Warning: This review contains full spoilers for Avatar: Seven Havens Season 1, Episodes 7-9!
Avatar: Seven Havens delivered a significant narrative punch with episodes seven through nine, marked by massive story advancements and an impressive expansion of the series' mythology, all while maintaining a surprisingly comedic tone. These episodes, including the series' first two-part installment, serve as a thrilling roller-coaster ride, expertly balancing ongoing mysteries with deep emotional resonance.
The Long View on Fear and Unity
The overarching metaphor of Seven Havens, as seen in these episodes, critiques the real-world tendency for nations to close borders and avoid cooperation on critical issues like environmental protection, instead amplifying fear of the "other." In the series, this manifests as a distrust of Havens outside of Ellora, and specifically towards the Avatar, who has been blamed for the Cataclysm centuries prior. The arrival of Envoys from other Havens in these episodes highlights this distrust, simplifying complex diplomatic and trade issues into a clear narrative of fear hindering unity. The inhabitants are caught in a cycle of survival driven by pride and tradition, preventing them from realizing the strength found in collective action.
The series addresses potential viewer frustration with these narrative choices by framing the characters' deeply ingrained fear and distrust of the Avatar as a result of 225 years of societal conditioning since the time of Avatar: The Legend of Korra. Commander Karthik's explanation of being raised to hate the Avatar underscores the difficulty of overcoming such deeply rooted prejudices. In a surprising turn, Jae betrays Karthik and the Avatars, siding with the status quo he was raised to believe in. This decision, while emotionally jarring for viewers who have followed his arc, is presented as a realistic portrayal of how individuals often struggle to break free from ingrained programming.
Episode Breakdown
Episode 7, "What Lies Beneath," begins with Pavi attempting to connect with the Anomaly, revealing tunnels beneath Ellora. These tunnels house a factory built by Asami Sato, and a "mover" reveals older, happier versions of Korra and Asami, not in the Spirit World as they were last seen. It is also discovered that the Faceless, a group seeking freedom from Ellora's prescribed life, reside beneath the city. Uki, who was seemingly kidnapped, is revealed to be part of the Faceless, leading Jae to their Queen, Zi.
Pavi's connection to the Anomaly transports her to Republic City during the Cataclysm, showing a figure in the Avatar State, resembling Korra, seemingly destroying the city. This visually reinforces theories that the open spirit and human world doors from The Legend of Korra, and the use of Spirit Energy as power sources, led to imbalance and the Cataclysm. The episode also features a poignant moment where Pavi and Nisha hear a song from their parents, hinting at a growing rift between the twins. The arrival of Envoys from New Ba Sing Se and Akasha sets a Mad Max-esque tone for the approaching events.
"The Envoys" two-part story kicks off with a summit between New Ba Sing Se, Akasha, and Ellora, interrupted by an attack from the Faceless, revealing Queen Agam. Nisha fails a test administered by White Lotus representatives from various Havens. In the second part, Agam explains her motivation: her father was taken by the Bending Brigade, prompting her to form the Faceless. Nisha reveals herself as the Avatar just as the red diamond Anomaly breaches the defenses. In the ensuing chaos, the Faceless escape, Pavi lures the Anomaly away, and Jae betrays the White Lotus, leading to their arrest. New Ba Sing Se and Akasha withdraw their support, and Ellora is placed under martial law.
Amidst the turmoil, Nisha sees a vision of a rock with an anomaly crystal, and Pavi sees a starfield leading to Ellora's symbol with six additional circles. These visions suggest a larger mission for the Avatars: unlocking the planet's Chakras, starting with defeating "fear" in Ellora, likely tied to the crystal. Each "Haven" appears to represent a locked Chakra, guiding the Avatars on a global journey.
Despite the intense plot developments, the episodes are notably humorous. Jae's "nose nemesis" comment, Pavi's interactions with Ellora's citizens, and the antics of Pudding Guy (Eric Bauza) provide significant comedic relief, reminding viewers of the Avatar franchise's ability to blend "goofball moments" with impactful events like Nisha's declaration of being the Avatar.
Avatar Easter Eggs and Lore Connections
Subtle details further enrich the narrative. The diamond pupils of Pavi and Nisha may connect to the Red Diamond Anomaly and the spirits Raava and Vaatu. The mention of a rare sect of earthbenders capable of sensing underground could link Pavi and Nisha to the Beifong family lineage.
Visual cues include a "mover" showcasing older Korra and Asami, referencing Varrick's invention from The Legend of Korra. Lockers display action figures and posters for past Avatars, including Kuruk, who is set to receive his own spin-off, "Avatar Kuruk: Waves of Chaos." The depiction of Korra in the Avatar state during the Cataclysm shows her using her glider and Republic City appearing deserted, suggesting the event may not have been as destructive as believed.
The Mad Max-esque scene at the end of episode 7 features an inverted Ba Sing Se, now living on Feather Mountain as airbenders riding Flying Bison, and Akasha, which has maintained technology from Korra's era, possibly an alternative energy source. The introduction of Pudding Guy serves as a spiritual successor to the Cabbage Merchant and Cabbage Corp, a recurring gag throughout the franchise.
Additionally, the "Nutha" Haven mentioned in "The Envoys: Part One" is likely a nod to a Southern Water Tribe citizen from the "The Rift" graphic novels. Republic Forest represents a transformation of Republic City, and banners for all four bending nations suggest a past global cooperation that predated the Cataclysm. The recurring appearance of turtle ducks across all Avatar iterations continues the franchise's charming traditions.
These episodes, particularly "The Envoys: Part Two," carry significant weight, feeling like a penultimate chapter and leaving fans with multiple cliffhangers and a strong anticipation for the remaining four episodes.