Template:Infobox: Avatar: The Last Airbender episode
"Bitter Work" is an episode from the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which airs on Nickelodeon. It is the ninth episode of the second season of the series.
When Aang struggles with a block while trying to learn earthbending from Toph, he wonders if the problem is with him or his teacher. Meanwhile, Sokka gets himself in a jam.
Episode synopsis
Template:Spoilers Aang awakes from his sleep, excited that he will finally begin his earthbending training with Toph. He enthusiastically asks her what they will do first, and Toph replies that they will simply learn how to move a rock.
Toph teaches Aang that earthbending requires a firm, steady stance. She demonstrates the technique by sending a rock into a wall. Aang tries to emulate her, but he ends up hitting the rock with airbending and propels himself backwards.
Two flashbacks occur. The first contains Iroh and his son Luten having some fun. In the second flashback, Iroh is crying over the grave of his deceased son. Iroh awakes to find his nephew Zuko watching over him. Zuko explains that Iroh was knocked unconscious after a surprise attack by Azula. They are in a partially destroyed home in the abandoned town presented the end of the last episode. Zuko presents Iroh with some tea. Iroh drinks it to realize that it tastes terrible. He pretends to like the tea in order to avoid offending Zuko.
Zuko says that he has contemplated and realized that he will eventually encounter Azula again. He wants to learn more advanced firebending techniques so he can defeat her. To Zuko's surprise, Iroh agrees with him.
Meanwhile, Aang is trying to figure out why he could not move the rock, since he did the correct stance. He tries to find an alternate solution, but Toph explains that creative thinking is the problem. Earthbending requires a head-on approach. Toph destroys the rock and walks away
Katara tries to talk to Toph. She recommends that Toph should use constructive criticism. She suggests a "gentle nudge" in the right direction. Toph accepts the advice. Aang then trains by doing several activities involving rocks. He starts to become successful with the different training activities.
Meanwhile, Sokka (who is alone) is hiding in a tree. He spots small, cute, but unidentifiable creature. It is made of meat, so he jumps down from the tree to attack it. However, he falls into a crack in the ground. He still tries to attack the critter, but falls even more into the ground. Only his hands and head are able to move. Without his arms to use, he is stuck in the crack in the ground.
Iroh explains how Firebenders can create lightning. Lightning requires peace of mind; it does not use aggression, unlike the other forms of firebending. Zuko drinks tea in order to calm his mind. Then they go outside. The house they were in overlooks the valley where the abandoned town was from the last episode.
Iroh begins to teach Zuko how to bend lightning. When Zuko thinks he has mastered it, he demands to Uncle Iroh to strike him with lightning. He refuses because of the possibility of hurting his nephew.
So, at the end of the episode, Zuko stands atop a mountain during a thunderstorm. He irrationaly yells out at the lightning that strikes, saying that it has been the cause of some of his problems. Zuko is hoping a lightning bolt will strike him, so he can channel it through his body as taught by Iroh, but the obvious pain inside of him makes him fall to his knees crying.
Trivia
- Iroh's son, Luten, is seen for the first time. He is seen in a flashback, possibly a dream of Iroh's.
- Aang's struggles with earthbending closely parallel Zuko's struggles with bending lightning.
- It is confirmed that Iroh is able to bend lightning.
- Aang earthbends for the first time.
- Zuko's one true mistalent is revealed: he cannot make tea.
- It is revealed that the move Iroh did in The Storm was the move he was teaching Zuko: redirecting lightning.
- This episode begins with a Previously on Avatar opening making it the fifth in the seiries and the fourth in Season 2. The first three episodes were Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2), The Blind Bandit, Zuko Alone, and The Chase
- Iroh is confirmed to be able to bend lightning.
Quotes
- Aang: Today's the day! Can you believe it? After all that time searching for a teacher, I'm finally starting earthbending! And this place, it's perfect. Don't you think? Sokka?
- Sokka: moans and glares at Aang
- Aang: Oh, you're still sleeping, huh?
- Sokka: glares some more and goes back to sleep
- Aang: (whispers) Sorry.
- Toph: Good morning earthbending student.
- Aang: Good morning Sifu Toph. (sifu means teacher)
- Katara: Hey, you never call me Sifu Katara?
- Aang: Well, if you think I should...
- Toph: Come on, Twinkle Toes! Bend those knees!