Truly A PSYCHOLOGICAL BATTLE. Brilliant! THE LEGEND OF KORRA 4x6 (The Battle of Zaofu) Reaction

[@KEEMchoosen777]

I just love this season and how it focus on PTSD etc 😩 also fun fact guys kuvira was confirmed to be as powerful as prime toph

[@darquidarqui]

Me too! I believe it's my favorite storyline so far, it's just so personal and powerfully executed. And wow, I mean, that's just a freaking hard match then!

[@Double44inthemorning]

She’s as skilled as toph. Not stronger. And toph is as skilled as Bumi. But Bumi is stronger

[@tahjsimon9058]

@@Double44inthemorning She is as powerful, power is part of being a true master. It is the same with waterbending, firebending and airbending. Only an avatar state or something like it is going to give an amp to a true master. Kuvira is a true earthbending and metalbending master. Just because she uses metal in more refined ways doesn't mean that she can't use huge power.

[@sofie8679]

can we talk about how at: 13:51 Opal is holding up that huge tornado all by herself! like she's powerful

[@darquidarqui]

You're totally right hahaha she's a pro now, like wow! Most similar thing was the airbenders together in venom of the red lotus but now it's only Opal, props to her! 🔥

[@zeallust8542]

PTSD sufferer here, love the way the show handles it. You never fully recover, and it takes a very long time to build up the mental strength to not let it control you and your mind.

[@hannahtribe9394]

The fight between Korra and Kuvira is hard to watch, and I mean that in a good way. The way it is animated and the way it's shot, there is something so gritty about it. Even though its got flashy bending, there is a grounded and realistic feeling to it. I'm not sure how else to describe it. What you said about the music I hadn't even noticed before but yeah, it is not triumphant but sombre, like it's trying to tell us that Korra has already lost. Also the parallels with early Zuko/Azula was spot on. Kuvira being all composed and calculated and Korra throwing herself in with anger and frustration. It hurts to watch Korra getting hurt and its hard to see her lose but it is actually so important to her character development that she does lose. If Korra had beaten Kuvira or even killed her, it would have just confirmed to her that once again, violence is the only way to solve things. The fact that she resists going into the avatar state for so long despite the fact that she was clearly not going to win without it, I think speaks volumes to her mental state. It's almost like she's afraid to. When Su is yelling at her to go into it and the way the shot lingers on her face, she just looks so tired. I think when Korra was about to crush Kuvira on the ground, seeing her helpless and about to die, was what triggered her ptsd. Seeing her enemy in the same position she was in at the end of book 3. I love the fact that her ptsd is not forgotten. Getting the last of the poison out was a huge step forward in her healing, but trauma is not something that goes away overnight. This is a top tier episode for me. Also the Bolin/Varrick team up is comedy gold. I can't wait for 'Reunion'. Blushing incoming! (As to your question, I absolutely love book 4. I think it might be my favourite of the show, though book 3 is very close behind.)

[@tar-mairo]

Perfectly worded feeling about Korra vs Kuvira! 👍

[@hannahtribe9394]

@@tar-mairo Thanks! :)

[@darquidarqui]

Agree wholeheartedly Hannah! I love the gritty approach to it, and even though they're different stories, it reminds me as well of Dark Knight Rises with the first clash between Batman and Bane: somber, haunting, sad, and just so hard to watch in a good way. I think the music really added to the atmosphere here cuz we're used to listen to epic music in this kind of fights, specially with Korra there, but it's totally different psychological stage for her. Yes! I think it's an amazing parallel, and just seeing Kuvira that arrogant proves how much Korra is confronting her old self as well! Totally agree, this loss makes her character even more believable and it created much more attachment for her to win at the end, like it's not gonna be an easy task to achieve and when Korra does, I think it's gonna be really satisfying and maybe even cathartic. Question is: is there gonna be a rematch or different approach to defeat Kuvira? That really makes me wonder. Yesss, amazing catch! The expression in Korra's face and even her body language just evokes that feeling of being emotianlly exhausted. That visual of the nightmarish Korra in Kuvira's body is some of my favoriteimages of the show so far. Agree, top tier for sure! Hahahaha I adore them together! Such a fun and fresh dynamic! Blushing coming indeed 👀🙈 Super glad to hear that! Let's see how it ends to decide my definitive ranking 👀🙌🏻 thank you so much as always Hannah!

[@johndalenino]

Not sure if y’all notice, but I love the little touches of animation in this show. Kuvira rubbing her fingers to a desk, and using a meteorite as a ‘fidget spinner’ 😂

[@darquidarqui]

Oh yeah, didn't feature in the reactions, but I love those little moments as well! Adds a lot to the personality and emotional stance of each character 🙌🏻

[@mharlon09.]

Although is frustrating seeing Korra lose and Kuvira being so arrogant, I liked they didn't let Korra win, if she won I feel it would've done the whole PTSD arc pointless and pathetic and I wouldn't have forgiven that, but instead they show how PTSD actually works and affects you. I absolutely hated how Su's impatience provoked a lot of issues to Korra and Zaofu itself, poor Opal though 😢. The visuals and colours during the battle were gorgeous.

[@darquidarqui]

I love it too, I really appreciate when vulnerability is given to the protagonist and a lot more if that character is dealing with something intimate, personal and hard to overcome, like PTSD in this case. The continuation of that theme really validates the previous episodes and it feels earned. I appreciate that approach to Su's character though, that darkness in the good characters always creates a grey area that makes the conflict all the more interesting in terms of agreeing with one or other sense of morality. I love how it's all written, it's very mature storytelling. Oh yeah, the battle was executed beautifully, so somber and non triumphant at all, amazing episode overall!

[@mharlon09.]

@@darquidarqui yeah, overall they did a good job, Mike (one of the producers) used his own PTSD experience while writing this. Yeah, to be honest Su just rushed everything, the outcome would've been the same probably. And yeah, even when Korra entered the Avatar state the theme was very similar to the version used when Aang entered it in the desert (vulnerable and desperate).

[@darquidarqui]

@@mharlon09. that's awesome to know, the PTSD definitely feels very lived in and carefully written. Oh yeah, I think that as well, inevitably gonna happen either way. Mmmmm interesting! Didn't catch that, definitely have to rewatch ATLA after this 🙌🏻🔥

[@jmhaces]

One subtle detail I really enjoy in this season is how Varrick is now a less selfish person than he was in previous seasons and it's implied it's because he's spent a lot of time with Bolin the last three years working under Kuvira and ended up being influenced by him simply by virtue of Bolin being his normal wholesome self.

[@darquidarqui]

Very nice insight! And that's exactly why Bolin works so well here, he has such a good heart that Varrick might learn from, and yeah, he doesn't even really know or want to admit (at least that's the sense that I get) that he cares for someone else like Zhu Li. Super interested to see a potential character development for him!

[@LucasSouza-vi8si]

This fight between Korra and Kuvira was simply genius.. I'm not saying the end itself, but the concept behind it. If Korra won the fight, she would return to the thought of season 1, that the avatar is a fighter, and aggression is the best way. This was the final step towards his evolution as a character.

[@darquidarqui]

Completely agree, the direction here is amazing cuz that loss epitomizes that physicality doesn't make the Avatar, it's also the mental strength. Can't wait to see how it all ends!

[@tar-mairo]

Hey Diego! As much like you didn't recognize Zhu Li (me neither when I watched it the first time!) without her glasses it took me a few seconds to recognize you without the facial hair! The Battle of Zaofu delivers exactly what the title says! To be honest, when I was younger and watching the series when it came out, my original reaction was much like Meelo's but with years I realized that the word ''battle'' covers so many levels: physical, mental, spiritual, political (?) etc. Your observations on Korra fighting Kuvira were so spot on: it is so frustrating watching and almost feeling every hit but it was coreographed amazingly, and the music is really memorable! The re-appearance of ''Dark Avatar Korra'' along with that score is one of the most unsettling images in the whole show! And when you think about it, Kuvira defeating Korra lethally in duel works perfectly for her: the Avatar after Korra would be an earthbender and, although years ahead, potentially another great asset for Kuvira to use. Now that's a chilling thought! Also, it wasn't in the reaction video but again, there is something so threatening in the way Kuvira (Zelda Williams actually!) delivers the line ''Begin dismantling the domes'' at the end, with her signature theme swelling up, indicating that the episode is truly a turning point! And since you like Star Wars, this episode really reminds me of ''The Empire Strikes Back'', certainly in showing the good guys losing and obviously not yet ready for the final showdown with the enemy. Looking forward to the next reaction!

[@darquidarqui]

Hey there Mario! Hope you're doing great 🙌🏻 hahahaha that's just perfect, now the facial hair does make a difference I suppose lol! Hahaha that's a great realization, and it makes sense that Meelo reacted that way, and yeah, a battle can be anything, and I'm soooo pleased they chose this direction, it just feels so personal and much more dramatic in this story. Thank you! That's an amazing point, didn't remember that, the next Avatar is an earthbender, it's just so poetic! Oh yeah, that Kuvira image is nightmarish as freak, love it! It speaks so much honestly. Oh yeah, that final line was amazing, really felt like a mid-season finale and you're sooo so right lol! This is very similar to Empire Strikes Back in that sense, the tone is dark and grim and the good guys just lost overwhelmingly. There's a reason why that one is my favorite Star Wars movie lol! Thank you so much as always dude! Can't wait to post asap 🙌🏻

[@schisuchtig2513]

Normally the next Avatar would be an earth bender but since Korra is the first Avatar of the new cycle it is not 100% sure if the cycle stays the same.

[@schisuchtig2513]

Favourite qoute: You'll be sorry you left me, Zhu Li! When they write the history books, your name will be synonymous with betrayal! People will say, "Hey, what happened to that guy? Oh, didn't you hear? He varricked himself because some girl zhu li'd him!" (Varrick)

[@darquidarqui]

Love the drama hahahaha

[@TrystonTX]

Korra still experienced PTSD, even the poison would be out of her.

[@darquidarqui]

It's honestly amazing, venom out is just the first step, it makes it all the much more difficult for Korra to overcome and the more realistic take on it!

[@villainreacts936]

season 4 of korra has a funny/"mentor ish?" way of showing development for all characters ; they use new characters to allow the protagonists to demonstrate their own growth and it is fun to watch.

[@darquidarqui]

I agree, it makes the repertoire of characters feel a lot more diverse and it adds mostly to Korra's journey. And I love that so much about this season, it's super character centric

[@Nechay.]

GLORY TO THE GREAT UNITER!GLORY TO THE EARTH EMPIRE!

[@darquidarqui]

👀🔥

[@3Kings_Industries]

If you pay attention to the martial art styles, Korra is using older traditional forms, styles we would expect from Aang's world. Meanwhile, Kuvira moves more like Bruce Lee, Jeet Kun Do. I find it also similar to the way metal bender forms look more fluid, like a mixture of water style with earth. Anyways, just another layer to this fantastic universe.

[@darquidarqui]

I definitely have to pay more close attention to the way they fight! And those comparisons sound awesome, really tells how much the creators care for this universe 🙌🏻

[@donmah06]

This season is my favourite for sure! Not sure wether it ranks higher for me than ATLA S3, but at least just as high to be honest!:) And goddd yeah I really love Bolin and Varrick together hahaha they're such a great duo! I'm gonna comment on my favourite scene from them later on:) Speaking of Varrick, I'm thinking that "The Thing" might be "anticipating what he wants or needs before even he himself knows that he wants/needs it "

[@darquidarqui]

Awesomeee! ATLA S3 is definitely really high in my list, and this season just might be reaching those heights for me, which is saying a lot! Let's see how it progresses though 👀🙌🏻 They're sooooo so funny, their interactions bring so much kinetic energy to the show! Ohhh okok, I'll wait then! Ohhhhh okok, now that makes a ton of sense, perfect definition tbh haha thank you so much, May! 🙌🏻🔥

[@MCSilverBattles]

09:13 Wow

[@darquidarqui]

Loving the parallels!

[@pencilhb13]

As usual your analysis is spot on, and I love how genuinely down you were to see the hero of the story actually lose, because that is far more realistic than "oh we got rid of the physical issue, she's good now, let's go!", and gives both her PTSD and her growth real weight. I don't think that had ever been done in such an in-depth way in an animated show before Korra (in western animation, at least).

[@darquidarqui]

Thank you so muuuuuch! Oh yeah, this loss really means a lot, it makes it more grounded and believable, and it can make for a much more powerful and cathartic climax! Can't thing of anything before that tbh, and regardless, this season has executed those themes and the storyline beautifully so far! Really can't wait to see how it all ends 🙌🏻🔥

[@stevemoviesreactions]

I Love this video. Thamk you for your reacts!!

[@darquidarqui]

Thank you so so much dude! Will try to keep delivering more good stuff 🙌🏻

[@chitoge7816]

Yup, like you mentioned in ep4, if korra was fixed just by taking out the poison then that wouldn't make all that much sense. Korra's mental scars haven't really healed at all. And congrats on the 2k, didn;'t really realize when it happened. Also, the kitty is cute as heck.

[@darquidarqui]

Yep, it makes the problem and her character feel a lot more grounded and adult, I appreciate their care for this storyline. And thank you so much chitoge! She'll appear a lot more in coming videos, she's just the cutest 🙌🏻❤️

[@marcostiago8023]

korra: i'm gonna end you! kuvira: bet.

[@darquidarqui]

*shoulder touch* and so she wins, end of the show

[@spicypumpkins2640]

Congrats on 2k!!!

[@darquidarqui]

Thank you so so much! 🙌🏻❤️

[@darholland3566]

Okay Korra (your cat) is adorable. It almost makes me want one. I’m glad I’m watching this vid right after seeing the other one. Because I can say it. Su Becoming an assassin?! Taking out Kuvira?? C’mon on. Nothing about that is smart. And what’s wild is Kuvira KNEW Su would do this. She planned for it. You know how predictable you gotta be for someone to know you would try to get them while they slept, because Kuvira knew Su couldn’t stand Kuvira being in power. Ouch. And then to rightfully call her out on how much of a coward she is. And I don’t mean that personally but instead of Su coming out herself and fighting Kuvira she sends Korra. Instead of taking the reins and helping Ba Sing Se or even trying she says no on the fear of being seeing as conquerors when reality would have/could have been different if Su just tried. Kuvira knew where to dig that wound in a little deeper, especially because she predicted Su to do something like this. And your right. It’s very personal for Opal. It’s personal for them all, and man if that doesn’t play into everything. This whole season feels very personal. Kuvira does a great job here of mentioning that in fact. It’s all very close to home. Kuvira mentioning Korra ‘s title, showing reverence to her, does show respect. But it also a reminder that Korra’s job is to the world not just personal matters of stuff that is happening internally in the earth empire/kingdom. That line was just as much about respect as it was a stay in your place moment. It was a quality manipulation. For me, it kind of reminds me of what we learned in ATLA/TLOK and what we’ve learned about the other avatars. Aang being brought up in s3 about Korra giving herself up for the air nomads. “Aang would be beside himself knowing about the other airbenders, but he also knew that he had a duty to the world.” Even before Aang we have evidence of Avatars before picking places that are personal to them to the point is can cause discord in others way in the next avatar’s lifetime. One of the earliest avatars we know about (besides wan) is Szieto: Avatar from the fire nation that never dealt with anything other than the fire nation. Was an advisor to the fire lord and help make the fire nation super prosperous. But left the other places to deal by themselves. Then we get Yangchen: the air nomad before aang, all about the world and specifically the humans part of it. Always sided with humans when in between human/spirit conflicts. The world prospered heavily under yangchen but left the spirit world angry. Kuruk: had to clean up all the angry spirits Yangchen left behind by himself and secretly. He dealt with all those spirits so much I think he’s considered with having the shortest time as an avatar. Then we get Kyoshi who very much dealt with other place but mostly dealt with unrest in the earth kingdom, giving birth to the dai li. We all know the rest from there. I think Kuvira’s message was just as much as a reminder for Korra to not let this whole thing get personal to keep it about the empire in general but also give us the audience a reminder that up to this point (beside her extreme methods for achieving her goal) Kuvira has been speaking facts. It is an internal issue for the earth empire/kingdom. It has nothing to do with Korra as the avatar. If it affects the entire world, sure Avatar get involved. But seeing as how it only effects the earth kingdom and territories in that kingdom, technically speaking Korra shouldn’t be getting in involved. Don’t let it get personal. But Korra doesn’t heed the warning she was giving. You something last episode: Kuvira is just like Korra and you can really see it here. The cockiness, the assurance she knows she’s gonna win. Even the taunting! That’s all S1 Korra. And here you really see that even Korra could fall back into old habits, she gets taunted gets called weak and she’s ready to go. But like you I said Kuvira is a beast. Korra is off her game here and it hurts seeing how badly those 3 years hurt her physically. Like yes we see it in Korra Alone but now here’s someone who is giving full S1 Korra vibes, moves and even comparable fighting prowess and Korra isn’t landing a hit until the avatar State. Ouch. It’s humiliation for Korra in the worst way because that’s what she always prided herself on was her fighting and now she can’t even win without the avatar State. Tears. And then that ptsd episode right in the middle of the fight just to show that Korra still is dealing with ongoing mental issues is just horrible icing on a really bad cake. Some girl Zhu Li’d him. I love this saying I WILL find a way to say it in everyday life. Half a brain cell between Bolin and Varrick. Half. Also yes, Kuvira, with hair down, cocky smirk. Yep. Yep. All the yes. Ooh, ranking this season among the rest?? Oof. I’m much more a TLOK fan than a ATLA fan so for me it’s has to be 3/4/1/2 and that’s not saying I dislike TLOK s2, I love s2 it constantly changes it’s position but as of right now s2 is on the bottom if only because of how much time Asami didn’t get. Loved the reaction and what you said about it being character driven. It never occurred to me why it felt so personal and now I can finally say it’s because it’s such a character driven season. Thanks for that. See ya in the next one

[@darquidarqui]

Hahahaha get one! They're the best, Korra is simply the cutest! Exactly, like, Su could've become someone like Kuvira or even worse, reminded me so much of Katara's dark path in season 3 of ATLA in that one episode. Mmmm interesting detail about the past Avatars and how it connects to Kuvira's discourse against Korra! That's right, it wasn't personal until Korra makes it that way, which is natural in this story. The PTSD really elevated the episode for me, the title of the episode for me is that, is the psychological battle of Korra against herself. That's fair, Asami didn't get a lot to do in s2, but awesome ranking! And thank you so so much as always, legend! See ya in the next one ❤️🔥

[@rhuanaraujocirqueira5905]

Best intro ever 😀😀😀😂😂😂

[@darquidarqui]

Hahahaha thank you! Glad you enjoyed 😂🙌🏻

[@beethewizard]

Varrick I wasn’t testing Bolín. Think of all of the times he says do the thing. He did mean to unhook the cars when he said, “Do the thing.” When Bolín saved them that was also doing the thing. I always enjoy your reactions.

[@darquidarqui]

Mmm okok, I can see that yeah. Mostly because someone else said that the thing might be more like "anticipating what's coming next". Good take dude! And thank you so much, really appreciate it 🙌🏻🔥

[@beethewizard]

@@darquidarqui You’re welcome and I saw the smile on your girlfriend’s face in anticipation of the next episode and all I can say is…🤐 It is always a pleasure sir.

[@enzonicolas7501]

I love Kuvira and i live Zhu li

[@darquidarqui]

They are becoming one of my favorite parts of this season for sure!

[@horsegirl19951]

I said over on Patreon that there’s one episode that I like over the other. Out of this one and the next one, I like this episode a lot more than Reunion. Varrick definitely made the episode for me.

[@marcostiago8023]

for me Wu ruins everything that Reunion should have been.

[@horsegirl19951]

@@marcostiago8023 Most definitely.

[@darquidarqui]

Varrick is definitely a standout this season! Interesting, let's see what I think of ep 7 👀 this episode truly is top tier though, love it!

[@horsegirl19951]

@@darquidarqui Yeah, it’s hard to not love Varrick. You probably have a clue on why Reunion is not a favorite of mine in this season 👀

[@luwirap]

It's hard to see Korra being tossed around like a ragdoll here... The themes of PTSD and ending your life, though portrayed comedically, were heartbreaking but a necessary conversations to touch upon. It's like the Avatar series is growing up with its audience, this is why Legend of Korra has a very special place in my heart. Season 3 is the most exciting for me when it comes to adventure and mystery, but Season 4 is the most emotionally impactful, it has less mystery but more conflict driven, especially when as the characters grow up, the stakes go higher and their standpoints and opinions are stronger. The series knows its viewers, it doesnt underestimate our capacity to understand and comprehend the underlying issues and darker themes. As an audience and as a fan of the show, I feel respected. Also I laughed so hard when you said that Korra the kitten only speaks Spanish! Hahaha she's so adorable and a little feisty like baby Korra! "I'm Diego's cat! You gotta deal with it!" Ahahha

[@darquidarqui]

Yess, completely agree. This episode is honestly top tier for me in this show. I appreciate how much it treats the audience in that sense, we do grow up with the show. Similar to Harry Potter movies haha. Love this season so much honestly, it's fascinating. Hahahaha yessss, baby Korra is for sure feisty but so cute at the same time! ❤️🙌🏻

[@maiconmuller8836]

Congrats on the 2k subscribers! I'm really happy to see your channel grow I love this episode, I love the whole journey Korra goes this season. She's also growing! P.s.: Have you heard of The Legend of Vox Machina?

[@darquidarqui]

Thank you soooo much Maicon! 😄 Yesss, it's such a strong and emotional journey! First time I've ever heard about it, what's that? 😅

[@maiconmuller8836]

@@darquidarqui Well, Vox Machina would be the PERFECT next series for you. It's based on a RPG table, the characters are AMAZING and the show is hilarious!

[@darquidarqui]

@@maiconmuller8836 hahaha thank you so much dude for the suggestion! Already a show chosen after LOK, but I'll definitely keep this one in mind, thank you my dude!

[@verlandezjones9168]

💯🦾💯🦾💯🦾💯THIS SEASON KICKS LITERAL ASS💯🦾💯🦾💯🦾💯

[@darquidarqui]

It's just so personal, so beautiful, so meaningful, LOVING IT SO MUCH! 🙌🏻🔥

[@mathies3598]

Hey, just wondering, don't you put the post-episode discussions on Patreon? I want to watch those too even if i've seen the full episode

[@darquidarqui]

Thank you for pointing that out dude, will try to have it all together for Patreon from now on!

[@josebeteta8105]

Love this season, it's just sad that there's an actual real life parallel scenario happening in Ukraine. I'm trying to divide them, but sadly I will now always see Kuvira like a Putin. On a more positive note, Kuvira is voiced by Zelda Williams, Robin Williams' daughter. So happy to see that she inherited his voice acting talent. ❤️

[@darquidarqui]

Can't agree more with you, it's a very sad reality right now. It ames this story súper scary and that grounded in reality. All my strenght and hear with Ukraine ❤️ Zelda is definitely a standout this season and thus show overall, she steal every single scene. Love her!

[@tommcburney301]

You know what I think. Avatar should have either a show with Aang and co in their 20's, or two more show with the next Earth and Fire Avatars to cap off the current wave of the Avatar Cycle.

[@darquidarqui]

Would love love to see next Earth and Fire Avatars honestly! Would expand the world a whole lot more with new characters 🙌

[@deathsyth27]

ATLA season 3, Korra season 3 and 4 are my top 3 seasons. Korra season 2 and ATLA season 1 are the weakest for episodes with season 1 of Korra and 2od ATLA being some where in the middle

[@darquidarqui]

Very solid list Matt! Mine might be a little similar at the end, let's see!

[@LauraQuijanoVincenzi]

👍👍👍✨✨✨✨😊

[@yagmur7171]

WE NEED MORE CAT CONTENT

[@darquidarqui]

YOU'LL GET IT, JUST WAIT ❤️🙌🏻