‘Korra Alone’ Legend of Korra Book 4 review
Zuko Alone
Korra Alone
The more observant among you will notice that Zuko and Korra have injuries on the same eye, once you take the mirror effect into consideration.
About a year ago, complaining of the relative shortness of korra books compared to Atla, I pointed out that somewhat rushed plots didnt give time for character centric (ie: not concerning central plot) episodes. I remember saying that we needed more episodes like the eternally awesome ‘Zuko Alone’, ‘Tales of Ba Sing Se’ and ‘The Storm’. Well at a frequency suggesting chance occurrence, sometimes our prayers as fans are answered.
Korra, leaving from her cage fight, is confronted and attacked by a vision of herself in the avatar state (and with mercury poisoning). They fight, while confused citizens look on. A flashback to Korra leaving republic city confirms she intended to go for a few weeks to recuperate alone. Two years later and even with Kataras spiritual Physio she is having trouble taking a few steps, and isnt replying to her friends letters (and drawings). After three years she is physically mostly recovered. She decides to finish her recovery in Republic City with her friends, but unbeknownst to others she is being haunted by a vision of herself in the avatar state. She sails up solo and is constantly harassed by people who recognize her (at least she got to join the avatar wall!). Her vision stops her from going to republic city and instead she starts traveling the world(s) in disguise trying to reconnect with Raava. A spirit, in disguise as a puppy, leads her to the swamp (dagobah) where she meets the character that ATLA fans have been waiting to see since the get go.
The vision that haunts Korra
Korra Alone is the emotional sequel to Zuko Alone, and is full of subtle self reference. Both involve the protagonist (of that episode, anyway) ditching their family and going on a journey of self discovery. Both get beaten up by an earth bender. Both lose a confrontation with thieves. Both episodes are occur at two distinct time frames, through use of flashbacks. But the self reference isnt limited to just Zuko Alone. Korra, like Aang, is spiritually led to the swamp where they encounter Toph. Toph meets Iroh in ‘The Chase’ and he helps her understand that there is no shame in letting the people who love you, help you. Korra meets Toph, who presumably is about to give her some similar wisdom.
Also there was a lot of star wars references in the Toph-Korra scene (Yoda-Luke scene). It occurs in a cave in a swamp after being spiritually led off course on an important mission. Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are fond of referencing other works of fiction they admire in Avatar; and this wouldn’t even be the first star wars scene they’ve done.
This sums it up pretty well. Courtesy of Avatar Korra page on Facebook
thetelevisionjunkie 