Should you watch this, Wiki this, or wait for the recap? Watch this.
Korra discovers a new Airbender has been sighted in the city of Zaofu, home to the Metal Clan. Lin’s reluctance to enter the city leads to a startling discovery – the ruler is none other than her estranged sister, Suyin! Meanwhile, a promising new Airbender recruit, Yorru, joins the Air Temple – but there’s more than meets the eye to him.
“The Metal Clan” is the 5th Chapter (episode) of Book 3 (Season 3) of The Legend of Korra. It shows us the fate of Toph and her descendants – what has come of the Metalbending art that she discovered and taught the world? It also explores Lin’s character and background, shedding some light on her usually grim and dour personality (and the reasons for it).
This was a good episode, and a fun return to the exploration theme that The Last Airbender had. We’re seeing an entirely new location that’s significant as a settlement and in terms of the world history of Legend of Korra. I think the last big settlement we saw was Republic City, and after two seasons there, it’s time to move on! I’m excited to see the eventual attack on Zaofu. Ba Sing Se was so last series in terms of impregnable fortresses.
Highlights
Zaofu, city of the Metal Clan
While Republic City had a steampunk feel to it, Zaofu feels alot more Spartan but modern. If Apple had a city in Legend of Korra, it would be Zaofu. It’s a stimulating change from the usual medieval Chinese cities that we’ve been seeing, and while it isn’t Western by any means (what with the lotuses and distinctly Oriental design), it is a visually memorable city – subtly hinting that a lot of major plot events are going to take place there.
Sense of exploration and wonder
Along with Zaofu comes a closer look at the new Air Temple, and again this sense of world building in the episode. The series is taking its time to show us what the Korra’s world is like (although there don’t seem to be many Spirit World incursions into Zaofu, now that I think about it) by showing us the most interesting and curious parts of it. It’s a good reminder that we’re watching a fantasy series (and not some analogue of Earth), and after the fast pace of the previous episode, this is a welcome breather.
Kya-Zaheer battle
Spoiler: Kya battles Zaheer at the Air Temple, and it’s a good fight – Zaheer, being caught by surprise, can barely hold his own. This is the same Zaheer that beat up a group of jailors, and it’s also Kya’s moment of awesome – we see just how powerful she is when she can hold her own against Zaheer. It wasn’t a long or epic battle, but it was a short and decisive one that really established both combatants as masters of their respecting bending arts.
Lin’s moment of vulnerability
The normally stoic Lin is left in tears after a confrontation with Korra at the end of the episode. To see the usually strict, unflappable Lin in such a state is heartbreaking, to say the least. The regret that has come with her choices, the sacrifices she’s made in her life, and the immense burden that she carries all come to the forefront when she finally breaks down at the end.
It humanises Lin so much that you’ll never see her in the same stern light again.
Letdowns
Suyin seems like a Mary Sue
Suyin is by no means an annoying character, just that she’s far too perfect and has virtually no flaws. It’s not that she’s not rounded or well thought out, it’s just that she’s so… perfect. I hope she makes some critical error soon.
Why is Varrick alive?
More importantly, why isn’t he eating his just desserts? Where’s my catharsis? I want to see Varrick taken down! How can he still be around, and worst of all, assisting Suyin? I smell something fishy here. Could Suyin be the secret villain for this season?
“The Metal Clan” is a worthy addition to the Avatar mythos, helping to flesh out the Metalbender culture and history, and dropping some tantalising hints about Toph and her fate. Hopefully we get to see Lin resolve her issues and become a better person by the end of the season too – and maybe Suyin can eat some humble pie at the same time.
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