After seeing these first two episodes, I must admit that I’m highly looking forward to this series. It’s very rare for a production to recapture the best elements of a first series within a sequel. Somehow, the creators have introduced an almost entirely new cast and still managed to give it the same quality, lifelike characters and excellent story that the original Last Airbender series had.
I’m stunned by the continued beauty of the background artists. They obviously spent a great deal of time and care to bring the world of Avatar to life during the first series. The tradition continues with “The Legend of Korra”. From the blizzard ridden South Pole right into the streets of Republic City, viewers’ eyes will gorge on the immense visuals provided. There’s barely one frame of the background images that doesn’t deserve its own place in an art gallery.
I’m enchanted by the life that the animators have brought to the characters. The facial expressions are very clear without going over the top. Just as would happen with people, a character’s eyes show the real emotion while that character’s lips say something different. Little actions heighten the humanity of the characters even more. When Korra first begins air bending training, she is not wearing the shawl for the air nomad costume correctly. Tenzin merely helps her adjust the shawl correctly. All the while, the duo is discussing the fact that air bending has been Korra’s elusive element. There’s no verbal acknowledgement of the shawl faux-pas at all. The show is chock full of little *human* things like this.
I’m impressed by the depth of the characters just in these two episodes. Korra is a go-getter type of character. She relishes her avatar skills and isn’t afraid of them. While she’s highly confident in her skills, Korra isn’t arrogant about her title. She is perfectly content to let her actions do her talking and let those around her figure out who she is. Above all else, Korra is excited about life and her avatar training. Elemental bending, martial arts and especially the “Pro Bender Matches” have her full attention.
Don’t think that they only went all out for Korra. Tenzin does his best to remain stoic at all times. However, he can show emotions as well. Tenzin’s eyebrows serve as subtle insight to his character. Surprise, shock, anger, frustration, contentment and sadness are all very nicely conveyed through his eyebrows. At one point, Korra insults him personally. The music of the moment and the lighting effects enhance the emotional atmosphere. It’s in Tenzin’s face – especially his eyebrows- where you see the hurt showing. Both the audience and Tenzin’s daughters can see how much the comment has wounded him. Speaking of which, Tenzin’s kids are already developing personalities just in 2 episodes. In the first episode, they’re pretty much hyper insanity in a flesh suit. The exasperation on their mother, Pema’s, face is priceless. During episode 2, Jinora steps forward as a responsible, bookish type starting to take after her father. Ikki is happy and hyper yet is beginning to understand that sometimes, it’s ok to be serious. Meelo…. is still pretty much asylum material. (Given his young age, you can’t blame him too much.)
Even Korra’s new friends, Mako and Bolin, are showing character depth. It’s obvious that Bolin will bear much of the comic relief of the series while Make will try to remain a straightforward person. But the episode is quick to show that Bolin is both an adept fighter as well as an encouraging teacher. Mako appears to already be showing signs of warming up to Korra.
For those who were worried about how the story could be continued and remain engaging, you will be relieved and excited to know that the creative team of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko have easily matched their previous high-quality standards set by their original work, “Avatar the Last Airbender”.
Espisode reviews coming next post!
Thanks to tumblr.com for the image.
