to soften and clean feet.
 * 9) ... but they don't really work that well on Toph.
 * 10) This short was written by Lisa Wahlander and Joann Estoesta.
 * 11) ... they were both production coordinators on staff.
 * 12) Toph is rarely seen wearing make-up.
 * 13) Even Katara doesn't wear make-up that often.
 * 14) It's not really that helpful in a fight.
 * 15) It's never good to make fun of people.
 * 16) TophSpit.png ... especially if those people are a waterbending master and an earthbending master.
 * 17) See?
 * 18) Toph and Katara usually argue with each other.
 * 19) So this is a rare moment.
 * 20) Want to see how Toph shows affection?
 * 21) (Toph punches Katara) That's how.
 * 22) This short was written by Andrew Huebner.
 * 23) Andrew was the production manager on the series.
 * 24) Having crew members write these shorts was head writer, Aaron Ehasz's idea.
 * 25) He thought it would be fun to see what they came up with.
 * 26) Iroh is good with plants, good with babies.
 * 27) ... and even a good singer.
 * 28) This song was also written by Andrew Huebner.
 * 29) Kids love music.
 * 30) ... and pulling on beards.
 * 31) Who's ready for some earthbending ball?
 * 32) Do not play near windows.
 * 33) In this short, Uncle helps everyone he meets.
 * 34) ... except for the guy with the broken window.
 * 35) Meet the worst mugger ever.
 * 36) Proper mugging technique includes a solid "horse-stance".
 * 37) Note: If you ever get a knife away from a mugger, don't give it back.
 * 38) Uncle knows that in dangerous situations it's best to remain calm.
 * 39) ... and he knows tea is a great way to calm people down.
 * 40) The name of the song that Iroh sings is called "Leaves From the Vine".
 * 41) Uncle's picnic reveal.
 * 42) ... it's for his son, Lu Ten.
 * 43) Ba Sing Se Zoo.pnggraphy translation: "General Iroh, I will see you again when victory is obtained. Your loyal son, Lu Ten."
 * 44) Zoos are usually fantastic places to visit.
 * 45) ... but not this one.
 * 46) Aang was hoping that he might find Appa here.
 * 47) Recap: Appa has been missing for several episodes.
 * 48) This short was written by Gary Scheppke.
 * 49) Gary was a production assistant on staff.
 * 50) "Hop your way to happiness" is just good advice.
 * 51) Fact: Aang loves animals and he loves helping.
 * 52) This is not helping.
 * 53) Guess who's back??
 * 54) Our lovable loser, the cabbage merchant.
 * 55) That was actually the cabbage merchant's last appearance in the series.
 * 56) But the cabbage merchant is mentioned in a later episode.
 * 57) Note: the bison whistle can be heard by other animals.
 * 58) ... if it's blown loud enough.
 * 59) Please do not feed the animals.
 * 60) Turtle-seal.
 * 61) Opening the Ba Sing Se gate takes the full strength of six or more earthbenders.
 * 62) Aang is becoming a pretty good earthbender.
 * 63) See?
 * 64) He just built a new zoo!
 * 65) Rabba-roos are marsupials.
 * 66) Marsupials carry their young in pouches.
 * 67) The writer of this short, Lauren Macmullan, is actually a director.
 * 68) Sign on the door reads, "Five-Seven-Five Society".
 * 69) Sokka loves haikus.
 * 70) A haiku is a form of Japanese poetry ...
 * 71) The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables and the third line has five syllables.
 * 72) That was Sokka's first haiku.
 * 73) 5-7-5 Society.png teacher is Madame Macmu-Ling.
 * 74) Her name was inspired by the last name of the writer for this short.
 * 75) MacMullan = Macmu-Ling.
 * 76) This is Avatar's version of a rap battle.
 * 77) Ahh ... slam!
 * 78) Macmu-Ling always carries plums in her sleeves.
 * 79) ... just to step on.
 * 80) Usually haikus don't rhyme.
 * 81) The "Five-Seven-Five Society" has strict syllabic rules.
 * 82) And if you break those rules.
 * 83) ... this is what happens.
 * 84) Recap: Iroh and Zuko are criminals wanted by the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom.
 * 85) It's common for fugitives to feel paranoid.
 * 86) Fact: Uncle picks up on hints much better than Zuko.
 * 87) This short was written by Katie Mattila.
 * 88) Katie was a production coordinator and later became the script coordinator.
 * 89) This isn't Katie's only writing in the series.
 * 90) She also wrote the episode titled, "The Beach".
 * 91) Hair combed Zuko!
 * 92) Whoops! Not anymore.
 * 93) It's not polite to play with your food.
 * 94) ... also, it's not polite to yell at waiters.
 * 95) Awkward.
 * 96) Zuko is terrible at dates.
 * 97) ... he's terrible at lying.
 * 98) ... and he's terrible at juggling.
 * 99) Zuko is a fighter, not a lover.
 * 100) But he does have a soft side.
 * 101) This is the first time we've seen Zuko firebend in more than 4 episodes.
 * 102) The Fire Light Fountain is pretty much the most romantic place in all of Ba Sing Se.
 * 103) No cash value.
 * 104) Fact: Most Avatar kisses end with someone quickly walking away.
 * 105) Uncle isn't just a firebending master.
 * 106) ... he's also a bonsai master.
 * Aw, shucks!
 * 1) Hey, it's Appa!
 * 2) Appa was last seen in the desert.
 * 3) Momo sad.png, Momo does not have a mohawk.
 * 4) ... it's Appa fur!
 * 5) This short was written by Giancarlo Volpe and Justin Ridge.
 * 6) Giancarlo was a director on the series.
 * 7) ... and Justin was an assistant director.
 * 8) Uh-oh.
 * 9) ... pygmy pumas.
 * 10) Pygmy pumas are a smaller, sleeker version of pumas bred for compact city living.
 * 11) They're extremely dangerous when provoked.
 * 12) But they're otherwise a very cute carnivore.
 * 13) Speaking of cute.
 * 14) ... Momo's got some mad dance skillz!
 * 15) This score is a version of Momo's music.
 * 16) Momo's music score is often heard when he's doing something silly.
 * 17) Silliness over.
 * 18) Pygmy pumas are often trapped and sold in Ba Sing Se.
 * 19) Skull key.
 * 20) ... never a good sign.
 * 21) For all of you who wondered what Momo hears.
 * 22) ... here you go.
 * 23) And this is what Momo sees.
 * 24) Fact: Flying lemurs are smarter than pygmy pumas.
 * 25) But pygmy pumas are more pathetic.
 * 26) This is how pygmy pumas say thanks.