Zuko's redemption arc is one of my favorite in fiction, in large part because it is actually fulfilling and well-earned unlike most redemption arcs which are too fast, don't deal with the consequences of the redeemed character's previous actions and/or end up hand-waving away or white-washing those bad actions no matter how ridiculous it is (compare Zuko's organic growth over dozens of episodes to Kylo Ren's "redemption", for example). So many other great characters - both major and side - and so many nice touches throughout.
Iroh talks about burning Ba Sing Se to the ground at some point during the siege (it's been awhile so I forget the exact context), though he's generally speaking a much more compassionate/better person than most in the Fire Nation's ruling elite. I don't recall them really going into too much depth about how much of a warmonger Iroh was in those days, but I admittedly haven't read all the supplementary materials.
I'd agree in principle, but the show doesn't really delve too deeply into that side of Iroh and the fandom largely whitewashes him as well. It's kind of a shame, because I think Iroh's full arc is a lot more interesting and meaningful when it incorporates his full story which includes having to learn and grow himself rather than just focusing on him as a wise/loving mentor.
Iroh talks about burning Ba Sing Se to the ground at some point during the siege (it's been awhile so I forget the exact context), though he's generally speaking a much more compassionate/better person than most in the Fire Nation's ruling elite. I don't recall them really going into too much depth about how much of a warmonger Iroh was in those days, but I admittedly haven't read all the supplementary materials.
I'd agree in principle, but the show doesn't really delve too deeply into that side of Iroh and the fandom largely whitewashes him as well. It's kind of a shame, because I think Iroh's full arc is a lot more interesting and meaningful when it incorporates his full story which includes having to learn and grow himself rather than just focusing on him as a wise/loving mentor.
