Legend of Korra is definitely better watched with a friend. My roommate had missed the past two weeks, so we watched the last three episodes together and spent the entire time laughing about Verrick as Stephen Colbert. It was great.

But this week's episode...

WOW. That was intense. I'm not entirely sure how I feel right now except CLIFFHANGER.

Let's start with the break-up I've been waiting for. On one hand, I'm excited that it actually happened. On the other hand, it's one more thing that makes it seem like Mako is the hero of the story, because he's the one who ends the relationship. Just like he's the one to realize that the northern water tribe is not behind the bombing, and that going being the President's back regarding sending troops down is a terrible idea. Everything in the series seems designed to make him seem like the only truly rational person. It's almost like they're going for a San-Ashitaka relationship, but it's not working. I don't like how he's so obviously right and Korra's so obviously wrong.

But at the same time, I do like what Korra's doing. I don't approve of it, of course, and I want to shake her, but in terms of characterization, it makes sense for her as a person and as an 18 year old. Her reactions and behavior are very believable for me and I like that.

I just wish she was more pro-active and not just reactive.


And the other storylines! I enjoyed the Tenzin-Meelo storyline, but unlike other episodes, I don't understand what the purpose of it was or how it tied into the larger episode. I feel like that screentime could have been better spent on the main story.

It was great getting Bolin time without Eska, although the way he screamed upon seeing just her picture really broke my heart. Eska and Bolin could have been (could maybe still be) an interesting and unusual story about domestic abuse and how it's not a joke just because the woman is the abuser. If the arc of the story led to Korra and Mako and Asami recognizing how wrong things are and that Bolin legitimately needs help, it'd be great. But I don't trust Bryke to do that.

It was fabulous seeing Lin again. I didn't realize how empty my life was without her until she was back.