Aang, the reincarnated Avatar, and Water Nation siblings Katara and Sokka at last reach the Northern Water Tribe, setting the stage for the spectacular conclusion to Book 1 of this epic anime-influenced saga. Aang and his companions have come a long way before engaging in the ultimate battle with the Fire Nation who would imperil the delicate balance of the earth. The exciting and moving two-part season finale, "The Siege of the North," not only pits Aang against his nemesis, Prince Zuko, but also plays out inter-tribal treachery between Zuko and Admiral Zhao, who is bent on succeeding where Zuko has failed -- by capturing Aang. Preceding "Siege" are two entertaining episodes. Aang and company defend refugees at "The Northern Air Temple," and Katara is denied training by "The Waterbending Master" because she is a girl. Avatar is a richly rewarding series, brilliantly animated and impressively written and acted. The series works on several levels. The black snow, for example, that precedes the arrival of the Fire Nation army may, to younger viewers, be simply weird and scary. Older viewers may pick up on this visual metaphor for industrialization. (This insight comes from the series' co-creators in the episode commentary, a welcome first for Avatar DVDs). Most satisfyingly, the characters continue to evolve: the cynical Sokka reveals his tender side when he falls for a Waterbender princess; and Zuko's uncle, usually good for some comic relief, gets to display his awesome powers against Zhao. And you can't ask for a better season payoff than the introduction, in the final seconds, of a surprising new Fire Nation warrior who figures to play a major role in Book 2.
