“Stay away from my dad’s ex-girlfriend!”

The tides have definitely turned as Amon and his Equalist forces attempt to take control of Republic City for themselves in this latest episode of The Legend of Korra.  Family and friendship have always been at the forefront of this franchise, and it shined brightly throughout this episode.  Asami Sota may have been giving Mako and Korra glaring looks, but a teen love triangle is no match for the birth of a baby boy.  Amidst the destruction and chaos, family came first for Tenzin, and in the end, it seems that Korra has finally learned patience.  This episode felt like “The Empire Strikes Back,” as our beloved heroes were running out of places to hide.  Seeing the son of Aang in action is always exhilarating, but watching his kids use their air bending abilities was one of this week’s highlights.  Like Korra, the children are more aggressive than tactful, but their efficiency at dispatching the bad guys can’t be denied.  The look of shock of Lin Beifong’s face was priceless as she was rescued by the youngsters.  Meelo is my favorite of Tenzin’s children, so I was pleased to see his slow motion action sequence, and he had one of the best quotes in the episode as he told his future sibling, “Not now baby!”

If family and friendship are the bedrock of The Last Airbender saga, then sacrifice is its cornerstone.  Lin Beifong’s selfless heroics to save Tenzin and his family were nothing short of legendary.  There is no question that she is Toph’s daughter, and watching her single-handedly take down one of Amon’s blimps shows just how awesome she truly is.  What do you think is in store for Lin’s future?  As tough as she is, I don’t see her giving up anytime soon, and I wanted to ask you all about a theory I have.  If Aang and Amon have the ability to take away someone’s bending, can they give it back?  Again, this is just a question, I have nothing to base it on other than speculation, but I would love to hear what you all think.

In case you were worried, I didn’t forget about the big reveal at the end of “Turning the Tides.”  It looks like Team Avatar is going to need some help, so it’s a good thing that the allied forces, lead by General Iroh are on their way to Republic City.  With Tenzin and Lin appearing to be in their early fifties, I would assume that this young general is Fire Lord Zuko’s grandson.  If you have any other theories, or you think I’m completely off-base, please share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.  The hour-long season finale for Book One premiers next week.  How do you think it will all end?

-Interesting Fact: Dante Basco (Hook, ATLA) will be voicing the young General Iroh in The Legend of Korra.

-David Griffin (Follow @griffinde on Twitter)

Be Sociable, Share!