My review of the legend of Korra
Intro: Show of hands who thinks making a sequel series to Avatar the last airbender was a good idea?
The legend of Korra: This series takes place a century after the events of Avatar the last airbender and a new Avatar name Korra appears. With the exception of airbending, she manages to master the elements and there are threats popping up around the nation. So, Korra has to learn airbending in order to fulfill her role as the Avatar.
This was not a good follow-up to Avatar the last airbender! That's kind of a shame because despite me not being on board with this series I was course to see how the writers could expand on what was established in that series. The creators seem to be aware that trying to top its predecessor is a tall order, so the creators tried to do something different. For example, instead of getting us one simple story, we get four different stories for each season. I feel like I'm watching a graphic novel. To be fair this was suppose to be a short series. Seasons 2 and 4 can get ridiculous to the point where you feel like you're watching Godzilla or Mobile Suit Gundam. Speaking of season 2 that was the worst season out of the four because it started off as one thing and turns into something else. The problem with the conflict in seasons one and four is that we don't see it.
This series is more character-driven than its predecessor. I wouldn't have minded that if the subplot were used to develop the characters instead of putting them in boxes. When the supporting characters have more development than the main characters you know you screwed up. It's hard to care about the new team Avatar because they spend more time apart. Most of the villains in this show are forgettable. They have fine motivation however they go about achieving their goals in a way that doesn't make them look bad.
The world-building in this series opens up a can of worms. We get an explanation to the origins of bending and the avatar let's just say less is more. I'm having a hard time buying that society has become this advance in 100 years. For example, republic city looks like 1920's New York. When we see the other nations, they are not as advanced because their culture is based on the bender's ability. In republic city, bending is trivialized for the most part and reduced to sports. The show tried to bland the same animation from the previous series with CGI and it sticks out like a sore thumb. The clip note episode is wasted I mean it could have been better if it was a movie serial.
Korra is hotheaded, bratty and determined. It's understandable why she likes this because she has gone through the same journey as the other Avatars before her. Plus, we get an explanation to why she's treated differently from the other avatars. Despite all of that, she does have a good heart. Those character traits are the reason why she's having trouble with airbending. What bugs me about her is that when she finally learns airbending it was odd. I mean it came out of the blue. I find it hard to swallow that she can master the other three elements with ease. I get why the creators did this to prevent this series from being a copy of the previous show, but you can pull it off without doing that. What's the point of being the Avatar if you're not one of the best or the best bender? That's what this series could have done with Korra. Don't you find it funny that this character got so much focus that she barely develops? Plus, the writers made her look bad in season 2.
Tenzin (One of Aang's kids.) is Korra's mentor. He's calm, serious and has funny moments with his family. He still feels the effects of the 100-year wars because his family are the only airbenders.
Bolin (Mako's brother.) Is fun-loving and laid-back. That's what annoys me about this character because he's the comic relief we don't get any serious scenes with him and it makes him look stupid.
Mako is a stick in the mud. I don't like the love triangle he's in because he has no chemistry with either of the women and he it makes him look bad playing both of them.
Asami is a kind and caring person who can take care of herself. I'm surprised she like this considering her upbringing. My gripe with her is that she's underused. It's hard to appreciate her dynamic with her father because the show didn't focus on it. The series drop hits that there's more to her relationship with Korra. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I can buy where the writers are going with these two because females can be close to each other in a way that men can't. On the other hand, you can't have it both ways. I mean if the creators are afraid to expose their relationship, then it shouldn't have been in the show.
Lin is the Chief of Police in Republic city and Toph's daughter. She's an uptight no-nonsense person. That makes sense considering who her mom is plus she has family issues.
Varrick is a better comic relief character than Bolin. Don't ask why comedy is subjective. He's also a shady character. The only complaint I have with him is his assistant, I wish she express her feelings sooner than later.
I like that this series continues to explore the ability to bend the elements. It's good to see some of the legacy characters. Each season tried to be about something. Season one was about equality, season two was about spirituality, season three was about freedom and season four was about control. I appreciate this series trying to address the issue of PTSD I just wish it didn't come at the expense of character development. This series addresses other serious issues like family trauma. The beginning of season three reflex our current situation.
Overall, this series is a mess that I wouldn't recommend checking out.
