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Post by Musogato on Jun 23, 2012 4:15:42 GMT -5
Discussion for the Book: Air season finale, episodes 11 and 12, airing June 23. "Korra goes undercover and learns a secret while her teammates go after the enemies' stronghold. Then Korra confronts the enigmatic ruler of the Equalists."
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Esile
Casual Zuko
The Artist Formerly Known as Koikitten
Posts: 929
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Post by Esile on Jun 23, 2012 11:06:39 GMT -5
I'm so disappointed that Makorra is canon and we never got a solid ending to Masami.
I ship Korra and Iroh II for season two. I just don't like Makorra. I'm sorry. ;_; Iroh II is definitely my favorite of the guys in this season now though. Daaang.
When all of the past Avatars showed up and Korra regained her bending, I cried. And when Korra gave Lin her bending back, I cried. And when it was over, I cried. So much tearbending.
And I'm still in absolute shock that there was a double suicide on a Nickelodeon show, even though there's reason to believe that it was faked.
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Khil01
Long Feng
Kataangian Hunter
Airbending kataang commander.
Posts: 3,212
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Post by Khil01 on Jun 23, 2012 11:15:17 GMT -5
Wow! that was fantastic, a few bits that I didn't care for. I'll just start with the very end, I wish there had been a 3 minute dialog with Aang, they could have used him to tie up any loose ends and just explain lots of things. Instead we got him suddenly reversing Amon's bloodbending and Korra learning how to fix everybody else. Just seemed kind of like a deus ex machina for it all to turn out perfect with so little explanation. I thought it would be really interesting for season 2 if all she had was airbending and would have to go on some journey to regain her bending/Avatarness. But the end of Tarlok and Amon (what was his real name? nahtok?).. that was just beautiful. This finale just had Tarlok do a complete 180. Esile: Yeah, Iroh was completely awesome and is superior to Mako in every way.
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Post by Elisabeth Blanctorche on Jun 23, 2012 11:30:47 GMT -5
I can't say this was my favorite finale ever, sadly. ;_: Such a let down. Really makes me miss the original series that much more. It was good seeing Aang again though. I love me some Aang. Couldn't help crying them tears of joy from seeing my main man again!
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Post by notthephonz on Jun 23, 2012 12:19:02 GMT -5
Esile: I agree! The appearance of the past Avatars and the bending restorations were very moving. Mako's just a terrible person all around. He was only interested in Asami because of her wealth, and he's only interested in Korra because she's the Avatar. Korra still likes him for some reason though, so he makes a better shipping choice than Iroh who barely had any screen time with her at all. It's interesting that they went ahead and resolved a One True Pairing already; I wonder if they'll challenge the Makorra pairing in the next. I don't think it counts as a double suicide if Amon wasn't actively participating. It wasn't clear if Amon was even aware of what Tarrlok was doing. Khil01: What loose ends were there to tie up by the time Aang appeared? I don't think the bending restoration was all that sudden. Tarrlok already explained how Amon was taking the bending away, and thanks to Tahno, we already knew that it was something healers couldn't fix. I expected Katara to be able to help, but Amon's bloodbending is most likely just stronger than hers. I think the bending restoration was less of a deus ex machina than Korra spontaneously gaining airbending, Ozai inadvertently unblocking Aang's chakra, or even Aang learning energybending in the first place. I did think a solely airbending Korra story for the second season would have been interesting, but ending the first season like that would have been such a downer. I really feel bad for Asami. While the benders can get their bending restored, there isn't any way her life can go back to the way it was before. What Aang said about reaching one's lowest point applies to her just as well as it does to Korra, if not more so. Lastly, I wonder if Korra can only restore lost bending or if she can give it to people who never had it in the first place? It's going to be difficult to track down each person whose bending was removed, so I imagine there's some opportunity for a few non-benders to get Korra to "restore" them.
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Hana
Avatar Roku
:3
Posts: 1,204
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Post by Hana on Jun 23, 2012 12:32:34 GMT -5
I really liked Tarrlok and Amon. Everything about that was very mature and moving. I didn't like anything else.
Does that make me a bad fan?
How did the airbenders get captured? Aang saved the day? Korra just magically getting her bending back without any hard work? Korra telling Mako to leave her alone then 5 minutes later I love you? Only 3 seconds of Bumi? Wait! Did Mako and Asami even breakup?
It was all too convenient and easy. I'm sorry, I love Bryke but they should just not write romance...ever again. I don't like Makorra at all.
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Post by Paraiba Ocean on Jun 23, 2012 12:41:32 GMT -5
I think that by watching the finale you can easily tell this was only supposed to be a one arc thing. Amon and Tarrlok's end really surprised me though - was definitely not expecting that for a children's tv show, but it did give a sense of finality to the plot. Felt like there were plenty of things not addressed, but I hope they will be in the next season. Some of the things I feel like were omitted were a resolution to the entire dilemma between the benders and nonbenders. Amon turned out to be the very thing he was fighting because he used his bending to oppress others. Sure, he was fighting for ~equality~, but idk. I find it hard to believe people are just gonna go, "Let's go home," after he was truly exposed. I hope that next season focuses on the aftermath and Korra trying to work to actually resolve the issue. The battle has been won, so to speak, but the war's not over. Things I didn't like: 1) Amon's back story. While I was eager to find out who Amon was, I was also disappointed by his history. First of all, I didn't find it that compelling. Like, I don't get it. Secondly, it took them so long to get to the point. I literally sat there tempted to fast forward to the action. I feel like the story could have been summarized a lot shorter and saved a lot more time for action and a more complete ending (will comment on this later) 2) Tarrlok. When we first met him/he revealed himself as a bloodbender, I was like oo he's here to exact revenge for Yakone. But now it's like... what's he doing with his life. I don't really get why he decided YEAH I'M GONNA BE A BLOODBENDER EVEN THOUGH I HATED MY FATHER/BLOODBENDING... what? idgi. 3) No resolution between Asami and Mako. wtf Mako at least break up with the girl, good gracious. She deserves that much respect. 4) The ending felt rushed; Korra goes from helpless to all powerful and restoring bending in 2 seconds. Yeah, I don't get it. Things I did like: 1) MAKO. Mako's firebending was flawless, etc, etc. I was so dazzled. 2) Iroh. omg Iroh was freaking amazing, I almost died watching him every time he came on scene. I really hope for more of him next season! 3) Bumi! Bumi seems like a real nutjob, and I love it. I hope to see more of him next season. 4) Asami was of course my perfect flawless goddess. I think this all goes back to the fact there's so much they tried to cram into one season and I think they actually could have without extending the season but they chose not to. In that case, they needed to trim the fat.
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Post by ILZ on Jun 23, 2012 12:48:37 GMT -5
That was a great finale. I just wish it was a little longer. I can honestly say I never saw the whole Amon/Tarlok being siblings thing coming so I was thrilled to see the first twist to actually throw me off balance. It was a very believable explanation to both of the brother's actions. It was interesting to see how each one dealt with their resentment of their father in their own unique ways. I never believed that it would work having Amon being a bender but it really did. I could understand why he thought bending was evil. Of course having him be a bender made his defeat all the more sweeter since he was also disgraced. His and Tarlok's ending was mind blowing though. I can't believe Nick would allow something that dark. As much as I didn't care for Tarlok, he really grew on me in this episode and I think that made the intentional boat explosion all the more powerful.
Korra and Mako against Amon was fantastic. I loved seeing Mako really shine as a bender. I thought Korra unlocking her airbending to save Mako was a great way to do it. Just as Aang could only unlock the Avatar state under distress it look the thought of someone she cared about getting hurt for her to overcome her block. The scene with her and Aang was so touching. I had chills when all the Avatars lined up behind Aang. I do wish there was a little more conversation between them. But I understand there was a lot to pack into this episode. Speaking of Aang I think it was a nice subtle tie in to the last series that Korra sort of inherited Aang's problem. Just like Roku could have been more harsh with Sozin and prevented the war, Aang could have been more harsh with Yakone and prevented the Revolution. I also tho k Korra's visions were more warning her about Amon that Tarlok now all has been revealed.
Bolin and Naga were great in this episode. Korra told her to protect him and she seemed to take the task very seriously. I was glad that the gang split up so we could see Bolin shine a little more.
Asami and Hiro's battle was heartbreaking. I've never been a huge Asami fan but I feel so bad for her. I hope she can find someone who won't let her down. I can't believe there wasn't really any ending to her and Mako's relationship. I really think it would have been best if they never really had one. He was obviously always going to end up with Korra. Putting Asami in the mix just made me think he was a jerk and really didnt advance the story any. They could have been friends and her father still fund the team.
General Iroh with Zuko's voice kinda threw me the whole episode. Iroh ha some great fighting moves. But I was a little confused that he left his troops to their own devices after he was injured. I would have expected him to try to find any survivors. I hold we can get a little more on his background next season. I think he will make for an interesting addition.
I never really knew if I would be able to get into this series. But I ended up loving it and the characters completely separate of the old series. I'm really pleased with the way this season ended and I can't wait to see where next season takes the characters.
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Post by Paraiba Ocean on Jun 23, 2012 13:59:33 GMT -5
I didn't see anything so I think the plot twist was great, but then I think the explanation was weak. I guess I can see why Amon thought it was acceptable to use his bending to block bending, but then I think that if anything it made things confusing with respect to Tarrlok. Answered a few questions, but just raised about 9000 more. I guess Tarrlok's initial impression was "I'm avenging my father/living his legacy by ruling the city" and then it was like "my father was so evil I hate bloodbending but then I did it anyway " wtf are you doing with your life lol. Definitely agreed, but I guess that it was supposed to go along with the "it's a darker series" type thing and they wanted a finite ending to Amon. I completely agree Korra tapping into airbending to save Mako was perfect and omg Mako was a complete star. I loved seeing it. I do agree about the scene with her and Aang. Quite honestly I never really liked Aang a whole lot in the original series (I liked him okay but ht wasn't my favorite), but I think that I probably would like older/wiser Aang. I hope he continues to mentor her like Roku did in the original series in the next season. I agree that Roku could have been harsher but I kind of wonder what Aang could have done to prevent this revolution. To me, it looks like it's honestly been a long time coming. In a way, I think the revolution isn't over - or it shouldn't be. Personally, I think Korra's main goal next season should be yes dealing with an antagonist, but also doing something about the nonbenders feelings. They didn't really ever answer or resolve anything with respect to that, and if, "Oh, well Amon was a bender after all, okay let's all go home," is the ~resolution~ I'm gonna write Bryke a long email with all my feels. Glad he got to shine a bit more, but I do hope that Bolin gets a little bit more development. He could use it, for sure. My season 2 wishlist includes Bolin getting tutored by Lin n_n I felt so bad for Asami, but I'm glad she didn't flip sides just because of Mako. I would have ragebended if she had. I think it's always been obvious he would end up with Korra, but I was a little annoyed their literal last words were "I care about you." I think that it was a very cordial way to end the relationship and I wanted it to end that way, but I wish they could have talked about it and he had said, "I hope you know I care about you, but I can't do this anymore, it's not fair to you," or something. Bah. I do agree that it was kind of shocking he was like, "on with the mission" without trying to recover his troops but I guess he figured they could take care of themselves since all the airplanes at the moment were taken out and he wanted to keep Bumi who conveniently arrives SUPER FREAKING LATE out of harm's way. lol Iroh having Zuko's voice makes him sound like a teenager, but I was super disappointed he didn't say honor. my headcanon wanted it so badly. Ah, I do hope that we see more of Iroh, and Bumi as well, in the next season
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Post by Empy on Jun 23, 2012 14:19:15 GMT -5
It was a good finale. I kind of feel like there was a lot of convenient conflict resolution. Like Korra just magically being able to airbend although I can kind of understand but it still irked me considering airbending and airbender training took a significant backseat this whole season. I think I had more problems with her magically gaining back her bending/ being able to restore people's bending at the end since I feel Korra's spiritual side still is hella underdeveloped. I don't know.
Asami continues to be free of flaws while poor Bolin is still largely reduced to comedic lines. Good on him for saving Asami though and saying what we were all thinking about Hiroshi (who's storyline could also have been used better IMO).
Tarrlok and Noatak's backstory actually made me very sad. I thought it was actually quite tragic. Especially the conclusion which seems a little mature for a kids show. They were people forged out of Yakone's hate and desire for revenge. I think Tarrlok could see in the end it made this cycle that would only continue. Even as they were leaving for a new start, he could see nothing would really change. Even if they made a new start, who's to say it wouldn't be like Yakone all over again? Who's to say they wouldn't become their father which I think is what Tarrlok most feared and why it ended the way it did. Haha the finale gave me a lot of feels xD
I do wonder how things will go for next season. I hope they continue with the bender/nonbender conflict because it really is an issue I think should have gotten a lot more attention throughout the season. Maybe the lieutenant will step up to the plate? Or even Hiroshi. The thing is, as crazy and misguided as Amon was there was a point to his argument which is why so many people followed him in the first place. As Para said, the war isn't over. The friction between benders and non-benders isn't going to go away just because Amon is gone. Hopefully next season will see Korra learning to understand where the non-benders are coming from and finding a way to restore harmony ('cause she's the avatar, duh). I heard Asami won't be around as much next season which makes me sad since she's the only non-bender in Avatar and I love her. Haha maybe it's 'cause she went off with Iroh lol wishful thinking is wishful but I ship it like FedEx for real
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Post by Darryl on Jun 23, 2012 15:07:25 GMT -5
Well, overall, I thought it was a great finale to a 'single-arc' storyline. What I liked the best was the Tarrlok/Amon connection. The twist was amazing and I bet Bryke is having a good laugh at nearly all of us who said that the whole Tarrlok incident was irrelevant. What I didn't really like was the rushed progression of some things (e.g. Iroh 2.0 being introduced too late, introduced mostly for fanservice) Also, minor loopholes and convenient problem-solving (Korra Airbending). But then again, Bryke were never great at those (Lion Turtle/Energybending). I felt the Tarrlok/Amon storyline was told brilliantly - the whole of Season 1's events revolves around their story. edit: The whole I-Love-You-Amon-Why-You-Do-This bit with The Lieutenant was also pretty sad EDIT 2: Thinking about the episode again the thing that bothered me the most is HOW DID KORRA BREAK FREE FROM BLOODBENDING WITH JUST AIRBENDING WHAT
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Post by deerwolc on Jun 23, 2012 15:50:08 GMT -5
As this series goes, I felt that the final two episodes were very good. Out of all of the episodes so far, these two really kept me wanting more, something that the others have largely failed to do. 'Team Avatar' (or whatever they are referred to as now) all had a decent amount of screen time and they all seemed to contribute something to the episode.
I do have to agree though that a lot was packed in and thus events happened rather quickly. Also as stated by others, there were a lot of convenient happenings, like Korra airbending, that still weaken the story somewhat.
Overall though I wasn't particularly looking forward to season two, but these episodes have definitely brought enough to the table to make me want to come back for more.
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Dr. Joe
Meng
Minster of Health
Posts: 255
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Post by Dr. Joe on Jun 23, 2012 16:00:11 GMT -5
The finale was good and I still absolutely love this show, but I REALLY do have problems with how Korra got her bending back so fast. Felt kind of deus ex machinaish. I would have liked there to have been another episode to make that spiritual connection with him, one at the very least. Still, when Aang came back I couldn't help but tearbend! I still love my bald-headed superman!
Other thoughts: Iroh II is a boss. Him vs the airplanes was probably the coolest fight throughout the series.
Poor Asami. The girl looses her father and her boyfriend. Don't know what they're going to do with her next season.
About Mako's lightning; isn't that supposed to be lethal? I seem to remember a certain fire nation princess killing a certain airbending child. Maybe he's just not as powerful as her, I don't know.
Also: THERE BETTER BE SOME SNORT-LAUGHING WHEN WE SEE BUMI NEXT SEASON!!!
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Post by Paraiba Ocean on Jun 23, 2012 16:25:02 GMT -5
Darryl: I don't think it's only originally one season/12 episodes is a good excuse, imo. Bryke has always known their constraints on the season and if they wanted to include this many side plots then they needed to have accepted Nick's request to extend the season, otherwise, they needed to filter things out and cling onto the important stuff. If anything, one season/12 episodes is an excuse for the show not to have been like this. They just bit off more than they could chew and then haphazardly tried to resolve everything at once - which is very consistent with their writing. They're good at exposition, rising action, and climax, but fail to impress when it comes to romance, falling action and resolutions. Their usual response is to come up with a very vague/ambiguous answer that doesn't really even answer anything at all. "Amon was somehow using bloodbending to do something connected to spirituality but it's complicated so we won't go into that." what the fffffffffff? @dr. Joe: The fact is so much time was wasted throughout the series on stupid things (Yeah I said it), and then when Korra returned to the South Pole everything was put on cruise control for resolve as many things as possible. It was... ugh. As for Mako's lightning, I suppose it's the same as traditional lightning here. Some bolts kill people, some people can live through a lightning strike. Maybe it depends on how much energy is channeled into the bolt? idk.
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Post by Musogato on Jun 23, 2012 16:26:39 GMT -5
I have to talk about the Amon-Tarrlok twist first, because that really hit me the hardest. When it was first revealed that they were brothers, I literally facepalm'd/pity cried. While it does bring more relevance to the earlier Tarrlok-Yakone storyline, I am just so so so so tired of the bad guys being related. But then it went into Flashback Mode for when they were kids and they were so cute and the flashback storytelling and characterizing was done so well, I was like, "Okay, I can accept this." And it does make for an interesting split in how the brothers had differing plans on fulfilling their dad's wish. But then, at the end, when they're on the boat? ...... I literally cannot handle it. I didn't even cry when Lin lost her bending, but with these guys, who I didn't think I was even that invested in? I can't even think about that boat scene without hardcore sobbing. The whole atmosphere, coloring, music.... the way Noatak just stood there knowing... heartwrenching perfection. So, the entire finale pretty much, for me, was made because of them. Which is great in one way I guess, because hello feelings and new knowledge of which trope is my ultimate weakness. But on the other hand, it glaringly points out just how undercut the other characters and their development was. Noatak/Amon was so fleshed out during that one episode, it's incredible. So if they can do that in such a short amount of time, why not for the others? I know there can be a problem with overusing flashbacks, but good lord. Just one episode that went into how Mako and Bolin lived on the streets as kids and when Toza took them under his wing, or Asami and Hiroshi's lives before and directly after they lost Mrs. Sato, would have made such a difference. Other things in the finale...... um. Asami staying true to her convictions and going up against her dad! Hurray for her staying strong/fighting the good fight even though everything was sucking. The way Mako broke up with her was incredibly subtle, but at the same time I'm glad that it was civil. Hopefully things will get better for her next season. Bolin mostly being comic relief was a little disappointing, but I'm glad he was at least participating and doing good helping out. But YES, Lin teaching him in season 2 would be great. <3 Korra losing her bending was surprising, but it's also rather neat that the show took it to that step. Although it wasn't fully explained how Amon was able to do it with bloodbending, I am glad at least that it wasn't a trick, and as many called it earlier, Korra learned how to give bending back. And Lin being first in line, very good. Oh, and Tenzin's family when they were on the rally stage, that was heartbreaking. I'm glad they were able to escape again. The Lieutenant's end (?) was sad too, kinda Jet-like but without the support. The plane dogfight was intense too, though I loved some of the city shots as they flew in. Glad General Iroh survived, and brother Bumi for season 2 will be interesting, hopefully. Makorra, eh. I guess I'm sinking with Borra, but that's okay. Hopefully the romance will be less rushed next season. (I feel like I'm saying that far too much.) But overall, I gotta point to Noatak and Tarrlok's scenes. Everything else pretty much pales in comparison for me.
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