1002 replies to this topic

[Nee-sama]

I agree with both of you. I count the maturity level and darkness level as a positive for KOA. It's not reallly comparable to LOTA in that way. What made LOTA better was it's ability to hook me in with the first episode. I don't really know how to say it, but it also made all the different characters very appealing, and their interactions were so entertaining. By the second episode we were introduced to this amazing new world, and shown what made the avatar so powerful (avatar state). His mission was made clear right from the start; An epic good overcomes evil kind of tale.
In KOA, rather than good vs. evil, we're are actually posed with a moral dilemma. Is it true that non-benders are being oppressed by benders? It might not be something benders do intentionally, but maybe there's a rational reason why the equalist movement is growing so quickly. Obviously, Amon's accusation that the avatar has failed humanity is a giant lie, but perhaps there is an unbalance between benders and nonbenders in the world.
At any rate, I just can't wait to see Korrah grow into her full potential. I want to see her get off the ground! Literally.

[krisk]

Now all we need now are some flashbacks with the rest of the 'ol gang, because I'd love to see a younger-and-not-totally-old Katara, plus how Zuko and Sokka turned out all grown up

personally, I hope not.

I mean sure, if the flashbacks progress the overall storyline, I'm all for it BUT just to "see" them grown up? God no.

LoK needs to excel on it's own and it's already struggling under heavy scrutinization that it's not ATLA. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving the small nods here and there, but if the flashbacks start to delve into fan-service-y area, I'll be so disappointed. LoK is already short as it is (we've officially passed the halfway point), and having the Gaang rear their wrinkly old heads in everywhere, taking up much needed time, would be horrible.

I'd like to see them too, yeah, but if LoK is expected to prevail on it's own outside of it's predecessor's shadow, the Gaang needs to gtfo (unless they're there to help, for instance the application of Aang's memories, but only if)

Just watched Episode 6. It was alright.

Korra calling out Tenzin seemed a bit too... overdone, to be honest. Tried too hard to be funny, along with another moment or two in the episode ("I am now wetting my pants". Funny? Sure. Out of place? Yes.)

Tenzin's been my favorite character since the start of the series, so I can't really add much to what you listed. But he was one of the reasons that the episode was good (not great).

Lin is cool. I'll give you that. I do like her.

The flashbacks were interesting, but not enough was shown in them to really contribute anything to the plot or advance it.

fakecut for space: reply, can also be treated as a mini-review of EP06 (but no tl;dr this time ugottadealwithit.gif) --Click here to view--

okay I'm gonna take a shot in the dark here and guess that you didn't like that EP06 failed to advance the storyline.

If that's the case, I gotta say bro, it really couldn't have. EP06 was meant as a climax to many conflicts already built-up from the previous episodes. Sure I understand the preference for plot-progression, but this episode wasn't meant for that.

Conflicts that reached some type of resolution:
Probending - the pro-bending championship match (not just a match lmao) which has been building ever since Korra joined the Fire Ferrets EP01-06. It was Bolin and Mako's main stake in the storyline, and with that finished they are now allowed to venture where Korra is, and into the main conflict (oh wait, look, progression for Team Avatar).

Tahno - a minor antagonist was introduced in EP05, revealed to be a cheater and thereafter was used as an example of Amon's pre-determined cautionary tale. Tahno also represents a more relatable embodiment of de-bending, a symbol of consequence (which we saw in EP07, so here's your progression in the Equalist plot-line) that Amon can showcase. With Tahno more or less chi-raped (not intending to trivialize rape by incorporating it as a comparison point for a cartoon, however if you look at Tahno he is arguably broken in all aspects), the bending community now cannot deny what a threat Amon is.

Amon - he utilized the highly celebrated, very loved modern representation of bending - The Pro-bending Tournament Finals - as a means to exemplify the inequality in the bending game itself, call out the institution as a corrupt farce and benders as hypocrites to be celebrating cheaters in each tournament (for years on-going as well) and indirectly accepting such a blatant misuse of power and greed. This was a pivotal moment in Amon's goals, and in EP06 we saw it play out very nicely.

Tarlok - Again, the beautiful politician. He needed a way to get his task-force (and himself, of course) more power and Chief Beifong presented the perfect chance. I wouldn't doubt that Tarlok has some kind of connection to knowing Amon's strategies, and thus was just waiting for Lin to interrupt the proceedings on the matter to secure his goal. He's never agreed with Tenzin prior to this Council Meeting, so why should he start? EP06 gave us Lin taking up charge just to fail and Tarlok to cash in.

Lin - and that brings me to the show-stealer. EP06 sparked her spiral of failure as Chief of Police (in terms of Amon), albeit accompanied with some great character insight. We finally got to see her in action and the mere caliber of skills she displayed allowed the audience to place genuine belief in her status. Prior to this episode, we just saw her as a pissed off, distrusting and quick-to-judge cop but after - oh boy. She's highly trained in earthbending, her prowess in strength, agility, tactics and reflexes are crazy impressive AND we got to see moral conflict: Lin sacrificed her direct duty to apprehend The Perp to save The Avatar (who Lin did not even trust as such until this episode). Oh and that background with Tenzin.

And then back to her character development. This first kitten-up of hers (which was presented, tested and then concluded) was the important starting point in her personal narrative evolution. Tarlok gained political advantage, the bending community saw their protectors fail, and Amon cannot be stopped within the law. That said, without EP06 and Lin's involvement in it, she probably wouldn't have been so resolute on leaving the force, officially recognizing Amon for what he is, and ultimately complete her part in Korra's much-needed defense.


however if my shot in the dark missed, and those above are examples of why you didn't like it as much as the general public theeen I don't know what to tell you. By this point, you're being nitpicky and expecting Bryke to completely leave out the humor, imo (which is, frankly, impossible [i.e., doyouevenbend?.jpeg])

imma nitpick your reasons justcuz

re: Korra
she represented the fandom in her formulaic summation. It was fun to see her be an uninvolved 3rd party to romantic drama for once. Also I thought you'd enjoy it seeing how it gave your bff Tenzin some background; he's now known as a bit more than Aang's Son or Korra's Airbending Teacher

Korra seemed excited to learn more anyway. I sure was, now Tenzin is more Mr. Heartbreaker and Oh Man Lin x Tenzin Stories Where? than Mister Hard-up, Stick-up-Ass, No Korra! Bad Korra! dude to me. He's made mistakes, he's had some conflict in his youth; now that we all know a bit more of Tenzin's background, he's a more complex character.

re: the announcer
potty humor is never classy, but at least it gave us a running gag to play with. The Announcer is, we know as of that moment, very dedicated to his job. Simple as that. Either enjoy the opportunity or pretend it didn't happen, idk

re: Equalists vs. Benders
lol it wasn't all that brief. Two highly trained fighters were all that the Equalists fought, and they put up quite a fight (see: roof) - however the Equalists still won. It wasn't about the fight per se, but how fast they took down their opposition's defenses. The fight on the roof, Spiderlin and Wang Korra Fire was just sparkly bending and kickass fighting for us Avatar enthusiasts (i.e., for more "brief" examples see: ATLA S01-S03), the real turning point was how little a threat the benders are to the Equalists. They had the whole metalbending police force there, Tenzin, the Avatar, and a countless amount of benders - but still the Equalists infiltrated and easily took over in less than 5 minutes flat. Amon even warned them, gave them equal effort to prepare if they did take him on - but it wasn't enough, and Amon and his idealism prevailed in victory. I mean he metaphorically branded his name on the walls as soon as he gained full control - it's like the salt in the wound.

That is by no means what I meant through the comparison. As a whole, LOK isn't living up to ATLA as of right now. Being "darker" isn't my complaint here (although, I am curious as to how exactly it's "darker").

hurrrr hay guyzz watch me compare 7 episodes to 60 episodes of two different shows durrrrr

I'll humor you though.

LOK isn't "living" up to the glory that was ATLA because that's not it's intention. You "fans" are doing the comparison on your own, projecting some kind of weird nostalgia-slathered goal that LOK isn't even touching. ATLA was an epic, a huge story that built as it went - LOK is more concise, more self-contained and more subtle. They are different shows, with different settings and different characters and different conflicts - new Avatar, new stage, new rules.

but enlighten me, what are the comparisons you were referring to? Is it the lack of marshmellow gumdrop fun fun fun times? Or the snail-like pace? Or the contrived bending-prodigies that could take down armies single-handedly? Is it the lack of deus ex machinas? Please expand on your conclusion.

re: darker
- the heroes do not win one fight, they've lost every single one. Each episode ends with a heavy note of failure and/or trepidation for the future
- the enemy is not so obviously evil, his goals are controversial and he has potential to elict sympathy (which contributes to who's-right? inner-confliction of the audience)
- Korra is essentially alone. Team Avatar this time around doesn't exist: 1 vs. an Army
- the cesspool that is politics
- social class system which is the broken foundation to the in-fighting of Republic City (e.g., poverty; racism; prejudice; etc)
- chi-rape and murder

ATLA had dark themes, don't get me wrong, but LOK is set in a more modern time which contorts the meaning of "dark" (if one were to juxtapose ATLA with LOK). That said, a comparison doesn't really work between the two because the settings are so vastly different. My examples merely point out that the latter is indeed, dark (or as dark as, if you care to compare).


---
quick psa:
updated the first post with a ton of blog posts from team lok, art, ep07 link (no logo) and ep08-09 episode titles

Edited by krisk, 25 May 2012 - 11:18 AM.

[Sakura Blossoms]

personally, I hope not.

I mean sure, if the flashbacks progress the overall storyline, I'm all for it BUT just to "see" them grown up? God no.

LoK needs to excel on it's own and it's already struggling under heavy scrutinization that it's not ATLA. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving the small nods here and there, but if the flashbacks start to delve into fan-service-y area, I'll be so disappointed. LoK is already short as it is (we've officially passed the halfway point), and having the Gaang rear their wrinkly old heads in everywhere, taking up much needed time, would be horrible.

I'd like to see them too, yeah, but if LoK is expected to prevail on it's own outside of it's predecessor's shadow, the Gaang needs to gtfo (unless they're there to help, for instance the application of Aang's memories, but only if)

fakecut for space: reply, can also be treated as a mini-review of EP06 (but no tl;dr this time ugottadealwithit.gif) --Click here to view--

okay I'm gonna take a shot in the dark here and guess that you didn't like that EP06 failed to advance the storyline.

If that's the case, I gotta say bro, it really couldn't have. EP06 was meant as a climax to many conflicts already built-up from the previous episodes. Sure I understand the preference for plot-progression, but this episode wasn't meant for that.

Conflicts that reached some type of resolution:
Probending - the pro-bending championship match (not just a match lmao) which has been building ever since Korra joined the Fire Ferrets EP01-06. It was Bolin and Mako's main stake in the storyline, and with that finished they are now allowed to venture where Korra is, and into the main conflict (oh wait, look, progression for Team Avatar).

Tahno - a minor antagonist was introduced in EP05, revealed to be a cheater and thereafter was used as an example of Amon's pre-determined cautionary tale. Tahno also represents a more relatable embodiment of de-bending, a symbol of consequence (which we saw in EP07, so here's your progression in the Equalist plot-line) that Amon can showcase. With Tahno more or less chi-raped (not intending to trivialize rape by incorporating it as a comparison point for a cartoon, however if you look at Tahno he is arguably broken in all aspects), the bending community now cannot deny what a threat Amon is.

Amon - he utilized the highly celebrated, very loved modern representation of bending - The Pro-bending Tournament Finals - as a means to exemplify the inequality in the bending game itself, call out the institution as a corrupt farce and benders as hypocrites to be celebrating cheaters in each tournament (for years on-going as well) and indirectly accepting such a blatant misuse of power and greed. This was a pivotal moment in Amon's goals, and in EP06 we saw it play out very nicely.

Tarlok - Again, the beautiful politician. He needed a way to get his task-force (and himself, of course) more power and Chief Beifong presented the perfect chance. I wouldn't doubt that Tarlok has some kind of connection to knowing Amon's strategies, and thus was just waiting for Lin to interrupt the proceedings on the matter to secure his goal. He's never agreed with Tenzin prior to this Council Meeting, so why should he start? EP06 gave us Lin taking up charge just to fail and Tarlok to cash in.

Lin - and that brings me to the show-stealer. EP06 sparked her spiral of failure as Chief of Police (in terms of Amon), albeit accompanied with some great character insight. We finally got to see her in action and the mere caliber of skills she displayed allowed the audience to place genuine belief in her status. Prior to this episode, we just saw her as a pissed off, distrusting and quick-to-judge cop but after - oh boy. She's highly trained in earthbending, her prowess in strength, agility, tactics and reflexes are crazy impressive AND we got to see moral conflict: Lin sacrificed her direct duty to apprehend The Perp to save The Avatar (who Lin did not even trust as such until this episode). Oh and that background with Tenzin.

And then back to her character development. This first kitten-up of hers (which was presented, tested and then concluded) was the important starting point in her personal narrative evolution. Tarlok gained political advantage, the bending community saw their protectors fail, and Amon cannot be stopped within the law. That said, without EP06 and Lin's involvement in it, she probably wouldn't have been so resolute on leaving the force, officially recognizing Amon for what he is, and ultimately complete her part in Korra's much-needed defense.

LOK isn't "living" up to the glory that was ATLA because that's not it's intention. You "fans" are doing the comparison on your own, projecting some kind of weird nostalgia-slathered goal that LOK isn't even touching. ATLA was an epic, a huge story that built as it went - LOK is more concise, more self-contained and more subtle. They are different shows, with different settings and different characters and different conflicts - new Avatar, new stage, new rules.

but enlighten me, what are the comparisons you were referring to? Is it the lack of marshmellow gumdrop fun fun fun times? Or the snail-like pace? Or the contrived bending-prodigies that could take down armies single-handedly? Is it the lack of deus ex machinas? Please expand on your conclusion.

re: darker
- the heroes do not win one fight, they've lost every single one. Each episode ends with a heavy note of failure and/or trepidation for the future
- the enemy is not so obviously evil, his goals are controversial and he has potential to elict sympathy (which contributes to who's-right? inner-confliction of the audience)
- Korra is essentially alone. Team Avatar this time around doesn't exist: 1 vs. an Army
- the cesspool that is politics
- social class system which is the broken foundation to the in-fighting of Republic City (e.g., poverty; racism; prejudice; etc)
- chi-rape and murder

ATLA had dark themes, don't get me wrong, but LOK is set in a more modern time which contorts the meaning of "dark" (if one were to juxtapose ATLA with LOK). That said, a comparison doesn't really work between the two because the settings are so vastly different. My examples merely point out that the latter is indeed, dark (or as dark as, if you care to compare).

Gawd, I love it when you post, krisk. You always make the most lovely, wonderful points and have actually helped me see certain things about the plot/characters that I didn't catch on my first watch of an ep

[Lid]

Just saw episode 7, the show is picking up for me. And who knows maybe Asami will get a cool suit of high tech armor to fight with team Avatar, become the genius, billionaire, playgirl, philanthropist if ya know what I mean.

[Nee-sama]

re: darker
- the heroes do not win one fight, they've lost every single one. Each episode ends with a heavy note of failure and/or trepidation for the future
- the enemy is not so obviously evil, his goals are controversial and he has potential to elict sympathy (which contributes to who's-right? inner-confliction of the audience)
- Korra is essentially alone. Team Avatar this time around doesn't exist: 1 vs. an Army
- the cesspool that is politics
- social class system which is the broken foundation to the in-fighting of Republic City (e.g., poverty; racism; prejudice; etc)
- chi-rape and murder

ah yeah that's what I was trying to say but Im not so literate.

[Gravenimage]

I need a link to ep 8 can anyone pretty please give one?

[Nee-sama]

No episode this week.

[Gravenimage]

No episode this week.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Sakura Blossoms]

No episode this week.

Wait, what? Laaame D:

[Torxe]

clip from the upcoming episode

spoiler --Click here to view--

when extremes meet

http://cuddlypoops.t...legend-of-korra

[sushi.]

Why is Amon so much like V in V for vendetta? The scar..and mask..and all..

Maybe Yakone was the firebender who killed Amon's parents? Or he had some kind of watertribe-clothes actually.

Off-topic, but still --Click here to view--

I've been thinking, does the conflict in LoK also count in Naruto? Cause civilians seem kind of..just there. Like the lowest in the society, maybe owning a tiny shop, I hope Naruto will create like a university or something.

[Lid]

Spoiler for this weeks clip --Click here to view--

OMG They have a car! What should it be called? The AvaMobile?

[Gravenimage]

Spoiler for this weeks clip --Click here to view--

OMG They have a car! What should it be called? The AvaMobile?

How about the Korramovil.

[Fliss]

New clip from future episode!

Clip

AH! --Click here to view--

Alright so, coupling this clip with the fact that Bryan said that the next episode would be 'a doozy', I'm really excited for it. I'm hoping for avatar state! Though it might be unlikely. But Korra may meet Aang!

Edited by Fliss, 01 June 2012 - 06:29 PM.

[Torxe]

New clip from next episode!

Clip

AH! --Click here to view--

Alright so, coupling this clip with the fact that Bryan said that the next episode would be 'a doozy', I'm really excited for it. I'm hoping for avatar state! Though it might be unlikely. But Korra may meet Aang!

I think this clip is from episode 9 (next weeks episode)

source it's in the right column under the picture

Edited by Torxe, 01 June 2012 - 06:22 PM.

[Fliss]

I think this clip is from episode 9 (next weeks episode)

source it's in the right column under the picture

Huh, you may be right! Thanks for pointing that out

[CloudMountainJuror]

Krisk, I really want to respond to your post. I really, really do. But I honestly think that I just pulled the first "tl;dr" of my life. I'm not joking. I'll see if I can come back to it later, but I just can't read all of that right now. I don't know why. I honestly don't. x_x

[Gravenimage]

Anyone got a link to ep 8?

[sardns]

wow, that was a good episode! I feel so bad for Korra.

spoiler --Click here to view--

She's probably sitting in the back of that truck crying and beating herself up for not being able to airbend, to protect her friends, or protect the citizens of Republic city. I'll feel so much worse if the next episode starts with her trying to kick the truck door open and then flailing her body against the door and then finally sobbing.

Korra, my bb, let me hold you!

[Gravenimage]

I missed it I need a link!