Original Airbenders

"neutral"

- That is incredible! When do we get to fly around on our own sky bison like that?

"Original Airbenders" is the seventh episode of Book Three: Change of The Legend of Korra and the 33rd of the overall series. It aired on Nickelodeon along with "Old Wounds" on July 18, 2014.

Overview
''Though contending with Bumi's bad attitude, Tenzin tries to train the new members of the Air Nation with little success. Things become more complicated for the airbending master as Jinora, with Kai's influence, begins to experience her growing independence and conflict with her father. ''

Synopsis
Tenzin lectures the new airbenders about an ancient guru, boring the new recruits. Tenzin goes on to ask his pupils questions regarding the lesson however, only Otaku, an air acolyte, was answering. While moving on to the story, Bumi makes the other students laugh, including Jinora, much to his dismay. Tenzin then takes an acrobatic ride on an air bison, amazing the other students. Kai asks when they get to ride their own bison, but to the students' dismay, Tenzin states that it takes many years of intense training. In addition, they do not have enough bison for all the students. Kai points out a herd of bison flying overhead, but Tenzin explains that they are wild and would require a great deal of training.

Tenzin attempts to resume his lesson, Meelo, Kya, Pema, and Ikki arrive with more airbenders. Tenzin dismisses the airbenders, who had already began leaving the lesson. Kya informs Tenzin of Zaheer's attempted infiltration of Air Temple Island, noting that she had fought him, though Zaheer escaped. Tenzin soon recieves word that Korra is on the temple radio. Korra informs Tenzin of their recent experiences and that Suyin's daughter Opal will be arriving at temple soon. Tenzin explains his difficulties in reaching the students. Korra reminds him that his kids can help, and notes that he could receive leadership advice from Bumi, a former commander, by tricking him into thinking the entire thing was Bumi's idea. Tenzin remarks that Korra is becoming a wise avatar, with Korra replying that "conflict resolution" is what she does.

Meanwhile, Kai and Jinora observe the herd. Kai convinces Jinora to come with him to see the herd upclose, but gliding to the valley. Kai notices a group of baby bison and asks why they are on the ground. Jinora explains that baby air bison cannot fly for the first few weeks. Kai attempts to get close, but is charged by the mother bison. Jinora narrowly saves him. Kai comments on Jinora's skill as an airbenders, and asks why she doesn't have her mastery tattoos yet. Jinora explains that Tenzin does not believe she is ready, though Kai encourages her pointing out that she can perform anything that Tenzin can and can also spiritually capable.

Back at the temple, Tenzin approaches Bumi, who is speaking with a number of other airbenders. Tenzin flatters Bumi on his leadership skills, and asks how to be more like him. Bumi explains his tactics of military-style discipline. Before dawn the next morning, Tenzin abruptly awakens all the airbenders, explaining that they are going on a hike. The scene cuts to a plateau, where Tenzin happily exalts the benefits of a 10 mile hike, though the airbenders are exhausted. Tenzin then states that it is the perfect time to meditate, claiming it to be better than sleeping.

Back at the temple, Tenzin puts the recruits on posts to help practice their balance, though most of the students struggle. Jinora expresses concern that her father is pushing them too hard, though Tenzin brushes off her concerns. Tenzin is then seen shaving Daw's head, claiming that it helps airbenders feel the wind around them. After he is finished, Tenzin notes that it is a personal choice, much to Daw's consternation. When no one else chooses to be shaved, Tenzin chooses to put the airbenders through an extensive obstacle course, much to Jinora's dismay. Most of the airbenders struggle. Bumi quits out of anger, and the airbenders begin to complain. Tenzin out of frustration, asks Jinora to take over. Jinora chooses this time to ask if she can recieve her mastery tattoos. Tenzin refuses citing that she is only a little girl. Jinora points out her skill with both airbending and spiritual matters, and runs off, angrily telling her father to teach his own class. Ikki and Meelo take over the class.

Kai goes to Jinora at another part of the temple, and apologizes for getting her in trouble with Tenzin. Jinora reassures him that he was fine, and expresses frustration that Tenzin is treating her like another recruit. To cheer her up, Kai takes her to see the baby bison, but both are promptly captured by rustlers.

At the temple, Tenzin is approached by Pema. Tenzin explains his frustrations with teaching the new airbenders. Pema reminds him of the adjustment she went through when leaving her home to become an Air Acolyte, and states that he needs to have more patience. Tenzin goes to apologize to Bumi, but Bumi refuses to speak to his brother. Asking about Jinora, an airbenders explains that she flew off with her boyfriend, referring to Kai. Tenzin then prepares to go after them.

Now in cages at the rustler camp, Jinora and Kai confront the rustlers on their capture of the baby bison, as air bison are seriously endangered. The rustler states that the Earth Queen and other high-ranking people pay high prices for air bison steaks, stating that he heard that the Earth Queen even ate her father's pet bear. Kai asks Jinora to use astral projection to get help, but Jinora explains that it is far too cramped and noisy. Instead, Jinora asks a nearby spirit to request help for her.

The spirit encounters Bum-Ju, who informs Bumi of the situation. Bumi rallies the airbenders for a rescue mission. The airbenders express hesitation, but Bumi is able to convince them, and the group flies out on two air bison. Near the camp, Bumi recognizes the men as bison rustlers and spots Kai and Jinora. The airbenders express concern about a fight, but Bumi reminds them that as airbenders, they must stick together. Meanwhile, Kai is able to pick the lock of his cage, but is interrupted before he can free Jinora. The airbenders manage to defeat all the rustlers but one, who tries to escape. Kai follows on his glider, as Tenzin spots both the truck and the parent bison from above on his bison. Kai enters the truck but is restrained by the driver. Tenzin uses his bison to ram the truck, while the wild bison attack using airbending. The lead rustler surrenders, though Kai continues to attack out of anger. Tenzin restrains the boy, explaining that airbenders do not attack defenseless foes, but complements Kai on his technique.

In the valley, the rustlers are locked in their own cages. Bumi is seen taunting the rustlers, while Daw is seen explaining the benefits of his shaved head in battle. Tenzin approaches Bumi states that Bumi's leadership skills and connection with the spirits remind Tenzin of Aang. Bumi apologizes for his behavior, explaining that he was afraid of not being able to measure up. Bumi continues by stating that despite being Aang's son, he never felt a part of the Air Nation. Tenzin reassures him that he is now, before going to Jinora, who is with a bison. Kai finds the wild bison to be more friendlier towards them. Tenzin explains that air bison are the original airbenders and are capable of recognizing their own kind. Jinora apologizes for running off, though Tenzin notes that he was too harsh. He explains that it is hard for him to believe it, but promises to mull over giving Jinora her mastery tattoos. Jinora and Tenzin then look together as Kai points out the baby bison, who are having their first flight.

Credits
Written by:
 * Tim Hedrick

Directed by:
 * Mel Zwyer

Series continuity

 * As per the restoration of the air temples commissioned by Avatar Aang, the technological advancements that the Mechanist installed in the Northern Air Temple seemed to be removed.
 * Korra statement that conflict resolution is what she does mirrors that of Aang's in "The Great Divide".
 * Tenzin's realization of his impatience reminds him of that of Korra's during her first day of training in "A Leaf in the Wind".
 * The meerkat spirit appears for the second time in the series, this time when Kai and Jinora were flying on their gliders.

Character revelations

 * Bumi has won the Admiral Tung Natural Leadership Award twice.
 * Earth Queen Hou-Ting and other upper-class citizens of Ba Sing Se pay big money for sky bison steaks and other rare meat products.

Goofs

 * When Kai completes the final obstacle, all the airbenders are shown in clean clothing. In the subsequent shot when Bumi quit after plunging into the mud, several are seen muddied.

Trivia

 * Meelo's statement, "leave no airbender behind", reflects the US military's statement, "leave no man behind".
 * It is rumored that Earth Queen Hou-Ting ate her father's pet bear, Bosco.