To be honest, I'd rather be a casual viewer than be constantly disappointed, and in the case of certain people in this thread, blinded by their hatred of the show to see the logic in certain scenes and characters.
-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Legend of Korra Book 3: Change |OT| SCHEDULEBENDING
- Thread starter Satch
- Start date
- Status
To be honest, I'd rather be a casual viewer than be constantly disappointed, and in the case of certain people in this thread, blinded by their hatred of the show to see the logic in certain scenes and characters.
Well, like I said in the post you just quoted, casual viewing is often more conducive to enjoyment than constant analysis/nit-picking. But I think you're being highly unfair in characterizing the various critcisms of TLOK in this thread as "blind hatred". Granted, I haven't been active in this thread for the past month, but for the previous two years of KorraGAF, there has been a lot of thoughtful and nuanced criticism of the show and its shortcomings, which by no means prevented the people who were critical from acknowledging the parts they did enjoy.
Speaking personally for a moment, I'm generally more willing to overlook flaws in a show if my enjoyment of it clears a certain basic threshold. This is actually the boat I was in for roughly the first half of Korra Book 1. If my enjoyment falls below that threshold, I start to get touchier about all the flaws, even minor ones, and I usually just stop watching. But in the case of Korra (and the Hobbit movies, coming out at about the same time), I have a desire to see the franchise through to its end because of the importance the original has to me, and so I keep watching despite my misgivings. That said, I was glad that Book 3 was a big step forward, although I can't agree that it was comparable to ATLA (though only a few people seem to be saying that).
I get criticism, because there is plenty to criticize, but I feel like some people have a raging hate-boner for Korra. People that say she is the worst avatar ever are lulzy because if we want to be real about it, Aang running away threw the whole world into chaos for 100 years. Korra caused small civil war and fucked up a single city. So lets be real here.
Korra had half a gallon of mercury coursing through her body, and still went ham on Zaheer until her body couldn't hold out anymore. She at the age of 7 (?) already bend 3 elements, admittedly not at a master level. She fucking turned into a Spirit-Titan with a chest beam. Calling Korra weak makes no sense.
Well, let's look at the harvest wrought from Korra's decision to leave the spirit portals open: spirit vines have occupied Republic City, causing issues. Spirits also freely populate the physical realm. People gain airbending: including the person who would ultimately become the antagonist of the show. Based on Korra's decision, she both rebuilds a nation and creates her nemesis. That's a lot of carry over from season 2, so it stands to reason that season 3 will have plenty of carry over as well. Add on top of that, no finale before has mentioned that the main antagonists of the current season will still be a problem in the next. There's also a few plotlines that aren't resolved, including a new character introduced in the finale. And of course, Korra will have to deal with the consequences of the finale in the next season.
So there's a lot more going for season 4 than any season before its time. Personally, I think the writers will flirt with Korra becoming "bad." Zaheer is still around, and the two can meet in the spirit world whenever they want.
I would rather my children learn about murder and torture than to be succumbed to the gays and the genderless dystopian future!
Now imagine if Korra came before Aang
Aang: I have a proble--
Korra: Did you punch it?
Aang: What? No! The fire lord is threatening to destroy ba-sin--
Korra: Did you punch it really hard with fire?
Aang: I don't think your gett--
Korra: Whose that cute girl dressed like Kyoshi? Is she single?
Aang: NEXT.
When I mean "certain people" I mean the type of people who think Amon was stupid for drowning and reacting in an instinctual way. As an example.
@Azula: I agree with everything you said. I was really directing that towards you.
Man, typing on mobile sucks.
I feel you (the aggravation of typing on mobile).
I just know sometimes, people can have their strong opinions of a show and can be pretty aggressive with it (and think others should feel the same way). And I don't agree with that. Like I have plenty of issues with Korra as a series, and I truly believe them to be true. But if someone else doesn't see that, I don't think they are objectively wrong, or should be forced to see my views on it. I myself have fallen into that trap (and I always felt bad after the fact for being so aggressive).
I know you weren't directing it at me, just felt like opening that up a bit. I think this is a problem with a show like Korra (or the Avatar universe in general). When you have passionate fans, people can be pretty harsh about each others opinions.
The airbending thing wasn't mentioned or foreshadowed in the Book 2 finale at all. It turned out to be a really cool plot for Book 3, so I'm not complaining about it's existence, but the world didn't really seem to be a fundamentally different or more spiritual place than when the spirit portals had closed. That decision was supposed to undo 10,000 years of division between two dimensions; the Air Nomads had only been gone for 170 or so. But other than the vines (which we only saw for what, three episodes?), the spirits didn't really do anything this season other than float around in wide shots. I wasn't expecting them to have as large a role as last season, but they all but disappeared after the beginning of the season.
Miles Quaritch
Member
Decent finale, didn't like that Korea didn't use the avatar state when she was fighting against Zaheer earlier. Seemed like a no brainer, she obviously needed the boost and never bothered until she was poisoned to use it.
I'm guessing people are posting on mobile. Keep seeing a lot of "Korea". Heh, I know that feel when a tablet/mobile auto corrects.
I think this is yet another problem of the shows format. It was either focus on the spirits or focus on Zaheer and lets be honest, Zaheer was just more dynamic and interesting.
If they focused on both then both would have suffered. Hell this season was nothing but Zaheer and we still didn't get enough of him! A good background exposition episode about the Red Lotus/Zaheers past would have been excellent.
Season 3 finally made the tight pacing of the show work but it's still not enough.
Some spirits tried to show Korra and Asami that Zhai Bao is in the spirit world. And Jinora sent a spirit messenger to get help. But my major point is that season 3 had direct continuity from its preceding season in a way that season 2 did not. Coupled with all of the plot threads still running and obvious consequences due to the S3 finale, I think it's highly likely that there will be plenty carry over from this season into season 4, especially with the Red Lotus.
Yeah, on the one hand, I wasn't looking forward to more spirit antics anyway so I'm sort of glad that we didn't see more of them. The Bum-Jun stuff in the premiere was more than enough for me, especially with a great villain like here Zaheer (who I agree with others was similar to Amon, but done right in the end). But let's not give TLOK credit for continuity where it's not deserved. All three seasons so far have been extremely self-contained, and I'm not expecting much more than lip service to the aftermath of the Red Lotus crisis in Book 4. It'll be cool if I'm proven wrong, especially since this is a plot I wouldn't mind seeing extended, but there's no indication that they're not going to introduce yet another non-foreshadowed villain for the final season.
There was certainly more carryover than in S1-to-S2, but that's not saying much. It would be cool if this trend continued, but there were a lot of obvious consequences and plot threads still running at the end of each of the two previous seasons, and most of them were ignored. I'll admit I forgot about Jinora's spirit messenger thing, but at most that means the spirits have taken over the former animal sidekick role, which doesn't really live up to the supposedly world-changing consequences of the Book 2 finale.
Pretty crazy that they had to balance the immense plot of the air nation coming back + Zaheer and the Red Lotus (which was actually a much bigger plot about the world changing with regards to governments, something we saw with Republic City in book 1). I also agree that I was kind of spirited out, so I wasn't too mad that they didn't show a lot of it. I guess it would have been nice to see the "change" of the world. But "change' was referring to more then that (particularly the world going into a new era of balance w/ the air nation being reborn).
I'm not complaining about where they decided to put the emphasis in Book 3. I think they made the right decision. All I'm saying is that if they wanted credit for showing continuity between Books 2 and 3, they would have had to foreshadow the Air Nomad plot last season.
But yeah, it would be nice if we had longer seasons. This one was definitely the best-paced so far, though.
I think Book 4 will definitely have more continuity than any of the previous books. We have to deal with
- Korras Depression
- Airbenders taking on a new role in life
-Red Lotus members still out there
I think Book 3 was Book 1 done right. Minus the whole team avatar group. It was Korrasami (which was interesting) and Bolin and Mako (which isn't since their brothers) all season.
Would have been nice to see some mixups but romance made everything awkward.
- Korras Depression
- Airbenders taking on a new role in life
-Red Lotus members still out there
I think Book 3 was Book 1 done right. Minus the whole team avatar group. It was Korrasami (which was interesting) and Bolin and Mako (which isn't since their brothers) all season.
Would have been nice to see some mixups but romance made everything awkward.
I feel like the writers slowly moved away from the self contained format after Book 2. You could see them making gradual changes, and each Book has moved away from that slightly (a lot more so in Book 3). So I agree, I expect Book 4 to do the same. Although I'm still thinking they will have some new threat pop out of no where.
SparkPeople
Banned
Isn't this what Avatar Kyoshi was like? Her entire mantra was "Destroy the problem."
Kuvira and Suyin. No one expected this at all!
Siege on Zaofu would make a dope episode name.
Orbis Tabula
Member
I really hope that they bring Toph back so she can finally go on an adventure with Zuko like everyone else did. It's long overdue.
Unfortunately this joke falls flat when she hasn't acted like this since right after the Beginnings episode.
Well obviously her. Although I expect her to be tied to the Red Lotus. I don't think she will be THE main threat. But maybe I'm wrong.
lol people will never let go of accusing Su of being evil. Poor Su. (Wait..I have sympathy for Su. Nooooo)
The sooner Suyin is destroyed, the better
Corronchilejano
Member
That was pretty hardcore. For me it was the most shocking moment in the season.
Corronchilejano
Member
Admiral Woofington
Member
I swear I've seen more adult fictions from Avatar that anything else lol
I don't thin Suyin as RL, but generally I would say: maybe the Red Lotus has different groups. Maybe that's why some were jailed and some where never catched. Some may think, killing the Avatar wouldn't be the right way and going for something different like controlling the avatar directly or indirectly. So they of course kill the people who want to kill the avatar.
Just a possibility.
Guess, you never heard people who never saw My Little Pony complain about My Little Pony fans.
Admiral Woofington
Member
uh oh....
Perfect Cha0s
Member
I think a lot of people are overplaying Korra's psychological state. Given the level of subtlety the show has had in the past, and even in this season, I think it's better to take Korra's demeanor and appearance as nothing more than the result of her
I'd be absolutely shocked if "Korra's depression" played any role at all in Book 4.
nearly dying from mercury poisoning, and having the shit beat out of her.
I'd be absolutely shocked if "Korra's depression" played any role at all in Book 4.
BeatResetsTheWorld
Banned
LOL
Admiral Woofington
Member
I'm in the fence on teamdepression vs team temporary side effects to poisoning, mainly because I can't trust the writers to do the assessment that fans have come up with for a kid's show as it might require fans to think on an non-superficial level and most don't. So count me in
#teamnotsurebecausewiththesewritersidonotknowwhattobelievein
#teamnotsurebecausewiththesewritersidonotknowwhattobelievein
Depending on how the writers handle it next season, this could be a great character arc for Korra. Thus far we've only seen Aang, and to an extent, Roku, deal with the pressures of being an Avatar because they were needed. Korra, as some people have pointed out, doesn't feel as though she's needed right now, and she has no one to talk to because the past Avatars are gone and no one could understand what's she's going through. That's heavy.
lol ok
a couple interviews with IGN on Book 3 and 4, including the release date of the Korra game.
god dammit, makorra lives.
god dammit, makorra lives.
Awesome thanks. They talk about the violent deaths in the second video. Including the fact that they can't say "I killed the Queen" and that they needed to back Zaheer's talk with action. They also reiterate that the show is basically done. The move to digital changes absolutely nothing.
They also address why Zaheer was so damn good at airbending so quickly.
Basically the video you want to watch is the second one.
TacticalFox88
Banned
Guys...remember when this first came out?
.__.
So I don't know if this is the right place for this (especially because I want to avoid spoilers) but I just wanted to write something down.
I watched all of Avatar earlier this year and am just know going through Korra. I loved Avatar to death and I was wary going into the new series knowing that it's a bit of a mixed bag with fans. I'm up to episode seven now and I will say I've got two niggles so far.
Firstly, the teen romance stuff was a bit naff. Didn't really click with me mainly because of my second minor complaint, that the pacing feels a little too fast. It's difficult to put an exact line on it, but stuff like Mako's relationship and the pro-bending tournaments felt like the didn't have enough time spent to flesh. That and there's supposed to be this frostiness between Korra and Bei-Fong based off what, one encounter? Things just seem to be a bit contracted.
However, I just finished ep6 and MY GOD! It was absolutely amazing! Every part of Amon's attack was great, especially when he took that cocky bender's powers. They were playing the whole cheating aspect up a lot but it was still really shocking and sad when 'P-please don't take my bending'. Bloody hell, it was like I was watching a Game of Thrones episode. And Amon seems like a rather interesting villain - I'd probably be scared if I lived in a world filled with magical mutants.
Anyway I'm really excited for the rest of the season and have been preparing myself for the apparent awfulness of Book 2.
I watched all of Avatar earlier this year and am just know going through Korra. I loved Avatar to death and I was wary going into the new series knowing that it's a bit of a mixed bag with fans. I'm up to episode seven now and I will say I've got two niggles so far.
Firstly, the teen romance stuff was a bit naff. Didn't really click with me mainly because of my second minor complaint, that the pacing feels a little too fast. It's difficult to put an exact line on it, but stuff like Mako's relationship and the pro-bending tournaments felt like the didn't have enough time spent to flesh. That and there's supposed to be this frostiness between Korra and Bei-Fong based off what, one encounter? Things just seem to be a bit contracted.
However, I just finished ep6 and MY GOD! It was absolutely amazing! Every part of Amon's attack was great, especially when he took that cocky bender's powers. They were playing the whole cheating aspect up a lot but it was still really shocking and sad when 'P-please don't take my bending'. Bloody hell, it was like I was watching a Game of Thrones episode. And Amon seems like a rather interesting villain - I'd probably be scared if I lived in a world filled with magical mutants.
Anyway I'm really excited for the rest of the season and have been preparing myself for the apparent awfulness of Book 2.
crisdecuba
Member
Roku:
Aang: "Everyone expects me to take the firelord's life, but I don't think I can do that."
Roku: "... I tried to be disciplined and show restraints [i.e. like you are considering doing] but it backfired. ... Sozen took advantage of my restraint and mercy [i.e. my mercy in not ending his life]. If I had been more decisive and acted sooner... I offer you this wisdom, Aang. You must be decisive."
Proper interpretation: If the only option available to you is to kill him, then you must be decisive and do so.
Kyoshi:
Kyoshi: "...I stopped [Chin] and the world entered a great era of peace."
Aang: "But you didn't really kill Chin..."
Kyoshi: "Personally I don't really see the difference [i.e. killing him directly or indirectly makes no difference to me.] But I assure you, I would have done whatever it takes... [i.e. if killing him directly was needed, then I would have done so.] ... Only justice will bring piece. [i.e. only stopping Ozai, whatever it takes, including killing him, will bring peace]"
Aang: "I knew I shouldn't have talked to Kyoshi [because she's casually advising that I be willing to kill Ozai.]"
Proper interpretation: You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to bring peace, even if that means having to kill Ozai.
Kuruk
I agree he doesn't tell Aang to kill Ozai. He just laments having been a lazy Avatar. (Korra's much better than this guy.)
Yangchen
Aang: "These past Avatars: They keep telling me I'm going to have to do it. [Aang, at least, is understanding that he's being told he's going to have to kill Ozai.] ... Maybe an Air Nomad avatar will understand where I'm coming from. [i.e. Maybe she will give me an option in line with my value for not killing people.] Avatar Yangchen, the monks always taught me that all life is sacred..."
Yangchen: "Yes, all life is sacred... Avatar Aang, I know that you're a gentle spirit, and the monks have taught you well, but this isn't about you. This is about the world. [i.e. the needs of the world outweigh your desire to avoid taking a life]... your sole duty is to the world. Here is my wisdom for you, selfless duty calls you to sacrifice your own spiritual needs and do whatever it takes to protect the World. [i.e. you must lay down your value for not taking a life, and be willing to kill in order to protect the world.]"
Proper Interpretation: "I know you don't want to kill, but you must if that's what it will take to save the world."
Further, Aang's conclusion (that he "has to kill the fire lord") is in line with this interpretation.
There's a pro-bending mode in the new game coming out in October.
The fight on the arena rooftop was fucking great... Lin catching Korra and then throwing her further upward was such a fistpumpingly awesome moment.
- Status