The Legend of Korra

[Big-Cat]

It's two entirely different scenarios, Kuma. This isn't the movie Avatar where everything is a thinly-veiled attack or satire on American foreign policy. If anything, I'm likening this to the stuff that you see in most fantasy stories where a dude with some mysterious power or affiliations (in this case, Unalaq) is doing all of the wrong things to get people to see his point of view.

Well, from some points of view, the US is/was doing that, but that's enough of that.

If we get more like Wan Shi Tong, we need more angels like Hai Bei.

 

[GreenKirby]

What a TWEEST!

 

[theeboredone]

Is it sad that my two most likeable characters at the moment are Asami and Mako? And that's not even saying much.

Interesting conversations between Tenzin and his siblings. Makes you wonder what kinda dad Aang really was given how his children seem to have different perceptions of him.

 

[Sephiroths Masamune]

Wait has it started yet?

 

[Spelt]

Yeah, two weeks ago.


Also, not exactly LOK related, but still pretty cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DITY1WzbLj8

 

[theeboredone]

Those videos are so awesome. Subscribed.

 

[KrIsP!]

Wait has it started yet?

Aren't you going to be happy now that you have 3 episodes to watch and a fourth just a few days away. Then the emptiness sets in.

 

[Sephiroths Masamune]

I'm ok with catching up with shows, and waiting for them. As long as it's no Attack on Titan, where the pacing is so slow that little gets done each episode but it's enough to keep you wanting more.

 

[KrIsP!]

Yeah, I avoided that show but when I watched it I had enough episodes to take me to a certain reveal, in which it ended on a cliff hanger...

 

[LLDL]

Yo, let me ask you guys something.

I think Bolin is corny as hell.

Sokka was funny.

I have not laughed at even one of bolin's comic relief moments or jokes the entire series, I chuckled ONLY when he cried when he saw korra kiss mako. and that was just because of the ridiculousness of his face when crying lol.

But thoughts on bolin?

 

[Kadano]

Yo, let me ask you guys something.

I think Bolin is corny as hell.

Sokka was funny.

I have not laughed at even one of bolin's comic relief moments or jokes the entire series, I chuckled ONLY when he cried when he saw korra kiss mako. and that was just because of the ridiculousness of his face when crying lol.

But thoughts on bolin?

Yeah, he annoys me most of the time and has never made me laugh. I don’t like his writing at all.
It’s not just Bolin for me, though. Mako’s defining trait is that he is cool boyfriend. And, oh, he sorta cares for his brother. I don’t think that’s near enough for him to be considered an actual character.
Tenzin’s kids have had some dialogues I liked, but all in all, I feel they are written a bit too extreme (Ikki with her talking speed and Jinora with her ridiculous fantasy), like as if the writers couldn’t come up with good characters so they decided to make them all crazy in different ways.

Then there’s this Tenzin sibling stuff. I really can’t give a **** about this as it’s presented so artificially. Tenzin is 50 years old or something and he had never realized Aang preferred him to his siblings? Oh, come on.
The original Bumi was pretty weird and a bit over the top, but he had redeeming aspects and didn’t seem like a total ****** as his new incarnation does. Kya seems like a pretty decent character, though.

This whole Korra family construct was also handled pretty bad so far in my opinion. First, we are never told what positions Korra’s dad and Unalaq have and why (if I missed it, please tell me!). Second, why are Tonraq and Tenzin so anti-Unalaq, who is the only who is able to deal with this spirit problem (that we haven’t been given much information on yet)?

Also, how could Korra possibly master the Avatar state with her totally immature personality? Aang had to go to pretty much (7 Chakras, emotionally abandoning the people he cared most about) and Korra just got it for free? This doesn’t make sense.

This might make it seem like I hate this series, but that’s not true. I enjoy it, always look forward to the next episode and have currently rated it 7/10 at imdb (with TLA at 9/10). It’s just that I still expect it to hold up to the TLA standard, which it does in a few aspects (music, graphics), but fails in most – characters, dialogues and especially pacing. The entire first season/book/whatever felt very rushed. I johned for it saying that they had short runtime, but I knew they could have just cut the romancy crap and would have freed up more than enough time to put in a few well-needed breaks TLA used in such an exemplary way. Now with many episodes more, they still don’t give the viewer even two seconds to get a feel for the setting of the scene. I’m really disappointed in this regard.

 

[theeboredone]

There are definitely expectations from us that maybe unreasonable based on TLA. I do agree, Bolin hasn't had many funny moments with him crying over Korra and Mako being the best one. It just seems like the writers are making him try too hard. I mean, does he REALLY need a romantic interest? Why couldn't he just be the Toph of the group and just not care as much? As I said earlier, the only characters I am "rooting" for are Mako and Asami. Mako, because he actually seems like he has matured in the time skip, Asami cause I feel bad for her, and everyone else seems stuck in the mud.

The bickering between Tenzin and his siblings, while funny at times is a bit immature. Tenzin came off as really wise in the first season, and right now he just looks like an idiot. It's almost as if the writers decided to hit the reset button on everyone and have them grow again as individuals.

It should be noted this was meant to be a one season series, so I can understand why it maybe hard to get everything in line. I won't say the writers are "failing", but if I had to give a grade as far as characterization goes...it'd be pretty low.

 

[The Real Gamer]

Finally caught up... Nice to be back guys. Gotta make up my lack of activity in this one post so this might be lengthy...

First of all I agree with the general consensus here that even though LoK is great and an amazing show in it's own right, it just doesn't live up to the overall appeal of TLA. In fact I remember reading a very good article of everything that went wrong with LoK... Ahh yes finally found it: http://chirart.tumblr.com/post/25991175534/how-you-can-have-a-bunch-of-great-ideas-but-still-**** It's a lengthy read but it was worth every minute. Really made me realize how much potential LoK had but fell short of.

BUT ANYWAYS... Season 2 has started off fairly interesting so far. The spirits make for some interesting enemies and I like the infighting between the Northern/Southern water tribes. I've also enjoyed the awkward twins and ESPECIALLY the rich merchant dude. He steals every scene he's in. Everything seems pretty good except for Korra and Mako... Seriously... worst couple ever.

Well I guess that's one aspect both LoK and TLA are terrible at: developing proper romantic couples. Everyone and their grandma knows TLA would have been ten times more interesting if Katara/Zuko had fallen for each other (which they should have but I'd be typing for too long if I listed all of the reasons). Aang and Katara's chemistry typically seemed more younger brother/older sister to me than anything else (with Katara just kind of "giving in" towards the end). He should have ended up with Toph instead. It sounds silly but when you actually think about it Toph made the perfect yin to Aang's yang (I would go into that as well but once again... TL;DR). On the LoK side we have the absolutely loathsome Mako/Korra pairing. The only word that properly describes their relationship is forced. Their dynamic adds absolutely NO depth to the story. The dynamic that works? Mako and Asami. Once again... Perfect for each other in too many ways for me to list. Korra should have ended up by herself. Despite all of this ranting I will say the Bolin/awkward girl (forget her name) pairing has some potential to develop into an interesting couple.

Ok I'm done.

 

[KrIsP!]

Yeah, Verrick has honestly made the last few episodes. I fell like they're gearing up for something great but since they had to jump in to these family relationships that were never established they really rushed them and made Korra seem naive to play the part of falling into her uncle's trap and then figuring it out all too soon because some guy couldn't keep his mouth shut. I was really hoping she'd figure it out with how much it was telegraphed to the audience.

I'm just hoping there's someone behind her uncle so we can have another over-arching story instead of a new villain every season or the water chief as the new firelord without 3 seasons of building up to him.

 

[MysteryRevengerson]

 

[BirthNote]

Has anyone realized, that since Aang restarted the airbending bloodline all airbending avatars will be his descendants? That's pretty cool.

 

[Spelt]

OMG THAT SCENE WITH IKKI AND TENZIN WAS SO ADORABLE. The baby flying bison are so cute. Blueberry Spicehead is my new favorite character.

I'm really loving the character development with Tenzin and his family this season. It makes for a nice contrast to the heavy plotty/actiony stuff going on with the water tribe, which is all very interesting on its own.

Korra's being surprisingly mature about all of this. I like it.

 

[The Real Gamer]

Agreed I'm glad we're seeing a more mature Korra this time around. I still don't think she deserves to go into the Avatar state at will but whatever.

The ending was freaking hilarious. That girl is bat **** insane... Like a lot of crazy exes are I guess lol.

 

[theeboredone]

I wonder what the reaction would have been if the judge was truly innocent when Korra attacked him. I could see a lot of fans calling her out for being rash and immature rather than mature. With that being said, given how the story is progressing, I think they are developing her character rather well. So long as they don't make her do something totally rash.

Anyways, they need to have Bolin do something more than guy to feel sorry for. Cause honestly, I don't. Probably the character that needs the most growth right now. They need to involve him more in the story. Sokka was the comedic and "useless" one in terms of having no bending ability, but he still played a role in every episode. Tenzin appeared to do a total 180 from the previous episodes. He was rather mature and calm with his daughter, whereas he didn't make much sense with Korra and his siblings.

Feels like there are too many characters needing time. I hope they keep Esca and her sibling out. I really see no point in them at the moment.

 

[Spelt]

I wonder what the reaction would have been if the judge was truly innocent when Korra attacked him.

I wouldn't consider a judge putting someone in jail for eternity because they held a meeting at their house innocent, in any way. Korra was right to suspect him, even if he wasn't being paid off something would have to be seriously wrong with him in order for him to come to such a rash decision.

 

[theeboredone]

You're missing the point though. Were he innocent, then Korra once again would have been made to look like a fool. She did have more merit to suspect this time around, but she has been wrong before, and it has hurt her.

 

[HeavySmashGuy]

I couldn't get into Korra for these two reasons.
1. I watched WAY too much Avatar back in its heyday.
2. I didn't care for the steampunk setting.

 

[theeboredone]

I can see where Korra is coming from. I'd be pretty irrational if my parents were in danger of being killed. With that being said, Korra has always been like this, and it's kinda ironic how I mentioned about the last episode it depends on how the situation is written. In this case, she's just coming off as boneheaded.

I know Mako is probably going to get back with her, and I know Mako couldn't get through to her...still though, I wish he would have tried a bit more. Then again, it's Korra so there's no point in talking to her.

Tenzin story was a waste of time. Could have been used for more story.

I'm starting to dislike Korra even more. That's not how you build a main character. You can make them have serious flaws (Heisenberg??), but still have them be likable.

Everything else was pretty good.

Edit: Btw, story line inspired by Syria?

 

[Spelt]

In this case, she's just coming off as boneheaded.

I don't agree. She's being a little over the top some times (kicking Mako's desk), but she's still handling the situation pretty well.

She's dealing with an international incident, in which her family, her friends, everyone she grew up with, is at risk, and everyone expects her to stand back and let an irate douche destroy her home.

That is just so ****ed up.

She's allowed to be a little gung-ho about this. She's allowed to make mistakes. She's allowed to be irrational, because she's a teenager dealing with issues people in their middle-ages can't even handle most of the time.

You make it sound she's the only one in the wrong here, and she's the outright "bad guy" in this situation. But that's not it at all, pretty everyone here is at fault in some way. It's a giant cluster****, and there is no wrong or right.

Being what, 17? in the middle of a war, in the middle of a political game, I would say she's still doing a pretty damn good job.

 

[theeboredone]

Here's my problem. While I clearly stated I can understand why she would be irrational, I cannot understand her decision making at times. I know she's supposed to be headstrong, but you figure from the thousand times she screwed up in season 1, she would know it's not such a good idea to rush things ahead. It's as if she hasn't grown as a character at all. It's as if the writers hit the "reset" button on her after Nickelodeon told them to make more seasons.

It would be one thing if she grew as a character in season 1, and maintained her composure for the first few episodes, then act out when her family came to danger. That would make sense. But she's been acting out since the start of season 2. Her behavior is consistently bad and static. So while I understand the fact her family is in danger, and she will rush into things...the problem is...she's ALWAYS rushing into things, and she has made those mistakes in the past. So I can't give her a "pass" on this one, because she just never learns.

I mean, freaking Amon lured her into a "one on one" match, and scared the **** out of her. She had her bending taken away. She was kidnapped by Tarlok. You don't think those things warrant events that would be life changing for her? 6 months later, and she's acting like none of that happened.

Edit: Also, this is somewhat a poke at the show and a poke at society. It amazes me how two generations ago in the show, we had 14 year olds acting like full grown adults. Two generations pass and 17 year olds (outside of Asami) are acting like they belong on Vampire Diaries or something.

 

[tmw_redcell]

I agree with a lot of the criticisms in here.

I also don't like how the show seems to take steps to AVOID continuity with ATLA. The main conflict is set in the South Pole and we never see Katara, who by all rights should still be the most powerful waterbender around (except Avatar-state Korra) do anything, at all, except say hello. And of course Korra's trip to Zuko gets interrupted. All seemingly because the creators wanted a story focusing only on the new characters. Sometimes to make a good show you have to put your own ideas on the backburner and just go with what works.

They managed to make Mako a decent character, not by making him much better (though he is a little better this season) but by having everyone else worse. Asami doesn't even hesitate to get into war profiteering? Really? Korra still solves everything with punching?

And the pacing is just not great. I know the creators are used to twenty episodes but guess what, you knew from the beginning how much time you had. It's not fast-paced in a good way. It feels like everything just gets brushed aside for whatever the plot points are going to be. Why didn't Korra imprison Unaloq when she had him defeated and alone? Why did Lin not give Mako a chance, at all, to tell her about the bomber he identified? She treats him like some chump rookie even though he helped break her out of prison and fight against Amon's forces with her. A lot of scenes just feel rushed like the characters are spouting platitudes instead of talking about anything in the world of the show.

Also the animation is worse. But I hear the second half of the season (and the future seasons) will be done by a better studio. They also apparently went back and redid a few other scenes. I think the final scene of this last episode with the spirit in the water was done by them. It definitely looked great.

 

[GreenKirby]

She's allowed to be a little gung-ho about this. She's allowed to make mistakes. She's allowed to be irrational, because she's a teenager dealing with issues people in their middle-ages can't even handle most of the time.

The problem is that she never learns.

She didn't learn anything after Book 1 and so far she still hasn't learned anything. In every episode in Book 2, she throws a hissy fit when she doesn't get her way.

And frankly, the "she's a teenager" excuse doesn't cut it considering back then 17 year olds were already living on their own or in the workforce.

 

[KrIsP!]

I don't think similarities to real life eras have anything to do with how Korra should be acting. I do think the fact that a much younger group in the continuity who were more mature when placed in a much more serious situation is a good argument though.

I'll admit that I have many of the same feelings right now, but for whatever reason I loved Varrick's blatant... satire(?) on propaganda and arms dealing. I can almost cut Korra some slack considering she knows Unalaq is a traitor and no one seems willing to help the South, I just feel like they're rushing everything and because of that she and the rest of the characters can only portray one character. I feel like they're going somewhere with this though and I'm somewhat excited to see it unfold.

 

[theeboredone]

I feel like character development could be so much better if each season was 20 episodes. I don't know who made the decision to turn a mini series into a full series with mini seasons.

Also, while I know a lot of fans are happy that Mako called Korra out and broke up with her...I don't think that was the right decision. If my girlfriend's parents were in serious danger, and even though we were currently riding a rocky boat, no way I'd just break up with her at that given moment lol.

 

[GreenKirby]

She accused him of betraying her and then, in a fit of rage, broke his desk. Not to mention all the times she was snapping at him in the first few episodes.

Honestly, Mako made the right call. There was no getting through to her.

 

[BirthNote]

I liked this week's episode. The mover scenes were funny and the perfect level of corny, just like old fashioned movies, and that made me laugh even more. And that Unaloq actor looked like some kinda Waterlord Ozai ROFL!

 

[theeboredone]

Yeah, I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw the Ozai connection. I liked this episode quite a bit too. Mainly because I don't like Korra as much, so seeing everyone else do their thing (Mako) was pretty cool.

Kinda sad that Bolin can't tell reality from fiction. I just hope he gets a chance to actually step up soon, rather than being used as a propaganda machine. Almost feels like the writers took his character from season 1, and turned him into a caricature of himself.

And anyone disappointed in Bei Fong?

Edit: I thought the Animation was meh. Took a big jump up with the Korra scene at the end. That was well done.

 

[BirthNote]

That giant rotten tree in this week's episode...looked familiar...like it belonged to...


...


Aang's definitely been there in book 1 of TLA.

 

[theeboredone]

Thought those were two solid episodes. Enjoyed how things came to be. I am now hyped to see how this Book pans out.

 

[Rutger]

Those last two were easily some my favorite episodes of either show. I love world building and really liked the art style.

I've been enjoying the new season of Korra overall, it just really needs to lose all the romance subplots.

 

[BirthNote]

Koh is a HUGE part of this book, I'm calling it now! That tree is his, and the location is unmistakeable...and that reminds me: korra made a giant mistake by opening that portal for Unaloq.

 

[theeboredone]

Yeah, but he needs both open. Chances are, cliche blackmail is going to happen, and things will go from there. With Korra's parents in jail, he has that in his playing cards. I can also see Varrick temporarily doing something good for his own gain.

 

[Tee ay eye]

this episode redeemed the entire series for me

(series being LoK, not avatar entirely)

 

[Veishi336]

this episode redeemed the entire series for me

(series being LoK, not avatar entirely)

the most recent episode? if so then hell yea. that was an amazing ep. no bad animation too.(thank god)

 

[theeboredone]

It's gonna go back to crappy artwork the next episode, but after that, it's Studio Mir back in action.