[mysticwhip]

that korra cosplay is the official nickelodeon one. The wife of the lead designer of Young Justice made the outfit.

[Joeytj]

As ALL storytelling techniques, they can be done well. Iroh's is an especially good case. They showed us an aspect of a character we've never seen before. That's not nothing. That stuff matters. That's not development, as you noted, but it's not meaningless. Less meaningful is Aang's story in Ba Sing Se. He just goes out to help out some animals. We already know Aang is a nice kid and avatar who will be glad to help out others. That's pretty much nothing, unless you want to look into it and say he's doing it as a way to displace his longing for appa. But even so, we already know he misses his bison, so this still doesn't tell us anything. But yes, filler can be positive.

You are right, Tales of Ba Sing Se is most noteworthy because of Iroh's storyline and for showing daily life in the city, but not because of Sokka's and Aangs story.

In fact, next to Iroh's story, the end of Momo's story was also memorable (and helped the plot). Toph and Katara's day out touched upon Toph insecurities as a blind tomboy girl to some extent.

Zuko's also helped remind us that he is still just a teenager.

[effingvic]

For better or worse (I know a lot of you would say worse), that was precisely what Bryan and Mike set on to do with Korra. They have explicitly said that they avoided fluff episodes so that the plot would take precedence. I'm not looking to argue if it was a good idea or not, but Korra was never going to be about having those lovable Tales of Ba Sing Se or The Fortuneteller episodes (which I do in fact, love). I have noticed that people who haven't seen ATLA before Korra have loved Korra more than ATLA fans to some degree, although the issues with pacing seem to have been universally noticed by all. They didn't make Korra to tell personal stories that much, from what I can gather in their interviews since Korra was announced. Yes, they have given the characters hints of interesting past (weather or not we saw Mako and Bolin's characters develop beyond Episode 5, we do know that they lived on the streets and there is a lot more room to develop them in later seasons) and some character developments, but the truth is, they didn't want a big epic series like ATLA, which is why they decided to stick with Republic City also. Correct me if I'm wrong, but not once did we get a mention of the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation in the series, Only the Northern and Southern Water Tribe.

its not really about the padding and filler, its about basic story and resolution. the creators opened so many threads that they handled poorly. they just made a bunch of terrible decisions regarding the pacing and story.

[XANDER CAGE]

The issue with pacing (for me) was that pretty much every thread that was opened up was resolved within the same episode. I wouldn't say there was any bad material in Korra, just some missed opportunities. It didn't help the tension much.

[Joeytj]

The issue with pacing (for me) was that pretty much every thread that was opened up was resolved within the same episode. I wouldn't say there was any bad material in Korra, just some missed opportunities. It didn't help the tension much.

Yes. The more I see the finally, the more I come to the conclusion that it's not what happend that disappoints some, but how it happened. I have no problem with believing Amon was a self hating bloodbender, but because they needed to wrap up, they squandered some opportunities to tell a deeper story about the Equalist. Literally, the last Equalist we see is the protester with his jaw dropped and that's it for the season. Obviously they didn't just surrender and everything went back to being normal. The people on the pier saw Amoin, but how would the rest of the Equalist forces react to those people saying that Amon was a bloodbender? And how the hell can Republic City go back to being as it was after thousands of people were willing to cheer Amon kidnapping Tenzin and his family and displaying them like an execution?

I really hope they don't just ignore those things, or at least adress them.

[LAUGHTREY]

Yes. The more I see the finally, the more I come to the conclusion that it's not what happend that disappoints some, but how it happened. I have no problem with believing Amon was a self hating bloodbender, but because they needed to wrap up, they squandered some opportunities to tell a deeper story about the Equalist. Literally, the last Equalist we see is the protester with his jaw dropped and that's it for the season. Obviously they didn't just surrender and everything went back to being normal. The people on the pier saw Amoin, but how would the rest of the Equalist forces react to those people saying that Amon was a bloodbender? And how the hell can Republic City go back to being as it was after thousands of people were willing to cheer Amon kidnapping Tenzin and his family and displaying them like an execution? I really hope they don't just ignore those things, or at least adress them.

How do you know they don't want to keep them around for a background threat in later seasons?

You know what else it didn't explicitely show? Korra giving bending back to Lighting Bolt Zolt and Tahno, but you know she did.

[W_Dreamer]

Yes. The more I see the finally, the more I come to the conclusion that it's not what happend that disappoints some, but how it happened. I have no problem with believing Amon was a self hating bloodbender, but because they needed to wrap up, they squandered some opportunities to tell a deeper story about the Equalist. Literally, the last Equalist we see is the protester with his jaw dropped and that's it for the season. Obviously they didn't just surrender and everything went back to being normal. The people on the pier saw Amoin, but how would the rest of the Equalist forces react to those people saying that Amon was a bloodbender? And how the hell can Republic City go back to being as it was after thousands of people were willing to cheer Amon kidnapping Tenzin and his family and displaying them like an execution? I really hope they don't just ignore those things, or at least adress them.

That has the same issue with the Avatar series.

What's a thousand people who supported the non-bender Amon's ideals...compared to the Fire Nation' military who through 100 years of propaganda were made to believe they were THE superior nation. Or the wealthy FN upperclass who were given Earth kingdom lands and cities to live / run.

Mike and Bryan obvious felt that part was unnecessary to address in the immediate series.

The Lieutenant was second in command and he saw Amons ideals were made from a lie. He would obviously spread Amons revealed lie down the Equalist hierarchy considering how disgusted he felt about Amon, and wouldnt think Amon deserved martyr status.

[LAUGHTREY]

That has the same issue with the Avatar series. What's a thousand people who supported the non-bender Amon's ideals...compared to the Fire Nation' military who through 100 years of propaganda were made to believe they were THE superior nation. Or the wealthy FN upperclass who were given Earth kingdom lands and cities to live / run. Mike and Bryan obvious felt that part was unnecessary to address in the immediate series. The Lieutenant was second in command and he saw Amons ideals were made from a lie. He would obviously spread Amons revealed lie down the Equalist hierarchy considering how disgusted he felt about Amon, and wouldnt think Amon deserved martyr status.

Woah wait, our old leader can't shoot magic fire from his hands anymore? Welp, better just let his son take over, he can still do that.

[Mariolee]

Woah wait, our old leader can't shoot magic fire from his hands anymore? Welp, better just let his son take over, he can still do that.

I was under the impression that this was addressed in "The Promise" comic books, was it not? Honest question, because I haven't read them yet.

[Jintor]

The stuff about overseas Fire Nation on Earth Kingdom lands is dealt with in the promise. The inherent superiority of Fire Nation isn't really dealt with, unless you count stuff like the school episode where it's more or less established that Fire Nation people are just Fire Nation people (not really dealing with the upper class though)

[Tawpgun]

I'm in fucking tears right now.

[PBalfredo]

I'm in fucking tears right now.

And the follow up

[W_Dreamer]

The stuff about overseas Fire Nation on Earth Kingdom lands is dealt with in the promise. The inherent superiority of Fire Nation isn't really dealt with, unless you count stuff like the school episode where it's more or less established that Fire Nation people are just Fire Nation people (not really dealing with the upper class though)

It's basically like the original Starwars Trilogy, by the end sure they defeated the Death Star (again), the Emperor (physical body) and Darth Vader. Everyone was celebrating on the different planets but there was still armies and generals who were still alive and operational that were of The Empire.

That was left for the EU were there is more space to deal with it properly. You cant have every detail be tied up in the main series, just that the immediate threat be stopped and be given the opportunity to repair the world/peace in the future.

[Jacob]

And the follow up

Glorious. :D

[Wiseblade]

It's basically like the original Starwars Trilogy, by the end sure they defeated the Death Star (again), the Emperor (physical body) and Darth Vader. Everyone was celebrating on the different planets but there was still armies and generals who were still alive and operational that were of The Empire. That was left for the EU were there is more space to deal with it properly. You cant have every detail be tied up in the main series, just that the immediate threat be stopped and be given the opportunity to repair the world/peace in the future.

Avatar was more tied up than that, Though. Zuko being recognised as the Fire Lord both internally and internationally majorly changes things. The Fire Nation military wasn't a headless chicken, it had a new head that wanted only peace.

[SolarPowered]

Saw all the episodes and it was pretty good. My only complaints are related to the pacing of the show. It went by so fast that it almost felt like a blur. I feel like Bo Lin could just disappear and no one would notice. He is my favorite too...

Mako needs to stop hogging the camera.

And the follow up

Sometimes the internet just kicks ass.

[Tuck]

I know this is pretty off topic, but I think people who liked Korra would get a kick out of Tron:Uprising. Its surprisingly good - some great action sequences that rival Korra in creativity.

The art style is pretty slick as well - the people look weird, but everything else is really nice. Some gorgeous backgrounds and environments.

The characters aren't quite as memorable or funny unfortunately (Nothing comes close to Meelo), but are likable enough. Its sort of.. hinted that one of the villains has more depth than they are currently showing.

So yeah, check it out. The first two episodes are on iTunes for free. Its an 18 episode series, the first five are already out. A pleasant surprise, to be sure.

[Banana Kid]

Avatar was more tied up than that, Though. Zuko being recognised as the Fire Lord both internally and internationally majorly changes things. The Fire Nation military wasn't a headless chicken, it had a new head that wanted only peace.

I think The Promise definitely sets up a situation similar to what happened in the Star Wars EU. Taking out the Fire Lord didn't solve everything, and even with Zuko in charge things don't immediately get peaceful.

[LuffyZoro]

[Professor Beef]

[DEATH™]

Steve Blum actually doing Stand-up Amon Jokes...


And Korra space jam was awesome...

[Joeytj]

That has the same issue with the Avatar series. What's a thousand people who supported the non-bender Amon's ideals...compared to the Fire Nation' military who through 100 years of propaganda were made to believe they were THE superior nation. Or the wealthy FN upperclass who were given Earth kingdom lands and cities to live / run. Mike and Bryan obvious felt that part was unnecessary to address in the immediate series. The Lieutenant was second in command and he saw Amons ideals were made from a lie. He would obviously spread Amons revealed lie down the Equalist hierarchy considering how disgusted he felt about Amon, and wouldnt think Amon deserved martyr status.

Yes, I've had that nitpick with ATLA also, about how Zuko suddenly was accepted as Fire Lord.

No generals or admirals protested? The Fire Nation citizens? Did Aang parade a defeated Ozai through the Fire Nation capital so that they would accept the new reality?

They deal with SOME of the issues in The Promise, but mostly the issues about the colonist not wanting to leave their homes, not so much as accepting Zuko as the Fire Lord.

[DEATH™]

Yes, I've had that nitpick with ATLA also, about how Zuko suddenly was accepted as Fire Lord. No generals or admirals protested? The Fire Nation citizens? Did Aang parade a defeated Ozai through the Fire Nation capital so that they would accept the new reality? They deal with SOME of the issues in The Promise, but mostly the issues about the colonist not wanting to leave their homes, not so much as accepting Zuko as the Fire Lord.

Actually, Zuko should be the firelord since he's the firstborn... So people can't really protest about legality...

Aside from that, all of the questionable decisions azula was doing before she was even crowned firelord (dismissal of her dai li agents and imperial firebenders) would make anybody want to replace her, doesn't matter if the replacement is zuko...

[thetrin]

I disagree. I feel for Iroh way more.

Oh god, that episode. Serious fucking man tears.

[BorkBork]

Oh god, that episode. Serious fucking man tears.

I think it's so effective because it completely blindsides you. One minute Iroh is imparting life lessons on a mugger, making a kid smile, relaxing for a nice picnic, doing things a typical wise man generally does. Then BAM! Gaping wound opened (both in the show and IRL), and the entire short takes on a whole different meaning.

[Crewnh]

rewatching turning the tides

Where are the air acolytes and why didn't they help defend the temple

[jasonng]

I think it's so effective because it completely blindsides you. One minute Iroh is imparting life lessons on a mugger, making a kid smile, relaxing for a nice picnic, doing things a typical wise man generally does. Then BAM! Gaping wound opened (both in the show and IRL), and the entire short takes on a whole different meaning.

I saw it coming and I can tell you that it definitely did not help soften the blow. What I love about it is that they managed to produced such an emotional scene with a story that had such a limited amount of time.

Rewatching season 3 right now and it's a bit sad Iroh doesn't get a lot of air time.

[Crewnh]

rewatching skeletons in the closet

Korra never realizes that she got the visions wrong after hearing the story from tarrlok. Instead she says its a sad story. Sigh.

The whole visions plot thread would have been great if Korra had figured it out herself and come to the thought that Amon is a bloodbender. Then later you could have had Tarrlok get into the backstory. Why would aang try to tell you tarrlok is a blood bender after you already found out, dumbass.

[Evlar]

rewatching skeletons in the closet Korra never realizes that she got the visions wrong after hearing the story from tarrlok. Instead she says its a sad story. Sigh. The whole visions plot thread would have been great if Korra had figured it out herself and come to the thought that Amon is a bloodbender. Then later you could have had Tarrlok get into the backstory. Why would aang try to tell you tarrlok is a blood bender after you already found out, dumbass.

Korra didn't witness the critical clue that hinted Amon was a bloodbender (the fact that he straight-up resisted Tarrlock's bloodbending). I guess you could argue that she may have inferred it by the fact that Amon somehow beat Tarrlock, and bloodbending countering bloodbending is one known way to do that, but that's asking a lot from the plot circumstances.

[Crewnh]

True but is it too much to ask of Korra to question why she is seeing what shes seeing and when shes seeing it. It never strikes her to think about why the visions coming to her prior to her fight with Tarrlock, came to her when Amon was in the vicinity.

I realize the visions are mostly for the audience, but its just jarring to see her not question the pieces of info shes given.

[Arment]

True but is it too much to ask of Korra to question why she is seeing what shes seeing and when shes seeing it. It never strikes her to think about why the visions coming to her prior to her fight with Tarrlock, came to her when Amon was in the vicinity. I realize the visions are mostly for the audience, but its just jarring to see her not question the pieces of info shes given.

She...does. She thought the visions were to warn her of Tarrlock. She never correlated them to Amon because she didn't think he was a bender. She realizes she was wrong later, and actually mentions it. Something along the lines of, "The visions were warning me about Amon, not Tarrlock."

[Joeytj]

Actually, Zuko should be the firelord since he's the firstborn... So people can't really protest about legality... Aside from that, all of the questionable decisions azula was doing before she was even crowned firelord (dismissal of her dai li agents and imperial firebenders) would make anybody want to replace her, doesn't matter if the replacement is zuko...

Yeah, obviously one would be crazy to challenge the right of Zuko to be Firelord, specially since the previous true Crown Prince, Iroh, gave his blessing.

But still, we saw how there were some real sadistic Fire Nation soldiers, generals and citizens in general that didn't just follow the official policy of War, they believed it and wanted it.

I will always be curious as to how Zuko talked his entire Nation into ending the War.

[LAUGHTREY]

Yeah, obviously one would be crazy to challenge the right of Zuko to be Firelord, specially since the previous true Crown Prince, Iroh, gave his blessing. But still, we saw how there were some real sadistic Fire Nation soldiers, generals and citizens in general that didn't just follow the official policy of War, they believed it and wanted it. I will always be curious as to how Zuko talked his entire Nation into ending the War.

Bend the knee or be destroyed.

[talisayNon]

I'm training my girlfriend's dog to curl up and spaz when i curl my fingers at him. That way I can freak out her younger sister into thinking i'm bloodbending it lolz

[Joeytj]

Bend the knee or be destroyed.

That also, I think haha.

With Aang by his side I guess.

[Crewnh]

She...does. She thought the visions were to warn her of Tarrlock. She never correlated them to Amon because she didn't think he was a bender. She realizes she was wrong later, and actually mentions it. Something along the lines of, "The visions were warning me about Amon, not Tarrlock."

no, she doesnt. its completely idiotic to think that Aang is trying to tell you something you already know. Uh, no, she says no such thing.

[Gorillaz]

Something that just hit me....In the episode where she faught amon in the snow....did anyone else catch how her snow and ice attacks completely missed him, even tho they were basically on point?

Crazy. Amon really could force any element to completely miss it's target. Damn Son.

[Mariolee]

Something that just hit me....In the episode where she faught amon in the snow....did anyone else catch how her snow and ice attacks completely missed him, even tho they were basically on point? Crazy. Amon really could force any element to completely miss it's target. Damn Son.

Obviously he bloodbent the ice. C'mon son.

[Chococat]

Something that just hit me....In the episode where she faught amon in the snow....did anyone else catch how her snow and ice attacks completely missed him, even tho they were basically on point? Crazy. Amon really could force any element to completely miss it's target. Damn Son.

Interesting- that scene did bug me, but now you point it out, instead off using blood-bending in that scene, Amon could have just used an advanced version of water-bending to thwart the attack. Just enough to make it miss, but not enough to alert Korra that he was bending.

[Raging Spaniard]

Watched the whole thing in the last couple of days (I dont like waiting a week for 20 minutes of show) Thought it was really, really great. Some pacing issues, such as the first half of the show moving kind of slow and the last half moving really fast, but still. Some thoughts:

-A lot of the criticism I see wants them to do things that are

a) not feasible because execs wouldnt allow it (no love triangle? You gotta learn that all shows gotta have some stuff execs want)

b) retreads. I also thought Korra would have to travel the world and relearn bending but you know what? we already saw that show. Now the next season can give us stories about a full fledged avatar instead of another one in training.

c) boring. Lots of "Korra learned air bending through violence, she didnt learn anything. Im sorry but what, she should meditate every show? Last Airbender was fun because Aang had all the mental shit figured out and had to learn how to kick ass, thats part of what made the show fun. Learning air bending is not visually interesting, hell, the only way they managed to do it was by Korra getting beat to shit by revolving doors. Look at the way she moves throughout the season and you see that her moves start being a lot more air bending esque, and towards the last few episodes she does start to develop her mental side, thats enough for air bending to come through in a moment of crisis.

One thing I thought it was done really well was that nobody knows how to deal with air bending, not even Amon. It makes sense since theres so few air benders out there. Also, Im assuming Bumi (Aangs other son) isnt an airbender? They kept referring to Tenzin and his children as the only airbenders left.

One thing I thought was dumb as that the airships would have such superiority over the navy. For one, how did these airships train to dodge incoming fire? Thats not something you can do in secret.

Overall, and this entirely depends on how the rest of the seasons pan out, I like Last Airbender better because Im not a huge fan of all this modern technology stuff and the basic premise of the old show was so strong and compelling. I enjoy Korra, the characters and the amazing animation but I feel like there isn't enough of a sense of purpose yet. I also really enjoy that they are trying hard to tell new stories and not rely on walking the same path, showing that you can have different kinds of Avatar tales.

[shanshan310]

Overall, and this entirely depends on how the rest of the seasons pan out, I like Last Airvender better because Im not a huge fan of all this modern technology stuff and the basic premise of the old show was so strong and compelling. I enjoy Korra, the characters and the amazing animation but I feel like there isn't enough of a sense of purpose yet. I also really enjoy that they are trying hard to tell new stories and not rely on walking the same path, sowing that you can have different kinds of Avatar tales.

Completely agree with you. I'm glad they aren't making Korra relearn everything, even if the getting her bending back was insanely rushed and silly. Not really into the new technology stuff, or the 1920's style city.

[Salvor.Hardin]

Overall, and this entirely depends on how the rest of the seasons pan out, I like Last Airbender better because Im not a huge fan of all this modern technology stuff and the basic premise of the old show was so strong and compelling. I enjoy Korra, the characters and the amazing animation but I feel like there isn't enough of a sense of purpose yet. I also really enjoy that they are trying hard to tell new stories and not rely on walking the same path, showing that you can have different kinds of Avatar tales.

While I agree that it shouldn't be walking the same path, I think the missing ingredient to this show is the lack of gravity. TLA was dealing with an evil force that was a threat to the entire world. And then the show added an urgency to that threat.

Korra on the other hand is dealing with provincial politics, such that could have perhaps been solved without her help. It made me think less of the function of the avatar. Sure it's good training given that she is a novice, but I don't think that translated into a good season.

I don't think the show has to be 'epic'. But the powers and status of the avatar should probably attach a more grave threat than that which we saw Korra dealing with. Here's hoping season 2 throws something more fierce her way.

[tuffy]

The problem I have is that they'd established Korra was a natural at bending and was terrified of having that taken away. So when her bending was finally taken away, instead of having Korra having to overcome the problem in some way (and not necessarily by relearning bending), the old avatars just decided she was in a funk and needed helping out. The end result is a failed opportunity to really milk the drama of her situation for some character growth and that's a little disappointing.

[Pein]

off topic but I got an avatar tattoo done.

[TheFightingFish]

Completely agree with you. I'm glad they aren't making Korra relearn everything, even if the getting her bending back was insanely rushed and silly. Not really into the new technology stuff, or the 1920's style city.

Man, I feel like I'm the only one who likes the Asian 1920's setting and technology. It honestly felt quite a bit more original time period-wise versus Avatar's setting. Plus all the technology like the planes and ships in Korra actually fit the time period better than the random drills, airships, tanks and submarines did in Avatar. Love the jazz influences in the soundtrack as well.

In book two they mention leaving the city more, but I'd love to see some more locations within the city explored. For having the focus so much on Republic City I feel like I've seen remarkably few distinct locations.

[Grakl]

off topic but I got an avatar tattoo done.

Well, you have to post a pic.

[cartoon_soldier]

Oh god, that episode. Serious fucking man tears.

Appa's Lost Days is still the best tear jerker

[Gui_PT]

off topic but I got an avatar tattoo done.

Did you say goodbye to your sex life?

[Meowmers]

Well, you have to post a pic.

This.

[XANDER CAGE]

The problem I have is that they'd established Korra was a natural at bending and was terrified of having that taken away. So when her bending was finally taken away, instead of having Korra having to overcome the problem in some way (and not necessarily by relearning bending), the old avatars just decided she was in a funk and needed helping out. The end result is a failed opportunity to really milk the drama of her situation for some character growth and that's a little disappointing.

Yup. There's a season's worth of material in the last two minutes.

Oh well, I still really enjoyed it and can't wait for a season 2.