When our favorites from childhood are “revamped”, “revived”, “updated” or whatever word the marketing team uses this time around, we are inclined to go into the reboot (if we go into it at all) with serious trepidation. We expect to be disappointed–it’s all the “same” material getting a makeover for a new audience. It’s someone else’s turn to play with our favorite toys, and as it turns out we don’t want anything to do with the new model.
This is how I felt when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was updated by Nickelodeon. My dreams had already been squashed by the “reboots”–both failed (Rainbow Brite never made it past the new prototypes) and smash successes (I’m sorry. I can’t handle the new My Little Pony) –of franchises that I fangirled over before fangirling was a thing. This was what I expected with TMNT–sad, strange new versions of my favorite turtles who would poop all over my fondest memories of Saturday morning cartoons.
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Imagine my surprise, when one Saturday morning I turned on the television and, half an hour later, found myself upset I hadn’t jumped on the new TMNT bandwagon as soon as the show was announced. Here’s why TMNT is getting it right:
1. The show hasn’t undergone a major redesign. Yes, the animation style is dramatically different, but the turtles are pretty much the same, and the world they live in is still gritty, underground New York and New York City scapes. Very VERY little about the show’s original aesthetic has changed, and where it has changed, there’s a reason for it. The newer animation often incorporates comic book or anime style elements, which add dashes of comedy to the show and separate it from the classic in a good way. Even Rob Paulsen, who was the original voice of Raphael, has returned as the new voice actor for Donatello. Which brings me to my second point–
Same Facial Expressions (except Donnie, who is grumbly…)
2. The Voice Acting Cast is PHENOMENAL (and lacking in baby-face). In addition to Paulsen (who is famous for plenty of other voice acting gigs, including Animaniacs…), TMNT has Sean Astin (The Goonies, Lord of the Rings) playing Raphael, Jason Biggs (American Pie) playing Leonardo, and Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) rounding out the famous four as Michaelangelo. These men show that the producers were smart–they didn’t go for the newest voices in the biz, nor did they go for the most contemporary choices. What this team reveals is that the producers had us, the original target audience, in mind without clutching desperately to days gone by. Cipes is the arguable exception to this rule, although the shows that give his resume the most “star power” are still cartoons that the old guard tends to celebrate (Teen Titans, Clone Wars) as much as our classic faves.
Perfect Cast is Perfect.
3. The Writers know what they’re doing.
Stahp
If 2012 TMNT were exactly like 1987 TMNT, then there’d be little to no point in creating a show again. Instead, the newest cartoon takes the whole TMNT universe, as it has unfolded since the 80s, into account when telling the newest version of our heroes’ story. The parts of the world that have changed (what little there is), incorporate elements of the storyline from graphic novels or comics rather than starting from scratch or perverting the original into some grotesque…erm…alien…version of things.
In fact, the commercials for the new “Booyaka” movie include Donatello proclaiming loudly to an alien villain, “At least we aren’t stupid ALIENS”, which I am firmly convinced is Nickelodeon’s way of giving Michael Bay a gigantic middle finger.
With a television show that is balancing the new and the old Ninja Turtles so perfectly, it’s a sentiment they deserve to express.
Revisit your childhood with new episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles every Thursday at 8.
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Air is the element of freedom. This is clearly demonstrated in the loose, brightly hued garb of the airbenders and their acolytes. When struck with the idea to do a fashion post inspired by the airbenders, I immediately thought that the clothes should not be constricting and opted for tops that would flutter in the wind and dresses that brought to mind airbending attire. Check them out and let me know your thoughts!
Flowy top is a MUST and I found a mega cheap one for you at Forever21.
Casual shorts from Roxy will give you that perfect orange touch to a flowy top.
A bag with a splash of blue and an arrow pattern found on Etsy would display your mastery of airbending.
Boat shoes from Sierra Trading post would bring that little bit of brown and would tie the whole shebang together!
Now if we visit the dressier part of the airbender clothing spectrum, something like this dress from ModCloth would be the perfect thing to wear as you’re bending your way through the fire nation. Since less is more with the airbenders, simple sandals such as these from DSW, paired with this bracelet from Tagua.com and a cute, arrow patterned clutch, also found on Etsy!
If you have a moment be sure to check out the other fashion themed articles which include Batman, Phoenix, and Jack Skellington, they can be found here.
Daku Con 2018 Photo Gallery
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Sneaky Zebra at Blizzcon 2015!
Creepiest Cosplay at NYCC 2015
Cartoons have existed for a long time to make you happy. Even when Bugs Bunny was fighting Hitler, they were still generally designed to put a big old smile on your face or at the very least, let you zone out over a bowl of cheerios on a Saturday morning. For some reason, Avatar: The Last Airbender decided to come around and upset that comfortably numbing cartoon experience (thank you, Mike and Bryan. I hate/love you forever). For every couple of silly moments of Aang riding some new hybrid beast or a kick-ass action sequences, there’s a truly touching or heartbreaking scene that has us fans bending the tears right out of our eyeballs. Seriously, thank god I saw this show when I was basically an adult because while I was barely able to handle all the feelings at 18, I can’t imagine how a 12 year-old would cope. Anyway, if you’re in the mood for some punishment, take a gander at the list below.
10) Katara Grosses us out with some Blood-bending.
When the leader of your team is an adorably pure child-monk, it’s hard to consider yourself a champion of goodness. However, as far a morally righteous characters go, Katara is pretty up there. That’s why it was so emotionally trying to watch her battle with her own demons and unethically awesome power of blood-bending.
This wasn’t the last time we’d see the issue of benders subjugating their will upon non-benders(*cough* Legend of Korra *cough*), but we were right with Katara’s ultimate conflict between stopping the vengeful Hama and using a forbidden art.
Plus, how disgusting is the sound effect used for blood-bending? I want to hurl-bend every time that I hear it.
9) Aang Finds Gyatso Slightly…Dead.
After 100 years of war, I think it can be generally summed up that Aang’ abandonment of his Avatar duties was largely a bad move. However, he really was just a scared kid so we forgive him. Besides, the little monk probably had a harder time of forgiving himself.
While Aang remained in pretty good spirits after waking up from his ice ball, perhaps he did not realize the consequences of a world without an Avatar fully until finding the long dead skeleton of his friend and mentor, Air Nomad Gyatso. The Southern Air Temple was destroyed in the Fire Nation’s pursuit of total domination and Aang’s consuming grief over their loss was enough to bring us all to tears.
Ultimately, Gyatso’s death was just another mark on Aang’s path to a fully realized Avatar and he was able to let go of his grief with the help of Pathik. Still, our hearts go out to the little dude who will always consider his greatest weaknesses to be those moments when he fails to save a friend’s life.
8)Zuko’s Very First Agni Kai and Banishment from the Fire Nation
At the beginning of Avatar, Zuko was just the angry dude with the scar and top-knot who happened to be on a relentless quest to find the Avatar. We didn’t like him, but we also didn’t know much about him. Well turns out, his dick-wad father punched him, scarred him, and then banished him for daring to speak out against irresponsible actions of his generals and then refusing to fight his father in an Agni Kai.
This back story gave incredible depth to our favorite prickly prince, whose pursuit of the Avatar became an obsession of a hurt boy whose concepts of family, duty, and honor were completely warped. Plus, we learned that his face wasn’t actually always permanently frozen in that terrifying scowl. We maybe still didn’t outright like Zuko after this flashback (He was still imperialistic and ruthless fire nation after all) but at least now we knew he was a human being and not just an evil bratty prince Joffrey( I don’t know how to help people who don’t know their Game of Thrones. I really don’t).
7)Appa Gets Kidnapped and Nobody Cares
As if losing Appa wasn’t emotional enough, we then get to witness the normally very cool and calm Aang flip the flip out when none of the gaang seems to care very much. He first freaks out on Toph accusing her of never caring for the fuzzy air bison and then rails on the group for only lamenting on losing their designated driver. Not only does an angry Aang make me want to go cuddle in a corner somewhere, we also get a touching picture of how close Aang and Appa are. He’s not his pet, he’s his best friend, and in that instant, his new chums weren’t looking all that good or worth the hassle. It arrives at a conflict every Avatar must deal with: how much should they sacrifice for an undeserving and selfish world? All I have to say is that thank Agni Appa returns.
6) Zuko’s Second Agni Kai Versus Azula.
The last few episodes of The Last Airbender were like a kick to all the major organs. While Aang was busy triumphing over the Phoenix King, Zuko faced his own battle against his sister, Azula. Not only was the fight scenes amazing, but we get to see Zuko finally battle his own inner demons (as well as the outer, Azula), but we see Katara entering the fray in defense of her former enemy.
Plus, Zuko masters the art of channeling lightening and symbolically becomes the man his uncle believes he could have always been. As fun as it was to see Zuko finally kick the snot out of that…well, bitch, in the end I still felt for her in that any descent in to madness is pretty hard to stomach.
5) It’s Not You, It’s Just That I Have To Go Be the Moon.
Normally our big gift of comedic relief, this is Sokka’s first appearance on the list. It’s got to be rough when not only does your first girlfriend’s family consider you pond scum but she is also the moon spirit. Basically, the universe decided that it was wrong for Aang to be the only one to sacrifice things to save the world, so it decided to take a shot at Sokka next. While Sokka remains disturbed by losing Yue or failing to protect her, I honestly can’t say that I cry for him too much since warrior bad-ass Suki is a much funner love interest for our boomerang wielding-water-tribesmen. Still, it sucked for Sokka.
4)The Fire Nation Club
Ok, so I have mixed feelings about this episode. On one hand the Azula beach party was a fun time, but it was also bit of a complaint fest. Ultimately though, even if you’re incapable of feeling truly bad for a bunch of spoiled teenagers who spend their time trying to kill our heroes, you can at least sympathize with their situation. These are really just kids who, like the Gaang, are given heavy responsibilities way beyond their years.
In the face of their waning childhoods, they look back and realize they never had much of one in the first place. What was supposed to be a few moments of respite turns in to the interlude that prepares us for the final battles. In the end, these teens will have to make choices that will either forsake their family, duty, or sense of righteousness, and this short confessional on the beach gives us a chance to still like these characters for their small display of humanity after the bloody conclusion to come.
3)No but really, Where is Ursa?
Aang defeats the Phoenix King, YAY. Aang get the girl, YAY. Hakoda reunites with his kids, YAY. Iroh opens a tea shop, YAY.
Ok but wait, what happened to Ursa, the misplaced Fire Lady and Zuko’s beloved mother? After the incarceration of his father, Fire Lord Zuko demands that Ozai reveal the fate of his mother. Yeah, nothing doing. It was emotional seeing the newly crowned Zuko have to come crawling back to his father for the one power the crippled emperor still possessed, the power to fuck with his son.
All we really wanted was a scene reuniting mother and son next to a pond of turtle ducks, but Avatar can’t just love its fans like that. Those few who still care about the poor Fire Lady, check out Avatar: The Promise, which continues where Book Three Ended.
2) Iroh and Zuko Reunite.
The relationship between Iroh and his young angry nephew is probably the best on the show. After the death of Iroh’s son and the banishment of Zuko, the young prince and general assume the roles each has lost.
While Iroh embraces his new duty as surrogate father to Zuko, the prince decides to just become a giant brat. However, giant brats are a lot more terrifying when backed with an army and royal status. Once stripped of his title and powers, Zuko spends a great deal of Book Two shedding his darkness and becoming closer to his uncle…that is until he betrays him and the Avatar.
Unlike most characters, Zuko is given a second chance at redemption, one that he embraces…for good this time. Despite proving himself to Aang and the resistance, nothing is as difficult for Zuko as asking the forgiveness of the uncle that raised him. In one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the whole series, General Iroh embraces his nephew in a teary hug and admits he was never angry with Zuko, only sad that he had lost his way. Oh. My. God. The. Tears.
1) You Should Already Know What It Is.
In the most emotionally heart-wrenching moment in cartoon history, Avatar tries to trick you with a fun and light episode of cute vignettes. Just when you think Tales of Ba Sing Se is fun filler fluff, it hits you with this: The Tale of Iroh.
In the short segment, Iroh bops around Ba Sing Se like his happy Iroh-self, collecting different objects and getting in mini adventures. You’re right there with the loveable teddy bear until the final scene: his small shrine to his late son, who passed away during the siege of the city years ago. Iroh sings us a song so beautiful, if you don’t cry, you’re just a monster. ( Amonster…not the time for jokes).
Not only is this a touching scene, but we are shown the reason General Iroh stopped fighting and gave up the throne and it is so freaking sad.
If your heart can stand it, come back later for the most touching moments from Legend of Korra.
For more avatar fun check out Outfits Inspired by Avatar’s Airbenders!
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It just so happens I was looking for a gorgeous piece of art I saw yesterday and then THIS beauty showed up. Behold, the loveliness of this Korra. Also, be sure to check out the artist’s other works.
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The Aftermath
The arena is shut down after the chaos and Korra sweetly tells the brothers they are welcome to stay with her on Air Temple Island but to her dismay, they have already accepted to stay at Asami’s luxurious estate. I think Korra’s loneliness is readily apparent as now she won’t be spending much time with the brothers since probending is officially on hold. 
Meanwhile Lin find a secret room at the Cabbage Corp building (AND IT HAS A CABBAGE MAN STATUE OUT FRONT!!!) and it seems they have funded the Equalist movement, but….something doesn’t feel quite right. Several people are debriefed on the attack, including a very broken Tahno who requests Korra find and punish whoever did this. She leaves City Hall to visit the brothers at the Sato Estate, where they are readily enjoying the perks of living the high life, which includes splashing around in Asami’s very large, indoor pool. Korra seems less than thrilled to be there and scathingly wonders what Asami has planned, be it makeovers or shopping, but to her surprise, she is taken to a huge race track and shown that Asami is an excellent driver and fighter.
During a break, Korra overhears a phone conversation between Hiroshi Sato and an unknown person discussing the Cabbage Corp siege suspiciously and she quickly rushes to Lin and Tenzin and states her conjecture that he is involved with the Equalists. She is stunned to hear that he has motive as benders are the ones who killed his wife some years back. They agree to take a closer look at Sato but come up empty-handed. Mako expresses his anger with Korra about this intrusion but she stands her ground, even after he states her jealousy drove her to this conclusion. I hated seeing Mako like this as it’s a very self-centered thing for him to say, after all the maturity he’s shown in earlier episodes. Does he not know that Korra is above such pettiness? I digress.
A snitch tells Lin, Tenzin, and Korra about a secret room beneath Sato’s mansion and the swiftly investigate (Lin shows off a fancy move reminiscent of her mother, Toph), resulting in the secret room being revealed. Mako visibly regrets his earlier words to Korra and Asami is shaken by the revelation that her father may in fact be in league with the Equalists. The trio head down below and pass banners with Amon’s mask on them and mecha looking droids lining the walls before a wall slams down and effectively traps them as the droids come to life. Lin is unable to bend the walls or the platinum the droids are made from and the situation begins to look dire. A closer look at the inside of the droids confirms Hiroshi Sato’s involvement and it is here that we get our first look at Tenzin’s superior airbending skills. 
He bends with such grace (a grace I feel Aang must have had as an adult) and I’m saddened when his scenes end with the trio’s defeat. Luckily, the brothers are not far behind, having disregarding the warnings of Lin and her police force and come face to face with Sato. As he is about to attack them, Asami interrupts, heartbroken and listens as her father explains his reasoning, extending his hand in the hope that she joins him.
This is a difficult decision for Asami, as she is torn between her father, the only family she has left, and her own moral code. Echoing her earlier statement about how much easier it is to ask forgiveness than permission, she attacks her own father and escapes with everyone on the police zeppelin. On board, Mako apologizes to Korra for his harsh words and Lin tells Tenzin she is resigning in order to act outside the law (again, driving home how much she is like her mother).
When Extremes Meet
On the heels of episode 7’s events, the brothers and Asami come to stay on Air Temple Island. They’re given a quick rundown of what’s what and what’s where before Ikki and Korra escort Asami to her new room. Ikki feels this is the best time to inform Asami that Korra has feelings for Mako (this is also where Korra has the best animated face of the season so far) and she awkwardly converses with Asami until Tenzin arrives to tell her of the new police chief being instated. Chief Saikhan is clearly in the pocket and under the influence of smarmy Councilman Tarrlok. Korra wastes no time confronting Tarrlok but is quickly humbled by several well-chosen remarks about her lack of airbending skills.
This allows Tenzin and Korra to have another heartfelt conversation and deepens their bond further. He asks if she’s made contact with her past lives and although she admits she’s had visions of Aang, she is aware of her spiritual shortcomings. Tenzin urges her to meditate as he feels Aang is trying to tell her something important. All of this weighs on her heavily and she has a good cry until her friends come to console her and comfort her that she is not alone in her journey.
Team Avatar take a Satomobile into the city, ready to dole out some vigilante justice. They listen to a police scanner Asami remarks dryly has been installed in all Satomobiles (gee, I wonder why) and they stop a jailbreak in progress, subduing them long before the police force even arrive on the scene. Korra smugly informs Tarrlok of Team Avatar’s success and he commands her to stay out of the way. The next day, Tarrlok proposes several new laws regarding non benders, including a curfew and making it illegal to be associated with the Equalists. He faces opposition from Tenzin alone and the laws are passed by majority rule (does anyone else think the Council is good for NOTHING!?). Their second night out on the town, Asami notices the closeness between Korra and Mako and narrows her eyes, whether it be in suspicion or jealousy, at them in her rearview mirror as the group heads to a supposed riot. Groups of non benders are being treated with prejudice and brutality and they call out for Korra’s help. She is outraged at their treatment at the hands of Tarrlok and argues at length about their rights, even as Tarrlok gives the order to imprison all of them. As Korra defies these orders and saves the non benders, Tarrlok turns his attentions to the brothers and Asami, stating his new law allows him to legally imprison them for their associations with known Equalist, Hiroshi Sato. They implore her to heed him for now and to help the non benders. Furious, Korra goes to Tenzin for help in getting out her friends but this is not fruitful and they are forced to leave.
She arrives at City Hall later that night and confronts Tarrlok, stating they need to talk. He dismisses his page/servant person and tells her to spit out what’s on her mind. She lashes out at him, stating he will not manipulate her into doing what he wants. He turns to face his water covered office wall (the fish ying and yang, Tui and La, decorating it) and it is only after Korra compares him to Amon that he snaps and attacks her with amazing skill at waterbending. His office is quickly destroyed and their battle moves to the main hall. She goes to attack him one last time but is stopped in her tracks as Tarrlok bloodbends her. It’s just as terrifying in this series as it was in the original Avatar series. As she begins to lose consciousness, she gets another vision, this one of Aang, Toph, and Sokka being bloodbended as well and comes to as Tarrlok informs her that he is taking her somewhere no one can find her. The episode ends with him driving off with her tied up in the back of his vehicle.
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Lau Gan-Lan – We ATLA fans have grown fond of the man with the cabbages, so much so that we hoped a similar character would appear in Legend of Korra. As the episodes flew by and there was no hint of such a person, my heart grew heavy until episode 6 mentioned Cabbage Corp and I thought, “Oh, my God, he got rich!!!” I can only hope the owner and heir of Cabbage Corp is cleared of all charges and is a descendant of that lone Earth kingdom citizen who just wanted to peddle his vibrant, green wares. Hopefully the new Team Avatar doesn’t destroy his legacy!
Chief Saikhan – The new police chief seems to lack the backbone and tenacity of Lin Bei Fong, but next to her, I’m sure anyone would have paled in comparison. It doesn’t help that he is influenced by the shadiest of all councilmen, Tarrlok. Dubbed the “worst Chief of Police ever” by both Korra AND Tenzin, he has a lot to make up for in the upcoming episodes. I really hope he proves himself worthy of being Lin’s successor and doesn’t turn a blind eye to all of Tarrlok’s doings.
Unnamed Bloodbender – The more we see of this guy, the more I think he’s Tarrlok. All we’ve seen about him comes from Korra’s numerous visions and the guy is definitely the unsavory sort. Just check out his stupid smirk. I hope Aang air whips him upside the head. I’m curious to find out more about him and I can only seriously hope he sees some sort of penance for his apparent bloodbending in the vision. CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MOAR OF THESE VISIONS.
Theories:
1. Cabbage Corps owner is the grandson of the cabbage vendor. It’s too coincidental!
2. Asami’s alliance has been revealed and even though I have secretly harbored treacherous thoughts about her character, I’m sort of disappointed she’s so…good! I can only attribute my growing suspicion about her to wanting Mako and Korra (AND Bolin) to be together so I can’t have an unbiased theory about her at the moment. I just feel like she is going to turn as her growing jealous seems to point in that direction.
3. Jinora states there are caves where the air bison live. As in…A LOT OF AIR BISON?? Where did they all come from? Perhaps my earlier theory about Appa being a pregnant female bison has some truth in it…or more realistically, there might have been some flying around somewhere secluded.
4. Tarrlok snaps when Korra states he is like Amon. Why does this touch a nerve? Is he really so blind that he can’t see the parallels between himself and the masked man? I don’t have much of a theory here since I’ve previously thought Tarrlok was Amon and that is pretty much shattered by the reaction Tarrlok had…unless he IS Amon and he freaked cause someone is close to guessing his alter ego? Seems like a reach at this point, but we’ll see.
5. The man in the vision looks more and more like Tarrlok the more we see him. Add in the sudden revelation that both are bloodbenders and I can safely theorize that they are related. Vision guy is officially Tarrlok’s father in my eyes. Need further proof? Take a peek at his neck brooch cause that certainly look Northern Water Tribe to me, as does all of Tarrlok’s clothing. I had researched some of the other gangs of Republic City previously and there was a gang around Aang’s time that was all waterbenders called the Red Monsoons. Why would anything water related be red? Oh, I don’t know…maybe because they’re ALL bloodbenders?!?!? Anyways, just a minor theory, but let’s see how it plays out in the next two episodes, shall we?
Colorado Anime Fest Wrap Up
Viz Media Announces Free Streaming Anime!
Sub Cultured is Headed to Colorado Anime Fest!
Aniplex of America to Stream New Slice of Life Comedy, Slow Start, on Crunchyroll in January 2018
Nan Desu Kan 2016 – Recapping Rocky Mountain’s Biggest Anime Convention!
BOO-It-Yourself Halloween Costumes – Misa Amane
The Spirit of Competition
We ended episode 4 with Korra being comforted by Tenzin and his wisdom and she begins to deal with her feelings regarding Mako’s budding relationship with Asami. As she trains with the brothers for the impending probending championship, Asami arrives with the new team uniforms and the display of affection between her and Mako prod Korra to ignore Bolin’s attempts at romance. Bolin asks Mako for advice regarding Korra and swiftly ignores it while Korra confides to Ikki and Jinora about her conflicted feelings toward Mako and they offer suggestions (a volcano and a magic love potion) before they’re interrupted by Pema who says all she had to do was put herself out there and confess her love in order to get the one she loves attention (Tenzin). This obviously strikes a chord with the headstrong Avatar and she smiles off in the distance, obviously intent on taking the chance and confessing her feelings.
The Fire Ferrets are swiftly victorious in their first match of the championship and Korra uses the moment of joy to confess her feelings to Mako who states he doesn’t feel that way about her. Crushed, Korra listlessly watches as Asami runs in to greet the team and Bolin takes the moment to make his move and tells Korra all the good he sees in her before asking her out, which she accepts, much to the jealousy of Mako. The two enjoy a fun-filled time together but Mako confronts Korra after the date and berates her for leading him on. She denies this and provokes Mako to try confessing his true feelings which leads to a heated argument before the team’s second match. The group’s chemistry is upset by these events and they end up barely winning. Mako goes to Korra afterward and admits he has feelings for her but is confused as he also likes Asami. Our headstrong Avatar runs to Mako and kisses him, taking him by surprise but he returns the kiss. As they break apart, Korra notices Bolin behind them, who is clutching a bouquet of flowers for her and he leaves crying. Again, this affects their teamwork in their last match and although the brothers are knocked off the stage and Korra manages to win the match, they maturely work things out between them.
Seriously, why can’t all people be this mature? The brothers apologize to each other and Korra apologizes to Bolin, comforting him that she had a lot of fun with him. This could TECHNICALLY be considered a filler episode but the character development was extremely welcomed and necessary.
And the Winner Is…
This episode begins with the Fire Ferrets training relentlessly while listening to the radio program (brought to you by Cabbage Corp, Republic City’s trusted name in technology for the past 50 years!!!) which is interrupted by Amon who threatens probenders, urging the Council to cancel the match later that evening. Korra immediately storms to the City Hall and urges them to not cancel the championship. After a stirring speech from Bolin, resident badass Lin Bei Fong comes to their defense and states she will personally oversee the extra security so no harm will come to the spectators or benders. Tarrlok agrees to keep the arena open and an angry Tenzin argues with Lin about how Tarrlok is playing her. She angrily storms out as Korra comes to speak to Tenzin and she questions him relentlessly until coming to the conclusion that Lin and Tenzin were once a couple, citing Pema is the one who stole him from Lin. Tenzin waxes poetic for just a moment before catching himself and walks away flustered.
Meanwhile the Lieutenant informs Amon about the Council decision (who the EFF is the mole!?!!) and he is pleased that all is going according to plan. Security preparations for the arena are underway and Tenzin offers his assistance to which Lin responds, “like old times?”, hinting that this is perhaps something they did in the past together. The match begins (after a flashy entrance from the Wolf Bats) and almost immediately the sheer amount of uncalled fouls clues us in that this is not a fair match. As the second round ends and Korra faces off with Tahno for the tie-breaker, the replay of the finishing move is a wonderfully hilarious touch. Tenzin and Lin share several remarks about the match itself and he mentions to her that she would like Korra if she only warmed up to her. I love the mix of boxing moves with bending and the animation really shines here.
As the third rounds comes to a close, numerous audience members pull on Equalist masks and begin electrocuting the police force, including Tenzin, Lin and the announcer, as Amon makes his way to the center of the arena where he very quickly and efficiently defeats the benders and takes away Tahno’s bending with relish. Korra and the brothers had been electrocuted by the Lieutenant and she has another vision of Aang, this time of him going into Avatar state. Amon speaks to the crowd and warns all benders about standing in his way much to the audible fear of the crowd. He informs them that he intends to make a NEW Republic City and unveils the Equalists’ new weapon, a glove capable of a debilitating electric shock, while simultaneously proclaiming the revolution has begun. This is where shit gets real intense as Korra goes after Amon (who has left the arena by air) and this is when I start to realize how much of a hindrance it is to Korra to not have airbending mastered. Luckily, Lin swoops in on her metal wires and assists where she can, but not before Korra has a BEAUTIFULLY choreographed fight with the Lieutenant on top of the arena’s dome. As they regroup with the rest of the team, Tenzin grimly states that Republic City is at war.
Tahno – Elaborately coiffed captain of the reigning probending champions The Wolf Bats, Tahno first encounters Korra and Bolin while they’re on a date. He is condescending and slightly antagonistic but maintains an air of flirtatiousness with Korra. She doesn’t stand for his personality long before she whistles for Naga, who promptly musses up his hair. Not much more is known about Tahno at this point, other than the swift severity that his team deals with their matches.
Theories:
1. I want to believe that Korra and Mako will end up together as all signs point to their inevitable pairing, but my heart belongs to the hilariously effable Bolin. Can’t the funny guy ever get the girl?
2. Who is supplying the Equalists with all this fancy equipment? Don’t they need money to fund their terrorist activities? Hmmm. I wonder who all the rich people are in Republic City and where their loyalties lie…
3. The flashbacks have begun fleshing out bits of a story and as Aang has gotten older, I’m sure he’d have gained more control of his Avatar state so what kind of event could have pushed him to enter it? It’s obviously directed at this same guy from the other flashbacks but I wonder what he could have done. Aang’s been fiercely protective of his friends and family before so at this point, I’m thinking this man made an attack of some kind very personal. We shall see what future flashbacks show.
Colorado Anime Fest Wrap Up
Viz Media Announces Free Streaming Anime!
Sub Cultured is Headed to Colorado Anime Fest!
Aniplex of America to Stream New Slice of Life Comedy, Slow Start, on Crunchyroll in January 2018
Nan Desu Kan 2016 – Recapping Rocky Mountain’s Biggest Anime Convention!
