Previous episodes of Avatar have been following a loose plot; Aang must make it to the North Pole, master all the bending disciplines and end the war somehow. In this episode however, we are shown his true quest. He must defeat the fire lord, in order to bring peace. And he must do it before the end of summer. The episode explores the competition between Zuko and Zhao, with each attempting to capture the avatar. While it is clear that Zhao has superior resources, Zuko has superior resourcefulness. The episode contains action throughout, and this culminates into an end display of bending which is awe-inspiring. The plot has now been firmly established, as has the goal and deadline.

The world needs the Avatar, yet Aang struggles with his inherited burden. This episode is a tone darker than its predecessors and . The world itself is being hurt by the war, and Aang feels the need to protect it. However, despite being the Avatar, he is unsure of what to do and needs guidance. This is another example of the inadequate, "flawed" characters the show features. Being young and uncertain is a very relateable situation, and it is interesting to see Aang realise he doesn't know what to do. This episode introduces a more spiritual aspect to the show, which will play a greater part in later episodes. Overall, this is a very interesting and satisfying installment.

This episode shows the Fire Nation as not just conquerors, but overlords. While they are not evil, they are aggressive and demanding tyrants. The Warden is slightly overdone, but still very amusing. His tendancy to throw people overboard manages to both show the severity of the Fire Nation, while still comming across as funny. - "Then go wake someone I haven't thrown overboard yet!" Katara's inspirational speech seemed a bit corny, but this was made up for by the fact that it failed to move anybody. A critical factor of Earthbending is revealled: it cannot affect refined metal. Imprisoned is not the greatest episode. However it is amusing, entertaining and informative about the show's mythology.

This episode features a lot of peculiar humor, which is a suitable for the title character. The king comes across as very colourful, and his jokes are so bizare that sometimes you aren't sure whether they are funny or just plain crazy. Whatever the case, I found myself laughing. The episode also serves to introduce the final bending element; earth. The Earthbenders' abilities are revealled in a way which does not draw unneccesary attention. The city of Omashu appropriately operates based on bending, with gates, postal delivery and security all being utilised with the power. The battle at the end is well animated and shows the power of Earth, weilded by a master. This was an enjoyable, lighter episode of Avatar.

One of the great things about Avatar is that the characters are so wonderfully flawed. This makes them not only more realistic, but also more likeable, as the audience is able to follow their development and see them change and grow. The Warriors of Kyoshi is a good example of this. Sokka is show to have a sexist narrow-minded attitude. Katara comes across as inattentive and then jealous. Aang becomes overindulgent due to his "celebrity" status. In the first half, the characters come across as almost petty. However, this episode gives them a chance to improve. Sokka is able to respect Suki as a warrior, even though she is female. Katara regrets the way she acted towards Aang, and begins to appreciate him more. Aang realises that he has endangered the villiage by staying to enjoy their hospitality. All in all, a decent episode which contains ample amounts of character development.