Operation Beifong

"URN"

- All right, let's do this! Saving the Beifongs and saving our love.

"Operation Beifong" is the tenth episode of Book Four: Balance of The Legend of Korra and the 49th of the overall series. It was released on Nick.com and through the Nick app on December 5, 2014, and will air on Nicktoons Network on December 19, 2014.

Overview
''Opal, Bolin, and Lin travel to Zaofu, where they run into Toph, who tells them the prisoners have been moved out of the city. Bolin knows where they are and they free them. Zhu Li and Baatar Jr. have been working on a cannon to harness the spirit energy, but Zhu Li tries to sabotage the project. When Kuvira shows up, Zhu Li sabotages the weapon, hoping it would blow up the cannon, though is discovered before her plan is completed. Bolin and Opal save her while the rest of the Beifongs fight Kuvira's army. Meanwhile, in Republic City, Raiko is less than pleased with Varrick's reluctance to use spirit vines as weapons. Korra opts to ask the spirits to help defend the city against Kuvira, but they refuse, saying that they do not want to get involved in human wars.''

Synopsis
In the mountains high above the city of Zaofu, a sky bison, named Juicy, lands, and the three passengers riding in the bison's saddle, Bolin, Opal, and Lin, dismount. Bolin expresses his eagerness, both to save the Beifongs from Kuvira and to win back Opal's trust and affections. He vows to Opal to repair the damage he has done to their relationship. Lin, walking past them, pushes Bolin aside and tells him to be quiet, having heard more than enough of this sort of talk from him during the trip.



They walk to the edge of the drop-off, looking at the city of Zaofu, its massive metal domes gone, having been deconstructed by Kuvira. Looking through a spyglass, Lin remarks that a whole battalion of troops is stationed below; seeing no other way to proceed, she decides the only option is to go down toward the city and see for herself where the Beifongs are. Suddenly, Toph appears behind them, announcing that the action would be fruitless, since the prisoners have already been moved somewhere else. Lin rises, looking at her mother in surprise; when the mother and daughter exchange hellos, they address each other as "chief". Opal runs to Toph, giving her a hug, with Toph remembering that the last time they met, Opal was only up to her waist. Realizing that the old woman standing with Opal is Toph, Bolin hysterically jumps up and down, excited to meet Toph. Toph asks sarcastically if Bolin has to urinate much to Opal's amusement. When Bolin asks for a hug, Toph asks the others what is wrong with Bolin, to which Lin replies, "He's an actor." Lin then asks how Toph knew about Suyin's situation, to which Toph replies that she was keeping watch on them from the swamp. Toph then adds that when she was "snooping about town", she heard that Suyin and the rest of her family were in some kind of prison camp. Opal then snidely remarks to Bolin: "Where would that be?". Bolin then informs the group of a nearby prison camp. Opal tells Toph that Bolin used to work for Kuvira, to which Toph disapproves. Opal then introduces Toph to her sky bison, Juicy, to which Toph remarks "And I thought Appa was smelly!". Opal explains to Toph that when a bison chooses, no changing is accepted.

The scene then changes to Republic City .Varrick and Asami show Raiko their newest design, a "dragonfly mecha-suit".Unimpressed, Raiko then questions the two as to "Where the spirit ray ist". Varrick retorts that the spirit vines are much too powerful to be used. Raiko then angrily slams his hands on the desk and demands for Varrick and Asami to create spirit vine weapons to use against Kuvira. Korra interrupts and says that Kuvira's harvesting of the spirit vines was what caused in the first place for the spirit vines to grow wild and kidnap citizens. Korra suggests instead that she try to convince some of the spirits to help protect the city, to which Raiko agrees. Wu interrupts Korra and then suggests moving the citizens out of Republic City so that when Kuvira would attack, no one would be hurt. Raiko agrees and tells Wu to work with the police department. Outside, Mako compliments Wu on his great idea. Wu thanks him and says he did it all for the ladies.

Back in Zaofu, Bataar orders for Zhu Li to start the spirit vine cannon. The cannon then starts to go out of control, to which Zhu Li frantically tries to stop by putting the system into override. The override fails and Zhu Li shouts for everyone to get out. Unheeding her warnings, Bataar reaches into the system and pulls out the hard drive, stopping the cannon. Bataar also notices that the channeling ring is cracked, which caused the cannon to overload. Bataar is furious and yells that everything must be fixed to be ready for Kuvira's visit tomorrow.

While flying on Juicy, Bolin asks Lin and Toph how long it had been since the last time that they had seen each other. Toph says that it was "a little while", to which Lin angrily retorts "It was 20 years!". Toph is surprised that Lin came to save her sister. Lin explains that she and Suyin worked it out. They land at the factory. Toph then metalbends an opening in the side, allowing for the group to filter through, and then seals the opening. The group enters the building and sees the cannon. Toph uses her seismic sense. She notices an empty cavern several miles down, yet the cavern is guarded by many soldiers. Lin confirms this by also using her seismic sense. Lin deduces that the prison must be suspended in midair, preventing Suyin from using her earthbending.

The main garage then opens, revealing Kuvira to be standing there. Bolin, Opal, Lin, and Toph quickly hide. Bataar is surprised to see Kuvira. Kuvira explains her early visit by stating that she "just wanted to check in", and shows her approval. Bataar then remarks that there have been some slight complications, but the cannon will be ready tomorrow. Kuvira then turns around and glares at Zhu Li, asking for her opinion. Zhu Li says that the types of small mistakes are common. Kuvira asks if Zhu Li is doing everything she can in her power to fix the mistakes, to which Zhu Li says, "Of course, your eminence". Toph then whispers, "She's lying", to which Bolin's face lights up with joy. Kuvira then orders for Bataar to arrange for everyone to be present for the weapon test the next day.

Later, in a clearing outside the factory, Bolin deduces that the best time to save Suyin would be when everyone would be at the weapon test. Opal compliments him, to which Bolin remarks that the "has a headache" from all the thinking.

Back in Republic City, Korra tries to talk to the spirits, but the spirits continue to disappear. Korra worries that the spirits are abandoning Republic City.

Meanwhile, Bolin, Opal, Toph, and Lin are sitting around a rock table eating noodles. Bolin asks Toph why he wasn't able to metalbend. Toph remarks that she once had a Metalbending Academy and states that with the right instruction, even "blockheads like Bolin" would be able to master metalbending. Lin angrily swirls her noodles and mutters sarcastically to herself: "Yeah, you're a real sensitive instructor." Bolin then tells Toph excitedly that he can lavabend. Toph is impressed, remarking that "maybe you do have some talent after all" to Bolin. Excitedly, Bolin accepts the compliment. Lin then mutters to herself sarcastically: "Yeah, you're real encouraging" to Toph. Toph retorts that she is blind, not deaf. Bolin then randomly asks Toph who Lin's father is. Lin spins around and gives an amusing surprised look. Toph says that Lin's father was a man named Kanto, and then says that he "was a nice guy, but it didn't work out". Hearing Lin's heavy, angry breathing, Toph challenges Lin to speak her mind and say what she really thinks. Lin angrily spits out that she didn't have the chance to grow up without a dad. Toph says that she and Su worked things out, but that Lin was the only odd one out who didn't want to reconcile. Lin, visibly upset, says that Toph never mentioned Kanto at all until this moment. Lin then spits out that Toph makes her furious and that Toph and her are finished. Toph sighs and says that if Lin's decision will make her happy, then she is ok with it.

In the morning, Kuvira and Bataar move the cannon out of the factory. Opal, secretly keeping watch, tells the group via radio that the cannon is about to start and that Kuvira is testing out the cannon by blowing up a nearby empty town. Kuvira, Lin, and Bolin then jump into a hole in the factory. They reach the prison where Suyin, Bataar Sr., Huan, Wei, and Wing are being kept. The prison is a wooden cage, suspended hundreds of feet in mid air, kept up by wooden ties. Toph tells Bolin and Lin that the guards are on the other side of the door. Su hears Toph's voice and turns to see Toph, excitedly motioning for her husband to see. Lin says that she will jump on the cage and swing everyone out, one by one, on a metal cable, and tells Bolin to catch everyone since Toph is blind. Toph and Bolin then earthbend Lin onto the wooden cage. The cage swings back and forth under the impact, causing Bataar Sr. and Huan to groan loudly. A guard hears the noise and opens the door. He surveys the area but does not see anything and suspiciously retreats, closing the door. Lin uses her metalbending to cut an opening in the top of the crate. The first to get swung by the metal cable is Wei. Bolin catches Wei in his arms, using earthbending to maintain a stronger foothold. Wei pats Bolin's cheek fondly.

Meanwhile, Kuvira congratulations her crew. She says that with this cannon, the Earth Empire will be the strongest nation in the world. Bataar starts the weapon and the alert system starts to beep. Bataar opens the engine and sees that the distributor pin is gone, to which Bataar remarks that he made sure that he placed the pin inside securely the night before. Kuvira spins around and glares at Zhu Li, using her metalbending to draw a screwdriver, the one used to remove the distributor pin, from within Zhu Li's apron. Kuvira angrily shouts at Zhu Li that she gave her a chance. Zhu Li determinedly says that Kuvira is a monster. Kuvira pushes Zhu Li down the steps, telling Bataar to chain her to the metal post in the abandoned town, so that Zhu Li "can see how the weapon works, up close and personal". Opal hears this and says "Oh no."

Back at the prison, Bataar Sr. worriedly clutches the sides of the cage. Su tries to calm him down, saying that Bolin will catch him. Due to his fear of heights, Bataar Sr. insists on staying. Lin then forcibly zips Bataar to Bolin via a metal cable by Bataar's feet, causing Bataar to yell loudly, alerting the guards. The guards swarm in and press the Alarm button. Outside, Kuvira hears the alarm and orders for her men to get to the prison. Kuvira then demands for the cannon to be fired. A mecha robot fires a large fire blast towards Lin and Suyin at the top of the wooden box, cutting several of the ties holding the box in midair. Lin pushes Suyin out of the line of fire, and the wooden box swings toward where Toph and Bolin are. Suyin and Lin then jump and successfully rejoin the group. Suyin notices her mother and hugs her. Bolin then excitedly says to Opal over the radio that the mission was successful and that they are coming out. Lin and Bolin earthbend the group out of the factory. Opal flies in to meet them and blows on her bison whistle, alerting Juicy. Opal then notices her parents and hugs them excitedly, thanking Bolin for all of his help. Opal then alerts Bolin to the fact that Zhu Li is tied up in the town, about to be blown up. Bolin says that he has to save Zhu Li, and Opal, on Juicy, follows him.

Meanwhile in the spirit world, Korra asks for the spirits for their assistance. An eel, dragon-like spirit apporaches Kuvira and declines her offer, saying that "spirits should not fight in a human war". The spirits then begin to disappear.

Back in Zaofu, the cannon loads, ready to fire. Looking through a telescope, Bataar sees Opal with Bolin in the town. Bataar anxiously shouts to stop the test, but it is too late. The cannon fires, but a massive earthbending wall from Suyin shifts the cannon off-balance, causing the cannon to miss the town and to instead hit a mountain instead. The cannon completely blasts through the mountain, leaving a giant circle-shaped hole. Bolin and Opal look at the destruction in horror. Lin and Suyin then work together, attacking Kuvira's army in an attempt to take down both Kuvira and the cannon. Wei and Wing work together and aid in the assault. Suyin then makes her way towards Kuvira. Suyin leaps on top of the cannon, attacking Kuvira with metal strips. Kuvira deflects the attack, advancing with metal strips of her own. Suyin then metalbends a metal armor suit to protect herself, then rips a metal bar from the railing and attacks Kuvira with it. Suyin then metalbends a giant metal freight car towards Kuvira, but Kuvira succesfully manages to throw the car to the ground. Kuvira then unsheathes a metal sword and lunges at Suyin, swiping at her. Suyin barely dodges the assault and is soon overpowered and thrown from the car. Metalbending soldiers begin to surround Suyin, but Wing jumps in and uses earthbending and metalbending to propel him and Su to where Lin and Wei are. The four of them earthbend a wall around them, but Kuvira's soldiers break through the wall. All seems lost, but then a massive earthquake ripples through the ground, knocking all of Kuvira's men off of their feet. Toph then triumphantly meets the group, with Bataar Sr., Huan, and Opal, Bolin, and Zhu Li on Juicy joining them as well. Toph points an accusing finger at Kuvira and shouts that Kuvira "gives metalbenders a bad name!" Kuvira indignantly stares at Toph as everyone boards Juicy, flying off into the distance.

In the forest, Lin and Suyin thank Toph for coming to save them. Lin apologies for her behavior the night before. Toph accepts that she wasn't a great mother, but says that she still ended up with two great kids, kids whom were "good enough to waste her bony old butt for". Toph says that if Lin can find some way to not hate her, then that is enough. Lin agrees. Bolin hugs Lin and Toph in a group hug and remarks on how great it is to have family. Toph scoffs and pushes Bolin away. Lin does the same, shoving Bolin away. Bolin laughs awkwardly. Toph then says "Good luck going back to the city, with gumflapper here", Opal asks if Toph will come back to Republic City with them. Toph then laughs and says that her fighting days are over. She says that her back is in extreme pain from her spar with Korra a few weeks earlier, but warns Lin, Suyin, Bolin, and Opal not to let Korra know. Toph says that it was the same with Katara--because of her age, Katara did not get involved in the Water Tribe Civil War. Toph remarks that "at some point, you gotta leave it to the kids". Zhu Li thanks everyone for coming to save her. Zhu Li advises Opal to not hate Bolin for working with Kuvira--Bolin's heart was in the right place. Opal then smirks and says that Bolin is "out of the polarbear doghouse", giving Bolin a kiss on the cheek. Bolin excitedly pumps his fist in the air and shouts, "Yes!"

Zhu Li then interrupts and says that she has important news to bring to Republic City--Kuvira would be attacking Republic City in two weeks. The show ends with Suyin, Lin, Opal, and Bolin's horrified expressions.

Credits
Written by:
 * Tim Hedrick

Directed by:
 * Melchior Zwyer

Starring:
 * Janet Varney - Korra
 * David Faustino - Mako
 * P.J. Byrne - Bolin
 * Mindy Sterling - Beifong
 * Zelda Williams - Kuvira
 * Todd Haberkorn - Baatar Jr
 * Jeff Bennett - Radio broadcaster

Also starring:
 * John Michael Higgins - Varrick
 * Stephanie Sheh - Zhu Li
 * Anne Heche - Su
 * Jim Meskimen
 * Baatar Sr
 * Spirit one
 * Alyson Stoner - Opal
 * Marcus Toji - Wing
 * Spencer Garrett - Raiko
 * Sunil Malhotra - Wu
 * Philece Sampler - Toph
 * Dee Bradley Baker - Juicy

Series continuity

 * The domes protecting Zaofu have been dismantled as per Kuvira's orders in "The Battle of Zaofu".
 * Toph mentions Appa.
 * Lin recalls her reconciliation with Suyin in "Old Wounds".
 * Toph mentions opening the Beifong Metalbending Academy in The Promise, marking the first time that events from the comics are referenced in The Legend of Korra.
 * Bolin recalls learning to lavabend in "Enter the Void".
 * Toph has a sore back from fighting Korra in "The Coronation".

Character revelations

 * Opal's bison is named Juicy.
 * Katara did not get involved in the Water Tribe Civil War because she felt she was too old for fighting.
 * Zhu Li's loyalty to Kuvira was a ruse to gain her trust and sabotage the super weapon.
 * Lin's father is named Kanto.
 * Baatar Sr. is a nonbender and afraid of heights.
 * Toph and Lin have not seen each other for twenty years.

Trivia

 * This episode features three generations of the Beifong family.
 * Kuvira's spirit energy cannon resembles the railway cannon, Schwerer Gustav, used by the Germans during World War II.