LogFAQs > #940115061

#29: The King of Omashu (1.05)

As an earlier episode with a plot that is kind of an exucse to have an episode, this one lives and dies on Bumi. Turns out, you couldn't have asked for a better thing to live and die on!

It's pretty silly, actually. Bumi kidnaps Sokka and Katara... because. He then puts Aang through a bunch of crazy trials, which he must solve by coming up with creative solutions, and are actually a way to convey his message of "things are not what they look like". Then in the end the two fight, which is not only a good fight scene, but is the first demonstration of earthbending in the show. And boy, it really sells earthbending.

Bumi then reveals he is actually Aang's childhood friend. The first time I saw this, it gave a strong feel of the time abyss in Aang's disappearance. Bumi might be the only living person left who knew Aang before he disappeared. He's like... 110 years old? Not that this stops him from going slide with Aang in the city's transportation system of course, because Bumi is cool like that.

This episode is a strong combination of showing off bending, comedy, worldbuilding, and just having Bumi on it. It's one of the better early episodes.

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