SotW - Halloween 2009 - The Puppetmaster
Posted to Show of the Week on October 30, 2009 1:20 AM by
NightBender
As a Halloween treat this year,
Caleb and I decided to give this week's Show of the Week to the creepiest episode in the entirety of the series, episode #308: The Puppetmaster. This episode features spooky ghost tales, and strange and seemingly supernatural events. Oddly enough, this episode has a very M. Night Shyamalan-esque tone with it's eerie scenery and neat plot twists.
Summary: The gang discovers that there have been strange disappearances in a spooky town. The old innkeeper the group stays with, Hama, is secretly a Waterbender from the Southern Tribe. Hama teaches Katara some of the Southern Water Tribe's past and some special Waterbending techniques, and the gang must figure out who or what is behind the strange disappearances before it's too late.
Director: Joaquim Dos Santos Writer: Tim Hedrick
Original Air Date: November 9, 2007Do you agree that this is the scariest episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Honestly out of all the episodes this is my least favorite and I don't know why
Are you serious??? This was where Blood-bending was introduced... I found this episode really interesting... Would of loved to of seen more Blood-bending throughout the series. I think we only see it in two episodes. Wonder if the movie will have any in it... Obviously not the first one but if they make a second and third...
Comment by: me @ 02:16 am October 30, 2009
yes the episode where blood bending was introduced and then used for two mroe second in the rest of the series. that makes about as much sense as sakka taking time to make a sword and learn how to use it but then they hardly ever fight after that.
I don't get why people are against this episode... It's not like it's as bad as the 'The Great Divide,' or 'The Swap.' I really enjoyed this episode solely because of the fact Blood-bending was introduced. The only reason we saw so little of it was because Katara was against the use of it. I'm happy we got to see it again in 'The Southern Raiders.' I mean Fire-bending has Electricity-bending, Earth-bending has Metal-bending and I would say Air-bending has Energy-bending but I get the feeling that's something everyone used to be able to do. It was just great to see because until this episode, I thought Water-bending was pretty lame.
Comment by: Zairex @ 05:22 am October 30, 2009
Nope, Airbending is just airbending. He can only bend energy b/c he's the Avatar.
Although I did enjoy this episode, I felt the ending was just the slightest bit too melodramatic (the whole "You're a blood bender now" scene)
Comment by: RainbowMuffinXD @ 06:10 am October 30, 2009
i loved this episode[:
you get to see how badass katara can really be :D
i hope there are more movie updates soon!
the real trailer is coming out in december right?
p.s. i love the halloween theme on the page((:
Comment by:
Patsuki @ 06:11 am October 30, 2009
it might be the scariest in the avatar books but i didn't quite found it scary , i found it cool!!
Comment by: 25kuzon @ 07:25 am October 30, 2009
Haha! Wish come true!
but? where's the quotes?
Hmmm.... for me.,, this is the creepiest ep in the entire series, not scary... although it counts as scary because the BLOODBENDING was introduced which is considered as the most sinister art in the elements... but it's not scary, just creepy and AWESOME..
Waterbending rules! If i were going to be a bender.. I am totally going to be a waterbender!...
@Zairex: Can soundbending count for airbending?
Comment by: sachianna @ 07:38 am October 30, 2009
Regardless of what this episode introduced or didnt introduce I am in love with it. It definately explores the deeper themes and directions that avatar could take...if someone was guiding it there.....the first thing that I thought of when I saw this episode was M Night actually, and how this thing is right up his alley lol. Knowing him, he just might put that in the third movie.....
Comment by: Don @ 08:02 am October 30, 2009
This episode definately has the most "Halloween"-y feel to it, but as to the Darkest, I think the episode where Katara goes after her mother's killer is as dark or moreso. Bloodbending is cool and a great addition to the series, but in the other episode you get the feeling that Katara is falling for some deep soul-killing darkness from which she may never return. This one is spooky, sure, and a great pick for Halloween. If I were to choose a SECOND SoTW for this week, however, it would be the other.
BTW- great site and keep up the good work to all the crew who keep this place updated and in-the-know.
Comment by: SapphireFire @ 08:33 am October 30, 2009
I think this is the creepiest of all ATLA episodes. It has this sinister feel. However, I'm partial to it because it is Joaquim Dos Santos' directorial debut. He is my favorite storyboard artist on the show. Major crush!
For me the bloodbending does take Katara to the next level and gives her the opportunity to think about how far she is willing to go. This is a theme with Book 3. Sokka becoming a Sword master. Toph inventing metal bending. Aang struggling with trying not to kill FireLord Ozai and Zuko just plain struggling.
Plus, she can only use it once a month so that is why we only see it again in "Southern Raiders" and not in "Sozin's Comet."
Comment by: Sifu_Hotman @ 08:51 am October 30, 2009
I love this episode. It poses the question of what should you do vs. what could you do. It shows how different people react to a situation and is very relevant in the world today. The puppetmaster has been hurt by the Fire Nation and wants them all to suffer. Katara has been hurt by the Fire Nation and wants to bring peace to the world. Granted, Katara didn't rot away in prison but her Mom was killed.
I think this is a lot deeper than just blood bending. It shows how people deal with controversy and hurt differently. Great episode.
Comment by: Peter @ 11:18 am October 30, 2009
Undoubtedly the creepiest episode in the series. It gave me the chills when the puppetmaster spoke, every time.
A halloween special no doubt.
Comment by:
Rubix Qoob @ 11:31 am October 30, 2009
Once again the writers brilliantly introduced a future plot point (bloodbending, Katara's growing power) and meshed it with a spooky Halloween vibe. True it didn't move the story forward a lot but was nowhere near as pointless as The Great Divide or Ember Island Players (which I still thought was pretty funny and a nod to the fans). The Swamp was great because it introduced different waterbenders who would help them later and it helped Aang learn to hone his Avatar vision (like when he sees Toph who would become his earthbending teacher) Be honest you guys can't be this picky with so many great episodes this show has produced. I think we are all just mad it's off the air!....LOL
Comment by:
Rubix Qoob @ 11:33 am October 30, 2009
..and Don I agree The Southern Raiders was DEFINETLY a darker and more intense episode than The Puppetmaster. For half a second I really thought she was gonna kill that guy! Katara pissed off is the best.
Comment by:
Caleb @ 11:57 am October 30, 2009
While yes, this is a very Halloween-ish episode, I think the Southern Raiders was a darker episode than this. This ep seemed to fit better, though. I love Hama's evil laugh when she bloodbends Kyta to the ground.
@Rainbowmuffin: Yes, full trailer due for the 25th of December.
@Kuzon: Don't look at me for the quote this week... NB wrote this one.
But to be honest, if a quote were there, I would have put the scene where Hama explains bloodbending to Katara.
@Ninja: Air bending does not include enrgybending. "In the era before the Avatar we bent not the elements but the energy within ourselves." See, they didn't bend elements, so it can't be involved with any kind of W/E/F/A. Aang just is able to do it because he's the Avatar.
Comment by: me @ 12:47 pm October 30, 2009
this is a little late but what the first do not get me wrong i like the episode. second what the heck is wrong with the great divide or the swap?
Comment by: bluespirit @ 01:05 pm October 30, 2009
I actually think anyone can energybend "In the era BEFORE the Avatar..."
Which means everyone, or at least more than one person, could energybend... Aang only could because the lion-turtle gave insight to him
The scariest part in this episode is when Sokka is sneaking around the house. Especially, when the dolls come out of the closet! This is definitely not the worst episode in the series
I hate Jet, so naturally 'Jet' is the worst episode IMO
Comment by: AvatarRelic @ 02:10 pm October 30, 2009
I love this episode soo much, i really love how they finally got back to some Souther Water Tribe stuff, Avatar really needed more Water Tribe and Air Nomad history :P but this episode was really really good, and its perfect for halloween :D
Comment by: [deleted] @ 02:16 pm October 30, 2009
Comment by: bluespirit @ 02:31 pm October 30, 2009
Why would you act like me and post that spam?
For the record, the above post was not me.... if it's not obvious already....
Comment by: tessables @ 04:00 pm October 30, 2009
I loved this episode. Sokka's story is hilarious and bloodbending was AMAZING. It was actually one of my favorites in season 3.
Comment by: 4everZutara @ 04:00 pm October 30, 2009
yeah that was a real scary one I couldn't wacth it by my self for nothin
Comment by: Kyle @ 04:59 pm October 30, 2009
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vj2e1m7Hlgw/St4m_x1vlwI/AAAAAAAAaUw/toIYl9N990k/s1600-h/Last.jpg i found this picture on imdb, i don't know if it's real but it sure looks cool, and it has appa in it.
Also this episode is awesome. probably one of my favorites from the third season.
Comment by: 25kuzon @ 05:19 pm October 30, 2009
Comment by: Deejay @ 05:54 pm October 30, 2009
One of my favorite Avatar episodes of all time. Hama is an awesome character that, in a wierd sense, deserves to be crazy like she is. This has i think THE best waterbending action sequence of all three seasons. Plus, Old Man Ding is the best.
I love puppet master! And yes it makes a very good halloween pick! With all the screaming underground, people getting snatched etc.
Comment by: 25kuzon @ 06:32 pm October 30, 2009
for me.. the creepiest thing in this ep is the
cabbage that looks like a head!
Comment by: bluespirit @ 09:22 pm October 30, 2009
@Kyle
If you read the article it says it's a fanmade poster.
Some guy on deviantart made it.... but it is pretty cool!
Can someone link me to the pic of Katara/Nicola swimming?
*he asks for the umpteenth time*
Caleb, why did you get rid of the orange Halloween theme for the site?
-bluespirit
Comment by: Infinidy @ 10:32 pm October 30, 2009
Lovin' the Halloween themed site. Great job guys.
This is a great episode- some of the best waterbending in the history of Avatar. And I like how Hama looks more anime-esque than other Avatar characters. It makes her look -WAY- creepier. Very awesome design decision/artwork in my humble opinion.
Comment by:
Megan @ 10:59 pm October 30, 2009
Not one of my favorite episodes, but it was definitely disturbing.
Comment by:
Caleb @ 11:55 pm October 30, 2009
@bluespirit: I didn't get rid of the orange. I wasn't the one who changed it, and I still see it.
The pic of Katara in the water if fake, but here it is nonetheless.
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w336/bigfatlizard13/The%20Last%20Airbender/imgad.gif
Comment by: Eshutin @ 12:19 am October 31, 2009
I always liked this episode. It has some of the best waterbending in the series. I do wish they had done more with bloodbending though. I though they wasted it a bit. Oh well. I suppose if they used it for something really significant, like using it in the last battle would be too convenient. I mean you can only use it during the full moon.
Comment by: bluespirit @ 02:25 am October 31, 2009
How is that picture fake? Thanks anyway... I just wanted to see it...
And the problem was I need to refresh my page on Firefox
I used Google Chorme and it was updated but when I went to Firefox, it put the in its updated news but the orange them and stuff wasn't there. After I refresed it worked...
@Zairex, Caleb and Bluespirit.
i didn't say Energy-bending WAS a part of Air-bending!! LMAO!! I said "I would say Air-bending has Energy-bending but I get the feeling that's something everyone used to be able to do." As in I would say it was a part of Air-bending but there is so much evidence proving that it isn't. This is where I agree with "Bluespirit," The Lionturtle say's "In the era before the Avatar, they bent not the elements but the energy within." So Aang can't do it because he's the Avatar; he can do it because the Lionturtle showed him how to. I'm sure even Katara and Zuko could do it if they put their minds to it. I just thought it was funny how people were putting words in my mouth and going "HUH!!?? What!!?? Air-bending and Energy-bending aren't the same!!!!!!!!!!!!" Hahaha it's all good... Anyway's like I was saying I really enjoyed this episode because we got to see what water-benders are really capable of... We could never see it with just Katara because of her morals. So I thought it was great we got to see a water-bending master with so much hatred for fire-benders. I thought this episode was a lotdarker than "The Southern Raiders." I mean Katara almost kills two people in 'TSR' but I don't know... I still think 'TPM' is creepier and darker.
Comment by:
Caleb @ 10:41 am October 31, 2009
@bluespirit: Fake wasn't the right word. lol. I meant it isn't legit. It's stock.
And I love Google Chrome's layout. I switched to Firefox, though, because I had no privacy unless I always opened an in-cognito (sp?) window. lol
Comment by: avatar320 @ 10:54 am October 31, 2009
omg yes this is 1 of my fave eps of all time! i love the bloodbending and hamma's super creepy even before u kno all about her hahaha!
great choice la fans!
Comment by: Unknown @ 12:41 pm October 31, 2009
I just saw that there was a new poster for the movie!
Comment by: 26th Place @ 12:55 pm October 31, 2009
That poster may not be legit, but it's pretty awesome none the less
Comment by: cabbage merchant @ 01:20 pm October 31, 2009
I loved it when Hama drew the water from the flowers, and made a circle of black around her.
Comment by: avatar_arturo @ 05:13 pm October 31, 2009
This is probably my second favorite episode out of the whole season. (1st being "avatar aang"). Mainly becuz it focuses on waterbending and becuz of the awesome graphics/suspense. All episodes that focus on waterbending are on my fav list.:)
Ex: Winter solctice, part 1 & 2, The Southern Raiders, The Puppetmaster, and Into the Inferno w/ the ultimate azula vs. katara showdown.
Comment by: bluespirit @ 08:06 pm October 31, 2009
Again with the master...
Hama is not a master... just like Jeong Jeong IMO
Incognito (one word) is just like Private browsing in Firefox. The main Google Chorme is just like the normal Firefox.
If you want privacy in Firefox, you have to start Private Browsing, or you're just getting what Google Chrome gives... (at least that's what I've thought all this time)
And what's "stock"? What does that mean?
Again.. the poster is fake. But you're all right. It's sweet!!!
We need to start a chat room.... I have one, but it's on Pokebeach's server
Go to Pokebeach's chat room and type "/j #bluespirit"
It's pretty dead right now... but that can be fixed
-bluespirit
Comment by:
Caleb @ 08:11 pm October 31, 2009
I have to disagree, blue. Hama really is a master... she even knows more techniques than Pakku, and other Northern Water Tribe WB'ers.
Stock means it is just a free, uncopyrighted image that can be used by anyone for anything. So you can call it Katara if you want, but it's really not. ;)
Comment by: 25kuzon @ 10:48 pm October 31, 2009
Yeah,.. Hama would probably put off a good fight with Pakku..
but Pakku would still win..
Comment by: nicole @ 12:06 am November 01, 2009
i honestly did think this was the scariest one, but oddly one of my favourites:D
What's with the picture of Katara in the water? Where did it come from?
Comment by:
Caleb @ 09:10 am November 01, 2009
@25kuzon: Yeah, that would be really awesome: a fight between Hama and Pakku. If it were a full moon Hama would totally win.
Comment by: ZutarianAvatard @ 09:35 am November 01, 2009
@Caleb: I think Pakku would win- old man powers, activate!
Comment by: Kyle @ 10:00 am November 01, 2009
@bluespirit:
yeah i figured it was fake, but i didn't bother to read the article cause i'm sure it didn't say anything i didn't know already from this website.
it still looks cool though i would be happy if that was how they made the iceberg look.
Comment by: Jekyll @ 12:52 pm November 01, 2009
I loved this...another great plot twist that captivated me. Really sinister and clever idea.
n.b. Airbenders could probably suffocate enemies by taking the air out of their lungs... :S
Comment by: Acceler8 @ 01:19 pm November 01, 2009
Jekyll, there was actually a thread about that on imdb. It talked about each type of bending having a more advanced, or lethal, form:
Waterbending - Bloodbending
Firebending - Directing Lightning
Earthbending - Metalbending
Those three were all seen at some point in the series, but there was never one for Airbending, so I suggested:
Airbending - Breathbending
which would be just as you said, literally sucking the air out of someone. But we probably never saw it because we wouldn't like seeing an Airbender, especially Aang, being that violent.
Comment by: bluespirit @ 06:33 pm November 01, 2009
To figure out what Airbending has... we would have to define air
Is CO2 air?
Comment by:
Caleb @ 06:37 pm November 01, 2009
Airbending is manipulating any form of air. lol. I think breathbending would not work, though, because Aang doesn't pull air out of anything without more air replacing it, ya know what I mean?
CO2 is Carbon Dioxide. Air is Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, with about a sliver of a percent for a mixture of other stuff.
Comment by: 25kuzon @ 07:32 pm November 01, 2009
Airbenders can put off a vacuum out of nowhere...
just like caleb said, more air would just replace it...
Airbending can be lethal.. here are some moves:
Air Blades: A more offensive move than is typical of Airbending principle, this involves a focus slicing air current that can cut through stone or timber with relative ease. This is frequently conjured with a staff rather than the body, using the narrow profile of the object to create a more focused and precise air movement. This move could prove fatal if used on an individual.
Air Concussor: The air concussor is a highly destructive move (atypical for Air Nomad principle) in which an airbender creates (with use of a staff) a thin wave of air that travels quickly along the ground, releasing a near-explosive power when coming into contact with anything in its path. Aang used this move several times in "The Desert" to utterly annihilate the Sand-sailors of a group of Sandbenders, sending pieces of shattered wood and torn sails in all directions. Prior to this event, Aang also used this move on a Buzzard-Wasp, greatly injuring or possibly killing it after it had flown off with Momo. The air concussor is even able to run along water before destroying its target as seen in "The Swamp" when Aang used it to destroy a Swampbender canoe.
courtesy again of Avatar wiki
Comment by: bluespirit @ 10:56 pm November 01, 2009
I love the completely off-topic comments!!!
First was The Deserter and we ended up talking about Azula and her blue fire
And now this one is The Puppetmaster and we're talking about Aang and his airbending
As Caleb would say, "lol."
Comment by: swissmiss @ 11:19 pm November 01, 2009
My dad told me the television was showing a preview for the movie avatar and I got so excited until I realized he was talking about the 'other' Avatar movie with the blue people.
Needless to say my emotions went from this:
to this:
Comment by: Avatar_Fan @ 11:41 pm November 01, 2009
k ...so its the 2nd day in Nov...hopefully now we may get somethin related to the movie...pics, interviews...somethin..PLEASEEEE!!
Comment by:
Caleb @ 11:48 am November 02, 2009
@Bluespirit: Do I say LOL a lot? lol
But seriously, just last night me and a friend were chatting. I said, "lol." She said, "You're not really laughing." "No, I really am not, but it's funny. I didn't really crack a smile though." So we came up with SMS: smiles to self. Haha.
Nice insight, Kuzon. I think that they missed the fact that Air Blades is used in the series. In Ms. Cancer's favorite episode(DoBS 2). After Azula backflips into her chair from Toph's rock slide, Aang runs toward her, flips and breaks through a Dai Li's earth wall, sends an air blast towards her, she flips to the side, and the chair gets destroyed. He then uses the Air Blades. :)
Comment by: Kyle @ 12:57 pm November 02, 2009
Remember Airbenders can run as fast as the wind and fly, it's not really deadly but i'd say those qualify as special abilities. also the air scooter thing is pretty cool.
Another thing i thought of was if water benders can make ice and steam, air benders should be able to change the speed of the molecules in the air and make it hot or cold, which if pushed to extremes could be deadly.
Comment by: Fledge @ 04:17 pm November 02, 2009
Kyle: You know, I'd wondered if all benders had thermal control of their element or if it was just the waterbenders. If earthbenders could control the temperature of rock, couldn't they make lava?
Maybe that's how Roku was able to control the lava in the Avatar and the Firelord. But then, wasn't Sozin able to bend the lava as well?
Eh, it's been I while since I've seen that episode. I might be remembering it wrong.
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