Avatar: The Last Airbender features many interesting and complex characters that make the show a success. As the protagonist, Aang is a key contributor to the show’s brilliance, boasting many amazing episodes in ATLA, and remains one of the most iconic characters of the entire franchise.
Aang undergoes vast character development throughout ATLA. He began as a naïve and immature Airbender in episode 1, but with the fate of the Four Nations on his young shoulders, Aang stepped up. Through hard work and the help of his friends, Aang developed into a fully-fledged Avatar in time for his battle with the Fire Lord, and as Katara predicted, he saved the world. Aang’s best episodes are the ones that exhibit his infectious spirit, his unfaltering courage, and his immense power.
The Southern Air Temple
The events of “The Southern Air Temple” take place early in ATLA and give audiences a glimpse of the horrific consequences of the Hundred Year War. In the episode, Aang discovers the remains of his people, and it leaves him distraught.
The discovery signifies a key milestone in Aang’s character arc, as it is the first time he witnesses the true horrors of the Hundred Year War first-hand. “The Southern Air Temple” also develops The Last Airbender's most relatable couple Aang and Katara, with Katara showing herself to be a calming and reliable presence for Aang.
The Serpent’s Pass
After losing Appa to kidnappers, Team Avatar is forced to travel to Ba Sing Se by other means in “The Serpent’s Pass." Initially, the gang was going to take the ferry, but they ultimately decided to escort desperate travelers across the Serpent’s Pass instead.
Throughout the episode, Aang is uncharacteristically low on hope and optimism, due to the loss of Appa. Despite this, Aang struggles through and is successful in helping to escort the group through the Serpent’s Pass. Aang and Katara’s relationship undergoes significant development in “The Serpent’s Pass," as she guides Aang through one of his darkest hours and helps restore hope within him.
The Guru
In the penultimate episode of season 2, Aang faces one of his toughest decisions yet. He is forced to choose between mastering the Avatar state or saving his friends. While he ultimately chooses the latter, it's not without much soul-searching and inner turmoil for Aang.
The decision Aang makes in “The Guru” showcases how much he values his friends, particularly Katara, so much so that he is willing to risk his Avatar training. Katara does ultimately repay Aang for his heroic sacrifice by saving his life using the water from the spirit oasis in the season 2 finale.
The Storm
“The Storm” is one of the best Aang episodes simply because it provides audiences with his detailed backstory. With nothing to do but wait out a horrendous storm, Aang tells Katara about the circumstances which led to him being frozen in a block of ice for a hundred years.
The episode functions well as a world-builder, detailing the lifestyle and culture of the Air Nomads. It also explains why Aang was so reluctant to admit that he was the Avatar and provides a useful insight into his general attitude regarding the Hundred Year War.
The Firebending Masters
“The Firebending Masters” is an all-around great Aang episode as he bonds with Zuko (who is one of his great rivals in The Last Airbender), discovers an ancient civilization, and overcomes his longstanding fear of learning Firebending.
After Zuko lets go of his rage and hatred, he struggles to Firebend. In light of this, Aang and Zuko must venture to the location of ancient Sun Warrior civilization to discover a new source of Firebending power. The episode marks a key milestone in Aang’s character arc, as he finally conquers the fourth and final element, paving the way for him to become a fully-fledged Avatar.
The Avatar Returns
The title of this episode alone is epic enough for it to be considered one of Aang’s best, although the events of “The Avatar Returns” also make the episode amazing. In contrast to the previous episode, where Aang is portrayed as a fun-loving goofball, “The Avatar Returns” gives audiences the first glimpse at Aang’s immense power.
After courageously sacrificing his freedom to save the Southern Water Tribe, Aang displays great combat prowess and cunning by escaping from his cell. Audiences are then treated to Aang’s first use of the Avatar state, which is an epic moment that exhibits just how special the Avatar is.
The Headband
“The Headband” is one of Aang’s best episodes because it proves a rare depiction of him as a normal kid, reminiscent of the first-ever ATLA episode. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, it is great to see Aang let loose and have fun by indulging in his passion for dance with a secret dance party.
The episode also gives Aang (and audiences) an insight into how Fire Nation kids are indoctrinated into the Fire Nation’s warped worldview while at the same time showing him that Fire Nation citizens are not born evil.
Bitter Work
The episode, aptly entitled “Bitter Work,” details Aang’s first Earthbending lesson with Toph in one of her best The Last Airbender episodes. Aang struggles to get to grips with Earthbending, and he finds Toph’s harsh teaching style very difficult to respond to. Eventually, after Toph decides to take Katara’s advice and be more of a supportive teacher to Aang, he finally manages to Earthbend for the first time.
“Bitter Work” marks a key milestone in Aang’s character arc, as it contains the moment where he learns his third element. The episode also reaffirms Aang’s unfaltering commitment and tenacity, two traits that ultimately allowed him to conquer Earthbending.
The Siege Of The North, Part 2
The season 1 finale is undoubtedly one of Aang’s finest episodes. In the first half of “The Siege of the North, Part 2," Aang ventures into the spirit world where he does an impressive job of holding his own against the incredibly intimidating Koh the Face Stealer.
Later in the episode, Aang gives audiences their first glimpse of the pinnacle of his Avatar powers. After combining with the Ocean Spirit, La, Aang, in one of his most badass scenes in The Last Airbender, fends off an entire armada of Fire Nation troops, saving the North Pole and making for one of the most epic action sequences in the whole series.
Sozin’s Comet (All Four Parts)
The ATLA finale depicts Aang’s finest hour and is the grand climax of his epic character arc. After struggling to come to terms with the fact that he might have to end somebody’s life, Aang decides to consult his past lives to find an alternative way to end the war. Ultimately, a Lion Turtle gives Aang the wisdom and the power to take Fire Lord Ozai’s bending away, instead of killing him.
Aang realizes his destiny as the righteous savior of the world, defeating the Fire Lord and bringing peace to the Four Nations. The episode ends on a high for Aang, as he finally secures a long-awaited romantic relationship with Katara.