Korra Balance: Episode 1 first impressions

I woke up this morning to find Korra waiting for me on Nick.com. I wasn’t expecting to see it until 12pm, so I was a little surprised. I settled in with my breakfast and had the best morning since I started school this semester

There will be spoilers here, so go watch the episode on Nick first: www.nick.com/

The trailer made me a little worried that the show would change a lot from the last season; there were so many new things. But, I felt like they tied together all of the new elements nicely.

The lack of Korra for most of this episode was greatly felt. But, that was definitely intentional. They want to show us exactly what it’s been like without her. There are two things going on there: The world is missing (or moving on without) the Avatar and Korra’s friends are missing HER as a person. It’s tough.

First things first: we some new characters. Prince Wu seems a little… daft. He’s like a much more annoying version of his great grandfather. Besides that, and Mako’s involvement, I don’t think he needs much more explanation. I’ll get to the Mako thing later.

Kuvira is the next “new” character, although she really appeared last season after saving Korra’s father. She threw down some serious butt-whooping on those train robbers! I’ll come back to how she affects the story at the end. But, she’s definitely an interesting new character.

My favorite parts were Opal/Kai working together to protect that village. I loved Opal last season, how she bolstered Bolin and helped him mature, but I think her role has changed this season. Bolin has definitely matured, and still as good natured as ever, but he’s blinded by Kuvira’s “unification.” Now she’s got her own mission. I loved the moment when she pleaded with Bolin to stay and help, there was so much emotion there. I’m almost worried for the two of them. But, I’m optimistic; they are perfect for each other. Bopal forever! And her conversation with Kai later was sweet.  I couldn’t see her and Kai together, but their friendship is definitely something that I’m going to enjoy this season.

Mako… what’s going on with Mako? In Lyn’s own words “You’re just a pawn in Ryko’s game.” He’s going to follow Prince dunderpants to the Earth Kingdom to be his personal body guard. Ouch… That’s going to be an interesting development this season. But, perhaps that’s how his and Korra’s paths are going to cross. I mean… that is where she seems to be.

Speaking of which: Earth Kingdom MMA. Wow. I mean… wow! As cool as it was though, it was almost like self inflicted pain. Korra has gone off the deep end. She’s 19 and trying to find her place again. But, I’m sure she’ll find it. Interesting fact: when Mike and Bryan came up with the idea for Korra, they described her as “a Water Tribe version of a snowboarder or an MMA fighter.” So, this is the realization of that concept, I guess

So, the big story: Kuvira and Opals’ brother “uniting” the Earth Kingdom. Right now it’s all under the pretense that she’s preparing to give it over to the after the coronation. I’m getting a power trip vibe from her though; she’s enjoying it too much. I don’t think anyone’s going to be surprised when she turns on the Earth Prince. But the big question is: why? Is she part of the red lotus? Does she envision herself as Queen of the world? Whatever the purpose is, I don’t see it being noble.

So, what’s going to happen this season? It’s going to be interesting. What do you guys think? Who is your favorite new character? What is your favorite new development? What’s the first thing you’re going to draw (or want to see drawn) from this season?

I’m honestly excited! I have a lot of high hopes coming off last season. While Kuvira doesn’t seem as terrifying as the Red Lotus were last season, she does seem just as motivated… just as crazy.

It’s going to be great!

-Matt