Author: Will Westwater
Imagine a world where fire, water, earth and air can be manipulated by those gifted with the power of bending, and the avatar can control all four elements. Years ago Nickelodeon introduced all this and more in “Avatar: the Last Airbender.” In “Avatar: the Last Airbender,” avatar Aang brought peace to the four elemental nations.
“Legend of Korra,” the brilliant spin-off of “Avatar: the Last Airbender,” assessed the issue of super-powered benders and the non-super-powered co-existing, and the social issues that come with that cohabitation. Like “Avatar,” “Legend of Korra” aired on Nickelodeon. The ending of the first season of Korra wrapped the story up well, but also caused the audience to wonder what kind of issues will arise in book two of “The Legend of Korra.”
“Book two: Spirits” begins six months after the events of last season. All seems peaceful in the Republic city. Korra, the avatar, is mastering air-bending. Mako is part of the police force in Republic City, and Bolin is still pro-bending but with a different crew of fire ferrets. Unbeknownst to Korra, Southern water tribe ships have been going missing.
Korra season two must be looked at as a fresh idea. Even though the last season was wrapped up tightly, by no means have writers Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko written themselves into a corner. The name of the book says it all. This season looks into the spiritual side of the Avatar universe, which has been talked about but rarely experienced. Without giving anything away, the new storyline appears to have some of the same politics that made season one so stimulating.
While the main plot has yet to unfold, it is clear from the first episode that the animation quality this season has stepped up. Studio Mir, which animated the last season of Korra, is now partnering with Pierrot Co. to enhance the show’s appearance. The increased attention to detail is evident. Lens reflections off Mako’s goggles look amazing as the city races by, and the bending looks even more fantastic than before.
The characters continue to re-state their roles in the show. Avatar Korra is her strong but stubborn self. Bolin provides his funny dialogue, which adds a bit of comic relief. While Tenzin, Tonraq and Mako continue to look out for Korra despite how irritated she gets by their hovering, Korra hasn’t changed much from the last season. Like Aang’s inner struggle regarding his role as a monk and an avatar in “The Last Airbender,” Korra must deal with her hardheadedness, which can sometimes be overbearing. Korra’s struggle receives a little bit too much screen-time, and Aang’s struggle was more interesting.
It is a shame that Korra season two has to follow up such a blockbuster season before it, but the season is young and has plenty of promise. It is the first time in the Avatar universe that it has been unclear as to what is going to happen in the season, and that is both terrifying and exciting for fans. I am eager to see how Korra’s second season progresses.
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