Avatar: The Legend Of Korra - Part 1

[gohei_]

I really like Aang's beard.

 

[Scarecrow_King]

This episode was just plain fantastic. Lots of humor in the beginning, which evolved into some truly intense moments. I freaked when I saw Tarrlok [blackout]bloodbending.[/blackout] I've been waiting to see that, and the wait was well worth the pay off.

Makes me wonder what he's up to, and what his motivations are. This show is layered storytelling done right.

Also, have we seen Mako lightning bend before today? I don't remember it. I know we heard from the creators a long time ago that there was a character that was connected to Zuko, but I don't know who it is. Does anybody, or is it kinda supposed to be a mystery?

 

[Wolfwood]

I think they were lightning bending in the factory, weren't they?

 

[Scarecrow_King]

oh, I think you're right. I just forgot, since it's been a few weeks. thanks.

 

[gohei_]

Yes, plenty of people seem to be able to lightning-bend. That's how they run their power plants, I think.

 

[Scarecrow_King]

I knew we'd seen lightning bending, I just wasn't sure if Mako had done it. Since lightning bending was such a big deal in Last Airbender, I'm just a little surprised it's not even brought up when one of the new Team Avatar can perform such powerful bending.

 

[gohei_]

Ah okey. Well he only did it that one time, and it doesn't seem to be a big deal to be a lightning bender in Republic City.
And speaking of advanced bending, I wonder if the police force are only ones who can metalbend? Or if that is spreading just as lightning bending.

 

[Mistah K88]

Yeah, advanced techniques are so common that they are used for more trivial things like working at a power plants and construction...They aren't really all that special anymore...that does parallel real life, where the things we have today were luxuries to a few.

About the council, have any ONE of them even talked at all besides Tenzin and Tarrlok? They seem kind of just there to agree with Tarrlok and oppose Tenzin. If Tarrlok gets the boot from the council later, the rest of them should as well. Also, why are there 2 Waterbender council members, but only one of each other element? For Tenzin it makes sense as he's the only Airbender of his age (the others being his children), but the other benders cant have an extra member on board?

 

[Scarecrow_King]

I assume there's one representative for each "nation." Fire Nation has one, Earth Nation has one, and then one for North Water Tribe and South Water Tribe. Tenzin represents the Air Nomads, even if there are only a handful of airbenders left.

 

[varsas]

I know people are saying this episode (kind of) confirms Tarrlok isn't Amon, but that can't be made for certain until we fully understand what Amon's grand scheme is. For all we know, Tarrlok could be pulling a Palpatine; playing both sides to achieve one goal. I can't see the creators not being fans of Star Wars and influenced by Palpatine/Darth Sidious in some way. He was my favorite character in the prequels.

Also, did you guys notice Tarrlok's reflection in the waterfall? His hair and face was blurred to look like Amon. Not to mention when he reached over to grab Korra, it was the same hand reaching and camera angle that they use for Amon when he's about to take away someone's bending. This was purposely done.

Ah I hadn't thought of the Star Wars comparison but it's a good one. I also agree that the framing and construction of the shots in this episode do hint at the link between Tarrlok and Amon; although it could just be a device to show that both extremes are more alike than they would ever admit.

 

[sandwraith]

Tarrlok is my new favorite character. And no, he is not Amon. He's just the other half of a dark reflection and it is AWESOME.

 

[I am Batman]

Yeah, advanced techniques are so common that they are used for more trivial things like working at a power plants and construction...They aren't really all that special anymore...that does parallel real life, where the things we have today were luxuries to a few.

At first I was like wtf when I saw a bunch of nobodies lightning bending but I rationalized it that the technique wasn't so much advanced as it was secretive and was only taught to a select few. With the defeat of the fire nation the technique could be freely taught and used to power light bulbs and toasters.

Also Korra's omg face was so awesome and I'm really liking the face that this team avatar is a little older than the last one.

 

[sandwraith]

Also, in hindsight didn't this episode represent yet another defeat for Team Avatar?

I mean seriously, either Korra and Co. aren't as tough as they think of the rest of the World have upped their game. The victory at the end better be sweet.

Also, Tarrlok in office scene was a smooth as silk.

 

[RockSP]

About the council, have any ONE of them even talked at all besides Tenzin and Tarrlok? They seem kind of just there to agree with Tarrlok and oppose Tenzin.

Maybe Tarrlok is bloodbending them to make them agree.

 

[Liam_H]

He's probably manipulating them in some way but he doesn't watch over them 24 hours to use bloodbending all the time.

 

[WalkingDeadMike]

I wonder how Tarrlok will be able to explain all of the earthbending damage in the building where the council works.

 

[sandwraith]

Maybe Tarrlok is bloodbending them to make them agree.

Nah. Tarrlok is smooth, youthful, handsome, confident and seemingly invested in the city's defense. If you look at the rest of the Council, their mainly old foggies. Tarrlok is probably the youngest of the 5 so maybe the rest simply agree with him seeing as he probably represents a new generation Council members.

He plays at democracy along with the best of them.

 

[sandwraith]

I wonder how Tarrlok will be able to explain all of the earthbending damage in the building where the council works.

Equalists! And umm...Earthbending Equalists sympathizers!

 

[Scarecrow_King]

yeah, I think Tarrlok is just suave enough for the council to follow him. He may have some dirt on them, but I don't think he's using his bending to influence them.

 

[Liam_H]

Here's something I found tumblr that's a theory about the flashbacks we've been seeing. It was quite fun to read and we'll see next week how true any of this actually is. I guess I could say spoilers but since its all speculation its really not.

http://birdbrainblue.tumblr.com/post/24281699688/an-analysis-of-the-flashbacks

 

[sandwraith]

Here's something I found tumblr that's a theory about the flashbacks we've been seeing. It was quite fun to read and we'll see next week how true any of this actually is. I guess I could say spoilers but since its all speculation its really not.

http://birdbrainblue.tumblr.com/post/24281699688/an-analysis-of-the-flashbacks

Yeah that is an interesting theory. Some of the finer details will remain to be seen in the next ep but I think this person has the general gist of the idea.

I do like how he/she describes why Tarrlok freaked out when Korra compared him to Amon. If he truly does have a connection to Yakone and if Yakone really did have his bending taken from him it might make for interesting depth.

Regardless, I think the next episode is going to clear up a lot of things about Yakone and Aang. Will that tie into Tarrlok and Amon? I have full confidence in the writers.

Speaking of which, since Yakome has a meaning in Inuit, does Tarrlok have one as well?


EDIT: Irish for "instigator" or "abettor". Hrmm.

 

[Liam_H]

Well my friend told me Amon in old Egyptian means personification of air or breath. So the crazy theory that Amon is some secret air bender or even Aang has credence.

 

[Ultra Nolanite]

This episode was one of the best. I got teary eyed when the police was intimidating the non-benders and the mother begged Korra for help.

I already see LOK as on the same level of TLA, just a bit different.

To me, these shows LOK and TLA have already earned their place among some of the best I've ever seen in my 29 years.

 

[Thundercrack85]

I do have a problem with the rest of the council being so... useless and under-characterized. They couldn't find a tougher firebender, or earthbender? They seem like easily scared sheep at best, and bought pawns at worst. When have we ever seen such a weak willed fire bender (not exactly a people known for being unpopinionatped)?

You would think the smartest, and toughest bending masters would be on that council.

 

[mr. peasant]

Well my friend told me Amon in old Egyptian means personification of air or breath. So the crazy theory that Amon is some secret air bender or even Aang has credence.

If my understanding is correct, I think Amon was generally viewed as Amon-Ra, who is the most important god in Egyptian mythology. Amon represented the essential and hidden, Ra represented revealed divinity (or so Wikipedia states). As such, Amon's name could be a reference to him being an important underground figure. Likewise, Amon is also the name of a demon in Christian demonology. All of this lends towards an image of a figure worshiped like a god and seen as benevolent but (either according to certain perspectives/opinions or underneath it all) is instead evil.


Also, I'm calling it now... the season will probably end with the Republic City Council (a council of representatives from the different bending nations) being replaced by a democratically elected official (e.g. a President?) who will be a non-bender born and raised in Republic City, either replacing the Council altogether or the Council remains but now only serving in an advisory role.