I'm in the middle of watching Avatar: The Last Airbender since I have heard of its status as one of the greatest cartoons ever made, and it's anime-style animation. At first, I was a bit skeptical about watching The Great Divide, since I was aware that it is regarded as the show's worst episode, but after watching it, my feelings on the episode is pretty... mixed. Honestly, I can't think of a complete mix of feelings, as I have mostly positives, but not that many negatives. For example, Aang was still his heroic self, even if that infamous lie he told at the end of the episode wasn't necessarily justified, as he was trying his hardest to stop the tribes from arguing and bickering, even if it got him frustrated, something that I've normally haven't seen much in his character yet. I get that lying can be "the worst thing a human can do", according to my mum, but I personally don't agree, as that example with Aang's lie is that he just wanted the two factions to stop fighting, and to resolve their issues. This episode is mostly positives, very few negatives for me, as even though some of Aang and Katara's actions were a bit out of character, it was still a pretty good episode.
18 Reviews
The Weakest Episode of the Show
endermanstink14 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The Great Divide is very often considered the worst episode of Avatar by the audience... and they're not wrong. Now, this isn't episode isn't totally horrible. There is some fun to be had... but not much. Some of the jokes are funny, but that's all this episode has going for it. The side characters are awful. They're one-dimensional, annoying, and pointless. Katara and Sokka act completely out of character for the sake of the message that the show tries to shove in your face, but I think the worst part of it has to be Aang's lie at the end. It was unnecessary, wrong and sends a bad message to kids. I try not to judge it too much because it's just a filler episode but it does more harm than good. 5/10
Wait... Nobody else there was an earthbender??
poseyfan22 June 2022
This is one of the weakest episodes in the series. It has some decent moments, but there were a lot of moments where i was just like what? Like how they all rode the beetles vertical to get on top of the cliff. How did no one fall off? And out of those 50 or so earth kingdom people, there were no earthbenders to fill in for the guide?
5.5/10.
5.5/10.
Went wrong at the end.
XueHuaBingYu23 February 2022
Not as bad as others lead you to believe
ansonlam7 May 2021
This episode does not contribute much to Aang's growth in strength and power, but is in no way a bad episode.
The Avatar has long been hinted to "bring balance to the world", and we've seen times-a-plenty that Aang does it by taking part in the war - This is the most intuitive solution you'd expect of a cartoon. However, this episode shows that there is more to the character of Avatar other than pure power - it's spontaneous wits and problem-solving abilities - aspects of the character that weren't highlighted until this very episode.
The conflict between the two tribes, depicted humorously and light-heartedly, is a direct reflection of how ridiculous tribal prejudices and rivalries are - ones that even modern humans are guilty of committing. Partial judgement is internalized within a community, and as the boundary thickens, they become more polarized, and this just feeds to the perpetual vicious cycle.
An interesting allegory is that the ancestors of the Zhang and the Gan Jin have nigh-identical names - they are birds of a feather, separated by misunderstanding and polarized in tribes. Sounds familiar? That's because it's homo sapiens.
Skip it if you will. But this is a solid and entertaining episode that I am glad I didn't skip over.
The Avatar has long been hinted to "bring balance to the world", and we've seen times-a-plenty that Aang does it by taking part in the war - This is the most intuitive solution you'd expect of a cartoon. However, this episode shows that there is more to the character of Avatar other than pure power - it's spontaneous wits and problem-solving abilities - aspects of the character that weren't highlighted until this very episode.
The conflict between the two tribes, depicted humorously and light-heartedly, is a direct reflection of how ridiculous tribal prejudices and rivalries are - ones that even modern humans are guilty of committing. Partial judgement is internalized within a community, and as the boundary thickens, they become more polarized, and this just feeds to the perpetual vicious cycle.
An interesting allegory is that the ancestors of the Zhang and the Gan Jin have nigh-identical names - they are birds of a feather, separated by misunderstanding and polarized in tribes. Sounds familiar? That's because it's homo sapiens.
Skip it if you will. But this is a solid and entertaining episode that I am glad I didn't skip over.
This episode is good, actually
trolliyama26 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I disagree with the people calling this the "worst" episode of Avatar, or saying Aang did something wrong at the end.
If anything, Aang did the right thing. While Katara and Sokka engaged in puerile tribalism that only served to make things worse, Aang brought a solution that avoided violence and stopped an endless cycle of pettiness that ultimately would have been worse for everyone involved, ending a conflict over a story that probably was just a legend, akin to pointless religious wars.
I have become much more cynical nowadays. Shows like the original Star Trek, where racism was a thing of the past, always were way too naively idealistic for my taste, but after the last 2 years even the ending of Watchmen seems way too idealistic for me, showing once again how instead of "fighting against a common enemy", people are still wallowing in how to completely destroy "the other side"...Even if that ends causing their own destruction.
Things just keep getting worse and worse. Instead of mankind working united for our survival, it seems more likelly we will continue fighting each other until our demise as species, probably making wars for natural resources as the earth slowly becomes a barren wasteland. Which might happen sooner than I thought, due ocean acidification. (Once again, reality is slowly turning more and more like Soylent Green)
Tribalism is the bane of human existence, and it will lead us to our extinction.
If anything, Aang did the right thing. While Katara and Sokka engaged in puerile tribalism that only served to make things worse, Aang brought a solution that avoided violence and stopped an endless cycle of pettiness that ultimately would have been worse for everyone involved, ending a conflict over a story that probably was just a legend, akin to pointless religious wars.
I have become much more cynical nowadays. Shows like the original Star Trek, where racism was a thing of the past, always were way too naively idealistic for my taste, but after the last 2 years even the ending of Watchmen seems way too idealistic for me, showing once again how instead of "fighting against a common enemy", people are still wallowing in how to completely destroy "the other side"...Even if that ends causing their own destruction.
Things just keep getting worse and worse. Instead of mankind working united for our survival, it seems more likelly we will continue fighting each other until our demise as species, probably making wars for natural resources as the earth slowly becomes a barren wasteland. Which might happen sooner than I thought, due ocean acidification. (Once again, reality is slowly turning more and more like Soylent Green)
Tribalism is the bane of human existence, and it will lead us to our extinction.
Skip It
papavana23 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Skip this episode. It adds nothing to the narrative and is just really boring. Based on the Ember Island Players skipping this in their play, even the writers know it's bad.
The only reason I gave it 5 stars instead of 1 is because the ending is funny.
Great Allegory about Prejudice among Cultures
michaelamendola23 May 2020
A terrific allegory on the pettiness of superficial prejudice (and its long-lasting consequences) based on miscommunication, misinformation and different interpretations of cultural lore. It works as a stand-alone episode so some people that are hungry for more long-term plot candy don't give it the love it deserves for just solid ethics building for adolescents.
Harsh words won't solve anything bad episodes will
matitya-3393721 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ok. So I don't actually hate this episode the way some people do. I think that Aang having to solve conflicts between Sokka and Katara is something that the show could have done right if he were better at it. And the fact that the rivalry of tribes parallels that of Sokka and Katara works pretty well.
The fact that each side breaks the rules and then bashes the other for so doing works. And the fact that they ultimately have to work together to defeat the giant bug works pretty well. And harsh words won't solve anything action will is a pretty good lesson.
But the Outlandish story that Aang spins to get them to terminate the conflict seemed ridiculous to me even as a kid and it only gets more ludicrous with age. Also if it were meant as an allegory for racism then lying to mitigate it is an awful lesson.
Beyond that, the episode did absolutely nothing for the development of any of the characters. It wasn't all that funny. And Prince Zuko wasn't in it.
Do I hate it? No. I don't. It's a filler episode and that's fine, I honestly loved the Fortune Teller episode which was also filler. And it's also a kids' show so I can't really blame it for being childish. That said, unlike other episodes of the show, it's extremely difficult to enjoy without actually being a kid.
The fact that each side breaks the rules and then bashes the other for so doing works. And the fact that they ultimately have to work together to defeat the giant bug works pretty well. And harsh words won't solve anything action will is a pretty good lesson.
But the Outlandish story that Aang spins to get them to terminate the conflict seemed ridiculous to me even as a kid and it only gets more ludicrous with age. Also if it were meant as an allegory for racism then lying to mitigate it is an awful lesson.
Beyond that, the episode did absolutely nothing for the development of any of the characters. It wasn't all that funny. And Prince Zuko wasn't in it.
Do I hate it? No. I don't. It's a filler episode and that's fine, I honestly loved the Fortune Teller episode which was also filler. And it's also a kids' show so I can't really blame it for being childish. That said, unlike other episodes of the show, it's extremely difficult to enjoy without actually being a kid.
The Show's Worst Episode
hornsbyhavoc16 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Aang's lie at the end of this infamous episode is enough to rank it this low alone. What a terrible decision from the writers. How did no one in storyboarding or production catch this? Well, here we go.
If you've seen any episode of Avatar, it's probably this one, since Nickelodeon insisted upon playing it every day for years. What a shame. The monsters are a little interesting and the environment is neat. The exaggerated personas of the tribes' leaders are amusing enough. That's about it. The characters are simplistic and one-dimensional, nothing is believable, the sloppiness vs. cleanliness argument is absurd, and the whole thing is nothing like the charming, thoughtful, funny show we thought we were watching. And then there's Aang's lie, when instead of just ridiculing the absurdity of the group's differences to make them see why there's no reason they shouldn't get along, he invents a backstory that trivializes the origin of their conflict. This lie is destructive and malicious and doesn't solve anything. I vented out most of my anger in the Jet review, so just know this is worse. You can skip right over this episode and not miss a beat. Just don't watch it. It's horrible.
If you've seen any episode of Avatar, it's probably this one, since Nickelodeon insisted upon playing it every day for years. What a shame. The monsters are a little interesting and the environment is neat. The exaggerated personas of the tribes' leaders are amusing enough. That's about it. The characters are simplistic and one-dimensional, nothing is believable, the sloppiness vs. cleanliness argument is absurd, and the whole thing is nothing like the charming, thoughtful, funny show we thought we were watching. And then there's Aang's lie, when instead of just ridiculing the absurdity of the group's differences to make them see why there's no reason they shouldn't get along, he invents a backstory that trivializes the origin of their conflict. This lie is destructive and malicious and doesn't solve anything. I vented out most of my anger in the Jet review, so just know this is worse. You can skip right over this episode and not miss a beat. Just don't watch it. It's horrible.
You won't miss out if you skip it
sarimaleem19 March 2020
just a filler
juliussimmons26 July 2021
Genuinely one of the worst episodes or might as well be the worst episode that has ever been a part of the avatar series. I mean, literally, the show literally pokes fun at it by Skipping it LOL. I understand how the episode does its take on familial conflict or conflicts between generations can be mistranslated and create a grudge on other people, but the take on here is super weak and the even the main cast feel their most flat yet.
Lackluster
WearItLikeArmor15 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
While the episode's good parts are very well done. It can't detract from the flimsy story and overly hateful approach.
The highest point of the episode is the explanation as to why the two tribes-The Zhang and Gan Jin-hate each other. The differing styles of animation from each tribes flash back was a really nice touch and I love watching the scenes to this day.
The canon guide was a refreshing character too. Leaving just enough material to be memorable and add to the story.
The way they got of the canon was pretty cool as well. Along with any battle scenes(but this is Avatar, there are no bad fights).
However, we come to the bad, and to me, the worst of 'em all-besides Aang's ending lines, don't worry we'll get to them-has to be the plot. Really? Slobbiness vs. Cleanliness, is that all you have? The backstory behind the tribes is just enough to hold a solid grudge. Don't tack on something flimsy like that. I get you're trying to exaggerate and make it harder to respect their differences, but why make it something so trivial?
Also the tribes themselves felt VERY shoehorned in. What purpose did they serve the entire episode? What set them apart from the gang? Nothing, their just there to spout useless information that adds nothing to the story.
Everyone seems out of character as well when the show progresses, not just Aang. Sokka's too gullible, Katara's too wrathful, and Aang's a pushover(and overly preachy). It only took the later half of the episode for him to sack up and take command like he normally does. Not to mention his obnoxious motto: "Harsh words will never solve our problem, action will!" Okay...Then act you spineless dolt. Don't tell them what to do, make them do it. Get angry like you got before. Don't just see where it goes.
The food dilemma felt pointless too. Just adding useless drama to the bunch. Predators like the canyon crawlers wouldn't just wait, they'd be stalking them with or without food. Waiting for a chance to strike.
Oh, and I definitely, without a doubt, despise Aang's lie. It's such a cruel, uncaring, and needless thing to do. You're the Avatar. The voice of reason. Say they're being babies and have them make-up. Once again drawing back to the push-over problem. By the way Aang, y'know lying is just a friendly way to say harsh words, right? Katara being equally cruel doesn't help either, "that is so wrong." Way to be motherly...Sokka's the only one with common sense. He didn't agree to it, he just stood mouth agape in shock. As many of us did.
And now. The "eh" bunch. The "story" between the Jin Wei and Wei Jin was...Nice. For the most part. It was a lie so it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Different animation styles is a big part of this episode, which is sad because it could've been interesting to see more.
The tribes. I like 'em, I hate 'em, I tolerate them. Avatar has no shortage of fantastic character designs and these tribes are no exception. The Zhang leader is a badass, and the Gan Jin guy is hilariously proper, but the tribes, as a whole...Really don't do anything. They either growl or add background noise. These are tribes, people. Add some interaction.
Conclusion: It is often said this is the worst episode, and yeah, I see it. However, it's still got watchable in it. So I would never tell someone to skip it. Cringe at the bad stuff all you want, but be in awe at the great stuff above. It doesn't hold a candle to the other episodes, but every series has a dud. No exception.
I guess the fact that "The Storm"(one of Avatar's best episode's) comes after this one, doesn't help it either.
The highest point of the episode is the explanation as to why the two tribes-The Zhang and Gan Jin-hate each other. The differing styles of animation from each tribes flash back was a really nice touch and I love watching the scenes to this day.
The canon guide was a refreshing character too. Leaving just enough material to be memorable and add to the story.
The way they got of the canon was pretty cool as well. Along with any battle scenes(but this is Avatar, there are no bad fights).
However, we come to the bad, and to me, the worst of 'em all-besides Aang's ending lines, don't worry we'll get to them-has to be the plot. Really? Slobbiness vs. Cleanliness, is that all you have? The backstory behind the tribes is just enough to hold a solid grudge. Don't tack on something flimsy like that. I get you're trying to exaggerate and make it harder to respect their differences, but why make it something so trivial?
Also the tribes themselves felt VERY shoehorned in. What purpose did they serve the entire episode? What set them apart from the gang? Nothing, their just there to spout useless information that adds nothing to the story.
Everyone seems out of character as well when the show progresses, not just Aang. Sokka's too gullible, Katara's too wrathful, and Aang's a pushover(and overly preachy). It only took the later half of the episode for him to sack up and take command like he normally does. Not to mention his obnoxious motto: "Harsh words will never solve our problem, action will!" Okay...Then act you spineless dolt. Don't tell them what to do, make them do it. Get angry like you got before. Don't just see where it goes.
The food dilemma felt pointless too. Just adding useless drama to the bunch. Predators like the canyon crawlers wouldn't just wait, they'd be stalking them with or without food. Waiting for a chance to strike.
Oh, and I definitely, without a doubt, despise Aang's lie. It's such a cruel, uncaring, and needless thing to do. You're the Avatar. The voice of reason. Say they're being babies and have them make-up. Once again drawing back to the push-over problem. By the way Aang, y'know lying is just a friendly way to say harsh words, right? Katara being equally cruel doesn't help either, "that is so wrong." Way to be motherly...Sokka's the only one with common sense. He didn't agree to it, he just stood mouth agape in shock. As many of us did.
And now. The "eh" bunch. The "story" between the Jin Wei and Wei Jin was...Nice. For the most part. It was a lie so it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Different animation styles is a big part of this episode, which is sad because it could've been interesting to see more.
The tribes. I like 'em, I hate 'em, I tolerate them. Avatar has no shortage of fantastic character designs and these tribes are no exception. The Zhang leader is a badass, and the Gan Jin guy is hilariously proper, but the tribes, as a whole...Really don't do anything. They either growl or add background noise. These are tribes, people. Add some interaction.
Conclusion: It is often said this is the worst episode, and yeah, I see it. However, it's still got watchable in it. So I would never tell someone to skip it. Cringe at the bad stuff all you want, but be in awe at the great stuff above. It doesn't hold a candle to the other episodes, but every series has a dud. No exception.
I guess the fact that "The Storm"(one of Avatar's best episode's) comes after this one, doesn't help it either.
Skip
alessandrocelebi5 January 2022
Still better then the movie.
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Well...
creativityunleashed14 May 2024
It was a nice allegory for how conflict in reality starts, just between a hunch and miscommunication, but it really lost me in the pacing and the ending. I found myself getting bored at the meaningless conflict between Katara and Sokka, and the ending just makes the episode meaningless plot wise.
I would probably rank it higher if these tribes were actually important to understand there conflict, or maybe they had come back later in the series, but they just don't. And this is solidified when the conflict that was apparently ongoing for decades, just ends as some child they don't know says he saw something different. It doesn't make sense why they would believe him and it doesn't make sense why Aang would bother lying, especially as it seems sort of out of character for him to lie like that.
Only episode I skip when rewatching.
I would probably rank it higher if these tribes were actually important to understand there conflict, or maybe they had come back later in the series, but they just don't. And this is solidified when the conflict that was apparently ongoing for decades, just ends as some child they don't know says he saw something different. It doesn't make sense why they would believe him and it doesn't make sense why Aang would bother lying, especially as it seems sort of out of character for him to lie like that.
Only episode I skip when rewatching.
There is no Great Divide in Ba Sing Se
timothytesteror2 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I love re-watching Avatar for the millionth time and "accidentally" skip this episode.
And now for my AI to do its thing: "The Great Divide" is one of the least-liked episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and for good reason. The story centers around two feuding tribes, a fight that's been going on for generations, and a lack of any real stakes that can make the audience feel invested in the resolution. The characters are one-dimensional, and the plot is predictable. It lacks the depth and emotional resonance that other episodes of the show are known for. Overall, it's a boring and uninspired episode that doesn't do much to advance the story or the characters.
And now for my AI to do its thing: "The Great Divide" is one of the least-liked episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and for good reason. The story centers around two feuding tribes, a fight that's been going on for generations, and a lack of any real stakes that can make the audience feel invested in the resolution. The characters are one-dimensional, and the plot is predictable. It lacks the depth and emotional resonance that other episodes of the show are known for. Overall, it's a boring and uninspired episode that doesn't do much to advance the story or the characters.
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