amiraelizabeth: Okay, I’ve seen this a lot:

“Aang was not being supportive of Katara in TSR. He was being preachy and lording his beliefs over her. Zuko was the one who knew what she really needed and was totally supportive of her.”

And to that I say bullshit.

According to many, Zuko knew what Katara needed, had faith in her to do the right thing, understood her better, and was a better friend to her than Aang. And I don’t see where he did. If he had truly been comfortable in his stance then he would not have mocked Aang in such an childish manner. He wanted to get on her good side. She blood bended someone for information and blood bending was something she was horrified by. Already right there she clearly wasn’t in the mindset to do the right thing. She wanted revenge and vengeance and she was willing to use a power tha scared and horrified her to do it.

Aang was right. His speech to her was right. And he was basing it on his own experiences. He knew how all-consuming rage and pain could be. It brought out the destructive powers of the Avatar State, it scared Katara (as she states in The Avatar State).From ASN:

Katara: “Do you remember when we were at the air temple and you found Monk Gyatso’s skeleton? It must have been so horrible and traumatic for you. I saw you get so upset that you weren’t even you anymore. I’m not saying the Avatar state doesn’t have incredible and helpful power. But you have to understand, for the people who love you, watching you be in that much rage and pain is really scary.”

What rage and pain caused him to do after losing Appa scared him so bad that he shut down and cut everyone off emotionally. He didn’t want that for her. And I think it showed just how much he did care for her. He wanted her to go on the journey, but not to lose herself to the rage and pain and what it might cause her to do. It wasn’t that he didn’t have faith in Katara. When has he ever lost faith in her? But he had a reason to be concerned. Look at how she spoke to Sokka, look at how she later blood bended (something that she hated). A constant theme in the show was how rage, pain, and destructive mindsets could change someone (even temporarily). Katara, like Aang, is a powerful being. And who better to keep Katara from heading down a destructive path than another powerful being who has hurt others and property while in revenge mode.

It is ridiculous to think Aang was lording his beliefs over her. He didn’t stop her. He even said she needed to go. He just wanted her thinking clearly and able to weigh the consequences. And yes, he encouraged her to forgive and let go. And she did take Aang’s advice - only she forgave Zuko (a notion that oddly enough Zuko mocked at the beginning of the episode.)

• TURBO NIX: “After just re-watching ‘The Southern Raiders’ episode, I whole heartedly agree.”