“Winter Solstice Part 1” is our introduction to the Spirit World, as well as an episode that shows us the good in Zuko and the Spirits relationship to humanity. It’s a very well done episode overall with only a few problems, which I think is due to length which was why it was made into a “Two-Parter.”
The episode was directed by Lauren MacMallun and written by Aaron Ehasz.
The story begins with Aang finding some destroyed Earth and mourning that he was unable to stop it when it is his duty as the Avatar to protect nature. Katara helps him deal by showing him the acorns and with it knowledge the forest will regrow. An old man approaches them when he recognizes Aang and they are brought to the village that is being attacked by a hostile spirit called Hei Bai. From here it is up to Aang to stop it while at the same time Iroh is kidnapped by Earthbenders and must escape.
The Pros: Hei Bai – Hei Bai is a Demonic Panda Spirit that becomes a normal Panda Spirit when calmed. Really cool design and is a great threat too. I like how it uses spirit energy to destroy things as well as that will play a part in “Legend of Korra” later.
Iroh – Iroh is awesome! The guy created hot pools using his firebending and is good at enjoying life while Zuko is eating himself up with worry. He’s also really smart too and manages to outsmart his kidnappers once and in the end easily outmatching them when Zuko rescues him.
Zuko – Zuko has to make a choice, to save his Uncle or find the Avatar, he makes the right one and saves his Uncle. This was a good character defining moment as it showed he was driven by more than duty and truly cared about others.
Katara – Katara’s role is small in this as she is mostly just worrying about Aang and later Sokka after he is captured by Hei Bai. It is her observation that saves the day though as her finding the buried acorns and Aang pointing it out to Hei Bai is what calms the Spirit down and causes it to return to it’s home.
Sokka – He is brave in this one and shows that not even a giant monster will stop him from defending others. He tries to help Aang but is caught in the process though.
Aang – This is an Aang-centric episode as he travels into the Spirit World and meets Fang, Avatar Roku’s dragon who brings him to a Temple where Aang can speak to Roku on the Solstice. It’s powerful as we see Aang discover his role in the world and his connection to past selves and the spirit world, and how he does act as a bridge in the end and shows the forest will grow back which calms Hei Bai.
The Cons: The Earthbender Soldiers – The soldiers who captured Iroh don’t have any personality. I wish they would have brought up fighting in the war when Iroh was attacking their city. Sadly they are just faceless minions which ruins a chance for some possibly great minor characters.
This was a great episode with only the minor issues of the Earthbenders not getting veryt much exploration. I still greatly enjoyed it though as we get to know the Spirit World, Aang’s role and relationship to his past selves and we get to see all the named characters get development and an awesome looking Spirit shown as well!
Final Score: 9 / 10.
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