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Book 1 Closing Thoughts

Before starting my Book 2 re-watch, I thought to do a little reflection on Book 1, especially in the context of my totally objective Jerk Point scores.

I was not at all surprised that Zhao won the Book 1 Jerk Point competition, but I was surprised that he only snatched it at the finish line. I think until those final episodes before we realize the true insanity of Zhao's plan, he just felt like an arrogant jerk with some creeper vibes, but he really took his crazy from like 5 or 6 all the way to 11 at the end.

Aang's second place, and him leading up to the final episode, is probably controversial, but I totally expected myself to be annoyed with Aang.  A lot of it is rooted in my dislike for Kataang and the way that relationship is framed. Whenever I see Aang wistfully pining after Katara, and Katara just isn't reciprocating, I personally find Aang irritating in those moments. I hate this framing of 'waiting for Katara to come to her senses and realize how great Aang is for her'. I'm sorry, but their friendship moments are FAR more convincing and enjoyable.

That said, I was pleasantly surprised how almost nonexistent Kataang was in this season. It's possible to watch the entire season without realizing that it's something they're going to lean on heavily going forward. There really was next to nothing.

Ozai earned third place in Jerk Point standings all due to one appearance. That's impressive in itself.

I expected myself to be more annoyed with Iroh, but he left me more confused than annoyed. He doesn't really offer Zuko much of a moral guidance. Most of the time he doesn't do anything at all. I honestly don't know how to characterize him because his motives are so enigmatic and I constantly ask myself why is he even there. If it's to look after Zuko, then he's going about it in a very weird way.

Zuko got way less Jerk Points than I thought he would, but I'll be honest with you - as a villain, he really is very soft. He only has very few moments that made me go 'asshole' at him.

Some characters didn't get any Jerk Points. That Katara was one of them should not be a surprise. If you expect her to get Jerk Points in Books 2 & 3... you've probably subscribed to the wrong blog. This is the 'Katara can do no wrong blog'.

Sokka not getting a single Jerk Point surprised me much more. I remember watching the show on Netflix 2 years ago and finding Sokka a bit insufferable in Book 1, but now upon re-watch, I don't know why, but I just came to appreciate him a lot more. Now, will Sokka earn some JP going forward? It's not impossible. But don't expect him to earn a lot. I have a newfound appreciation for Sokka that will probably shield him.

Now, who's going to win the Jerk Point competition for Book 2? I mean, it has to be Azula, right? She's the main antagonist, after all. Well... it might not be quite that clear cut. Long Feng is not in the show for very long, but he does some heinous shit. Also, Iroh will probably have more bad moments in Book 2. Also, Toph is coming in, and I remember her getting on Katara's nerves, which automatically means that she's getting on my nerves as well. I remember Kataang getting pushed more heavily in Book 2, so I will probably continue to be annoyed with Aang. There seem to be a lot of contenders for the Book 2 Jerk title. :)