[TV Review] “Beyond the Wilds” – Episode/Chapter 9, Season/Book 4 of The Legend of Korra

Korra and Mako come upon the victims of the Spirit Vines. ("Beyond the Wilds" - The Legend of Korra S04E09)
Korra and Mako come upon the victims of the Spirit Vines. (“Beyond the Wilds” – The Legend of Korra S04E09)

Should you watch this, Wiki this, or wait for the recap? Watch this.

Korra attempts to go into the Spirit World to save a group of trapped captives, but finds herself still unable to reach her full potential. Meanwhile, Bolin and Varrick meet with the world leaders to inform them of Kuvira’s plans. Korra has to ally herself with a dangerous foe to enter the Spirit World – but will Zaheer keep his end of the bargain?

Meeting of world leaders. ("Beyond the Wilds" - The Legend of Korra S04E09)
Meeting of world leaders. (“Beyond the Wilds” – The Legend of Korra S04E09)

“Beyond the Wilds” is the ninth Chapter (episode) of Book Four: Balance (Season Four) of The Legend of Korra. Returning to the theme of balance, this episode deals with the imbalance caused by Kuvira’s harvesting of the Spirit Vines, and the subsequent issues that Korra has to deal with. We also see just how much faith the world has lost in the Avatar following her absence and defeat by Kuvira, and the impact this has on Korra.

It’s an interesting episode that returns Korra to her full power. Although she’s never going to be able to connect with her past lives again (meaning, no Aang, sadly), it still sees her returning to her full glory. Hm, the last Book of Legend of Aang had a similar premise didn’t it – a depowered Avatar trying to regain his/her full power? After all, an Avatar at his/her peak is literally unstoppable. If we have a third series, let’s hope there’s no more depowering in the final season!

Korra reunites with Ravaa. ("Beyond the Wilds" - The Legend of Korra S04E09)
Korra reunites with Ravaa. (“Beyond the Wilds” – The Legend of Korra S04E09)

Highlights

Korra finally overcomes her mental blocks

At last, there’s nothing holding back Korra! Or so I hope. When she removed the traces of mercury left in her body, it also seemed like that beat was resolved but I was wrong. Here we see Korra connecting to Ravaa and also exhibiting some level of peace that she was missing in previous episodes. Time to put this dead horse to rest and get on with the butt-kicking that Korra’s going to provide!

Bolin and Varrick return

It’s been a long journey for the two of them, after their escape from Kuvira’s camp. Here they finally get to reunite with the rest of the cast, and best of all, Team Avatar is back together again! Even though we don’t really see Asami with the others. Well, it’s only a matter of time before they’re all back in a bunch

Meeting of the world leaders

The fact that there’s a world leaders meeting highlights the threat that Kuvira has become. She’s like Fire Lord Ozai, only she wields deadly technology at her control (actually, kind of like the Fire Lord when you think about it). We also see the new Fire Lord too! I thought it’d be Zuko, but he’s hanging with the White Lotus, so perhaps not. Also, he’d be incredibly old.

Musical score is especially apt

Nothing’s changed about the score, but the sound direction was very touching and appropriate, helping to support the mood and draw out the emotions that the scenes bring. No new scores, but it was well done. Kudos to the sound guys here (who are oft forgotten)!

Zaheer

And we get to see Zaheer in a non-Easter egg role! It’s for a short while, and I don’t think we’d ever see him again, but hey! He was an interesting villain, so it’s fun to see him again.

The Spirits are angry. ("Beyond the Wilds" - The Legend of Korra S04E09)
The Spirits are angry. (“Beyond the Wilds” – The Legend of Korra S04E09)

Letdowns

Where’s Kuvira?

We haven’t seen Kuvira in the previous episode either. Where is she and what’s she up to? We need to establish some sort of emotional connection with Kuvira in order for the final battle to have that weight and gravity to it, and if she continues to be absent for another episode, it’s going to be a very one-sided fight (emotionally).

Korra and Zaheer in an uneasy alliance. ("Beyond the Wilds" - The Legend of Korra S04E09)
Korra and Zaheer in an uneasy alliance. (“Beyond the Wilds” – The Legend of Korra S04E09)

“Beyond the Wilds” gives us back the Korra that we all want to watch, and this means that it’s going to be focusing on the battle between Korra and Kuvira in the next few episodes! Hopefully we see a rematch. I want to see Korra defeat Kuvira without the Avatar State.

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