I do think that these last episodes are almost a bit too Zuko-centric, though, and I can understand why people would have problems with that, but I like it, because having Zuko slowly bonding with the gaang, especially those who have a negative history with him, shows the importance of Sokka and Katara as individual members of the group.
That's a really good point. Having Zuko being an important character doesn't always make it Zuko-centric. FBM was sort of mixed since both Aang and Zuko needed to gain the ability to firebend and learn about the dragons. But BR is really all about Sokka. Sokka can be a leader with him in ways he's not with the rest of the group. (Sokka certainly comes up with plans to follow, but Zuko followed his lead very differently than his sister or Aang would do.) They're actually very equal in the episode with Zuko slipping back and forth between leader, follower and companion. It's a very different dynamic than Sokka has with anyone else, and that was the dynamic needed for Sokka to have this adventure. He's really mostly acting as a good first mate during that episode a lot of the time--giving good advice and support but always having Sokka's own goals in mind--goals that he instinctively understands and respects.
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Date: 2008-05-14 04:30 pm (UTC)That's a really good point. Having Zuko being an important character doesn't always make it Zuko-centric. FBM was sort of mixed since both Aang and Zuko needed to gain the ability to firebend and learn about the dragons. But BR is really all about Sokka. Sokka can be a leader with him in ways he's not with the rest of the group. (Sokka certainly comes up with plans to follow, but Zuko followed his lead very differently than his sister or Aang would do.) They're actually very equal in the episode with Zuko slipping back and forth between leader, follower and companion. It's a very different dynamic than Sokka has with anyone else, and that was the dynamic needed for Sokka to have this adventure. He's really mostly acting as a good first mate during that episode a lot of the time--giving good advice and support but always having Sokka's own goals in mind--goals that he instinctively understands and respects.