The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra [** Spoilers **]

TheIrishGrover

That was simply stunning! Where to begin? From the beautiful, traditional Japanese and Chinese art design, to the fantastic character design and pitch-perfect voice casting: from the child-like spirits voices to Stephen Yuen's Wan. (Sure beats the drivel he's been given in the last few years on The Walking Dead)
It was great to see Aang but seeing Roku and Kyoshi gave me goosebumps. Followed minutes later by more goosebumps when we see Wan doing the Dragon dance exactly like Aang and Zukko.

I loved the character of Wan. A flawed, three-dimensional character that was completely believable. My only concern is: Where do you go from here? There's no topping that!

BlitzKrieg wrote:

I loved the first world, and I'll be a d*ck and say if they do a third avatar series following another character I somewhat want to go back to that world. Shame the whole journey was tied up in two episodes...

To be honest, I'm glad they've done this. I'm sure he'll appear at a pivotal point (Probably the end of this season) to give some sound advice and we'll love these brief appearances. But they told his story beautifully.

Now to rewatch......

Do you think their needing Korra to open the spirit portals is actually a way to release this great evil?

I would assume that it could possess them too, making them as powerful and polar opposite to the Avatar, hopefully leading to a really interesting battle.

TheIrishGrover

Deleted User wrote: »

Do you think their needing Korra to open the spirit portals is actually a way to release this great evil?

I would assume that it could possess them too, making them as powerful and polar opposite to the Avatar, hopefully leading to a really interesting battle.

This.

This would, as someone said earlier, would mirror the Aang storyline nicely: Varatu/Unaloq instead of Ozai; Korra's more spiritual progression as opposed to the physical. She's even riding a Ski Bison for God's sake.

BlitzKrieg

I think this is going to go all the way back to season 1 avatar. I may need to rewatch it, but perhaps Ang opened/weakened the seal on the northern spirit portal and from what I can quickly remember from this weeks episode the southern portal allows spirits to enter our world and the northern allows humans to enter the spirit world.

So with the northern one already broken in some fashion Unaloq has clearly met and is being guided by Varatu.

Taking control of the southern one is a means to use the harmonica convergence to free him I guess.


Other details I liked

The lemur spirit

The massive nod to Princess Monomoke in the latter half of the first episode. In fact the whole story has a monomoke vibe to it.

The complete opposite effect to the star wars prequels. Where the revelation of what the force is in episode 1 was such a loathed and despised action. Here the reveal of *what (or more who)* the avatar state is proves to be a touching and enhancing revelation.

Though I dont know how it would hold up to scrutiny with how the second/third season of the last airbender had it being locked away via the breaking of a chakra point.

Finally the symbol of the avatar state (the four elements spinning around a subject is actually a seal which is interesting.

flazio

Now that's more like it. Superb writing. Loved it.

BlitzKrieg

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

Taking control of the southern one is a means to use the harmonica convergence to free him I guess.

Oh man. I love the idea of a harmonica convergence.

BlitzKrieg

Deleted User wrote: »

Oh man. I love the idea of a harmonica convergence.

habit.


I play harmonica so wrote that by mistake

TheIrishGrover

Deleted User wrote: »

Oh man. I love the idea of a harmonica convergence.

Would that be something like the Dueling Banjos?


As for the whole Mononoke thing? At the time it reminded me of Spirited Away. As soon as you saw all the spirits streaming across the bridge to the spa I thought of Chihiro seeing the spirits pouring into Yubabba's for the first time.

I still can't get over the voice acting on this particular episode......... It's easy to see that Andrea Romano is the best voice casting director in the business: From Batman:TAS to this . Stellar work

BlitzKrieg

oh wow...


this weeks episode is a massive love letter to fans of the first series. Some really nice nods and a few dark ones.


The series has really picked up since they focused it. Massive spoilers below, really dont look unless you want things ruined.

Iroh!!!!!! I almost cried when he showed up to help chibi korra and the library, the betrayal and the sadness of knowing the good doctor died

TheIrishGrover

Fantastic episode. Moving connections to Aang that were done just right.

Got goosebumps when you heard Iroh's voice: That sounds like..... Great to see the young Korra. Cute character design with the belly and all that. The tea party was great. Wonderful Spiritworld characters and especially the bit where Korra says "My teapot!" (As opposed to "Wan's Teapot")

Great to see series back on track. And, once again, anticipating the next episodes. Don't know if actually true or not but even the animation quality seems better post "Beginnings". The only thing is

Seeing Iroh there really highlights the fact that the series needs an Iroh-like character. It needs a Zukko/Iroh pairing. The wonderful thing about Aang was the development of the characters. From Zukko's big bad to conflicted tragic figure to ally and hero. To Sokka's comedy sidekick to great strategist with self doubt. There is no real character that has had that kind of story arc

According to IMDb he next two weeks (15th/22nd) are EACH two parters. Giggiddy. So it looks like they might be wrapping up this story this season. I hope they actually don't though. Would like to see this story go on now it's got focus and we've gotten our teeth stuck into it.

BlitzKrieg

you would think they'd let this story run multiple seasons. I mean the only reason season 1 ended up getting wrapped up the way it did was because it was originally only going to be 1 series and only got extended during it's run.

I'd like to hope

this season ends with vatu getting free but being drained he is forced to merge with a human like the avatar and the next season is chasing this new *evil* avatar.

TheIrishGrover

BlitzKrieg wrote: »

you would think they'd let this story run multiple seasons. I mean the only reason season 1 ended up getting wrapped up the way it did was because it was originally only going to be 1 series and only got extended during it's run.

I'd like to hope

this season ends with vatu getting free but being drained he is forced to merge with a human like the avatar and the next season is chasing this new *evil* avatar.

I was thinking something like that too. And if it was only a two-parter then I'd say, yeah, that's how they'd go. But since it's Two two-parters there's enough time to go further and finish it out. Although maybe part will be focusing on Akami and the rest of the Scooby Gang and yer man taking over her company and that will let them end in such a way.

I know they greenlit season 3 + 4 but ratings for this season have been down on season 1 apparently (Although hopefully good word-of-mouth regarding the last few episodes hopefully improved them again). So hopefully they'll continue as planned with 3 and 4.

CastorTroy

Well that's tomorrow's watching sorted
http://ie.ign.com/articles/2013/11/15/the-legend-of-korra-finale-debuting-tonight

4 episodes to watch. 2 airing on tv in the States and the 2 part finale debuting online later tonight

BlitzKrieg

well that was a solid season finale...


overall the series picked up once it got focused. I do wish it had gotten focused sooner but once it got moving it was quite good.

Also lot of potential from the ending and genuine concrete change.

more thoughts when I have time

eVeNtInE

This post has been deleted.

VinLieger

As a seaon it wasnt great although the last 6 episodes did kind of save it for me.

More of that please next season

TheIrishGrover

For me, everything from "Beginnings" was great. I thought it was floundering at the start with Korra unlikeable, the gang off on their own thing and characters with little to do. Most of this was tied up nicely in the finale. Although poor auld Asami had little to do. I wasn't overly gone on the whole final battle: Thought it just came across as pretty generic anime monster fighting until the end.(And this is coming from an anime fan.)
I loved Jinora's story arc and, assuming they continue with production on season 3 and 4, she'll obviously have a much bigger part given her innate connection to the spirit world. And I loved: It's Jinora, and she looks beautiful.... Be careful sweetie!!!!!
Loved the fog of lost souls. Can't believe they actually got Jason Isaccs back for his Zhao scene. Thought that was amazing. Another nice little throw back.

I do think that this was a much better finale than last season in that it really sets up season 3 and 4: Korra has to reestablish the link to past avatars; the ramifications of the spirit world and physical worlds now being connected - this really changes everything; What has happened to the "dark avatar" (Is there now a dark avatar cycle?).

It will be interesting to see the new, mature and complete Korra in the next seasons.

I know they were in production of season 3 and even recording season 4 apparently. However ratings did drop seriously at the start (Understandably) but they picked up again from "Beginnings" on so hopefully they'll continue. Will be a tense couple of months until we know for sure.

A Neurotic

Loved the last few episodes. Although I still have issues with a lot of what happened on an intellectual level, now that the season as a whole is wrapped up:

• Jinora is magic? I don't understand
• Korra can become a giant blue thing and shoot Korra beams? I don't understand
• Was Varrick's aim really to help the south, or just to profit from war?
• Won't Vaatu just regenerate inside Korra, like Rava did in Unalaq?
• Why exactly were spirits attacking the southern tribe at the start of the season? Unalaq's doing, as justification for occupancy?
• We never really were told what that water-bending spirit calming/soul-trapping technique is all about
• Were Korra's dad and his mates really just standing around on a hill for the entire season waiting for Korra to come back? We got loads of references to a "civil war" but we were shown absolutely nothing on screen. Kind of cheap.
• Rava "died" temporarily, cutting off Korra's connection to all of her past lives. But if Rava was "reset", why can Korra still bend four elements

That's quite a list, but it doesn't really impact on my overall enjoyment of the finale. Loved the culmination of Tenzin's daddy issues arc, and almost all of the fight scenes were breathtaking. Especially loved the shot of Mako, Tenzin, Kya and Bolin going all-out on the spirits approaching Korra's body. Seeing a real-life Bumi tall tale happen was another highlight.

Altogether, I had my doubts at the start of this season but the second half really brought it together. Easily on a par with Book 1. Roll on books 3 and 4!

A Neurotic

TheIrishGrover wrote: »

For me, everything from "Beginnings" was great. I thought it was floundering at the start with Korra unlikeable, the gang off on their own thing and characters with little to do. Most of this was tied up nicely in the finale. Although poor auld Asami had little to do. I wasn't overly gone on the whole final battle: Thought it just came across as pretty generic anime monster fighting until the end.(And this is coming from an anime fan.)
I loved Jinora's story arc and, assuming they continue with production on season 3 and 4, she'll obviously have a much bigger part given her innate connection to the spirit world. And I loved: It's Jinora, and she looks beautiful.... Be careful sweetie!!!!!
Loved the fog of lost souls. Can't believe they actually got Jason Isaccs back for his Zhao scene. Thought that was amazing. Another nice little throw back.

I do think that this was a much better finale than last season in that it really sets up season 3 and 4: Korra has to reestablish the link to past avatars; the ramifications of the spirit world and physical worlds now being connected - this really changes everything; What has happened to the "dark avatar" (Is there now a dark avatar cycle?).

It will be interesting to see the new, mature and complete Korra in the next seasons.

I know they were in production of season 3 and even recording season 4 apparently. However ratings did drop seriously at the start (Understandably) but they picked up again from "Beginnings" on so hopefully they'll continue. Will be a tense couple of months until we know for sure.

Someone on another board pointed out that as Unalaq died while in the avatar state, his avatar cycle is broken and he won't reincarnate with Vaatu.

Fluorescence

I marathoned the entire series this morning. I'm glad I did - it really picked up the pace at Beginnings and became a show worth the investment. Before that I wasn't all that bothered, to be honest.

The finale was pretty entertaining but ultimately not satisfying. There were too many plot devices introduced too late in the season or not really explained thoroughly enough. For example, WHY could Jinora's spirit be a homing beacon for the piece of Rava inside Unaloq/Vaatu? Is that even what happened there?? Why on earth can Iroh survive in the spirit world - does death not mean anything in the avatar universe (not gonna lie though, seeing Iroh interact with Chibi-Korra made me )

A Neurotic wrote: »

• Korra can become a giant blue thing and shoot Korra beams? I don't understand

• Rava "died" temporarily, cutting off Korra's connection to all of her past lives. But if Rava was "reset", why can Korra still bend four elements

These are my main two issues with this season too. I don't think either was adequately explained tbh. Especially the second there, as I was under the impression that Rava had to hold the other elements for the avatar.

As for this:

• Won't Vaatu just regenerate inside Korra, like Rava did in Unalaq?

I'm pretty sure he will, which I'm hoping will be the story arc of Books 3 and 4. That'll make the Legend of Korra into an Epic to rival/surpass Legend of Aang if it's handled well. I'm looking forward to it

Didn't Aang attempt to enter a similar state in the finale of Season 2? I'm almost certain he did; it's when Zukko's sister (cannot remember her name and too lazy to look it up on Google!) prevented it with lightening.

TheIrishGrover

A Neurotic wrote: »

Someone on another board pointed out that as Unalaq died while in the avatar state, his avatar cycle is broken and he won't reincarnate with Vaatu.

Ah, yep, you're absolutely right. In the last episode of book two of Aang, when they thought they'd killed Aang while entering the avatar state they thought they'd killed the line altogether. Forgot about that.

flazio

I recall back in series 1 of The Legend of Aang The Last Airbender that they visted a temple of Roku on the solstice and Aang got to speak to Roku about the comet, well perhaps if Korra visits an Avatar temple on the solstice she can regain her connection as well.

A Neurotic

One other thing: I only just noticed in the intro to the finale that the four benders in the intro are the four most recent avatars: Kyoshi, Roku, Aang, and Korra. I always just presumed they were generic benders from each respective area with Korra thrown in for the craic. Feeling stupid now...

CastorTroy

Who wants to see the trailer for Book 3?

No airdate yet, though

A Neurotic

Woah, amazing trailer.

Did we see loads of new air benders, including Bumi? And an old man dressed in fire nation garb with a burned face...

Thargor

Ive never seen any Avatar episodes, is it a bit dated now to start watching from the start or do people still recommend it? Attack on Titan would be the only similar thing Ive watched but I enjoyed that...

A Neurotic

Thargor wrote: »

Ive never seen any Avatar episodes, is it a bit dated now to start watching from the start or do people still recommend it? Attack on Titan would be the only similar thing Ive watched but I enjoyed that...

No, it's great, thoroughly recommended. My girlfriend just watched The Last Airbender this year and loved it, age 23.

The first season is a bit kiddy, but stick with it and it's really rewarding.

Thargor

Thanks, looking forward to it now, last question should I look for a subtitled release or is the English dub how its meant to be watched?

A Neurotic

Thargor wrote: »

Thanks, looking forward to it now, last question should I look for a subtitled release or is the English dub how its meant to be watched?

It's not actually an animé! It's an American production, by Nickelodeon. So recorded in English.

Thargor

Ah I never knew that thanks, been avoiding spoilers for years so never looked.

CastorTroy

For those who can't wait too much longer, you're in luck.

Book 3 starts on June 27th with 3 episodes. There's a break on July 4th then back for a regular slot on July 11th

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/20/exclusive-the-legend-of-korra-book-three-premiere-date-announcement-and-clip

TheIrishGrover

CastorTroy wrote: »

For those who can't wait too much longer, you're in luck.

Book 3 starts on June 27th with 3 episodes. There's a break on July 4th then back for a regular slot on July 11th

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/20/exclusive-the-legend-of-korra-book-three-premiere-date-announcement-and-clip

Was about to post this. The show REALLY picked up after Beginnings (IMHO the best episodes of any Avatar series). I'm interested to see ramifications of the end of Season 2. Cannot wait. Had not seen that official trailer before now though. Awesome (1:17 - One flashback, one present day no doubt. Giggidy!).

BlitzKrieg

so first 3 episodes have aired.

sort of mixed on it so far feels like they are spinning their wheels abit to pad things out.

CastorTroy

I liked the first 3 episodes. Thought it set everything up nicely for the season.

When they went to the house of the guy who lives in the basement I was thinking it sounded like Napoleon Dynamite, so was happy to see it was him in a random funny appearance.
Then hearing Michelangelo as Mako and Bolin's cousin.

Full_Circle_81

Oh I really enjoyed the first three episodes and I've a good feeling about this season so far. It already feels like its righted many of the wrongs from season 2 (steadier tone, story has more immediate direction, Korra is happily more sympathetic). Also a huge bonus is the fact that Studio Mir will be animating the entire season, so none of that strangely off-kilter animation from the earlier half of season two.

Its a such a shame that the creators weren't given the same trust and freedom to plan out a series-spanning arc for Korra from the outset, like with The Last Airbender, which had a beautifully mapped out (and nicely paced) run.

A Neurotic

Episode 4 is incredible! This is shaping up to be Korra's best season by far, and I was a big fan of the first two.

CastorTroy

Episode 5 aired as well, in case you didn't know. Looks like we're getting double episodes every week.

Episode 4 had great action. Hard to tell but does that water bender have arms or does she just always have water covering them as we see Kya do in episode 5?
Episode 5 then told us

Toph could still be alive. Though, not to be judgemental, but did really not know either of her kids' fathers? Anyway, it means we could get some of the original team back with Toph, Zuko and Katara.
Opal must have felt very lonely and an outsider up until now, seemingly being the only non bender in her family. Though dunno if her dad had bending.
And good to see Kya able to hold her own in a fight against a strong opponent.

BlitzKrieg

CastorTroy wrote: »

Episode 5 aired as well, in case you didn't know. Looks like we're getting double episodes every week.

Episode 4 had great action. Hard to tell but does that water bender have arms or does she just always have water covering them as we see Kya do in episode 5?
Episode 5 then told us

Toph could still be alive. Though, not to be judgemental, but did really not know either of her kids' fathers? Anyway, it means we could get some of the original team back with Toph, Zuko and Katara.
Opal must have felt very lonely and an outsider up until now, seemingly being the only non bender in her family. Though dunno if her dad had bending.
And good to see Kya able to hold her own in a fight against a strong opponent.

The water bender has no arms at all.

Surprised

Korea is taking bai fongs sister's side so easily she's been misled once this season already and this was the whole crux of season 2's opening.

red dave

I'm just finished watching Korra book 1 and about to re-watch book 2. I actually watched Korra book 2 last season and then watched the last airbender before getting around to watch korra book 1. It was legend of korra that got me into this series.

Anyways....just seen this, Nickelodeon pulls the last 5 episodes. They're going to release them 'digitally'?

Nickelodeon have already ordered a season 4, so I'm hoping they release them on Netflix. I watched Avatar, the last airbender through Netflix.

http://ie.ign.com/articles/2014/07/24/nickelodeon-pulls-upcoming-legend-of-korra-episodes?utm_campaign=fbposts&utm_source=facebook

Full_Circle_81

^
Hmm, I hope this doesn't force a change in direction for the forth season. I'm actually really enjoying season three so far!
Its sad to see the numbers for Korra so low compared to previous seasons. There are precious few quality cartoons out there at the mo!

CastorTroy

Well they said they'll be online only from next Friday with 1 episode a week. They noticed their audience is mostly online anyway and season 4 is still going to be shown

A Neurotic

New episode here: http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/legend-of-korra-209-full-episode.html

Interesting revelations RE: Unalaq. Probably wasn't planned out to begin with but it makes sense to me that he'd be in the Red Lotus. Loving this season.

A Neurotic

Episode 10: Long Live the Queen http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/legend-of-korra-210-full-episode.html

That's some badass evil airbending.

CastorTroy

Yep.

Clearly a kids show when they show someone slowly suffocating to death, right down to the bloodshot eyes

heebusjeebus

CastorTroy wrote: »

Yep.

Clearly a kids show when they show someone slowly suffocating to death, right down to the bloodshot eyes

Isn't that why it moved from a Saturday morning in S1 to Friday prime time after the S1 finale (explosion on the boat).
Not for the young ones at all but one of the reasons it gets an adult audience.

ixoy

CastorTroy wrote: »

Yep.

Clearly a kids show when they show someone slowly suffocating to death, right down to the bloodshot eyes

It's not just that though that makes it more adult: IMO it's the political message and themes that make it stand out more. How many other kids shows deal with the idea of tearing down established political structures in favour of anarchic movements?

Full_Circle_81

^ I have to agree with ixoy there. The show has never been afraid to shy away from the big themes.
There were so many little moments in this episode that I loved: Bolins humorous bonding with the captures, Asami finally being used effectively, the shocking spoiler-tagged bits mentioned above.
I really think with this season they've managed to finally find a working dynamic between all the characters, that cuts out most of the tired soap opera love triangle stuff from season 1 & 2. The characters are really coming together now in a way that echoes the original Avatar series almost.
And I have to take a moment and praise the incredible voice-actors. Having just looked them up on Wikipedia a minute ago, its nice to put faces to some of the voices. And how did I miss Anne Heches name in the credits?!

CastorTroy

For this week's episode

Great seeing Tenzin in action. Though I always wonder has Kya tried bending the tentacles off that other waterbender. Maybe she'll have more control

A Neurotic

Another class episode. Thought some of the dialogue/humour felt a bit flat in the first half but the action sequence at the end was unreal.

Tenzin is a hero.