Ep 8. Remembrances

After a thrilling and dramatic journey that spanned three books, The Legend of Korra took an unusual break from the action with "Remembrances," an episode that focused solely on the characters and their relationships.

The episode is framed as a flashback, with Bolin and Varrick telling the story of Team Avatar's adventures to a group of bored refugees in the Earth Kingdom. As they struggle to make their tales interesting, each member of the team chimes in with their own memories and reflections on their journey so far.

The result is a series of vignettes that gives each character a chance to shine and provides a sense of closure to some of the show's ongoing storylines. Tenzin reflects on the legacy of his father, Aang, and grapples with the responsibilities that come with being a spiritual leader. Asami opens up about her complicated feelings for Mako and Korra, while Mako himself tries to come to terms with his own mistakes and memories of his family.

The heart of the episode, however, belongs to Korra, who struggles with PTSD and lingering trauma from her battles with the Red Lotus. As she takes a break from her Avatar duties to spend time with Tenzin's family, she begins to contemplate the weight of her responsibility as the Avatar and the toll that it has taken on her.

"Remembrances" is a unique episode of The Legend of Korra, in that it takes a sharp departure from the usual action-packed storyline to focus instead on the characters and their relationships. It's a bit of a breather episode, but it's one that is sorely needed after the intense events of the previous episodes.

At times, the episode feels like a bit of a clip show, as the characters reminisce over past events and adventures. However, the flashbacks are woven into the narrative in a way that feels organic and natural, rather than feeling like a forced series of flashbacks.

The use of flashbacks is a device that the show has employed before, but "Remembrances" takes it a step further by having the characters themselves reflect on their journeys. By doing so, the episode serves not only as a recap of events, but as a means of character development and growth.

Ultimately, "Remembrances" is an episode that is all about taking a step back and examining the bigger picture. It's a chance for the characters to reflect on their journey and the hardships they've faced, both individually and as a group. The episode is well-paced and well-directed, with a strong focus on character development and a willingness to take its time with introspective moments.

While "Remembrances" may not have the same level of excitement and action as some of the show's other episodes, it's a necessary break from the usual formula that helps to ground the characters and provide a sense of closure to their ongoing storylines. For fans of the show, it's a chance to spend some time with beloved characters and see them evolve in new and interesting ways.