Harry Potter Characters (Books vs. Movies)- Top 10

I’ve been re-reading Harry Potter lately (or should I say, listening to the audio book whenever I’m in the car). Don’t ask me how many times I’ve read that series. It’s too many to count. Haha! They are literally are some of the best books ever written. It’s no wonder they became a world-wide phenomenon! I mean, I’m normally not a huge fantasy fan, but HP doesn’t really go overboard with its world-building and focuses more on creating awesome characters and a really interesting and fun story. But, in the meantime, obviously, the world is extremely creative and makes you wish you could be a part of it. I must attribute all of this to JK Rowling’s top notch writing. As I’m listening to the books again, I can’t help but marvel at how she describes things so simply and yet originally that you can picture it so vividly; also how she sets up characters and situations perfectly, writes really witty and realistic dialogue, and so on. 

You really love or hate the characters accordingly. She seriously knows how to write them. All of them are endearing with their own quirks and flaws and seem like real human beings. Even the villains/antagonists. From the first introduction, she gives you a sense of how we’re supposed to feel about them and she is SO good at showing and not telling. 

Anyways, as I’ve been re-reading the books, I’ve been marveling over all this stuff and I naturally thought how the books are so much better than the movies and I pity anyone who’s only watched the movies. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t redeeming qualities to the films. They’re actually quite good depictions of their subject matter, but there’s only so much you can do when it comes to adapting a book, especially when the books get longer and longer AND they are literally the best books EVER! 

My point here is that as I’ve been comparing the books to the movies, I was thinking about who were the best casting choices for some of the characters because honestly, some of them were SPOT ON! So I did the only logical thing... I made a list ;P

This is the top 10 casting choices for the Harry Potter franchise. I’ve based my judgements not just on the visual elements (how much they look like their characters), but also on how well they capture the essence of their character. Off we go then:

10) Richard Griffiths as Vernon Dursley

“a large, beefy man with a mustache and very little neck.”

Harry’s uncle’s mustache is mentioned probably more than any of his other physical traits (unless you count the reddening or purpling of his face whenever he gets angry). So, of course, if he didn’t have a mustache, he wouldn’t be on this list. I think he might actually have dark hair as opposed to Richard Griffiths’s light hair, but that’s a technicality. This depiction of Uncle Vernon is perfect! His domineering, high-and-mighty, grumbling presence is spot on. The suspicious glare he always makes is exactly the kind of look I would imagine Uncle Vernon giving Harry. I might’ve put him further up the list if he had more screen time.

9) Brendan Gleeson as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody

“he lowered his hood, revealing a long mane of grizzled, dark grey hair... a further flash of lightning illuminated his face; it looked as though it has been carved out of weathered wood by someone who had only a vague idea of what a human face looks like. Every inch of his face appeared to be scarred, a large chunk of his nose was missing and his mouth looked like a diagonal gash. One of his eyes was small, dark and beady; the other was large, as round as a coin, and a vivid, electric blue. The blue eye moved constantly, without blinking, and rolled around quite independently of the normal eye.”

If that’s not an introduction, I don’t know what is. Again, the hair color is different in the movie, but that’s just a technicality in this case. (Now if Ron’s or any of the Weasleys’s hair were different, then I would be outraged.) Looking at him, you can definitely tell who he’s supposed to be. I personally think they could’ve mangled his face up a little bit more according to JK Rowling’s description, but I’m still satisfied with what they gave us. Besides, I think they might not have wanted to scare any young children watching. Also, Gleeson’s performance is intimidating enough that they didn’t need any heavy prosthetics or makeup. Every scene he was in, I felt sucked into his performance and was sure I was watching the real Mad-Eye Moody. “CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!!”

8) Christian Coulson as Tom Riddle (Chamber of Secrets)

“a miniature of his handsome father; tall for his age, dark-haired and pale.”

I really didn’t like the depiction of Tom Riddle in the later films. They made him way too creepy and even sort of creepy looking. The books clearly say that Tom Riddle was handsome and charming and everyone liked him. It was really only Dumbledore who ever suspected he was hiding something darker underneath the facade. I mean, the movies make him so obviously a not-so-subtle bad guy. Anyways, to my point: I thought the depiction of him when we first meet him in The Chamber of Secrets was exactly how he was supposed to be. He was handsome, a smooth-talker, and seemed completely normal until he revealed his true colors. And to top it off, the actor fits that little description at the top there, eh?

7) Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy

“white-blond hair, cold grey eyes and a pale, pointed face.”

The description doesn’t say it, but Malfoy’s hair was always described as slicked back which the first two movies got right, but eventually they started doing his hair differently. However, this didn’t bother me because Tom Felton captured Malfoy’s pompous, sneering personality to a T. Even as a child actor where sometimes kids can be a little shaky in their acting, he knew exactly what he was doing and played Harry’s sworn enemy just as he should. Everyone loves how he says “Potter!” He’s such a little twerp.

6) David Bradley as Argus Filch

“Pale... with bulging, lamp-like eyes.”

Filch doesn’t have a lot of physical description in the books, but you really get a feel for who he is and can picture what he looks like based on his personality and actions. So when the movies came out and David Bradley was cast, I was immediately like, “Yes! That’s EXACTLY Filch!” Even though Filch doesn’t get a lot of screen time in any of the films, every time he shows up, I am so impressed with how well he’s portrayed. Just the way he looks and talks, you hate him. You can see how cantankerous and bitter he is and why the students despise him. He’s such a little busy body. 

5) Julie Walters as Molly Weasley

“a plump, red-haired witch”

Again, another character without a lot of physical description, but you really get her essence through her actions. Julie Walters exactly captures that essence. She’s so motherly and kind, but also fussy and stern when she needs to be. Plus, she’s the one who kills one of the biggest... shall we say nuisances (to put it lightly?) in the book which makes her a total boss! The movies leave out several big scenes involving her, but the scenes that are there, she plays perfectly. And if her hair wasn’t red, that obviously would be a deal breaker. Ha!

4) Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore (movies 1-2)

“an elderly man with bright blue eyes, silver hair and beard long enough to tuck into his belt... half-moon spectacles and his long, crooked nose looked as though it has been broken at least twice.”

I don’t think it would be that hard to get any elderly person to look like that description. Just put on a wig and fake beard and bam! Dumbledore. However, all HP fans know for a fact that not anybody can play him. We are actually able to compare performances in this case. Richard Harris died shortly after completing The Chamber of Secrets and had to be replaced. While Michael Gambon did a fine job (save the infamous “HARRY DIDJYA PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIYAH!?!!!?!!), there’s no replacing Richard Harris. Throughout most of the books, Dumbledore is a pretty mysterious figure and no one really knows what he’s actually thinking or planning, or even how much he knows about things. A lot of people sort of think he’s a little bit off his rocker 50% of the time. He’s kind and understanding, always with a (shall we say mischievous?) twinkle in his eye. But then you get the sense that he’s at least three steps ahead of everybody and knows more than he’s telling. Plus, everyone knows he’s one of the greatest wizards who ever lived... And that is all encapsulated in Richard Harris’s performance. He was the PERFECT Dumbledore. 

3) Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Harry is described as having his father's perpetually untidy black hair, his mother's bright green eyes, and a lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead. He also is "small and skinny for his age" with "a thin face" and "knobbly knees" and he wears round eyeglasses.

As the main character, there was obviously a lot of pressure to find the right kid to play him. Personally, I think they hit the mark. Daniel Radcliffe is a really good actor and gets it all pretty much right, not to mention he looks the part. There’s been a lot of alterations as far as his appearance goes as the movies go on and of course he’s grown up; but I think the third movie best captured his character’s book description. I know his eyes aren’t green (which is a big deal to some), but I can look past it (usually). The only time it becomes annoying is in the last movie when we actually see Lily and her eyes are NOTHING like his! Anyways, Radcliffe really does his best to play his character to the best of his ability. There are a few things off about the character throughout the movies, but it’s not his fault, it’s the scriptwriters. For example, in the books, Harry is a sassy little turd, always coming up with great zingers. In the movies, this isn’t captured very well, and yet I feel like Radcliffe does a pretty good job of bringing some humor to the character all the same; he always has the best facial expressions and reactions. Harry’s also very angsty and dramatic, particularly in the later books. It takes a strong actor to pull off those dramatic scenes. I know, for example, one of the reasons Sirius’s death is muted is because Radcliffe’s scream of agony was so sad, the director didn’t want to include it. 

2) Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart

“handsome... a wide, white smile and wavy blond hair.”

Another character whose essence is more captured through his actions rather than his descriptions (though there are several mentions of his stupid smile). Here’s one character who you love to hate. He’s SO completely useless and stupid! It’s really difficult to convey how ridiculous he is-- for example, in an attempt to show off, he accidentally makes all the bones in Harry’s arm disappear while trying to mend one broken bone. He’s always convinced everyone wants a picture or an autograph and is bragging about some feat he performed. What a twit! He wears a lot of flashy, bright-colored robes and goes around winking and flashing his dazzling smile at everyone. He also keeps several pictures of himself in his office who all wink and smile just like the real thing. Anyways, Kenneth Branagh IS Gilderoy Lockhart! First of all, look at him! It’s like he jumped out of the book. And then, the stupid voice he uses is just EXACTLY what I hear in my head when I read. I get such a kick out of watching his performance 1) because Lockhart is so ridiculous and 2) because I’m in awe of how spot on he is.

1) Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall

“A tall, stern-looking witch with black hair usually drawn into a tight bun... an imposing figure who can quickly spot trouble.”

I think every single Potter fan will agree with me on this one. Maggie Smith is THE most perfect casting choice in the franchise. First of all, she 100% looks the part. I mean LOOK! Harry’s first impression of her is that she’s not a person to be crossed. And isn’t that your impression of her too, looking at her? The books always talk about how McGonagall’s mouth tightens when she’s angry or thinking and Smith gets that exactly. Also, while McGonagall is very stern and strict, she has a soft side and a hidden sense of humor which occasionally shines through. Smith really knows how to balance these sides of McGonagall perfectly. I cannot even convey well enough how perfect this casting choice is! It still impresses me! I’ve heard before that JK Rowling had Maggie Smith in mind either when they were casting or even when she was writing the character (I can’t remember which). In any case, bravo!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

David Thewlis as Remus Lupin

"The stranger was wearing an extremely shabby set of wizard's robes that had been darned in several places. He looked ill and exhausted. Though quite young, his light brown hair was flecked with grey.”

Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid

“He was almost twice the height of a normal man and at least five times the width, with feet the size of baby dolphins and hands the size of dustbin lids. His black eyes glint like beetles and his face was almost completely hidden by a wild, tangled beard and bushy, black hair.”

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape

“sallow skin, greasy hair, a hooked nose, and black eyes.”

Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge

“a short squat woman resembling a large pale toad. She had a broad, flabby face, a wide, slack mouth, and little neck. Her eyes were bulging and pouchy, and in her mousy brown hair she often wore a black velvet bow, which reminded Harry of a fly perched dangerously above a toad, furthering Umbridge's toad-like characteristics. She spoke with a simpering high-pitched voice that was girlish and breathless, contrary to her appearance.”

Top 10 Parks and Rec Episodes

I recently finished watching Parks and Recreation all the way through for the first time. I’d been meaning to watch this show for a while now, but I’ve been busy or just haven’t gotten around to it. I did try to watch it a while back, but like a lot of character-centric comedy sitcoms, the first season is a bit rocky (since even the writers and actors are still trying to figure out the feel of the show and characters). I couldn’t really get into it at the time. But since I’ve been home, my parents have been watching it. I was slowly drawn in and I eventually decided I needed to start over. I did and soon I surpassed my parents and now I’ve finished the series.

What a show! A lot of people compare it to The Office, which yes, I can see that because of the similar documentary-style set-up, kooky characters, and rather boring setting (aka an office or a lowly government job), but I think the shows have different tones. Both rely on the characters, but in different ways. In The Office, a lot of the comedy comes from how inept, idiotic, and awkward their characters are whereas Parks and Rec’s comedy comes from how crazy, exaggerated, and goofy their characters are. I felt like Parks and Rec often was very true to life (though in an exaggerated way most of the time). It often frustrated me because I was like, “But this is how people are!” and it made me mad because the stupid and unreasonable people usually won. The Office made me cringe and Parks and Rec made me angry.

That’s not to say I didn’t totally love the show though. There were plenty of knee-slapping moments. As per the norm, I felt the need to compile a list of my favorite episodes. This was a little tough since I’ve only seen most of the episodes once. There were a few standout ones that I definitely remembered (those are my number ones), but coming up with a top 10 took a lot of reviewing. 

However, I’ve done it and here we go (DISCLAIMER: There will be spoilers.)

10) 3x14- Road Trip

Chris sends Leslie and Ben on a trip to Indianapolis for an important meeting. Fearing she will be unable to resist her strong romantic feelings for him any longer, Leslie attempts to “anti-seduce” Ben through boring conversation topics, horrible music, and ugly clothes. Meanwhile, Tom tries out a gameshow idea on Andy, April, Donna, and Jerry called “Know Ya Boo.”

Obviously, the highlight in this one is the “will-they-won’t-they” of Ben and Leslie. It’s just like FINALLY the tension between the two of them is confronted. I love how Chris randomly shows up just when they’re expressing themselves and ruins everything. Haha! Gotta love him. “You wanna Boggle?” I also appreciate this one for exploring the complexities of April and Andy’s relationship too; they're not perfect and they ARE very different, but at the end of the day, they totally love and support each other.

9) 3x07- Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival has, at last, arrived. Things seem to be going perfectly smooth-- they even got Pawnee’s icon Li’l Sebastian to make an appearance. But things begin to unravel when reporter Joan Calamezo gets wind of a phony curse put on the festival by the Wamapokes (which is only spurred on by Li’l Sebastian’s disappearance).

This episode really starts to show the extent of Leslie and Ben’s growing friendship. I love their excessive secret handshake. Haha! There’s so many things that happen in this one. Like Andy’s “awesome sauce” response to April saying “I love you”, Tom trying to blame Jerry for losing Li’l Sebastian, everyone getting mad at Ben for not understanding why Li’l Sebastian is a big deal, or the horrible animated recreation of when the chief visited Leslie in her office. I “awesome sauce” it all! Haha!

8) 3x16- Li’l Sebastian

Pawnee’s treasure and icon Li’l Sebastian passes on, so the Parks Department decides to hold a memorial in his honor. However, things get a bit chaotic when a maintenance worker catches Leslie and Ben kissing and they send him home early in exchange for his silence. 

One of my favorite running jokes in the series is how much everyone loves Li’l Sebastian (except for Ben, of course, who just doesn’t get it). I love this episode because of how far everyone goes to commemorate Li’l Sebastian. Also the song Mouse Rat writes is actually kind of a bop. It gets stuck in my head a lot. It’s like “A Candle in the Wind” but 5000x better... that’s why it’s called “5000 Candles in the Wind.” LOL

7) 3x05- Ron and Tammy II

Hoping to get revenge on Ron for dating his ex-wife, Tom brings Tammy II to a party as his date. However, it was all a ploy by Tammy to get to Ron and after a wild night, the two end up remarried. The Parks Department holds an intervention with Ron in an attempt to break the spell Tammy holds over him.

As ridiculous and disgusting Ron and Tammy II's relationship is, it’s weirdly funny also. Mostly because of the other characters’s reactions to them. I liked this one more than the first Tammy encounter because of how completely out of character Ron gets; his cornrows, the Kimono robe, missing part of his mustache (which the explanation behind is outrageous!). I love the video he makes for himself for the intervention. Also, the way Tom gets all tangled up in the madness is too funny! His confrontation with Tammy at the end had me in stitches. 

6) 2x10- Hunting Trip

Leslie and the other women in the Parks Department decide to crash the men’s annual hunting trip. While out, someone accidentally shoots Ron in the head which then begins a series of mishaps and cover-ups.

My favorite quote: “Men love it when you show them you’re better at something they love.” Haha! Boy, does Leslie understand men. I love all the other awkward moments of Leslie and the other girls trying to fit in with the guys. And then Ron getting shot in the head is golden! I was honestly baffled on who did it throughout. And then Donna seriously FLIPPING OUT over her Mercedes was hilarious! This episode also showcased how caring and genuine Leslie is for her friends which I appreciated. Then, of course, this is the episode that really kicks off the relationship between April and Andy who are OTP for life!

5) 3x09- Andy and April’s Fancy Party

After dating for a month, Andy and April decide to throw a fancy dinner party with a surprise ending. Meanwhile, Ben plays with the idea of staying in Pawnee permanently.

First off, I have to say, this episode has easily the funniest scene out of the entire series: Ron’s tooth-ache scene. Holy moly! I literally had tears coming out of my eyes and I had to go back and watch it again because it was so hysterical! The rest of the episode, though, is also very good. I love April and Andy so much! They’re just the funniest and cutest couple. There’s so much going on at this party that’s hilarious. I particularly love April’s friend Orin who just freaks everyone out. I also love that April’s ex-gay boyfriend and his boyfriend are part of the ceremony. So random.

4) 5x14- Leslie and Ben

While at the gala for the new park, Leslie and Ben make the spontaneous decision to push their wedding forward three months. Their friends rush to put together all the preparations in time. Meanwhile, Councilman Jamm is bitter that Leslie got one over on him and proves to be a major roadblock for what could be the happiest day of her life.

What a perfect episode! The wedding they end up having is actually my ideal wedding; it’s elegant, but simple and only consists of friends just having a good time together. And Ben and Leslie are totally the cutest, amiright? Also, it was about time Councilman Jamm got punched in the face.

3) 4x11- The Comeback Kid

After her campaign managers leave her when her relationship with Ben gets exposed, Leslie rallies her friends to set up her own campaign with Ann as her manager. Although tenacious and spirited, the crew has zero know-how and limited resources. Meanwhile, Ben explores his different hobbies during his unemployment.

Where do I even start with this one? The complete train wreck that is the rally where they slip and slide on the ice? And Gloria Estefan’s “Get On Your Feet” just makes it 10x funnier. Or what about the tiny stage, the short carpet, the ridiculous banner with just Leslie’s eyes on it? Haha! And then that horrible basketball dunk. The other half of the episode with Ben and Chris is also amazing! Freakin’ Ben and his hobbies. “Could a depressed person do this? No!” The Low-cal Calzone Zone. Bahaha! The real clincher is when they finally watch his stop motion video that he’s been working on for three weeks and it’s only like two seconds long. OMG I died! 

2) 3x2- Flu Season

A bout of flu sweeps through Pawnee and Ann is left caring for April (who hates her), Chris (who has a complete physical breakdown), and Leslie (who is determined to escape). Ben and Tom decide to take on Leslie’s presentation for the Chamber of Commerce since she is sick, but Leslie refuses to let them go without her and will do whatever it takes to make an appearance.

Apparently a lot of Leslie’s sick hallucinations were improv by Amy Poehler (-"If I was sick could I do this?" -"What are you doing?" -"Cartwheels. Am I not doing them?"). That’s where a lot of the comedy comes from. However, easily, the funniest part of the episode are Chris's scenes. His over-dramatic reactions to himself and everyone else being sick are hilarious. And then his complete breakdown once he’s admitted into the hospital is just the best! I also love the end where Chris and Ben decide to stay in Pawnee a bit longer for ONLY professional reasons *wink wink*. The little scene where Ben visits Leslie in the hospital at the end is cute, with the soup and all. Haha!

1) 3x13- The Fight

A job for Health Department Public Relations Director becomes vacant and Leslie tells Ann to apply. Meanwhile, Tom encourages his coworkers to come to the Snakehole Lounge to promote his own drink invention, Snake Juice. Instead of staying home and preparing, Ann comes to the club with everyone else which upsets Leslie. Snake Juice completely wastes everyone and as Leslie and Ann get increasingly drunk, their disagreements escalate into an enormous fight.

The best part of this episode is how totally blackout drunk everyone gets because of Snake Juice; as Donna says, “it’s basically rat poison.” All their different reactions to it are laugh out loud hilarious. And then the part where they all pile into the car with Jerry literally strapped to the top is the cherry on top. I died! I also love April and Andy’s roleplaying. There’s so many comedy gems in this episode, I couldn’t even list them all. -"I feel great. I ran a 5K this morning." -"Really?" -"No, I threw up in the shower." Bahaha! Or Andy puking on Kyle's shoes. So unexpected! LOL. And then the whole fight with Leslie and Ann puts an interesting look on their relationship. I also appreciated the whole “this is so high school” conversation Ann has with Ben. It’s just a golden episode!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

6x09- Cones of Dunshire

Leslie tries to come to even terms with Councilman Jamm while Chris literally referees their encounter. Ben returns to his job at the accounting firm for the third time where they welcome him like a king.

2x19- Park Safety

While in one of the parks, filling hummingbird feeders, Jerry is mugged and injured. Incensed, Leslie launches a campaign for safer parks and to also increase the budget for the park rangers.

4x04- Pawnee Rangers

In an effort to fight inequality, Leslie create a girls-only wilderness troop to combat Ron’s boys-only troop and the two groups passive-aggressively compete in the woods to be the best one. Back in town, Tom and Donna go out for a “Treat Yo’ Self” trip to the mall. They decide to take Ben since they’ve noticed he’s been down and might need a day off. Meanwhile, Jerry takes Chris out to lunch with his inexplicably attractive daughter.

7x02- Ron and Jammy

Leslie goes to try to win over Councilman Jamm’s vote for a major project, but finds he is dating a familiar face: Tammy II. And she has an iron hold on him. Leslie is forced to go to Ron and the two of them team up to help Jamm escape Tammy’s clutches.

5x10- Two Parties

Chris and Ann are busy getting ready to throw bachelor/bachelorette parties for Ben and Leslie. Leslie’s party is ruined when she finds out Councilman Jamm is turning lot 48 into a Paunch Burger. So she and her friends come up with ways to delay this plan. While at Ben's party, the other men realize that none of them have had a bachelor party (even though most of them have been married). So they go out and have bachelor parties for all of them.

Favorite Avatar Episodes

I have been rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender lately. Seriously, it is one of the greatest shows ever! It might be a little kid-friendly (for example, no one really ever dies unless it’s a significant death and even then, it’ll be pretty vague about it. For example, it’ll show the people running out of a building just before it gets crushed.) However, the action is still freakin’ EPIC!!! Like, it would be incredible to see this in live action, but it would be SO expensive! The animation is STELLAR!!! The animators actually studied real martial artists and each bending style has its own unique martial arts spin to it. 

And then each nation has a particular lean to a different culture. Like, the Fire Nation is very Japanese, the Earth Kingdom is Chinese, the Water Tribe is Eskimo-ish, etc. I’m telling you, there’s a lot of effort put into this show. Just because it’s animated and/or a “kids” show, people shouldn’t be writing it off.

The main selling point though is the story and characters. SO FLIPPIN’ GOOD!!! I can’t even express to you how creative, engaging, and fun this show is! I don’t even have the nostalgia glasses on to skew my judgement. I first watched this show when I was 24 years old.

For those who don’t know, the general plot is this:

In a world where everything revolves around the elements-- water, earth, fire, and air-- people have the ability to control, or bend the elements. Only one person in the entire world has the ability to bend all four elements. This person is known as the Avatar. It is their job to maintain balance and peace.

The Fire Nation suddenly attacked the other nations and began taking over in world conquest just as the Avatar disappeared. For one hundred years, the war waged on and everyone believed the Avatar was dead. But then one day, two Water Tribe kids discovered an airbender frozen in an iceberg. After some investigation, they realized, he was the long lost Avatar and decided to accompany him on his journey to master the other elements-- water, earth, and fire-- all with the Fire Nation hot on their tails.

I’m telling you, anyone who gives this show a fair chance ends up loving it. You can’t just sit down with an attitude of “I’m gonna hate this” because then you will. If you watch it with an open mind, you will love it. I promise. Literally every person I’ve watched it with or told to watch it (who watched it with an open mind) has ended up loving it. I've realized, if you like something like Harry Potter, you will like this. It's similar in how kids as the main characters, there's a "chosen one" (sort of), a super creative world, emotional depth, comedy, fun characters, well thought out story, etc. I love this show!

So, here are my top 10 favorite episodes. This was extremely difficult because, literally all the episodes are great. I'm not even kidding. There's only like two or three that are mediocre, the rest are SO good:

10) The Cave of Two Lovers

Team Avatar comes across a group of singing nomads who tells them about a secret underground labyrinth that can lead them safely past the Fire Nation and to the City of Omashu.

This one is just so funny! Sokka’s reaction to the nomads is classic. Also, poor Aang has absolutely no game (“If there was a choice between kissing you and dying...”). Haha! Then, of course, there’s the iconic SECRET TUNNEL SECRET TUNNEL THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN SECRET SECRET SECRET TUNNELLLLL song. Bahaha! Love it!

9) The Chase

The group is relentlessly pursued all day and all night by a machine, wearing all of them out and causing friction between friends.

I love how the tension builds in this one; not just from the pursuit of the tank as it keeps finding them no matter how far they go, but also between the group members the longer they stay awake (-“You both need to calm down.” -“Both!? I’M COMPLETELY CALM!!!”). And the ending is one of the first moments we see all four elements working together towards a common enemy which is super exciting.

8) Crossroads of Destiny

Azula has seized control of Ba Sing Se and Aang gives up training with the Guru to return and save his friends. Meanwhile, Zuko must decide which path his destiny lies on.

People like to call this season the “Empire Strikes Back” of Avatar because Aang sacrifices his training to go save his friends very similar to how Luke gives up training to go save his friends. The similarities don’t end there though. And everyone knows how epic “Empire Strikes Back” is... This season finale is so intense with so many character arcs coming to a head, so many plot twists, impossible choices, and epic battles. So good!

7) Imprisoned

The gang comes across an earth village and discovers all the earthbenders have been captured and imprisoned on a large metal ship in the middle of the ocean where earthbending is impossible. Katara decides to launch a rescue mission.

I really enjoy the whole plan to first get on the ship and then second, to get the earthbenders out. Exteremly entertaining! This is our first really good look at how epic earthbending is. It’s also a good display of the different character traits in our main characters, particularly Katara. Aang doesn’t always need the spotlight and the others can hold their own just as well. Also, George Takei voices the warden on the ship, fun fact. 

6) The Drill

Just as he arrives at Ba Sing Se, Aang discovers the Fire Nation approaching the supposedly impenetrable wall with a massive drill. He and his friends hatch a plan on how to take down the drill before it gets through.

The tension in this is great! I love how Sokka is officially known as the “idea guy.” Haha! I also love how it shows the natural progression of their line of thinking as they make their plans (this show is pretty good at showing this). And the ending battle on the drill is very intense and epic; I believe, it’s the first time we see Aang using all the elements he knows how to use at once. So exciting!

5) Day of the Black Sun, Parts 1 and 2

The day of the solar eclipse has arrived and the invasion on the Fire Nation is at hand. All nations come together to bring down their common enemy while they are powerless.

So EPIC!!! These episodes bring together literally everyone we've met over the course of the series. And I mean everyone (a lot you probably even forgot about). It’s so exciting to see all these old faces come together to fight against the Fire Nation. And then the battle plan is super clever, it just might work. And the battle that ensues... ooh boy! And then freakin’ Azula. Gosh, even without her bending, she’s still kicks butt! It’s so infuriating! But, of course, the ending... I can’t even explain!

4) Winter Solstice, Part 2: Avatar Roku

Aang and friends travel to the Fire Nation so that he can speak with his previous incarnation, Avatar Roku, about something important; something involving the fate of the world.

I didn’t include part one because while it’s pretty cool learning about the Spirit World and all, this second part is where things get really interesting. This is where the conflict of the entire series begins. It’s also where we meet Avatar Roku for the first time (and he’s a total boss!) And the ending is so epically awesome-- one of the first epically awesome moments in the series-- I can’t even describe it!

3) Sozin’s Comet (Parts 1-4)

The series's four part finale where Firelord Ozai’s fantastic plan of burning the entire world to the ground with the power of Sozin’s Comet comes to a head. Aang struggles with idea of having to kill Ozai and tries to find another way. The White Lotus goes to reconquer Ba Sing Se while Zuko plans to reclaim his throne.

I don’t even know where to begin with this without spoiling it. This is where the entire series has been heading. All the character growth that has happened, all the journeys everyone (including us as the audience) has gone through... it’s incredible! And it all culminates in this fantastic four part finale! It is everything you could possibly hope for! The fights are positively breathtaking (and there’s at least three of them that go on at the same time, all HUGE). The emotion, the excitement, the humor, the action! Ah man!

2) The Storm

Aang faces the guilt of disappearing for one hundred years while Iroh tells the ship’s crew why Zuko was banished.

This one is mainly flashbacks of our hero and our villain’s backstories, but it’s done so incredibly well. The way their stories sort of mirror each other is so great! And I love the visual of both parties sitting around a campfire as they tell their stories. Plus, the emotional depth of both their characters becomes so much more complex with these backstories and it’s so engaging, especially Zuko. It’s SUCH a well done episode!

1) The Avatar and the Firelord

Roku tells Aang the story of how the 100 Year War started while Zuko looks into his great grandfather’s past.

This one is sort of similar in style to “The Storm” in how it’s mainly flashbacks and two parties are hearing a story, mirroring each other. However, in this case, they are hearing the same story from a different point of view. I love this one because it finally answers the question of how the war started and the political and emotional complexities involved. It also gives us (as viewers) an interesting chance to see someone other than Aang holding the fate of the world in their hands (and then failing). Also, it has a very good plot twist in the end. Super engaging episode!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

The Boy in the Iceberg/The Avatar Returns

Waterbender Katara and her older brother Sokka discover a boy frozen in an iceberg. They realize he is an airbender named Aang. Meanwhile, the Fire Nation prince, Zuko, is searching for the long lost Avatar and believes he may finally be hot on his trail. 

The Blind Bandit

Team Avatar travels to an Earth Kingdom town to find Aang an earthbending teacher. They are led to an earthbending fighting arena where they discover the champion is a blind little girl.

City of Walls and Secrets

The gang finally arrives in Ba Sing Se and believe all is well, until they start to settle in and realize things are just slightly off with the way of life in the city; for instance, how come no one talks about the war?

The Ember Island Players

The gang attends a play put on by the Ember Island Players about the Avatar’s life since he was discovered in the iceberg. 

The Firebending Masters

Zuko realizes he has lost his ability to firebend so he and Aang go to discover the original source of firebending.

The Fortuneteller

Team Avatar come across a town that entirely relies on the fortunetelling of a woman named Aunt Wu. When she predicts that a nearby volcano will not erupt when it is close to bursting, the group of friends must find a way to convince the passive villagers that doom is upon them.