Should you watch this, Wiki this, or wait for the recap? Watch this!
Opal, Lin, and Bolin go on a rescue mission to save Suyin and her family from Kuvira’s forces, and are aided by an unlikely ally – Toph. Meanwhile, Korra attempts to enlist the Thelp of the spirits in defending Republic City, but is rebuffed. The rescue mission yields more startling information about Kuvira’s plans – namely, a Spirit Cannon capable of levelling mountains!
“Operation Beifong” is the tenth Chapter (episode) of Book Four: Balance (Season Four) of The Legend of Korra. As the episode title might indicate, this episode revolves around the Beifongs and their tumultuous family. Ironically, though the kidnapping is what reunites them, it’s also the device by which the writers show us just how dysfunctional the entire family is.
There’s not much Korra in this episode, but given that the series is now trying to reunite all the protagonists for the final battle, it’s all right. The Spirits seem a bit bitchy in their refusal to help Korra, but it does make sense and it ties in to their general policy of non-interference. But since Korra has the Avatar State under control now, does it really matter if the Spirits don’t help out?
Highlights
Toph’s prowess
Remember that Toph was already one of the most powerful Benders in the previous series. The intervening years have literally made her an epic level character capable of Avatar-standard feats of Bending. She shows her mettle in this episode, and it’s like watching an old friend in action again – a very powerful old friend at that!
The Beifong family reunited
The Beifongs sure have issues with each other! Although we only delve lightly into Lin’s past, it’s enough to cause a painful quarrel between mother and daughter. It’s rare that we see Toph’s vulnerability, but you can tell she’s genuinely hurt by Lin’s comments. Still, to see the family back together assures us of the fate of the last main character of Legend of Aang, and it ends on a sweet note.
Kuvira vs Suyin
The battle has been long coming, and they duel during the fight. Unfortunately, Kuvira gets the upper hand, again reinforcing just how formidable she is as a Bender. Korra definitely has her work cut out for her, since Kuvira seems more powerful than Zaheer, Unalaq, and Amon (but not Vaatu, of course). If Kuvira can beat Suyin, and Suyin is on the same power level as Tenzin, and Tenzin can beat any of the previous seasons’ Big Bads, then yes, Kuvira is incredibly dangerous.
Zhu Li’s redemption
Zhu Li finally reveals her true colours – she’s been secretly sabotaging Kuvira’s work all this while! It was sad to see Zhu Li become a turncoat in the light of Bolin and Varrick’s realisation that they were on the wrong side, but at least it’s all been rectified. The eventual Varrick – Zhu Li reunion will be hilarious to watch though.
Letdowns
No Kuvira-Toph battle
What, no Earthbender battle? I had hoped to see Toph wipe the floor with Kuvira, but on hindsight it would have diminished either character if there was a definite conclusion as to who was more powerful. But still. Couldn’t they have fought briefly and then escaped to their respective camps later?
“Operation Beifong” is both a Legend of Korra and a Legend of Aang episode, and works well to show us some intergenerational conflict (first) and cooperation (later). And with the revelation of Kuvira’s arsenal and master plans, the stage is set for the ultimate conflict!
Leave a Reply