Book 1, Episode 10: "Turning the Tides"

[Aaron B.]

Book 1, Episode 10: "Turning the Tides"


The Equalists begin to attack Republic City.

[Magus]

Your fast Aaron .

1st off, Mako. I really don't care for him anymore. I understand that he has feelings for Korra, but to treat Asami the way he's been doing is just not called for. I'm not into the whole attraction of cartoon women and whatnot, but what more could you ever ask for? A cute girl that treats you right. Can't tell me she don't know how to have fun either. At the very least, if you're not gonna be with her, at least treat her with some respect. If she ends up betraying the group just to get back at Mako, then it was well deserved.

Now that that minor rant is done. Down goes a favorite and in comes a new one. Lin, OMG you are a rockstar. I almost shed some tears seeing her lose her bending.

Tenzin, while he's not a favorite, I do respect the guy, not to mention the guy is a beast when it comes to fighting, but I still like Lin's style more.

Zuko huh. Did I hear that right? Called him Iroh?

I'm definately liking this over the parent series, and this is definately the best thing on tv right now. I can't wait till this comes to dvd because I will definately buy it.

[ROGtheXtreme]

This episode builds beautifully toward the big finale. Korra has lost two important allies: Lin Beifong is now in Amon's hands, and Tenzin has fled Republic City in an effort to keep his family safe. A new friend, General Iroh, represents a glimmer of hope--but will is United Army be enough to turn the tide?

Yup, this chapter got me pumped up for next weekend.

It also stands on its own merits. The action is gorgeously choreographed (Tenzin, the Airbending kids, the Gaang vs. mechs brawl, and Lin's one-woman assault on the airships), the emotional beats strong, and the pacing immaculate.

I also quite enjoyed the tensions within the Gaang, which helps keep the larger than life conflict grounded. These characters may not be as iconic as the crew from TLA, but I find them more authentic--they're flawed, and display a realistic range of emotions.

Quote:1st off, Mako. I really don't care for him anymore. I understand that he has feelings for Korra, but to treat Asami the way he's been doing is just not called for.

This is actually refreshingly gentle criticism of Mako's actions; over on tumblr, plenty of fans are calling for his head on a pike. They think he's treating Asami poorly, that his actions are deliberate and malicious.

I disagree. His behavior in "Out of the Past" may have been motivated by his feelings for Korra, but he didn't seem aware of it. He wasn't being "selfish"--he was thinking of his the wellbeing of his friend, who, for all he knows, has been de-bent, tortured, and left to die in a shallow ditch (and says as much in today's episode). Several fans--and, it seems, Asami herself--feel he should pay more attention to Asami, because she's his girlfriend, and doesn't he realize she has feelings, and... bah! (I have to stress, I'm not directing this at you, Magus.)

Now let's look at this episode. Mako has just gotten out of a super secret double classified meeting with Tenzin, in which it was determined that Republic City is under imminent threat of an all out Equalist attack. And the first thing Asami does when he steps into the kitchen is... jump down his throat about his feelings for Korra, a subject that's just as uncomfortable for him as it is for her. He tries to explain that maybe now isn't the best time, that he's got a lot of things on his mind--which he does--and she makes it clear that she's not in the mood to talk anyway, so there!

Later, Amon's attack begins. The Gaang rushes out to do what they can to protect the city. As they pile into the Korra Mobile, though, Asami tells Mako that she doesn't really feel like sitting next to him right now, and why doesn't he spend time with his real girlfriend in the back seat? As the city burns around her.

I have to agree with Mako: is this really the time?

Of course it isn't. But then, isn't that the point? Asami allows her jealousy to make her behave irrationally, just as Mako allowed his repressed feelings for Korra drive him to extreme anger in the previous chapter. They are flawed, they make mistakes, and that generates genuine human conflict--which complicates the whole "saving the city" thing. [Short version: I can't dislike Mako or Asami for making mistakes, because then I'd have to dislike myself.]

And it's another thread I look forward to seeing resolved in the finale.

[Magus]

I respect that, ROG, and while I wouldn't call his actions selfish from the previous episode, but more like annoying, but "shrugs".

[ROGtheXtreme]

(06-16-2012 10:05 PM)Magus Wrote:  I respect that, ROG, and while I wouldn't call his actions selfish from the previous episode, but more like annoying, but "shrugs".

I can respect your position, as well. Like I said, I wasn't necessarily directing all that at you. Your quote was just... convenient.

[Tasermon's Teammate]

Fantastic choreography!

I mean, really, has there ever been ANY other animated series in history that has this quality of choreography?

Has there ever been any NON-animated show or movie in history with this level of choreography?

And the perspective views and "camera-work" of the fight scenes, both here and in the original series, are just phenomenal in catchin' the fight at angles that build the anxiety and immerse the audience!

I've been waitin' to see the Tenzin's younglings join the fray ever since the series began, and they didn't disappoint! Just the right blend of humor and fantastic moves that I expected from 'em!

("Stay away from my dad's ex-girlfriend!" Ha!)

The scene where they welcome their newest family member is just adorable!

Quote:Zuko huh. Did I hear that right? Called him Iroh?

If it is, then Katara healed his scar entirely, includin' his eyesight. And he looks pretty young for someone in his 80's-90's. I mean, I know people in the Avatar world can live well past 100 and still be more than fit to fight, but he didn't even have gray hair or wrinkles?

I think it's just a familial relation (his son? Grandson? Nephew/cousin?) who was named in honor of Iroh.

On the geeky steam-punk side, he was in charge of a fleet of catamaran-hulled ships! Squee! That's almost as cool as the airships!

[Aaron B.]

This episode was pretty crazy in the drama department. The best thing about it though, was that the drama stemmed largely from the dynamics of the story itself. The threat to Tenzin's family felt real, the courage under fire embodied by Lin felt real, and the inevitable conflict between Amon and General Iroh has me on the edge of my seat... and these are all components of the greater narrative of The Legend of Korra: the importance of pedigree (family), selfless heroism, and political authority (or political power).

I definitely welled up toward the end as Amon takes away Lin's bending abilities. But here's the interesting thing... I'm pretty sure I felt more sorry for the woman mostly because it meant the end of the bending bloodline of the great Toph Beifong. Toph was such an outstanding character; it's kind of painful to think that her (presumably) only child means the end of her legacy. But Meelo's got it down: she's a hero, no doubt about it.

Perhaps my largest gripe with Mako and Asami is how petty their squabbling seems to be. But as has been said, perhaps "that's the point." When an entire city has fallen under the thumb of a madman with some ridiculous physical and mental abilities far superior to his foes... everything seems petty by comparison. When everything goes to hell, you reach out to whatever (or whomever) is closest to you...

The general of the new allied naval fleet was addressed as Iroh, and since he was voiced by Basco, I guess it's pretty obvious that he's Zuko's progeny of some sort -- although he does seem fairly young. I have no idea who the heck Amon is or what his ties to the previous series might be; but I have a sinking feeling that General Iroh does.

[Magus]

(06-17-2012 04:07 PM)Tasermons Teammate Wrote:  

Quote:Zuko huh. Did I hear that right? Called him Iroh?

If it is, then Katara healed his scar entirely, includin' his eyesight. And he looks pretty young for someone in his 80's-90's. I mean, I know people in the Avatar world can live well past 100 and still be more than fit to fight, but he didn't even have gray hair or wrinkles?

I think it's just a familial relation (his son? Grandson? Nephew/cousin?) who was named in honor of Iroh.

No no no, I wasn't trying to imply that I was calling him Zuko (If he were still alive, I'd be looking for a receding hairline or something ). I called him Zuko because that was the 1st name I could think of when hearing his voice since I couldn't remember Dante Brasco for nothing