We finally see how Katara's waterskin stays on her back- when commenting on how little water is within the waterskin, we can see clips on the ends of the waterskin which are clipped to the cloth of Katara's shirt over her shoulder and at her hip, though these clips are not seen any other time. (edit) Character Debuts: Sha-Mo, Fung, Ghashiun (edit) This episode is in the Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 2: Earth, Volume 3 DVD, along with The Serpent's Pass, The Drill, City of Walls and Secrets, and The Tales of Ba Sing Se. (edit) Though difficult to notice due to the swiftness of their fight, Zuko's fighting style appears to have undergone a noteable transformation during his and Iroh's encounter with the Rough Rhinos. In olden times, Zuko would characteristically bowl his opponents over with either a large fireball or relentless shots of flame. However in this case, when faced with an enemy Yu Yan archer, Zuko instead waits for shot, deflects the arrow, and fires a single small bolt of flame that burns a hole through both bow and string, utterly disarming the archer. This change no doubt is related to the resumption of his firebending tutelage under Iroh in the his previous episode. (edit) This marks the first time moisture from the ground is shown being collected and being bended. (edit) Sokka refers to the moon as Princess Yue in this episode while still under the influence of the cactus juice. This is the second time he refers to her this season, though he says he thinks about her all the time. (edit) The wanted poster that Xin Fu shows the White Lotus member in the flower shop is written completely in Chinese, although some parts of the poster is covered by both Xin Fu's hand as well as the Nickelodeon logo. It reads as follows:

"The two scoundrels Iroh and Zuko are wanted by order of the Fire Lord. General Iroh was the Dragon of the West and Zuko was the Prince to the Fire Emperor (Fire Lord). These two traitors disobeyed the Fire Lord's imperial orders to wipe out the Water Tribes as well as capture the Medium Descent (Chinese name for the Avatar). Wanted dead or alive." (edit) This is Jack DeSena's, the voice of Sokka, favorite episode, mostly due to Sokka acting "stoned" off the cactus juice.
(edit) This is the first time that Toph witnesses Aang entering the Avatar State. (edit) From this episode, we can tell that Appa means a lot to Aang, mainly because he's his only remaining companion from the past. (edit) In this episode we find out why Iroh is so obsessive about his Lotus Tile. (edit) This episode marks the second time Iroh has been refered to as "the Dragon of the West." (edit) Aang goes into the Avatar State after he hears from Toph that one of the sandbenders said to muzzle Appa. (edit) When Xin Fu and Master Yu see the Fire Nation wanted board, you can see the Blue Spirit (from the episode The Blue Spirit) is also on there. Along with Aang, Zuko and Iroh, Jeong Jeong and Chey. (edit) Creature Debut: Buzzard-Wasps; Si Wong Desert origin. An obvious cross between a vulture and a wasp, these are horrible, filthy flying monsters that live in caves they dig out of Si Wong Rock. While they primarily subsist on carrion and prefer not to hunt live game aside from circling around soon-to-be dead people or animals, they will attack if absolutely desperate for food or are provoked by something invading their home caves. In such cases they are incredibly dangerous, as their beaks and talons are razor sharp. The females produce a sticky substance similar to honey that they feed to their young. Unlike honey, however, the substance is not palatable to humans, with a flavor described by some as resembling rotten penguin meat. (edit) Iroh's wound is shown to still be causing him to experience a significant amount of pain. (edit) Appa was stolen by "sandbenders," a group of people who roam the desert using "sand boats" that are propelled by their earthbending. (edit) This is the second episode in which Xin Fu and Master Yu appear, the first after their mission from Lao Beifong to look for Toph. (edit) Xin Fu and Master Yu return in this episode. They break off their search for Toph briefly to try their hand at capturing Zuko and Iroh. By the end, they fail miserably to even lay a hand on the two and invariably "go back to hunting the girl." (edit) Iroh, Zuko, Aang, Toph, Katara, and Sokka are all now on the way to Ba Sing Se. The former two to hide from the Fire Nation among the refugees and the latter four to find Appa and to tell the Earth Kingdom King about how the solar eclipse happening in a few months will greatly weaken the Fire Nation. (edit) Aang is bitter all throughout the entire episode after learning what happened to Appa, marking the longest time we've ever seen him upset or angry. (edit) After saving Momo from a Wasp-Vulture, Aang maliciously uses his Airbending to knock the creature out of the air. This marks the first time Aang has intentionally harmed a living creature, and the first time he has used Airbending for lethal purposes. (edit) Sokka hallucinates throughout the episode after drinking water from a cactus and then eating some honey/sap from the vulture bee's caves. (edit) The Rough Rhinos from Avatar Day return in this episode. Their leader's name is Colonel Mongke, meaning that the group is a unit of the Fire Nation army rather than just a band of mercenaries. Iroh appears to know them all personally and according to him, along with being skilled in their class of weaponry, they make an excellent singing group. (edit) The secret society that was introduced in this episode is The Order of the White Lotus. The Order seems to be a group of Pai Sho masters, but because of the sophisticated help they offer to Iroh and Zuko, they may be more than that. Iroh appears to hold a high rank in society, and their allegiance is unknown, if Iroh, a Fire Nation fugitive and before that, a Fire Nation General, is given help and holds a place in it. (edit) The kids find out that Appa was taken to the Earth Kingdom capital Ba Sing Se, where he is to be sold. (edit) A segment of this episode appeared on Nick.com's Broadband platform TurboNick a few days before the event aired. (edit) While the previous episode and this one are classified as a TV Movie titled The Fury of Aang, and are to be aired together, they were originally written as two separate episodes, but will be aired as one, hour-long TV movie special on Nickelodeon. (edit)

Aang: (sees a cloud that looks like Appa in front of the moon) Appa! Sokka: (under the influence of cactus juice) Appa? Now why would Princess Yue need him? (grabs Momo's tail and brushes it against his cheek) She's the moon; she flies by herself. (edit) Zuko: Maybe we should make camp.
Iroh: No, please, don't stop for me! (edit) Katara: Sokka? Any ideas how to find Ba-Sing-Se?
(Sokka and Momo are both lying on their backs and staring at the sky. Sokka smiles blissfully and points upward.)
Sokka: Why don't we ask the circle birds?
(Several buzzard wasps circling the group. Katara looks left and right at everyone. Aang is still sulking, and Toph staggers a bit.)
Katara: Ugh? We're getting out of this desert, and we're going to do it together! Aang, get up. Everybody hold hands. We can do this. We have to. (edit) Sha-Mo: Quiet, Ghashuin. No one accused our people of anything. If what they say is true, we must give them hospitality.
Ghashuin: Sorry, father.
Toph: I recognize the son’s voice. He’s the one that stole Appa.
Katara: Are you sure?
Toph: I never forget a voice.
Aang (angrily): You stole Appa! Where is he? What did you do to him?
Ghashuin: They’re lying! They’re the thieves! (edit) Katara: The needle on this compass doesn’t seem to be pointing north according to my charts.
Sokka (dreamily): Take it easy little lady. I’m sure the sand folks who built this baby know how to get around here. (edit) Toph: As far as I can feel, we’re trapped in a giant bowl of sand pudding. I got nothin’. (edit) Aang: Appa! Appa!
(Looks for Appa but sees nothing)
No... NO! (edit) Katara: Come on guys, we’ve got to stick together.
Sokka: If I sweat any more, I don’t think sticking together will be a problem. (edit) Sokka: (breathing hard) Can’t you watch where you’re—
Toph: No.
Sokka: Right. Sorry. (edit) Aang: I’m going after Appa. (edit) Aang: That’s all any of you guys care about: yourselves! You don’t care whether Appa is okay is okay or not! (edit) Aang (enraged): How could you let them take Appa? Why didn’t you stop them?
Toph: I couldn’t! The library was sinking! You guys were still inside and—
Aang: You could have come to get us! I could have saved him!
Toph: I can hardly feel any vibrations out here. The sandbenders snuck up on me and there wasn’t time for—
Aang: You just didn’t care! You never liked Appa! You wanted him gone! (edit) Sokka: It’s a giant mushroom! Maybe it’s friendly!
Katara: Let’s just keep moving. I hope Aang’s okay
Sokka: Friendly mushroom! Mushy giant friend! (edit) Sokka: You think if we dig out the giant owl, he'll give us a ride? (edit) Sokka (hallucinating): How did we get out here in the middle of the ocean? (edit) Fung: Welcome brother, the white lotus opens wide to those that know her secrets.
Zuko: What are you old gas bags talking about?
Iroh: I always tell you that Pai Sho is more than just a game.
(Spins a Pai Sho piece in between his fingers and then catches it in his hand) (edit) Iroh: Colonel Mongke! What a pleasant surprise!
Mongke: If you’re surprised we’re here then the Dragon of the West has lost a few steps.
Zuko: You know these guys?
Iroh: Sure. Colonel Mongke and the Rough Riders are legendary. Each one is a different kind of weapons specialist. They are also a very capable singing group.
Mongke: We're not here to give a concert, we're here to apprehend fugitives!
Iroh: Would you like some tea first? I'd love some! What about you Kahchi? I make you as a Jasmine man. Am I right?
Mongke: Enough stalling! Round them up! (edit) Katara (To Sokka who has just eaten some honey/sap from the cave walls and proclaims that he feels woozy): You've been hallucinating on cactus juice all day, and then you just lick something you find stuck to the wall of the cave?
Sokka: I have a natural curiosity. (edit) Sokka: (after he drinks cactus juice) Drink cactus juice. It'll quench ya, nothing's quenchier. It's the quenchiest!
Katara: Okay, I think you had enough. (edit) Sokka (drunk on cactus juice): Who lit Toph on fire? (edit) Sokka:(After Momo causes the water to sink into the sand) No Momo! You've killed us all! (edit) Xin Fu: You there, have you seen these two men? (displays a wanted poster containing Zuko and Iroh's faces) We have a tip that they were seen in your shop.
Flower Shop Owner: As you can see, there is no one here but us.
Master Yu: We know all about your secret back room. Kick it down.
Flower Shop Owner: That's for flowers only. (Xin Fu kicks the door down to reveal a barren room save one lone tile in the center, Fu picks it up)
Master Yu: Some unlucky soul has an incomplete Pai Sho set.
Xin Fu (grunts angrily and tosses the tile away): Let's go back to hunting the girl. (edit) Aang: (yelling at Katara) What are you doing?!
Katara: Trying to keep everyone together. (edit) Katara: Toph shoot a rock right there. (Toph complies and hits a Wasp-Vulture)
Sokka: You got it! She got it right?
Katara: Yes. Now let's move. (edit) Sokka (a boulder bended by Toph barely misses him): What are you doing? That rock almost crushed me!
Toph: Sorry, I can't see these things when they're in the air.
Sokka: This one's mine. (starts swinging his sword at the air)
Katara: Sokka, there's nothing there!
Sokka: Oh... I guess my head isn't as clear as I thought. (edit) Katara: (sees a huge rock formation in the distance) Look! That rock! That's what the compass has been pointing to. It must be the magnetic center of the desert.
Toph: A rock?! Yes, let's go.
Katara: Maybe we can find some water there.
Aang: (grimly) Maybe we can find some Sandbenders. (edit) Toph (smacks lips): Yesterday my mouth tasted like mud, now it just tastes like sand. Never thought I'd miss the taste of mud so much. (edit) Zuko: No one here is gonna help us. These people just look like filthy wanderers.
Iroh: So do we. (edit) Toph: Katara can I have some water?
Katara: Okay, but we have to start conserving it. (bends water into her and Sokka's mouths)
Sokka: (smacks his lips) We're drinking your bending water? You used this on the swamp guy!
Toph: It does taste swampy. (edit) Iroh: (after escaping the Rough Rhinos) So nice to see old friends again.
Zuko: Too bad you don't have any old friends that don't want to attack you.
Iroh: (thinking to himself about what Zuko said) Old friends that don't want to attack me. (edit) Katara: Sokka, let me see the things you got from the library.
Sokka (still delusional from cactus juice): What! I didn't steal anything! Who told you that? (Turning to Momo) It was you, you ratted me out! (Momo covers his eyes and starts weeping)
Katara: Sokka, I was there. I saw you. (edit) Village Guy: Yeah, a little barefoot blind girl and her friends passed through here a few days ago.
Master Yu: Did they give you any indication where they were headed?
Village Guy: Maybe you could give me a little incentive. (rubbing fingers, gesturing for a bribe).
Xin Fu: Are you suggesting I break your fingers?
Village Guy: They went in the desert! Too bad there’s almost no chance they survived.
Xin Fu: That’s okay, since she’s wanted dead or alive.
Master Yu: No she’s not! I’m certain her father wants her alive. (edit) Toph (speaking in the cave the group had just found): There's something buzzing in here, and it's coming towards us! (edit)

When the gang looks at Aang while he's in the Avatar State Toph looks too. But she can't see anything, so why would she look at all? (edit) When Aang is in the Avatar State at the end of the episode, Katara stays next to him looking at him. A few seconds later we see Sokka and Toph looking too. But all of their eyes should have been shut as the whirling sands would've made it too painful to keep them open. (edit) It is discovered that Iroh's Lotus tile, first seen in The Waterbending Scroll holds significance outside of Pai Sho. (edit) When Iroh looks over to see the Pai Sho table, there are four ice glasses on the table. When Iroh arrives, the glasses have transformed into Pai Sho tile stacks. (edit) Aang learned to locate Appa using his abilities as the Avatar in The Swamp. Later on in the season, we learn from Guru Patik that Aang and Appa's energy connect them to each other allowing them to locate one another when seperated. If this is true, then why didn't Aang use the ability when he discovered Appa was gone, or in later episodes? (edit) The "rock angel" imprint Toph made on the ground at the entrance of the cave just before entering is nowhere to found when the group exits it. (edit) Continuity: When Iroh proceeds to the chamber of the Order of the White Lotus in the flower shop, Zuko is left out, and notices a plant on a small stool to his left. The next morning, after Iroh is finished making arrangements, the plant is gone. (edit) In the beginning of this episode, Zuko and Iroh are travelling and are ambushed by the Rough Rhinos in the same area where Sokka was trapped in a crack in the ground throughout the episode "Bitter Work." (edit) When Toph is making rock angels on the large rock, the metal studs on her belt are missing. (edit) This marks the first time Aang has entered the Avatar State since the episode The Avatar State. (edit) Iroh was seen moaning about his pain during the beginning of the episode, but he was clutching his arm when the wound was on his chest. (edit) During the very beginning of the episode when the wind is blowing Toph's hair, her eyebrows are missing. (edit) Deserts are supposed to be as cold at night as they are hot in the morning, yet everyone in the group sleeps comfortably (besides Aang who was awake all night). (edit) When Katara is watching Aang fly off during the beginning of the episode, her white belt is the same color as her robe. (edit) When Aang enters the Avatar State to attack the sandbenders his eyes and the arrow on his head begin glowing. However, the tattoos on his hands don't begin to glow until a few seconds later. (edit)

Pai Sho seems like a game similar to the Chinese board game called Mah Jong. Mah Jong is played on a board with 144 tiles. Four of these are Flower tiles (similar to the white lotus tile). In addition, playing a Flower tile is conventionally considered to be aesthetic. (edit) When Katara hugs Aang to calm down his Avatar state, it is similar to the scene in the Full Metal Alchemist episode 'Created Human', where Lt. Ross hugs Ed to try and calm down his rampant alchemy. (edit) Gobi Desert
The names the sandbender Ghashuin, his father Sha-Mo, and his deceased mother Yulduz, are all derived from the Gobi Desert, a large desert region that lies within China and southern Mongolia:

-The father's name, Sha-Mo, which means 'desert,' is commonly used by the Chinese as a reference to the Gobi.
-Ghashiun name, which is Mongolian for 'salt', is a reference to the area of Ghashiun-Gobi (Salt Desert), a semi-desert within the Gobi.
-The mother's name, Yulduz, is taken from the area known as Yulduz Valley, another semi-desert situated within the Gobi. The word Yulduz also means 'star' in Old Turkic (a Mongolian related language), possibly related to notion that stars are used to navigate within the Si Wong Desert at night. (edit) The White Lotus Society was a secret society made up of Chinese Buddhist monks that was first noticed in the 13th century. They rebelled during the Yuan dynasty which caused the White Lotus Society to be banned. That's when they became a secret society. They also contributed to the fall of the Qin dynasty. (edit) At least two members of the Rough Rhinos have been identified onscreen at this point, the rest have been provided on the official Nick site. Overall, the individual names of the Rough Rhinos appear to be heavily Mongolian inspired:
- "Mongke" (the leader) is the name of a grandson of Genghis (Chingis) Khan and means "eternal."
- "Kahchi" (the bearded man) is derived from "Kachhe", the term given to the Tibetan Muslim minority who are Monoligan descended.
- "Ogodei"(the dark-skinned man) derived from "Ogedei" was the name of Genghis' third and favorite son.
- "Vachir" is a style of archery and means 'thunderbolt.' Obviously used as reference for the Yuu Yan archer's skill.
- "Yeh-Lu" comes from Yeh-lu Chu'tsai the Magician, a great statesman and Genghis' chief of the secretariat. Indicates towards the soldiers' enigmatic mask and flashy displayal of pyrotechnics.
(edit) During the mushroom cloud scene, the animation for Sokka briefly changes to the extent where his waving arms appear to be elastic. This is a reference to the character Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV (Ed for short), of the anime/manga series Cowboy Bebop. Sokka's exclamations and speech also resemble Ed's characteristics. The creators have also openly stated that were influenced by the anime. (edit) Aang makes a sand cloud in the shape of a desert nuclear explosion, complete with mushroom cloud, and "shockwave." (edit) The Order of the White Lotus bears resemblance to the Priory of Sion from the novel The Da Vinci Code. Both are ancient secret societies lead by Grand Masters, speak in cryptic tongues, and their central symbol is a flower. (edit) The cactus juice acts just like hallucinogens, drugs which alter people's perception causing hallucinations (rarely) as well as visual and audial distortions. The psychedelic drug mescaline can also be found in the peyote cactus in real life. (edit) The giant rock the gang stumbles on which is really the home of the giant insects bears a striking resemblance to "Uluru," a great rock located in the Australian desert. (edit) Rock Angels
After landing on the rock that was in the middle of the desert, Toph expresses her joy of finding solid ground by laying on the ground and using her bending to create what appeared to be a snow angel. (edit)