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Typically, recap episodes are disliked by fans as an unnecessary waste of time, or sometimes viewed as essential for series during the period of weekly production. However, this wasn't the situation, but Avatar: The Last Airbender proved it via "The Ember Island Players," a beloved installment in its last season now being receiving a special Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair drop.

Information about the special release

The entire Secret Lair superdrop for the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender collection was revealed on November 4. Containing five distinct sets, and even though one titled "My Cabbages!" is certainly amusing nod to the series' best background character, the remaining sets feel a bit less imaginative, except for one standout: "The Ember Island Players."

Inspired by the seventeenth episode in the final season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this special set features the following cards:

• 1x Phantasmal Image represented as "Absolutely Accurate Actor"
• 1x Braid of Fire
• 1x Cursed Mirror
• 1x Mask of Memory
• 1x Thespian's Stage

The reason this episode remains memorable

Viewers of the series fondly remember this installment, which acted as a recap of the hero Aang and his companions' journey leading up to the conclusion. Unlike standard summary installments, or retrospective segments, "The Ember Island Players" did not stem by budget restrictions or scheduling problems. The producers specifically aimed to give fans a chance to recap the series' story, yet they chose to execute it with flair.

Throughout the segment, the heroes view a play inspired by their exploits in a theater on Ember Island, called The Boy in the Iceberg. The whole thing is factually incorrect, over-the-top, and overall hilarious. It succeeds since it plays with the characters' perception regarding their own identities, setting them against with how the world (and especially the antagonist nation) views them. It contains the perfect balance of introspective humor, and it becomes arguably the top rendition of Avatar we have had.

Appeal and availability

Regarding worth, this is a great Secret Lair because of one major element: Braid of Fire. This specific card is valued between $20 and $40 on online marketplaces as of now, and at $29.99 you can acquire the full set, or for $39.99 for the premium foil treatment.

Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender collection is available for advance previews starting November 14 and releases worldwide come November 21.