Book 1, Episode 5: The Spirit of Competition

[Aaron B.]

Book 1, Episode 5: The Spirit of Competition

Korra and her teammates struggle to work together after romantic rivalries shake their foundation.

[Tasermon's Teammate]

Standard post-traumatic-episode-followed-by-comedic-episode-to-help-take-the-edge-off. Common in most anime series, as well as the the original Avatar series.

Though, this bein' episode 5 of a supposed 20-episode series, we're already a quarter of the way through the book.

However, I still liked the character development in this episode, and it gives us a glimpse of the heroes' personal lives and reminds us that even though they have a city (world?) to save, they're still just teenagers.

The interaction between Korra and Tenzin's wife and daughters is nice too. In my opinion, they need more air-time. Also, good to know Korra is an excellent healer, taught by Katara herself.

One of the things I love most though, is the radio drama. I love how coordinated it is with the actions and scenes in the arena. Ya can tell that they've worked very hard on this, when ya can close your eyes and listen to fight, rather than watch it, and can still tell what's going on! It makes ya wanna see the episodes twice, first to watch, and the second just to listen. It's just that brilliant.

Ohboyo though, if this episode doesn't ignite shippin' wars, nothin' will...

[Daikun]

(05-07-2012 01:16 AM)Tasermons Teammate Wrote:  Though, this bein' episode 5 of a supposed 20-episode series, we're already a quarter of the way through the book.

26 episodes, IIRC. The first season will be 12 episodes; the second will be 14.

[Tasermon's Teammate]

(05-07-2012 02:42 AM)Daikun Wrote:  26 episodes, IIRC. The first season will be 12 episodes; the second will be 14.

Ah.

But will it be considered one Book?

[Daikun]

(05-07-2012 08:19 PM)Tasermons Teammate Wrote:  But will it be considered one Book?

I think it's two books.

[Tasermon's Teammate]

(05-07-2012 11:26 PM)Daikun Wrote:  I think it's two books.

If we've already done Water, Earth and Fire, and this one is Air, then what will the other Book be?

[Daikun]

(05-07-2012 11:36 PM)Tasermons Teammate Wrote:  If we've already done Water, Earth and Fire, and this one is Air, then what will the other Book be?

Heart?

[Tasermon's Teammate]

Hmm, the first three Books all had at least 20 episodes. They might split this into two Books, but I think it'll probably just be one.

Though, a Book of Heart would be cool.

[Sphere]

The series was originally approved for a 12-episode run, then extended for fourteen more. So it makes sense for it to have been split into two books.

Best theory I've heard is "Spirit," but who knows?

[Aaron B.]

A really solid episode. The production quality was spectacular and the writing was pitch perfect. This is the kind of episode I was looking forward to when they announced Legend of Korra... Everything they gave us was something I suspected would come along at some point, but the delivery and execution was astounding.

The fights in the pro-bending arena was so acute and efficient, you kind of feel their pain when they slide across the floor in a crumpled mess. It takes a lot of experience and a lot of hard work on the part of the board artists to get the character blocking and fight coordination that tactful. Definite kudos on that part.

The romantic angle can be kind of sickening when they bang you over the head with it; but in Korra it's so freaking hilarious you can't help but be entertained. It's easy, for me, to get the impression that Asami has ulterior motives since she just pops in and pops out when its convenient... but altogether, she's a necessary variable in getting these three characters to think about how they relate to one another (dynamics) and what path is the right path, moving forward.

(05-08-2012 12:26 AM)Daikun Wrote:  Heart?

Ha! "By your powers combined..."