The Legend of Korra Book 3: Change

Change indeed.

Avatar: The Legend of Korra is an undervalued show. But it's fitting since it's the sequel to the cult hit Avatar: The Last Airbender, a beloved show by kids and adults alike which perhaps lost some of its credibility possibly due to the directorial stylings of M. Must-Not-Be-Named. So when Nickelodeon debuted a continuation of the series under a different name with different characters, including the main protagonist, one can attempt to see what went wrong. Slipping ratings and poor marketing eventually led to the stunted and confused airing of Book 3, which eventually led to its removal from TV altogether. It's a damn shame too, because what we got was perhaps the best season in the entire franchise.

Coming off the heels of Book 2: Spirits, Change is set in the post-Harmonic Convergence world where spirits and humans co-exist peacefully. Well, at least that's what should have happened but unfortunately there is  much unrest on the human side. After all, humans have thrived without the direct help of spirits for years, hence the need for an Avatar, who serves as the link between the two worlds when necessary. But now, Korra, the current Avatar, is no longer needed. She is the last remnant of an old world that she helped end. And she's perfectly fine with it. Of all the characters in the Avatar universe, I think Korra has probably changed the most. In three seasons, we have followed her from bratty teenager to mature adult and unlike Aang, who remained childish throughout his life, she really feels like the heart of the show that bares her name. 

The first part of the season details the birth of a new race, that of the airbenders. Race is an interesting topic in this universe because it is not based on color lines but on actual powers granted, equal to certain types of privileges in the real world. We've never really seen too much of airbender culture in Avatar except we know they are nomadic and tend to be very monastical. The only representatives we've had are Aang, who is very much non-airbender, and Tenzin, who is very much non-Aang. The family politics of Aang's family are fascinating as we slowly learn that Aang was perhaps not the best parent, showing more love to Tenzin than his other children Kya and especially Bumi who was born without powers. However, we find that Bumi's airbending powers were perhaps always inert, waiting for some kind of universal spark which he gets in the Harmonic Convergence. Suddenly, Tenzin and his brother are on the same level which really gets to Tenzin. As much as he is excited that he and his children aren't alone in the world, he realizes that is no longer special.

And neither is Korra, really. Sure, she possesses all four bending powers but there are those out there who possess bending powers stronger than hers, and are perhaps even learning faster than her. Even Jinora learns how to use spirit powers this season. And now that anyone can be bestowed great powers and walk with spirits, than really, who has a need for the Avatar? Which brings the big bad into play. Zaheer, a member of a terrorist group of anarchists called the Red Lotus, also becomes an airbender, and particularly powerful one at that. What is so devious is that he has almost prepared for this moment, as if he has known all his life he would possess great power. Zaheer is intriguing because he is the most human opponent Korra has ever faced. Mostly, because he does not think he's a bad guy. He really thinks he is committing a greater good for the world by erasing the Avatar forever. And on top of that, he has friends that support him in his efforts. P'Li, Ghazan, and Ming Hua are deep, fascinating characters and serve as a wonderful antithesis to Korra's gang consisting of Mako, Asami, and Bolin.

The second part of the season focuses on the Earth Kingdom, a fan-favorite location from the last series. There is a saying that states as some things change, some things stay the same and that is very much at work here. Even though Aang freed the Earth Kingdom from its brainwashing monarch so many years back, the Earth Kingdom remains completely unchanged. Tyranny just gets a new face in the slightly villainous Earth Queen. Poverty is still very much an issue in Ba Sing Se and through that explore the backstories of Mako and Bolin and their upbringing in the poorest district. It explains so much about their characters and who they are in only a few episodes. We also take a brief detour to the city of the Metal Clan, the newest culture of people founded by Toph Beifong. Another family dynamic is revealed here, as we find that Lin Beifong resents her sister Suyin because of favoritism and parental spite as well. It just goes to show that even world saviors can be awful to their children without even knowing it. At least Katara seemed to be a pretty good mother and I assume Sokka died childless (being betrothed to the moon spirit and all). 

The third act of the season focuses on the Red Lotus and their encounters with Team Avatar and the rest of the adult characters. The last five episodes are intense and action-heavy and have some incredible animation done by Studio Mir. We are introduced to a new type of bending called lava bending (think fire and earth bending combined) which causes some pretty tricky situations. We are also treated to quite possibly one of the most violent deaths in the series: the choking of the Earth Queen by Zaheer. I cannot think of anyone more deserving but the scene is so intense and shocking that you feel ultimately bad for her awful end. The show even makes a point that killing a despot will not restore people's freedom or even change their caste. Even anarchy has leaders who call the shots. In the end, many of Zaheer's comrades are killed and Zaheer himself is subdued after a mid-air battle with Jinora and the new airbenders, and notably NOT by the hands of the Avatar. Korra herself is captured early on by Zaheer and weakened with poison in an attempt to end her reign and the mantle of the Avatar entirely. Her life is saved but at a great cost. She is bound to a wheelchair, possibly indefinitely, with some if not all of her powers weakened or erased. It's a very grim and ambiguous ending and the only hope seems to be the new airbenders led by Tenzin and his daughter Jinora. Change means a world without the Avatar, and perhaps the world is better off. 

Afterthoughts

- Never fear! Korra and her pals will most assuredly be back for at least one more season although on television. The show's creators have expressed their frustration for marketing and airing on time so they have agreed to rely on the success of streaming websites such as Hulu or Amazon. 

- I like that Korra's love life wasn't the focus of this season. If anything, her friendship with Asami was the most interesting relationship in her life. The romance between Jinora and newcomer Kai (sort of a bad boy Aang) is really the only filler in the season

- It's awesome that Firelord Zuko is the most adjusted member of the original group, considering his dad was such a prick. Of course he had his own personal journey in the last series. I feel he was very under-utilized this season and wanted to see more of him but all of his appearances were legitimately great.

Doctor Who "Deep Breath" & "Into the Dalek"

"I'm not your boyfriend." 

And with that that, Peter Capaldi's Doctor, the 12th(ish) of his line, establishes the new status quo for NewWho. Since the 2005 revival and spurred by the Eighth Doctor's relationship with his companion in the ill-fated American movie, the Doctor has been increasingly made into a young heartthrob, less a quirky uncle and more a quirky boyfriend. It's been cited as both a boon to the series for its ratings and a curse to long time fans as many point out the boyish good looks of both David Tennant and Matt Smith have brought legions of squealing fangirls to the fanbase, some of which who know nothing about the old series nor care to. Regardless, it's a problematic and somewhat sexist accusation. A good series will bring fans in from all walks of life and all genders. And little is said of how the modern female companions of the Doctor are also being used as everything from manic pixie dream girls to sexpots to sexless schoolmarms. 

But enough about that. Let's take a deep breath and dive into Series 8 with "Deep Breath."

Hoo boy. Where to start? This is a Steven Moffat, who I think is now one of the more controversial figures in Who fandom. He is either best known as the man who took Doctor Who and made it truly great with some of the best episodes of the series or infamously known as the man who ruined Doctor Who with contrived plotting and vicious tropes. My opinion falls somewhere in the middle. Moffat has wrote some of the best episodes in the series' entire run (see: The Girl in the Fireplace, Blink), but also some of the worst (see: The Time of the Doctor, the one discussed here-in) in my own opinion. Moffat also was showrunner for what is arguably my favorite Doctor ever, the Eleventh, played flawlessly by Matt Smith. It was during Smith's run that Doctor Who finally hit mainstream success in America and it's hard to argue with results. But seriously, the man is starting to spread himself thin in the writing department and it's starting to show.

My issue with "Deep Breath" isn't with The Doctor himself (who I shall refer to as Twelve from this point onward) but with the overall plot. The introduction of a new regeneration has the tendency to be a little wonky and it takes an episode or two for the actor to really get it down (one exception being David Tennant in The Christmas Invasion, probably the best regeneration episode in my opinion). For starters, this episode is way too long. For some reason, the episode was extended beyond the usual 45 minutes into 70 minutes probably to make it seem more "special' or perhaps the BBC just wanted more commercial time. The episode really drags until somewhere near the last third and it is absolutely painful. The story is your standard regeneration episode where The Doctor lands some place and acts all confused and crazy to the surprise of his companion(s) and friends. In this case, it's jolly olde Victorian England where he brings along an unwanted traveler. Or rather, the traveler, being a giant lady T-Rex, brings along the TARDIS in its gullet. They meet up with the old gang composed of Vastra, Jenny, and Strax who inform them that the citizens of London are all combusting, sponataneously. After Vastra sort of shames Clara for not being keen on Twelve's looks since he's an OLD now, Twelve comes to his senses just in time to see that aforementioned T-Rex explode. Some silly "Impossible Girl BS" leads them to an old restaurant which is a front for a downed spaceship populated by Clockwork Men who reveal they're trying to become human by blowing life forms up. I guess. Anyway, Twelve saves the day by way of hot air balloon made of human skin (ew) and the Clockwork Droids are disposed of quickly thanks to Clara and the gang. Twelve returns Clara to modern-day London and tells her that they can't date because it would be just too weird. And Clara just kind of stares weirdly back probably thinking what an odd thing to say that was.

I should have really liked this episode since "The Girl in the Fireplace" is probably one of my favorite Doctor Who episodes ever but that episode is really fun and this one really isn't. It's very convoluted and it's never explained really just how the Clockwork Droids are even harvesting parts by blowing things up. It has that Moffat way of introducing plot points at the sacrifice of another without any kind of connection or resolution. The episode is also filled with wacky slapstick that doesn't quite gel considering the dire circumstances and is used at very poor times. The strongest part of the episode isn't even Clara and Twelve. It's the relationship between Jenny and Madame Vastra, who we finally see kiss even if it the reason was just passed off as "giving each other oxygen." This is a kids show after all *eyes roll* Strax is enjoyable as always but he's still kind of a walking punchline and his lines fall pretty flat in this episode unlike they have in the past. On that note, I really would like to see a spin-off show starring The Paternoster Gang even if it was just a miniseries. Please don't let Moffat write it though.

As for Twelve, I will hold my tongue until the next episode since this episode really isn't even about him. It's actually about Clara. Specifically, he relationship with a man who has literally changed not only his face, but his entire personality. It's like losing a friend, but gaining another and it's easy to understand her fear and trepidation. Moffat even plays off the audience's expectation of this. There is a scene in which Vastra shames Clara into not being sure about Twelve's new face when she should be more trusting of The Doctor as a concept . Obviously, it's proven to her later in the episode that The Doctor will save the day at all costs but it's sort of mean jibe on audience expectations. It's almost as if Moffat is saying "Twelve will be different, IS different. Deal with it." Difference is great, but it is reasonable to assume that there will be certain fears about the direction of the series and its star.

Which bring us to the next episode, "Into the Dalek" which is firmly and solely about Twelve and what type of Doctor he is. And oh boy is he different. Twelve is dour, standoffish, and unequivocally now the straight man. He lacks any of the punk-rock charm of Nine, the bookworm nature of Ten, or the puckish glee of Eleven. This is a brand new direction for The Doctor. And I'm not sure if I like it.

"Am I a good man?" asks the Doctor to Clara near the start of the episode. We get Clara's answer at the end but are we meant to think that answer is a possible, even perhaps a resounding no? In my mind, the answer is yes. We've already been told the answer. The Doctor is indeed a good man, because he is more than human. At the same time, he can also be less than human or very much human but he always represents the good against the growing evil spread across time and space. With Twelve, are we meant to think that this isn't actually true? If so, this is such a harsh proposition. And yet the devil lies in the details.

It's surprising that Doctor Who has never done a riff on Fantastic Voyage before, considering its grounding in science fiction. It's certainly not The Doctor's first shrink-down adventure. A classic example can be found in the First Doctor's serial, Planet of the Giants. In this episode, Twelve and Clara along with some generic space marines shrink down and enter the innards of a "good" Dalek to fix a radiation leak. "Good" however is a relative term in this episode and the Dalek is merely malfunctioning due to said leak. After Twelve fixes the problem, the Dalek, affably named Rusty, goes on a rampage and kills some people both inside and outside his body. Twelve eventually mind-melds with Rusty and shows him the error of his ways, thus creating the first "good" Dalek. However, the Dalek's shift to "good" entails murdering other Daleks which is, in of itself, a terrible act. Rusty and Twelve are seemingly the same thing: two old creatures in the universe who are in need of repair and have messed up concepts of "good" and "bad." The Doctor is at his darkest ever, going so far as to let two space marines die at the greater good of saving others without so much as a single tear. Yikes.

This episode is a big improvement over the series premiere yet I'm still not sold on Twelve and this new status quo. This was a very grim episode and even though there were some fun moments, there were no moments of near zaniness that reek of Doctor Who. It seemed like no one was having any fun and in turn I wasn't having any fun either. And they were inside a Dalek for God's sake. There was a lot to take home from this episode that I like though. The episode immediately reminded me of Nine's "Dalek" especially in Twelve's first encounter with Rusty. These two could go hand in hand as companion episodes because they both establish The Doctor's character after their respective intro episode and also are part of only a few episodes that humanize the Doctor's greatest enemy. The Daleks aren't exactly the most glamorous villains in the Who universe but in some way they serve as the ultimate antithesis to The Doctor and when they are placed on the same spectrum, that's when things get interesting. In Nine's series finale, the Dalek Emperor says that Nine is no different than him because of their utter disregard for the rules or humanity. However, Nine quickly proves this wrong by saving Rose from ending the universe. In "Into the Dalek," Twelve "saves" the Dalek by teaching him hatred, pitting him against his own race. He than leaves the space marines behind and the "good" Dalek leaves to go...well, who knows? It's a harsh, hopeless conclusion. 

"Am I a good man?" asks Twelve. 

"I don't know." replies Clara, adding "That's not the point."

Maybe it is to some of us, Clara. Maybe it is.

Afterthoughts

- On Peter Capaldi: In no way do I think Peter Capaldi isn't right for the character. I think Capaldi is BRILLIANT in the role. If it was any role but The Doctor, I'd love it. But I'm not sure this is my version of The Doctor

- It seems every person (or cyborg) that dies because of Twelve ends up in a place called "Heaven" which is run by a mysterious woman named Missy. Who is this person? Friend or foe? Is she a Time Lady? The Rani, perhaps? She also claims to be romantically involved with The Doctor too, but I mean who isn't at this point?

-We meet a future companion named Danny Pink in "Into the Dalek" as a love interest for Clara. Could he be the spark of hope for this grim show?

- Who References: The downed spaceship in "Deep Breath" is the sister ship to the SS Madame de Pompadour from "The Girl in the Fireplace." Pretty neat. Also, Twelve distinctly references his first visit to the planet Skaro from the First Doctor serial "The Daleks."

-That cameo at the end of "Deep Breath" almost makes up for "The Time of the Doctor." ALMOST.

- Next on: Maybe we'll have some honest-to-God fun with The Merry Men in "Robot of Sherwood Forest". Here's hoping the Sheriff of Nottingham isn't just a dumb cyborg. Until then though:

List of Shows

These are the returning shows that I'll be reviewing for the upcoming fall season:

Agents of SHIELD
Arrow
Boardwalk Empire
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Doctor Who
Once Upon A Time
Parks and Recreation
Sleepy Hollow
The Walking Dead

These are the pilots of new shows I will be reviewing for the upcoming fall season:

Madam Secretary
Mulaney
Scorpion
Jane the Virgin
Gotham
Selfie
Manhattan Love Story
Forever
The Flash
Marry Me
Black-Ish
Red Band Society
Stalker
The Mysteries of Laura
How to Get Away with Murder
Gracepoint
Bad Judge
A to Z
Cristela
Constantine
Z Nation
Happyland
Kingdom
The Affair
State of Affairs
The McCarthys

Some of these I will continue reviewing weekly but it will be determined by my impression. I will also do one-post round-ups for cartoons and special events. Note that Netflix, Hulu, and Yahoo shows as well as Amazon pilots will also be done separately.

I also will have reviews up for shows aired over the summer once they are finished.

Introduction

Hi, everybody! This blog starts the continuation of Nemo TV which I started as a podcast but very quickly canceled it. The reason? Cost of archiving the episodes along with the proper equipment was made very real to me and I decided it just wan't going to be viable with my bank account. However, keeping a blog on the Internet is completely 100% free and since writing is really more my style anyway, I'm just gonna continue reviewing TV. In blog form! I hope you'll follow along. Along with providing reviews for this fall's pilots, I'll be keeping up with the latest in great TV week-by-week. I will also be doing some other fun segments besides TV reviews which you can look forward to in the coming weeks. I'd love to continue doing a podcast as a companion to this blog but that's gonna take some doing (and a better paying job). Enjoy!

P.S. Get excited for another "abandoned" project I'll be continuing as well here and on Tumblr. Here's a hint: May the power protect you!

Look at Kermit! He's pretty excited!