Support NeoGAF

[Mononoke]

Azula, mate, your insights are usually spot fucking on, but we, and I mean everybody and their wooly mammoths know, Korra and Mako are going to be together by seasons end.

Mark it. Mark the date because this shit will happen and the shitstorm it brings will be glorious.

I guess I'm in the minority here. I really had no idea that most of you expected them to get back together. Lol I guess I am naive? I mean, I know the writing in this show is awful. But I really thought ONE of the things they did a good job with in Book 2 (sort of), was them ending the relationship amicably. I thought it was rather mature for the Korra character (for once). But mannnnn. Maybe you guys are right. If so LOL.

I guess I wouldn't be THAT upset. Because Mako and Korra are my two least favorite characters. I would rather Bolin and Asami go off on their own at this point (I don't just mean romantically, but get more stuff to do on their own).

EDIT: Also to be clear, what I wrote is NOT what I want to happen. It's just what I'm predicting in terms of bad writing options lol. But shiiiitt. Maybe I am wrong and they are doubling down on Mako X Korra for the entire series. I guess that's not that far fetched.

 

[TacticalFox88]

Yeah, I'm in the minority view that they're broken up for good.

The creators seem outright annoyed at it, I doubt they'll go down that road again.

 

[rexor0717]

Im the opinion that book one Korra was better than book one AtLA. AtLA wins by a landslide on book 2 though. I'd be very impressed if Korra book 3 was better than the originals though. Pretty high bar to jump.

 

[Jarmel]

'I just wish the romance stuff was kaput all together. It's apparent that they can't write this stuff so I wish it would just stay dead.

 

[Sundown]

Mako and Korra should have never happened to begin with. I used to think Borra was a much better fit since they seemed to really enjoy each other's company when they went on that "date" - there certainly wasn't any of the drama that existed between Mako and Korra - but when Korra continued to be a shit character, I thought Bolin deserved. Then Bolin turned into a dickhead in season 2. Now the only couple I support is Asami and Iroh. I want Asami to be happy. She fucking deserves to be.

 

[Jacob]

Man, I can't agree that Korra Book is better than ATLA Book 1, but I've always been in the minority that considers ATLA Book 1 to be very nearly on par with Book 3. Sometimes I even rank it higher, though at The point I think the weak episodes in the second quarter of the season drag it down.

I've made my thoughts and criticisms of Korra known in previous threads, so I'll try to be a little more positive for now even though I'm not optimistic. I am disappointed that the show is airing on Friday again though, since I probably won't be able to see many episodes as they air.

 

[TacticalFox88]

I still find it hilariously ironic that Asami turned out to be the best character of the series.

By all means, on paper, she should've been outright fucking terrible and everyone would hate her fucking guts.

Funny how that turned out.

 

[Cirekiller]

It took away all the mystique from the concept of Avatar, and introduce basically a retcon on the origins and all mythology of this world.

Nice animations, however.

Completely agree. The Wan story was pretty cliche and did nothing new in terms of story. It also took a lot of the unknowns of the universe and just spurts it all out with very little finesse. The reason many (yes including me) liked it at all was the fact that the rest of season 2 was so horrible in comparison that ANY return to form was welcome. If season 2 was actually good, there would be more complaining about Wans story. At that point I was thankful that the show writers can still write characters that I don't absolutely despise.

Speaking of the characters, I think that keeping the same characters will greatly diminish the show no matter how much better the story gets. As I said I despise pretty much every character in the show, and I can't see the show creators changing them in a huge way.

Korra was a completely insufferable bitch throughout season 2. My complaints about her character have been discussed to death so I won't go on, but since her character "change" at the end of the season she is just really boring with pretty much no personality. So the show writers can only make her bitchy or boring, and seeing the comments about the previews it seems like it's back to the former. My favorite Korra moment was her "date" with Bolin, she actually seemed like a good character then, but now we know everything about her, and she seems pretty much nothing but incompetent. She better start making smarter decisions soon or else the site will just be other people cleaning up her mess, which is not something you want from an avatar.

The biggest problem with Bolin and Mako for me is that the entire season they essentially did nothing but somehow came out much stronger than they ever were. In season 1 they were on par with the other pro benders in the sport (Korra was handicapped so they were never similar strength wise) however suddenly at the end of the season the two of them could fight Tarloqq (or Unaloqq I don't even remember) evenly even though they didn't do anything remotely like training throughout the season. They pretty much only got a huge power upgrade because the writers found it convenient to make them relevant again to the show. So this season any awesome stuff they do doesn't feel earned, and would have me do my eyes more than anything else.

Asami simply existed to swoon over Mako, maybe she'll be better this season?

Lin was laughably incompetent last season, since she apparently has a much bigger part in this season, maybe the show writers will actually give her a brain this season. After she was pretty bad ass season 1, how will they explain her uselessness in season 2? If they just ignore it, then they also ruined Lins character for me too.

I greatly dislike all of Tenzins kids because they are all pretty much the same jokes again and again with too much screen time for what they are. Of course jinora was the hero of last season, but why not flesh her out more than just make her a deus ex machina factory.

Aangs kids are the closest thing to characters that interest me, because they are leagues better than any other characters in the show. However there better be more stuff happening with them that what they did last season, if they are still fighting about the same "dad lived you more" stuff this season itll get old pretty quick.

 

[TangerineCloud]

Man, I can't agree that Korra Book is better than ATLA Book 1, but I've always been in the minority that considers ATLA Book 1 to be very nearly on par with Book 3. Sometimes I even rank it higher, though at The point I think the weak episodes in the second quarter of the season drag it down.

I agree. I understand that the large amount of filler was a turn-off for a lot of people (hell, even I thought Book 1 wasn't great when I first watched), but I think the other episodes more than make up for it. The good parts in Book 1 are really fucking good.

 

[Sundown]

I agree Wan's story would have been a negative thing about the series if season 2 hadn't been so fucking awful.

I wonder what changed behind the scenes that made LOK so much inferior to the original series. The original show runners are still there, aren't they, so what's the cause?

 

[TacticalFox88]

I agree Wan's story would have been a negative thing about the series if season 2 hadn't been so fucking awful.

I wonder what changed behind the scenes that made LOK so much inferior to the original series. The original show runners are still there, aren't they, so what's the cause?

Honestly, I blame Nick's completely IDIOTIC decision to only order Book 1 initially.

Whoever thought that was a good idea should be fired and publicly shamed.

 

[m_shortpants]

Honestly, I blame Nick's completely IDIOTIC decision to only order Book 1 initially.

Whoever thought that was a good idea should be fired and publicly shamed.

Yup. Follow up to one of the most positively received and popular original Nick shows since Spongebob and Oddparents? Let's just make it a mini series we hate money.

 

[Cloud Strife]

It took away all the mystique from the concept of Avatar, and introduce basically a retcon on the origins and all mythology of this world.

Nice animations, however.

Completely agree. The Wan story was pretty cliche and did nothing new in terms of story. It also took a lot of the unknowns of the universe and just spurts it all out with very little finesse. The reason many (yes including me) liked it at all was the fact that the rest of season 2 was so horrible in comparison that ANY return to form was welcome. If season 2 was actually good, there would be more complaining about Wans story. At that point I was thankful that the show writers can still write characters that I don't absolutely despise.

My only issue with it was how convenient it was for the plot to move forward. It felt out of place mid-season simply because of how it was executed. Korra gets knocked by a spirit and then "amnesia", better go talk to the first avatar and find out about Raava when I or Aang could have done it much earlier.

As for the actual content, how is it a retcon? The Lion Turtles and origins of bending hadn't been explored yet. I think you're confusing retcon with actual intent like I mentioned above. Wan's story felt out of place, but it wasn't poorly done by any aspect in my opinion. Clicheness and lack of finesse? C'mon, it wasn't that poor. Wan was a cool dude, and his backstory was well done. It just sucks that there was literally no build-up to both Raava and Vaatu's existence throughout the whole series (Aang and Korra) given that they are the very reasons for the Avatar's existence. If season 2 was better, it wouldn't have made a difference because being better would mean Wan's story would have been integrated more smoothly into the narrative.

And the animation/art style is top notch, no denying that.

 

[DedValve]

Azula's right though. Makorra is dead making way for the OTP Korrami.

Gonna be so awesome to have them fall in love, Asami fall to the darkside, tragic relationship issues as Korra is forced to deal with her and try to win her over again, with everyone telling her that the only way to save the world is to end Asami and through pure love Korra wins Asami over.

Spoiler

Then asami dumps Korra and makes out with sparky sparky boom boom girl.

EDIT: Fuck it, give me the script and I'll save this show Nick. Time to cross all boundaries.

What I really want to see is more of Bolins & Makos family. We know so little about them.

 

[Jacob]

I agree. I understand that the large amount of filler was a turn-off for a lot of people (hell, even I thought Book 1 wasn't great when I first watched), but I think the other episodes more than make up for it. The good parts in Book 1 are really fucking good.

I have mixed feelings about "filler" episodes. On the one hand, I completely understand why it bothers some people. ATLA Book 3 was much more episodic than Book 2 and many people, myself included, were putt off by that and disliked episodes that didn't move the plot forward much, like "The Beach" and "Nightmares and Daydreams". Now, I'm still not a big fan of "The Beach" for a few reasons, but "Nightmares and Daydreams" is genuinely funny IMO. And there are a couple of almost wholly episodic episodes that I would put in a Top 10 of the entire show, namely, "The Ember Island Players" and "The Tales of Ba Sing Se". The latter was savaged by people who wanted to know what happened to Appa (in part because Nick was airing about one episode per month at that point), but it's amazing.

Book 1 certainly has the greatest number of non-plot-centric episodes (though the first half of Book 3 gives it a run for its money), but I still hesitate to call them filler. None of the episodes feel pointless, and many of them serve to develop the characters in interesting and meaningful ways. I also think it's great that TV has the opportunity to show us the the day-to-day nuances of a fantasy world, something that movies are unable to do, and Book 1 really helps flesh out the setting with its travelogue structure (you see this again in the subsequent seasons as well, to be fair). The execution isn't always there -- "The Great Divide" is justifiably considered the low point of the series, but "The King of Omashu" comes close to being unwatchable for me, even though Bumi kicks ass in general -- and that's why I don't rate it as highly as the subsequent seasons, but I don't think it's fair to dismiss large swathes of the season as filler.

Then, in the last three episodes, we finally get to see the Northern Water Tribe, which lives up to the build-up even if it's not as jaw-dropping as Ba Sing Se. "The Siege of the North" is also the best large-scale battle (ie, between armies) that ATLA or TLOK has ever done. I know some people loved "The Day of Black Sun", but while there were some great moments in that two-parter, the battle scenes felt really limited and way too video game-ish in structure.

Spoiler

That concludes my annual mini-essay in defense of ATLA Book 1. :lol

 

[Catalix]

I still find it hilariously ironic that Asami turned out to be the best character of the series.

By all means, on paper, she should've been outright fucking terrible and everyone would hate her fucking guts.

Funny how that turned out.

Yeah, I still can't believe how heavily invested I became in Asami, and how much I ended up loathing Korra as a character. I initially thought it'd be the complete opposite.

Book 2 started testing my loyalty though. The writers didn't know what the heck to do with Asami and had her carry the idiot ball just as much as the other characters. Sometimes I wish she'd just ditch these losers, because they're clearly a bad influence

 

[Jarmel]

I still find it hilariously ironic that Asami turned out to be the best character of the series.

By all means, on paper, she should've been outright fucking terrible and everyone would hate her fucking guts.

Funny how that turned out.

That's what happens when almost all your main characters are insufferable.

 

[Mariolee]

That's what happens when almost all your main characters are insufferable.

As much as I love Asami, I think the reason she:s the most likeable character so far is because she's the least written.

 

[Satch]

asami slays but this show wont let her be great

 

[Akai__]

Not sure, if it has been mentioned before, but appareantly you can watch all previous episodes on Nickelodeon's website for a limited time.

Book 2 Spoilers and hopes for Book 3:

Spoiler

I think it was pretty stupid, that they killed Korras connection to all previous Avatars and I really hope, that she gets her connection back to them. They pretty much killed every chance to tell stories from other previous avatars, similiar to how Roku told Aang, how he died and that's beyond stupid.

I don't have high hopes for this book, because The Legend of Korra was a really big letdown for me, so far. I'll give it a fair chance, though.

Nice OT by the way.

 

[Cirekiller]

Not sure, if it has been mentioned before, but appareantly you can watch all previous episodes on Nickelodeon's website for a limited time.

Book 2 Spoilers and hopes for Book 3:

Spoiler

I think it was pretty stupid, that they killed Korras connection to all previous Avatars and I really hope, that she gets her connection back to them. They pretty much killed every chance to tell stories from other previous avatars, similiar to how Roku told Aang, how he died and that's beyond stupid.

I don't have high hopes for this book, because The Legend of Korra was a really big letdown for me, so far. I'll give it a fair chance, though.

Nice OT by the way.

Most if not all of the notable Avatars made appearances to San to give him guidance. They won't show up without being retreds. I don't see anything like that happening unfortunately.

I really hope the new characters this season are strong, I really started to get into the group dynamic of gaang once toph joined because she was such a good foil to every character. If they can somehow pull off another Toph they could bring back people's investment in their characters in a big way. I await to see if they even attempt it.

 

[jordisok]

I genuinely never really considered that there was much filler in ATLA, obviously some episodes aren't related to the overarching plot but almost every episode provides some character development.

 

[Mononoke]

The real issue is the writing format. Yes, I think Nick is semi to blame (in that they have kept them on a leash). But I just don't think these writers know how to write episodic structure. ATLA had like 20 + episodes a season. Which meant each episode could be a side story (that strengthened the character). Then they could have 2 part episodes or finales that really moved the main plot forward.

With Korra, every episode is directly tied to a main plot. So this means every episode has to be more concise and tie directly into the next thing. I just don't think they can handle this kind of writing. It's why episodes always feel so crammed. Like they can't decide what they want to include in an episode, so they try to shove in as much as they can (basically merging side episode content into episodic plot episodes). This leaves us with an incoherent mess. Sadly, I think this is also why the characters lack depth, and you can't ever really like any of them. The side episodes in ATLA allowed you to grow with the characters. But in Korra, their side plot stuff which SHOULD help you get to know them, just comes off as poorly written and a distraction.

THE ONE episode in Book 2 that was randomly good, was the episode where Mako was tracking the boats with Asami. Why? Because the entire episode was dedicated to this ONE thing. It was a side plot episode that allowed the characters to breathe (granted, Asami basically became a booty call but eh). As much shit as Boook 1 gets from some people, I think the season works BECAUSE they allow for episodes to have side stories every now and then. At the very least, there were episodes where there was a single plot being told vs. trying to cram a bunch of shit in. Yeah we can all say the episode where Korra goes racing with Asami and friends wasn't as interesting as episodes with Amon, but at least it was coherent and we got something (even if it was little) out of the characters.

I still think most of Book 2 feels like bullet points rather than actual plot points that carry through. It's a set of action/scenes thrown together with no follow through. It's a mess. Book 1 for all of its issues, at least was able to tell a simple story within a single episode.

 

[Arksy]

I'm still pissed that they put Mako and Asami back together, I'm also really pissed that they Sokkarized Bolin.....at least Sokka had a bunch of meaningful relationships in The Last Airbender......

Sokka was mostly a joke, but not entirely...and did perform a lot of feats of heroism throughout his travels...Bolin on the other hand...meh.

 

[Kinvara]

If only. Korra is going to gun for Bolin. Dat late OTP by Book 4.

I guess I'm in the minority here. I really had no idea that most of you expected them to get back together. Lol I guess I am naive? I mean, I know the writing in this show is awful. But I really thought ONE of the things they did a good job with in Book 2 (sort of), was them ending the relationship amicably. I thought it was rather mature for the Korra character (for once). But mannnnn. Maybe you guys are right. If so LOL.

I guess I wouldn't be THAT upset. Because Mako and Korra are my two least favorite characters. I would rather Bolin and Asami go off on their own at this point (I don't just mean romantically, but get more stuff to do on their own).

EDIT: Also to be clear, what I wrote is NOT what I want to happen. It's just what I'm predicting in terms of bad writing options lol. But shiiiitt. Maybe I am wrong and they are doubling down on Mako X Korra for the entire series. I guess that's not that far fetched.

I'm with you on that I think Mako x Korra is over with. I haven't totally lost faith in the writers and I think they know that they screwed that relationship up big time.

TBH, I'm one of the five people on the planet that's partial to Korra x Iroh Jr:

Iroh Jr. is literally the cool firebender/Zuko clone that Mako was supposed to be (even more so because he's voiced by Dante Basco himself.) He's also not a part of the Korra's crew so he hasn't been tainted by any of the love triangle garbage. Sure he's not really developed at this point it's not like any of the other characters are either. which means he also hasn't been ruined yet.

 

[Trey]

I genuinely never really considered that there was much filler in ATLA, obviously some episodes aren't related to the overarching plot but almost every episode provides some character development.

There are no filler episodes.

 

[Mononoke]

I'm still pissed that they put Mako and Asami back together, I'm also really pissed that they Sokkarized Bolin.....at least Sokka had a bunch of meaningful relationships in The Last Airbender......

Sokka was mostly a joke, but not entirely...and did perform a lot of feats of heroism throughout his travels...Bolin on the other hand...meh.

They wasted our time with Bolin last season. The movie stuff was funny for like an episode, didn't need to be dragged on. Also, I don't really get this. Asami is CLEARLY going to be uncomfortable always being around Mako and Korra. It's natural to feel that way (why would you want to be around your ex and the girl that he left you for). Hell, Mako didn't even really break up with her when he started going after Korra. That said, Asami has no friends. Her father ruined her families reputation. She has no family left. SHE HAS NO ONE. So it makes sense that despite her feeling uncomfortable, she would be around them sometimes.

Common sense would say, well I dunno..what about Bolin? I mean, he pretty much had the girl he liked taken by Mako. And even if he doesn't have deep feelings for Korra anymore, it's still awkward being single and always being around a lovey dovey couple. So why doesn't Bolin and Asami...spend more time together. I mean IT MAKES SENSE. Strangely, they had them together in the first episode. And they actually had great chemistry (I mean as friends). Their scenes were funny. AND IT MAKES SENSE. You have two friends bonding, because their group is kind of splintered by this romance (which they would eventually get over, but they need time).

Do they do this though? Hell no. They push Asami to the side. She barely has any screen time. Bolin is in this stupid movie gag/plot. Thing is, the scenario I said above also would have strengthened half of Team Avatar. Because at this point, I still have no idea why they are friends? Why they are even close? You had the perfect plot set up to have the group bond, and you throw it away. I don't understand how these writers can't follow through with plot points that are SO logical and natural.

One thing that made me mad about Asami getting back with Mako, is that we saw like NO emotion from her leading up. We didn't see her being upset about being dumped. She felt like a hollow husk. And then oh shit, Mako is single!? Time to get on that dick again..like NOW. Lool I was like oh no. *facepalm*

 

[Septimus Prime]

I feel like Book 2 could have been amazing, had it just set up Vaatu for a 3-season arc. I guess they still can kind of revisit Vaatu, since he and Raava and truly be destroyed, but without the looming threat of Harmonic Convergence, there's really nothing pressing about the situation anymore.

Also, to be fair--and not that I think TLoK is anywhere near as good as AtLA--the original series had some shit-ass characters, too. In that show, almost every single side/guest character was super annoying; it's just that the main characters were endearing.

 

[Trey]

Why the hell is Asami still tagging along with Korra and Mako? She should be a damn tech queen, especially since it's likely Asami will slide in and take over Varrick's role. No time to hang with the peasants.

 

[Gotchaye]

This is a surprise. I'll watch. Expectations are pretty low, but I just watched Clone Wars for lack of anything else to do, so bring it on. Maybe they'll have had some time to course correct for this one, since afaik they didn't really have much ability to change things in Book 2 after seeing how Book 1 was received.

 

[Flandy]

I wonder how much better this series would have been if Nick had initially ordered more than 1 Book

 

[Mr-Joker]

I will watch it but ehhh I have no hope for Korra being likeable or actually being a good Avatar.

She is literally the worst Avatar to exist, why Aang chose her is beyond me.

Season 1 sans the finale >>>>> The Last Airbender.

Er what? Season 1 wasted time with the bending game and the love triangle, plus Korra wasn't a likeable character.

 

[Flandy]

I will watch it but ehhh I have no hope for Korra being likeable or actually being a good Avatar.

She is literally the worst Avatar to exist, why Aang chose her is beyond me.

I don't think Aang chose her. I was under the impression that the first baby to be born after the avatar died would become the new avatar

 

[Trey]

I don't think Aang chose her. I was under the impression that the first baby to be born after the avatar died would become the new avatar

Rava chooses.

 

[Hamlet]

I wonder how much better this series would have been if Nick had initially ordered more than 1 Book

Quite a bit i'm guessing would have allowed the writers to plan a long over arching storyline rather than having to quickly wrap everything up in 12 episodes as they were expecting it was a one off mini series

Still hopefully they find their groove back with Book 3 and 4

 

[Mononoke]

I'm with you on that I think Mako x Korra is over with. I haven't totally lost faith in the writers and I think they know that they screwed that relationship up big time.

TBH, I'm one of the five people on the planet that's partial to Korra x Iroh Jr:

Iroh Jr. is literally the cool firebender/Zuko clone that Mako was supposed to be (even more so because he's voiced by Dante Basco himself.) He's also not a part of the Korra's crew so he hasn't been tainted by any of the love triangle garbage. Sure he's not really developed at this point it's not like any of the other characters are either. which means he also hasn't been ruined yet.

Iroh Jr. is in his 30s though, Korra like 18? I'm terrible with ages. I wouldn't mind that I guess. Although I feel like Iroh Jr. has been wasted potential at this point. SERIOUSLY no more romance would be the best option.

 

[Septimus Prime]

I don't think Aang chose her. I was under the impression that the first baby to be born after the avatar died would become the new avatar

Rava chooses.

I think it's more that Rava just knows who the Avatar reincarnates as and then goes to that person. Remember that she tells Wan, when he dies, that she'll be with him through all of his lives.

So the soul goes to a new body, and Rava follows.

 

[Sadist]

Please be better than season two.

Seriously, the Avatar Wan episodes were great though. And regarding the second season...

Spoiler

The best moments were when Iroh guided Korra in the spirit world. All of the feels at that time Plus, I loved the cameo of Fire Nation General Zhao in the Fog of Lost Souls.

 

[Veelk]

Iroh Jr. is in his 30s though, Korra like 18? I'm terrible with ages. I wouldn't mind that I guess. Although I feel like Iroh Jr. has been wasted potential at this point. SERIOUSLY no more romance would be the best option.

LoK, for all it's insistence on how it wants to be seperate from TLA, has bad tendency to make call backs to it for no reason. Iroh Jr. exists for no reason except as fanservice. Similarly with Iroh in season 2. Iroh Jr. has literally no character to speak of except that he has blind trust in whatever the avatar says. I am hoping this won't be the case with Zuko appearing in 3.

But as far as romantic options, Tahno actually gained quite a following in season 1, to which the creators for some reason squashed the possibility of him becoming a recurring character for some reason, and he kind of disappeared off the face of the earth in season 2.

 

[Kinvara]

Iroh Jr. is in his 30s though, Korra like 18? I'm terrible with ages. I wouldn't mind that I guess. Although I feel like Iroh Jr. has been wasted potential at this point. SERIOUSLY no more romance would be the best option.

Yeah, I think he's in his 30's. Pema and Tenzin have like a 16 year age difference tho like dang.

But, I hear ya, the romance has been one disaster after the next. *sighs deeply*

 

[Mononoke]

Yeah, I think he's in his 30's. Pema and Tenzin have like a 16 year age difference tho like dang.

But, I hear ya, the romance has been one disaster after the next. *sighs deeply*

Korra will just fire punch her next boyfriend in the head. It's all goood.

 

[DedValve]

Bolin is Sokka without all the awesome character development. Sokka grew out of his "butt character sidekick" role pretty quickly and became a useful tactician to the team, as early as season 1 (when he goes through his rite of passage). Bolin is just all the butt that tries way to hard and doesn't really do anything to help the team at all which is a shame because he's a fantastic earthbender.

The small snippet from S3 showed a more approachable Bolin but it was still just the first 5 minutes. I hope Bolin gets a bigger role and proves himself to be part of the team. That can actually be said for everyone bar Korra.

ATLA had the avatar, the powerful healing waterbender, the strong earthbender, the nonbending tactician and a giant flying bison to take them to their travels (yes Zuko joins but very late in the game and even he's useful).

Korra has the avatar and maybe Asami because she really pulled her weight in S1 even though she was absent for practically all of S2. Mako or Bolin don't really distinguish themselves from Korra and Korra doesn't really need them, hell half the time she acts like she doesn't even want them.

There's no team dynamic because I don't think we've ever seen them truly work as a team outside of the mech fight in Season 1. They need roles outside of romantic subplots.

 

[Kinvara]

LoK, for all it's insistence on how it wants to be seperate from TLA, has bad tendency to make call backs to it for no reason. Iroh Jr. exists for no reason except as fanservice. Similarly with Iroh in season 2. Iroh Jr. has literally no character to speak of except that he has blind trust in whatever the avatar says. I am hoping this won't be the case with Zuko appearing in 3.

But as far as romantic options, Tahno actually gained quite a following in season 1, to which the creators for some reason squashed the possibility of him becoming a recurring character for some reason, and he kind of disappeared off the face of the earth in season 2.

Like, most of the characters in this series either

A) gets no character development at all

B) crap character development

A blank slate is a lot easier to fix than a character like Mako who has been an annoying asshole for the past 2 seasons.

 

[Mononoke]

Bolin is Sokka without all the awesome character development. Sokka grew out of his "butt character sidekick" role pretty quickly and became a useful tactician to the team, as early as season 1 (when he goes through his rite of passage). Bolin is just all the butt that tries way to hard and doesn't really do anything to help the team at all which is a shame because he's a fantastic earthbender.

The small snippet from S3 showed a more approachable Bolin but it was still just the first 5 minutes. I hope Bolin gets a bigger role and proves himself to be part of the team. That can actually be said for everyone bar Korra.

ATLA had the avatar, the powerful healing waterbender, the strong earthbender, the nonbending tactician and a giant flying bison to take them to their travels (yes Zuko joins but very late in the game and even he's useful).

Korra has the avatar and maybe Asami because she really pulled her weight in S1 even though she was absent for practically all of S2. Mako or Bolin don't really distinguish themselves from Korra and Korra doesn't really need them, hell half the time she acts like she doesn't even want them.

There's no team dynamic because I don't think we've ever seen them truly work as a team outside of the mech fight in Season 1. They need roles outside of romantic subplots.

I would say the ONE saving grace for Bolin, is that he really is a softie. You can tell he actually cares about people. But yeah, they just haven't done enough with the character. My issue with Bolin (or how they decided to progress him), is they pushed the angle of him being a buffoon. Which is fine up to a certain extent. But then they need to come back around to him having good intentions, and being there for others. So basically, even though he's stupid and often gets shit wrong, he's still dependable etc.

I feel like they focused too much on him being the comic relief (but almost too much, to the point where it just made you shake your head at his stupidity). Sokka for his all his foolishness and arrogance, was someone that really held the group together. He DID things. That's what Bolin is missing (although Bolins moment at the end of Book 2 was pretty bad ass). He's just kind of the dumb comic relief, and that bums me out (because we do see brief elements of the guy being really caring etc.) I find this strange though, considering we had Varrick last season. So why did they feel the need to merge Bolin + him for comic relief? I still say Bolin should have been used with Asami's plot. Would have been far better.

 

[SlowRevolution]

Thought this was the last season before checking, I wish they'd just wrap it up. The world they came up with can still be pretty cool, but they've put together such a boring group that it's impossible to care. Hope the new season's good, but they've got so much to fix that I'm not expecting much.

 

[DedValve]

You know Azula now that you mention it Bolin being platonic friends with Asami could work out well. Asami has a shitty life and how she isn't depressed 24/7 is beyond me but Bolin is the perfect character to always make her feel good about herself.

Plus it'd be really nice to finally have a boy/girl relationship that isn't romantic. I swear those are rarer than gay relationships.

 

[RedShift]

Honestly, I blame Nick's completely IDIOTIC decision to only order Book 1 initially.

Whoever thought that was a good idea should be fired and publicly shamed.

Didn't they also originally only order Book 2 for a bit before ordering 3 and 4?

I can't understand why they'd do Book 2's plot like they did otherwise. If it wasn't for how much they've screwed this show around it could've been so much better... If they'd made Amon the Dark Avatar, but only had that happen later on or something...

 

[m_shortpants]

Standalone seasons screwed them so hard. Amon could've been a three season plot arc.

Same with Vaatu. Perhaps that's the route they're taking though, with the changes manifesting in the world, but eh. It still felt like season 2 was bad because the villians were so one dimensional. It's not just that though. Ozai was one dimensional. But even he was written better than Unalaq, to this day I don't understand his motivations other than "IM EVIILLL AND I WANT POOOOWWEERRR"

UGH.

For me Season 1 was 90% positive.

Season 2...I'd say maybe 10‰.

 

[DedValve]

Yeah, Amon was such a great concept only to be forced to end after 1 season since not even the animators where sure Korra would go past S1.

Maybe a bit out there but do you think it had anything to do with Korra being a black girl as the lead and thus Nick wanted a mini-series as a more "safe" route? Or was it because the quality of animation was going to go up and thus a mini-series would be more cost effective?

Korra has just been handled poorly all around and it really makes no sense.

 

[Phoenician_Viking]

Yeah, hype!