Everything changed when three years passed on The Legend of Korra season 4, episode 1. Check out our recap and share your thoughts on “After All These Years.”
Like it was yesterday
Republic City has changed markedly in the three years since Avatar Korra left the city. The Spirit Wilds are now a tourist attraction, and Asami Sato has revolutionized train travel through Republic City and beyond.
It’s been a while since the gang got together, but both Korra and Bolin are returning to the city for the coronation of Prince Wu, heir to the Earth Kingdom throne. A long-suffering Mako has been appointed as the ridiculous prince’s bodyguard while he’s in Republic City
Wu is concerned about his safety once he takes the throne, but he is promised that Kuvira has the Earth Nation mostly in-hand. There’s only, you know, a few bandits now. He’ll probably be fine.
A rocky start
Opal and Kai apprehend some of said bandits robbing a destitute Earth Kingdom town. The governor is upset that his backup is only two young airbenders, as his entire state is practically under siege by bandits. Opal and Kai resolve to help however they can.
The Great Uniter
Bolin is working for Kuvira and Suyin’s oldest son Bataar, who are ostensibly trying to reunite the Earth Kingdom. When their train is attacked by bandits, Kuvira easily takes care of the rebels.
Kuvira promises to give the terrified bandits a new purpose in their lives – if they swear allegiance to her. The hapless bandits do so, calling Kuvira the “Great Uniter.”
Balance of power
Kuvira’s train arrives in Opal and Kai’s Earth Kingdom town, reuniting Opal with Bolin. She is angry at Kuvira and Bataar, who are now engaged and left Zaofu under fractious circumstances. Opal is suspicious of Kuvira’s motives – apparently she has a tendency to “help” towns by taking them over.
Opal’s suspicions hold up when Kuvira threatens the governor. For her protection, he must sign the town over to her; without her protection, they will starve.
The governor refuses to sign his state over to her. Kuvira tells Kai to get him to sign it, in exchange for help. Opal and Bolin part angrily when Bolin refuses to help.
Choices
Opal and Kai collect food from neighboring towns. Unfortunately, the pair are attacked by bandits in a bi-plane, and Opal is forced to abandon the food when Kai’s airsuit is ripped. They return to the town empty-handed, forcing the governor to sign Kuvira’s contract in order to save his people. Kai tells him it is the right decision.
“Did I ever really have a choice?” the old man sighs.
Kuvira and her people return and distribute food and protection to the people. The governor is forced to pledge his loyalty to the Great Uniter.
Unexpected news
Back in Republic City, Prince Wu is attacked by pie-wielding Kuvira supporters on his way to the spa. Mako sweeps the Prince out of harm’s way, earning his further unctuous gratitude.
At Air Temple Island, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo are all excited to see Korra again. Mako is less excited (read: devastated) to learn that he has been reassigned by President Raiko to be Prince Wu’s permanent bodyguard.
That’s rough, buddy.
A Southern Water Tribe ship docks on the island. Naga and Tonraq are greeted excitedly by the kids and Tenzin – but the Avatar is not with them. According to Tonraq, Korra left the South Pole six months ago, and has been writing him letters “from Republic City” ever since.
“I assure you, your daughter’s not here,” Tenzin says.
“Then where is she?” Tonraq asks, stunned.
The lost girl
In a grubby Earth Kingdom fighting ring, Korra loses a match against an earthbender – it’s not really even a close fight. She is paid meagerly for her performance, and the manager comments that Korra “looks like that Avatar girl.”
“I get that a lot,” she says.
“What ever happened to her, anyway?” the man wonders.
“I wouldn’t know,” the Avatar girl says, walking away into the shadows.
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