I mean, sure, maybe that’s what would have happened (and let’s not pretend there was no fandom drama around ATLA just because it came around pre-tumblr). But at the same time, let’s not act as if the reason everyone keeps citing Zuko as the One Good Redemption Story for a privileged-yet-abused fuckboy is that he is ultimately redeemed. Rather, it’s because it is a good redemption story, which among other things means that long before Zuko tries to change (and fails, and tries again) he demonstrates qualities that make the audience think there might be something there worth saving.
- In episode three, Zuko wins an agni-kai against Commander Zhao but spares his life, even after Zhao tries to double-cross him. This shows us that he has both skill and honor.
- In episode seven, Zuko gives up a solid chance of capturing the Avatar in order to rescue Iroh. This shows us that he’s not completely consumed by his quest and is able to put the wellbeing of others over his own desires.
- In episode twelve, Zuko risks his life in order to save the men serving under him. This shows us that he’s capable of loyalty and self-sacrifice. This is also the episode where we learn the reason for his scarring, which was also a desire to protect Fire Nation soldiers.
- In the first season finale, Zuko tries to save Zhao’s life, despite the fact that Zhao has, at this point, tried to murder him several times. This shows us that he is fundamentally kind.
And yeah, Zuko also does a lot of bad stuff during this season. When I first watched the show, I didn’t like him very much. But I saw things in him to admire, and make me wish that he had made different choices in his life, and had different priorities. So while it’s obviously possible that portions of fandom wouldn’t have recognized that, that’s not a reason to ignore the profound differences between Zuko and every other handsome, tortured neo-Nazi in pop culture, most of whom couldn’t find a redeeming characteristic if their life depended on it (and it often does). When Zuko actually does start on the path of redemption, it’s because he possesses qualities that make it possible for him to recognize goodness, and desire it in himself, which is something that most redemption stories, imposed by marketing considerations and fannish demand, don’t bother to do.
