In the ninth episode of the second season of The Legend of Korra, Korra returns to Tenzin and asks for help entering the Spirit World. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch The Legend of Korra.Â
OH GOD, THIS CONTINUES TO GET BETTER, I’M SO IN FAVOR OF THIS.
Republic City
It’s unfortunate that the Korra plot is so ridiculously good only because the secondary story involving Mako pales  in comparison. While Korra and Tenzin’s family are off trying to find out how to save the world from utter annihilation, Mako is trying to stop… someone from making money? Okay, that’s not entirely what’s happening here, and obviously, war profiteering is a terrible thing. So is the way in which Varrick has exploited Asami’s sense of good will. But the bulk of “The Guide” is devoted to DRAGONFLY BUNNY SPIRITS, y’all. HOW DOES THIS COMPARE.
It doesn’t, which isn’t to say it’s a pointless plot. But I certainly found the story to be lacking the same sort of thrill as the rest of the episode. It’s clear now that Varrick truly is behind the attacks on the Southern Water Tribe, all so he can drum up the war and profit off of it. Â That’s why he tries to bribe/extort Mako, and it’s why he then frames Mako for the bombings and thefts himself. So what’s the next step? Asami is being manipulated into thinking that Mako used her, and Bolin is off being a movie star, uninterested in anything else. So how is Mako gonna get out of this?
The Spirit World
This is such a satisfying episode otherwise, though. And it’s a difficult story as well, since it involves Tenzin learning how to deal with his own disappointment. I honestly did not expect Korra to reunite with Tenzin so soon, but it makes a lot of sense that she’d seek out her original mentor after her experience. I think that’s one of the things that contributes to Tenzin’s stubbornness, though. After Korra returns to him, validating his concerns from earlier and asking for his help, it’s obviously frustrating for him that he can’t provide what she needs. However, his main issue is that Tenzin studied for something his entire life, hoping that he could one day utilize it.
That’s not an easy thing to be disappointed about, especially when your DAUGHTER ends up being the one to do the one thing you’ve always wanted to do. So we’re treated to a number of scenes where Tenzin tries to enter the spirit world through meditation, only to lash out and blame others for his failure to do so. First, it’s Meelo and his irritating bell ringing. Then, it’s Kaya and her incense placement. (Which Tenzin asked her to do, by the way.) And when Korra finally realizes that Tenzin is the obstacle, he doesn’t react well, especially once Jinora’s connection is revealed moments later.
Truthfully, Tenzin needed to put his wounded pride aside. I’m glad that he (and the show!!!) allowed Jinora to play a role here that was so significant. Korra’s journey was more important than his ego, and this was a chance for Jinora to contribute as well. Plus, it’s not like Tenzin is suddenly useless; he’s still a valuable mentor, and he’s helped Korra in invaluable ways over the years. He’s got more to do, though this – passage into the spirit world – is not what he was meant to do.
ALSO OH MY GOD. JINORA AND KORRA IN THE SPIRIT WORLD TOGETHER. I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Unalaq
Well, I WAS VERY WRONG. Hey, it happens!!! But obviously, Unalaq knows exactly what he’s doing. This was not a coincidence; he genuinely thinks that releasing Vaatu will benefit him! WHICH IS A TERRIFYING THOUGHT, Y’ALL. I mean, he’s being manipulated by Vaatu, right? I’m sure Vaatu promised him some nonsense that he won’t follow through on at all. You know that’s gonna happen if Vaatu gets free. How can Unalaq expect order from a spirit that sows chaos?
This was also the first episode where I felt genuinely bad for Desna and Eska. Their father does not view them as children but as pawns. They’re just assistance for him in opening the other portal and nothing more. He doesn’t even care that Desna gets hurt! He just immediately turns back to the portal. THAT’S COLD, DUDE. I am now fairly certain that his plan is going to kill him by the end of the season. He’s too obsessed. He’s too close to this.
The video for “The Guide” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
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