It’s official! Korra is back in Republic City and Varrick is a bona fide main character. I’ll do a full recap, and then discuss what was best and worst about episode 7.
We open with the first of a few reunions as Korra and the air kids land on Air Temple Island. Business dictates the matter, and the conversation quickly switches to Bolin’s whereabouts.
Looks like Bolin is the taxi for Varrick, and they continue to lay the Varrick-loves-Zhuli thing on pretty thick. I’m sticking to that story! Unfortunately, they get caught in a trap after a few moments of walking and inspirational speech – in the first laugh out loud moment of the season for me.
Back at Republic City, the next reunion happens. Mako, Asami, and Korra meet for the first time in three years, and the fourth wheel is none other then Prince Wu. Its revealed that Korra had been keeping contact with Asami but not Mako and Bolin and it causes some hostile moments. Wu doesn’t make it any better, and when he decides to take a bathroom break some Kuvira supporters capture him.
Back with Bolin, we learn that the trap was set by some escaped prisoners of the Earth Empire who happen to be fire and water benders. Interesting point to note: The two “leaders” of the group are Baraz and Ahnah. Baraz is voiced by Steve Blum, the same guy who did Amon in season 1. Potentially a semi-important character getting introduced here? He also looks a LOT like Avatar Wan…
Anyway, Korra tracks Wu and after a lengthy chase uses her ability to read spirit energy in the vines all over the city to locate him at the train station.
Bolin and Varrick engage in intense negotiation with their captors and the groups make a mutual decision to go through a checkpoint to leave the Zaofu blockade.
Korra explains meeting Toph to Mako and delivers a hilarious quote regarding her demeanor.
Korra: “A cranky, more miserable version of Lin.”
Mako: “Is that even possible?”
Instant classic, as they arrive at the train station!
The plan to pass the checkpoint goes well with some improvisation from Varrick, but ultimately they are recognized and it looks like a fight is in the cards. They duke it out with the bots until Varrick flashes his genius by some how setting up an electromagnetic pulse disabling the mechs and trapping the pilots inside. Right outta the Matrix!
Bolin comes to the aid of the fugitives and together they overcome what resistance remains and make their escape.
Korra and the crew manage to locate Wu on a train, bust him out of a crate, and make their own escape after a pretty intense fight scene. After they do so, they all share a moment that is reminiscent of the season 1 togetherness and represents the final reunion of the episode. Welcome back, Team Avatar!
As a precautionary measure, they stash Wu at Asami’s place, where Mako’s family was already staying after the events of season 3 forced them out of the Earth Kingdom. Mako’s grandmother swoons at royalty, something that seemed like WAY too small of a tip from the last season. This says to me there is more to come from Wu!
As the episode closes, we see Bolin and Varrick decide to team up with the fugitives, seemingly setting the stage for more adventures between the two parties.
The final scene is the most powerful of the whole episode, showing Kuvira ordering the harvest of the Swamp while the Banyan-grove tree is surrounded by her airships. For the record, last episode I called Toph’s role not being finished. Even in a minimalist’s viewpoint, this confirms it! I literally jumped up when I saw this. I was so pumped up!
What I Liked
– Varrick! I can’t shake this notion that he is going to be the one to take down Kuvira’s ultimate weapon. Last season there were some ridiculously epic battles where Korra’s father and Tenzin actually got right up in the action and kicked butt. This season, I have a feeling we are set up to see it happen with Varrick. I’m in the business of predictions, so here is how it happens:
Zhu-Li is begrudgingly working for Kuvira to prove to herself that she doesn’t need Varrick, despite her immense emotions for him. She is piloting the super weapon being created when Varrick approaches her armed in Future Industry weapons designed by Asami and her reinstated father. The climax is Varrick battling and confessing to Zhu-li that he loves her and his life has been miserable since she has been gone, leading Zhu-Li to abandon and destroy the weaponry that Kuvira was riding on to win the war. Easy game.
– Toph’s still alive!! Boy, when I said that she was gonna come back into the story, I never would imagine it would be because they took the fight to her. Of course nothing is confirmed, but how would it be possible that she DOESN’T get involved. She claims she can see everything through the swamp, so obviously she will have a word with Kuvira. Maybe even give her last breaths dismantling Kuvira’s plans? That brings a tear to my eye just typing…
What I Did Not Like
– Wu’s diversion. I spent the whole episode thinking there was more to this. I watched every second with an open mind, and when push came to literal shove it dawned on me. The whole unnamed bad guys, the mysterious bathroom attendant, and the no-name train and non-speaking roles these guys had…
It was all one massive plot device to set up the official return of Korra and her pals in an action role. It was super cheap, and a huge waste of an episode if you ask me, but whatever. Just strange that these assailants literally had no motives other then “Kuvira.” LAME
– Past Half way point. Epsiode 7/13!