The Legend of Korra returns for its final season this weekend, with Nick online debuting the first episode of "Book 4: Balance"
*Full Spoilers ahead*
After a time jump of 3 years (!), Team Avatar have gone their separate ways. Asami's Sato industries thrives in Republic City. President Reiko is ready to usher in a new era and alliance with the Earth Kingdom, and the next in line to rule it is Prince Wu, the nephew of last season's assassinated Earth Queen. Mako serves as Wu's bodyguard for now, but is he just a pawn in the President's diplomatic game? After years of dealing with Bolin's goofy antics, you'd think he'd be used to dealing with Wu's silly personality. Protection detail so far has them dodging pies from angry Kuvira supporters (More on her later). At least Wu's coronation should be the impetus that brings the old gang back together.
The Great State of Yai.
Meanwhile, Air Nomads go from town to town providing aide and protection wherever needed (like Star Wars Jedis!) Unfortunately, their ranks are spread thin. Opal and Kai are the only ones who can help a governor who's lands have been raided by bandits time and again. Both young characters are noticeably aged up, which I think is really cool, and we get to know that their relationships (with Bolin and Jinora respectively) are still intact- however some friction is starting to brew between Opal and Bolin because of where his loyalties lie. This is all great so far, though I think it is odd that these kids would be able to sustain the same relationships for 3 years- especially the children. Hmmm..
Set Piece of the Week:
Transporting goods on trusty ol' Lefty (fully grown!), Opal and Kai are robbed by bandits. This sky bison attack is notable for some thrilling air-strikes and a beautiful free-fall rescue. (Air-benders wear cool new gliding suits now)Unfortunately the villains get away, and it makes one wonder where they are getting all their cool gear to pull off these heists...
Remember Kuvira? The Metal bender who awkwardly introduced herself in the Book 3 finale for like, 3 seconds? Well she's a bad ass militant leader known as "The Great Uniter", and after a wickedly impressive takedown of some mountain Bandits, she establishes herself as possibly Legend of Korra's final great villain. She brokers a deal with the Governor of Yai, and in exchange for her army's protection, they must swear allegiance. Bolin, and Varrik are also under her command, as is Suyin's son, Batar, who Kuvira is engaged to wed! This certainly plays into the falling out Opal and her brother apparently had 3 years ago, and why she's so mad at Bolin right now. Kuvira seems to be a bit of an oppressor and extortionist. But we'll need to see more in the coming weeks.
Let the Fan Theories Begin:
Why is Opal so mad?
Why is Bolin with Kuvira?
What the heck happened to Korra?
The episode ends with Tonraq arriving in Republic City, and while Tenzin and the family are eager to see Korra again, it turns out she has been neither with them or the Southern Water Tribe...She's cut her hair, hidden her identity, and gone off the grid- street fighting in underground pro-bending matches! (Holy sht , this is amazing!)
Promoter: "You kinda look like that Avatar girl."
Korra: "I get that a lot."
Promoter: "Whatever happened to her anyway?"
Korra: "...I wouldn't know..."
In a Nutshell:
After All These Years sets the stage for LoK's swan song, and from the looks of things, it will be a doozy.
The Good- Exciting new setups, older, matured characters, Book 3 fallout
The Bad- New villain, Kuvira kinda looks like a dude; Character design could have been cooler there.
The Score- 8.4