This episode is in the Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 2: Earth, Volume 3 DVD, along with The Library, The Serpent's Pass, The Drill, and The Tales of Ba Sing Se. (edit) Military Debut: Dai Li (edit) Character Debuts: Long Feng, Bosco, Pao, Joo Dee, Earth King Kuei (edit) In this episode, it is revealed that Aang knew of Ba Sing Se long before the series began, and long before they heard about it in 'The Great Divide.' (edit) Zuko uses a new name: Lee.
Iroh uses a new name: Mushi. (edit) This episode was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program. (edit) Joo Dee is modeled after Miken Lee Wong, a line producer for the production management of the show who, as some describe, expresses a seemingly perpetual smile that immediately puts one at ease. (edit) According to the Avatar Escape From the Spirit World online event, the Dai Li was created during the reign of the 46th Earth King, when Avatar Kyoshi was summoned to Ba Sing Se to deal with traumatic peasant revolts. After bringing him to a compromise, the Earth King agreed to allow the people have a voice in his ruling and in turn Kyoshi agreed to train up an elite task force of Earthbenders capable of protecting Ba Sing Se's cultural heritage from future disruptions. The group would come to be feared and known as, the Dai Li. But unfortunately, she didn't foresee their inevitable corruption. (edit) Look Hard: It is implied that the Earth King wears glasses. This is later proven in "The Earth King." (edit) Toph is well versed with the rules of ettiquite, but explains that she chooses not to follow them. (edit) The name "Long Feng" literally means "man behind the man," alluding to his position of influence under the Earth King's facade. (edit) Fortunately for Zuko in his fight with Jet, Ba Sing Se authorities are equipped with twin sabres, much like what he regularly utilizes. It's possible that the blades he has used as the Blue Spirit originated from the Earth Kingdom, much like the traditional opera mask itself. (edit) Enemy Debut: Long Feng and the Dai Li. (edit) Professor Zei is mentioned briefly by one of the students at Ba Sing Se University. (edit) We learn that the actual Earth King has no real authority, he is just a figure head. (edit) Apparently their host, Joo Dee, got replaced towards the end of the episode, but her replacement said that she was the same lady (or at least had the same name). (edit) This marks the first episode in which the internal portion of the long discussed city of Ba Sing Se is shown. (edit) Toph is not too pleased to be in Ba Sing Se, due to its "walls and rules", something that she has had to endure her entire life and is simply sick of. (edit) By the end of this episode, Aang and the gang have not been able to deliver the news about the solar eclipse that could defeat the Fire Nation to the king of Ba Sing Se, due to the obstacles within Ba Sing Se. (edit) By the end of this episode, Aang and the gang still haven't found Appa. (edit) This is the second time that someone's made-up name for another annoys them. The first time is in The Cave of Two Lovers, where Zuko makes up "Mushi" for Iroh. Here, Katara makes up "Doph" for Toph. They also both react; Iroh said that Zuko was "Junior," and Toph pulls Katara's braid. (edit) In this episode, upper-level residents of Ba Sing Se seem to be afraid of saying anything that relates to the war or about their government. We then learn that people who do make noise about the war could get mind-wiped. This seems to be done with a rotating light that goes around a room, and as that light rotates, a man speaks commands for the victim to follow. This seems to hypnotize the victims into following the commands. (edit) Azula, Mai, or Ty Lee do not make an appearance in this episode. (edit) Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh got jobs in a Tea Shop. (edit) The war cannot be mentioned in the city of Ba Sing Se. (edit) Iroh has trimmed his beard for his job in tea service. (edit) Ba Sing Se is seperated into three sections. The lower ring for manual workers and refugees, basically the poor. The middle ring is for academics and the middle class. The upper ring belongs to nobles and the king, basically, the rich, important, and noble live here. (edit) Jet is arrested by the Dai Li for creating a fight with Zuko and announcing in front of a large crowd that he and Iroh are Firebenders, making a scene about something relating to the war. He is last seen being submitted to the Dai Li "re-education" process. (edit) The characters were shocked to find out that the king's pet bear was just a normal bear. Toph even said that it was "weird" that the bear was not a hybrid. (edit) This is the first time eyeglasses have been seen in the series. (edit) This is the second appearance of a normal animal; a bear. The first one being a cat in The Blue Spirit. (edit) Creature Debuts: Cat-Owl, Normal bear, Red-fox deer

The Red-fox Dear are seen grazing a field in the outer ring of Ba Sing Se, beneath the monorail. They have a deer-like body and antlers, but they also have a fox-like tail and fur coloring. Their face is also a mixture of a deer and fox.
(edit) This episode's original name was The Secret of Ba Sing Se. (edit)

Joo Dee: One doesn't just pop in on the Earth King! (edit) Iroh: I just want our new place to look nice in case someone brings home a lady friend. (edit) Iroh: Would you like a pot of tea?
Zuko: We've been working in a tea shop all day! I'm sick of tea.
Iroh: Sick of tea?! That's like being sick of breathing! (edit) Aang (Referring to Toph and Katara): Where could they be?
Toph (To Aang): Another crab puff, please?
Aang: How did you find us?
Toph: I could recognize your little footsteps anywhere twinkle toes. (edit) Guard: No entry without an invitation. Step out of line please.
Toph (irritated): Look, the Pangs and the Yum Soon Hans are waiting in there for us. I'm going to have to tell them who didn't let me in.
Guard (unyielding): Step out of line please. (edit) Jet: Arrest them. They're Firebenders.
Iroh: This poor boy is confused. We're just simple refugees.
Pao (pointing at Jet): This young man wrecked my tea shop and assaulted my employees.
Officer: It's true sir. We saw the whole thing. This crazy kid attacked the finest tea maker in the city.
Iroh (blushing): Ohh, that's very sweet. (edit) Joo Dee: Oh, Ba Sing Se has many walls. There are the ones outside protecting us, and the one’s inside that help maintain order. This is where our newest arrivals live, as well as our craftsman and artisans, people that work with their hands. It’s so quaint and lively. You do want to watch your step though. (edit) Joo Dee: Hello, my name is Joo Dee. I have been given the great honor of showing the Avatar around Ba Sing Se. And you must be Sokka, Katara, and Toph. Welcome to our wonderful city. Shall we get started?
Sokka: Yes. We have information about the Fire Nation army that we need to deliver to the Earth King immediately.
Joo Dee: Great, let’s begin our tour. And then I’ll show you to your new home here. I think you’ll like it. (edit) Aang: I’m comin’ for you buddy. He’s here. I can feel it. (edit) Toph (sighs): Back in the city. Great.
Sokka: What’s the problem? It’s amazing!
Toph: Just a bunch of walls and rules. You wait; you’ll get sick of it in a couple of days. (edit) Katara: Don’t worry Aang, we’ll find Appa.
Aang: It’s such a big city.
Sokka: He’s a giant bison. Where could someone possibly hide him? Oh. (edit) Long Feng: In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia, the last one on earth. (edit) Iroh: This tea is nothing more than hot leaves juice.
Zuko: Uncle, that's what all tea is.
Iroh: How could a member of my own family say something so horrible? (edit) Pao: Well, you certainly look like official tea servers. How do you feel?
Zuko: Ridiculous.
Iroh: Ah... does this possibly comes in a larger size? (edit) Katara: I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece.
Sokka: Hey, don't jinx it! We could still be attacked by a giant, exploding Fire Nation spoon, or find out the city's been submerged in a ocean full of killer shrimp.
Toph: You been hitting the cactus juice again?
Sokka: I'm just saying, weird stuff happens to us. (edit) Sokka: Look, I've come up with a backup plan. We dress Momo like a ghost. He flies past the guards creating a distraction. Then we blast a hole in the wall...
Aang: Or we can go in with guys. (looks over at the servants entering a sidedoor) Toph said we might pass as busboys.
Sokka: Ok, but remember that Momo ghost plan. I think it's a winner. (edit) Sokka: Is that women deaf? She only seems to hear every other word I say.
Toph: It's called being handled. Get used to it! (edit) Jet (brandishing his hook-swords): You'll have to defend yourselves. Then everyone will know. Come on! Show them what you can do.
Zuko (grabbing a soldier's swords as he walks passed): You want a show? I'll give you a show! (edit) Jet (fighting Zuko): Bet you wish he'd help you out with a little fire blast right now!
Zuko: You're the one who needs help! (edit) Long Feng: No! I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan. It is a strict rule that the war may not be mentioned inside the city. It will send the city into panic. (edit) Katara: I've got it! I know how we're going to see the Earth King!
Toph: How are we supposed to do that? (mocking Joo Dee) One doesn't just pop in on the Earth King.
Katara: The king is having a party at the palace tonight for his pet bear!
Aang: You mean Platypus-bear?
Katara: No, it just says bear...
Sokka: Certainly, you mean his pet skunk-bear.
Toph: Or his armadillo-bear.
Aang: Gopher-bear?
Katara: Just... bear...
(Moment of silence)
Toph: This place is weird. (edit) Katara: Excuse me? I've got no manners? You're not exactly lady fancy fingers.
Toph (Burps): I learned proper sociality behavior and chose to leave it. You never learned anything and frankly, it's a little too late.
Sokka: Aha, but you learned it! You could teach us!
Aang: Yeah, I'm mastering every element, how hard could manners be? (puts on a curtain) Good evening mister Sokka water tribe, miss Katara water tribe, Your Mo-mo of the Mo-mo dynasty, your Mo-mo-ness.
Sokka (has a curtain on too): Avatar Aang, How you do go on!
(Aang bows, then Sokka bows, then Aang bows again, then Sokka bows again, then they both bang heads at the same time)
Aang and Sokka: Oof!
Toph: Katara might be able to pull it off but you two will be lucky to pass as bus ports...
Sokka: But I feel so fancy. (edit) Toph (puts her fan in Katara's mouth): First rule Katara, don't talk to the commoners. (edit) Long Feng: Here we are free. We are safe. (edit) Katara: I'm Qua Mei, and this is... Dung. (Toph yanks Katara's hair ornement.) (edit) Iroh (to Zuko): Have you seen our spark rocks to heat up the water?
Jet (outside, still monitoring the two): They're not there. (opens his palm to reveal he has them) You'll have to firebend, old man. (edit) Pong: The war? Scared? What do you mean?
Toph: I can feel you shaking. (edit) Sokka: A month?
Joo Dee (smiles): Six to eight weeks, actually! (edit)

When Katara leans in to tell Aang of Long Feng's persistent tailing of them, the yellow item on her collar turns the same color as the collar for a moment. (edit) When asked for her name Katara answers to keep her disguise Huamei. In Chinese this means "beautiful flower". (edit) If Jet got arested at night, then why did it show Jet having a flashback in Lake Laogai about Long Feng aresting him in daylight? (edit) In the earth king's palace, Sokka had food in his tray, but after Joo Dee found him, his food disappeared, and later the food reappeared. (edit) When Aang approaches the Earth King, the soldiers immediately carry the pavilion away, and a line of 6 guards approach Aang. in the next shot, however, there are only 4, and then the other two reappear when Long Feng addresses Aang. (edit) In one scene, it becomes evident that the Earth Kingdom has factories. (edit) Iroh is seen wearing his apron up until Jet is taken away. (edit) Just as Aang tells Long Feng he will tell the city of the conspiracy, the arrow on Aang's head vanishes. (edit) The string and beads on Katara's headpiece's right side vanish just before the Dai Li's hands grab her. (edit) Katara's shirt sleeves grow past her elbows while Toph tells Sokka that is being handled. (edit) Toph was not pleased with the false name Katara assigned to her due to the fact that while Kue Mei translates to 'fascinating beauty', Dong translates to 'ignorant' or 'crude'. (edit) It would seem implausible that the government of Ba Sing Se would be able to keep the war a secret so effectively, considering the vast flood of people refuged by it who arrive at the city on a daily basis. It is implied that they use fear to keep people from talking, but the multiple lower-ring commoners, including Iroh and Zuko who know full well of the war, are never approached by the Dai Li or any other officials. (edit) When Toph and Katara first present themselves dressed up to Aang and Sokka, their fans have yellow lining the edges, but when Toph requests a crab puff from Sokka at the party, her fan is green. (edit) Although Iroh trims his beard in this episode, when Jet attacked him and Zuko, his beard looked the same way it did in the previous episode. (edit) Toph comments on how "Pangs and the Yum Soon Hans are waiting" for them inside when denied entrance by the guard. The names she provides actually makes up a Cantonese phrase that translates to "friends are waiting." (edit) Pong is seen sliding to the left of his door's window when the gang spots him, but when he answers the door, he emerges from the right. (edit) When the owner of the tea shop Zuko and Iroh are working at, he pours tea into 2 cups and gives it to Zuko and Iroh as he goes to get more string, Zuko does not drink his tea, but when he tilts his cup 180 degrees, the cup is empty. (edit) Zuko begins to fight Jet without removing his apron. But before the fight is ended, Zuko's apron has disappeared. When would he have had time to remove it in that fierce fight? (edit) Iroh cannot tie his apron around his round stomach. When the shop owner goes to the back to get some extra string, Iroh goes to dump out the horrid tea they'd been served. When he turns toward the window, his apron is already fastened with extra string. (edit)

It could be argued that Long Feng and the Dai Li are based off 'Big Brother' and the Thought Police of George Orwell's 1984. In this book Orwell describes a totalitarian reigime where 'Big Brother' controls and watches over everyone, using the Thought Police to spy on people and make sure they don't commit 'thinkcrime', which in Ba Sing Se means mentioning the war. (edit) The formal attire of the upper ring citizens is based on Manchurian clothing. (edit) The word Dai is a Chinese male name meaning: draw back or pull. The word Li is also a Chinese male name that means upright. This is perhaps a reference to the fact that they uphold order in Ba Sing Se and their Earthbending. (edit) Katara: I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece.
Sokka: Hey, don't jinx it! We could still be attacked by a giant, exploding Fire Nation spoon, or find out the city's been submerged in a ocean full of killer shrimp.
Toph: You been hitting the cactus juice again?
Sokka: I'm just saying, weird stuff happens to us.

Sokka's comment breaks the fourth wall slightly and can be seen as a send up to how prominent plot twists have been this season. Ironically, multiple major twists occur at the end of this very episode. (edit) Ba Sing Se's "rings" heavily suggest towards social class systems (lower-class, middle-class, upper-class) that have and continue to divide certain (primarily Western European-influenced) societies. The comments made by Aang and Katara on the stratification further help illustrate the social issues and tensions the divisions have been known to inevitably produce. (edit) Joo Dee's abbreviation is J.D., which is also an abbreviation for Jane Doe, which is a name in the USA for an unidentified woman. (edit) The corn guy on the train looks similar to another corn guy from Invader Zim, who Avatar co-creator Bryan Konietzko was once an art director for, who appears in the episode Gaz, Taster of Pork. (edit) The term "joo dee" is slang for "lips" in Korean. This obviously is a reference to her artificial, cheery demeanor. Another noteable aspect is the fact that her voice actress, Lauren Tom, also happens to be Korean-American. (edit) The poor section of Ba Sing Se is reminiscent of New York's tenements in the 1800s-1900s. (edit) The name of the Dai Li guards is a reference to General Dai Li, the head of the Chinese secret police under Chiang Kai-shek. He was known as the "Himmler of China," which would explain the viciousness of their leader Long Feng. (edit) The game Aang and Sokka were playing in this episode, seems to be the Avatar world's own version of "Rock, Paper, Scissors". (edit) Joo Dee said that the craftsmen and artisans lived in the poorest caste of the city. This is similar in old Japan, where craftsmen were often resented due to the fact they usually didn't produce their own food. (edit) The Dai Li of Ba Sing Se keep all information of the war a secret from the Earth King and do not let the general public know anything about it. This is very similar to perhaps what many governments will do, keep information about the war (and other government activities) away from the public. (edit) Dai Li
The Dai Li warriors seem to be an allusion to the secret police that are found in almost every totalitarian regime. Some examples are the Gestapo in Nazi Germany, and the Cheka and KGB of the USSR. These groups of secret police were in charge of "keeping order" by finding those not 100% for the cause of the nation. They did this through , spying, and threats. They would often kill, or dissapear, someone not doing something 100% correctly. (edit) The government of Ba Sing Se
The government of Ba Sing Se closely resembles that of a socialist government, such as the one that existed in the U.S.S.R. or China. In these governments, people were brainwashed, threatened, and watched. If anyone tryed to go against the government, they could dissapear. The government would flood the people with lies about how everything was perfect, and how they were so much better off then anyone else, but this was usually just an attempt to keep the people under the control of the government. (edit) The King of the Earth Kingdom is like the Emperor of Japan during fuedal times. The emperor was just a figurehead in feudal Japan; the real power was given to the more powerful shogun just like the Earth King is a figurehead to the Grand Secretariat. (edit) This episode makes allusions to the book 1984 and A Clockwork Orange, where those who try and make noise about something the government doesn't want known (in this case, the war) are brainwashed into believing that said thing does not exist or is no threat. (edit) The royal palace grounds are very similar to Tian'anmen and the City's Meridian Gate in Beijing, China. (edit)