by Evan Goodrich.
When I first watched “Avatar: the Last Airbender,” I was only a kid, about 11 or 12. The show debuted in 2005, though I hadn’t started watching it until around 2007. But that didn’t stop me from soaking in every thrilling chapter in the story. By the time the show had ended with its third season in 2008, I was a diehard fan.
“Avatar: the Last Airbender” offered a refreshing take on animated series on a mainstream kids network like Nickelodeon. It delivered a true story, with a likeable, albeit a bit archetypal, cast. It was one of those shows that my inner child wishes hadn’t missed out on the opportunity to play with my friends.
Myself, along with countless other fans I’m sure, were dying for more of that magical universe. But with the complete abomination that was “The Last Airbender” directed by M. Night Shyamalan, many fans were suffering from severe awesomeness withdrawal.
When it was announced that a sequel series was to be released, I was overjoyed, as was the rest of the incredibly dedicated fandom. But of course with the excitement came my skepticism. Could anything live up to the pure awesomeness of the original series? Would it just be repetitive to go through another story revolving around a new avatar mastering the elements?
However, from the start it was made clear that “The Legend of Korra” was going to shake things up. With a more modern setting that combined elements from the Roaring ‘20s and the Asian roots of the original, technological advancements (I’m looking at you, “satomobile”), and an overall darker story, this is definitely not a rehash of the original series. All of which, of course, just divided the fandom even more.
The protagonist for “The Legend of Korra” is the titular character Korra, the new avatar after Aang from the Southern Water Tribe, which of course in the avatar universe means that our beloved Aang has now passed. However, unlike Aang, Korra has already mastered three of the four elements: water (her native element), earth and fire, lacking only air. This definitely changes the formula from the original series – watching another avatar go through the same trials and tribulations would just get tired.
Korra goes to Republic City to learn airbending from Aang’s son Tenzin. However, an anti-bending revolution is in the works in Republic City, led by the insanely creepy yet awesome masked antagonist Amon. Bringing in a pseudo-racism based plot definitely adds to the darker atmosphere the creators promised.
Five episodes in, it’s hard to determine what direction the show’s headed. However, the avatar fanboy inside of me has yet to be disappointed, despite my early skepticism. Korra provides a likable protagonist, despite her sometimes frustrating over ambition and recklessness and the supporting cast seem familiar to past characters, but also bring new elements to the table. All I can say is that I’m hungry for more.
