In this episode of Avatar State Radio, Kev and Mike dive into Imprisoned, a powerful world-building episode that explores the darker realities of the Fire Nation’s occupation. The Gaang are scavenging for food when they come across an Earth Kingdom village under Fire Nation control—a stark contrast to the relatively peaceful Omashu we saw last week.

Kev delights in his favorite trope, “getting captured on purpose,” as the group takes bold action to help the imprisoned earthbenders. At the heart of this episode is Katara, whose unwavering spirit inspires the broken prisoners to rise up. Haru’s bravery leads to the earthbenders fighting back, but not without Katara losing her mother’s necklace—a key detail that promises future repercussions.

Zuko and Iroh return after a brief absence, but their temporary absence showcases the strength of the show’s storytelling. Plus, George Takei’s unmistakable voice brings depth to the Fire Nation warden, making this episode even more memorable.

Mike’s Trivia Corner:

• Pat Musick, the real-life mother of Mae Whitman (the voice of Katara), voices Haru’s mother.

Join Kev and Mike as they discuss the episode’s emotional weight, action-packed moments, and what this story reveals about the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Find Mike

Tellest.com | Twitter @tellest | Facebook @tellestbooks | Twitch @ThatTellestGuy | Etsy | Patreon

Find Kev

ThatNerdyKev.com | Starbird Media, LLC | Everything is Awesome | @ThatNerdyKev on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Twitch

Find Avatar State Radio

AvatarStateRadio.com | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon

Our intro music is The Voyage by Audionautix, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of Avatar State Radio, Kev and Mike explore The King of Omashu, a fun, character-driven episode filled with laughs, lessons, and… dad jokes! Aang’s not-so-convincing disguise as Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis the Third sets the tone for an adventure that is as whimsical as it is meaningful.

Through flashbacks and clever storytelling, the audience quickly realizes that King Bumi is Aang’s childhood friend. With a larger-than-life personality and a knack for thinking outside the box, Bumi challenges Aang with a series of tests that start lighthearted but lead to a powerful final lesson. And yes, Bumi is absolutely jacked. As Kev puts it, “King Bumi could kick my ass.”

While the episode delivers plenty of humor, Kev feels there wasn’t quite enough time to explore the emotional weight of Aang and Bumi reconnecting after 100 years. Will we see Bumi again? And could he be the one to teach Aang earth bending? Kev sure hopes so.

Kev and Mike also note how Omashu is full of earth benders who use their abilities practically, unlike the Southern Water Tribe, which only has Katara. It sparks a discussion on how benders often hold positions of power in the world of ATLA. They also reflect on how Aang’s journey is refreshingly guided by the whims of a 12-year-old savior.

Mike’s Trivia Corner:

• This is the first episode without Zuko or Iroh, a testament to its strong storytelling.
• The meaning behind Bumi’s name.
• And more fun facts!

Tune in to hear why Mike calls Bumi “Aang’s Bucky Barnes” and why this episode stands out as a filler with substance.

Find Mike

Tellest.com | Twitter @tellest | Facebook @tellestbooks | Twitch @ThatTellestGuy | Etsy | Patreon

Find Kev

ThatNerdyKev.com | Starbird Media, LLC | Everything is Awesome | @ThatNerdyKev on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Twitch

Find Avatar State Radio

AvatarStateRadio.com | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon

Our intro music is The Voyage by Audionautix, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of Avatar State Radio, Kev and Mike discuss The Warriors of Kyoshi, where Sokka’s initial sexism is challenged, and he begins to show real growth. Meanwhile, Aang enjoys his newfound celebrity as the Avatar, seeking Katara’s attention but learning some unexpected lessons about jealousy when it comes from her instead.

The hosts explore Kyoshi Island’s unique place in the world, having stayed out of the war but deeply respecting the Avatar. Will they eventually join the fight against the Fire Nation? Aang embraces his role as the Avatar for the first time, but he also learns the dangers of staying in one place too long as Zuko is always close behind.

It’s a memorable episode featuring the iconic Foaming Mouth Guy and the terrifying UNAGI, along with the first time Aang enters the Avatar State. While Kev describes it as a “lower-key” episode, he notes the significant character development it offers, particularly in Aang’s confidence (or ego). Will Aang’s childish tendencies give way to greater maturity as the series progresses?

Mike’s Trivia Corner:

• Kyoshi’s culture is heavily inspired by Japanese traditions.

Join Kev and Mike for another engaging discussion full of laughs, insights, and a little foaming at the mouth!

Find Mike

Tellest.com | Twitter @tellest | Facebook @tellestbooks | Twitch @ThatTellestGuy | Etsy | Patreon

Find Kev

ThatNerdyKev.com | Starbird Media, LLC | Everything is Awesome | @ThatNerdyKev on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Twitch

Find Avatar State Radio

AvatarStateRadio.com | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon

Our intro music is The Voyage by Audionautix, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/