The Legend Of Korra universe is defined through its many intriguing plot twists, destined to keep audiences engaged. Each book has its own fascinating revelation to permanently alter the story's course, even in subsequent arcs unrelated to the current season.
However, some twists were completely obvious, whereas others were unprecedented. Through analyzing the series' most shocking events and juxtaposing them with those that were predictable—although presented to be astonishing—fans have a better gauge for the show's ability to keep fans excited for what will happen next.
10 Shocking: Amon & Tarrlok Are Related
Tarrlok and Amon were introduced as opposites—the former was a stalwart proponent of law and order, one willing to quell the latter's Equalist uprising whatever the cost—while Tarrlok wanted peace.
This is why it was shocking when the politician revealed that he and Amon were brothers. This explained the villain's immunity to Tarrlok's bloodbending during their battle against each other and better elucidated why Amon took him alive. Ultimately, the revolutionary's love for his brother would prove his undoing after the two escaped from Republic City.
9 Unsurprising: Iroh Was Found In The Spirit World
During Korra's foray into the Spirit World, she was reverted into a helpless child, resembling her unraveling mental state. To the unseasoned, the afterlife was an ominous and foreboding place. Fortunately, Iroh was near to guide and console her through it, providing long-overdue wisdom.
Though his reprisal was presented to be shocking, it was perhaps one of the most predictable events in the series. Iroh was a serene and peaceful man in life, so it makes sense that his soul would not only be in the Spirit World but also have enough autonomy to find and communicate with the Avatar.
8 Shocking: Amon Is A Bloodbender
Similar to the reveal of Amon's ancestry with Tarrlok, it was equally surprising that he was a bloodbender. Not only is it antithetical to his mission—and particularly ironic, considering bloodbending is the rarest and exclusive practice in the entire world—he seldom used it throughout Book One since he was capable of defeating Korra through conventional weaponry.
It added complexity to his character and ensured the demise of the Equalist movement made sense because he did not flee Republic City as a martyr. He did so as a hypocrite, so his ideology collapsed believably.
7 Unsurprising: Unalaq & Vaatu Joined Forces
Unalaq and Vaatu were introduced separately in the series. The former was the main antagonist to Book Two, while the latter was presented through flashbacks and exposition when Korra experienced Avatar Wan's life.
It would not have made sense to spend an entire episode and miniature arc introducing Vaatu if the story did not plan to expand on him and make him relevant. When the northern water tribe leader revealed his plans to merge with the dark spirit, it was hardly surprising —especially since villains often gain a power-up before their final clash with the Avatar.
6 Shocking: Raava Got Destroyed
Though Unalaq's ascension may not have surprising, what followed was absolutely unprecedented. Not only did the villain score a decisive victory over the Avatar, but he also ripped Raava from her body, crushed her into a fragment of her former self, and consumed her.
This emotionally devastated Korra and prevented access to her past lives forevermore. This entailed that future Avatars would no longer be able to consult their former selves for wisdom, irrevocably changing the series's course.
5 Unsurprising: When The Earth Queen Didn't Honor Her Word
Hou-Ting was presented as a corrupt, self-absorbed, and despotic leader of the Earth Kingdom. When Korra arrived to request more airbenders for Tenzin's care, she agreed under the condition that the Avatar defeat roaming bandits in the nation's outskirts.
Not only was she disinterested in honoring her word, but she also captured Kai and impressed him into the Dai Li's service. This was extremely predictable both for the Earth Queen's nature and that her secret agents have performed similarly insidious actions before under Long Feng.
4 Shocking: Toph Was Alive & Well
The beginning of the series demonstrated that most of the original Avatar cast would not be featured. Sokka and Aang both died, with Zuko and Katara sharing brief appearances—usually to instruct Korra on a certain issue.
Comparatively, Toph's role in the Fourth Book was astounding, especially since she was such an imperative figurehead in thwarting Kuvira. It provided an excellent window into how her surly disposition and excessive individualism negatively impacted her children's relationship.
3 Unsurprising: Beifong Had A Personal Reason To Avoid Zaofu
When Korra's group arrived at Zaofu to probe for more airbenders, Lin Beifong did not want to disembark. She stated that she was disinterested but urged the team to do their business quick.
Unsurprisingly, she had a personal reason for choosing to avoid the metal city; Lin had not yet forgiven Suyin for how she had wronged their entire family. It failed to be a plot twist since Beifong has never displayed an irrational phobia of anything before; in fact, she encouraged Tenzin to shed such inhibitions when spectating the pro-bending tournament.
2 Shocking: Korra & Asami Get Together
Though Korra began her relationship with Asami as a bitter rival for Mako's affection, their friendship slowly evolved throughout their many adventures together. After the series, they reached for each other's hand and embraced it as something more than platonic.
This was a monumental from a meta-perspective since many cartoons are reluctant to display LGBTQIA+ relationships. It was bold and defining, with its only regrettable facet being that there were no further seasons to explore their newfound feelings. Nonetheless, they received the happy ending they fought tirelessly to earn.
1 Unsurprising: Aiwei Was The Only Possible Candidate For Betrayal
Aiwei possessed the incredible ability to discern the truth from others, much like Toph. After the Red Lotus attempted to kidnap Korra, an investigation was launched with him at the forefront.
Though they would eventually pin the blame on an innocent guardsman, the only evidence for his conviction was on account of Aiwei's own word. Moreover, he carried himself with discretion and often preferred to stay at Suyin's side. These behaviors made him a natural candidate for suspicion, especially through how foolhardily his choice of a scapegoat was.
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