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Usually, clip shows are loathed from viewers as a pointless time filler, or at best accepted as a requirement for shows in the era of weekly production. However, this wasn't the case, and Avatar: The Last Airbender proved it via "The Ember Island Players," a popular segment during its concluding run which is now receiving a special Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair collection.

Highlights regarding the Secret Lair

The full Secret Lair superdrop for the soon-to-release Avatar: The Last Airbender edition was announced earlier this month. It features five distinct sets, and even though a set named "My Cabbages!" is clearly humorous tribute to the series' best background character, the remaining sets seem somewhat uninspired, aside from one remarkable entry: "The Ember Island Players."

Drawing from installment 17 in the final season of the animated show, this collector's drop includes these particular cards:

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

The reason this installment stands out

Audiences of the series warmly cherish this particular episode, which acted as a review of Aang and the group's journey prior to the final episode. In contrast to typical clip shows, or compilation episodes, "The Ember Island Players" was not driven by budget restrictions or creative challenges. The creators specifically aimed to offer viewers a chance to recap the series' story, yet they chose to execute it with flair.

During the installment, the main characters view a stage show based on their exploits in a theater located on Ember Island, called The Boy in the Iceberg. The whole thing is inaccurate, over-the-top, and utterly comical. It excels as it plays on the characters' views regarding their own identities, setting them against with how the world (and particularly the antagonist nation) views them. It possesses an ideal level of meta-commentary, and it ends up arguably the top rendition of Avatar we have had.

Appeal and availability

In terms of value, this represents an excellent Secret Lair for one simple reason: Braid of Fire. This card trades for $20 and $40 through card retailers as of now, and at $29.99 you can obtain the full set, or $39.99 for the premium foil treatment.

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