I thought I was the only one that raised an eyebrow at Katara's sudden awesome waterbending ability, since yes, it was established early on that Aang picked up things learning wise, faster than she did.?? But then again, I suppose if she was still the medicore waterbending Katara while Aang had managed to master waterbending (Is it just me, or has he barely if not at all, used water bending this season?) then she was be less important.?? (Having Aang too powerful too soon would get really boring and repetitive.)

As for Azula's new friends, I'm a bit curious as to whether they're a threat:

I believe power wise, they are.?? Aang seemed to have a bit of trouble with Azula himself so them actually throw down fighting will be interesting.?? As for Mai, Katara seemed to be able to hold her own very well until Lee got involved.?? Yet Soka was able to help out there with Oppa.?? So in the end, I think it depends on who is challenging who:

Katara vs Azula could be interesting as both seem to be very good in their bending ablities but if worse comes to worse, it might be better if Aang took her on because he could go into Avatar State if things just got down right ridiculously bad.

Katara (IMO) has already proven she can take care of Mai on her own, however, her problem lies with Lee, who is very agile, flexiable, swift and more importantly, has the power to cease all of Katara (or any bender though the avatar's is questionable) bending abilities, which thus, renders her helpless. (I agree with the statement that she depends on said bending abilities others, Sokka would have the advantage.)

I think Lee should be left of to Sokka believe?? it or not.?? Her pressure points would have no effect because he can't water bend, so it would come down to fighting skill, and this is were Sokka seems to excel.?? She has flexibility and agility on her side but if Sokka can find her weakness, then he could still win.

But now that the Earth Bender has joined the team (I can not remember her name right now), there's not telling the posibilites.?? Sneaking up on her (unless your an Airbender) seems almost impossible as she can simply feel everything around her: Lee may have the advantage there because she's light on her feet, but I think Azula and Mai are out on that one.?? She's very powerful and packes a punch, so if Katara could take care of Mai, I think she got Mai beat. Azula is another issue, since apparently, she's extraordinary in her bending powers (the girl has different colored flames and can use lightening...)

As for the characters as a whole:

It seemed obvious to me that while Lee considers Azula a friends, she's by no means stupid.?? She could read right through the lines: either join me or I'll make your life a living hell.?? She chose the safest road.?? I do believe if Azula crosses the line by any means, she would eventually say something or even join up with Aang and the gang.??

I hate to say it, but I think Mai may come down to shipping.?? She apparently still likes Zuko and we aren't sure about his feelings for her as of now.?? Though if Mai still likes Zuko and those feelings are strong enough, she might just turn her back on Azula once she figures out what Azula is trying to do with Zuko.?? (Azula only said they had to track down Zuko and his uncle, I don't think she mentioned they were POW or even they might have to be excuted.) I don't think it would be all fluffed out (that would scare me) but she'd probably just join Zuko or something.?? Unless she comes to the conclusion he's a failure and disgrace to the Fire Nation and sides with Azula.?? Besides, she doesn't seem very loyal from the start: the only reason she seems to join in the first place is because she's completely bored.?? She lacks loyality and that's something I think that will come back to bite Azula in the butt.

So you have two girls that are with Azula: childhood friends but one joining in what seems out of a fear (though not shown outright) and one out of sheer bordom.?? The only one of the three that might have any loyality is Lee and I think that only goes so far, and we all should know by now Azula would stab anyone she has too in the back while I think Mai isn't too far behind.

No loyality.?? No trust.?? No team.?? That's something Aang's team have that Azula's does not, so they have the advantage in that degree.?? As far as fighting goes, like I said: pitting the right person against the right person:

Aang-Azula

Katara-Mai

Sokka/Earth Bending Blind Girl-Lee

Though I AM very curious as to how Zuko will fair agasint all three: he didn't seem like he could beat Azula (and even more so now that he's tired and weary and etc.) let along, a weapons expert (that may or may not go easy on him) and a chick that can totally disrupt his fire bending.

Rambling, I'll stop.?? But man, this season rocks.