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[orpelia]

Spirits: “The Sting”

This one’s a quickie. ;-)

(And no, the short length of Book II, Chapter 6′s review has nothing to do with The Last Airbending Family’s absence.)

(Okay... maybe a little.)

I FUCKING KNEW IT

Yep. That’s it.

Parting Thoughts

Here’s the truth: I didn’t really care for this episode because I am not a patient woman and I wanted to know what happened to Korra already!!

I mean HELLO, she was swallowed by a spirit!!!

Then, when we get to the final minutes, the writers went all filipino teleserye on my ass, haha.

Korra: Get away from me!

Karu: It’s okay. We’re here to help you, Avatar Korra.

Korra: Who’s---who’s “Avatar Korra”?

The amnesia trope and a fainting spell? 

Yep. That’s definitely happened in one of my mom’s teleseryes. TFC, you’ve been robbed.

Favorites

No Papa Tenzin and his kids today. :-(

But the Fire Ferret Brothers have come to play! :-)

Bolin the Actor

Oh, Bo. If only you were as smooth with the ladies as Nuktuk seems to be.

Bolin: Wow. We got some major chemistry on-screen. Am I right?

Ginger: Yeah. On-screen.

Bolin: What's wrong? Are you mad because I left you in the clutches of the evil Unalaq? I'm gonna save you in the next episode!

Ginger, let's work through this!

But Bo!! Haven’t you learned anything from your brother and Korra?

Unsolicited kisses ain’t cute.

Varrick: Cut! There's no kiss in the script.

Bolin: Sorry, I just kinda lost myself in the moment. [Dreamily.] It just felt so right.

Varrick: It did, huh? Your girlfriend's about to die, and instead of untying her, you kiss her. 

[...]

Wait a minute! Maybe that will work!! Yes!!! It's genius!!!!

^For once, Varrick was saying all the right things... and then he goes and ruins it. 

(Typical.)

And because I think it should be emphasized: unsolicited kisses ain’t cute.

Mako the Detective

I’m so proud of this boy!!

Mako: How did you rig those explosions to go off like that?

Pyrotechnics Technician: Neat, huh? The explosions use a remote detonator.

It's a Varrick Industries exclusive.  

He figured it out!!

Although, he did a very risky thing, turning to the Triple Threats for help. 

Let’s never do that again:

Haha @ Mako

Very quickly:

I’m not crazy that Asami kissed Mako because he’s obviously still hung up on Korra and their break up, 

I ADORE THIS.

but Asami and Mako make a bomb-ass team.

Boom👊🏻

Quote(s) of the Episode

Bolin: Hey, Mako!

I did a little redecorating.

Mako: Is this a marble statue of you?

Bolin: It's also a hat rack.

Mako: We don't even have hats!

Bolin: Mako, you seem stressed. I think you need to take a little dipity dip.

Mako: I don't have time to take a dipity dip, okay? I'm trying to catch whoever's been attacking the shipments, and I need your help.

Bolin: You know, I recall a time when I needed your help, and you basically told me to get a life.

Mako: So, that's a no. What am I supposed to do now?

Bolin: I don't know, Mako. Figure it out. 

Remember? That's what you said to me. 

Hurts, doesn't it? 

Mako:

Bolin: Ow!! My instrument!!

Which petty brother are you?

I’m Bo.

Humor me, will you:

The ridiculous segment,“Nuktuk: Hero of the South,” 

reminded me of the ridiculous episode, “The Ember Island Players.”

I’ve said this before, but I believe the writers just went ham on each other, as in they literally roast the shit out of themselves. But as silly as the premise may be, it works!

Eventually, I will review Avatar: The Last Airbender (before the live-action series, perhaps??), so I’ll save my comments on this episode for the future.

Until then, please enjoy one of my favorite moments from this episode/potentially the entire series:

Young Boy: Your Zuko costume's pretty good, but your scar's on the wrong side.

Zuko: The scar is not on the wrong side!!

credits

[orpelia]

Spirits: “Peacekeepers”

I could apologize for using Bo as my thumbnail for the 4th? time this season, but I won’t.

However, I do apologize for the increasing lengths of my reviews, and Book II, Chapter 5 is no exception.

(Though, admittedly, it has more to do with the sheer number of GIFs than actual, quality content.)

Now that we’re back in Republic City, let’s check in with The Core Four.

Miss Future Industries

Asami’s doing something with her factory and those robots mecha tanks... I think? 

Honestly, I don’t really remember (... or care), and I think that speaks to how minor her character seems at the moment. 

Let’s just hope the creators build up her arc before an arrow impales her in the face:

“Nuktuk”

With no job, no business, and no Avatar responsibilities, Bo’s feeling a little left out. 

So Varrick takes him out on the town,

and gives him a taste of that celebrity aka “getting-hit-in-the-head-with-a-rock-all-the-time” lifestyle,

which Bo eats right up.

Varrick also believes the pro-bending favorite has a future in the acting biz.

After all, no one can get a crowd going like Bolin can:

[Awkward cough.] 

Okaaaay, maybe not.

But I’m sure his friends will support his new career choice:

Varrick: No one will root for the North after they see "The Adventures of Nuktuk: Hero of the South"! Bolin: I'm Nuktuk!

What do you think?

[Clears throat.] 

Hm, well. 

Just wait ‘til they see Bo in costume. That’s sure to turn a few heads:

Bolin: Wouldn't I be cold wearing this outfit in the snow?

I’ll say what I said many reviews ago: Bolin is built exactly how I imagined an earthbender would be built. 

;-)

I’ll also say: hubba hubba.

;-)

A Rookie Beat Cop

How Mako managed to score vacation days for his trip to the South is beyond me, but he’s back on the force now and he’s as determined as ever. 

Unfortunately, his amateur status means no one takes him seriously and his word is basically moot:

Mako: This is the guy I saw sneaking out of the building right before the explosions.

He's a member of the Agni Kais.

Someone must have hired him to make it look like Northerners attacked the Cultural Center...  Did you learn anything about that remote control I found at the scene? That's gotta be the key to finding out who's really responsible.

Lu: Listen, kid, it was the Northern Water Tribe, okay?

Gang: Yeah, give it a rest, Super Cop.

But Mako’s onto something---his detective deduction skills are tingling.

Hey, creators!

Since the ID’ed bomber is a member of the Agni Kais and they left behind the remote control that ignited the bomb, don’t you think Asami could step in on this plot line? After all, her family has history with the Agni Kais and she’s running a factory that specializes in weaponry. 

I’m just sayin’...

Still, at least his job is doing better than his relationship with Korra. 

It seems the two haven’t stopped fighting since the moment they docked in the city:

Mako: Why do you always think I'm working against you? Korra: Well, you're not helping me! I'm trying to get troops to the South. What are you doing? Mako: I'm doing my job. Korra: Well, excuse me, officer. Don't let me stand in the way of you writing tickets. I'm just trying to save the world.

Mako: Well, you wouldn't have to if you didn't keep messing it up!

Korra: I can't talk to you when you're like this.

Mako: You're the one who's like this!

And what’s worse than a break up?

Mako: Look, I have a job to do! I can't constantly be worrying about keeping you from making another huge mistake!

Korra: Well, I have a job to do, too. Only it seems like you're always standing in the way of me getting it done!

Mako: Well, I guess if we're both putting our jobs first, maybe there's no room for our relationship!  [Silence.] Korra: So, what? Are you breaking up with me?

Mako: Yeah. I guess I am.

A public break up.

A very loud,

very heated,

and very aggressive

public break up.

[Sigh.] These two.

The thing is, Mako was put in a really tough position:

President Raiko: You wouldn't happen to know if [Korra and Varrick are] plotting anything that might compromise the security of Republic City, would you, officer?

Let me remind you that you've sworn an oath. You're a man of the law before anything else.

In the simplest terms, Mako had to choose between his job or his girl. 

Truthfully, I probably would have decided the same as Mako; at the very least, I would’ve tried talking to my partner before revealing the truth to the president, but alas.

At the end of the day, the problem at hand is so much bigger than the two of them. At the end of the day, Mako and Korra both want to help people, they just have different ways of doing so. In Mako’s case, he’s bound to the law, so it’s like General Iroh said, “My hands are officially tied.”

Besides, did you catch that moment of hesitation?

Mako: [Reluctantly; sighs.] Wait,

there's something you should know.

Yeah, so did I.

The Not-So-Neutral Avatar

But I see the break up from Korra’s perspective, too!

As the Avatar, everyone keeps telling her to keep the peace and remain neutral about the war raging on between the Water Tribes. Thus, she was advised to refrain from participating in the South’s peace march. This isn’t new advice; in fact, as early as Chapter 3, Unalaq had warned her, “As the Avatar, you must remain neutral in this conflict. You will naturally want to help your people, but showing favoritism will not help our tribes find unity.”

However, I’d like to contest this because 1) she was leading a peaceful protest and 2) Korra’s not just the Avatar. There are so many elements that constitute Korra’s identity, one of them being a citizen of the Southern Water Tribe. So, duh, of course she’ll feel inclined to defend her home and stand with her people.

Alas, her downfall is just that. Her natural desire to side with the South is blinding her to consider other perspectives, such as believing the Northerners were not responsible for the bombing during the peace march.

Take, for example, her meeting with the President:

Raiko: Believe me, we are doing everything we can to bring the people responsible to justice. Korra: "The people responsible"? Who else would it be but the Northerners? Raiko: Now, I know that when you're young, it's hard to keep perspective--- Korra: You're the one who's lost perspective. I'm trying to save my tribe, and you're taking pictures. Raiko: Sending troops is not something I can do at this time, but I promise I will work with Unalaq and the South for a diplomatic solution. Now, I'm sorry, but my mind is made up. Korra: My family is going to be wiped out, and it'll be on your head for doing nothing about it.

And her break up with Mako, as another example. Perhaps things wouldn’t have escalated as far as they did if she had actually given Mako the time to explain his concerns and suspicions---

Korra: The Northern Water Tribe is out of control! Mako: I saw a firebender running away from the blast. The North might not be responsible for this. Korra: Of course they’re responsible. Who else would it be?

---instead of dismissing him the second he brought up an opposing opinion.

On a slightly separate note, Mako makes a very valid point in one of their arguments:

Korra: How could you take [the president’s] side? Mako: What’s with you and sides?

Sometimes, Korra seems to view situations from a black and white lens (which, given the nature of this show and its former, is rather ironic). That is, you’re either fighting with her or against her. This probably has roots in Korra’s intrinsic nature---she is a fighter at heart---so it’s not surprising that she doesn’t instinctively think to take a step back and see things from all perspectives. Actually, I’d argue that many people struggle with being open-minded; we only expect more from Korra because, again, “The Avatar” label is attached to her identity.

Regardless, I think Korra and Mako’s break up was definitely a “heat of the moment” kind of thing, and I really wish these two would work on their communication. 

Still, did you catch the tears threatening to fall when she stormed out of the police station?

Yeah, neither did I, haha. 

So here’s that moment again in slow-mo:

But in this scene, the tears are there for all to see:

Unfortunately, this isn’t a time for crying because...

Guess Who, Bitches.

Eska: You ruined my wedding!

No one steals my Bolin!

// Side note: I love when Korra utilizes all her elements (but can I petition for more waterbending, please?)

And if fighting a vengeful Eska wasn’t enough:

Luckily, Korra’s Avatar-ly-ness and Unalaq’s spirit fighting technique comes in clutch:

Or not:

THAT CLIFFHANGER DOE

Lmfao @ the twins, who stood on the sidelines, watched the spirit swallow Korra, and went, “Nope.”

“Not today.”

Parting Thoughts

On a serious note...

Art is timeless. It is relevant. It is “a mirror of society.”

There were scenes in today’s episode that struck a chord given the events that have transpired in our world as of late. 

I am a believer of words, but at this moment, they bear little significance.

Sometimes, it is best to let the art speak for itself.

Reporter: Tensions are running high outside of the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center.

The Avatar is leading a group of Southerners in a peaceful protest against Chief Unalaq,

but the Northerners have come out in support of their leader.

Northern Protesters: Boo! Get out of here! Boo! Get a real job! Get out of here!

Mako: Hey! Stop! Republic City Police!

I recognize that the Avatar-Korra world is not like ours.

We do not have benders, who are perhaps better equipped to protect themselves and their loved ones against these dangers:

But I do not wish for such catastrophes. 

I do not wish them on anyone,

in any world,

let alone our own.

Favorites

[Salutes.] Good day, Zuko General Iroh Dante Basco.

He did the chin thing again!

Lin, I’ve missed you.

When she wasn’t barking out orders, everything that came out of her mouth was dripping with sarcasm. 

She can be such a hard ass and fuck do I love her for it.

Lemur Lessons: A “How To” with Alpha Lemur Meelo and Master Trainer Tenzin

Step 1) Creep on your pupil. Observe how he interacts with lemurs. For maximum discretion: pretend to read an airbending scroll.

Meelo: Watch me, Poki. You lie down and roll over. Roll. Over.

Tenzin: No, no, you can't just demonstrate it! That never works. Command respect.

Meelo: Good!

Tenzin: Ugh, classic over-rewarding.

Step 2) Offer to share your wisdom. To seem less intimidating: crouch down to your pupil’s height.

Tenzin: How would you like your old dad to teach you how to be a master trainer?

Meelo:

// Also, I just noticed: Meelo has all his teeth now!

Aww... I miss the missing tooth look:

They grow up so fast :’-)

Step 3) Give your pupil his first lesson.

Tenzin: [To Meelo.] The first thing you need to do as a trainer is establish dominance. You are in charge. Never forget that.

// I’m sorry, but it has to be said: Poki ain’t all that cute.

Step 4) Your pupil will fail. Be patient.

Meelo: Poki, come here!

Poki---Poki, no!

Tenzin: Meelo, you're rewarding him for bad behavior.

Meelo: But he's tickling me.

Step 5) Let your pupil take a nap (he is a baby, after all).  But don’t let this opportunity go to waste! Teach him another lesson.

Tenzin: You can’t let him nap in the bed with you.

You are the alpha lemur.

He has to sleep on the floor.

Meelo: Being alpha lemur is lonely.

Step 6) By the next scene, your pupil will have magically mastered training his lemur. Watch in awe.

Meelo: Poki, sit!

Roll over.

Tenzin: Well done, Meelo! I knew you could learn to train Poki.

Step 7) But your pupil (ever the ambitious one) will take his training just a teeny tiny step further. Watch in... you know what, just watch.

Meelo: Not just Poki. I trained all the lemurs.

Step 8) Admit that you created a monster.

Tenzin: I've created a monster.

Step 9) Let your pupil be the little boy that he is. Let him play with his little lemur friend.

Tenzin: Uh, maybe we should forget about all this training discipline for now. Why don't you and Poki just have fun and play?

Meelo: Thanks, Dad. Training makes me tired.

Come on, Poki!

Step 10) Go back to training the Avatar, Papa T.

(But first, do us a favor and save her from the spirit who swallowed her?)

(Thanks.)

Quote(s) of the Episode

Lin: What the flameo happened here?

Mako: I broke up with the Avatar.

Lin: You got off easy. 

You should’ve seen Air Temple Island after Tenzin broke up with me.

Did I mention tHAT I LOVE HER.

Runner-up:

Varrick: Zhu Li, do the, uh--- the thing.

Bolin: Don’t freak out. It’s not real.

Varrick: I had a film crew documenting the entire Northern invasion.

Bolin: Ahhh! 

Sorry. I keep doing that.

1) I’ll be damned if Zhu Li isn’t a play on Joo Dee.

2) Korra and Pabu’s reactions to Bo are me and my friends when watching horror films.

Honestly, it’s less the quote and more the DOOM sound that plays when Eska’s face appears, haha. 

Speaking of...

Runner’s runner-up:

Unalaq: I need you two to go after the Avatar.

Eska: I’ll find her. She stole my husband.

Unalaq: ... I need her alive.

Eska: [Sighs.] 

Fine.

Remind me to never mess with Eska.

Also, I told you she reminded me of Mai:

Azula: We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity, girls.

Ty Lee: Mai finally gets to wear makeup that's not totally depressing?

Mai: [Sarcastically.] Ha, ha.

^a look™

Momo, It’s Your Turn:

You know, I don’t remember Aang ever training Momo.

But, come to think of it, maybe he should have.

Perhaps, then, when Sokka and Katara both came down with fevers,

and Aang couldn’t help because he was... busy,

some lemur lessons would’ve helped Momo understand that the sick siblings needed water:

Katara: Listen carefully, Momo.

I need you to take this to the river, and fill it with water. 

[Lemur translation: gibberish.]

Got it?

[A few scenes later...]

No, Momo.

Water. Wa-ter!

Then they wouldn’t have had to suck on frozen frogs:

And Sokka would've learned to let a grudge go:

Aang: I kind of have a confession to make. Remember when you two were sick and I got captured by Zhao?

Sokka: And you made us suck on frozen frogs? How could I forget? I had a wart on the flap that hangs down from the back of my throat for a month!

Katara: Sokka, I looked at it, and I told you there was nothing there!

Sokka: I could feel it! It's my throatal flap!!

credits

[orpelia]

Spirits: “Civil Wars, Part 2″

I’m too lazy to think of a “clever” intro for Book II, Chapter 4′s review, so here’s a throwback for you:

Katara: Why is your forehead all red?

Chong: Nobody react to what I'm about to tell you. [Pause.] I think that kid might be the Avatar!

Sokka:

Give it to me quick and dirty:

I couldn’t even tell you why this is the section’s subtitle. It has absolutely nothing to do with the episode’s content. 

But, hey. 

Sometimes, you gotta use the delicious albeit inappropriate sexual innuendo. ╭☞( ͡° ͜ ʖ  ͡°)╭☞

Not really in the mood to comment on the “A” story today; let’s do a recap instead:

Korra’s parents (and a bunch of randos) are on trial for Unalaq’s “attempted assassination.”

Senna goes free,

but Tonraq’s sentenced to life in prison.

Tonraq’s like, “Korra, don’t do anything rash” and Korra’s like, “Fine, I promise” and we, the audience, are like, “Pfffft, as if.” (Does this look like the face of someone who’s going to sit by and do nothing?)

Korra finds out the truth about her Uncle; cue mini bending battle:

They rescue her dad and those random prisoners, and they recognize Tonraq as the true chief of the Water Tribes.

Oh right, my b. I breezed past this: 

Turns out, Unalaq set up the entire trial, just as he set up those barbarians to attack the Northern Water Tribe all those years ago. He knew his brother would chase them out to the ancient spirit forest, which would prompt the spirits to retaliate against the tribe, which would inevitably result in Tonraq’s banishment.

In other words, Unalaq’s wanted his brother out of the way since, like, forever.

Korra’s little “let’s break my dad out of prison” stunt is the catalyst for the civil war she was desperately trying to avoid. She wants to stay and fight, but she needs to gather reinforcements for the South first. 

So, for now, father and daughter part ways.

The end.

It’s (Not) Too Late to Apologize

I know I’ve shit on Korra in past reviews. She’s frustrating, impulsive, quick to anger, etc; basically, she’s all the things I try not to be. 

But she’s also something I want to be: she’s proactive.

I may not agree with her methods,

but she certainly doesn’t shy away from taking action.

Although her willingness to act is part and parcel of her Avatar responsibilities,

she chooses to act, to do something, simply because she can.

She has the ability,

the power,

the right to take action, 

so she exercises it. 

She embodies the saying: “If I don’t, then who will?” 

And while her desire to take action doesn’t always work out for her, she has more than enough time to grow and learn from the mistakes her rashness and hot-headedness may cause her.  

Ultimately, Korra is not one to wait around, twiddle her thumbs together, and hope for something to happen. She does what she believes is best, and she tries to be the change she wants to see in the world. 

It’s---she’s---very inspiring, and I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner.

Trouble in Paradise, Bo? (cont.)

Update: Bo hasn’t broken up with Eska yet. He’s not hiding from her either:

Bolin: The best part---Eska doesn't know I'm here. 

I wasn't hiding.

Obviously, Eska treats Bo like the dirt under her feet.

Eska: Boyfriend! Bow to me when I exit.

Bolin: Yes, yes, my sweet koala otter.

Eska: You are so cute when you grovel.

So what’s keeping him from breaking up with her? Well he received shitty advice, that’s why:

Mako: Wait, how are your girl problems my fault?

// Was I the only one who thought this scene was about to get super awkward? Bo calls Mako out on his break up advice right in front of Asami, the girl his brother broke up with. Like👀

Naturally, Asami gives her two cents: “Don't let her treat you that way. Stand up for yourself. You need to be honest with her. Tell her how you really feel.”

Everything seems to be going to plan...

Bolin: You know, when we first met, there was this crazy spark. But I'm starting to feel like that spark is fading.

Eska: I agree. It is as if a great chasm has formed between us and nothing can bridge it.

Bolin: Oh! Oh, yes! I'm so glad you understand!

Until it doesn’t:

Eska: Nothing, that is, except marriage.

We will wed at sunset. You may express your joy through tears.

Bolin: Oh, no, I can't---

[Coughs, almost chokes.] This is really tight.

[In the SpongeBob narrator voice.] A few scenes later...

Asami: So I'm guessing the break up with Eska didn't go well?

Hahaha.

(By the way, here’s his new look in all its glory:)

And believe me, I understand why Bo did it, but shame on him for ditching Eska the way he did.

Because let’s be real: Bo, honey, I love you.

But if you left me at the altar,

I’d hunt your ass down, too:

Parting Thoughts

Water Tribe Citizen: “That platypus bear is pooping money!”

If only we could shit money.

Also: Is that Aang on those yuan bills?

How many times would a platypus bear need to poop to pay off four years of student debt? 

Asking for a friend...

Favorites

My entire favorites section is dedicated to the “B” story aka my favorite family. 

Then again, when is it not?

Tea Parties (ft. Ikki, Papa Tenzin, and Ikki’s new “siblings”)

Ikki’s “tea party” with the air bison babies is one of my favorite scenes so far.

1) The way Ikki interacts with her “best-est new friends in the world.”

My favorite thing about Ikki is how she can be really intense,

Ikki: Paws off the table! This is going to be a civilized breakfast.

Daddy always says a blessing before we eat, 

so be quiet and listen up!

but really, really cute,

Ikki: [The air bison babies are] my new brothers and sisters.

Tenzin: New ones, huh? Can they be my new brothers and sisters, too?

Ikki: Maybe, but only if they say it's okay...

[To air bison baby.] Uh-huh, uh-huh. No, no, he's nice.

[To Tenzin.] They say it's okay!

all at the same time.

2) Ikki gives her new bffs/siblings their very own names.

Ikki: [To Tenzin.] You can sit next to Blueberry Spicehead... And that's Princess Rainbow, and that's Twinkle Starchild, and that's Juniper Lightning Bug.

Here’s what we know about the babies so far:

Juniper Lightning Bug has appalling table manners

Blueberry Spicehead likes to be coddled

Princess Rainbow and Twinkle Starchild are always butting heads

3) Parents aren’t always the teachers.

In the Season 3 premiere of This Is Us, Beth thanks her brother-in-law, Kevin: “You're the only person who talks to my kids like they're people and not just kids.”

Another Shameless Plug:

I don’t know how to write a synopsis for this show without spoiling anything, so how ‘bout this:

Watch the pilot. 

If, after the pilot, you’re not hooked, then you can forget I ever recommended this show.

If, however, the pilot grips your heart the way it did mine (and millions of other people), then please, please, please find the emotional time/space/capacity to watch this show. It’s beautiful. Truly.

Necessity: Box of tissues.

Beth’s quote came to mind here, where we see Tenzin not only converse with his daughter, but also allow her the space to share her thoughts and reel through her emotions.

Remember, Ikki and Tenzin are rendezvousing in the cave because they’re not really feelin’ their siblings at the moment:

Ikki laments, “Being part of a family is hard, huh, Daddy?”

And Tenzin assents, “I couldn't agree with you more.”

But there’s a give and take to their conversation:

Ikki gives,

Ikki: Aunt Kya is super nice and pretty and always asks me how I'm feeling, and Uncle Bumi is, like, the funniest person in the world.

then Tenzin gives,

Tenzin: But what about Meelo? He's hilarious too; you never know what's going to come out of his mouth. And Jinora can be so sweet and gentle.

and they both take. That is, both father and daughter take a lesson away from each other, helping them see their own siblings in a new light. 

But they also get a little inspiration from...

4) The adorable air bison family! 

Ikki: Even though Twinkle Starchild and Princess Rainbow fight, they still love each other.

I guess the nice part about a family is they'll always be there for you.

Tenzin: That's very wise of you, Ikki.

Tell me you’re not squealing with delight at how CAYOOT this scene is.

5) And finally, father-daughter bonding.

I love when Dads indulge their daughters and join their little games, and you know---you know---they’re enjoying themselves, too.

Tenzin: Nice to meet you, Blueberry Spicehead.

You like that, don't you, Blueberry Spicehead? [Cooing.] Yes, you do.

I especially love when Dads outrightly admit to this:

Ikki: Don't worry, Daddy. We'll come back and visit Blueberry Spicehead. I know you really bonded with her.

Tenzin: Yes, I’d like that.

^my heart = melted.

I’m Sorry (ft. The Kids and The Older Kids)

Can you ever really stay mad at your siblings?

First up: the kids. 

Meelo: Ikki, I’m glad you’re back.

Jinora: Yeah, sorry we made fun of you.

Ikki: Thanks. [Pause.] Wanna play airball?

Jinora + Meelo:

The ease in which these kids forgive each other reminds me so much of me and my sister; they’re mad and fighting one second, but then they’re making up and playing together in the next.

Next up: the older kids.

This time, there’s more to say simply because there’s more to apologize for. Feelings weren’t hurt over tiny jabs and harmless teasing; these three dug up the past and buried it on top of one another.

And while these apologies were genuine and sincere, 

Tenzin: I wanted to apologize... I’ve worked so hard to celebrate Dad’s legacy that I may have overlooked the parts of him that were less than ideal.

Kya: And we’re sorry for dumping our frustration with Dad out on you.

Bumi: Yeah, you didn’t deserve that.

I hope the issues between these three don’t just disappear. I want to see each of these characters overcoming the past, working through their insecurities, and leaning on each other for support. After all, no one else has your back like your siblings do. ---> @My Ate: am I right?

But I must say, 

it’s nice to have the family back together again.

Quote(s) of the Episode

Bumi: Hey there, Dad... You’re looking well.

Look, uh, I’m sorry I didn’t turn out to be an airbender like you hoped. But I’ve tried my best to keep the world safe.

Hope I made you proud.

Kya: Of course he’d be proud of you, Bumi.

Bumi: Thanks, Kya.

You always know when I need a hug.

I cried.

This is not a runner-up. This quote(s) is just as beautiful as the previous one:

Kya: Mom gave [this] to me before we left.

Bumi: That is one good-looking family, huh?

Tenzin: That’s one happy family.

I don’t know about you, but I need to see that one more time:

:’-)

Here’s a tissue:

Hey, remember when we first saw what air bison babies looked like?

Remember who else we got to see as a baby?

Remember how “a sky bison is a companion for life”?

Aang: I guess this means we'll always be together. 

Remember how this flashback was a dream?

A dream that BOTH Appa and Aang were having, despite their separation?

Aang: [In his sleep.] Always.

Remember how this all takes place in the heart-wrenching episode, “Appa’s Lost Days”? 

This episode.

We feel everything Appa experiences: the terror, the abuse, the desperation, the longing, the pain. 

Man. This episode.

And then, after god knows how long, they’re finally reunited:

I’m not crying, you are.

Actually, Aang’s the one crying:

Aang: I missed you, buddy.

credits

[orpelia]

Spirits: “Civil Wars, Part 1″

It makes me stupid happy that Poki sits atop Meelo’s head like Momo did with Aang.

^This is how I foreshadow. In other words, look out for Momo’s feature!

I didn’t actually think Book II, Chapter 3 was all that impressive, but the length of my review says otherwise.

The Devotee of Conflict and Kale Cookies

Seems Varrick’s not just a flouncy investor after all. He’s every bit the pretentious git, though.

I’m surprised he isn’t the “one episode wonder” I’d written him off to be. But now that I think about it, he’s had more appearances than Asami, haha.

Here’s why he’s trouble:

While he seems to say all the right things,

Varrick: The only spirit I’m interested in restoring is our spirit of independence. Am I right, people?

his true colors still shine through.

[Unalaq] wants control of our wealth. My wealth. And I like my wealth.

Varrick’s concern is not for the good of the tribes, but for his money. It’s not that surprising, being an investor and all, but I dislike him all the same.

We need to start preparing for war.

For once, Korra and I are in total agreement: 

“You want to start a war? Are you crazy?”

North vs. South

It’s hard to empathize with the North because 

1) they’re working for Unalaq, who is... problematic, and

2) they’re walking around like they own the damn place.

While I don’t think the Southerners were going to “assassinate” (Unalaq’s word, not mine) the chief of the North, their anger is real.

This is their home, and yet they feel like they’re being invaded.

Could the harbor lockdown have something to do with it??

What about their so-called “brothers” stomping about with their senses of entitlement??

Remember, the Water Tribes were separated for decades;

I’m desperately waiting for someone to bring up the Hundred Year War:

- Why did the South lose contact with their sister tribe? - How often did the North reach out? - When the South suffered catastrophic losses from the war, did the North even try coming to their aid?

you can’t just wash away years upon years upon years of bad blood.

And I have a bone to pick with Unalaq if he thinks he can waltz in and “boot [the Southern chieftains] out of the palace.” It doesn’t seem fair that his chieftaincy in the North should reign supreme in the South as well.

So just for that...

Sir, I have a bone to pick with you.

Unalaq is problematic because his priorities don’t seem to be in line with the people’s. 

He comes to the South under the pretense of warding off angry spirits. He’s still functioning under that guise, sure, but I’m having a difficult time understanding how these “precautionary measures” are helping the spirits find balance with man. No doubt the Southern Water Tribe citizens feel similarly.

To be fair, though, he’s not as shifty as Tarrlok was, so there are times when he gets away with scenes like this:

Unalaq: I have no doubt that you will become the most admired Avatar the world has ever known.

And this:

Korra: Let them stand trial for what they did. Every Water Tribe citizen deserves that right. Unalaq: Very well. I will respect the Avatar’s wishes in this matter. Korra: Thank you, Uncle.

But then he pulls stupid shit like this:

Unalaq: Tonraq, Senna, you are under arrest and will stand trial for conspiring to assassinate me.

And I’m back to not trusting him all over again.

A+ for Effort

I think Korra deserves a round of applause for striving to prevent fights (and a war) from breaking out amongst her people.

... or a snowball to the face, whatever floats your boat.

But I feel bad for Korra, I really do!

All she’s trying to do is keep the peace and be the Avatar, but she’s inherited a problem that's been around since before she was born. Avatar or not, I’m afraid her words---“we’re all part of the same tribe”---may fall on deaf ears.

Admittedly, she acts poorly towards her parents. She also says some pretty unfair things to them: “Everyone keeps holding me back, even my own parents! Unalaq's the only one who believes in me.”

Yeah, ouch.

But you know what, her mom totally calls her out on that, and, as I sometimes forget, Korra is a teenager. Hell, I can remember plenty of times where I said this (and worse) to my parents when I was her age.

When it really mattered, she was genuinely remorseful and wholeheartedly apologetic:

Korra: I’m sorry for thinking you had anything to do with the rebels. And for all the pain I’ve caused you and Mom. Tonraq: I’m the one who should apologize. After I saw the Southern Lights, I was so proud of you. I never should’ve held you back. Senna: When your father and I found each other, all we wanted was to live a simple life and raise a family. But then we discovered you were the Avatar and simple was over. We knew one day the world would need you, and you wouldn’t need us anymore.

Korra: Mom, Dad, of course I still need you.

:’-)

Parting Thoughts

Now that Korra and Tenzin have (temporarily) parted ways, the story’s been split in two. Thus, this bit here is less “Parting Thoughts” and more like an entire section dedicated to:

Daddy’s Favorite, A Soul-Searching Middle Child, and The Boy Who Cried Bending

Siblings, man. 

They know how to get under your skin; they know exactly what buttons to push; they know which burns will leave scars. 

Despite it all, we love them.

I know in my bones that Aang and Katara’s kids love each other, but

this one

this one

and this one

have got some issues.

It’s not like they don’t do all the good-natured sibling stuff:

They tease each other.

Bumi: [Dad] always had time for you, though, his precious little airbender.

Kya: See what he's doing there, Bumi? Classic airbender technique. Cutting and running when things get tough!

Tenzin: [To Bumi.] If you need an airlift down, just say the word.

They compete against each other.

Bumi: Come on, you wimps! If I can do it, it should be no problem for a couple of benders. Kya: Fine.

And, of course, they fight with each other.

Bumi: [Snickers.] "Duty." Kya: What are you, five-years-old?

Bumi: You done with the lecture, Mom?

Kya: We never should have come on this vacation. Bumi: I couldn't agree more. Tenzin: Well, I didn't want you to come in the first place!

But they delve into the ugly, messy side of their siblinghood as well:

Let’s keep reliving the past!

Tenzin: “I wish I could be as good a father as dad was to us. Kya: Tenzin, your problem is you're exactly like dad. He was so focused on saving the world and doing his duty---[To Bumi.] don't laugh---that he never had time for us. Tenzin: Dad loved us all equally. Besides, it all happened a long time ago. Why are we even talking about this? Kya: Because you seem to have some grandiose delusion that we had a perfect, happy-go-lucky childhood. Guess what. We didn't!”

Do we ever let things go?

Kya: “[To Bumi.] Oh, grow up! You haven't changed one bit since we were kids. You're still trying to prove you can do everything a bender can. Well, you can't. Deal with it. Tenzin: Kya's right. You're the oldest of us, but you always acted like the youngest. I had to become the responsible one. Kya: You think you're the responsible one? Where were you after Dad died and Mom was all alone? Because I was the only one who packed up and moved my whole life to be with her. Tenzin: After years of flitting around the world, trying to find yourself, it was time for you to settle down somewhere. You two have no idea how it feels to have the future of an entire culture on your shoulders.”

Ah, so the truth finally comes out.

Kya: “You think you're some savior who has to carry on Dad's legacy. Tenzin: Who else is going to do it? Kya: How about all of us? Bumi: Yeah, we're Aang's kids too.”

[Low whistle.]

Say it with me: siblings, man.

In case you’re wondering:

The previous three GIFs are relevant, I promise!

Our trio starts together, but they’re driven further apart throughout the course of the episode. It was an integral plot point the animation captured quite perfectly, and I thought it deserved some recognition.

Favorites

ROLL CALL:

Baby Rohan?

[Baby babbles.] Translation: Here!

Jinora? Meelo?

Present! Hiya!

Ikki?

...

Pema: Where’s your sister?

About this tall, talks real fast. I’m sure you know her.

Jinora, were you and Meelo teasing your sister again?

Jinora: I don’t know... Maybe... Yes.

Jinora + Meelo: ...

Meelo: She ran away. Pema:

Uh, oh.

Well, in the meantime, perhaps Bumi can be Ikki’s placeholder? 

He is, quite literally, a big,

little

kid.

With a beer potbelly.

Meelo: Do you have a baby in there?

Trouble in Paradise, Bo?

Bolin: I can’t take anymore. Listen, I don’t want to live in icy bliss with Eska! Don’t make me. Oh, please, please don’t make me.

Mako: If you’re that unhappy, just break up with her.  // It was here that I rolled my eyes to the Gods above. Yeah, Mako. Because you’re the expert on amicable break ups, aren’t you?

Bolin: Break up with her? You can do that? // Aw, bless him!

Mako: Yeah. Guys do that all the time. // Again, [Rolls eyes.]

Bolin: Oh, no, no, I don’t think she’d like that.

Mako: Ending a relationship is kind of like pulling off a blood-sucking leech. You just gotta rip it off and get it over with.

So how does Bo “rip off a blood-sucking leech”?

Why, he takes the leech out for a date, of course!

A double date, that is:

With his plus one’s plus one:

Bolin: Isn’t this fun, huh? We never get to spend enough time together, just the... five of us.

Bolin: You guys gotta save me.

Mako: What happened to “ripping off the leech”? Bolin: I tried! But anytime I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice and feed me to dolphin piranhas!

Mako: So it was more like you tugged at the leech. Bolin: Yes! Over and over and over, but it won’t come off! [To Korra.] Why didn’t you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?

Though I can’t imagine why Bo would want to end things with Eska??

She knows how to be treated like a lady and isn’t afraid to flaunt it:

Plus, she’s got a laugh that can melt even the iciest of hearts. 

Listen for yourself.

I’m 500% being sarcastic. 

This is an A1 example of a dysfunctional relationship, but god damn is it entertaining.

Quote(s) of the Episode

Tenzin: Ahhh, I haven’t felt this at peace since---

Aaand it’s over.

Nothing says “Good morning!” like your half-naked older brother.

Runner-up:

Bolin: Whew. I’m lucky you’re so good at breaking girls’ hearts.  [Jokingly,] Ha, Korra better watch out; 

Oooh, no, it’s just a---, uh, you kn---, uh, never mind.

@Mako: where is the lie??

Runner’s runner-up:

Korra: I’m usually the one starting fights. I don’t know how to stop them from happening.

Omfg, haha. I mean, at least she’s honest with herself~~

Runner’s(x2) runner-up:

Mako: How was your day, sweetie? // “Sweetie”? Ew.

Korra: [Sarcastically.] Oh, fabulous;

My tribe’s about to go to war and I’m supposed to stop it, but will anyone listen to me? No! And I didn’t ask for my father’s help. Can’t he just let me be the Avatar? Mako: Uhhh, 

do you want advice, or am I just supposed to listen? I’m still not clear on that...

Mako cracks me up because the struggle is so fucking real. 

Woaw!:

Am I the only one trippin’ that the Southern Water Tribe has BUILDINGS:

This is a little more familiar,

but still!

I’ve read dozens of fanfics that detail the rebuilding of the South, but my imagination could never really picture it. 

All I could ever see was this:

(Plus Sokka’s unfortunate little watchtower.)

Also, look at all the air bisons at the Southern Air Temple!

And all the lemurs!!

Back then, the boys literally had to fight over one:

Aang: Lemur!

Sokka: Dinner!

Poor Momo.

credits

[orpelia]

Spirits: “The Southern Lights”

What’s got Bo so spooked?

Korra and Co. are traveling South in Book II, Chapter 2, and there’s definitely something lurking in the wind.

As for Tenzin and family, they’ve gone to see where Grandpa Aang was born. Let the shenanigans and the feels commence.

Graphic content featured; I’ll give you a warning in case that’s not your thing.

Bro vs. Bro

Ah, yes. 

Another flashback to another pair of Northern Water Tribe brothers. Only this time, we get the flashback very early into the season so their stories actually (hopefully) have time to grow.

Can you tell there’s still some salt for the “Amon/Noatak is my brother” reveal? 

Man, do I love being petty~~

Tonraq, Korra’s father, was a general for the Northern Water Tribe.

To keep their city protected, he drove barbarians to an ancient forest,

and the ensuing battle destroyed the hallow grounds.

As punishment for disturbing their dwelling, angry spirits laid siege to the city.

Only Unalaq, Korra’s uncle, could tame the spirits and guide them back to their homes.

Ultimately, Tonraq was banished from the North and he looked to the South to start anew.

So I’m, like, 92% sure Unalaq is the big bad of the season.

(I also may or may not know some spoils.)

Reminiscent of Yakone, if I do say so myself:

If he is the big bad, then he’s totes schemin’. 

Look at him, establishing a bond and forging a trust with Korra:

All potential villain-ness aside, this scene had great dialogue:

Unalaq: You have to believe in yourself, like I believe in you. Korra: I guess I’m just so used to people telling me how to do things that I forgot what it was like to have someone trust in me. Unalaq: Korra, all the past Avatars live on inside of you. Let them guide you. Let them help you find the light in the dark.

// By the way, I love when stories integrate the concept of light and dark. For one, it gives me all the Kingdom Hearts feels, but it’s also such a universally applicable idea. I cannot wait to see how this theme will play out in the rest of Book II.

But look at him, and tell me there isn’t something sinister about that smile:

So while Unalaq’s plan seems to be on the horizon, 

I’m still trying to figure out how Tonraq fits into all of this.

I know Bo made light of the situation---

Bolin: Whoa, so you [Gestures to Tonraq.] were supposed to be chief, then he [Gestures to Unalaq.] became chief. No wonder you guys don’t like each other.  [Mako elbows him.] Ow! What? Isn’t that what happened?

---but perhaps this is one of the central conflicts of the season.

Naturally, as both daughter to Tonraq and niece to Unalaq (as well as a member of the Water Tribes), Korra will be caught in the middle. But as the Avatar, she is also responsible for keeping balance in the world, and I suspect this bro-on-bro feud may upset the nature of both physical and spiritual worlds.

Yeesh. 

I wish you luck, Korra.

Dark Unbalanced Spirits

This episode’s writing was solid. 

One of the reasons for its success is that it built upon concepts that have long been established in the Avatar-Korra universe, most notably balance, separation, and good vs. evil (or, in this case, light vs. dark).

In defense of the spirits, Unalaq claims, “There are no evil spirits, there is light and dark in them all. But when they’re unbalanced, the darkness takes over.”

Tonraq confesses, “I don’t want [Korra] to make the same mistake I made. I should never have gone into that forest, and we shouldn’t be going to the South Pole now. Spirits and the physical world should remain separate.

To rebut, Korra exclaims, “Dad, it’s my job to be the bridge between the spirits and the physical world, and I finally have a chance to live up to my potential.

In further defense, Unalaq reminds them: “There used to be lights at the South as well, but during the Hundred Year War, the South was thrown out of balance and the lights disappeared. When the War ended, the North helped to rebuild you physically as a nation, but we have not rebuilt you spiritually.”

So many juicy bits; let’s break it down:

Light and Dark

The writers are playing to one of A:TLA’s (and now, hopefully LOK’s) strengths: refusing black and white story lines and plunging head first into those grey, murky middles.

Just as there is no such thing as a person who is wholly good or wholly evil, there is also no such thing as a person who is entirely made of light or entirely made of dark. Instead, it is our actions---our choices---that reflect who our true characters are.

But what if it’s not your actions or your choices that cause you to turn to darkness, which is potentially the case with the Southern spirits? It’ll be interesting, then, to see how Korra and the others atone for causing the spirits’ disarray.

Separation

Given his experience with spirits, Tonraq sides with logic: the physical world and the spiritual world should remain separate.

But Korra is the Avatar; it’s literally her job to harmoniously bridge two separate worlds. Besides, I would think it’s pretty normal to have spirits living among them.

Whose to say spirits don’t live among us in our world, too?👀

As we first learned in “The Guru”: “the greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation.” Thus, it would be super dope (and super consistent!) if they extended that same wisdom to the story here. 

Balance

This.

The concept of balance is probably what grounds the entire Avatar-Korra franchise, so it’s no surprise that the spirits are struggling with their states of unbalance.

Can I just say, I loved the callback to the Hundred Year War. This is what I’m talking about; write episodes that build upon ideas the audience already knows! Referencing the War serves to fill in the missing gaps from when Aang’s journey ended and Korra’s began, but it also helps propel Korra’s story forward. 

There was also a nice throwback to the “Winter Solstice, Part 1: The Spirit World,” where we learn that a spirit named Hei Bai is terrorizing a village to retaliate against the Fire Nation soldiers who destroyed its home in the forest. We see the same scenario play out when Tonraq and his men annihilate the sacred woods; consequently, the spirits attack the Northern Water Tribe.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to see Korra bring the spirits balance and find that balance for herself as well.

In the meantime, Korra’s got to work on her “spirit fighting”:

And I still don’t understand why the spirits have to 1) look super freaky and 2) look like the Demogorgon!!

Graphic Warning

Tell me I’m wrong:

Yes, Bitch.

Korra had her irritating moments, especially when she was quick to accuse people who were just trying to protect, trust, and love her.

But she was bad. ass. this episode:

Badass Example #1:

This one always gets me.

She ruthlessly, unflinchingly shoves her entire arm down the spirit’s mouth and then sets her fist on fire. 

Biiiiiih.

Badass Example #2:

I think this marks the beginning of Korra starting to believe in herself as the Avatar,

and it makes a mama proud.

All the Hollas

@Jeremy Zuckerman, the music was on point.

@The Animation Team, the scenery in this episode was something else.

Bolin: It’s beautiful.

My thoughts exactly, Bo.

Parting Thoughts

Alright, girl.

What’s good?

Why are you waking up in the middle of the night,

wandering the halls of the temple,

stumbling upon unknown Avatars,

who mysteriously and simultaneously light up when Korra opens the South’s spirit portal?

And why only you, my dear Jinora?

It has to be said: I’m so happy our eldest airbender might have more of an arc in this book. Her two siblings definitely overshadowed her last season, but only because they have such big personalities! 

Still, Papa Tenzin: please keep your little girl safe!!

Favorites

Tenzin took his little airbending family on a field trip!

(Aunt Kya and Uncle Bumi also tagged along and they proved very helpful by unloading Oogi.

No, seriously. They were mistaken for servants, haha. 

I told you Tenzin would get his payback for all of last episode’s teasing.)

There were so many giggly moments with my favorite family today!

How to Be Polite (ft. Tenzin):

Abbot Shung: This is an ancient airbender head shaver we’ve refurbished just for you.

Tenzin: Oh. Okay?

How to Be Polite (ft. Pema):

Abbot Shung: These flowers once filled the mountainside! Now, they can brighten up your room.

Pema: That’s... sweet? Y-you didn’t have to.

I know this moment is a funny one, but thank you for recognizing Pema for birthing, nurturing, and loving her beautiful, yet all over the place children. 

Which reminds me...

These kids are the best kinds of headaches:

Meelo: Mommy, Daddy, look! I finally got a lemur! I’m gonna name him---Poki!

Poki! Come back!

Ikki: No! That gift is mine! Jinora: You don’t even like to read! Ikki:

No actual dialogue in this scene and yet their sleeping positions say so much.

I’m sure Papa Tenzin would agree:

Tenzin: Where are your brother and sister?

Meelo: You can’t catch me! I’m the greatest air scooter-er of all time!

Tenzin: Meelo!!

... maybe not.

The Dork and the Deadpan

As always, we have Bo being Bo:

^dork.

And how are things coming along with Eska, you ask?

Eska: Does this sidecar have the capacity for two passengers?

Bolin: [Flirting.] Sure does. But, uh... who’s gonna drive?

Mako: [Teasing.] Well, what do you know? Looks like---

Bolin: Go away, Mako.

I have to say, the surprise of the episode is definitely Eska! 

She’s hilariously deadpan, especially when she’s protective

Bolin: Can we not talk about dark spirits, please?

Eska: Don’t worry. I will protect you, my feeble turtle duck.

Bolin: Oh, it's in the engine! Ahhhh! I can’t stop it!

Eska: I’ll save you.

Bolin: I’m a raft!

[...]

Bolin: Uh, can someone please deflate me? 

Thank you.

or jealous of Bo:

Eska: Why are you initiating physical contact with another woman?

Bolin:

Hate to break it to ya, Bo, but it looks like Eska’s wearing the pants in this relationship.

(And there ain’t nothing wrong with that.)

Quote(s) of the Episode

Mako: You never cease to amaze me.

Korra: Thanks. By the way, I’m really sorry for being a total pain. Things were really stressful and pretty confusing... It’s hard being the Avatar. Mako: [Jokingly.] It’s harder being the Avatar’s boyfriend.

I stan an apologetic, understanding, and supportive couple.

The Southern Air Temple:

This episode was begging for parallels,

and my purpose in life is to serve.

Remember when Aang got upset because his home was so different and so empty?

Look at it now! How it’s thriving!

Jinora: Wow. The statue room.

Tenzin: That’s right, Jinora. The most sacred place in the entire Southern Air Temple.

Katara: They’re Avatars! All these people are your past lives, Aang.

Aang: Wow! There are so many!

The Trance™

To me, this is also Aang’s place of “re-birth.”

For it is here that the world discovered the Avatar had returned.

Aang now rests in the place that started it all, and it’s got me feeling some type of way.

credits

[orpelia]

Spirits: “Rebel Spirit”

Six months have passed since Amon attempted to wipe out Republic City’s bending population, and the first chapter of Book II gives us a glimpse into what The Core Four and The Last Airbending Family have been up to.

Hint: Bo’s hungry for something (an arctic hen, perhaps?).

Quickly: I apologize for the image quality and inconsistent sizing.

Nickelodeon removed all The Legend of Korra episodes from their website, so I had to stream everything. I hope I’ve made up for it by upgrading to GIFs.

Enjoy~~

Asami

Miss Sato’s trying to reclaim Future Industries for the company it once was, especially now that her father is serving time and his alliance with the Equalists is bringing the company down to its demise. 

Not to mention, Future Industries is on the brink of bankruptcy.

But girl’s got nerves of steel and no flouncy investor is going to intimidate her.

Plus, with Bolin as your “assistant,” charming the pants off anyone is pretty much guaranteed. 

Bolin

Without his usual teammates, Bo’s success in the Pro-Bending arena is stagnant at best.

So he’s trying his luck with the ladies instead.

(Decked out in South Pole furs, no less.)

He has his sights set on one of Korra’s “creepy, grandma-attic smelling” cousins:

And it seems the feeling is... mutual?

Eska: You amuse me. I will make you mine.

// By the way, Eska definitely reminds me of Mai; pretty sure it’s the doom ‘n gloom aura she exudes.

Bolin: You mean like a boyfriend or like a slave...?

Eska: Yes. Win me prizes.

Welp.

Not quite the turn out you were expecting, was it Bo?

Mako

Our frustrating little firebender’s a working boy now!

Under Chief Beifong’s guidance, he hopes to climb the law enforcement ladder from police officer to detective.

He’s already got lines prepared for when he catches the bad guys:

“Looks like you had some car trouble. Good thing the police are here.

You guys should put more ‘try’ in triad.

When you get to jail, tell ‘em Mako sent ya.”

So, steady job?

Check plus!

Steady relationship?

Check minus, haha.

I can’t decide if I find their squabbles irritating or amusing, but they 500% remind me of my friends and their high school boyfriends. It’s like I’m reliving 4th period lunch, watching Korra and Mako fight.

For the record, my friends and their boyfriends were never this cute:

But they were definitely just as nauseating:

(I was/am Bolin.)

Korra

You’d think the Avatar would spend these months honing her airbending and controlling her power over the Avatar State... 

Nope.

She’s just goofin’ around with the kids:

Note: Pema did not throw baby Rohan up into the air with the vegetables.

As if we didn’t already know, Korra also likes to play dirty:

Ikki: No fair! You can’t go into the Avatar State to win! Korra:

But don’t worry, Ikki. Your Papa Tenzin will totally scold Korra for cheating:

Contrary to Tenzin’s opinion, the Avatar State isn’t simply a “booster rocket” Korra toys around with in her free time. In fact, she utilizes its power when the rebel spirit attacks:

For whatever reason, the spirit gives me Stranger Things’ Demogorgon vibes, so I’ll be using this name from now on.

Yet her bending is no match against the Demogorgon.

So her Uncle Unalaq---chief of the Northern Water Tribe---steps in with his “spirit fighting.”

Intrigued (and also desperate to move on from airbending), she agrees to train under his tutelage and acquire his knowledge of the Water Tribe’s spiritual ways.

Two things:

1) Unalaq’s definitely got a hidden agenda. 

After all, the last man we knew from the Northern Water Tribe was Councilman Tarrlok (plus his brother, Noatak/Amon, and their father, Yakone). It’s common knowledge at this point; Northern Water Tribe folk are not to be trusted.

2) Korra was acting like a petulant child.

I think she scowls and crosses her arms like this twice in the episode.

Granted, she has a point.

She should have a say in who trains her and how they go about doing so; if anything, she has that choice now, especially since she’s older and entitled to making her own decisions.

However, when she first started her training, she was just a kid! Can she really fault her parents/mentors for making decisions for her, decisions they believed were for her best?

But for the time being, Korra’s made her choice. 

I just hope she has an apology ready because Tenzin is now a sad boi:

Parting Thoughts

Korra: We’re gonna have some real fun in my hometown at the Glacier Spirits Festival. They’ve got rides, games, and all kinds of fried food on sticks! The kids: 

I demand a reshoot of this episode because we never actually got to see the kids messing around at the festival.

Though, I did love the little throwbacks (ft. baby!Aang and baby!Appa):

Not to mention:

Unalaq: This festival used to be a solemn time of fasting and meditation. Now it’s just a chance to watch some rube try to stick an entire arctic hen in his mouth.

Bolin: What? It’s so good.

Favorites

I love one family:

Also, I am so here for Bumi and Kya teasing the hell out of Tenzin aka the mama’s boy:

Besides, it comes with being the bunso (or baby of the family):

I’m sure Tenzin will get his payback soon enough:

Quote(s) of the Episode:

Ikki: I wanna get tattoos! But instead of arrows I want lightning bolts! Jinora: You can’t get lightning bolts. That doesn’t make any sense. Ikki: [Angrily.] You don’t make any sense. Meelo: Fight, fight, fight!

Tenzin: No one’s fighting!

Hahahaha.

Runner-up:

Bolin: Got it!

[The spirit jumps out of the way.]

Don’t got it!

Hahahaha.

Like Uncle, Like Nephew:

I see Tenzin has a thing for maps,

which he definitely got from his Uncle Sokka:

He’s inherited his Uncle’s drawing skills, too:

(Both seem to incite similar reactions from people as well.)

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “Endgame”

Eleven episodes and a two-week hiatus later (oops!)~~

My praise, my wishes, and my feelings of the season finale of Book I. 

[Heart eyes.]

Oh, Bo. What would we do without you.

As always, he gifted us with his silly and endearing humor,

but he also starred in some fantastic collabs.

Bolin x Naga

Bolin x General Iroh

Honestly, Bolin x Any Character <--- now that’s my kind of ship.

General Iroh is just as stupidly fearsome and heroic as his grandfather.

This is fact. 

His stunt with the planes?

Cray.

I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the future, preferably in the same scene(s) as Zuko because that’s something I desperately need in my life.

My favorite Mako: protective and powerful.

Let’s not forget, he can break free of Noatak’s bloodbending!!!

Korra---the freakin’ Avatar---couldn’t even do that! At least, not at first.

Amon admits it himself: “I'm impressed. No one has ever gotten the better of me like that. It is almost a shame to take the bending of someone so talented.”

I hope Mako’s talents become focal points in the next books. Please, oh please don’t revert him back to a frustrating, lovesick puppy who can’t make up his damn mind. It really doesn’t do his character justice.

Speaking of lovesick puppies...

Without a doubt, Mako and Korra had the most compelling scenes of the entire episode (and not because they were fighting Noatak).

Canon couple or not, these two make a great team. They obviously care about each other, but they’re fiercely protective of one another as well, and that’s what makes their chemistry so palpable.

Although I wasn’t over the moon about dropping the love bombs, even I recognize how heartwarming their moments were.

Take, for example, the penultimate scene of the finale:

Recap: Mako tells Korra he loves her, Korra dramatically runs away with Naga, and Tenzin tells Mako they have to be patient with her, which is old people code for “give her some space.”

If you ask me, that’s shitty advice.

In real life, I want someone to go after me, even if I say I want to be alone or I tell people to go away. 

Yes, I am that person.

So you best believe my heart SOARED when the boy chased after the girl:

At first, Mako’s shocked.

No surprise there. 

He just witnessed Korra in the Avatar State, which means 1) her bending is back and 2) the Avatar State is no joke!! The glowing eyes!! The command of the four elements at your fingertips!! That’s hardcore, bro!!

But then he fondly smiles at her, which I wholeheartedly interpret as “Ah, yes. That’s my girl.”

And look at her face!!

These two aren’t endgame, so I’m allowing myself to savor in the swoon.

FYI: If there’s anything you should know about me, it’s that I’m a sucker for cheek caresses.

Twirling hugs also make me a lil weak in the knees.

Running to someone and barreling into their arms is just stupid cute.

[Heavy sigh.]

I was really rooting for Asami. 

After Chapter 7, I thought we were going to see how Asami was coping with the reveal of her father’s conspiring nature. Instead, her character seemed to revolve more around the love triangle (or whatever shape you want to call the ridiculous Asami x Mako x Korra situation). When Asami does mention her father, it’s only a sparse comment every other episode or so.

Thus, the showdown between father and daughter lacks an emotional weight, and it’s partly because we haven’t explored enough of their relationship to truly feel for these characters.

That isn’t to say their sequence doesn’t have powerful moments. 

I just want to take a moment to holla at ma boy @Jeremy Zuckerman, sole music composer. 

Your music is always stunning, but the accompanying track in Asami and Hiroshi’s showdown (plus the music in the boat scene and everything in the third act) is what carries the entire segment. 

Your melodies tugged at my heartstrings in ways the story couldn’t.

Their final fight, for instance:

Asami is so caught up in the battle---defending herself against her father, no less---that you think she might actually do it, she might actually hurt him. 

But then he’s looking at her like this, 

and she starts to hesitate (this is her father after all),

which is the exact moment Hiroshi strikes.

In the end, Asami captures her father, but not without remorse: “You really are a horrible father.”

Dear Creators, 

Please give your characters the emotional depth they deserve and explore the nuances of their relationships. 

Trust me: they can lift the weight of their stories just fine.

I am unbelievably disappointed in Noatak’s arc. 

I just---

I mean---

How?

How are you going to build the foundation of a character on a lie?

How are you going to develop that character’s arc for ten episodes, then discredit almost everything with deceit?? 

How are you going to completely undermine your character like that???

And to add insult to injury, Noatak keeps lying, going so far as to reveal a fake, painted scar: 

Here’s the thing: Zuko is my world. 

Of all the characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender, I found pieces of myself in his story the most. Scars, then, are sore subjects for me; sometimes, I feel like I’m as sensitive about his scar as he was.

Yes, I jumped in my seat upon first seeing Noatak’s “scar,” but make no mistake---I’d rip that lie off his face in a heartbeat.

Undermining your character with lies is bad enough, but this shit felt like mockery, and while I’m certain that wasn’t the creators’ intents, I’m taking it personally anyway.

However, attention should be paid to Noatak’s last scene:

Again, the music is so beautifully somber, but the dialogue here is probably some of the episode’s best.

From Noatak’s “I had almost forgotten the sound of my own name,” to Tarrlok’s "It will be just like the good old days.”

From the tear that rolls down Noatak’s cheek,

to Tarrlok's decision to sacrifice them both.  

It doesn’t make up for butchering Noatak’s arc, but this was, quite simply, a beautiful ending to a sad story.

Dear Creators, 

Please don’t make the same mistake twice.

You compromised the integrity of your character the moment you sacrificed a fleshed out plot for woaw!shock factor.

Villain or not, he deserved better.

Also, I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU.

It was at this moment that I wanted to jump into the screen and rescue Tenzin and his beautiful children myself.

LOOK AT THEIR FACES.

I WAS SO MAD. 

LIKE:

HOW COULD YOU.

It should be said: I loved Korra in this episode.

I mean, she was pretty daft to think that hiding under a table would keep her safe from a bloodbender. A bloodbender (a psychic one at that) can feel your blood, Korra, of course he knows you’re under there.

So just for that:

Yeah, don’t you look all silly and fuzzy.

Aside from this idiotic little slip, she was pretty badass, unlocking her airbending and fighting against Noatak’s bloodbending:

What a crappy screenshot of her airbending, haha. Would you believe me if I said this was genuinely the best I could do?

And unlike Asami and her father, I actually felt for Korra. I was devastated when Katara couldn’t repair her severed connection to the other three elements.

Though I wonder if I felt more for Korra because she acted just as I would. That is, she’s clearly distraught over losing her bending, but she wants to spare her friends and family the trouble of making a scene:

So she waits until she’s alone to let it all go:

:’-(

As I said, I loved and felt for Korra in the finale, and I don’t have a problem with her...

I have a problem with the writing.

Korra’s airbending was very badass, but I completely forgot about her airbending struggles. 

The first four episodes show Korra’s conflict with the element (i.e., it’s literally the plot line of Chapter 2). If anything, these episodes have small moments that remind us of Korra’s airbending training---practicing in the temple’s courtyard or doing exercises with the kids, to name a few examples.

Then, in Chapter 8, Tarrlok insults her with the “half-baked Avatar” comment, snidely remarking on her less than satisfactory airbending. It’s in this same episode that Korra reminds Tenzin---and the audience---that she’s never been able to connect with her spiritual side. (More on this later!)

And... that’s it. 

After the eighth episode, she’s kidnapped by Tarrlok, who reveals himself as a bloodbender; she’s rescued but then Amon and Hiroshi attack Republic City, separating Korra and the teens from Tenzin, his family, and Lin; Korra decides to take Amon on her own (but not really because Mako decides to tag along) and the two of them bump into Tarrlok, who reveals that Amon is actually his long-lost, waterbending, psychic bloodbending brother, Noatak. 

It’s not necessarily a bad thing. If the creators were prioritizing awe! and shock! and woaw!, then unlocking Korra’s airbending this way definitely did the job. But it felt a little too... convenient? Plus, there was no explanation for why her airbending worked when it did. 

I mean, saving Mako obviously had something to do with it, and they didn’t have time to get into the details because, duh, they were trying to restore Korra’s bending. 

Still, the audience shouldn’t have to interpret everything.

(Or perhaps I’m just being petty, lol.)

For a book titled after the element, I guess I just expected more. 

Ultimately, I wish we saw Korra practicing more airbending; I wish we got an explanation for how and why she airbended when she did; I wish her success in unlocking her final element had not been overshadowed by the loss of her water-, earth-, and firebending.

Which brings me here, to this special moment:

I cried.

100%. 

And the gentle, yet all too familiar Avatar theme playing in the background? Yeah, I was a puddle of tears.

However, as nostalgic as this was, I wasn’t too pleased at how quickly Korra’s bending was restored because it felt like the creators were taking shortcuts again.

For the record, I like that Noatak took Korra’s bending away (though I would have liked a more epic battle?), as it debunked the whole “the Avatar is invincible” concept. But, really? A quick touch of Aang’s fingers and her bending is restored, just like that?

Maybe it’s just me, but I would’ve loved to see Korra struggling to get her bending back. Perhaps we could’ve seen her retraining and relearning the other elements, which is something I still feel we were robbed of. 

Furthermore, as much as I enjoyed seeing Aang and all the former Avatar reincarnations, I didn’t like that this was also the moment Korra connected with her spiritual side. Similar to her airbending moment, I forgot about her spiritual struggles; the issue is last mentioned in Chapter 8 and, before that, all the way back in Chapter 1. But, honestly, I think the ease and convenience of this moment lends to the problematic pacing of Book I as a whole.

Dear Creators, 

While I thank you for restoring Korra and Lin’s bending, please don’t resort to convenient endings. I recognize that you only had twelve episodes, but please, no more shortcuts.

Your story will suffer.

Your characters will suffer, too.

p.s., I’m sorry for being so mean to you. I have a lot of feelings, is all. 

Cheers to Book II, though!

Parting Thoughts

Before sitting down to write the finale’s review, I took a two-week break.

In that time, I rewatched (and re-rewatched) the entire first book.

I even had time to indulge in the fifth season of The Great British Baking Show.

Shameless Plug: 

I absolutely recommend this charming baking competition. 

You learn quite a lot about the science and precision of baking, endure (but also adore) countless baking puns, and witness what true competition looks like. That is, genuine camaraderie, rooting for your fellow bakers to succeed, and sometimes, lending them a hand if they’re pressed for time.

Warning: do not watch late at night. You will reach for a baguette. 

And yet, I still feel meh about Book I.

The season has its share of success: the music is as impeccable as ever and the technological and industrial components of the Avatar-Korra universe are developing and expanding nicely. 

However, it will always come down to the story, and the writing just wasn’t up to par. 

Truthfully, the real triumphs are the characters, who---after only twelve episodes---have built a home for themselves in my heart:

Although, our bright, blue-eyed Avatar still has much to learn.

(i.e., how to stop being an impatient little dumdum)

But take heart...

Her story’s only just begun.

From Beginning to End:

“Thanks for looking out for me, Aang.”

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “Skeletons in the Closet”

Water Tribe kids are so cute! Too bad one of these boys turns out to be a bad egg. 

Book I, Chapter 11 was frustrating; thus, my comments will be rudely brief.

Not too many favorites this episode either (except for Bo, of course).

Amon: The Real Backstory

Tarrlok is Amon’s brother.

Here’s how:

Yakone (yes, him again)

got a new face.

He moved to the Northern Water Tribe, where he met a girl, fell in love, blah blah blah.

They had two boys,

the one on the left is Tarrlok and the one on the right is Amon---no, Noatak.

They were waterbenders like their father,

but Tarrlok was the lousy one.

They also inherited their father’s bloodbending,

which Yakone was intent on teaching them. 

Again, Tarrlok sucked. Noatak, however, was a prodigy.

But Noatak became all moody and gloomy.

Then, Yakone forced the boys to bloodbend each other.

Tarrlok refused; Yakone was about to punish him when Noatak bloodbent him instead.

It is unmistakable: Noatak despises his father.

He wanted to leave and start anew, but Tarrlok didn’t want to abandon their mother, so Noatak leaves on his own.

The family thought Noatak died in the storm. 

Yakone died a few years later. (The mom probs died, too.)

Tarrlok is now stuck in a cell. His brother put him in there. 

He is also bend-less. That was also Noatak’s doing.

...

The end.

I Admit:

My jaw dropped in shock when Tarrlok revealed that he was Amon’s Noatak’s brother, but I’m not about to just let this slide... 

The only thing I appreciated about this “sad story” was that it all led back to Yakone, who was rotten to the core. 

With his bending gone, Yakone was powerless to take his revenge on the Avatar and Republic City, so he forced his sons to learn bloodbending instead. He claimed it was their destiny, their purpose in life to avenge him, and he turned his sons into bloodbending weapons. Especially Noatak,

who mastered his father’s psychic bloodbending at fourteen-years-old. 

For me, Noatak’s hatred for benders stems from his hatred for his father. That is, I like to think that Noatak first targeted extorting, abusing, bullying benders because his father was an extorting and abusing bully. 

Irony, however, certainly has a cruel sense of humor because Noatak becomes exactly what Yakone wanted: “a soldier of revenge.” For all Noatak’s speeches of equality, ridding the world of bending, and cleansing benders of their “impurities,” I see it all as a final act of revenge against his father.

I’m not letting the creators get away with the shit they just pulled, but I’m going to give them one more chance with the season finale before I go ham on their asses.

More Frustration

A confession: I went down the rabbit hole of spoilers last night (oopsie!), and I saw things about Mako and Korra, Mako and Asami, etc. 

It was all super annoying and super frustrating, and I’m thoroughly convinced that LOK (and even A:TLA) should stay far away from romance plots. 

I sincerely hope they prove me wrong.

Mako and Korra exchanged some very nice compliments,

but it was hampered by Mako’s unresolved relationship troubles with Asami. 

And when Mako and Asami finally got around to their breakup scene, it was super lame.

More Confusion

Hi, General Iroh.

When I see your name, I think of Uncle Iroh; when I hear your voice, I think of Zuko. 

It’s all so confusing.

It has to be said that I love Dante Basco. I’ve missed his voice and I’m so happy to hear it again, but even I thought it was a little tacky for Zuko’s grandson to have the same voice as his grandfather. 

Parting Thoughts

Hey, Noatak. 

I know the writers gave you a crappy story arc, but how dare you deface Aang’s statue:

Get your stupid mask off my angel’s face before I rip your mask off and expose your lies to the world. 

Favorites

Bolin, duh. (+ our furry friends!)

Bolin with Pabu

Bolin with Naga

Quote(s) of the Episode

Mako: Love you, little bro.

Bolin: Love you back, big bro.

Like grandfather, like grandson (II):

Well, if you’re going to sound like your grandfather, then I guess you’ll be just as stupidly fearsome as well.

Here we have Iroh attempting to fire-punch at a freakin’ missile:

And here we have Zuko throwing a fire-punch at Azula (who, let’s face it, was a ticking time bomb by the end of the show):

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “Turning the Tides”

What do you reckon? Are the kids lined up from oldest to youngest? Or least to most mischievous?

Step aside, other characters! There are only two sets of people I want to talk about in Book I, Chapter 10.

But if you need your daily dose of Bolin, skip to the favorites.

The Last Airbenders

I love this beautiful family.

I love them

almost as much

as they love each other.

Bonus! Tender cuddles ft. Papa Tenzin and Ikki

Also, there’s something about the way Tenzin is looking at his kids... 

It feels like he’s having one of those bittersweet moments I’m sure all parents have. That is, there’s a moment(s) when parents realize their children are growing up; slowly but surely, they’re needing their parents less and less. 

Tenzin was so worried about leaving his family, that he couldn’t keep them safe. He even asked his ex-girlfriend to look after them! But it turns out, the kids came to Lin’s rescue, not the other way around: “I would have been toast if it weren't for your kids. You should be proud. You taught them well.” 

So I think, in this moment here, Tenzin’s realizing that his kids aren’t so little anymore:

But they still completely and utterly melt my heart:

“[To Baby Rohan.] Welcome, I’m Ikki and this is Jinora and Meelo. We have a super great family and we’re so happy that you’re a part of it.”

And underneath all that cute, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Not even Badass Beifong can keep them under control, haha.

We have Air Glidin’ Jinora:

Air Scootin’ Ikki:

And Booty Tootin’ Meelo:

(Look at this baby boy go!!)

Oh, Lin. You are so fired as their babysitter.

“That lady is my hero.”

When we first met Lin, she was the "challenging” and frowning Chief of Police, whose first and utmost priority was to ensure the safety of Republic City’s citizens. 

Over time, however, we’ve started to peel away the layers of her armor. 

First, she sacrificed a chance at capturing Amon to rescue Korra from falling to her death. Then, she went after her captured (potentially now bend-less) officers, even if she hadn’t completely healed from Hiroshi’s attack. 

Now, underneath all that indestructible armor, we see the heart that’s always been there: 

In a way, her priority hasn’t changed. She’s still doing her duty; she’s still protecting citizens of Republic City.

But Pema and these kids---they’re more than just residents of the city.

These are airbenders, the last of their kind. 

And, perhaps more importantly, this is Tenzin’s family. 

So it’s like Lin said: “No arguments.” 

Lin Beifong, thank you

for your fierce protection

and your undeniable selflessness.

I’m so sorry that your sacrifice cost you your bending.

This moment was so beautifully tragic, with the rain fall, the somber music, and the slow-motion capture. 

It was everything a hero deserved.

I’m genuinely heartbroken for her.

Parting Thoughts

HI ZUKO 

HI GENERAL IROH 

HI DANTE FREAKIN’ BASCO

I have no idea what’s going on, but I don’t care. 

It’s just nice to hear your voice again.

Favorites

In an action-packed episode, I can always count on Bolin to provide light-hearted fun.

Like when he stole Korra’s extra dumpling:

Or when he was stressing over their parking tickets during the Equalists’ attack on the city:

Quote(s) of the Episode

Tenzin: Lin has agreed to help out around here and keep an eye on things while I’m away.

Pema: Thank you! I could use the extra pair of hands.

Would you mind giving him a bath?

He’s filthy.

Lin: [To Tenzin; angrily.] This is not what I signed on for!

Lin + Meelo: [...]

Meelo: I gotta poo!

Really bad!

@Nickelodeon:

I would like to formally request for an entire spin-off series of the airbender kids. Each episode will guest star a different character, and I think Lin should be the first guest!

They will come to Air Temple Island under the impression of babysitting the kids, but by the end of the episode, the clever little tricksters will have roped them into one of their shenanigans.

Pretty please?

The power of the booty:

It seems taunting your enemies before striking is something Meelo inherited from Aang.

You know what they say...

Like grandfather,

Like grandson.

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “Out of the Past”

Korra---our resident lil shit---is missing, but it looks like Lin’s already got three new idiots to chaperone.

Book I, Chapter 9 is now my favorite episode! 

(Sorry, Chapter 6.)

Bloodbending

Fuck.

Bloodbending is so dark, so sinister that it’s been banned for decades. As in, it’s literally illegal to bend someone’s blood. 

But dude, that whole sequence where Yakone is basically bloodbending Aang to death?

I was squirming in my seat the whole time.

It’s the sounds that do it for me. Thankfully, there aren’t any bones cracking (I think that’d be too much for Nickelodeon), but the squelching. 

The bulging eyes, the contorted body parts--- 

[Shudders.]

Yakone (and Tarrlok [and Amon])

Turns out my predictions were pretty spot on. [Pats myself on the back.]

Yakone was in fact a bloodbender,

A reminder: he could bloodbend with his eyes. 

Just, let that sink in.

who was terrorizing Republic City’s citizens in the hopes of taking the city as his own. However, Aang was able to put a stop to him with energy bending: “I'm taking away your bending, for good.”

Low and behold, Tarrlok is Yakone’s son---though he doesn’t seem too proud of it---and he tried to resurrect his father’s plans, only he wanted to be the city’s “savior” instead. But like his father, he failed... (for now).

// Edit:

Allow me to explain the “(for now)” bit.

Halfway into Book I, I saw spoilers for Book II and I thought the Water Tribe looking man was Tarrlok. 

I was wrong. That’s not him, and Tarrlok does not come back.

... right?

---07 October 2018

I was so consumed by Yakone, Tarrlok, and their nefarious bloodbending, that I completely forgot about the real villain of the season:

But Amon makes sure we never forget him again:

On the right, Tarrlok is bloodbending; on the left, Amon’s henchmen have fallen prey, but AMON. IS. STILL. STANDING.

Remember the flashback? Aang couldn’t even resist. He had to go into the Avatar State to relinquish Yakone’s hold on him.

Tarrlok took the words right out of my mouth: “What are you?”

Asami (and Mako [and Korra])

Alright, writers. I’ll give this one to you.

The whole “Korra likes Mako, but Mako doesn’t know if he likes her back, especially since he’s with Asami, who recently found out about Korra’s feelings” situation actually worked.

But first, poor Asami:

So far, her character’s been kept in the dark about most things; first with her father, now with Mako and Korra. 

My heart goes out to her because she really doesn’t deserve this, and I wish that she’d found out about the kiss from Mako himself, as well as any other feelings he may or may not harbor for Korra.

Though, I’m not sure how much longer these two will be together... 

After all, their first on-screen kiss takes place in a prison cell, with the boyfriend’s brother peeing in the background.

Yeah, that doesn’t seem to bode well for their future.

Second, while he definitely let his girlfriend fall to the wayside, even I have to admit how palpable Mako’s concern for Korra was:

And I for one thoroughly enjoyed watching his protective (and rather aggressive) side come to the surface:

Finally, I was desperate for that Makorra reunion:

As frustrating as these two may be, I do want them to have a fair shot at a relationship. I just wish the surrounding circumstances weren’t so messy or complicated and didn’t involve hurting other people.

Still, context aside, this was a very sweet moment:

Keep giving us soft moments like this and I may wholeheartedly root for Mako and Korra. Just make sure they do right by Asami first~~

Parting Thoughts

You don’t know how many times I struggled against the urge to watch the next episode. 

That’s how you know Chapter 9 was a good one.

Favorites

Sleepy!Meelo

And sassy!Meelo: “Who is this? It’s six in the morning! This better be important!”

Naga, the trusty tracker: “[Korra praises her.] You came looking for me. Good girl.”

Lin with her new coat (I’m loving the shoulder pads!):

I also admire her dedication to her officers, and my heart broke a little at this scene:

“I'm too late.”

“That monster already took your bending, didn't he?”

The BFF

I think we’d get along fantastically. We already have so much in common!

1. He’s always the third wheel.

2. He’s as subtle as they come.

Do you see the little beads of sweat? Haha.

3. He sometimes (embarrassingly) forgets the little things.

“Your fly was down.”

Can I please request for more scenes with these two? They’d have such great banter! Bolin’s earnestness would bounce right off of Lin’s bluntness.

Mr. Grumpy

Uh, oh. What’s got Tenzin in a tizzy this time?

Well his REM cycle’s been interrupted, that’s why!

Aw, poor ‘ol, sleep-deprived Tenzin.

Quote(s) of the Episode

Toph: Follow me, Twinkle Toes.

Aang: Toph, I’m forty-years-old. You think you could stop with the nicknames?

Toph: ‘Fraid not.

Damn, I’ve missed these two.

Runner-up:

Bolin: [To Mako; trying to pee.] Cover your ears! I can’t go with you listening.

Mako: [Grumbles, but acquiesces; Covers his ears.]

This is a word-for-word exchange my sister and I have had countless times.

My heart:

[Sniffles.]

Remember when the kids were teeny tiny little babies?

Look at them now---all grown up!

40-year-old Avatar Aang Twinkle Toes

Esteemed Chief of Police, Toph Beifong

and COUNCILMAN Sokka

I’m so proud :’-)

Also, tell me why I was expecting these characters to still have their old voices? Hahaha.

When Toph says, “What are you doing here, Aang?” all I heard was:

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “When Extremes Meet”

(There were so many thumbnail-worthy moments in this episode, so we’re trying something a little different.)

A summary of Book I, Chapter 8:

The teens come to live on Air Temple Island, and the kids couldn’t be more excited.

Korra gets emotional because she still can’t airbend.

So her friends decide to help her protect the city, if they can only get there first.

(You’ll have to excuse Naga; she’s had a long day.)

Can Korra and her friends do their duties to Republic City? What---or rather, who---might stand in their way? And what other shenanigans do those kids get up to this time?

Team Avatar 2.0

Say hello to our new Team Avatar:

Team Avatar + Meelo, that is!

See those looks on everyone’s faces?

Yeah: Meelo farted.

...

But it’s coo, baby boo~~

However, thumbs down @ the female animosity that still exists between Korra and Asami.

Get on that, writers!

Their chase scene was also a cool demonstration of old (bending) and new (technology, i.e., cars, motorcycles, electrical gloves, etc.) coming together.

We even got to see Mako---hey, you weren’t frustrating today!---bend lightning again:

But speaking of alternative forms of bending...

TARRLOK IS A BLOOD BENDER

BRO

BROOOO

BROOOOOOOO

And without a full moon. Bro...

After this episode, I find that this man is both infuriating and intriguing. Job well done. 

Unfortunately, I have no shots of his fight with Korra in his office because it’s something you’ll just have to see for yourself (and the scenes may or may not have been too fast for my clunky fingers, haha).

But those slow-mo bits with Korra punching Tarrlok’s ice shards?

DANG.

By the way, the stringy hair and the snarl:

 Remind you of anyone?

Hama used to scare the shit out of me.

Correction: Hama still scares the shit out of me.

Aang, stop talking in visions!

So, Tenzin thinks Aang’s spirit is trying to communicate with Korra through her hallucinations. My predictions, then, are as follows:

I think Yakone (I’m 99% convinced he’s the guy in the visions) and Tarrlok are somehow connected:

And I’m pretty sure Yakone is a blood bender, too:

HOW DARE YOU BLOODBEND AT SOKKA AND TOPH.

Do you see the people in the back, though? Their bodies seem contorted as well. Perhaps Yakone was threatening to use his bloodbending on the citizens of Republic City, especially the non-benders?

Which is why Aang had to put a stop to him---Yakone, like Tarrlok, was willing to go to the extremes to upset the peace between benders and non-benders.

I don’t even care that I’m wrong; I’m still !!!! by all the bloodbending in this episode.

Parting Thoughts

Fuck you, Tarrlok, with your “half-baked Avatar in training” comment. 

Korra may still have a lot to learn, but credit should be given where credit is due because

BITCH

YOU

BETTA

WERK 

Favorites

I’VE MISSED YOU

AND YOU

AND YOU

Oops! Sorry.

I meant:

My beloved favorites finally got to interact with the teenagers, and it was everything I wanted and more:

It’s like you can hear the crowd chanting, “More more more!”

Mentor-Mentee

I love that Tenzin’s capacity to show Korra affection is limited to a hand on the shoulder, haha.

But I think her mentor’s supportive and patient demeanor is exactly what this mentee needs to counterbalance her hot-headedness:

Besides, it’s not like Tenzin isn’t above having his own moments either: “You really are the worst!"

Comfort Pals

Pabu and Naga really came through for Korra today:

Nicely done, my furry friends!

(I imagine this is the animal equivalent to a fist bump.)

Quote(s) of the Episode

Literally everything the kids said.

I couldn’t choose one:

Meelo: [Referring to Air Temple Island.] Yes, welcome to my domain.

Bolin: Well, aren’t you sweet, little monk child.

Meelo: [About Pabu.] What's that fuzzy creature?

Jinora: That is a fire ferret. An arboreal mammal common to the bamboo forest of the central Earth Kingdom.

Ikki: [Gasps in delight.] He's cuuuute!

Meelo: [To Naga.] Yip yip! Fly sky bison! Fly!

Meelo: [To Asami.] You're pretty, can I have some of your hair? 

Mako: [Jokingly.] Looks like I have some competition.

Bolin: Is this an all vegetarian island? Is that where you train airbending Do we have to wear Air Acolyte clothes? Do we each get our own sky bison? And final question, how many trees are on this island?

Ikki: Yes. Yes. No. No. Ten thousand five hundred and fifty two.

Meelo: [To Asami.] We shall meet again soon, beautiful woman.

I know that face:

That’s the “love at first sight” face.

See?

Sokka, tell ‘em:

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “The Aftermath”

I love when shows recycle old running gags; in fact, the cabbage man was a personal favorite.

Book I, Chapter 7′s got a lame title and a pretty lame plot to match.

But at least the favorites are still on point~~

Omg

When I saw this

my ass

busted up

LAUGHING.

Robots? Seriously? 

Sorry for hatin’, but they just look so silly! They’re not menacing at all, and they have no business in the Avatar-Korra universe whatsoever.

The Satos

In a way, I was both right and wrong.

Asami’s arc does involve technology, but that seems to be a byproduct of being Hiroshi’s daughter. As it turns out, Hiroshi’s role is the one that expands, as he is revealed to be working with Amon and the Equalists. 

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised, but I found his reveal to be a bit... lame? Convenient? I didn’t feel the impact of it, that’s for sure... 

I wonder if they could’ve developed Hiroshi’s character a little more, detailed his back story a little more? 

For example, the reason he joined the Equalists was because a firebending triad “took away [Asami’s] mother, the love of [his] life.” Expanding on this could’ve done wonders for Hiroshi’s arc. I know Asami tells Mako that she lost her mother in Chapter 4; however, at the time, sharing this seemed to be a way of connecting Asami and Mako as potential love interests, nothing more. Then, in the second act of this episode, Tenzin is the one who tells us about the Agni Kai Triad robbery and murder, not Hiroshi. In fact, Hiroshi doesn’t explain his motive until the third act, but by then it’s already old news.

Up until now, I’d written Hiroshi off as an inconsequential background character, which is probably why his reveal fell so flat. That may have been my mistake, but there were merits for it. 

And y’all already know how I feel about Asami’s lack of character development.

Unfortunately, her big moment---will she join her father?---was pretty predictable.

While I’m compelled to see how this decision will affect Asami, I think it could’ve been super interesting if she’d joined forced with Hiroshi. Frustrating, sure, but thought-provoking: why’d she do it? What’s her motive?

Perhaps she would come to regret her decision and then have to make amends to Korra, Mako, and Bolin (not to rip off Zuko’s storyline or anything). Or maybe she went along with her dad hoping to convince him otherwise? And when that plan fell through, maybe she could’ve acted as an inside mole or something? Or for all we know, she could’ve stepped wholeheartedly into the dark side and never looked back.

I don’t know---something! Something other than what the creators have reduced her down to so far. She’s got so much potential, you see.

Tell me she doesn’t look like the best baddie there ever was:

(Just pretend that’s not her Dad and Amon’s henchman she’s electrocuting.) 

I’m telling you: there was something there. 

Korra, Asami, and Their Idiot

I’m glad that Korra and Asami were (briefly) getting along in this episode; or rather, I’m glad Korra finally gave Asami a chance.

I strongly loathe female animosity, especially when it’s over something as trivial as a boy.

And especially when that boy is so. friggin. frustrating!!

Tell me, Mako. 

Why is it that when Korra accuses Asami’s father of conspiring with the Equalists you automatically assume she’s just jealous of you and Asami? 

You fool, can’t you see there are more important matters at stake? 

Tsk.

At least you have the grace to look ashamed when Korra proves your ass wrong.

I’m sorry for stomping so hard on the romance plots. They’re just so poorly written!

If it makes you feel any better, I was never crazy about the romantic stuff in A:TLA either. Aside from Suki and Sokka, I never really cared for anyone else’s relationships. 

In fact, I often enjoy poking fun at the different ships on A:TLA, much like this video does.

The Avatar, The Master, and the Badass

This is the team up I’ve been waiting for!

Can’t you just see Lin and Tenzin as, like, chaperones on a field trip?

And Korra’s that one kid they keep putting in time out because she’s being a lil shit, haha.

I loved how supportive Lin and Tenzin were of Korra. Even if she didn’t have explicit proof of Hiroshi making weapons for the Equalists, they didn’t dismiss her. They were willing to investigate further and see through Korra’s hunch to the end, even if it meant putting Lin’s job on the line.

That’s why Badass Beifong is the MVP of this team:

Look 

at

her

GO

Now that she’s planning to resign as Chief of Police, does this mean Lin’s going to get roped into more missions with Korra? Which means Tenzin’s going to tag along too, yes?

In that case: FIELD TRIP!!

Parting Thoughts

Let me get this straight:

Korra still has feelings for Mako, but she pretty much gave him the “go” signal to devote all his attention to Asami, who just found out that her father’s been manufacturing weapons for Amon in a secret factory located beneath the Sato estate, all while Bolin was being well, Bolin?

Huh.

Well, with these four staying at Air Temple Island, at least they’ll be giving the Sato butler a much-needed day off:

Favorites

My favorite’s section is missing the airbender kids. 

Luckily, we have Bolin to make up for their absence:

You are precious. 

Shenanigans

Please give me an entire episode where the brothers are just up to no good.

More of this:

And definitely more of this:

;-)

Makeovers

Korra assumes that “daddy’s prissy little rich girl” has planned a day of shopping and makeovers; Asami, of course, proves her wrong by taking them to a race track. Still, I would’ve been so down for a makeover episode!

Especially if it means having more scenes like this:

But you’ll have to get in line, Korra. Someone’s already volunteered himself:

(No, really. He votes for makeovers, haha.)

And you know what, I think he’s halfway there:

Haha @ Mako

Also, Bolin is built exactly how I imagined an earthbender would be built:

;-)

Quote of the Episode:

Korra: I’m supposed to airsit--- I mean babybend--- I mean babysit the airbender kids.

PICS OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN

Runner-up:

Literally all of Bolin’s lines

Question:

Can someone please tell me why LOK’s hybrid animals look so creepy? 

First the wolfbats, now these bird-man things? (Look at those arms! That knee! Those pecs!) 

Is there somewhere I can start a petition to bring back the cute hybrids from A:TLA?

No? Alright, Pabu will do.

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “And The Winner Is...”

We’re at the halfway point!

The sixth chapter of Book I is my favorite episode so far: it’s engaging and well-balanced, with an action-heavy plot and a touch of light-hearted comedy.

Pro-Bending Final

In my last review, I didn’t comment on any pro-bending scenes because they were just so predictable; of course the stupid love fiasco and its unnecessary turmoil would affect the characters and their performances in the matches.

This time, the pro-bending final served a real purpose and I was very pleased. 

First, let’s recognize all the fun moments:

Matching uniforms, matching frowns, and a matching Pabu

They’re probably thinking something like:

Korra: “I got ya!”

Mako: “Korra, I swear to God, if you drop me---”

Bolin: [Has already fallen into the water; sarcastically.] “Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just hangin’ out.”

He literally exudes arrogance and pompous-ness

HA, take that bitch

“HA, take that bitch” as told by Korra’s face

Back to business:

Not only was the final match used to support Amon’s movement, but the arena itself became symbolic. 

Mako said it best: “Pro-bending might only be a game to you, but think of what it means to the city! Right now, the arena is the one place where benders and non-benders gather together . . . in peace!”

He’s right. For all this talk of keeping the peace between the two communities, we haven’t seen quality interactions between benders and non-benders. So far, the pro-bending arena is the extent of it.

However, the problem with Mako’s defense is that people are gathering to watch a fight of benders. Bolin confirms this himself: ““[Benders beat] each other up! In peace! It's an inspiration to everyone!”

But is it? How can it be an inspiration to everyone if the fight can only be won by benders?

According to Amon, that’s where modern technology comes in:

Sorry, I know this is an intense moment, but I couldn’t take those gloves seriously because:

Alright, carry on~~

These chi-blocking gloves (or are they just electrical gloves that electrocute people?) will help “even out the playing field.”

But is that what the world needs: more fighting? 

This kind of technology isn’t a step towards peace and co-existence; it’s a step towards destruction and annihilation. It seems Amon is intent on doing just that, only he’s functioning under the guise of “equality.”

Side note: I wonder if Asami’s role is going to involve something tech-related. As the daughter of the sato-mobile creator, I think it would be fitting. 

That is, if she ever gets more than 1-2 scenes that don’t limit her to pretty arm candy for the show’s main firebender. Smh. 

The Revolution...

This. 

This entire slow-motion sequence---Equalists putting on their masks, pulling out their electrical gloves, preparing to attack the benders---chilled me to the bone.

It’s the first time I’ve actually feared for LOK’s characters.

And then there’s their leader:

Who’s got a few things to say:

“It seems fitting that you celebrate three bullies who cheated their way to victory because every day you threaten and abuse your fellow non-bending citizens.”

“It only took a few moments for me to cleanse [the Wolfbats] of their impurity.”

“For centuries, benders have possessed an unnatural advantage over ordinary people.”

“Very soon, the current tyrannical bending regime will be replaced by a fair-minded Equalist government.”

"My followers and I will not rest until the entire city achieves equality, and once that goal is achieved, we will equalize the rest of the world.”

As far as I know, people don’t choose to be benders; they either have the gift or they don’t. Their choice, then, lies in how they use their bending.

Amon also has a choice.

He can choose to single out the extorting, abusing, bullying benders, but he accuses and condemns the entire bending population instead.

He can choose to discipline the benders in a fair and just way, but he’d rather follow his warped understanding of equality.

He can choose compassion...

I don’t know Amon’s suffering, but I can only assume that he’s been devoured by it and that his choices are a reflection of his consumption.

I will say this: Amon is a hypocrite. 

How can he go around declaring bending as impurities and unnatural advantages---which, by the way, incite feelings of disgust, shame, and worthlessness---only to turn around and use a form of bending himself? And now he’s bringing technology into this mess? Who’s to say that isn’t “unnatural”?

Oh, Amon. When will it end? Where will you draw the line?

... Begins

And the poor benders, “[playing] right into his hand.” Amon barely lifted a finger.

Pun intended.

Somehow, Amon knew the Wolfbats would cheat, abusing their position as reigning champs to beat the Fire Ferrets. But remember: Korra wanted to play dirty, too. If not for Mako’s sense, she---the Avatar, the physical embodiment of bending---could have fallen right into his trap (more than she already did). 

Without even realizing it, the benders had given Amon a fully loaded gun. It was only a matter of when he would pull the trigger:

Oh, no. Not that. 

Taking away Tahno’s bending was simply another step in his plan; it wasn’t his final move of the night.

This was:

The pro-bending arena had become a symbol---seemingly, the last symbol of unity between benders and non-benders.

But Amon blew it to smithereens. 

It’s the ultimate declaration: “Republic City is at war.”

Korra’s Flashbacks (Yes, I screamed again.)

??????

I bet it has something to do with that man Tarrlok mentioned at the last council meeting: “Forty-two years ago, Republic City was threatened by another dangerous man---Yakone.”

“[Tarrlok points a finger at Tenzin.] Your father wasn't afraid to deal with him head-on.”

Is this Yakone? Why would Tarrlok bring him up?

Just for that, I can’t help but think that everything happening with Amon and the Revolution will somehow connect back to Tarrlok...

He’s got this shifty vibe about him, and I don’t trust him for a second:

Besides, according to Tenzin, Tarrlok’s task force proposal was simply “[a ploy] to gain more power.” If so, why? What does Tarrlok gain from taking down the Equalists (aside from the obvious)? What’s your angle, man?

Until I figure him out, I kindly request that someone smack that smug-ass look off his face:

I volunteer Chief Beifong as tribute.

Parting Thoughts

Aang... is that you...?

Ohp.

There you are:

Ignore me, I’m just reminiscing.

Favorites

Side characters deserve the spotlight, too:

Extra motherfuckers will be extra

R

u

srs??

Side note: Wolfbats are officially the creepiest hybrid animal of the Avatar-Korra universe.

Enthusiastic fans will be enthusiastic

Bonus: I wonder if these three kids are an homage to all the fans who cosplay the shows, haha.

And yes, the girl’s glasses definitely changed colors.

Dedicated announcers will stay dedicated

Even with this

pointed at his face,

Shiro Shinobi keeps to his shtick.

Holla at Ma Gurl

Chief of Police aka Lin Beifong aka total. badass. 

First, she and Korra: “tough as nails.” They fight so well together, and I really hope they have more scenes in the future. 

In Chapter 4′s review, I praised the action sequences, claiming that the creators had upped the ante. This episode was no exception, especially with Korra demonstrating all her bending (save air),

and Lin coming in clutch with her metalbending.

I apologize for the quality of this frame. Lin is so freakin’ acrobatic and her metalbending is so damn quick that it was hard for me to get a decent shot, haha.

She also has a brilliantly fun dynamic with her ex-boyfriend, Tenzin:

Please give me more of Lin and her backstory! 

I need to know how she got that scar ASAP.

“Not Just a One Trick Poodle Pony”

Leave it to BoBu (Bolin + Pabu) to save the day!

These shots don’t do the scene justice, but just know that I cackled so hard at Bolin's mode of communication with Pabu: chattering teeth.

Quote of the Episode

Tenzin: [The camera slowly zooms in.] Anyway, Pema didn't steal me, Lin and I had been growing apart for some time. We both had different goals in li- [Comes to a realization; the camera quickly zooms out again.] Why am I even telling you this? It all happened a long time ago and we've moved passed it.

Korra: Hmph, [Smacks lips; teasingly.] apparently Beifong hasn't.

This scene was priceless. From Korra’s taunts, to Tenzin’s stammering; from the zoom in-zoom out effect, to the funny little romantic tune.

Runner-up:

Tenzin: Criminy!

Runner’s runner-up:

Korra: See you at home, Mr. Heartbreaker!

I ship it:

When I’m not in the mood for my usual Zutara fics, I’ll mosey on over to Taang content. I know, I know. It’s not a common pairing, as people seem to prefer Tokka or Kataang or whatever. But I’ve always had a soft spot for the two younger members of the Gaang; it helps that they’re such opposites because that is totally my thing.

Okay. 

I love that Toph and Aang’s kids had a romantic history. 

It makes my inner fangirl shriek with delight.

p.s., Lin is beautiful.

And Tenzin, well... I like his tattoo?

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “The Spirit in Competition”

These Republic City strangers have captured exactly how I feel about love triangles.

Warning: I bitch and moan all throughout my reaction to Book I, Chapter 5.

Skip the rants; read the favs.

YOU

AND YOU

ARE

SUCH

IDIOTS!!!

HOW

DARE

YOU

HURT

THIS

ANGEL

Teenagers... [Rolls eyes.]

I’m still irritated with our fire- and waterbending dumdums, but they had a few redeeming moments.

Korra not knowing what to do about her feelings for Mako was actually very cute and very relatable. And while things ended up going south, kudos to her for being brave and putting herself out there. 

But I can’t believe she asked for advice from Chismosa #1

Chismosa #2

and Mama Chismosa

Korra, these are Aang’s grandkids and daughter-in-law. Aang wasn’t exactly “Mr. Romantic” (see: literally all his interactions with Katara), so what gave you the idea that his descendants would know what to do? 

Mako also had his highs and lows.

Low Point (besides kissing the girl his brother liked): Ew @ eskimo kisses

(I am Korra)

High Point: Dutifully rescuing his sulking, heartbroken brother from consuming the entire noodle shop

They fought and made up exactly how my sister and I would fight and make up, which is always a sight to behold:

Bolin: Are we gonna be all right? Mako: Of course we are. We're brothers. We'll get through this mess. I'm sorry. Bolin: Me too! [Pause.] Girls ... Mako: Seriously.

PSA

This frame. Dang.

I have [ahem] first-hand experience turning someone down, and all I wanted to do was tell them how much I admired them for being straight forward with their feelings. I ended up saying something like, “I’m flattered, but I’m not interested in dating right now.” Mako was more blunt, but the gist of it was the same.  

So that look on Mako’s face and that embarrassed flush on Korra’s cheeks---unbelievably accurate.

In an ideal world, Mako would have been honest with Korra from the get go, though I understand that he was confused. Still, he doesn’t have the right to be all pouty pouty (while he’s literally snuggling with Asami) just because Korra decided to accept Bolin’s dinner invitation.

In that same world, Korra would have politely declined Bolin’s invitation, though I also understand why she wanted to have fun. The guy she likes just turned her down and Bolin, well, he’s quite the charmer, isn’t he? Nevertheless, she should have been clear about her intentions with Bolin from the beginning. Also, what was she doing, declaring that Mako was jealous right after her date with Bolin? I instantly cringed when she said, “But when you’re with [Asami], you’re thinking about me, aren’t you?”

In conclusion:

If the guy or girl you like doesn’t quite know what they want, you should respect their feelings and give them space to come to a conclusion on their own. 

If the guy or girl you like doesn’t quite know what they want, you should NOT surprise-attack their face with your mouth!!

Perhaps in another context, this could have been a sweet moment, but I was too busy having déjà vu to notice. And yes, Mako reciprocated, but wasn’t he just explaining to Korra how complicated everything was and how confused he was feeli---wait. 

Why does this sound so familiar???

Hmph, that’s déjà vu for you.

[Rolls eyes for the umpteenth time.]

Parting Thoughts

Dear writers, please explain to me how putting two brothers in a love triangle-thing was a good idea?

And please explain how you will atone for hurting Bolin the way you did:

Come on, writers. 

You should know by now: love triangles are stupid.

Sincerely, me and Ikki

Favorites BO-FREAKIN-LIN

Bo is a god damn sweetheart. Did you see the date he planned for Korra?

First, he takes her to a restaurant that serves Water Tribe food, which Korra loved (duh).

Turns out, it’s his favorite kind of food, too!

The date takes a bit of a detour, what with lanky, pale-faced, creeper boy showing up, but Bolin knows when to pick his battles.

He won’t give stalker boy the time of day and continues slurping his noodles instead,

but he gives Korra the moral support she needs when the coiffed bully gets all up in her face.

And then, he chooses the perfect place to end the night:

And that Fond™ look he gives Korra?

So sweet.

Korra may not deserve you, but she was right about one thing.

Bo, “you are one of a kind.”

By the way, Burping Contest tropes:

That’s some cute shit.

Also, PA-FREAKIN-BU

It seems our little fire ferret was keeping himself busy. Let’s see...

He had a bath,

(which he wasn’t too happy about)

he was well fed,

and he did, in fact, get a new uniform.

Question: Almost all animals in the Avatar-Korra universe are hybrids. 

Pabu is obviously a ferret, but is he also a fox? A raccoon (because of the tail)? ... is that even a raccoon’s tail?

[Open new tab; google: “what animal is pabu”; enter.]

Holla at Ma Boyz

@Jeremy Zuckerman, sole music composer  + @Benjamin Wynn, lead sound design: you made all the queasy love triangle moments not so queasy.

Thank you༼ つ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° ༽つ

Quote(s) of the Episode

Jinora: She rode a dragon into battle and burned down the entire country. Then she jumped into a volcano. It was so romantic!

Korra: [Frowning.] Uhh...

Ikki: [Indignantly,] No, no, no!

In regards to anything and everything romance-related: 

My sister is Jinora

My mom is Korra

I am Ikki.

Runner-up:

Bolin: [Korra’s] strong, I'm strong; she's fun, I'm fun; she's beautiful, I'm gorgeous!

I know you forgave Korra and Mako, but screw them, Bo! You know your own worth!!

Would you look at that:

Remember that silly little catchphrase Aang made up while in disguise in the Fire Nation (see: The Headband, The Runaway)?

Well, it looks like Republic City took that nonsensical phrase and ran with it:

INTRODUCING: Flameo Instant Noodles™, a proud sponsor of the Pro-Bending Tournament.

And to think, Sokka thought "flameo” would never catch on~~

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “The Voice in the Night”

Everyone’s got swanky new outfits and it’s all I want to talk about.

Book I, Chapter 4 reaction. Less commentary, more fun this time.

As always, favorites (spoiler: it’s the kids again) at the end.

Korra and... stuff

I can’t come up with a “clever” sub-title for this section, but my comments all have something to do with Korra so, there.

As a native waterbender, Korra doesn’t waterbend as much as I thought she would. I think it’s partly Aang’s fault; despite his Avatar-ly-ness, he always fell back on his airbending, so perhaps that’s why I assumed Korra would do the same with her native element.

For instance, when Tenzin worryingly asks if Amon took away Korra’s bending, it seems her first instinct is to check her firebending:

But even before that, Korra forgoes waterbending for mundane tasks, i.e., using earthbending to thwart off the pursuits of Councilman Tarrlok of the Northern Water Tribe: 

Although, we do get some sweet waterbending action here:

I’ve never been one for technical terms, so what follows is a very unimpressive commentary on LOK’s action scenes so far.

In fact, there were some really cool moments in this sequence. 

Lots of slow-motion shots and perspective shifts; the pacing of the fights are pretty spot on, too. Per usual, the sound design and musical accompaniment is on point. For example, there’s a moment where Korra earthbend-kicks a guy in the face. To emphasize the movement, the shot is slowed down and there are strings playing in the background. 

It’s moments like this that make it feel like they’ve upped the ante in the action department.

These Are My Confessions

I’m not feeling a connection to Korra yet. 

I felt for her in Chapter 1: towards the end of the episode, she’s addressing a crowd of Republic City reporters, promising to make Aang’s dream for Republic City a reality. She assents, “I look forward to serving you!”

I felt for her in this scene as well:

But other than that, zilch. Nada. Nothing.

I’m not feeling too threatened by Amon yet either, even with his threat to save Korra for last: “I will destroy you.” 

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see...

A Change of Clothes

Yes yes yes.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always paid attention to TV show/film wardrobe choices. As someone who believes in conscious decision making (no matter how trivial the affair), I like to think that a character’s clothes, hair, makeup, etc. give little tidbits of personal information. Thus, any changes in a character’s appearance may hint at subtle developments in that individual’s arc. 

Granted, the reason for everyone’s fancy party clothes is because they’re attending a fancy party, but still. 

It tickles me pink~~

Don’t they clean up well! Even little Meelo and his siblings have a new Air Nomad cape-thingy, hehe.

But Asami, man. She’s on a whole other level. Homegirl had four outfit changes!

Somehow, I’ve managed to evade any Asami-related spoilers. 

Just please please please don’t reduce her to a love interest (whoever’s interest that may be). That’s lame and boring and she deserves better.

Parting Thoughts

The scarf. I was right about the scarf.

Yep, that’s it.

Favorites

Bruh, Ikki held that frown for the entire 15-second frame, hahaha.

At least now we know where she gets it from:

And here we have a set of gals who give me all the cuddly feels:

It’s the little things (such as matching mother-daughter frowns and best friend cuddle parties) that bring these characters to life for me:

Tenzin and the family saying grace before dinner, praying their thanks for “delicious food, for happiness, for compassion”

Ikki and Meelo playing around in Tarrlok’s car, Ikki miming the sound of a car engine and Meelo piping up with a shy “beep beep!”

Bolin scat singing to himself before giving Korra his cute thank you gift

Ikki and Jinora playing a game (10 yuans says it’s Pai Sho) in the background when Korra’s invited to Tarrlok’s gala

"Legend of Korra Lookbook” ft. Asami Sato 

Trending now: High Collars and Shades of Maroon

Street Style

Date Night

Business Casual

Next Up: “Purple Smokey Eye and Bold Lip Makeup Tutorial”

How to Woo

There’s the traditional approach:

But watch out for older, wealthier suitors.

And trust me, there will always be other suitors. Don’t worry about them, though. You’ve got this! 

Just... don’t be weird about it.

Then, there’s the unconventional approach:

Step 1) Hit him with your moped. Apologize profusely.

How are mopeds just mopeds, but automobiles are called “sato-mobiles”??

Step 2) Invite him to dinner at a place he can’t afford.

Step 3) He’ll feel self-conscious, so offer to give him a makeover.

Step 4) Introduce him to your father. But careful!: your dad might call him poor. Encourage your father to support his dreams instead.

Step 5) Arrange for an evening carriage ride in the park, and you’ll be sharing intimate secrets before you know it!

Though, really, you have nothing to worry about---ya boi’s smitten.

Quote of the Episode

Ikki: Why do you have three ponytails? [Sniffs the air.] And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird.

Tarrlok: Well aren't you ... precocious?

I wish I’d been more like Ikki at her age. 

Oh, and one last thing:

AHHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHHHHH

Who the fu---

AHHHHHHHHHH

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “The Revelation”

Our new favorite earthbender gets kidnapped and we meet a new furry friend!

Keep reading for my reaction to Book I, Chapter 3.

Scroll to the end for my favs.

Broz 4 Lyfe

I’m so glad we have another set of siblings on the show.

While no one could ever replace our Water Tribe siblings,

I’m loving the dynamic of our fire-earthbending duo.

On the one hand, you have the lovable and well-intending little brother,

whose hobbies often include getting caught in some sticky situations.

On the other, you have the more sensible older brother, who can’t seem to go anywhere without his scarf and a headache---a common side effect from saving his little bro’s butt one too many times. 

But it’s like Mako said: all they have is each other. 

After that firebender mugged and killed their parents, the two brothers were orphaned and left to fend for themselves. Mako was only eight and Bolin, even younger; two kids forced to learn how to live---no, survive---all on their own.

So they look out for one another and love the crap out of each other.

They remember to bring home their brother’s favorite dumplings, too:

So... about that scarf, Mako.

It’s just---it’s not the most practical accessory, is it? 

I would think with all the punching and dodging and firebending he does in this episode it would’ve fallen off already??

I’ll keep the rest of my snide comments to myself because I have a feeling that scarf belonged to one of his parents, as we Mako cradling himself into it when he tells Korra that his brother is the only family he has left.

Actually, nope, sorry. I can’t help myself:

Okay. I’m done.

Red Alert: New Relationship

You probably think I’m talking about these two,

and how this scene reminded me of these two,

but I’m more interested in THESE TWO:

Bless ‘em!

If bumping noses is the animal equivalent to saying hello, then humans really ought to rethink the whole “humans are the more advanced species” or whatever.

Take Korra and Mako, for example. Dork #1 and Dork #2 flinch, jump, and scramble away from each other after their completely unintentional moment of physical touching.

[Rolls eyes.] 

Come on now, people. Platonic intimacy is a beautiful thing---get with it. 

“The Savior”

Of course, the real highlight of this episode is our newest enemy:

He’s still a little creepy, but now we have a backstory!

Amon, Leader of the Equalists, is on a quest for equality after his family suffered at the hands of an extorting firebender, murdering his family and all but destroying Amon’s face.

He says some pretty interesting stuff, so let’s break it down:

“The only thing bending has brought to the world is suffering. It has been the cause of every war in every era.” 

I’m not too sure about the “every war in every era” bit, but the Hundred Year War is hard to ignore. First, the War was started by a bender, who wanted to spread the wealth and prosperity of his nation with the rest of the world, which, how typical, turned into straight up world domination. Then, the Avatar, another bender---the ultimate bender, if you will---was supposed to end the war, but then he disappeared and all hope seemed to vanish with him. 

So if benders were the cause of the war, and benders were also the solution to the war (but then failed to deliver), what of the non-benders? 

Well, naturally, they’re caught in the middle; now, we’re seeing a glimpse of just how many got caught in the cross fire:

“Zolt has amassed a fortune by extorting and abusing non-benders. But his reign of terror is about to come to an end.”

Amon targeted this guy:

Lightning Bolt Zolt, Leader of the Triple Threat Triad, and “one of the most notorious criminals in Republic City.” 

Extortion and abuse is something we were briefly exposed to in the very first episode of LOK (see: those hooligans Korra beat up... then got arrested for beating up, lol). So, in a weird, twisted way, Amon should get points for taking out people who are abusing their powers. I may not condone his actions, but I see what he’s trying to do.

“[The Spirits] say the Avatar has failed humanity.”

It’s easy to write this guy off as delusional, which is pretty much what Korra and Mako do, but then he actually energy bends. 

Well, shit.

You’ve got to wonder: who the hell is he? And how is he---a non-bender---capable of wielding such power, a power exclusively reserved for the Avatar, or so we believed?

Ironic though, isn’t it? That energy bending---the non-violent solution that Aang utilized to put an end to a violent war---is now being used for very violent means. Clever, writers, very clever. 

However, Amon can easily get misguided by his revenge, personal vendetta, etc. and make the mistake of ridding the world of all benders. Just as all firebenders should not have been condemned for the actions of the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation elites, we can’t blame all benders when only select individuals are committing treasonous acts. 

Parting Thoughts

Wishful thinking, I guess:

You know, if they hadn’t killed off Jet’s character, I think the Anti-Bending Revolution would be right up his alley. Just think, if Jet had decided to keep his band of merry men the Freedom Fighters together, then maybe one of Jet’s followers could be the leader of the Equalists.

Or perhaps Jet gives up the Freedom Fighter lifestyle and starts a new life for himself---a small, albeit struggling life on a farm. Jet could be the father that was extorted then killed by the firebender, and Jet’s son could be the man behind the mask. Tacky, I know, but Amon’s backstory doesn’t sound all that different from Jet’s, minus the burned face.

I just hope Amon doesn’t have the same eyebrow situation as our main Freedom Fighter because that boy’s brows were not cute:

Then again, A:TLA came out in 2005, and the world was still recovering from the disastrous eyebrow trend of the entire 90s, so what do I know. 

   Favorites

Surprise, surprise: the kids stole the show.

We have these two chismosas (or nosy, gossiping troublemakers):

Though, to be fair, I’d react the same way if I saw Mako in real life. Ain’t no shame in the truth, girls. 

We also meet Skoochy, who’s too slick for his own good:

This lil fucker knows exactly how to play ‘em, and you know what, I respect that.

Damn, Korra. Chill.

Exhibit A

Korra, Mako just said that you need to be cautious. How is knocking a door off its hinges being cautious?

Exhibit B

Can you believe this bitch actually earthbended at two kids, hahaha.

Animals Are Food Friends

Another moment of appreciation for these two pals.

They work hard

and party harder.

Side note: as if we didn’t already know, it’s officially established that Naga and Korra are best friends and that melts my heart.

Quote of the Episode

Bolin: [Bouncing along with Naga’s strides.] Hah... Oh... Yah... Stop... I want... to be... on... your... back... please!

Bo, honey, you’ve got to stop making yourself such an easy target.

Wear Your Scars:

Amon: “I've been forced to hide behind a mask.”

Amon’s face was decimated by the firebender who murdered his family. In my head, which is not filtered by Nickelodeon and restricted by a TV parental guide, I’m imagining something very gruesome under that mask. Villain or not, Amon’s suffering was cruel.

So here’s to the ones who’ve been burned and scarred; here’s hoping Amon makes it out on the other side. 

Luckily, he’s got someone like Zuko to look up to:

credits

[orpelia]

Air: “A Leaf in the Wind”

I literally can’t with Meelo.

Reaction to Book I, Chapter 2.

Favorites and fun towards the end.

Cool Shot Bro

... but that’s a sorry excuse for opening credits.

This is how it’s done.

Also, has someone figured out how to turn A:TLA’s opening credits into a theme song yet? Because that would be hilarious.

Does LOK exist in a certain time period?

In my last review, I briefly talked about the musical score, particularly the tune that plays during Korra’s action scenes in the streets of Republic City. We hear it again in this episode when she tries to “be the leaf.”

Maybe it’s just me, but it’s got a bit of an old-timey feel to it. You know, big band type stuff? I bring it up again because we got our first look at LOK’s version of “Previously On...”:

It’s a recap of the previous episode, only this time it’s told through an old film reel. It seemed a little out of place, but the feel of it is consistent with the aforementioned tune. 

I’m laughing at myself because six years of band and all I can come up with to describe this musical track is “old-timey” and “big band type stuff question mark.”

Meh, I don’t know my historical time periods, but it’s something I thought was worth throwing out there~~

Airbending Training

But first! Quick Fire Question:

Q: If you could bend an element, what would it be?

A: I can’t seem to choose between water and fire, but when I first watched A:TLA, my element of choice was easily air.

I hope we’ve only scratched the surface of airbending because I’ve eagerly anticipated learning about this bending style, the people who practice it, and the culture that encompasses it.

So far, I appreciate how much Korra struggles with airbending. Not that Aang wasn’t without his own struggles (i.e., earthbending did not come easily and firebending required a shift in perspective), but he was praised for being a talented kid on several accounts.

Regardless, the creators of the show know how to humanize their characters, and what’s more real than a teenager getting so frustrated with herself for failing that she loses her temper and blows up. 

Or, in Korra’s case, blows things up. 

With fire. 

...

I can relate.

Also, haha @ Korra’s selected target practice:

Pro-Bending Match

Alright. 

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one who saw this:

and thought of this:

I couldn’t remember what this game was called, so I just googled “red and blue punching game,” which, ironically enough, is a pretty accurate description of the Pro-Bending matches (sans bending, of course).  

As always, in the Avatar-Korra universe, nothing is as innocent as it seems, so a bending tournament is not simply a fun spectacle Korra obsesses over. In fact, it turns out to be exactly what Korra needs to learn airbending.  

I wonder how the show will continue to use the pro-bending matches to accelerate the plot and its characters’ arcs. 

“The Brothers from the School of Hard Knocks”

Hi, meet my new best friend:

This one’s gonna crack me up, I just know it.

You know when the Fire Ferrets are first announced, and there’s an off-camera girl that screams, “Ahhhh, I love you Bolin! Ahhhh!” Same girl, same.

Hi, meet my new crush:

I totally have a thing for firebenders, especially brooding, stand off-ish ones. 

It’s his fault, really:

Figures that my first gif would be of our grumpy, hot-headed Fire Lord.

Also, I’m sure this has been noticed and pointed out before, but there’s something sickeningly satisfying in exposing another’s mistakes. 

So, in case you haven’t noticed or it hasn’t been pointed out to you before:

Mako’s eyes are green in this shot, but his eyes are 500% not supposed to be green. 

Oops, wrong brother~~

Side note: If Mako---firebender---and Bolin---earthbender---are brothers, then is this LOK’s version of interracial marriage? 

If so, I’m so here for it. 

If not, like Bolin, I’m sorry for implying or making assumptions.

Master Begrudgingly Lovable

Speaking of characters I knew I would fall in love with...

I had a feeling Tenzin would grow on me. I think I like him most when he’s interacting with his kids because he is such a Dad, haha.

The Beginning of Something???

In case the three question marks don’t convey it, I’m being sarcastic. 

Thanks to a girl named Kate, I know what the final shot of the series is, so I know that these two and whatever the show seems to be setting up here is not endgame. 

Though I admit, these shots are beautiful:

Parting Thoughts

Oh! Very quickly:

Perhaps I’m just not used to seeing the Air Nomads’ outfits on anyone but Aang (and now his grandkids), but those poncho-things really aren’t that flattering. Yellow and orange are hard colors to pull off, too.

I snickered to myself when Korra first comes out and she has the sleeves all rolled up. It’s something I would have done---tailoring a required outfit to fit your own taste. Of course, Tenzin comes in and cramps on her style, rolling the sleeves back down to how it’s supposed to be worn.

What did I tell you. Such a Dad.

Favorites

These

kids

are

everything.

Self-Portraits

Me getting some beauty sleep:

Me at the club:

Meelo is me.

Quote of the Episode

Tenzin: You must promise me that your teenage years won’t be like this.

Ikki: [Deadpan.]

Jinora: [Slowly lowers her book and looks her father straight in the eye.] I will make no such promises. [Raises her book again.]

I love domestic scenes so. much. Also, this family just cracks me up, and I somehow find myself identifying with every single member.

Here’s a thought:

Sokka as the Pro-Bending Match announcer. 

Y’all already know he would jump at the chance, saying things like:

“Grab your snacks and grab your kids because this next match is gonna be a doozy!

He’s bobbing and weaving! He’s weaving and bobbing!

The Platypus Bears have no juice left, but Mako and Bolin are still fresh and juicy!”

^Like, wtf even are these lines, Shiro Shinobi?? 

And yet, I can already hear Sokka having a go at them:

credits