Lake Laogai

Season 2, Episode 17, Aired

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Aang and his friends continue to search for Appa and, unbeknown to them, they aren't the only ones looking for him. During their search, the kid's meet up with Jet, whom they are understandably reluctant to trust. The kids soon realize that the Dai Li are doing their best to thwart the kids efforts to find Appa. Meanwhile, Uncle Iroh is offered his own tea shop in the upper ring, and Zuko discovers the Avatar is in the city.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (146)

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  • Lake Laogai

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By TrueTvWatcher, Jan 11, 2011
    Lake Laogai was a really awesome and superb episode full of action, drama, intrigue, adventure, and surprise. I enjoyed watching this episode as Iroh gets his own tea shop in an upper ring of the city, Zuko finds Appa and makes an important decision about The Blue Spirit. Meanwhile the gang encounter Jet who seems to be different and they soon discover all to well how different he is. I thougth the stories in this episode were great and develop the characters and plot. I thought the ending was great when Appa reunites with the gang when they are in trouble with the soldiers of Ba Sing Se. I look forward to watching more episodes!!!!!!!moreless

  • Well, Appa's back.

    8.5
    "Great"
    By ZaleIsBackAgain, Feb 05, 2010
    Looks like this wraps up the search for Appa arc as the other characters who ventured into Ba Sing Se, such as Jet and Zuko, end their temporary residency there as well. This episode contains some awesome fighting and some even more awesome choreography, though it is once again Avatar's strong writing that shines the brightest. The whole concept of Toff being able to detect if people are lying just knitted itself nicely when Jet lies to Aang and them about surviving. Although he's been portrayed as an antagonist, it's sad to see such a character like Jet go. Meanwhile Zuko is making character developmental strides himself.moreless

  • Aang and the gang run into Jet in their search for Appa. Zuko reprises at the Blue Spirit when he hears Aang is in town.

    9.3
    "Superb"
    By trm6, Jan 24, 2009
    This episode sure was an exciting one! Aang and the gang discover that the Dai Lai is trying to stop them in their search for Appa. They also discover a place called Lake Laogai, and believe that Appa is being held prisoner there. They enter it, and run into Jet. Jet is brainwashed, and has no control over his actions. He is forced to fight against Aang and Katara. Katara's pleads eventually break through to him, and he wakes up and tries to save Aang. As a result, Jet is badly hurt. It implies that he soon dies, but no one truly knows the answer. Meanwhile, Zuko (as the Blue Spirit) finds Appa and releases him. At Iroh's urging, he considers what is truly right. In the end, he places the Blue Spirit mask in the water and watches it sink.moreless

  • An excellent episode that is interesting throughout, with the character development, action, and the encounter of a past character.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By Dontogan, Oct 01, 2008
    The episode revolves around finding Appa, who was said to be in Ba Sing Se. The plot for this episode is interesting. You want to pay attention to the entire episode, and it's nice to see more of Jet. You realize he's been brainwashed, and the characters try to awaken memories of where they held him. Aang and group know this is where they could have taken Appa.

    At the same time, Zuko wants to get back to hunting the Avatar, knowing he is missing his bison and that it is in the city, but Iroh wants him to live the life they have secured for their selves now, instead of throwing it all away. Zuko doesn't want that, and decides to hunt for Appa first.

    Jet, Aang, the group, and Zuko all end up at Lake Laogai, with the intent of finding Appa. The action that happens during this time is varied and pretty good. Seeing the interaction between Katara and Jet is a nice touch as well, if you have watched the season one episode including them both. It's also sad to see what happens to Jet, with what Toph mentions after they leave that you know what's going to happen to him.

    On the other side, you have Zuko, who after finding Appa, is caught by Iroh. This episode shows how confused Zuko really is. He is confused about what he actually wants from life, what his destiny is, and who he really is. But in the end, Zuko makes a change and releases Appa from his chains. Really, this episode is simply excellent.moreless

  • Great episode.

    9.7
    "Superb"
    By lordozai890, Aug 19, 2008
    This is exactly what I look for when I want to see an episode. When Long Feng hit Jet with the rock I thought Jet was dead. I still think he is. When Aang and the others found Appa, I almost cried when I saw him. This wasn't an very action episode except Aang VS Controlled Jet and Long Feng. That was a great fight. It was more like a mysterious episode than an action episode. When Katara kept on saying to Jet "if you go like that again" or something like that, I kept laughing. Overall I give this a 9.7.moreless
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  • TRIVIA (18)

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    • The mystery of how Joo Dee at the end of "City of Walls and Secrets" was a different person is revealed. There are women conditioned in Lake Laogai to act as hostesses, and all are given the name Joo Dee.

    • This episode caused much confusion for viewers, as it is never stated whether or not Jet died or survived. However, in a March 2007 interview with co-creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, they revealed that Jet had indeed died.

    • Aang expressed jealousy when Sokka suggested that Katara kiss Jet, however in the episode "Jet," when Katara displayed a romantic interest in Jet he did not seem to care or make any sort of reaction.

    • While Katara explains what has happened to everyone inside of Jet's house, Smellerbee's upper lip is white.

    • What happened to Smeller Bee and Long Shot after Jet's death is never revealed. Since the only freedom fighters we see after this episode are Pipsqueak and the Duke.

    • In this episode, Jet has a flashback of Long Feng arresting him during the day. However, in "City of Walls and Secrets" Jet was arrested at night, and Long Feng wasn't bringing him down to Lake Laogai, because he was at the Earth King's party. And Long Feng didn't bring him down to Lake Laogai the next day, because Jet was already being Brain Washed that night.

    • When the Dai Li surrounds everyone outside of Lake Laogai, there are six agents on the side of the cliff. When Aang and Toph earthbend them into the water, there are only five.

    • After Jet's trance is broken, he throws one of his weapons at Long Feng and it sticks in the wall. When Long Feng retaliates, the weapon is gone.

    • When Aang and Jet confront Long Feng, Feng is depicted in front of the door Aang and Jet just entered through. But when Long Feng says, "Jet, the Earth King has invited you to Lake Loagi" the door disappears and does not reappear until the rest of the group returns.

    • When Jet attacks a Dai Li agent, the agent launches a rock glove at Jet. However, when Jet slides and sweeps the Agent's feet out from under him, the Agent is shown with both hands covered in rock gloves.

    • The posters that were spread across the city contain the group's address. This creates a plot hole, as when Zuko found the poster he should have been able to go straight to them.

    • When Aang hugs Appa's head, his face is directly on Appa's arrow, but when Aang says "I missed you buddy," there is no brown fur beneath Aang's face.

    • The mother and crying child who Iroh sang to in "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" can be seen walking past the alley where the group was hanging up posters in before splitting up.

    • The reed mat beneath the corner of Jet's mattress vanishes and reappears during the scene in Jet's house.

    • Why didn't Katara use the vial of water drawn from the spirit oasis that she received from Master Pakku to heal Jet?

    • When the gang finds out about Whaletail Island, and Aang says "We have to get to Whaletail island! Where's Whaletail island?". Look in the background at Jet. If you look closely you will realize that he has a piece of grass in his mouth like the one when the gang first met him. But he didn't have it before or after that.

    • The Appa fliers appear to change size throughout this episode.

    • In the episode City of Walls and Secrets, the Dai Li were able to take Jet down in seconds. However, in this episode, he has no problem with fighting them. Considering their outnumbering as well as their success against them in them in the past, the group is able to defeat the Dai Li a bit too easily overall, even after two of their best fighters have been removed.

  • QUOTES (25)

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    • Iroh: You did the right thing nephew. (Zuko looks at the Blue Spirit Mask) Leave it behind. Zuko drops the mask into the lake and it slowly sinks to the bottom)

    • Aang: (Momo flies down to Aang) What is it Momo? (Momo flies up to the sky and then comes down on Appa) Appa! Long Feng: I can still handle you by myself. (Long Feng attacks Appa, but Appa bites Long Feng and throws him in the lake.) (Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph excited to see Appa again.) Aang: I missed you buddy.

    • Long Feng: (refering to Jet) Foolish boy. You've chosen your own demise.

    • Katara: (To Jet) You're lying! Toph: He's not lying. Sokka: How can you tell? Toph: I can feel his breathing and heartbeat. When people lie, there's a physical reaction. He's telling the truth.

    • Jet: I think there might be a cell big enough to hold Appa up ahead. (stops before a sealed stone door) I think it's through here. (doorway slides opens) Zuko: Expecting someone else?

    • Katara: Aang, It'll take us weeks just to get to the tip of the Earth Kingdom. And then we'll need to find a boat to get to the island. Aang: (standing) I don't care. We have a chance to find Appa. We have to try.

    • Jet: They took me to a head-quarters under the water, like a lake. Sokka: Wait! Remember what Joo Dee said? She said she took a vacation to Lake Laogai. Jet: (jumping to his feet) That's it! Lake Laogai.

    • Long Feng (to Appa): I can handle you by myself!

    • Iroh: So I was thinking about names for my new teashop. How about... the Jasmine Dragon. It's dramatic, poetic, has a nice ring to it. Zuko (Lost Appa flier in hand): The Avatar is here in Ba Sing Se, and he's lost his bison. Iroh (takes flier, to Zuko): We have a chance for a new life here, if you start stirring up trouble we could lose all the good things that are happening for us. Zuko (suddenly, angrily): Good things that are happening for you. Have you ever thought that I want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea? Iroh: There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is you want from your life, and why. Zuko: I want my destiny. Iroh: What that means is up to you. (Zuko walks off screen, moments later) The Tea Weevil! No, that's stupid.

    • Sokka (looks up to see Dai Li agents hanging from ceiling): Now that's something different.

    • Long Feng: Alright Avatar you've cause me enough problems. I suggest you leave now, if you want your bison back. Aang: You do have Appa! Where is he? Long Feng: Agree the exit the city now, and I will wave all charges and allow you to leave with your lost pet. Jet: You're in no position to bargain! Long Feng: Am I not? Aang: You're definitely not! Long Feng: Jet, the Earth King has invited you to Lake Laogai. (Jet's pupils widen, leaving only a little bit of iris.) Jet (monotone): I am honored to accept his invitation. (Jet attacks Aang.)

    • Toph: We're finally leaving Ba Sing Se! (puts up her arms) Worst City Ever!

    • Sokka: I got it! (Takes a piece of hay, sticks it in Jet's mouth and waits) Jet: I don't think it's working. (Spits hay out of mouth)

    • Aang (to Jet): Where did they take you? Jet: Nowhere! I-I-I don't know what you're talking about! Aang: We need to find a way to jog his real memories. Sokka (jokingly): Maybe Katara should kiss him. That should bring something back. Katara (angrily): Maybe you should kiss him, Sokka. Sokka: Hey, just an idea. Aang: A bad one.

    • Sokka: Alright, let's get moving. Jet: I'll come with you. Katara: We don't need your help. Jet: Why won't you trust me? Katara (to herself, crossing her arms and turning her nose up): Gee, I wonder. Toph: Was this guy your boyfriend or something? Katara: What! (Turning her head the other way) No! Toph (in a sing song voice): I can tell you're lying.

    • Jet: Katara? (Katara gasps, seeing Jet) Jet: I think I can help you. (Katara becomes angry and begins to waterbend) Jet: Katara, I've changed! (Katara furiously sends a large wave of water smashing into Jet then picks up more water) Katara: Tell it to some other girl, Jet.

    • Zuko (Standing next to the chained Appa): Uncle? Iroh (Entering the room): So, the Blue Spirit? (sarcastically) I wonder who could be behind that mask? Zuko: What are you doing here? Iroh: I was just about to ask you the same thing. What do you plan to do now that you've found the Avatar's bison? Keep it locked in our new apartment? Should I go put on a pot of TEA for him?! Zuko: First I have to get it out of here. Iroh: And then WHAT?! You never think these things through! This is exactly what happened when you captured the Avatar at the North Pole! You had him, and then you had nowhere to go! Zuko: I would've figured something out. Iroh: No! If his friends hadn't found you, you would have frozen to death! Zuko (growling): I know my own destiny, Uncle. Iroh: Is it your own destiny, or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you? Zuko: Stop it, Uncle! I have to do this! Iroh: I'm BEGGING you, Prince Zuko! Its time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions: Who are you and what do you want? (Zuko growls in anger and confusion)

    • Smellerbee: You guys go find Appa. We'll take care of Jet. Katara: We're not leaving you. Longshot: There's no time. Just go. We'll take care of him. He's our leader. Jet: (weakly) Don't worry, Katara. I'll be fine. (The group moves away.) Toph: (sadly) He's lying.

    • Joo Dee (smiles): You are absolutely prohibited by the rules of the city to continue putting up posters. Aang (angrily): We don't care about the rules, and we're not asking permission! We're finding Appa on our own, and you should just stay out of our way! (Aang slams the door, leaving Joo Dee outside) Sokka: That might come back to bite us in the blubber. Aang: I don't care. From now on we do whatever it takes to find Appa. Toph: Yeah, let's break some rules!

    • Iroh: Did you hear, Nephew? This man wants to give us our own tea shop, in the upper ring of the city. Man: That's right, young man. Your life is about to change for the better. Zuko: I'll try to contain my joy.

    • (Sokka is drawing Lost Posters for Appa) Katara: We found a printer to make our posters! Sokka: Hey, I thought that designing the Lost Appa posters was my job! I've been working all day on my Appa. (Sokka holds up badly drawn picture of Appa) Aang: Sokka, the arrow is on Appa's head! Sokka: This IS his head! Katara: Why are feet coming out of it? Sokka: Those are his horns! I haven't seen him in a while, ok? Toph: It looks just like him to me! Sokka: Thank you, I worked really... why did you feel the need to do that?

    • Sokka: Katara, what is it? Katara: Jet's back.

    • Long Feng: Joo Dee, the Earth King has invited you to Lake Laogai. (Joo Dee's pupils widen, leaving only a little bit of iris.) Joo Dee (monotone): I am honored to accept his invitation. (Long Feng nods) Long Feng: Good. Now go await further orders.

    • Aang: Joo Dee? Joo Dee: Hello Aang and Katara and Sokka and Toph. Sokka: What happened to you? Did the Dai Li throw you in jail? Joo Dee: What? Jail? Of course not. The Dai Li are the protectors of our cultural heritage. Toph: But you disappeared at the Earth King's party. Joo Dee: Oh, I simply took a short vacation to Lake Laogai, out in the country. It was quite relaxing. Katara: But they replaced you with some other woman who said her name was Joo Dee. Joo Dee: I'm Joo Dee.

    • Sokka: We'll split up to cover more ground. Toph, I guess you should just come with me. Toph: Why? Because you think I can't put up posters on my own? (pastes glue, swipes it onto the wall and slams a poster on the wall with the wrong side facing out, pause) It's upside down, isn't it? I'll just go with Sokka.

  • NOTES (5)

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    • This episode is available in the Avatar Book 2: Earth, Volume 4 DVD, along with, Appa's Lost Days, The Earth King, The Guru, and The Crossroads of Destiny.

    • Sang-Jin Kim won a Primetime Emmy Award for Individual Achievement for his work on this episode.

    • The creators stated at the PMX (Pacific Media Expo) that this episode contained, in their opinion, the best fight scene of the series.

    • For one reason or another, this episode in its entirety begun airing on TurboNick on October 27, 2006, but was taken down days later.

    • This episode's premiere was delayed by Nick. In place on October 20, 2006, was a 4 episode marathon featuring the episodes in order: The Drill, City of Walls and Secrets, The Tales of Ba Sing Se, and Appa's Lost Days.

  • ALLUSIONS (7)

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    • Lake Laogai may be another allusion to George Orwell's 1984. Lake Laogai is where the Dai Li brainwashes people and takes prisoners, very similar to the way the Thought Police took people to the Ministry of Love to punish them for speaking out, and to brainwash them into loving Big Brother.

    • Quon's name appears to be a spelling variant of the Mandarin word, "kuan," which translates to "funds." The name coincides with the merchant's wealthy persona as well as his proposal to fund Iroh's tea shop.

    • When Long Feng regains control of the hypnotized victims, the pupils become supernaturally enlarged. Like almost any brainwashed victim, their eyes can tell the viewers that they are being mind-controlled. Specifically, the technique used here is exclusive to Japanese anime due to its attention to detail on the eyes.

    • The concept of a secret lair beneath a lake and even some of the scenes in the tunnels are vaguely similar to X2: X-Men United and its Alkali Lake. The method of Katara using her bending to help Jet retrieve his memories also resembled the way Jean Gray used her abilities to help Nightcrawler remember the location of lake in the movie.

    • The way the Dai Li agents run after the gang, race up walls and hang from the ceiling in the darkness of the Lake Laogai prison is creepily similar to the way the orcs pursued Frodo and the Fellowship through the mines of Moria in Lord Of The Rings.

    • Yet another reference to the blind Marvel Comic superhero is made through Toph. In that she is able tell by means of vibrations if someone close is having alterations in his biorhythm, thus allowing her to infer if a person is lying in a similar manner to how Stan Lee's blind superhero Daredevil does.

    • The "Help The Avatar Find Appa" fliers that were posted around the Avatar Comic Con 2006 Panel are seen and used in this episode.

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