The Legend of Korra Season 1 Reflections Part 2

Part 1 found here.

Asami

Asami was underserved, which was surprising because she had some serious issues to deal with. Her father was keeping a double life from her only to give up on her for his revenge. Then her boyfriend cheated on her, after she told him he makes her feel safe. She was betrayed by the man who raised her due to his anger and hatred, and by the man she fell in love with because he was not honest with her. At the end of the show she’s all alone, with no one standing next to her (literally, she’s standing behind everyone else in the final shot). The next couple of months to year are going to be difficult for her. She needs someone solid in her life to stand by her, and it would be interesting to see how she deals with it going forward.

Tenzin/Lin Beifong

Tenzin was not a rewrite of the old sage character. He didn’t have all the answers, and there were times you get the feeling he wished his dad was still around to help and give advice. There were times he missed opportunities to guide Korra on her journey by sharing some of his father’s struggles, but he did care, and he was a rock to those around him. He had good faith in those he trusted, and you know he would put his life on the line for his family and friends. I’m not saying he wasn’t wise, he was, and he knew the importance of being patient, but he was no Iroh or Roku. 

Powerful, confident, unwaveringly brave, Lin was a Beifong. But she was not a rehash of her mother Toph. When she finally got some air time, she showed her skill, knowledge, power, and bravery. When she made mistakes, she did not shy away from taking the blame, and more importantly, she made every effort to correct them (like freeing her officers). Her sacrifice for the last airbenders was heartfelt. She may have been scared, but once she chose a path to protect the man she loved and his family, she did not turn back. She was a great addition to the cast, and quite frankly, I’d be happy if the show just focused on her adventures in Republic City from now on.

Republic City

Republic City was a modern setting in an ancient world. It had mystic, magic and darkness. It reminded me a lot of the world of Harry Potter; there was always more to it, but it was just out of sight, and left to the imagination. Like Manhattan, from a glance it’s perfect, with tall sleek structures, and its citizens walking together in harmony. But once you get a little closer, you see the shades of grey; the poverty, the forgotten, the downtrodden, and the corrupt. Republic City felt alive, and I hope we get to delve further into this fascinating world.

Anyone Else?

Tenzin’s kids were great, but underused, or were they great because they were underused? Either way, I would like more.

Gen Iroh II was a bit of a letdown. Sure he was a skilled bender, but he didn’t seem to be a very good general.

Pro-bending was much like Quiddich, fun in short bursts, but shouldn’t be over used. I would like to see it return in moderation.

The old Gaang were only present via Katara, in two episodes, or flashbacks with Toph, Sokka and Aang (who also made an appearance at the very end). I would like more though. How did Sokka die? Did he have children? What happened to Suki? Will we see Zuko and Toph again? I expect Katara to maintain the same level of interaction in the future (possibly leading to her death), and Aang to continue to guide Korra much like Roku did for him.

Naga and Pabu need more airtime. Some of the funniest bits from the last show came from Appa and Momo, and Naga and Pabu definitely could fill that void.

This was a good start for a new setting in a familiar world. Season 1 came and went too quickly, and now that Nick knows the shows staying power, I hope for longer shenanigans in future seasons. Staying focused on the main story is important, but some of the best episodes from the last series were standalone, and the show could benefit with more time. I can't wait for what's next to come.

The Legend of Korra – The Empire Strikes Ba… I mean Turning the Tides

A lot continued to go wrong for the good guys this episode, with the remaining council members and metal bending police taken out of the picture in the opening minutes. Team Avatar had to save Tenzin, and Naga had a short lived action moment. Asami tried confronting Mako about his feelings for Korra, but he avoided answering her concerns. He should show both Asami and Korra a little more respect, they both deserve to know where they stand so they can get on with their lives. The White Lotus even showed up again, and true to their cause, they sacrificed themselves for the Avatar. 

This gave room for the air-benders to shine. Tenzin has not had enough chances to flex his muscles this series, but when he has, it’s always been fun to see his take on some of Aang’s moves. When the Equalists came to take him, he took them out with style and held is own against insurmountable odds when surrounded by Metal Gears. But he wasn’t the only air-bender this episode; his kids got to have some fun too. They showed the skill, determination, and fearlessness that kids genuinely excel at. Clearly they know there is trouble, but probably not what’s at stake, which allows them to go into battle throwing caution to the wind to protect their “dad’s ex-girlfriend”. Jinora, Ikki and Meelo did well, each having a very different style of bending. Jinora kept her distance with a strong blast, Ikki got up close, and Meelo was all over the place with well placed fart-bending. It’s interesting to see that these third generation air-benders have each developed their own unique style.

Tenzin and his kids about to show us what air-benders are capable of

And now for the elephant in the room; the fall of BatLin. Lin went out this episode exactly as I would expect a Beifong to go out, kicking more ass than most people and refusing to cooperate with the enemy. She weaved her way around the enemy taking them out until she was backed into a corner, only taking the aid of Tenzin’s kids as a last resort. Then, Lin made her final sacrifice and charged down two airships to help Tenzin and his family get away. The stakes were high; we knew what will happen to Lin once captured, and I genuinely feared for her. 

Battered, but not yet beaten

The final shot of her bound in front of Amon was difficult to see. It was even harder to watch when he took away her bending. In just a short few episodes, I’ve really come to like Lin. Toph was my favorite character from the last series, and we had two full seasons to get to know her. Lin has not had that luxury of time, but from what little we saw, her character shown through, and I hope there is more to come. And I agree with Meelo, she’s my hero too, not the one Tenzin deserved, but the one he needed. Her courage better be rewarded.

This Dark Knight shall rise once again

Other than that, there wasn’t any scene this episode that was there just for fan service. Everything served a purpose. From the call to the United Forces, to Tenzin’s new boy Rohan, to the final, huge reveal, there wasn’t a wasted second. And what a reveal! When I heard that Dante Basco was returning to the show, I assumed it was to voice Zuko. But the final shot, with the United Forces navy advancing to the city’s aid wet the appetite. What took me overboard was hearing the words General Iroh once again, and this time a General Iroh (Zuko's grandson?) voiced by Dante. It might take a while for me to get used to hearing Zuko’s voice coming out of someone who isn’t Zuko, but I’m stoked. Dante can bring the heat in terms of voice acting, so I can’t wait for more. 

Ever since Iroh went to jail he's been looking better and better

But this introduction did more than just tickle my nostalgia bone, it reminded me that this is a huge world, and that there are many other people who populate it, and who knows just how powerful they are. So I have a warning for you Amon. A General Iroh is coming, are you ready? This was another great episode.