Let me see... a good western animation movie... Outside Disney.
"Superman Versus the Elite" happens to be not only a good movie that explains the American "GRITTY!!!" mindset but happens to probably be the best argument for why people like Superman.
Seriously, if your idea of Superman is some overpowered character who solves everything instantly... You might want to watch this. Sure you might not like Superman, but you will understand the crux of what he is about.
I actually found her involvement with the ending to be really weird and out of place, especially since... if she wasn't evil... She easily could have been the powerful benevolent despot that could have protected the Earth Kingdom's best interest from the world's influence that constantly tries to subvert them because they are weaker... Her co-operation and freedom would have been absolutely vital to the resolution of the war.
I think she went totally power-mad after uniting most of the Earth Kingdom. 3 years of conquest could change anyone pretty severely. I also think she wanted to stick it to Suyin for refusing to help unite the Earth Kingdom in the first place, so there was a definitely a grudge there. Then there was the thing where Korra+Kuvira agreed to fight for Zaofu and then the Beifong side screwed up the agreement, causing her to invade.
Also being able to drive a 25-story super mech with a disintegrating cannon would make anyone into a psychotic murderer, imo. Power corrupts. Really easy to start shooting people when they're just little specks at your feet.
I understand that is EXACTLY what happened. I mean if she never got corrupted her "invasion" would have been for the better. Kouvira though to me wasn't corrupted by power but corrupted by the compromises she had to make with herself to achieve her goals. It was her drive to achieve what needed to be done at all costs is what got her in the end.
That is why she is the counterpart to Korra. She is her drive without any of the grounding.
I actually would have liked a bit more Kouvira at the end... a sort of sequence about Kouvira.. but I understand the ending isn't about Kouvira she is completely unimportant.
"Kouvira tried to kill me, I can't believe she did that"
That was HONESTLY where I disliked the character... Because REALLY MAN? In your mind she isn't taking over because of some petty revenge scheme.
This fight is bigger then you.
I think the Framing was sort of weak for it anyway. I mean really? A hostage was expected to work on Kouvira? and this was meant to show her character becoming irredeemable? Sorry but no...
The willingness to sacrifice those you care about for the greater good isn't a evil trait. If anything she should have always been willing to sacrifice him. Yeah it SUCKS for you, but it doesn't mean she betrayed your trust or your love. If anything you should have been offering your life to her through that radio "They captured me, but do whatever it takes for the earth kingdom". If anything he betrayed Kouvira.