The Legend of Korra is just notoriously adamant about its plot twists, but for all I know Zhu Li truly is truly dancing with the devil. I envision Zhu Li pampering Kuvira’s ego with false loyalty only to pull something amazing in a later episode, but I’ve been too genre savvy for my own good before. However, I can’t help but think this is a secret ploy Zhu Li thought of on the spot, admittedly maybe because I’m biased and want these two crazy kids to stay together. When Zhu Li betrays him and Bolin to side with Kuvira, it’s an expected twist after years of resentment. Zhu Li goes out of her way to keep Varrick alive and loyalty sticks with him out of admiration for his intelligence, but receives no ounce of gratitude in return. There’s no real malice in his tone and Varrick isn’t manipulating Zhu Li (though Book Two boldly points out he is capable of such) he’s just clueless. There is a visibly romantic moment between the two before Varrick ruins it through his usual audacity. “Enemy at the Gates” elaborates upon their supposed symbiotic relationship when Varrick saves Zhu Li from falling to her doom. She silently performs her duties willingly that when she does speak, it’s to subtly correct Varrick’s assumptions or chide him with a deadpan remark. Zhu Li is the ever suffering assistant to Varrick, forced to trail behind him and do his dirty work with nary a complaint. Varrick and Zhu Li work as a comical duo because of their contrasting differences: Varrick’s over-the-top mad genius archetype is balanced and countered by Zhu Li’s nonreactive coolness.
Meanwhile Bolin and Varrick realize they’re on the wrong side, so they make an attempt to escape. Korra returns to Zaofu to help Suyin against Kuvira’s army.
0 kommentar(er)
