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{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox Avatar: The Last Airbender episode|
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
| image = [[Image:Avatar_the_invasion_titlecard.png|250px]]

| caption = Title card for episode.
{{Infobox television episode
| name = The Day of Black Sun
| series = [[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]
| book = Three
| image = DayoftheBlackSun.jpg
| chapter = Ten <!--Chapter 10 only unless airing proves otherwise-->
| image_size =
| episode_num = Fifty and Fifty One
| caption = Promotional image for the event showing the characters (L-R) [[Toph Beifong]], [[Aang]], [[Sokka]], and [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]]
| prod_num = 310 & 311
| season = 3
| date = [[November 30]], [[2007]]
| episode = 10/11
| dateuk = [[December 1]], [[2007]]
| airdate = {{Start date|2007|11|30}}
| writer =
| production = 310/311
| director =
| writer = {{Plainlist|
| guest =
* [[Michael Dante DiMartino]] {{small|(Part One)}}
| prev = [[Nightmares and Daydreams (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Nightmares and Daydreams]]
* [[Aaron Ehasz]] {{small|(Part Two)}}
| next = TBA <!--Don't add the next episode's name without a source--->
}}
| director = {{Plainlist|
* [[Giancarlo Volpe]] {{small|(Part One)}}
* [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] {{small|(Part Two)}}
}}
| music = {{Plainlist|
* [[Benjamin Wynn|Ben Wynn]]
* [[Jeremy Zuckerman]]
}}
| photographer =
| guests =
* [[Richard McGonagle]] as Bato
* [[René Auberjonois]] as the mechanist
* [[Daniel Samonas]] as Teo
* [[Serena Williams]] as Ming
* [[Wayne Duvall]] as Warden Poon
* Michael Dow as Haru
* [[William H. Bassett]] as Huu
* [[Mick Foley]] as the Boulder
* Sterling Young as Pipsqueak
* Nick Swoboda as The Duke
* [[Kristoffer Tabori]] as war minister
| season_article = Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3
| episode_list = List of Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes
| prev = [[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3#ep49|Nightmares and Daydreams]]
| next = [[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3#ep52|The Western Air Temple]]
}}
}}
'''The Day of Black Sun''' is a two-part [[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes|episode]] from the animated television series ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', which airs on [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]. These are the tenth and eleventh episodes of the third season of the series.

Both episodes of were leaked to the internet weeks before they were supposed to be aired. Viacom took swift action to remove these leaked videos, but was unsuccessful in reclaiming all the videos due to numerous posts. {{fact}}

==Part 1: The Invasion==

On the day of the invasion, Sokka goes over some maps of the world. Katara gives him a drink and Aang arrives and greets everyone. Katara comments that he seems well rested and Aang says now he is ready to face the Fire Lord. Toph asks him if for his strategy he is planning to use the Avatar State. Aang says he can’t and explains that his last chakra was sealed when he was blasted by Azula in Ba Sing Se.

Katara sees a thick fog rolling in and asks Sokka if she thinks it will delay the invasion. Sokka smiles and says it is the invasion. Water Tribe boats emerge from the mist and, together with Toph, Aang creates some makeshift docks in the cove. Sokka and Katara greet their father Hakoda. Sokka asks about the people he requested and Hakoda says he brought them but he is not sure about some of them.

The waterbenders from the Swamp, walk off the boat. Hakoda comments that they seem a little weird and Bato agrees. A voice calls out to Katara and she recognizes Haru who now has facial hair walking toward them with his father. They greet him and introduce him to Toph. Toph suddenly starts and gets into a battle stance.

Someone grabs her and she is swept into a hug by the Hippo who says he is happy to see her. She asks if they are there for a rematch and The Boulder says they are now there to battle for their kingdom. Toph smiles and says: “Sweet.”

There is an explosion on one of the boats and everyone runs over to see the inventor from the Northern Air Temple pop his head up and start coughing. Teo and his father come off the boat together covered in something. Teo’s dad comments that peanut sauce does not make for very good bombs.

Sokka asks if he able to finish work on the plans that he sent. Teo’s dad says he was able to finish and Teo also presents Aang with a gift, a brand new Glider. Meanwhile, at the Fire Nation prison, the guard says he bets Iroh wishes he was out of the cell. Iroh has his back turned and the guard continues that he is never getting out. Another guard, Ming walks in with food for Iroh. The other guard leaves.

Ming gives him a look as he walks out and continues to Iroh. She whispers that she added some tea and pushes the tray through the bars. Iroh turns and thanks her for being kind to him while he is in prison. Back at the cove, all the warriors gather for the briefing of the mission. Sokka is nervous but everyone tells him he will do fine.

He stumbles up to the platform and trips a few times, then tries to explain the mission but starts to stutter. When Sokka starts rambling from the pressure, Hakoda goes up and tells him to take a break. Hakoda explains the mission clearly and thanks everyone for their courage.

Sokka slumps in his seat as everyone listens intently to Hakoda. After Hakoda finishes with the battle plan, The Boulder says he is confused. He asks if the point is to attack while the eclipse is going on. Hakoda then tells everyone that the eclipse only lasts for 8 minutes and they need it most when they are surrounding the Royal Palace.

He then says that at the end of the day, the Fire Lord will have been defeated and the war will be over. Everyone cheers but Sokka looks unhappy in his seat. In last preparations, Katara fills her skins with water, Toph dons an Earth Kingdom suit, and Appa appears with full armor. Aang sits at the edge of the cove and shaves his hair.

In the Fire Nation, Zuko lets down his hair and sits down to write something. Sokka sits on a ledge looking at his helmet. Aang flies up and says everyone is waiting for him. Sokka says he messed up at the invasion briefing. Aang tells him that it was not his moment of truth and it was just public speaking, which no one is good at.

Sokka turns to him and says that his father is good at it. He explained perfectly and inspired everyone like a good leader. Aang says that his moment of truth will be out on the battlefield. Sokka says Aang seems so confident and asks why he is so sure. Aang replies determinedly that he already failed the world once at Ba Sing Se.

As the boats near the Fire Nation, Bato spots the first obstacle, the Great Gates of Azulon. Hakoda tells Katara to make some fog cover with the other waterbenders. She complies and they reach the gates. Suddenly an alarm goes off and a large net is pulled up and set aflame to block their path.

Fire Nation skiffs head toward them and Hakoda orders everyone below deck. He turns to Sokka and says he hopes his invention works. The Fire Nation soldiers board but after a thorough search they find the boats deserted. Underwater, the invasion force continues in submarines.

Hakoda compliments Sokka and Toph says he has found a worse way to travel than flying. The Duke hands her his helmet and she grabs it. Sokka points out that it was just his idea, when others did all the work. Teo’s dad says that he should not sell himself short. Teo’s dad calls in brilliant but comments that Sokka’s original drawings were a little hard to understand. He holds up a crude sketch of what looks like a fish with warriors inside.

Ming brings lunch to Iroh and he thanks her again for bringing him extra rice. He then turns serious and says she should take the rest of the day off. He says she doesn’t look well and she is confused. He says she should trusts him since it would be better that he is not there in the afternoon. She looks at him for a moment then walks away.

The submarines surface to replenish their air supply. Aang joins the others on deck and says he is ready. Sokka and everyone else come forward to hug him and they all wish him luck. Hakoda tells them that break time is over and they need to get back in the subs.

The others walk away leaving Aang and Katara alone. Aang and Katara both try to speak at once and Aang lets her go first. She says that he has grown and changed a lot and she is proud of him. Aang smiles and then says that everything is going to be different after today. He looks down and asks what if he does not come back.

Katara says not to say things like that and Aang leans in and kisses her on the lips. After they break apart, Katara blushes and looks at Aang. He opens his glider and with one last look, leaps into the air. She stares after him and Sokka comes up and tells her it is time to leave. She leaps over on Appa and creates a bubble for him to breathe under water and everyone dives.

Zuko looks at a picture of himself with Mai. He apologizes to her then leaves a scroll on the bed and leaves. Aang flies over the invasion force and his stomach growls. He opens the secret compartment in the glider for snacks and eats some. He comments that maybe it was a good idea.

Hakoda at the shore and orders everyone in position. As the submarines enter the dock area, an alarm blares and the battlements start firing harpoons at the shapes in the water. One of the subs gets hit but a waterbender inside seals it with ice. It is pulled out of the water but Katara slashes though the chain and they continue.

They fire torpedoes covered in ice and use bending to blast them forcefully at the wall. They explode and create openings for the subs. Inside, all the warriors wait and Sokka sighs. The subs reach the surface and immediately come under fire from the battlements surrounding the shore. The subs hit land and open to release their tanks.

As the invasion force moves forward, the battle continues. Katara lands and Fire Nation tanks emerge. The Earth Kingdom Tanks crush a tank and a tower and move on. The swamp waterbenders also manage to take out 2 tanks. Tho wonders where Huu is as they throw a tank into the water. Suddenly, Huu’s weed monster emerges and throws another tank into the water.


"'''The Day of Black Sun'''" is the tenth and eleventh episodes of the [[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3|third season]] of the American [[animated cartoon|animated]] [[television series]] ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', and the 50th and the 51st episode overall. The show follows [[Aang]] ([[Zach Tyler Eisen]]), the last airbender and the “Avatar”, on his journey to bring balance to a war-torn world by mastering all [[Classical element|four elements]]: air, water, earth, and fire. On his quest, he is joined by companions [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]] ([[Mae Whitman]]), [[Sokka]] ([[Jack DeSena]]), and [[Toph Beifong]] ([[Michaela Jill Murphy|Jessie Flower]]). The season also follows [[Zuko]] ([[Dante Basco]]) as he returns to the Fire Nation only to face his conflicting feelings about his part in the war. The episodes have the sub-titles "'''The Invasion'''" and "'''The Eclipse'''" respectively.
Du asks Huu where he was and he replies that it took a long time to gather enough seaweed. Sokka, Hakoda and other Water Tribe warriors face off against some soldiers. Sokka hitches a ride and is joined by Hakoda who takes out a group of soldiers on the way.


The first part of the episode was directed by [[Giancarlo Volpe]] and written by co-creator [[Michael Dante DiMartino]], and follows [[Aang]], Sokka and Hakoda leading an invasion on the Fire Nation, on "The Day of Black Sun" where the firebenders will lose their bending due to a [[solar eclipse]]. The second part was directed by [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] and written by head writer [[Aaron Ehasz]], following the beginning of the eclipse, and [[Zuko]] standing up to his father Fire Lord Ozai ([[Mark Hamill]]). The episodes premiered on November 23 and 26, 2007 respectively in the Netherlands and Belgium,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.avatarspirit.net/news.php?id=501 |title="Day of Black Sun" Airs First in The Netherlands & Belgium |website=AvatarSpirit |last=Acastus |date=November 24, 2007 |accessdate=April 11, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629003237/https://www.avatarspirit.net/news.php?id=501 |archivedate=June 29, 2020}}</ref> before releasing on [[Nickelodeon]] in the United States on November 30 of that year. They were watched by 3.77 million viewers,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2007/12/04/top-cable-nov-26-dec-2-nfl-tin-man/2002/ |title=Top Cable Nov 26-Dec 2, NFL & Tin Man |publisher=TVByTheNumbers |access-date=2012-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103001952/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2007/12/04/top-cable-nov-26-dec-2-nfl-tin-man/2002/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012}}</ref> and received critical acclaim.
A battlement fires a harpoon at Teo’s father who is driving a truck full of boulders. When the smoke clears the back of the truck is demolished but Teo’s father is unhurt. The invasion force is having trouble moving forward though. Hakoda says they have to get rid of the battlements. Sokka says he has an idea.


== Plot ==
They hop on Appa and fly by the battlements. Sokka slices off the harpoon and Hakoda throws in some bombs. Katara takes care of another by freezing the inside. They land and split up to two different towers. Sokka breaks through the door and Katara quickly freezes the soldiers while Sokka destroys the launcher.
The day of the invasion arrives, but [[Aang]] reveals he cannot enter the Avatar State, as his final chakra was blocked when [[Azula]] shot him with lightning.{{efn|As depicted in "[[The Crossroads of Destiny]]"}} Meanwhile in the Fire Nation, [[Zuko]] flees from home, promising to a painting of his mother, Ursa, that he will amend for his mistakes. Shedding their Fire Nation disguises, the fleet sneak into the capital with submarines, but are attacked by enemy troops; Aang kisses [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]] and confesses his feelings in case he doesn't survive before flying away. The fleet reach land and battle Fire Nation troops. Hakoda is injured in battle, forcing Sokka to lead the invasion instead. Aang enters Fire Lord Ozai's palace, only to find it empty; Sokka concludes that Ozai expected the attack and is hiding in an underground bunker. Bato takes the reins of the fleet while Aang, Sokka, and [[Toph Beifong]] search for Ozai.


Toph finds the bunker inside a nearby volcano, and the three enter as the eclipse starts. The fleet captures much of the capital, while Aang and his friends find Azula in Ozai's place. She reveals she knew about the invasion for months and is unsurprised that Aang survived. Although the heroes corner Azula in a fight, they realize that she was simply stalling until the eclipse ends. Azula taunts Sokka by revealing Suki's imprisonment, and Sokka unsuccessfully attempts to make Azula reveal where she is. Meanwhile, Zuko enters Ozai's chamber, explaining that Azula was the one who "killed" Aang, who is actually still alive. Zuko defies and denounces his father, condemning his abusive treatment of him and vowing to help Aang. Ozai reveals that he nearly killed Zuko on Azulon's orders,{{efn|As depicted in "[[Zuko Alone]]"}} only for Ursa to kill Azulon instead to protect her son, for which she was banished. The eclipse ends and a fight breaks out between the pair.
They run back out and see Hakoda jump in through the launcher opening. There are sounds of fighting then a yell and a loud explosion and smoke billows out of the opening. Sokka and Katara start and Hakoda staggers out then falls to the ground. Katara and Sokka run to him.


Realizing what is happening, Azula escapes with firebending. Aang evacuates, realizing he isn't ready to face Ozai. The fleet attempt to retreat, but are cornered by airships. Zuko rushes to free his uncle, [[Iroh]], only to find that he already escaped after furtive and intense training.{{efn|As depicted in "[[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3#ep44|Sokka's Master]]"}} On Hakoda's orders, Aang flees to the Western Air Temple on [[Appa (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Appa]] with Katara, Sokka, Toph, Haru, Teo, and the Duke while the rest surrender. Zuko follows closely behind.
Zuko faces a picture of his mother and says he has made some bad choices. But today he will set things right. He puts on his sword, dons his hood and walks out. Appa flies around a corner and sets down to allow Sokka to help Hakoda to the ground. Katara pulls out water and starts healing the wound.


== Credits ==
Hakoda says it feels better and he struggles to rise. He says he needs to go back to the troops. Katara tells him he is hurt badly and he can’t fight anymore. Hakoda argues that everyone is counting on him to lead the mission. He tries to get up but falls back. Sokka asks if Katara can do anything but she says she is trying.
Main cast members [[Zach Tyler Eisen]], [[Mae Whitman]], [[Jack DeSena]], [[Michaela Jill Murphy|Jessie Flower]], [[Dante Basco]] and [[Dee Bradley Baker]] appear as the voices of [[Aang]], [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]], [[Sokka]], [[Toph Beifong]], [[Zuko]], and [[Appa (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Appa]] respectively.<ref name="TV Guide Cast">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/avatar-airbender/cast/194673 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast and Details |publisher=[[TV Guide (magazine)|TVGuide.com]] |access-date=November 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216072355/http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/avatar-airbender/cast/194673 |archive-date=16 December 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Appearing as guests in both parts are [[André Sogliuzzo]] as Hakoda, [[Richard McGonagle]] as Bato, [[René Auberjonois]] as the mechanist, [[Daniel Samonas]] as Teo, [[Wayne Duvall]] as Warden Poon, Michael Dow as Haru, [[Kevin Michael Richardson]] as both Tyro and the Hippo, [[Carlos Alazraqui]] as Due and Tho, [[William H. Bassett]] as Huu, Sterling Young as Pipsqueak, and Nick Swoboda as The Duke. Appearing as guests in only the first part are [[Greg Baldwin]] as [[Iroh]], [[Serena Williams]] as Ming,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-which-character-did-serena-williams-voice-in-avatar-the-last-airbender/ |title=Which Character Did Serena Williams Voice in 'Avatar The Last Airbender'? |publisher=Essentially Sports |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> and [[Mick Foley]] as the Boulder.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/boulder-voice-actor-avatar-last-airbender/ |title=Who The Boulder Voice Actor Is In Avatar: The Last Airbender |date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> Appearing as guests in only the second part are [[Mark Hamill]] as Fire Lord Ozai, [[Grey DeLisle]] as [[Azula]], and [[Kristoffer Tabori]] as a war minister.


The first part of the episode was directed by [[Giancarlo Volpe]] and written by co-creator [[Michael Dante DiMartino]], while the second part was directed by [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] and written by head writer [[Aaron Ehasz]].<ref name="TV Guide Cast" />
Sokka thinks for a moment, then declares that he will lead the invasion. Katara is unsure but Sokka says they have no choice since the eclipse is soon. Hakoda says Sokka can do it and he is proud of Sokka. Sokka smiles, puts on his helmet and flies off with Appa.


== Production ==
Sokka calls to the troops and orders them to get in wedge formation. He puts the benders in the middle and says they are heading for the palace. Once everyone is in position, Sokka draws his sword and shouts: “Charge!”
The animation was done by JM Animation for the first part, and MOI Animation for the second part.


When promoting the episode, just as they had done for "[[The Secret of the Fire Nation]]", [[Nickelodeon]] promoted the episode greatly by creating a website with links to a tournament and wallpaper downloads. The website even included an online game called ''Black Sun Siege'' which released on November 29, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1077954 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105074603/https://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1077954 |title="Aang Is Ready to Strike Down the Fire Nation on the Darkest Day of the Year in Avatar's 'Day of Black Sun' Premiering Friday, Nov. 30 on Nickelodeon" |accessdate=November 6, 2011 |date=November 14, 2007 |archivedate=January 5, 2008 |publisher=Viacom International}}</ref> The episode also introduces submarines into the [[World of Avatar: The Last Airbender|world of ''Avatar'']], inspired by pre-Cold War and World War II submarines in that they have limited air supply, or the [[LCVP (United States)|Higgins boat]] used in World War II. The idea of Ozai hiding in a secret bunker bears similaraties to how [[Adolf Hitler]] used his bunker during World War II.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-fire-nation-attack-real-world-history/ |title=The Last Airbender: How the Fire Nation's Attacks Mirror Real-World History |date=February 7, 2022 |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> When the invasion force soldiers march up the volcano towards the Fire Nation, parallels can be drawn in regards to how they hold their shields above their heads in a formation reminiscent of the Roman [[Testudo formation]].
Meanwhile, Aang stands on the rim of the mountain looking at the Royal Palace. He opens his glider and flies down. He walks around but finds that the entire area is deserted. He comments that it is weird and moves on. The invasion force breaks through the wall by crashing a truck with explosives into it. The tanks continue on as the soldiers steadily fall back.


== Reception ==
Aang bursts into the throne room but again no one is there. Aang’s eyes widen and falls to his knees shouting “Fire Lord Ozai, Where are you!”
The episode received critical acclaim from fans and critics, with many considering it one of the best of the show.


Hayden Childs of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' praised Zuko's speech in the episode, calling it "the emotional heart of these episodes" and commenting: "He lays out carefully how Ozai wronged him with the banishment and Agni Kai, which shows just how far he has come since the beginning. He points out that Sozin's idea that the Fire Nation's war is for the good of the world is still being taught to the people, but that it is a lie. This is not just a talking point to help out the young people watching, but another sign of how Zuko has outgrown his brainwashing. Ozai is too monstrous to understand any of this, of course, but it is only right that Zuko, who has the most compelling arc of any character on the show, should have a chance to say his piece to his father."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Childs |first1=Hayden |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender: "The Day Of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion"/"The Day Of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" |url=https://www.avclub.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-the-day-of-black-sun-part-1798172060 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Max Nicholson of ''[[IGN]]'' gave the episodes ratings of 8.5 and 8.8 out of 10 respectively, writing that Part 1 "delivered a great half-hour of invasion antics, as Team Avatar launched their attack on the Fire Nation. Not only did this episode feature tons of returning allies, but it also included great moments for them" and that Part 2 "offered a solid conclusion to the "Day of Black Sun" two-parter and set the final events of the series in motion."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nicholson |first1=Max |date=September 4, 2015 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion" Flashback Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/04/avatar-the-last-airbender-day-of-the-black-sun-part-1-the-invasion-flashback-review |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nicholson |first1=Max |date=September 11, 2015 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" Flashback Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/08/avatar-the-last-airbender-the-day-of-black-sun-part-2-the-eclipse-flashback-review |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Part 2: The Eclipse==
[[Aang]] returns to [[Katara]], [[Sokka]], and the others, and reveals that [[Ozai]] must have known about the invasion, as the whole city has been evacuated. Sokka guesses that the Fire Lord must not be far away, and with [[Toph]]'s help Sokka and Aang discover that there's a hidden a bunker inside the volcano, and that the firebenders are staying in it until the eclipse is over. They attempt to locate Ozai, only to come face-to-face with [[Azula]].


Chris Harkin of ''Game Rant'' placed the second part of the episode as the eighth best episode of the show with a score of 9.4 / 10, writing "The heartbreak for fans as the team suffered major losses and defeats paved the way for their underdog victory when Sozin's Comet arrived later in the season. In the meantime, Team Avatar found Azula and fought her agents, while Zuko found his father and learned the truth about his mother's fate."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Harkin |first1=Chris |date=December 26, 2023 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender – 10 Best Episodes |url=https://gamerant.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-best-episodes/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=GameRant |language=en-US}}</ref> Sam Cheeda of [[Screen Rant]] placed the episode as it the fifth-best of the show, stating that "The episode is notable for showcasing the heroes on the backfoot when the invasion starts to slip through their grasp and the advantage goes to the Fire Nation. With Ozai making an appearance, the two-parter was by no means playing around and the conflict came across as a big-time event."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cheeda |first1=Sam |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Avatar The Last Airbender: Top 10 Episodes, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-best-episodes-ranked/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
Azula, who is powerless during the eclipse, has enlisted the help of two Dai-li agents, who use earthbending to protect her from Aang, Sokka, and Toph. The three of them continue to follow her, and she taunts Sokka by hinting that she has captured, imprisoned, and possibly hurt [[Suki]]. The eclipse soon ends, and after regaining her powers and briefly battling the three of them, Azula flees.


In 2020, Millie Mae Mealy of ''[[The Harvard Crimson]]'' ranked the first and second parts of the episode as the 15th and 3rd best episodes of the show respectively, praising Sokka's competence and ability to design a submarine, the heroes losing and the repercussions of it, and the climax of Zuko's character arc, writing that "Zuko's confrontation with his father is epic. Lightning represents the abuse of his father and his family — with his Uncle's love and support, Zuko learns to let that lightning pass through him without hurting him and chooses not to take vengeance on his father. Zuko stands up to his father and tells him that he was abusive and wrong. He knows his worth, and now he is going to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Zuko's redemption arc is exceptional and this is a brilliant moment that shows just how far he has come."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mae Healy |first=Millie |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Every Episode of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' Ranked |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2020/12/21/artsrank-ATLA/ |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=[[The Harvard Crimson]] |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824104029/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2020/12/21/artsrank-ATLA/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Meanwhile, Ozai is revealed to be staying in a separate hall during the eclipse. After mentally apologizing to Mai and leaving her a note, Zuko confronts his father and tells him that all he had wanted was for Ozai to love him, but that he now realizes that his Uncle Iroh had been more of a father to him than Ozai had ever been. He angrily berates Ozai for cruelly challenging Zuko to a duel when he was only thirteen years old, and then banishing him from the fire nation.
Zuko says that he must do what is right, and openly states that he is going to fulfill his destiny and join the Avatar in defeating Ozai.


For his work directing the second part of the episode, [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] was nominated at [[Annecy International Animated Film Festival|Annecy]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.annecy.org/home/index.php?Page_ID=1875&code_categfilm=C8&titre=&realisateur= |title=Annecy 2008 - Official Selection |year=2008 |publisher=Annecy 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302145119/http://www.annecy.org/home/index.php?Page_ID=1875&code_categfilm=C8&titre=&realisateur= |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Ozai reveals that Zuko's mother, [[Princess Ursa]], is still alive; when Iroh's son died and Ozai mocked him in his grief, their father ordered Ozai to kill Zuko as punishment. Ozai implies that Ursa arranged Ozai's father's death so that Zuko would be spared and Ozai would become Firelord, and that she was banished from the fire nation for this. As the eclipse ends, Zuko and his father duel briefly before Zuko disappears.


The episode has caused topics like the show or 'Fire Nation' to trend whenever there is a [[solar eclipse]], such as during the "[[Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017|Great American Eclipse]]" on August 21, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plante |first=Corey |date=August 22, 2017 |title=ECLIPSE HAS EVERYONE THINKING ABOUT 'AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER' |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/35733-avatar-last-airbender-fire-nation-trending-twitter-total-solar-eclipse |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]] }}</ref>
Aang, Sokka, and Toph return to the battle site, and [[Hakoda]] orders them to flee while the elders remain behind. After thanking everyone and saying their good-byes, they take all the youth with them, including [[Haru]] and [[the Duke]], and get ready to leave.


== Notes ==
Zuko attempts to free Iroh from prison, but discovers that Iroh has already escaped. As Aang and the others flee- via Appa- to the Western air temple shortly after the eclipse, Zuko is last seen following them on a hot air balloon, with a small smile on his face.
{{Notelist}}


==Production==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
===Series continuity===
*Toph is referred to as "The Blind Bandit" by Earthbenders Big Bad Hippo and The Boulder. This was a pseudonym she assumed while performing in an underground Earthbending tournament in the [[The Blind Bandit|episode of the same name]].
*Aang mentions that his ability to enter the Avatar State is blocked by his locked seventh chakra due to Azula's lightning attack in "[[The Crossroads of Destiny]]."
*The episode "[[Zuko Alone]]" revealed, through flashbacks to his childhood, the story of Zuko's relationship with his mother, and her sudden disappearance on the eve of Fire Lord Azulon's death. Her specific fate has remained unrevealed, and this episode reveals that she was banished and might still be alive.
*In this episode, Fire Lord Ozai displays the ability to generate [[Firebending#Lightning|lightning]] through Firebending; the third person in the series to do so, after [[Azula]] and [[Iroh]].
*After Fire Lord Ozai's lightning attack, Zuko redirects the attack back at Ozai. Zuko learned this technique in "[[Bitter Work]]" from his uncle, Iroh, but was never previously able to perform it.
*Azula claims she "has know about the invasion for months." A reference to [[Avatar The Last Airbender episode|The Guru]], where the Earth KIng accidentally revealed this to Azula, whom he thought was a Kyoshi Warrior.


{{Avatar: The Last Airbender}}
==References==
*[http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=194673&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=7248446 TVGuide.com information on this episode]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Day of Black Sun, The}}
{{Avatar episode}}
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[[Category:Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes]]
[[Category:Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes]]
[[Category:2007 American television episodes]]

Latest revision as of 21:41, 4 January 2025

"The Day of Black Sun"
Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes
Promotional image for the event showing the characters (L-R) Toph Beifong, Aang, Sokka, and Katara
Episode nos.Season 3
Episodes 10/11
Directed by
Written by
Featured music
Production code310/311
Original air dateNovember 30, 2007 (2007-11-30)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Nightmares and Daydreams" 		Next →
"The Western Air Temple"
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3
List of episodes

"The Day of Black Sun" is the tenth and eleventh episodes of the third season of the American animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the 50th and the 51st episode overall. The show follows Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), the last airbender and the “Avatar”, on his journey to bring balance to a war-torn world by mastering all four elements: air, water, earth, and fire. On his quest, he is joined by companions Katara (Mae Whitman), Sokka (Jack DeSena), and Toph Beifong (Jessie Flower). The season also follows Zuko (Dante Basco) as he returns to the Fire Nation only to face his conflicting feelings about his part in the war. The episodes have the sub-titles "The Invasion" and "The Eclipse" respectively.

The first part of the episode was directed by Giancarlo Volpe and written by co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino, and follows Aang, Sokka and Hakoda leading an invasion on the Fire Nation, on "The Day of Black Sun" where the firebenders will lose their bending due to a solar eclipse. The second part was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos and written by head writer Aaron Ehasz, following the beginning of the eclipse, and Zuko standing up to his father Fire Lord Ozai (Mark Hamill). The episodes premiered on November 23 and 26, 2007 respectively in the Netherlands and Belgium,[1] before releasing on Nickelodeon in the United States on November 30 of that year. They were watched by 3.77 million viewers,[2] and received critical acclaim.

Plot

[edit]

The day of the invasion arrives, but Aang reveals he cannot enter the Avatar State, as his final chakra was blocked when Azula shot him with lightning.[a] Meanwhile in the Fire Nation, Zuko flees from home, promising to a painting of his mother, Ursa, that he will amend for his mistakes. Shedding their Fire Nation disguises, the fleet sneak into the capital with submarines, but are attacked by enemy troops; Aang kisses Katara and confesses his feelings in case he doesn't survive before flying away. The fleet reach land and battle Fire Nation troops. Hakoda is injured in battle, forcing Sokka to lead the invasion instead. Aang enters Fire Lord Ozai's palace, only to find it empty; Sokka concludes that Ozai expected the attack and is hiding in an underground bunker. Bato takes the reins of the fleet while Aang, Sokka, and Toph Beifong search for Ozai.

Toph finds the bunker inside a nearby volcano, and the three enter as the eclipse starts. The fleet captures much of the capital, while Aang and his friends find Azula in Ozai's place. She reveals she knew about the invasion for months and is unsurprised that Aang survived. Although the heroes corner Azula in a fight, they realize that she was simply stalling until the eclipse ends. Azula taunts Sokka by revealing Suki's imprisonment, and Sokka unsuccessfully attempts to make Azula reveal where she is. Meanwhile, Zuko enters Ozai's chamber, explaining that Azula was the one who "killed" Aang, who is actually still alive. Zuko defies and denounces his father, condemning his abusive treatment of him and vowing to help Aang. Ozai reveals that he nearly killed Zuko on Azulon's orders,[b] only for Ursa to kill Azulon instead to protect her son, for which she was banished. The eclipse ends and a fight breaks out between the pair.

Realizing what is happening, Azula escapes with firebending. Aang evacuates, realizing he isn't ready to face Ozai. The fleet attempt to retreat, but are cornered by airships. Zuko rushes to free his uncle, Iroh, only to find that he already escaped after furtive and intense training.[c] On Hakoda's orders, Aang flees to the Western Air Temple on Appa with Katara, Sokka, Toph, Haru, Teo, and the Duke while the rest surrender. Zuko follows closely behind.

Credits

[edit]

Main cast members Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Jessie Flower, Dante Basco and Dee Bradley Baker appear as the voices of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph Beifong, Zuko, and Appa respectively.[3] Appearing as guests in both parts are André Sogliuzzo as Hakoda, Richard McGonagle as Bato, René Auberjonois as the mechanist, Daniel Samonas as Teo, Wayne Duvall as Warden Poon, Michael Dow as Haru, Kevin Michael Richardson as both Tyro and the Hippo, Carlos Alazraqui as Due and Tho, William H. Bassett as Huu, Sterling Young as Pipsqueak, and Nick Swoboda as The Duke. Appearing as guests in only the first part are Greg Baldwin as Iroh, Serena Williams as Ming,[4] and Mick Foley as the Boulder.[5] Appearing as guests in only the second part are Mark Hamill as Fire Lord Ozai, Grey DeLisle as Azula, and Kristoffer Tabori as a war minister.

The first part of the episode was directed by Giancarlo Volpe and written by co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino, while the second part was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos and written by head writer Aaron Ehasz.[3]

Production

[edit]

The animation was done by JM Animation for the first part, and MOI Animation for the second part.

When promoting the episode, just as they had done for "The Secret of the Fire Nation", Nickelodeon promoted the episode greatly by creating a website with links to a tournament and wallpaper downloads. The website even included an online game called Black Sun Siege which released on November 29, 2007.[6] The episode also introduces submarines into the world of Avatar, inspired by pre-Cold War and World War II submarines in that they have limited air supply, or the Higgins boat used in World War II. The idea of Ozai hiding in a secret bunker bears similaraties to how Adolf Hitler used his bunker during World War II.[7] When the invasion force soldiers march up the volcano towards the Fire Nation, parallels can be drawn in regards to how they hold their shields above their heads in a formation reminiscent of the Roman Testudo formation.

Reception

[edit]

The episode received critical acclaim from fans and critics, with many considering it one of the best of the show.

Hayden Childs of The A.V. Club praised Zuko's speech in the episode, calling it "the emotional heart of these episodes" and commenting: "He lays out carefully how Ozai wronged him with the banishment and Agni Kai, which shows just how far he has come since the beginning. He points out that Sozin's idea that the Fire Nation's war is for the good of the world is still being taught to the people, but that it is a lie. This is not just a talking point to help out the young people watching, but another sign of how Zuko has outgrown his brainwashing. Ozai is too monstrous to understand any of this, of course, but it is only right that Zuko, who has the most compelling arc of any character on the show, should have a chance to say his piece to his father."[8] Max Nicholson of IGN gave the episodes ratings of 8.5 and 8.8 out of 10 respectively, writing that Part 1 "delivered a great half-hour of invasion antics, as Team Avatar launched their attack on the Fire Nation. Not only did this episode feature tons of returning allies, but it also included great moments for them" and that Part 2 "offered a solid conclusion to the "Day of Black Sun" two-parter and set the final events of the series in motion."[9][10]

Chris Harkin of Game Rant placed the second part of the episode as the eighth best episode of the show with a score of 9.4 / 10, writing "The heartbreak for fans as the team suffered major losses and defeats paved the way for their underdog victory when Sozin's Comet arrived later in the season. In the meantime, Team Avatar found Azula and fought her agents, while Zuko found his father and learned the truth about his mother's fate."[11] Sam Cheeda of Screen Rant placed the episode as it the fifth-best of the show, stating that "The episode is notable for showcasing the heroes on the backfoot when the invasion starts to slip through their grasp and the advantage goes to the Fire Nation. With Ozai making an appearance, the two-parter was by no means playing around and the conflict came across as a big-time event."[12]

In 2020, Millie Mae Mealy of The Harvard Crimson ranked the first and second parts of the episode as the 15th and 3rd best episodes of the show respectively, praising Sokka's competence and ability to design a submarine, the heroes losing and the repercussions of it, and the climax of Zuko's character arc, writing that "Zuko's confrontation with his father is epic. Lightning represents the abuse of his father and his family — with his Uncle's love and support, Zuko learns to let that lightning pass through him without hurting him and chooses not to take vengeance on his father. Zuko stands up to his father and tells him that he was abusive and wrong. He knows his worth, and now he is going to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Zuko's redemption arc is exceptional and this is a brilliant moment that shows just how far he has come."[13]

For his work directing the second part of the episode, Joaquim Dos Santos was nominated at Annecy in 2008.[14]

The episode has caused topics like the show or 'Fire Nation' to trend whenever there is a solar eclipse, such as during the "Great American Eclipse" on August 21, 2017.[15]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ As depicted in "The Crossroads of Destiny"
  2. ^ As depicted in "Zuko Alone"
  3. ^ As depicted in "Sokka's Master"

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Acastus (November 24, 2007). ""Day of Black Sun" Airs First in The Netherlands & Belgium". AvatarSpirit. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  2. ^ "Top Cable Nov 26-Dec 2, NFL & Tin Man". TVByTheNumbers. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast and Details". TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
  4. ^ "Which Character Did Serena Williams Voice in 'Avatar The Last Airbender'?". Essentially Sports. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  5. ^ "Who The Boulder Voice Actor Is In Avatar: The Last Airbender". Screen Rant. May 23, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  6. ^ ""Aang Is Ready to Strike Down the Fire Nation on the Darkest Day of the Year in Avatar's 'Day of Black Sun' Premiering Friday, Nov. 30 on Nickelodeon"". Viacom International. November 14, 2007. Archived from the original on January 5, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  7. ^ "The Last Airbender: How the Fire Nation's Attacks Mirror Real-World History". Comic Book Resources. February 7, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  8. ^ Childs, Hayden (March 21, 2012). "Avatar: The Last Airbender: "The Day Of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion"/"The Day Of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  9. ^ Nicholson, Max (September 4, 2015). "Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion" Flashback Review". IGN. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  10. ^ Nicholson, Max (September 11, 2015). "Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" Flashback Review". IGN. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  11. ^ Harkin, Chris (December 26, 2023). "Avatar: The Last Airbender – 10 Best Episodes". GameRant. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  12. ^ Cheeda, Sam (March 1, 2022). "Avatar The Last Airbender: Top 10 Episodes, Ranked". Screen Rant. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  13. ^ Mae Healy, Millie (December 21, 2020). "Every Episode of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' Ranked". The Harvard Crimson. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  14. ^ "Annecy 2008 - Official Selection". Annecy 2008. 2008. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
  15. ^ Plante, Corey (August 22, 2017). "ECLIPSE HAS EVERYONE THINKING ABOUT 'AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER'". Inverse. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
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