The Legend of Korra: Harmonic Convergence Review

The second part of this week’s episode brought our main characters to the doorstep of cataclysm, with Harmonic Convergence just hours away, it was time to deal with Unalaq and Vaatu once and for all. And how does the team decide to go about fighting a superior army with literally only 10 or so people? Head on of course, because why not? Sure it was a weak battle plan. They could have tunneled underneath everyone and gotten right to the portal, I mean they have two earth benders, but that would have deprived us of one of the funniest episodes of the season.

Tenzin’s siblings have lived in his shadow for the entire season, and apparently life too if they are to be believed, but in this episode Bumi had his chance to shine. Since his introduction, Bumi has always seemed like he’s compensating. Maybe it’s because he’s older than his siblings and is starting to feel his age, or more likely it’s that he’s the only non-bender in a household that contained four, so he had to be loud and in your face to get some recognition. Regardless of the source of his inner feelings of inadequateness, Bumi is a cheerful spirit, much like Sokka and King Bumi before him. So when everyone else gets caught, only someone who can truly think outside the box could save the day.

Watching Bumi fumble his way past guards and evil spirits was truly enjoyable. He was funny, something the show, especially this season, has lacked to a certain degree. Sokka was always lightening up the mood in the previous series, and Bolin, before his ‘I’m an actor now’ shtick broke the tension more often than not. Varrick had his moments, but when he took a turn to the dark side, his funny antics were put on the back burner for a more sinister approach, so watching Bumi save the day Jack Sparrow style really stood out.

What was great about his rescue mission was how it was foreshadowed the entire episode without you really realizing it. He was constantly telling everyone of his crazy missions when in the army, and all the kind of kooky ways he would save the day. No one took him seriously, and to a certain degree, as the viewer, you couldn’t either. I mean some of the things he was implying were outlandish. But in the end, he saved the day with nothing but his flute, and a stolen mecha tank. It was hilarious to see him angering evil spirits, try to fight them one on one, and eventually lead them on a chase that brought down the entire enemy camp. He truly lived up to the namesake Bumi, and no doubt uncle Sokka taught him a thing or two about quick thinking.

With all free, everyone had a goal. Tenzin, Kia and Bumi were off the find Jinora’s spirit. Mako and Bolin were to hold off Unalaq. Korra was to close the portals and prevent Vaatu from becoming free and Unalaq from becoming the Dark Avatar. Unfortunately for Korra, she was too late. The planets aligned, and Harmonic Convergence commenced, freeing Vaatu. This is a fight 10,000 years in the making, and one I am very excited to see.

This episode was pure fun, and we needed that. It’s been a while since I genuinely laughed without the sense of tension in the background, and one more episode earlier in the season like this might have helped this season flow a little better. It was animated well and had a great soundtrack. I’m going to hold off on publishing my review for the two part finale until they air, even though it is on the Korra site. For the review of part I click here. 

The Legend of Korra: Night of a Thousand Stars Review

Last week, I was hit with the emotional heart strings when Iroh came on screen, bringing back fond memories of the original cast of the Avatar series, and I may have reacted harshly to Team Avatar 2. This week’s episode reminded me that though they are vastly different, Team Avatar 2 are a great cast of characters. If the Gaang were the Justice League, a group who works well together though not necessarily seeing eye to eye on everything, Team Avatar 2 are the Avengers, who constantly step on each other’s toes and work best with one another when their backs are against the wall.

Let’s start with Bolin. The kid never had the angst of Mako, or the drive of Asami. He has been content with drifting around, being pulled in one direction or another until it’s time to move on. And you know what, that’s fine, he’s 16. He’s still trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs in this world. Hell, many people in their 40’s struggle with those very issues. But when push came to shove, Bolin stepped up to the plate and did the bold thing, which was to save the president, capture the assailants, and prove his brother innocent. I forgot just how powerful and resourceful Bolin can be, and he did a good job cleaning up Varrick’s mess.

Speaking of Varrick, the man who is full of endlessly good quotes finally pushed things too far and got caught in his web of deceit and trickery. I am a little disappointed; what’s up with all the industry giants being baddies, is this a reflection of the current crop of Wall St executives? At least Varrick wasn’t trying to help the goals of some mad despot like Asami’s dad, he was just in it for the money; there was no ideology. I liked that. It was simple, neat, and the fact that Varrick himself was so self-aware of the boundaries he was pushing and unsurprised when the rug finally got pulled from beneath him, I couldn’t help but be once again charmed by the man who was the best new character introduced this season.

Combining Asami’s and Mako’s character ark this season is simple. Once again, like season 1, Asami didn’t really go anywhere, which is surprising because she has some very interesting story lines the writers could deal with (dad in jail, 18 year old CEO who is trying to keep a company, her love life, and competitors in place), but she didn’t get much screen time, and was reduced to flying Team Avatar from one place to the next. Mako too didn’t have much ground to cover. He figured that Varrick was the bag guy, got put in jail due to some very questionable character judgment calls by Lin, and was proven right in the end. There really isn’t much to discuss about these two, which in the case of Asami is a shame because there is more to her than just puppy love over Mako, and it should be told.

Some may question President Raiko’s decision to not help the Southern Water Tribe with his army, but from his point of view why should he. The United Republic is not the USA of 1900s. It’s the USA of the 1800’s, despite how much it looks like the 1920s. They were a collection of former colonies from the most powerful empire the world has seen, and have quickly developed into a cultural hub, but not a world leading influence. And in that regard, President Raiko is like a James Monroe, or a John Quincy Adams; they aren’t the legends that were the founding fathers, but their role in sustaining the young country they were now in charge of allowed the other, more Abraham Lincolny type presidents to make the bold choices and make big history. In the end Raiko was right to keep his troops in his country, let the rest of the world figure its own problems out.

Finally, let’s talk Tonraq. When fighting, he may not be as swift as Korra, but he is just as straight forward and head strong as she, and it really is great to see where she gets it from. We now know that for so long Tonraq has run from his past, not willing to confront it till it was too late (something Aang did for about a 100 years), but the truth eventually came out. Tonraq had to fight, not just for his family and the personal injustice, but because he is the rightful leader, and if he wasn’t willing to fight for his position, then no one would. But he decided to act too late, and Unalaq, feeling emboldened from his recent victories, was no longer afraid of his big bro, and unsurprisingly beat him into submission! What’s to come for Tonraq, time will tell.

This was a good episode, animated well with a great backing soundtrack. I will continue to post a separate review for each episode.

The Legend of Korra: The Sting Review

This week, Korra barely shows up so everyone else had to pick up her slack. This episode was really well done. It had the slow methodical pace of a detective serial of old while bringing in the inter policing rivalries of more modern shows. Throughout the episode, Maco gathered and examined clues to seemingly uncover the mystery behind all the terrorist attacks that have been going on. Finally, Mako had something to do besides getting yelled at by Korra and Lin.

Starting off with a raid on one of Asami’s shipments to the South, things quickly escalate to espionage, betrayal, a full on Bond style water chase between ships, ending with the ‘bad guy’ seemingly getting the upper hand. Throughout the episode Mako tried hard to stay ahead of all the sleight of hand and trickery afoot, but with no one on his side, he remained a step behind. It didn’t help that Chief Be Fong was so unwilling to listen to him. I get it that he’s a rookie, but come on, has she never seen… read, any of the numerous stories where the rookie cop is proven right at the end? Come on BatLin, I hold you to a higher standard than this.

Good work officer. One day you'll make detective.

Through and through, Mako did as a good job as he could. He followed, clues, believed his gut, and was not motivated by trying to prove Korra wrong or win Asami back. He was doing it all for the truth, and because of that he put the clues together leading him right to Varrick. Not Varrick!

Like I said last week, there is far more to this eccentric man than meets the eyes, and I’m sure his ultimate goal is not just gaining a controlling share in a competitors company. I’m sure money is a huge motivator for him, but I’m beginning to get the feeling that he might be in cahoots with Unalaq. Like he said, ‘if you can’t make money during a war, you can’t make money period’. He may be a source of endlessly great quotes, but the man is sly as a fox, and has wiggled his way into a very powerful position. And it doesn’t hurt that he likes to play both sides. At least Mako’s on to him.

There's no way it can be me, right?

On the B side of this episode, Bolin has found the celebrity side of life to his liking. With a lot of money now at his disposal he gets to buy frivolous items. He’s also doing a good job of playing the vain celeb, ignoring Mako in his time of need (and eye for and eye leaves all but one blind). Meanwhile, Unalaq seems to be getting some sort of direction for his actions from some unseen force. He is openly entering and leaving the spirit portal at will while his children wait for him. I’m sure some evil entity is pulling the strings here, and ultimately he’s going to be as powerless as cabbage man. But for now, his plan has a set back as he believes the Avatar is dead.

Just Bolin, doing his Nuktuk thing.

Speaking of which, it was nice of Korra to show up at the end. Or was it her? She certainly no longer knows, but at least she’s with people who know who she is. She’s had a tough season thus far, especially seeing how she just came off her biggest challenge last season; I guess no one ever said being the Avatar would be easy. So as Korra tries to remember who she is (at least she knows she can bend, and for some reason chose to air bend over water bend!) the shot panned out and lingered over the water which seemed to be hiding something beneath the surface. Possibly one of these so called ‘evil spirits’ which might not be as evil as they have been purported to be (all speculation here).

This was not only a very well done episode, but one I believe will ultimately prove vastly important to the series. It was different from what’s come before on the show. It was both slower and more intelligent, and didn’t feel the need to hit the view over the head with the obvious. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can’t wait for the two parter next week. 

The Legend of Korra: Peacekeepers Review

Korra this week returned the show to Republic city to deal with the fallout of the Water Tribe civil war. From the start, we are once again reminded just how little Bolin has developed. As the rest of Team Avatar leave to go complete an important task, Bolin is left to wonder what his fate should be. I really felt for him. It reminded me of when I graduated college, looked back at where I’d been, and realized I’ve spent most of my life thus far in school and not really sure how the real world works. And as I tried to figure it out, I spent the first couple of months in a daze caught between two very distinct lives, and not sure if I was ready to leave one for the other. It feels like Bolin too is trying to discover his groove now that his pro-bending days with Mako are essentially over and each member of Team Avatar doing their own thing. Lucky for him, the always great Varrick was at hand to accompany Bolin in his search for self-discovery.

Varrick has been great. Whether he’s giving another great quote ('being famous is like getting hit with a rock all the time'), or the fact that I’m becoming increasingly more convinced that the eccentric billionaire inventor persona he embodies is just a shtick he uses to throw everyone off the fact that he is not only very intelligent, but also very observant and cunning, but once again Varrick stole the show. Between propaganda movies and shoes for hands, Varrick is a treasure trove of endless possibilities, and I hope that he doesn’t have a turn to the sinister before the series end.

We're ditching the girl kid and going to have some great adventures!

On a lighter note, Korra and Mako make huge waves throughout the episode. Caught between being loyal to his girl or his job, Mako’s forced to make choices that are neither easy nor clear cut. Korra desperately wants to liberate her people from the invading forces, and is using all her influence and karma she’s built up to get the help she needs. But it would have been easier for her to get help by yelling at a brick wall. The newly elected President of the United Republic is unwilling to drag his nation into a war that doesn’t really involve them. Further complicating matters is Mako going against Korra and giving the president inside information of her movements. When she went to Gen II Iroh, the President nipped any ‘effort’ to assist in the bud.

This final shut door forced Korra to head to the Fire Nation to seek help from the Fire Lord. However, her journey there was thwarted by the wonder twins and an evil spirit. When Unalaq ordered his children to go retrieve the Avatar I was left a little surprised. Very few benders could hold their own against an Avatar. Both Yakone and Noatak were incredibly powerful benders, but were still unable to best the Avatars. So what makes these two so special? And why are they so confident in their abilities that there were initially going into this fight with the intent to kill! Clearly there is more to these two than meets the eye. However, they are unsuccessful in capturing Korra. That honor goes to the evil spirit who seemingly swallowed Korra, despite her Avatar Stating and trying to calm said spirit.

There is something seriously not right about these two.

Other main points to touch upon are Unalaq revealing that he needs Korra to open the spirit gate up north. I’m beginning to think that he’s getting his orders from someone else, but I could be wrong. An attack on the Southern Water Tribe cultural center looks to inflame a war. Mako is investigating the terrorist attack believing that it was not perpetrated by Northern Water Tribesmen. And at the air temple, Tenzin releases the inner monster within Meelo (his words, not mine!), as he continues his personal time with each of his kids. I assume Jinora is next. This was a very fun episode. The animation and music were once again great. Oh, and the BatLin returned! More BatLin please. 

Just give us the Lin Bei Fong show we deserve!

The Legend of Korra: Civil Wars Part 2 Review

“The only way to deal with crazy women is to lie big and leave fast”. That was the quote that made me realize that not only is this a better, far more coherent episode than last week’s, but possibly the best episode of the season thus far. By the way, I didn't realize just how funny Varrick was going to be until this week, but man, I’m glad he’s in the show and along for the ride.

Just the kind of funny I was missing.

This episode moved everything forward. Jinora was found and made peace with her siblings. Tenzin made peace with his siblings and was able to see past the happy haze surrounding his father. Kya and Bumi realized that they can’t take out frustration over Aang on Tenzin. Finally, Aang’s descendants were able to find peace will all stories nicely wrapped up.

So onto the crux of the matter, the Civil War. You see, the South wants to live the way they’ve always practiced, while the North believes that their behavior is detrimental to society and needs to be reformed. Thus, Abraham Lincoln is moving to … sorry, wrong Civil War. This one is more in the line of Cain Vs. Able, or if you’d rather, Mufasa Vs. Scar.

What's up with brothers always fighting.

It basically boils down to Unalaq being jealous of his older, stronger, more handsome brother Tonraq. And like all jealous brothers who can’t move past their own insecurities, it seems Unalaq decided to dedicate his life to undermining any sense of peace and stability Tonraq could muster. His job was made easier by Tonraq’s unwillingness to discuss what happened with anyone (possibly he told his wife?) or dig deeper to find out the truth of his banishment. Thankfully for him, Korra suffers from a little case of the headstrongs and hot bloodedness that most teens seem to come down with. Good thing too.

Korra really felt like Robert De Niro in the Godfather Part II; bold, strong, and unafraid to get her hands dirty. It was great watching her interrogate the magistrate with Naga. It was genuinely fearful. I knew that she wouldn’t kill the man, but the line between good and bad could have easily been crossed. There is an episode of the Justice League cartoon when Superman kills President Lex Luthor after Luthor kills the Flash. Superman has been pushed to his brink, and he decides to fall on the darker side of temptation. The obvious difference is that Superman has had years of being the good guy and became jaded, but if Korra embraces the temptation of abusing power (something I’m sure at least one previous Avatar must have done), this seemingly badass act could be indicative of something darker. But I doubt that she will ever go down that path.

Moments before turning Lex into a pile of ash. And he's supposed to be the boy scout!

This was a very fun, and very good episode. It was, once again, animated beautifully. The sound was pitch perfect. The dialogue was natural, funny, and poignant. This was exactly the right kind of follow up that the first part needed. Where part 1 fell flat, part 2 really brought it home. A great episode, and it looks like we are heading back to Republic City. I can’t wait!