1). giant turtle bending, although awesome, was an easy way out so the writers didn't have to develope any sort of GOOD ending
2). the fight scene was freaking awesome. the battling colors=great cinamotogrophy (or drawing i guess) on behalf of whoever is in charge of the creative stuff
3). Zuko got distracted when he saw Katara, and didn't have time to focuz on redirecting it and just took the hit. It shout up to show that he couldm't redirect it. Hey it had to go somewhere? It couldn't just dissolve into his body.
4). It don't think it's retarted because Zuko's character is an anti-vigilant. So he doesn't struggle with stupid stupid morals like Aang.
5). Aang's character is just soooo very lame. But hey, it's a kid's show.