HO MAH GAW. Episode 9 is down, and we are back to real Korra. Let’s dive right into what I’m calling the best episode the entire series has had thus far.
The episode opens with some humor, following Ryu and his tour group around Republic City. You may remember him as the brooding teenager, but I included the link just in case. Anyway, his tour group gets attacked by the spirit vines themselves, and it appears they are being dragged off to some unknown location.
Meanwhile, Korra and Opal discuss Kuvira and the Beifong family when Jinora comes flying in to alert them to the situation with the Spirit Wilds. Korra taps into the roots and sees the unthinkable: Kuvira’s mechs harvesting the vines from the Banyan Grove Tree. Obviously, the team realizes this is an incredible threat to the world, despite not knowing what is actually happening.
Korra marches right to the Prez, who is in the middle of a top secret worldleader-type meeting that introduces our first important new or reintroduced voice of the episode. Firelord Izumi, the daughter of Zuko and mother to General Iroh, the man on top of the Republic Forces military from the first season. She is no doubt going to play a very important role in whats to come, and even if she never slings a single fireball, I’m excited. For the record, she is voiced by April Stewart, the same woman who does Raava.
Korra is pretty upset that even Wu is involved in the decision while she is excluded, until another party barges in…
BOOM Varrick and Bolin back in action.
They spill the beans on the Weapon of Mass Destruction, and Korra immediately realizes the significant of the Spirit Vines.
The council deliberates, but Tenzin and Izumi keep the peace and eventually the plan resolves to simply play defense until they must act.
On the way out Bolin tries to win back Opal, but is cut off by Lin who decides its time to take family matters into their own hands. Her and Opal agree to head out to Zaofu, undoubtedly setting up Toph’s final involvement in the story.
Bolin then meets up with Korra and Mako for the first time in a few weeks, and apologizes for being on the wrong side for so long. They hug it out, team Avatar style.
Back in the Spirit Wilds, Jinora is scouting while the real action of the episode unfolds. She gets captured as well, but before she does she manages to get a spirit-message out to Korra and let her know whats happening.
Korra and Mako go in, and after a skirmish, they find the captured citizens. Korra attempts to meditate in order to release them, but instead of entering the Spirit World, she goes into a flashback with Zaheer… who actually speaks!? Last I heard, the bad blood between the Williams’ family and Henry Rollins meant he was not to return, but it seems that is not the case. No matter how it resolves, Henry Rollins has entered the void, and Zaheer is back, marking the second big voice to return.
Korra decides the only way around this is to face Zaheer in his prison to prove to herself that she has beaten him. Tenzin is cautious of this idea, but he decides to help her make it happen.
In a break from the tension, Bolin and Pabu reunite, marking the third big voice actor to return. You may not realize this, but the same person voiced Pabu, Appa, Oogie, Momo, and Naga… oh and he was also Tarrlok! Pabu is equivalent to Momo in significance to the show, and that’s saying a lot.
The two get into hijinks while trying to reunite Bolin and Opal. Its a lot of nothing, but don’t worry. Its time to make big plays.
Back in the city, Varrick, The Prez, and Asami reunite for the first time in a few years. Varrick reminds the viewer that all he has done was on his own grounds, and officially sets the stage for what I believe to be his big ending discussed a few recaps back.
Okay boys, its time. Korra approaches Zaheer in his ornate prison, and the emotions commence. Zaheer is seen flying, despite the chains, and quickly tests Korra’s mettle. He knows all about her insecurities and inability to enter the spirit world. The two share some INCREDIBLE dialogue, the best since their last real chat. It culminates in a thought-provoking statement:
“Your wrong. That poison should have killed you, but you were able to fight it off. You think your power has limits – I say its limitless.”
Does this mean the Avatar State is able to adapt in strength to the situation? We shall see…
Anyway, Zaheer actually helps Korra, which you need to see for yourself. I can’t describe in words how powerful the scene is. Either way, it ends up that she is revitalized, saves Jinora, and things roll.
The final scene shows Bolin agreeing to go with Opal and Lin to liberate Zaofu.
Crazy episode after essentially a week off.
What I LOVED!
All of it? Oh, specifically?
– Zaheer – I love Zaheer’s character. The idea of this mastermind and master bender in some spiritualist’s form is incredibly powerful. Unalaq was similar, but he was clearly insane. Zaheer is in complete control, and the fact that he helps Korra reestablish her connection with Raava tells me he may not be done yet. Who knows.
– Raava’s Return – April plays Izumi, but also returns briefly as Raava in that scene that I felt was too powerful to write about. Go watch it. I’m sure you already have.
What I Did Not Like!
Nothing. It was the best episode of Legend of Korra ever, and the fact that there are only 4 left is saddening.
This show would appear to end the day after Christmas. That’s really poor execution IMO. Oh well, Merry Christmas!