The Ember Island Critics

Listen in as Yani, Carolina, Taryn, Zach, and Rachael delve into one of the most important father figures in animated history, Iroh. Time stamps for the discussion: tea check 00:00 introductions 1:32 first impressions 3:07 best moments 6:16 why was azula beyond hope in iroh's eyes? 13:06 iroh standing up for the moon spirit: what’s worth fighting for 18:01 if azula can’t be redeemed, why can iroh? 27:33 also, zuko is not built for politics 35:50 worst moments, leave june alone! 46:19 what are the roots of iroh’s spiritual and philosophical journey? 51:58 when did iroh study the waterbenders? 59:52 oh how we fear the live action 1:16:24 closing thoughts 1:33:07 The Ember Island Critics is a casual podcast with a rotating cast of college students coming together to discuss one of the most beloved works of our childhood and what we've grown to question over the years. Sit tight for theories, headcanons, and hot takes galore!tbt

A little late, but catch our episode on Iroh this Sunday August 15th at 1 pm est!

Listen in as Yani, Carolina, Taryn, and Rachael start on the most complex and varied character of the series, Zuko. Time stamps for the discussion: 00:00 intro 01:11 very first impressions 08:58 season 2 first impressions 22:07 season 3 first impressions 24:25 zuko hiring combustion man was out of character 33:43 zuko shouldn't have ascended to the throne so soon 35:21 zuko and iroh II in tlok 43:29 zuko v. jet: tea shop edition 47:11 zuko, value, and sacrifice 53:52 zuko and iroh make up 56:55 okay so aang... 1:04:50 a good redemption arc needs planning: kylo ren 1:07:44 toph deserves her field trip w zuko and other worst moments 1:14:51 zuko and azula childhood relationship hcs 1:19:13 the tale of zuko and other zuko relaitonships 1:33:26 no self preservation, just vibes 1:39:50 blue spirit appreciation hours 1:48:35 closing thoughts The Ember Island Critics is a casual podcast with a rotating cast of   college students coming together to discuss one of the most beloved   works of our childhood and what we've grown to question over the years.   Sit tight for theories, headcanons, and hot takes galore!

Zuko pt. 1 premiering Sunday July 25th, please give it a listen and tell your friends!!

Listen in as Yani, Carolina, Roxy, and Rachael continue the discussion  of Katara's character and some of the ways it was hindered. Time stamps for the discussion: 00:00 Intros + chaos but it's just me this time 1:47 katara's gained responsibilities 12:36 katara as a prodigy 23:19 kataang confusion and incompatibilty 43:55  thoughts on the finale 47:53 live action thoughts and updates 53:08 an intervention for katara 1:03:30 "zuko would have taken the lightning for anyone" 1:15:06 katara's empathy 1:22:07 the squandering of the last airbender and waterbender parallels 1:29:50 the fear element of aang's unresolved anger 1:34:33 katara being reduced to a trophy 1:39:49 katara's growth being stunted by aang 1:47:18 katara in the puppetmaster 1:53:57 how opposite extremes are handled in the avatarverse 1:56:26 give katara credit AND a statue 2:01:13 katara in tlok Sources for things mentioned: A breakdown of every time Kya is mentioned   https://tuiyla.tumblr.com/post/621124692494909440/every-time-katara-mentions-her-mother Get in losers we’re shipping zutara https://youtu.be/eRxtWMODfAc A post talking about the John O'Bryan quote https://magiccatprincess.tumblr.com/post/156591311341/even-tho-bryke-didnt-want-2-really-show-katara https://thosepurplebitches.tumblr.com/post/631888966316081152/whattheheehaw-starry-nights12 Avatar spirits documentary with the John O'Bryan quote https://youtu.be/CVFtfhBs8pc The Ember Island Critics is a casual podcast with a rotating cast of  college students coming together to discuss one of the most beloved  works of our childhood and what we've grown to question over the years.  Sit tight for theories, headcanons, and hot takes galore!