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attackfishBetween iTunes’s very strange download schedule for this season of Legend of Korra, registering for classes, and a minor pumpkin related incident (I have pumpkin related incidents about once or twice every year it seems, and they always sound like they should be funny or story worthy, or something, but no. This time, for example, my brother was going to roast pumpkin seeds, but they went bad, so he threw them out, but he forgot to take out the trash before I came over for my nephews’ birthday party, so I had a seizure in the bathroom and went home after my meds kicked in to sleep it off), I only just got to watch the two hour long second season finale today, and I just can’t! I can’t even! In the newfangled internet speak, I am unable to can.
However, in a herculean fannish effort, I rewatched the finale and managed to put some thoughts together here for all of you. What follows is obviously highly spoilery.
It’s not exactly a secret that I have had some issues with Book Two of Korra, like Eska and the fact that her abuse of Bolin was played for laughs, or the fact that other than Korra and Bolin, all of the character development is being spent on the adults, and the crew could really use some, or the way Bolin’s trauma after Eska’s abuse is played for laughs, or the way Bolin commits sexual assault on Ginger, something that is not well addressed in the show. Some of this continues right into the finale.
For example, Ginger’s social opportunism and the way the narrative plays it makes her into the mean girl who turned Bolin down before and now wants him now that he’s cool, excusing Bolin’s actions in the minds of young viewers. It’s entirely possible for a person who is sexually assaulted in real life to act that way, but since it’s never acknowledged that what Bolin did is wrong, the portrayal comes across as icky.
And Bolin and and Eska. If I had only ever watched the finale, I would have gotten the impression that their relationship was a healthy one that ended badly. If I was looking for any kind of acknowledgement of the abusive dynamics shown in it from the start, it isn’t to be found here.
On a more banal note, Tonraq and Unalaq continue to be Thor and Loki, and *yawn*. Their bending battle is gorgeous, though.
Also, So Katara’s healing. That’s great. She’s the girl who took on Azula, and this is the Avatarverse where the old people just get more awesome with age. Why isn’t she doing any fighting, diplomacy, anything?
I actually really like Mako in this, and his attempt to communicate with Bolin at the beginning is really sweet, if infuriating. Asami not being able to bring herself to visit because it reminds her of her father just makes me want to hug her.
I am way more entertained than I should be that the red carpet is imported from the Fire Nation. Best red stuff indeed.
Verrick is surprisingly good at the moving speeches. Doesn’t make me want to punch him any less. Have I mentioned lately how glad I am that he’s a villain?
I have an embarrassment squick a mile wide, so I watched most of the mover on mute, but I got to say, I think the Krew will be threatening to show these to Bolin’s kids and grand kids for the rest of his life. I do love that they hint at old hollywood style movie culture, with big stars in staged relationships, and hilariously bad special effects. Pabu’s laser eyes! I should probably be making comparisons to the Ember Island Players, but I’m too busy giggling.
Watching Bolin on his own home turf, the probending arena, showing just what an awesome bender he is was loads of fun. And Shiro agrees with me!
Mako gets to make some absolutely hilarious faces when talking with Korra. And Asami will make him pay for lying.
Bumi playing the flute.
Eska and Desna wanting to go home almost seem human.
The battle scenes as ever are freaking stunning. Makes my vidder heart pound.
So we finally know what Unalaq wants. He has no idea what he would be in for.
Bumi pops out of the snow. Like a daisy!
With her hair messy, Korra really looks like her mom.
The Northern Water Tribe soldiers don’t like the dark spirits either. *snicker*
Pied Piper!Bumi takes out the entire encampment with his trusty flute, and Tenzin wouldn’t believe him anyway. Sokka’s legacy lives on in his nephew.
The animation, dear god, yes! It’s just so pretty!
Of course Harmonic Convergence comes and Vaatu is freed. We knew it had to happen.
Anglerfish-scorpion-spider spirit. Hell no.
Iroh! Almost forty years, huh? *makes note*
Eska calls him her feeble turtle-duck again!
Fog of Lost Souls. Cool. This should be fun.
Vaatu and Unalaq fuse. We knew this was coming too.
ZHAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say, that while Azula is a fantastic villain, I never managed to love to hate her the way I loved to hate Zhao. She was just too honestly scary whereas Zhao is at is heart a bumbler. Seeing him again is just so sweet. And he thinks Tenzin is Aang. Heehee. This goes really well with how Tenzin has been learning this season that he isn’t and can’t be his father.
The fog really reminds me of the swamp in Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Manipulative Bolin is so obvious. Eska must really want to believe him for that to work. And she kisses him and the ice melts. I think there’s a metaphor there. She wants to spend eternal darkness together! Actually, I think there’s a metaphor there too.
I’m caught between thinking Unalaq’s red eyes are cheesy and thinking they’re epic.
I actually did not expect Raava and Korra to be separated. All those past Avatars we will never get to meet. Awww.
Aang and Tenzin have a long overdue conversation.
JINORA!
And then Jinora disappears, poor Tenzin.
Eska and Desna are going to need some serious therapy when this is all over.
Vaatuzilla. This finale just keeps reminding me more and more of the Avatar: the Last Airbender Book one finale.
Do the Thing, Zhu Li!
Tenzin and Korra have a talk, and I love the talk! I love the way Korra is consistently the hero of the story. As much as I like seeing the others, she is the heart of Legend of Korra in a way Aang was not the heart of Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Nice call back to what the lion-turtle told Aang.
Attack of the fifty foot Korra!
And Bumi knows just how to bring us all right down to earth.
This finale is just full of call backs and expanding canon, and awesome.
“Let’s face the end of the world together!” “You are so romantic!”
“Be careful, sweetie!” Pema is the best mom!
Tiny Raava and Jinora!
And Korra sinks into the water, just like Aang before becoming Koizilla.
Jinora, stop disappearing on your daddy. He can’t take much more.
Korra and Jinora saved the world!!!
Korra is the Avatar again!!!
I love the end of things like this. All the good things happen!
Eska and Desna mention their mother. I need to know.
A special place in th organ that pumps her blood. Only Eska.
Bum-jun looks like Mom’s dog, Teddy.
The past lives are gone forever. Damn.
Mako comes clean, which is a good thing, because Korra remembers now. They break up again, but now it’s on good terms. I like this better.
Mako smiles when Bolin hugs him! Makes me all feel all fuzzy!
The South is independent now, and Tonraq is now chief. Well, duh.
The spirit portals will remain open. I... don’t know how I feel about this. I have to wait and see.
So folks, a little girl and a teenage girl saved the world together, and it was awesome. Anybody who disagrees will have to face the wrath of the anglerfish-scorpion-spider.
Well this season has certainly played holy havoc with my spirit and spirit world canons, that’s for sure. *faints with exhaustion.*
However, in a herculean fannish effort, I rewatched the finale and managed to put some thoughts together here for all of you. What follows is obviously highly spoilery.
It’s not exactly a secret that I have had some issues with Book Two of Korra, like Eska and the fact that her abuse of Bolin was played for laughs, or the fact that other than Korra and Bolin, all of the character development is being spent on the adults, and the crew could really use some, or the way Bolin’s trauma after Eska’s abuse is played for laughs, or the way Bolin commits sexual assault on Ginger, something that is not well addressed in the show. Some of this continues right into the finale.
For example, Ginger’s social opportunism and the way the narrative plays it makes her into the mean girl who turned Bolin down before and now wants him now that he’s cool, excusing Bolin’s actions in the minds of young viewers. It’s entirely possible for a person who is sexually assaulted in real life to act that way, but since it’s never acknowledged that what Bolin did is wrong, the portrayal comes across as icky.
And Bolin and and Eska. If I had only ever watched the finale, I would have gotten the impression that their relationship was a healthy one that ended badly. If I was looking for any kind of acknowledgement of the abusive dynamics shown in it from the start, it isn’t to be found here.
On a more banal note, Tonraq and Unalaq continue to be Thor and Loki, and *yawn*. Their bending battle is gorgeous, though.
Also, So Katara’s healing. That’s great. She’s the girl who took on Azula, and this is the Avatarverse where the old people just get more awesome with age. Why isn’t she doing any fighting, diplomacy, anything?
I actually really like Mako in this, and his attempt to communicate with Bolin at the beginning is really sweet, if infuriating. Asami not being able to bring herself to visit because it reminds her of her father just makes me want to hug her.
I am way more entertained than I should be that the red carpet is imported from the Fire Nation. Best red stuff indeed.
Verrick is surprisingly good at the moving speeches. Doesn’t make me want to punch him any less. Have I mentioned lately how glad I am that he’s a villain?
I have an embarrassment squick a mile wide, so I watched most of the mover on mute, but I got to say, I think the Krew will be threatening to show these to Bolin’s kids and grand kids for the rest of his life. I do love that they hint at old hollywood style movie culture, with big stars in staged relationships, and hilariously bad special effects. Pabu’s laser eyes! I should probably be making comparisons to the Ember Island Players, but I’m too busy giggling.
Watching Bolin on his own home turf, the probending arena, showing just what an awesome bender he is was loads of fun. And Shiro agrees with me!
Mako gets to make some absolutely hilarious faces when talking with Korra. And Asami will make him pay for lying.
Bumi playing the flute.
Eska and Desna wanting to go home almost seem human.
The battle scenes as ever are freaking stunning. Makes my vidder heart pound.
So we finally know what Unalaq wants. He has no idea what he would be in for.
Bumi pops out of the snow. Like a daisy!
With her hair messy, Korra really looks like her mom.
The Northern Water Tribe soldiers don’t like the dark spirits either. *snicker*
Pied Piper!Bumi takes out the entire encampment with his trusty flute, and Tenzin wouldn’t believe him anyway. Sokka’s legacy lives on in his nephew.
The animation, dear god, yes! It’s just so pretty!
Of course Harmonic Convergence comes and Vaatu is freed. We knew it had to happen.
Anglerfish-scorpion-spider spirit. Hell no.
Iroh! Almost forty years, huh? *makes note*
Eska calls him her feeble turtle-duck again!
Fog of Lost Souls. Cool. This should be fun.
Vaatu and Unalaq fuse. We knew this was coming too.
ZHAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say, that while Azula is a fantastic villain, I never managed to love to hate her the way I loved to hate Zhao. She was just too honestly scary whereas Zhao is at is heart a bumbler. Seeing him again is just so sweet. And he thinks Tenzin is Aang. Heehee. This goes really well with how Tenzin has been learning this season that he isn’t and can’t be his father.
The fog really reminds me of the swamp in Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Manipulative Bolin is so obvious. Eska must really want to believe him for that to work. And she kisses him and the ice melts. I think there’s a metaphor there. She wants to spend eternal darkness together! Actually, I think there’s a metaphor there too.
I’m caught between thinking Unalaq’s red eyes are cheesy and thinking they’re epic.
I actually did not expect Raava and Korra to be separated. All those past Avatars we will never get to meet. Awww.
Aang and Tenzin have a long overdue conversation.
JINORA!
And then Jinora disappears, poor Tenzin.
Eska and Desna are going to need some serious therapy when this is all over.
Vaatuzilla. This finale just keeps reminding me more and more of the Avatar: the Last Airbender Book one finale.
Do the Thing, Zhu Li!
Tenzin and Korra have a talk, and I love the talk! I love the way Korra is consistently the hero of the story. As much as I like seeing the others, she is the heart of Legend of Korra in a way Aang was not the heart of Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Nice call back to what the lion-turtle told Aang.
Attack of the fifty foot Korra!
And Bumi knows just how to bring us all right down to earth.
This finale is just full of call backs and expanding canon, and awesome.
“Let’s face the end of the world together!” “You are so romantic!”
“Be careful, sweetie!” Pema is the best mom!
Tiny Raava and Jinora!
And Korra sinks into the water, just like Aang before becoming Koizilla.
Jinora, stop disappearing on your daddy. He can’t take much more.
Korra and Jinora saved the world!!!
Korra is the Avatar again!!!
I love the end of things like this. All the good things happen!
Eska and Desna mention their mother. I need to know.
A special place in th organ that pumps her blood. Only Eska.
Bum-jun looks like Mom’s dog, Teddy.
The past lives are gone forever. Damn.
Mako comes clean, which is a good thing, because Korra remembers now. They break up again, but now it’s on good terms. I like this better.
Mako smiles when Bolin hugs him! Makes me all feel all fuzzy!
The South is independent now, and Tonraq is now chief. Well, duh.
The spirit portals will remain open. I... don’t know how I feel about this. I have to wait and see.
So folks, a little girl and a teenage girl saved the world together, and it was awesome. Anybody who disagrees will have to face the wrath of the anglerfish-scorpion-spider.
Well this season has certainly played holy havoc with my spirit and spirit world canons, that’s for sure. *faints with exhaustion.*
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no subject
Date: 2013-11-29 07:55 pm (UTC)Pakku plays the long game, and he plays to win.
Have I mentioned lately how glad I am that he's a villain?
I really enjoyed Varrick as an antagonist. While Unalaq was a generic boring evil overlord, Varrick is out for himself in a way no other villain in the Avatar franchise has really been. Plus, I liked how Zhu Li didn't get played as the hoodwinked secretary. That typical "Oh no, Mister So-and-So could never do that!" who then gets flipped by the heroes. Nope, she's apparently just as callous as Varrick is, and is totally onboard with his schemes.
I also couldn't help but watch their prison break (http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab250/LavanyaSix/TheVillainWeDeserve_zps81a71487.jpg) and be reminded of Batman.
Well this season has certainly played holy havoc with my spirit and spirit world canons, that’s for sure. *faints with exhaustion.*
Ah, but the joy of fandom is having canon be a matter of taste. It was pretty common in the Sailor Moon fandom, once upon a time, to ignore everything that happened after its third season.
no subject
Date: 2013-11-29 10:36 pm (UTC)That's a really horrifying thought. Thanks for that.
I spent weeks listening to people cooking over Varrick and comparing him to Tony Stark, and I wanted to punch him for being a smarmy, slimy prick. Then he turned out to be evil, and I'll admit I did a little gloating. And Zhu Li knows who butters her bread. I'm also convinced they're sleeping together, and she tops. Once the door closes, she becomes his mistress of pain.
Ah, but the joy of fandom is having canon be a matter of taste.
I like a clean, closed canon that (almost) everybody acknowledges. I like having defined rules before I break them all to pieces with AUs.
no subject
Date: 2015-01-03 05:09 pm (UTC)But it's definitely true that the show trivializes female-on-male domestic violence. When Korra broke up with Mako and flipped his desk over, or when Beifong laughed it off with a mention of trashing Tenzin's home, or for that matter when Eska came after Bolin (in full wedding gear, no less)... I doubt any of these situations would have been treated as funny if the genders were reversed.
As for the way Bolin and Eska parted, I thought that was actually sort of moving and an important perspective on the issue of abuse. Abusive relationships can be bound up in genuine tenderness and not all abusers are monsters. Some of them are well-meaning people who have issues of their own and problems with communication and human interaction. Ending a relationship with an abuser can be as wrenching as ending a healthy relationship, even more in some cases since the abuser would have planted a lot of fear and dependence in their partner.
What made it less than convincing in Bolin and Eska's case IMO was not that they had real feelings or parted on amicable terms, but rather that there was no real buildup for that kind of ending. The relationship was drawn so flatly and given so little screen time that the "reveal" leaves viewers scratching their heads. It's an area where the unrelenting comic-relief portrayal of the abuse, and therefore of the relationship, ended up not working--not only because it trivialized the abuse, but also whatever real feelings that might have been in the relationship itself.
no subject
Date: 2015-01-03 05:26 pm (UTC)Abusive relationships can be bound up in genuine tenderness and not all abusers are monsters. Some of them are well-meaning people who have issues of their own and problems with communication and human interaction. Ending a relationship with an abuser can be as wrenching as ending a healthy relationship, even more in some cases since the abuser would have planted a lot of fear and dependence in their partner.
Especially since abusive relationships are often characterized by extreme highs and lows. The highs are spectacular. Abusive romantic relationships always have something that drew the victim in in the first place, and givjng that up with the abuse is just as hard as it would be to give it up without the abuse. Add in trauma bonding, and the intensity of abusive relationships, and it's a real wrench.