Ep 20. My Favorite Yao

Po must deal with his personal feelings towards his old rival, Yao, when he is appointed as the Dragon Warrior's substitute. The episode opens with Po's self-doubt as he questions whether he deserves to be the Dragon Warrior. As he shares his insecurities with the Furious Five, they try to reassure him while also teasing him about his obsession with dumplings.

Their conversation is interrupted when Shifu arrives with news that he must leave for a few weeks to attend a master summit. He appoints Yao as his temporary replacement, which immediately causes tension between Po and Yao. The two have a long-standing rivalry that began years ago during their training at the Jade Palace. Yao was always the star pupil, while Po struggled to keep up.

As Yao takes over, Po becomes increasingly jealous of the attention and praise he receives from the Furious Five and the villagers of the Valley of Peace. He starts to doubt himself even more, wondering if maybe Yao is a better fit for the role of Dragon Warrior. To make matters worse, Yao seems to be taking pleasure in Po's discomfort, taunting him at every opportunity.

In an effort to prove himself, Po challenges Yao to a sparring match. Despite his best efforts, Po is easily defeated by Yao, who seems to have become even more skilled since their last encounter. Feeling dejected, Po turns to his father, Mr. Ping, for advice. Mr. Ping reminds Po that he became the Dragon Warrior because of his unique talents and personality, and that he shouldn't compare himself to others.

Meanwhile, a group of bandits led by the villainous Fenghuang are wreaking havoc on the Valley of Peace. Yao insists on taking charge of the situation, but the Furious Five and Po are reluctant to put their trust in him. In a tense showdown, Yao proves himself to be a true warrior, earning the respect of Po and the rest of the group.

As the episode comes to a close, Shifu returns and congratulates Yao on a job well done. Po, feeling more confident in himself, acknowledges Yao's impressive skills but also embraces his own strengths and unique qualities as the Dragon Warrior.

Overall, "My Favorite Yao" explores themes of self-doubt, jealousy, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Po's journey towards accepting himself and his role as the Dragon Warrior is a relatable and inspiring one, and the dynamic between him and Yao adds an interesting layer to the story. The episode's action-packed climax and meaningful message make it a standout installment in the first season of Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.