Producers: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Stars: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Mako, Jessie Flower, Dante Basco
Aang, Sokka, and Katara continue their journey, now seeking an Earth-bending teacher for the Avatar. Prince Zuko and his Uncle Iroh lay off on their hunt, having become fugitives from their own nation. But another, even deadlier threat awaits our heroes; Princess Azula, Zuko's power mad sister, who is twice as intelligent and sadistic as her brother.
If this story were being told in any other format than as a half-hour cartoon on Nickelodeon, it would probably get more respect, but as it is it's been relegated to being a "children's cartoon". That is an accurate description, but a limiting one. While there are some fantastic life lessons for kids, it's also a fully developed, complex world, with a rich mythology and wonderful characterizations. The tone fluctuates between the serious and the irreverent with ease, and the end of each episode leaves me completely satisfied, but anxious for more. I love these characters, and the trials and tribulations they face on their quest are all the more satisfying, and heart-wrenching, for it.
Season Two (Or Book Two, as they call it) really ups the ante: More intense action, more spirituality, more drama, more humor. The new characters are fantastic (Azula and her two henchladies; and the blind Earthbender Toph), and the story ends in your typically dramatic, cliffhanging middle-chapter fashion.
Demerits? Well, the animation is fairly simplistic, as I'm sure befits it's budget, but the designs and use thereof are great. I would hold any action scene on this show up against the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
Sadly, Mako (Perhaps best known as the narrator/wizard from the Conan the Barbarian movie), who played Iroh, died after recording this season. I'm man enough to admit that the episode which was dedicated to him made me a little misty eyed.
A great season from one of the best TV shows ever produced.
FREDERICK OPINES: MASTERPIECE
Avatar The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 2 Collection
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