I don't think Zuko's done with his transformation.?? I think he's still in the middle of it and right now he has to go after the things that he thinks is important to him, his honor, his birthright and the love of his father.?? Ever since his banishment, he's been trying to capture the Avatar to regain all that he lost, so for him to suddenly give it up once it's offered to him almost on a platter, how can he refuse??? He's only thought about giving up on getting the Avatar for a very short time in comparison to wanting to/needing to capture him.??

But Zuko's not done changing.?? The big, real epiphany will happen at some later time.?? Maybe after trying to understand himself better by trying to find out what happened to his mother.?? Or maybe, once they get back to his father.?? His father tells him that to show true loyalty and truly restore his honor he has to kill his traitorous uncle!?? Now wouldn't that be a crazy demand, but I could so see Ozai saying that.?? Azula wouldn't even hesitate and Ozai knows that, but Zuko??? That could be what makes him change his mind about staying on Azula and Ozai's side.??

Iroh looks genuinely mad and hurt when he's captured and Zuko has that look of did-I-do-the-right-thing at the end of the finale.?? So I don't think Zuko has a grand master plan.?? At least, not yet.??

This is a very complicated situation that could go either way with??several clues we could look at. And I mean SEVERAL.

First, we have Zuko's reaction upon first seeing Aang and his Uncle in collusion. "What are you doing with the Avatar?!?" was Zuko's line to Iroh as he lunges towards Aang when they appear in the crystal cavern. I don't think Zuko can feign that... he was genuinely surprised. For two, nearly three, years he's had "Must get Avatar" drilled into every fiber of his being and his first initial reaction was to go and get him. Upon further discussion with Iroh, that MIGHT have changed.

Second, the look exchanged between Katara and Zuko. They wanted to continue their conversation. Zuko wanted to be healed physically. Zuko wants someone to talk to, to relate to, etc. that is his own age. Yes, Katara is still the "enemy" but they still want to talk. Do they want a love relationship? I don't know but that look was certainly poignant.

Three, Iroh and Zuko's hidden conversation we didn't see. Azula leaves Uncle and Zuko alone to get Aang. She starts fighting Aang and Katara alone for several seconds and THEN we see Zuko jump in. Yes, we saw Iroh tell him it's time to choose right. But there is still a segment of time that's missing. Those things being said, we can also go on past behavior of the characters.

If, IF, it is true that Iroh and Zuko (or maybe just Zuko) is attempting to deceive Azula for whatever gain (to be taught lightning, to get close to his father, etc.) they have done that before. ADMIRAL ZHAO was the first victim of such a plot, but will the writers do it again? Some of us surmised another villain would die in this finale, but everyone lived (though Aang just barely). Did Zuko and Iroh plot to go along with Azula for the time being? They took a huge risk this time as well, because several things could go wrong. Azula could have Iroh killed in captivity. She could kill Zuko, etc.

Why would Zuko want this? IF Zuko is truly a good person, several reasons. To get close to his father to take his revenge. To have Azula teach him the lightning in order to avenge himself upon her. To wait until the right time to strike back at her (neutral jin, like King Bumi). Or it could be Zuko is having second thoughts. His reality came crashing down on him after just barely having time to get over his spiritual crisis. His family life was drilled into him for years and years and it's hard to give that thought process up.

Aang's mission is clear, but Zuko's isn't. Which is why Zuko is the most complex and well-thought out character in the entire series.

I heartily agree. They couldn't have the beloved Zuko lost ALL of his character development!

This series owns.