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Usually, recap episodes are loathed from viewers as an unnecessary diversion, or perhaps viewed as a requirement in television in the age of regular broadcasts. This wasn't always the case, and Avatar: The Last Airbender proved it with "The Ember Island Players," a popular episode from its final season now being granted a dedicated Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair release.

Highlights regarding the Secret Lair

The entire Secret Lair superdrop for the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set was revealed recently. This includes five separate collections, and although one titled "My Cabbages!" is clearly amusing nod to Avatar's beloved recurring figure, the remaining sets feel a bit uninspired, except for one standout: "The Ember Island Players."

Based on installment 17 from season 3 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this special set features the following cards:

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

Why this segment stands out

Fans of the series clearly recall this episode, which functioned as a summary of the hero Aang and his friends' journey prior to the final episode. Unlike standard summary installments, or "clip shows," "The Ember Island Players" wasn't motivated by budget restrictions or production issues. The show's makers specifically aimed to provide audiences an opportunity to reflect on the show's narrative, however, they opted to execute it with flair.

Throughout the segment, the heroes observe a play based on their journeys in a theater on Ember Island, named The Boy in the Iceberg. The entire performance is wildly exaggerated, over-the-top, and overall hilarious. It works since it plays on the characters' views about themselves, contrasting them compared to how society (and notably the antagonist nation) views them. It has an ideal level of introspective humor, and it ends up perhaps the best adaptation of the show available to date.

Worth and availability

In terms of value, this offers a fantastic Secret Lair due to one key factor: Braid of Fire. This particular card sells between $20 and $40 through card retailers currently, and for $29.99 you can acquire the entire Secret Lair, or $39.99 for the premium foil treatment.

Magic: The Gathering's Avatar: The Last Airbender collection will be available for advance previews beginning November 14 and releases worldwide on Nov. 21.