There are many reasons why "The Western Air Temple" is one of the greatest episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Not least of these is the fact that this is the episode when fan-favorite character Zuko finally joins Team Avatar. This is a very important episode for Avatar's overarching story, and it's really when the series starts heading towards its epic conclusion.
But there are plenty of small details and references that also come together to make this episode truly great. To demonstrate, here are ten things about "The Western Air Temple" that you may have missed. Spoilers for the entire series lie ahead.
10 The Western Air Temple Is The Only One Not In Legend Of Korra
In Avatar's sequel series, The Legend of Korra, the Western Air Temple locale stands out for a roundabout reason. This reason is that it is the only one of the cardinal temples to not appear at any point in the series.
The Southern Air Temple appears in episode 2 of Book 2, "The Southern Lights." The Eastern Air Temple appears in episode 9 of Book 2, "The Guide." And the Northern Air Temple appears in episode 7 of Book 3, "Original Airbenders." However, the Western Air Temple is nowhere to be found.
9 Combustion Man Straight Up Dies
Character deaths in Avatar are generally few and far between. Even when a character does die, their death isn't always explicitly stated. A lot of this is due to Aang's nature as a pacifist, and his hesitancy to kill people, and that the intended audience is children in spite of its often mature themes such as death and war.
Because of this, Combustion Man's death stands out as shockingly intense. Going out in a blaze of glory like he did is a fitting end for someone with his powers. Whereas Aang might feel bad about killing people, it seems that the mighty Sokka harbors no such hesitancies when it comes to self-defense.
8 The Western Air Temple Is Relatively Intact
Compared to the other three temples, it is clear that the Western Air Temple suffered much less destruction at the hands of the Fire Nation. Especially when seen against the Eastern Air Temple or even the Southern Air Temple, it is clear that the Western Air Temple got off easy during the Air Nomad Genocide.
Unsurprisingly, this is certainly due to the temple's unique architecture. Being built under a mountain as opposed to on top of one means that it's harder to find. Also, the Fire Nation didn't have war balloons at the time of the Air Nomad Genocide, so they had to find another way to invade.
7 The Western Air Temple Is The Last One That Team Avatar Visits
Any point where Team Avatar visits an Air Temple usually represents an important turning point in Aang's journey. The only exception is "The Northern Air Temple," which is more so a prelude to Team Avatar arriving at the North Pole.
Visiting the Southern Temple marks the beginning of Aang's journey. Visiting the Eastern Temple marks the middle of his journey, as well as his greatest failure. Lastly, visiting the Western Air Temple marks the beginning of the end, wherein Aang and Zuko finally join forces to take down the Fire Nation.
6 Zuko Imitating Azula Is A Reference To Azula Imitating Zuko
In one of the episode's funnier moments, Zuko imitates both Iroh and Azula when he's trying to figure out the best way to approach Aang and his group. In the end, he decides to go with what he thinks is best, which is a simple hello.
But it seems that imitations are a trait that runs in the family. This is because, in episode 8 of Book 2, Azula imitates Zuko while talking to Aang. It's another simple funny moment, but it's interesting how both moments are enhanced by the knowledge that the siblings are, deep down, more similar than they seem.
5 The Western Air Temple Was Inspired By Bhutanese Monasteries
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Art of the Animated Series is a wonderful companion piece for any fan of the show. It's also interesting how the book reveals certain details about the production of the show that audiences may not have otherwise known.
One such detail is about the stylistic origins of the Western Air Temple. The book tells readers that, when designing the Western Air Temple, "the designers referenced the roof styles of Bhutanese monasteries." It's a neat detail that further brings the world of the show to life, and it adds to the long list of the designers' real-world inspirations for the setting.
4 Zuko Almost Has More Screen Time Than Aang After This Episode
After this episode concludes, the show can neatly be separated into two four-episode groups, with a one-episode break in the middle. While the last of these groups is just the four-part "Sozin's Comet," the first consists of Zuko going on adventures with Aang, Sokka, and Katara, respectively.
What's interesting is that this means that Zuko almost seems to have more screentime than Aang. Zuko is featured prominently in all episodes in both groups, while Aang is only featured prominently in the last group and the first episode of the first group.
3 Appa Senses That Zuko Has Turned Good
A few times in Avatar, Appa is shown to be a particularly good judge of character. Generally speaking, the sky bison has a good sense of determining whether someone is good or bad. This is why it's particularly important that Appa greets Zuko with an affectionate lick. Appa is the first member of Team Avatar to properly recognize that Zuko has turned good, and is willing to befriend him.
Unfortunately, this isn't quite enough to convince the rest of Team Avatar that they should trust Zuko. Sokka, in particular, is quick to write it off. But the fact remains that, in the end, Appa was right about Zuko.
2 Toph Crawls Like A Badgermole After Losing Her Sight
When trying to talk to Zuko in the middle of the night, Toph finds herself on the receiving end of the firebender's overly-anxious self-defense. This results in Toph's feet being burned, which prompts her to crawl away frightenedly.
What's interesting about this scene is simply the way that Toph crawls. Her way of crawling actually resembles how badgermoles, the original earthbenders, crawl. This makes sense since she was taught earthbending by badgermoles. This is actually explored more in detail in the very next episode, and Toph is seen crawling the very same way once again.
1 Zuko Joining Aang Here Is An Example Of Circular Storytelling
A fascinating detail that is revealed in this episode is that the Western Air Temple is the first place that Zuko searched when he began his hunt for the Avatar. It is definitely significant that Zuko joins Aang in the same place that he began his quest to capture him.
For the first time since the very beginning of Book 2, we see the old Zuko, who has just been banished and is full of rage. This punctuates just how much Zuko has changed. His development over the course of the series is gradual, but when we see these two versions of him contrasted against one another, it's quite jarring.