Even 14 years after its finale, Avatar: The Last Airbender is still a wildly popular series with a universe that continues to expand with several animated movies in the works and a live-action series in production for Netflix. With the live-action series coming out soon, many fans have begun rewatching the original animated series to reflect on one of the greatest cartoons of all time.
The series is famous for airing multiple episodes with dark themes, which was uncommon for kids' shows of the time. However, despite the mature themes, there are still multiple episodes throughout the series that left fans with a heartwarming feeling.
"The Beach"
Book 3, Episode 5
Even episodes that focus on the villains of the show can be heartwarming, especially given how likable antagonists such as Zuko are. Taking a break from the war, Zuko, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee go to Ember Island to relax, but they end up sharing stories about themselves that shaped them as people.
It's an unusual episode for sure, but a heartwarming one nonetheless as viewers learned the backstories of characters like Ty Lee and Mai and what made them into the people they are. Even Azula, one of the most unsympathetic characters in the franchise, gets a small moment of pity as she fails to flirt with boys on the island.
"Lake Laogai"
Book 2, Episode 17
"Lake Laogai" may be a sad episode for many, but the ending brings it back and makes it a great heartwarming moment. After storming Lake Laogai in search of Appa and watching the apparent death of Jet, who had main character energy, Team Avatar returns to the surface only to get ambushed by the Dai Li again. However, the team is saved by Appa, who had been previously freed by Zuko. Appa chases the Dai Li off and Aang finally reunited with his longtime friend. After seeing Aang struggle without Appa the past several episodes, and seeing what Appa himself went through in a previous episode, seeing the pair reunite, at long last, is a happy moment for everyone.
"The Boiling Rock, Part 2"
Book 3, Episode 15
Sokka and Katara's father, Hakoda, is one of the best non benders in the series, but was captured by the Fire Nation during the failed attack on the Day of Black Sun, which led Sokka and Zuko to go on a rescue mission for him. The two-part episode helps Sokka make up to himself for his failure at the Day of Black Sun, something he thinks can only be done by rescuing his father from the Boiling Rock. Seeing Sokka do whatever it took to get his father back and forgive himself for failing is a nice heartwarming experience, which is only doubled when he gets to save Suki as well. Finally, seeing Sokka's family reunited at the end of the episode just makes everything worth it in the end.
"The Headband"
Book 3, Episode 2
It might be one of the few episodes in the series that could be considered a filler episode, but "The Headband" still brings out some heartwarming moments for the characters. Audiences get to see what life is like in the Fire Nation, showing them that the kids there are pretty much just like kids all around the world and not the brutal savages that people expected them to be. Aang gets to make an impact on them by introducing fun and dancing to the kids, leading them in a secret dance party where everyone has a great time. This party also leads to a nice moment between him and Katara as they share a dance together, further enhancing their relationship.
"Bato Of The Water Tribe"
Book 1, Episode 15
Throughout the series, Sokka and Katara share some remorse about not being able to see their father more. However, they are happy to reunite with his friend, Bato.
The heartwarming aspect of this episode comes not just from the reunion with Bato and Sokka's trial, but also when Katara and Sokka realize that Aang needs them, even after he hid news about their father from them. They realize that they are all family now, and Aang needs their help to get to the Northern Water Tribe to learn waterbending. They reaffirm their friendship with Aang by the end of the episode and the group continues to travel together.
"The Ember Island Players"
Book 3, Episode 17
Even the best animated TV shows have odd little episodes that poke fun at itself, and "The Ember Island Players" is that episode for Avatar: The Last Airbender. The episode shows Team Avatar watching a play on Ember Island about their adventures, to mixed reactions from the group. What made this so heartwarming is the interactions between the friends, particularly Aang struggling with his growing feelings for Katara and his questioning of if she feels the same way about him, something that comes into question due to the play. The episode is a nice breath of fresh air and lets the audience laugh along and have fun right before the epic, mind-blowing four part finale begins.
"Nightmares And Daydreams:
Book 3, Episode 9
Acting as another breather episode, this one features Aang dealing with his anxieties and nervousness about facing the Fire Lord, leading to a lack of sleep and some absolutely hilarious hallucinations. Beyond the humor, however, are some real heartwarming moments as Aang's friends try to help him deal with his fears about the upcoming invasion. They try massaging, psychotherapy, and more in their attempts to help him get a good night's sleep, showing off just how much they care about him and how important he is to the fight against the Fire Nation. Katara especially shows off just how much she cares for him, showing off the most concern and trying to help him the most throughout the episode.
"The Cave Of Two Lovers"
Book 2, Episode 2
"The Cave of Two Lovers" is one of the most iconic episodes in the series, mostly due to the "Secret Tunnel" song. But it's also one of the more heartwarming episodes.
The episode does well to focus on Aang and Katara's relationship as they are separated from Sokka and the singing nomads in the cave, showing that, while they care for each other, their relationship hasn't fully taken off yet. The episode also shows Zuko and Iroh on the run and how much Zuko cares about his uncle after he unwittingly drinks tea made from poisoned plants. All in all, multiple heartwarming moments from two different sides of the series.
"The King Of Omashu"
Book 1, Episode 5
It may be regarded by some as one of the worst episodes in the series, but "The King of Omashu" is one of the most heartwarming due to the reunion between Aang and Bumi.
Being trapped in ice for a hundred years, Aang emerged long after many of his friends have died.
Seeing one of his closest friends, Bumi, alive and well despite being over a hundred years old really helped lift Aang's spirits. Bumi even offered Aang more advice to help him on his journey before the two rode done the mail slides like they had done in the past. It's a touching moment, especially for Aang, who thought all of his friends were long gone.
"The Tales Of Ba Sing Se"
Book 2, Episode 15
Unlike the other episodes in the series, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" is split up into multiple parts, each one telling a small story about one of the main characters' time in Ba Sing Se. Aang attempts to lead the animals in a city zoo to a better spot, Katara and Toph bond over a makeover session, Zuko goes out on a date, and Iroh helps the people of the city.
The episode is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Each story adds something more to the different characters, particularly Iroh's as he shows off that he's everyone's uncle, even when he is off to celebrate his dead son's birthday. It's an episode that's filled with love and heart, and is a favorite of nearly every fan of the show.
Source:gamerant.com