erm Week 7: Cool AF Old People Parties
Day 19: Iroh Party
Day 20: Su and Lin Party
Day 21: Tenzin Party
Day 19 is for Iroh. ‘Nuff said.
All screenshots from Avatar Spirit.
Upon first glance at Book 1, it seems as though Iroh is basically Zuko’s comedy bumbling uncle, there to give us some relief while we watch Zuko fume, and, sometimes, literally steam, about nonissues. But it doesn’t take long to recognize that Uncle Iroh is a pillar of wisdom and grace. It’s also made pretty clear fairly early on that he’s a very skilled fire bender himself, and although he is considered to be a great military failure, he is underestimated at the underestimater’s peril.
And did he ever tell you how he got the nickname, “The Dragon of the West?”
Still. There are lots of funny times, early on.
Iroh is just trying to guide Zuko towards some wisdom of his own. He does so patiently, not coming right out and questioning Zuko’s silly outlook on the world until nearing the end of Book 2. But when he does it, man, does he do it.
“What do you plan to do now that you’ve found the Avatar’s bison? Keep it locked in our new apartment? Should I go put on a pot of tea for him?”
“First I have to get it out of here.”
“And THEN WHAT? You never think these things through. This is exactly what happened when you captured the Avatar at the North Pole. You had him, and then you had nowhere to go!”
“I would have figured something out.”
“NO! If his friends hadn’t found you, you would have frozen to death!”
*Zuko noise of rage and angst* “I know my own destiny, Uncle.”
“Is it your own destiny, or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you?”
“Stop it, Uncle. I have to do this.”
“I’m BEGGING you, Prince Zuko. It’s time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you, and what do you want?”
*louder Zuko noise of rage and angst*
Yeah, for 1.9 seasons, this show had been building up to this moment, and we all pretty much had the same reaction. It did not disappoint.
Well. Zuko did. But we could see clearly that he was making his own choices, and from here on out he would have to succeed or fail without Uncle Iroh to catch him when he fell.
But then obviously Zuko came through, which led to this:
Ahhh, catharsis.
Also, there’s this, of course.
The takeaway from this one is always sad, but can we just mention the line, “With that stance?” Absolute perfection.
