Hello, Isha here. Today I'm going to talk about one of the most important characters of all time: Prince Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Now I want to be entirely honest with ATLA fans...I wasn't always such a huge fan of Zuko.
LET ME EXPLAIN! In the beginning, Zuko was introduced to us as a typical villain. He was ruthless and violent, and catching the Avatar, our resident good guy, was the end game to him restoring his honour. Plus that season one hairstyle really didn't do him any favours. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But as the series progresses, we learn more about Zuko's backstory, which helps us to understand why this character is the way he is.
It's easy to forget, but Zuko was just 13-years-old when he was banished from the Fire Nation. It becomes worse when you realise it was Zuko's father, Fire Lord Ozai, who was responsible for the burns on Zuko's face.
And when he finally makes the decision to turn his back on the Fire Nation and to join up with Team Avatar, it's only then that Zuko's true self begins to shine through.
This is a PIVOTAL moment because it marks the first time in Zuko's life where he isn't fighting for his father's acceptance and approval. He's shed his pride and is starting to make his own choices.
We learn that Zuko's personality is a delightful mixture of awkward and adorable.
And that whatever scene he is in, his beautiful hair and ripped bod somehow manage to take centre stage.
🖤 MY EMO PRINCE! 🖤
But most importantly, we see Zuko's genuine efforts to redeem his past mistakes by becoming Aang's firebending teacher.
Let's take a moment to remember that Zuko stopped relying on his anger and hatred to 'drive' his firebending after teaming up with Aang. Instead, they discovered the true origins of firebending and transformed into one heck of a team.
Plus let's not forget the ~deep~ connection he formed with Katara...
...which never eventuated to anything more and honestly I'm not the only one who's mad.
But the most emotional of Zuko's character arcs has to be his connection to Uncle Iroh.
Although their relationship was initially strained, it was Iroh's continual support and protection of Zuko that helped him move forward from his past.
This is something Zuko himself comes to realise when he later reunites with his uncle after betraying him to the Fire Nation.
To top it all off, Zuko is crowned the new Fire Lord at the end of the series and promises to help usher in world order and harmony alongside his ally, the Avatar.
Honestly, this is everything he deserves and more. 10/10 character development!!!
And THAT is why Zuko will always be the best character in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
