Talk:Amon/@comment-69.122.85.217-20120602234020

Today, Tarrlok graduated to one of my favorite characters on the show. There's been a lot of complexity to the motives behind his actions. He's always been transparent in his ambition to be in power because you can sense he doesn't say exactly what he means. He's a manipulator and people can easily villify him because that kind of person doesn't generate much trust. You know he'll ultimately be out for himself, so he seems capable of anything. But I found his actions to be far more revealing than just the typical "he's a bad guy" conclusion.

"When Extremes Meet" is wonderful example of escalation. Amon likewise is easy to villify because he brazenly goes against the status quo. The Equalists have taken up violent means to push their agenda. Their use of terror against benders as a weapon is an escalation to their message being dismissed by those in power. Tarrlok, on the other hand is an example of escalation from the opposite direction. He represents benders that do believe they're better than non-benders. More entitled to govern and determine the course of Republic City. What I find important is I don't think Amon or Tarrlok are evil. I think that's revealed by the most profound thing spoken in this series so far by Tarrlok.

"Your willingness to go to extremes, to get what you want."

This is an amazing statement because it's true. We don't automatically proclaim people evil because they go to extremes. Even when it means people get hurt in the process. We praise our heroes when they go to extremes to set things right. We villify our enemies when they do the same. Good and evil aren't people's primary motivation in life, however, righteousness and greed are. Through righteousness Amon and the Equalists can justify their actions because there has been no satisfying response to their issues. That's enhanced by the world's history of war and the general focus of most things culturally on bending. Through righteousness and greed Tarrlok can justify his actions because he thinks he's the best person to lead and deal with the Equalist problem. To him, the plight of non-benders isn't as important as those of benders. An elitist viewpoint and strong ambition are a recipe for a mindset of self importance. Be it Amon's righteousness or Tarrlok's greed, they both don't think of themselves as evil. They want to accomplish an end they righteously believe in and are willing to go to extremes.

Years back, Aang and the others invaded the Earth Kingdom to see the Earth King. That was an extreme act where many soldiers protecting the king were hurt defending against Team Avatar. In the end, it's seen as a necessary act for the right cause. But where's the line? Is it only determined by if it benefits us? Tarrlok, Amon, Beifong and Korra's actions have broadened that landscape now. And I really want to see where this all goes. - Turk