For the sake of decency I've??divided this up )

Let me just start out by saying that it freaks the crap out of me when I find some who shares similar thought process with me. The whole minds think alike just, anyway I think I almost completely agree with your impression, save a few points-

First off, what is going on with Avatar? When did they feel the need to use all these ???elements??? (yeah, yeah no pun intended ). I mean one of the main reasons I got hooked onto this show is because it tried not what basically everyone else is doing, it tried to stay unique. Yes we???re all aware that they borrowed a bunch of stuff from Miyazaki and Asian culture, but they did it in a creative way, and it wasn???t nearly as obvious as some of the stuff they???ve been doing these last couple of eps. You know what I???m talking about: giving the guy with glasses (at least I think they were supposed to be) a nasally voice, having a trio of mean spirited girls (thank God they can???t use blondes on this show, they would whipped that one out in a second), random testosterone-induced big huge guys with deep voices, the stupid getting thrown out the door sequence (that part almost made me puke, and I can???t even remember if he said ??? and stay out??? or not. If he did???.). Since when did Avatar really need all this crap? M???kay now onto the episode themselves.

Toph and Katara- It was nice but it really wasn???t all that. They really seem to be forcing those two to be girlfriends. I also didn???t care for that rebuttal (add that to the list) they gave to the girls. What does that truly prove? And latest blind joke, as usually it could???ve have been better if they had said it in a slightly different way. It was obvious that they were trying to get the characters back with that friendly punch at the end, but I kinda liked that.

I just wanted to chime in with a few words, as a member of the "Avatar parent" crowd.

Personally, I really enjoyed this show.?? It was a "pause that refreshed".?? Especially after the intense action of the last few episodes, it was very nice to take some time for thorough character development.?? It was good to see new relationships form, and bonds forged.

I asked my 4 1/2 year old boy what his favorite espisode was, and it was the "Iroh" story.?? I, too, thought it was the best of the bunch -- and was amazed to hear from my son that this thougtful, deep tale was his pick.?? Though the story was not long, it was touching.?? I had tears in my eyes when I realized Iroh was having a picnic lunch as a celebration of his son's life.?? Perhaps you have to be a parent to get that, but it was one of the best moments of the show.?? Even though it was a short piece, the quality was a fine tribute to Mako.?? I am glad to see the creators kept Iroh's character -- I am sure that Mako would have wanted it so, as he promoted work for Asian American actors.

Zuko's was my next favorite.?? I enjoyed the further development of his character, and how he is beginning to "that out" (so to speak) emotionally.?? I think Zuko and Iroh are probably very happy for the break from all that swordplay on pervious episodes.?? I was also intrigued by Momo's tale -- there's a character who would have quite a story to tell if he could speak.?? I loved the ending, hinting that Appa's return may not be far off.?? As a woman who loves a spar treatment, I liked the girl's tale (and wished I had a few bending skills to handle the female wenches at my junior high school).?? I am a little disappointed that they can't seem to do more with Sokka's character.?? First Suki.?? Then Yuhe,?? Then flirting with Ty Lee.?? Then the girls school!?? The boy is far too hormonal!!!!!

I hope to be able to read some more comments.?? It is good to be in the midst of new episodes.