The Legend of Korra "Kuvira's Gambit" Talkback [12/12/2014]

[Neo Yi]

Premieres: Friday, December 12th, 2014 at 12:00 PM EST on Nick.com
Encores: Click here for updates

Korra and Team Avatar try to stop Kuvira from moving against Republic City.

Previous Talkbacks:
After All These Years
Korra Alone
The Coronation
The Calling
Enemy At The Gates
Battle of Zaofu
Reunion
Remembrances
Beyond the Wilds
Operation Beifong


You can also discuss general Legend of Korra news in the Korra News and Discussion Thread.


Discuss

 

[zoombie]

Okay review time.

Spoiler

Okay an excellent episode, I love all these cameos of the homeless dude, Tahno, the Wolfbats. etc.

I laughed at some moments like Mako trying to get the people to evaculte by talking police lingo like those letters to Korra. The Varrick/ Zhu Li reunion was great, I am glad Zhu Li allow the status quo to return. She loves Varrick, but she is not going to put up with this, he has to change, just like Mai loved Zuko but she put up with his behavior, we will see what comes with that.

I thought they would attack early, stupid heros, couldn't they have prepared for that. You take the word of the bad guys, when does that ever work out? I thought weapon on the mecha tank, just me or did that remind you of Robocop, I think Mike and Bryan been watching some syfy stuff. Raiku surrend so easily, he continue to look like the worst leader ever. Should have prepared for an early attack you idiot.

I thought for a moment Kuvira attacked the civilans fleeing the city, but it was a naval ship, so that is fair game.

When they captured Bataar Jr., I wish they have tortured him a little bit, he kind of deserved it.

As for weather Kuvira loved Bataar Jr., I think you are missing the point, I think the point is, she does love him, but her conviction are much stronger. I think that was the point of the scene. The look on her face, it wasn't very remouceful, but it wasn't very evil, just very neutral. I think Kuvira is a charactr who doesn't wear her emotions on her sleves, so who knows. Korra is going to have beat some emotions out of her. I hope it more of conviction > love, not the I didn't love him to begin with, because that would be so cliche and one dimentional.

Great setup to the finale, 10 / 10

 

[Neo Ultra Mike]

My Review.

Spoiler

After "Rememberances" made it clear that the budget of this season was slashed I've had to look at the season's lack of action as not just a stylistic choice but a forced choice. Because before I could just say the still mapped scenes of people evacuating or lack of real fight scenes in this episode had a reason and a purpose but... yeah knowing that, it seems more obvious there probably would of been more action before Nick kind of crippled the series. Then again at least it isn't forcefully obvious. Especially since well... yeah don't know how you're going to go and stop a giant death robot of that size. Especially if we can't have the harominc convergence execuse of a super giant Korra ex machina to wind up saving the day. So yeah I do appreciate that there is more strategy and actually formulating plots in this epsiode about it. And the idea of taking the guy who designed the robot and trying to get him to break it down worked though... really that was the best excuse team Korra could think of? "If you don't tell us I'll just take you wherever I go so you won't see the woman you love ever again?" I get it's a big world and Kuviera is more focused on just the general earth nation area but... that still seems like a lacking threat. Granted I know Korra doesn't want to kill anyone and I'm sure a lot of the Bei Fongs would be against it but shouldn't someone have offered a more serious threat? Like Korra said "you're right I won't hurt you, but I know someone who will." I think this is also hurt because it's trying to build on the Baatar Jr/Kuveria relationship. Granted it's better then last season with Zaheer and P'Li who had all of... two scenes together as a couple while this did have a few more. And I appreciate that even though this shows our villian's desire for conquest is stronger then love it's something that did look to severely hurt Kuveria to do and something she only resorted to as a last resort but... still does feel pretty empty. I know that the LoK people promised we wouldn't get anything from the main "love triangle" of the series but they still write in other couples and a lot of it doesn't work that well. Plus there were some bad moments of humor sprinkled around this one. We really needed a "Meelo Fart" joke in the middle of what should be a tense scene? Ugh, there's a time for that sort of humor and that certainly wasn't it.

That said there was still a good amount that worked. I actually did like the build up of how the city was preparing by focusing on evacuating the citizens and trying to unify them into leaving. I still don't think Wu is anyway prepared to be a leader but at least it seems like he's trying to step up for once the right reason so... yeah progress. I also really liked the reveal of Kuveria's mech and how she was controlling it. And how she opened fire on that communications tower and... I think killed those people. Yeah notice how we don't see a shot of them running or driving away before it's blown up so yeah I'm going to say she offed everyone which puts her kill count... above most everyone else in this series. Yeah she didn't kill those people on the boat but the fact the giant's weapon first real fire offed everyone was good. I also like the idea of her stepping up the attack on Republic City knowing that the enemy knew the original date and changing it to throw them off their game. And though the opening speech had a "so as you know" (writing 101: never have a character say that when delievering exposition because it makes it way too obvious that's all the point of that line is) in it I do like the reasoning of her going after Republic City. Though shouldn't one of our heroes said "hey wasn't that the plan of that queen I know you hated and didn't feel was a good leader? Shouldn't you not be like her?" And actually I do like Korra actually stepping up and trying to be a leader and actually thinking of some good plans even if they don't work. Like trying to stop the super weapon before it collides or capturing Baatar Jr or what she says to get him to agree. Again shows development of someone who just "trusted their gut" or would just go into a fight right away that's now trying to think more of how to go about it. Plus seeing everone around ready for war seems like we'll get some good battles once the mech goes down (you know it will at some point) and it's an all out city attempted takeover which I hope is where most of the budget went to. And honestly there were some good bits of comedy here: Bolin having to explain Zhu Li is now on their side and her telling Varrick she wants to be thought of as equal and him not getting it (I was worried they'd go back to their relationship before with her just apolgoizing but not Zhu Li is not putting up with the guy's crap anymore and you know what? Good for her. Too bad certain other Sthepanine Sheh characters can't do that to the ones they care for most), Mako attempting to evacuate the citizens in a boring drolling way that made people start to panic, "did you know about this?" "Yeah I was just waiting to tell you now she had a giant robotic canon- of course I didn't know about this!", and the fact the guards didn't have any idea what to do when Baatar was taken. Actually I appreciate how seriously and weighty the last segment was and showed just how dramatic this show was taking itself and the situation which felt very needed.


So yeah though not nearly as strong as the last episode, it was pretty good. Honestly this felt like the last bit of placement and of moving the characters around before the big epic finale. Where there should be a lot of action and fighting and finality snice yeah next week are the last epsiodes of Korra. Even Nick is saying that on their site so I hope you allow the show to deleiver and end on a good note. Because yeah I have a feeling if it doesn't it will be more on the executives hands then the creators this go around.

 

[Dudley]

I freaked out when I saw that giant mech. Now I'm really sad we won't get a season focusing on the next Avatar, since it'd feature more sci-fi advancements.

As for this episode, it is true that there is a lack of action, but the situation was still suspenseful. I actually like Korra's threat to Bataar Jr. If she takes him out of Earth Kingdom territory, she'll have to fight the other nations just to get him back, and she has no plans for global domination, as far as we know.
Now the question remains, how the heck is Korra and co. going to take on the mech? Will they do it all Attack on Titan style? Will Korra turn into a giant again (I hope not). I wonder if Korra can learn to bend the energy attacks, I mean it is spirit energy after all.
Mostly I just hope we get an epic battle between Korra and Kuvira and things aren't resolved in some contrived manner.

 

[Zanneck]

They better deliver on the ending, that's all I know - these last few episodes have only gotten me more pumped to see this through to the bitter end. Let's make it one that counts...

 

[SaneMan]

That was a Neon Genesis Evangelion reference if I've ever seen one

either that, or someone is a Warhammer 40000 fan

 

[Doguineta]

Okay review time.

* SPOILER *

I think you have something against President Raiko, I mean, Kuvira gave him a 3 second ultimatum, where he either surrendered or let her kill civilians. He didn't have a choice.

Also, when you said "I think you missed the point", who are you talking to? You were the first poster, who missed the point exactly? I got the same impession as you, she does love Bataar, but her goal is more important to her.

The rest of the episode was great, everyone was in top form, I love that Zhu Li won't take Varrick's nonsense anymore, and all the little cameos (like General Iroh and Tahno). My jaw dropped when I saw Kuvira's Jaeger, so I hope the finale doesn't let me down. Looking forward to it!

 

[Lelouch]

Gonna guess that last minute spirit intervention saved the group.

 

[Lerkero]

While I like that Kuvira tricked them and initiated her plans ahead of schedule, am I the only one who thinks this plot advancement is goofy?

When I first saw the mech I immediately thought: How easy would it be for some earth benders and lightning benders to make that thing malfunction. And I don't mean earth benders attacking the metal (probably platinum), I mean shifting the earth beneath it. It still bothers me that the throughout Korra there haven't been many grandiose displays of bending. When I think of Toph making a landslide or Aang making a water beast there has been nothing I can think of in Korra to compare. I know that Republic City only had a little time to prepare, but it didn't seem like they had much at all. The central city seems quite weak.

I do like that Bataar Jr. now has incentive to work against Kuvira. It was clear that Kuvira didn't care about him that much. In fact, it's still not clear why Bataar Jr. is evil. His family really cared about him and advocated for peace. Now that he's seen how evil Kuvira really is he should realize that her motives are not the same as his. Korra's decision to kidnap Jr. was a smart one and probly the smartest she made this season. Not sure why Kuvira didn't have eyes all over that blimp, but I'll give it a pass.

Overall, I thought the mech was goofy, but appreciated how Kuvira decided to get the upper hand.

 

[zoombie]

Also, when you said "I think you missed the point", who are you talking to? You were the first poster, who missed the point exactly? I got the same impession as you, she does love Bataar, but her goal is more important to her.

Well I forgot to type for those that think that means Kuvira never loved Bataar Jr to begin with "you are missing the point", I meant the point of the scene was to show how strong her conviction and determination is.

I was just mad I didn't get my battles, I want to see some action, and Raiku denied me that. And besides if he prepared for an earlier attack, maybe he wouldn't have had to surrender.

 

[Light Lucario]

While I like that Kuvira tricked them and initiated her plans ahead of schedule, am I the only one who thinks this plot advancement is goofy?

When I first saw the mech I immediately thought: How easy would it be for some earth benders and lightning benders to make that thing malfunction. And I don't mean earth benders attacking the metal (probably platinum), I mean shifting the earth beneath it. It still bothers me that the throughout Korra there haven't been many grandiose displays of bending. When I think of Toph making a landslide or Aang making a water beast there has been nothing I can think of in Korra to compare. I know that Republic City only had a little time to prepare, but it didn't seem like they had much at all. The central city seems quite weak.

I kind of laughed just because a giant mecha robot like that seemed so over the top. It allows for an easier way to transport the weapon and all, but it also felt like an extreme way to make Kuvria even more threatening. I think another reason why it's funny is because Kuvira has just dropped all of that whole wanting peace and stability since carrying around a spirit weapon on top of a giant mecha robot is pretty far away from peace and stability.

I do like that Bataar Jr. now has incentive to work against Kuvira. It was clear that Kuvira didn't care about him that much. In fact, it's still not clear why Bataar Jr. is evil. His family really cared about him and advocated for peace. Now that he's seen how evil Kuvira really is he should realize that her motives are not the same as his. Korra's decision to kidnap Jr. was a smart one and probly the smartest she made this season. Not sure why Kuvira didn't have eyes all over that blimp, but I'll give it a pass.

Yeah, I'm really not sure why Bataar Jr. is evil either. He clearly cares more about Kuvria than his own family, although he didn't want Opal to be killed when they were testing out the weapon so he still cares for their safety in some regards at least. But I don't know what drove him away from his family in the first place. They haven't been too clear on that from the start and he didn't get any attention in the previous season, so it just feels really weird. As for Kuvira, her expressions in the last scene gave me the impression that she does care about Bataar Jr., but clearly not nearly as much as he feels. I thought that was kind of obvious at the beginning of this episode when she didn't say that she loved him back. I'd even question if her feelings for Bataar Jr. could even be described as love at this point.

Anyway, I thought that this episode was pretty good. I liked seeing some of the brief cameos of minor characters. Prince Wu doing something right without saying something to make me hate him more was also a nice surprise. I also liked how Zhu Li and Varrick made up, but Zhu Li didn't want to go back to the status quo. I suspect that they'll have some romantic moment at some point during the finale. I still find the whole giant mecha suit kind of an over the top way to make Kuvria more threatening, but it does the job. While she may only want Republic City at the moment, having a weapon like that would make her more of a threat to the entire world and if she wanted to, she could easily try to take over the other nations with such a weapon.

Bumi actually did something with that kidnapping of Bataar Jr., but I would still say that turning him into a bender was really unnecessary. I also didn't realize that Tenzin was wearing the new airbending outfit under his traditional robes. It looked kind of weird on him, but I think he had the same outfit for the first three seasons anyway. I really wish that they would make it clear why Bataar Jr. went against his family since otherwise, it just feels like hallow drama when we don't even know the reason behind such a decision. It doesn't help that he and Kuvira don't look particularly close, although part of that could be just from how Kuvira is so serious all the time and doesn't really let her guard down. Korra's plan to keep Bataar Jr. away from Kuvira was pretty good since she could emotionally hurt him more willingly than physically hurting him.

As for Kuvira, I would still say that she didn't love Bataar Jr, or at least not that much if her convictions for having a united Earth Kingdom was that much stronger than whatever feelings she had for him. She was perfectly willing to potentially kill him if it meant that she had more power. Overall, it was a pretty good episode.

 

[Rhaynebow]

That was a Neon Genesis Evangelion reference if I've ever seen one

I said the exact same thing. Looks like the writers caught the NGE/AOT giant creature of doom fever.

I found Kuvira's betrayal somewhat shocking, but compared to the 'oh snap' moments in season 3, it was a little predictable. But seeing Kuvira make that little sigh DID show that she somewhat felt bad, but had to let go. I'm curious as to how Baatar Jr will take the news.

Actually, I'm curious as to how they'll wrap this whole battle up.

And Varrick, quit teasing the shippers with your obliviousness to Zhu Li's feelings!

 

[Dudley]

Lerkero and Light Lucario did mention something that has been bothering about Korra all the way since it started, and that's that the bending shown in the show is no way near as big and amazing compared to the original series. I mean we still have the occasional awesome fights Korra vs. Tarrlock and anything involving the Red Lotus. But it feels like Aang and the gang could wipe the floor with all the baddies in this show. Heck, even Korra vs. Zaheer still isn't as awesome as Aang vs. Ozai (though it comes close).

And it's true that with Kuvira's giant mech, she definitely seems like she'll attempt to attack the other nations with it with plans of world domination.

 

[Lerkero]

I think another reason why it's funny is because Kuvira has just dropped all of that whole wanting peace and stability since carrying around a spirit weapon on top of a giant mecha robot is pretty far away from peace and stability.

It wasn't exactly clear in the episode, but there is reason to believe that Kuvira would stop her conquest after taking republic city. She did state that Republic City was part of the Earth Kingdom. As with many dictators though, it's tough to believe that she would actually stop there.

As for Kuvira, her expressions in the last scene gave me the impression that she does care about Bataar Jr., but clearly not nearly as much as he feels. I thought that was kind of obvious at the beginning of this episode when she didn't say that she loved him back.

It was nice that they put little touches like that into her character. She didn't hesitate to kill Bataar Jr., but her expression right before doing it made it seem like there was some conflict there. I'm not sure how one would describe Kuvira's feelings. I wish there was more there to understand her motives.[/quote]

Prince Wu doing something right without saying something to make me hate him more was also a nice surprise. I also liked how Zhu Li and Varrick made up, but Zhu Li didn't want to go back to the status quo. I suspect that they'll have some romantic moment at some point during the finale.

I forgot to comment on those moments. I liked that Zhu Li would not be happy with the status quo and that her suddenly speaking more was not in vain. I would love to see Zhu Li and Varrick working side by side in the epilogue. Price Wu didn't impress me. His moment felt forced. Mako could have been more subtle, but what the Price said wouldn't have convinced me either.

While she may only want Republic City at the moment, having a weapon like that would make her more of a threat to the entire world and if she wanted to, she could easily try to take over the other nations with such a weapon.

I think Kuvira made it rather clear that her arsenal provided much more power than needed to override negotiation.

I still don't see why benders couldn't easily knock that mech over though. I feel like the theme of "benders vs technology" didn't get as explored as it should have.

 

[PapaGreg]

Well I guess Kuvira's mech has a Spirit Gun

 

[cwjakesteel]

I wonder if Korra can learn to bend the energy attacks, I mean it is spirit energy after all.

I will dread, DREAD if that happens! Because really it seems like the "right" thing to do here. There's obviously going to be some impossible ultimatum, and Korra will avatar state the world back to normal like the ending of a Fairly Odd Parents' episode (oh okay, maybe not that bad).

But you know, now that I think of it, if the writers actually made the show end where the world was significantly different, like, with leading into sci-fi technology and a global change in politics, then they would make another season/show, but because they're not, then the ending is more clear cut, at least, in my imagination.

The whole episode I was in suspense, wondering what Kuvira's gambit would be (the title of the show really set the bar for me), and it was really pleasing to see that she went that far, although I feel really bad for Bataar Jr. though. Kuvra will end up alone....so sad...sob sob...

And that giant mech! Really cool. Normally I don't care about anime about giant robots (except Megas XLR), so I was actually really surprised. A giant robot honestly feels very inefficient at performing it's tasks, but it sure does strike fear into the hearts of men! And that, is enough for me.

 

[Light Lucario]

It wasn't exactly clear in the episode, but there is reason to believe that Kuvira would stop her conquest after taking republic city. She did state that Republic City was part of the Earth Kingdom. As with many dictators though, it's tough to believe that she would actually stop there.

That is her reasoning for going after Republic City, but I really doubt that she'll just stop there. She has a ridiculously overpowered weapon that can easily crush any army and destroy cities within minutes. It seems really unlikely that she'd just keep it to herself as a means to defend the Earth Kingdom after she has it all.

It was nice that they put little touches like that into her character. She didn't hesitate to kill Bataar Jr., but her expression right before doing it made it seem like there was some conflict there. I'm not sure how one would describe Kuvira's feelings. I wish there was more there to understand her motives.

I think understanding both Kuvira and Bataar Jr.'s motivations would be really good. We had a tad more about Kuvira than we do about Bataar Jr. I think, but not by much or to understand why she'd be willing to go so far for this so-called peace and stability. It's especially strange when her methods have done far more harm than good for the Earth Kingdom.

I forgot to comment on those moments. I liked that Zhu Li would not be happy with the status quo and that her suddenly speaking more was not in vain. I would love to see Zhu Li and Varrick working side by side in the epilogue. Price Wu didn't impress me. His moment felt forced. Mako could have been more subtle, but what the Price said wouldn't have convinced me either.

I was mostly happy that Wu didn't say something really stupid like that whole logic that men only do anything to get women. I don't think what he said was significantly better than what Mako said and he still comes off as largely incompetent to be a King, but he at least didn't make himself look like a bigger idiot.

 

[Lerkero]

I will dread, DREAD if that happens! Because really it seems like the "right" thing to do here. There's obviously going to be some impossible ultimatum, and Korra will avatar state the world back to normal like the ending of a Fairly Odd Parents' episode (oh okay, maybe not that bad).

I would be happy if Korra energy bends one of the mech's attacks back at it and kills Kuvira, but I will not be happy if season 4 ends like season 1 where Korra solves all the problems in a couple minutes of footage. Perhaps seeing people working toward a new peace, but certainly not reaching peace after the mess the Earth Kingdom has done.

 

[ShadowBeast]

Lerkero and Light Lucario did mention something that has been bothering about Korra all the way since it started, and that's that the bending shown in the show is no way near as big and amazing compared to the original series. I mean we still have the occasional awesome fights Korra vs. Tarrlock and anything involving the Red Lotus. But it feels like Aang and the gang could wipe the floor with all the baddies in this show. Heck, even Korra vs. Zaheer still isn't as awesome as Aang vs. Ozai (though it comes close).

And it's true that with Kuvira's giant mech, she definitely seems like she'll attempt to attack the other nations with it with plans of world domination.

Yeah the bending has been pretty weak in this series, maybe it's from everyone starting to rely more on technology.
I remember how the creators talked about the bending being based on martial arts and some character's being of specific ones like Toph's bending being Mantis Style.
With this series we don't really get that much.

 

[SaneMan]

Which makes sense, seeing how martial-arts became obsolete with the invention of guns