Legend of Korra pilot review

I'm a big fan of Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender, a series that takes place in a world where people are capable of manipulating (or bending) the elements. The most revered and powerful bender is referred to as the Avatar, a single person who is capable of bending all four elements and is tasked with maintaining balance in the world. It's a fantastic animated series that is a must-watch in my opinion. It has great characters, a great story, and it's just fun.

Even so, I had mixed feelings about the idea of a sequel series that would follow a whole new avatar. I wasn't against the idea per se, but I wasn't sure if it would be able to capture lightning in a bottle the same way the original series did. I didn't write it off entirely though, and upon hearing that the first two episodes were now available to watch online, I gave them a watch. My fears were laid to rest as this series brings all the same elements to the proceedings that made the first show such a joy to watch.

Avoiding a rehash

Interestingly enough, the premise is a bit of an inversion of its predecessor. Where Aang was an airbender who needed to learn to master the other three elements, Korra already knows how to master those three elements and only needs to learn to control air.

Korra also stands out in contrast to Aang. She's still just as noble and heroic, but she doesn't have the patience nor the spiritual bent of her predecessor. Nevertheless, you grow to like her just as much, and you really do start to root for her over the course of the episodes.

As this show takes place 70 years after the first series ended, there are only a few references to that saga, but they work well enough. It's implied that most of the characters have passed on, but Katara makes a cameo and Aang's son, Tenzin, does take on the role of Korra's mentor. Toph's daughter also makes a quick appearance. I did like the one bit where Katara is asked about Zuko's mom, before quickly being interrupted. I thought it was a good gag.

I really liked Naga, Korra's Polar Bear Dog, that thing is the epitome of adorable. I especially liked when they barged into a market to get food, but Korra had to stop him from chowing down. The look on his face is priceless.

I wasn't sure I was going to like the "pro-bending" sub-plot. When it was brought up, I figured it was going to be filler, but it was worked in rather nicely, and it did serve a point.

While the main villain of the show is introduced, he doesn't play that large of a role. The focus here is on Korra and a lot of the conflict comes from her lack of patience. While you do connect with Korra, you can't help but sympathize with Tenzin as he tries to deal with her impetuous nature.

I wasn't sure that the crew would be able to pull off a repeat, but it looks like they may very well do just that. I'm not sure how the show will extend beyond a first "book" since she already has the other elements down, but as a second season has already been greenlit, we can cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, I definitely recommend giving this show a watch as it was highly entertaining and enjoyable.