Bryan Konietzko, co-creator of Avatar: The Last Airbender, joins the hosts to discuss the episode 'City of Wall and Secrets.' They explore the cultural influences, complexities of Ba Sing Se, and the significance of the bear and banter. They also discuss the intriguing character Long Feng and the intense fight scene between Zuko and Jet, highlighting character development and sword techniques.
Ba Sing Se's complex social structure and the corruption of power within the city.
The Dai Li's control over Ba Sing Se and their efforts to suppress any discussion about the war.
The gang's realization that not everything is as it seems in Ba Sing Se, including the Earth King's limited authority.
Deep dives
Arriving in Bossing Say
Team Avatar arrives in the Earth Kingdom's capital, Bossing Say. They are in awe of the sprawling city and its complex social structure. Meanwhile, Zuko and Iroh find work in a tea shop but attract the attention of Jet, who is determined to expose them as firebenders. A fierce fight ensues between Jet and Zuko, eventually leading to Jet's arrest.
Infiltrating the Palace
Toph and Katara manage to get into the Earth King's palace with the help of Long Feng, a seemingly kind and helpful cultural minister. However, they soon realize that Long Feng's intentions may not be as genuine as they initially thought. Inside the palace, Aang accidentally causes a commotion and becomes the center of attention. The Dai Li apprehend Sokka, Katara, Toph, and Momo, separating them from Aang.
Confrontation with Long Feng
Long Feng, the Grand Secretariat and the head of the Dai Li, confronts Aang and reveals his firm control over the city. Long Feng asserts his power and warns Team Avatar not to interfere with the city's affairs. His eerie library and use of green fire enhance the sense of his menacing presence.
The Twilight Zone of Ba Sing Se
The gang arrives in Ba Sing Se and is surprised by the disconnection between the city's reputation and the reality they encounter. Long Feng, the true authority, holds power over cultural and war matters, while the Earth King is merely a figurehead. The gang's attempts to discuss the war are met with resistance, as the Dai Li agents watch their every move. The episode highlights the complexities of society, the corruption of power, and the realization that not everything is as it seems.
Discovering Ba Sing Se's Secrets
Aang ingeniously reveals his identity to gain access to the Earth King's bear party, hoping to speak to the king directly. However, Long Feng warns them against revealing the truth about the war, threatening their expulsion from the city. Meanwhile, Jet is imprisoned and hypnotized by a Dai Li agent, erasing his memory of the war. Team Avatar is left questioning the true nature of Ba Sing Se and their own safety within the city.
Janet and Dante are joined once again by Bryan Konietzko to talk about one of his favorite episodes! Expect a ton of great insider info for this recap and discussion surrounding the mysterious “City of Walls and Secrets,” Episode 14 of Book Two of ATLA. Explore Ba Sing Se under the watchful eye of Joo Dee as more and more walls and rings of the city are revealed… to some degree. But many secrets remain, and Janet, Dante and Bryan dig into them all! Plus: listen up for an important message about a new school of etiquette founded by an unlikely character!