09.28
Korra gives Naga head.
At least Bryke didn’t prolong the Unalaq charade for half of the season. We still don’t see much motive for being a backstabber other than how he wants power over all of the Water Tribe. What’s he up to? Why’s he evil? Why does he let his daughter claim ownership over Bolin? Those are things the show should be in the cusp of uncovering. Also, why did he want Korra to stay by his side while admitting a few minutes later that he didn’t have any use for her after the last two episodes? I guess good PR is a reason, but he seemed quick to throw her aside instead of manipulating her further when she decided to go with her parents.
For Korra, she’s still really bull-headed. But the show is slowly starting to realize that by having her contemplate murdering the Judge to break her dad out of jail. And she almost acts on that. I can see how the show is trying to make her the Anti-Aang—where Aang tries to see reason and refuses to kill, Korra uses brute force when things don’t go her way—which would work well if done correctly. So far, Korra just seems single-minded in this. With the season focused on spiritual themes, this brash nature should contrast with how she starts to learn how to think before acting. Seriously, when is Korra going to develop as a character? What’s she done this week sounds absolutely like something she would’ve done early on last season.
But to stop ranting for once and say something nice, Varrick’s my favorite character so far. He’s what Bolin’s antics could be if done correctly. Who doesn’t like an entrepreneur wearing a Platypus Bear suit while riding a boat away from the Northern Water Tribe feds? He’s so outlandish that I wish the season was about him instead of spiritualism. Especially now that Hiroshi’s out of the picture, the second season should’ve been how his absence led to a power vacuum by other tycoons looking to make millions in the Avatar world. That would’ve connected to the first season’s events as well as given Asami a reason to be on the show. And include Korra by asking the question of how bending has a place in a continuously industrialized society. Speaking of industrialization, whatever happened to those mechs from last season?
Hopefully, that’ll lead to something interesting later on. Maybe Bryan and Mike can step up their game, especially since this episode was a decent improvement over last week’s. It had much more plot development and less moments where characters acted stupid. Now that the show isn’t wandering in circles with Korra for now, I can definitely see some focus happening. I still don’t see much of a need for Desna and Eska though. They haven’t contributed anything to the plot, especially for the kids of the apparent lead villain. Maybe one of them will do something interesting next week. Like kill Mako.
And anybody who doesn’t think Sky Bisons are the cutest shit needs to seek Jesus. Or a shrink. Or Shrinky Jesus: The Inch-High Wonder Christ.