LogFAQs > #940498967

#26: Jet (1.10)

This one is a simple, self-contained episode, whose characters do appear later but didn't necessarily have to. WHat makes it so good is that it proposes to analyse whether people can really be considered goor or evil because of their nations.

Jet had his parents killed by the FN. So he decided to form a revolutionary group to get revenge. But at some point, the lust for revenge defined him, and overcame any notions of goodness or freedom that he might have at in the beginning. He wants to kill FN people, make them suffer, spread as much destruction as he can, even if they are innocent.

So Team Avatar meets him, and Katara gets instantly attracted by his group's ideals, which hit so close to home for her (since her mother was also killed). Sokka, on the other hand, is suspicious, but doesn't have any proof besides his hunch. At first, it seems Sokka is just jealous of Jet for being cool and protective of his sister, but Sokka's hunch is right. He then investigates and finds out Jet is planning a genocide. Katara and Aang eventually find out too, and are instantly disgusted by Jet's plan, which shows the deep constrast between Jet and them. They want revenge too, but above all, they want freedom, peace and justice, and they know random villagers don't just deserve to be murdered.

Unfortunately, they are too late to stop Jet. But Sokka is not, and he manages to go to the village and evacuate the people in there before Jet drowns them. So he loses.

Overall it's a solid examination of morality in a conflict between nations, something both this show and Korra just excel at. It's also a full episode of Sokka being cool, and we can never have enough of that. Great episode.