Zuko-is-Good by MetalCurtainRod
Zuko's betrayal caused an uproar in the Avatar Community, but I don't think he really betrayed Iroh and the gaang (and the whole world, even). Here's a list of reasons why I think he's not evil, based on my own observations, and that of my friends.
Why Zuko is not really evil:
- Azula Always lies....
Do you REALLY think Zuko would ever trust Azula unless he was planning on backstabbing her?
- Zuko's Metamorphosis
Did the writers of Avatar forget about this crucial part of Zuko's development? How can Zuko do something so evil after a change like that?
Or was his metamorphosis simply a clever ploy to get more teenage girls to watch the show?
- Foreshadowing…
In numerous episodes, Azula has manipulated Zuko. Perhaps this is his revenge: pretending to be on her side only to betray her when she least expects it.
In Lake Laogai, Iroh scolds Zuko for never planning anything through. Maybe this time he actually thought a plan from start to end?
- I betrayed Uncle...
Now, really, if there was one thing Zuko would never do, it’s betray Iroh. He may be rude to him at times, but Iroh is a father figure to him.
- He freed Appa....
He could have severely hindered Aang, and yet he chose to help him. Does that sound like a man desperate to get his honor back at all costs?
Added 4/7/2007