【1976 Archives】
Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: 976 ArchivesLast Airbenderis brimming with interwoven storylines, applause-worthy cameos, and Easter eggs that will turn fans into Pointing Rick Dalton.
And in the third episode of the series, "Omashu," there's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it detail lurking in the background.
About 45 minutes in, Prince Zuko (Dallas James Liu) and Uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) are standing in the bustling city of Omashu. The two Fire Nation royals are in a conundrum. Thanks to Zuko's hot temper during his fight with Aang (Gordon Cormier), the prince has exposed the presence of a firebender in the Earth Kingdom-run marketplace. Guards start surrounding them as the panicked crowd rushes past to the gates. Knowing they'll soon be discovered, Iroh takes the fall for his nephew, unleashing his firebending powers as a diversion and giving Zuko time to escape.
You May Also Like

As the guards cower, you can see the market kiosk behind them. It's a cart selling shoes and masks, including a striking mask decorated with blue and white.
Fans will know it as the Blue Spirit mask, which first appears in the animated series episode of the same name. As Mashable's Meera Navlakha writes, "No one can forget the Blue Spirit, an alter ego Zuko adopted in the original to assist in masking himself from the Fire Nation. The Netflix writers thankfully incorporated this storyline, seamlessly adapting it into an episode all about hiding one's identity."
The mask comes into play later, in episode 13 of the animated series, "The Blue Spirit," and episode 6 of the Netflix series, "Masks." Zuko uses it to disguise himself as he infiltrates the Pohuai stronghold, on a mission to rescue Aang from Commander Zhao (Ken Leung). Wearing a mask to capture the Avatar isn't an easy thing for Zuko to do. Generally, he disapproves of covert terror tactics, telling Iroh in the Omashu marketplace, "That's not right. Warriors don't hide their faces in a fight. Father would never approve." But he can't risk letting his father, Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim), know Zhao has one-upped him.
Clear of the fortress, Aang unmasks a wounded Zuko, coming face to face with his incessant pursuer. This discovery allows Zuko and Aang to have a stubborn but genuine conversation in which the prince softens (a little). It also makes the Avatar realise how similar their predicaments are — expectations can crush you. It's in this episode we also get a flashback about Zuko's past and his father's cruel treatment, which deepens our sense of his identity even further.
Related Stories
- 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' review: Not awful. Not great. Just fine.
- Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' does right by a fan favourite: the cabbage merchant
- Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' covers a heap of episodes. Here's a guide to them all.
- How to watch the live-action 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' series
- Best streaming services: We compare Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and more
It's kind of strange to see Zuko's signature assassin mask being sold in an Earth Kingdom market in the live-action series, but it's a fun hidden reference for fans to find. It's also a fitting nod to identity, disguise, and possibility for the young prince.
Avatar: The Last Airbenderis now streaming on Netflix.
Topics Netflix Streaming
Search
Categories
Latest Posts
Roborock Saros Z70 at CES 2025: A huge flex
2025-06-27 08:15Albania announces one
2025-06-27 07:02Best Amazon deal: The DJI Power 1000 is just $549
2025-06-27 06:36Popular Posts
Meta Quest 3S (256GB) deal: Score a free $30 Best Buy gift card
2025-06-27 08:40Best cooler deal: Save $50 on the Ninja FrostVault at Amazon
2025-06-27 07:54Packers vs. Eagles 2025: How to watch NFL online
2025-06-27 06:24Featured Posts
Get a free soundbar when you buy a 34
2025-06-27 08:48NYT mini crossword answers for December 20
2025-06-27 07:55Thirteen Steam Features You Probably Don't Know About
2025-06-27 07:48Popular Articles
Getting Started with Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts
2025-06-27 09:04Best free ChatGPT courses
2025-06-27 07:37How Aden Wang makes viral DIY content without quitting his day job
2025-06-27 07:34Apple's RCS messaging support expands to a lot of new carriers
2025-06-27 07:32'Alien: Earth' series offers behind
2025-06-27 07:23Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
Comments (33623)
Style Information Network
Best smart scale deal: Get 15% off an Etekcity scale at Amazon
2025-06-27 08:43Reality Information Network
Robert Irwin weighed in on the 100 men vs one gorilla debate
2025-06-27 08:38Exquisite Information Network
Apple's RCS messaging support expands to a lot of new carriers
2025-06-27 07:58Creation Information Network
Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025: All the best Roomba deals
2025-06-27 07:33Style Information Network
Amazon Prime members gets 10% off Grubhub orders through Feb. 17
2025-06-27 06:45