Pod Sing Se #58: The Ember Island Players

That’s a wrap, folks! In Pod Sing Se’s final episode, Jen hosts our look-back on the series as a whole. We chat about how our opinions on the characters have changed over 15 years and what we would have wanted more of, play A:tLA superlatives, and get some important statistics courtesy of Steph. Thank you all for listening!!! This episode was recorded on November 7, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

We’ve arrived at the series finale! Nic takes us through Sozin’s Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang, where we question animated hair physics, debate the logistics in the unseen extended parts of epilogues, ponder the mechanics of energy bending, bemoan deus ex machina, and muse on our ideal series ending. This episode was recorded on October 31, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

Jen heads this episode covering S03E20: Sozin’s Comet, Part 3: Into the Inferno, where Azula’s downfall inspires a discussion about understanding villains, our sympathy levels then vs now, and what it takes for villains to become heroes. This episode was recorded on October 24, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

Abby leads our conversation about S03E19: Sozin’s Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters, where we reflect on the extent of Aang’s struggle, the feasibility of a 16-year-old running a nation - especially one going through a regime change - and cry over Zuko and Iroh’s reunion. This episode was recorded on October 17, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

It’s the beginning of the end as Steph hosts our discussion on S03E18: Sozin’s Comet, Part 1: The Phoenix King. In this jam-packed episode, we talk about the importance of communication, the definition of justice, what leadership changes actually mean to the people at the bottom, and question whether Aang was ever really there at all. This episode was recorded on October 10, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

This week, we put on our theater critic hats to talk about S03E17: The Ember Island Players. Nic heads our discussion on the usage and role of satire in propaganda, representation accuracy in memories vs reality, and how a self-aware show ages when fandom opinions evolve over time. This episode was recorded on October 3, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

It’s serious-mode time as Jen hosts our episode on S03E16: The Southern Raiders. Katara’s quest for vengeance sparks our contemplation on the nature of forgiveness, closure, and justice. This episode was recorded on August 29, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

It’s the fall of the dangerous ladies! Abby takes us through S03E15: The Boiling Rock, Part 2, where we discuss prison abuse, differing interpretations of loyalty to your country, and, of course, text message break-ups. This episode was recorded on August 15, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

Steph leads our discussion on S03E14: The Boiling Rock, Part 1, where we talk about the highs and lows of Sokka’s plans, Zuko’s extreme awkwardness, and the quality of fandom merchandise. This episode was recorded on August 1, 2021. This episode was edited by Nic.

S3E13: The Firebending Masters has us down another spiral of influences in Avatar. Can we confirm that Latinos are cannon in this world!? Join us as we discuss the culmination of Aang and Zuko's relationship and foiling of each other. FINALLY Y'ALL!