Natalie Dickens

WOW was this show bad. I came right out of ATLA and straight into LOK because I loved ATLA so much. I was warned beforehand that it wasn’t going to be the same at all and would go in a completely different direction, so I kept an open mind and limited my expectations. First off I have to say I did like korra as a character and Tenzin. Both had well rounded personalities that contained both strengths and short comings. They were designed like real people where their short comings came with consequences. The score of the show is also well done. The classic Japanese feel with a modern twist was done very well. The animation is also well done. I loved the pastel hand painted backgrounds and anime influence. However, as much as I enjoy these characters and the art style, they can not make up for its terrible story lines. Yes it’s very contemporary but that does not give it special treatment when it comes to everything a QUALITY show needs. The most important element being a well told story. An area where it failed miserably. Legend of Korra: let’s start at the beginning and I will do my best not to spoil for anyone who is determined enough to commit to it. Starting in season 1 we have a crime-noir type feel and a strong willed independent female lead as the new avatar: Korra. Dark settings and a heavy focus on drama will dominate the story line. We get introduced to some major plot points that were left hanging at the end of ATLA (Zuko’s mom for example) only to have the characters say it’s a story for another time and never hear about it again. Then we have some major story inconsistencies: abilities not at all available, or incredibly hard to master that now, only 70 years later are quite easy and very common place. Spirituality? Forget it. Major developments that in the universe demanded a great deal of time and discipline to even get close to can now be given by the wave of a hand (sadly literally). Character development comes not with a major internal struggle where self introspection is needed, oh no. Just a little melt down and then an outside figure makes it all go away, but with upgrades! Yes instead of the main character unlocking her own potential it is quite overtly handed to her by someone else. And for those who think this show empowers women: our determined heroine has her potential and future changed without her input twice, by men. Setting aside the complete break of cannon from the first series, taking the show on its own is filled with just as much conflict with its own new lore and explanations. In season two a very powerful entity is revealed, introduced as literally “All-Powerful” only to come upon the season finale to see that oh whoops, actually it’s not and In fact not at all needed for the much built up final show down. Setting aside my fandom for the universe this show has disgustingly sub par story telling. Major plot holes, incomplete villain arch’s, terrible character development (or none at all) and no consistency in world building. I do admit I felt a particular tinge of pain when past characters from the first series were completely rewritten in the new series. The writers and directors of LOK are different for every episode which would explain the blatant inconsistency. My advice: do not waste your time with this show. It is not worth any one’s viewing displeasure and is a complete heart break for fans of the original ATLA series.