The Legend of Korra Season 1 Reflections Part 1

Following up any show that has established itself over numerous years, with well rounded and loved characters can be a difficult thing; just ask George Lucas. So when Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko announced that they were to reenter the Avatar universe anew, one would be forgiven for raised eyebrows and a little worry. But when April 14^th, 2012 rolled around, long time fans were not disappointed. Below I’m going to focus on some of the main characters who populated this world, and how well I felt I got to know them.

Korra

This young avatar was unlike any other we had ever seen. Since a child she knew who she was, proudly bouncing around her home bending three of the four elements at the tender age of four with confidence and pride. She got in our face, and made sure that we knew she was a whole different ball game to what we had become comfortable with, and that was very refreshing. Even after leaving her home, there was a great level of confidence in herself, despite the fact that she was venturing into a world of unknown with little to no experience all alone. 

When Korra did meet road blocks, like Amon, and was taken down a peg or two, she had enough courage and strength to look within and face her fears. And when backed into a corner, she had enough fortitude that she was able to break through and come out on top. She followed her gut, rarely backed down, but wasn’t overly reckless. She was a smart thinker, quick witted, and willing to trust and depend on those around her. Sure she made mistakes, but she’s young, so that’s just par for the course. And lest I forget, yes, she was a sexy character, but that was not her defining trait. 

Yakone/Noatak/Tarrlok

Yakone was dead at the beginning of this series, but his shadow loomed all over it. He was maniacal, manipulative, unrelenting, and an all out powerful bender. His desperation for control was so all consuming it not only cost him his power, but ended up costing his children their lives. He was a force truly evil.

Noatak along with his younger brother Tarrlok were sympathetic characters. Both were powerful benders, but never had the freedom to be anything other than Yakone’s pawns, and the choices they made took them on vastly different paths. Tarrlok’s charming and greasy exterior was built so that he could mask his tragic past. He looked to manipulate politics, grabbing power when he could, and followed a route of many fascist leaders. As he became more powerful and oppressive, he became more like his father, something he realized, and regretted, far too late.

Noatak created Amon as a means of stirring revolution by preying on the down trodden and weak to create an army. The genius of Amon was that for his people he was trustworthy, resolute, and seemed to genuinely care them. Both Noatak and Tarrlok’s downfall was inevitable, and it’s mainly due to the fact that the only reason they were on their paths was due to their father. This wasn’t a life they chose, but one that was thrust onto them. Their death was dealt with the level of seriousness that was required of two characters that had such a tormented youth. It’s a shame, but they would have always lived under Yakone’s oppressive shadow.

Bolin/Mako

Bolin didn’t have much to do this season. He had many funny lines and observations, and the few times when he took charge, he came out on top showing a level of confidence in self one can only get when they have lived from day to day. His one big fall from grace (his girl kissed his brother) he dealt with by not letting it destroy his character. He didn’t whine and moan, but powered through it; quite an admirable trait. In the future, I would like to see more from him, because he was adorably charming. 

Mako was initially sold to us as a Bruce Wayne type character. Brooding, cold, almost condescending at times; he came off as a prick. However, he turned out to be such a flip flopper. Sure he had talent when it came to bending, but his character had no back bone. When Korra was captured, his true feelings for her came gushing out, but does that mean that if she wasn’t captured he would have been happy spending the rest of his life with Asasmi while leading Korra on? I didn’t really get his motives; he seemed to be like a leaf in the wind, just going with the flow. Maybe I missed something?

Part 2 to follow later

The Legend of Korra – Skeletons in the Closet

What a show. There were a lot of questions that needed to be answered, and we were not disappointed. At times this miniseries felt rushed, with an abundance of missed opportunities for stories focusing more on side characters, but it did help focus the show on Korra and Amon, making it a very well told and personal affair. This story was nicely wrapped up in this two part final, starting with General Iroh’s assault on Republic City.

While Team Avatar (living underground with the Tramp from the series premier) is conducting recon around the harbor, they see the United Forces sailing into a trap. For a man awarded the titles of not only General, but also Iroh, I expected more. No general will send his entire fleet into the harbor of hostile territory at once. Usually a smaller reconnaissance ship is sent into enemy territory to find mines and determine threats. Iroh lost most of his fleet in the opening minutes due to this glaring blunder, However, I might be a little too harsh; he did take out three planes single handedly, and it was a beautifully choreographed naval/aerial battle.

It's a trap!

Inevitably, Iroh is saved by Korra and the two regroup with the rest of the team to plan. It was surprising to see this huge fleet reduced to just one member. Sure they had Aang’s oldest boy Bumi and his fleet waiting in the wings, but why did they make the effort of showing the rest of Iroh’s fleet in the first place if they were to be taken out in the opening minutes. I’m sure the remaining soldiers were up to something, but we never saw any of what they did. It feels like a missed opportunity as we didn’t get to see a full scale battle within Republic City. 

Once the Team calls for Bumi’s help, they split up into two groups; Korra & Mako; Iroh, Bolin & Asami; each going to their individual destinations to complete their missions. Korra and Mako go to Air Temple Island to bring the fight directly to Amon. Making their way to the attic to wait for Amon’s return, Korra and Mako stumble upon Tarrlok locked away, and it’s here the former blood-bender steals the show by revealing Amon’s true identity as Noatak, the oldest son of Yakone. Yakone’s shadow has loomed over this series since we first heard whispers of his name mentioned by Tarrlok episodes ago. His battle for control of Republic City against Aang was well known among the citizens, but remained mostly unknown to Korra. This battle, it turns out, spilled over to the next generation. 

Yakone equipped with a new face

As children, Noatak and Tarrlok seemed close, and even though Noatak was clearly more talented than Tarrlok (much like Azula and Zuko), there was no animosity between the two. Any wedge that arouse between the brothers was due to Yakone. One can only imagine the hatred and venom that Yakone would have spewed about the Avatar and the people of Republic City, and clearly this fueled the two brothers to make the decisions they made. Almost chained to their fate, the two put Republic City in their sights; one through politics, and the other through revolution. It also explains why Amon went out of his way to put Tarrlok in his paddy wagon while letting the Lieutenant deal with the Avatar in the episode “Out of the Past”. Clearly he still cared for his little brother but was not going to let him get in his way. But the huge difference between the two was not just talent, but when Noatak blood-bending Tarrlok. Tarrlok knew what it felt like to be blood-bended, and he hated it. If Noatak had experienced the same sensation, he might have not gone down the path he chose. If given the chance, these two kids could have accomplished anything, but Yakone ruined them, proving to be Korra’s true villain even after his death. 

These two were never given a chance

The music and animation continued to be beautiful. Clancy Brown (of Lex Luther fame) did a great job voicing Yakone, as did Dee Baker with Tarrlok. I need to take a break to watch the Euros (England Vs. Italy!), so part two of the review to follow shortly.

The Legend of Korra – Out of the Past

So much for Tarrlok vs Amon; the son of Yakone did not have a good episode. First he gets exposed for his web of lies and his blood-bending, but when he escapes Tenzin, team Avatar and Batlin, then tries to escape with Korra locked in a box, he was undone by Amon. Tarrlok’s blood bending was exceptional. Not only was he able to subdue Korra last week, but in this episode he took on an air master, two chief of police, the council, Team Avatar, and a bunch of chi-blockers including the Lieutenant! His level of mastery is quite unlike any other water-bender ever seen in the Avatar universe (stronger even than Katara!). However, despite beating all these people, Amon still bested him and robbed him of his bending. Just what kind of power does Amon have?

Tarrlok, I get the feeling your dad would have handled this better

Speaking of Yakone, we finally found out who he was and the trouble he tried to cause thanks to Korra's visions. The water-bender was a mobster kingpin, trying to take control of Republic City through its seedy underbelly. When eventually caught and tried, Yakone blood-bended his way out of the situation. He was so powerful he was able to lift Toph off the floor, levitate her towards him, while subduing Aang, Sokka, and a room full of other people (my guess; Yakone vs. Amon = Yakone win). Like his son, he was eventually beaten (by Aang) while trying to escape. With his bending taken, his story has seemingly come to an end. However, Aang energy-bended in the middle of a street for anyone to see. Is this where a young Amon first got his taste of energy-bending? I feel this story might not be over yet.

Aang doing his Avatar thing

During all of this, Tarrlok had lied to everyone and blamed the Equalists for Korra’s disappearance. Lin springs into action, freeing team Avatar, recruiting Tenzin, and then kicking some major ass. Lin has proven that she is more than just a Toph clone; she’s quite her own person not living in her mother’s shadow. From here she kicks more ass than should be allowed, finding tunnels via earth-bending, opening metal doors, finding an underground prison, freeing her police officers, and leading everyone to escape, all the while being injured. She is exceptional, and I would love to see Bolin train with her to become a better bender. 

We need a Batlin TV show

Mako was really concerned with Korra’s disappearance, and Asami noticed the urgency in his actions. You can tell that she feels like she is losing Mako to Korra, and I felt a little sorry for her. She does seem to love Mako, and Mako is clearly torn between Asami and Korra. Time will tell what happens to all these relationships, but for now there is a wedge between Mako and Asami, even if he is unaware of it. Mako went to some extremes this episode, holding up a chi-blocker and threatening him with fire. This is the kind of behavior that is driving Amon. When Korra does finally escape from Tarrlok’s/Amon’s gasp and is found by Naga and taken to the rescue team, Mako quickly runs to her side and gently picks her up, cradling her in his arms and putting her into the sky bison. It’s a tender moment, but in full view of Asami. 

Dude, Asami's in the next shot

Other standout moments this episode included hearing a 40 year old Twinkle Toes, Chief Toph, and same old Council Leader Sokka (with boomerang and Sparky Sparky Boom Man shoutout). Also, Aang’s giant air ball (not as cool as Tenzin’s air wheel) and Bolin trying to pee in jail. Finally, little Meelo once again had the best scene when he answered the phone and informed the person on the other end of the rudeness of calling at six in the morning. Meelo, I could not agree more; well said sir, well said indeed. Another great episode. 

Meelo is clearly the center of this universe

Is Yakone a Multi-Bender?

During the last episode of Avatar, some serious revelations were made, such as Tarrlok being a blood-bender without a full moon. Just after the Korra Vs. Tarrlok flight we get some glimpses once again of Aang during the trial of an unknown assailant who I believe to be Yakone. The people in the courtroom appear to be in distress as it looks like they are being blood-bended. Even Aang struggles. In my review I wrote how I believed this to be the actions of Yakone, but I got thinking, how can he attack everyone at once?

The trial of Yakone

The first thing that made me rethink my position was the level of blood-bending that was going on in the room. This courtroom was packed with people, and they all looked affected. Trying to control Aang (the Avatar), Toph (greatest earth-bender ever), and Sokka (Mr Ladies Man) would be difficult enough, if not impossible, not to mention all the other people in the room, and possibly some other metal-bending police. This could not possibly be the actions of one person, unless that person has power on par with the Avatar.

A struggling Aang

So I've been thinking, what could have happened. Looking at a picture of Yakone, it looks like he does not have blue eyes, a trademark of water benders from the Northern/Southern water tribes, or green eyes like the Foggy Swamp benders. His eyes appear to be grey, like an air-bender. However, I could be wrong as the pictures I've seen of Yakone are not entirely clear due to Korra's visions being blurry. So my immediate thought is that Yakone has the aid of some rouge water-benders who know how to blood-bend. That would help to explain the success in the level of attack and is most likely what happened. But then another idea popped into my head. 

He's quite smug for now

Every week I listen to the "Republic City Dispatch" podcast. It's a great podcast where the hosts (Da7e, Devindra, and Matt) sit and discuss episodes of Korra and throw around ideas. It's a lot of fun and you should check it out. On one of the episodes, Matt came up with an idea that Korra might not be the Avatar, but someone who can multi-bend. At first I thought that this cannot be true as Katara, in the opening credits of the original series, stated that only the Avatar could bend all four elements. However, what if that information was incorrect. Not everything is known about the Avatar and the spirit world. It's more than possible that a spirit gave another person powers similar to the Avatar. Now I'm not saying Korra is not the Avatar, I believe she is. What I am saying is it's entirely possible that Yakone might be more than just a water-bender. We know next to nothing about the event that preceded Korra by 40 years, but we do know that Yakone was serious trouble, even for Aang. If he could multi-bend like the Avatar, he would be more than a match (kind of like a checks and balance system) for Aang. At this point the only thing separating the two would be the Avatar State which should still be exclusive to the Avatar. I cannot stress enough that this is only an idea. Hopefully all will be revealed in the coming episodes.