So I just started the second season, and there's one burning (pun not intended, you'll see) question on my mind...
This princess girl, Azula was it? Apparently she controls electricity... I electricity really the same as fire? I feel like that's stretching it a bit... even if the call-back to the uncle guy transferring electricity through is body in that season one episode was pretty cool. But she seems to be quite the perfectionist, almost like Zuko, though Zuko seems to imply that everything just seemed to come naturally to her... Maybe that's just his perspective. Speaking which, I think the whole Zuko/Azula B-plot of this episode is more interesting then Aang dealing with his Avatar State. Zuko is so anxious, so desperate to make his father proud, to be welcomed back with open arms, that he easily falls for Azula's ploy and shouts at his uncle, who really has been the kindest member of his family, especially to Zuko. I think I'm with Doug, in that Zuko might be my favorite character, second only to his uncle. Also, I assume those knots in their hair were a symbol of their relation to the royal family, and cutting them off is supposed to be symbolic of them leaving the family. I like it, it's subtle.
As for the main plot, well, it's certainly an interesting dynamic, and I totally understand both sides, and just how desperate the Earth Kingdom general is, but, eh, couldn't get too invested in that. Or rather, I find myself disliking the guy for trying to push Aang into his Avatar State, not fully understanding what it means or knowing fully of it's awesome power. I think he's a bit too eager to end the war, which is understandable, though I feel he crosses a line when he and his men start attacking Aang, hoping to trigger that state... And then he DEFINITELY crosses a line when he attacks Katara! I mean, really, what do you think will happen?! Do you really think an angered Avatar Aang is going to listen to the guys who just attacked him and his friend?! God, what a freaking dumbass! That being said, as always, the action and fight scenes in this show are great, as always!
Also, I like how the former Avatar, Roku, pops up whenever exposition is needed, and this is good information to know, for future reference. If the Avatar is killed while in his (or her) Avatar state, the Avatar will cease to be... So it's like a glass canon, powerful when used, but incredibly vulnerable; guess that's why is a defense mechanism.
Anyway, sorry to once again comment on episodes long past, I just really wanted to comment on this.