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Water, earth, fire, air: a familiar beginning to a hit television series on Nickelodeon returned with its second season, “Avatar: Legend of Korra” on Friday.
The sequel to “The Last Airbender” continues to follow Avatar Korra as she navigates the responsibilities of being the only human alive with the power to bend all four elements to her will.
The last season focused on the socio-political implication of bending. Amon, a revolutionary, began a counter-bending movement attempting to shift power from the elementally inclined to the normal people.
This new season begins shortly after Korra foils Amon’s plans. She returns to the South Pole to visit her native land and participate in an annual festival. Problems arise when angry spirits appear, attacking fair-goers and sailors.
Korra, as the avatar, was born with a connection to the spiritual realm. However, the tribe at the South Pole has abandoned the “old ways” to lead more progressive lives.
When her uncle from the Northern Water Tribe appears she must choose between staying with the air bending Master Tenzen or the enigmatic spiritual water bender Unalaq to continue her studies.
The two-episode opening seems to pave the way for a conversation about the purpose and nature of spirituality.
Underneath the religious plight is the interplay of the growing relationship between Korra and Mako.
Mako, a fire bending police officer, has expectations of how male and female partners are supposed to behave. His machismo attitude is shown through an elaborate chase scene.
But when your love interest is the most powerful person in the land, how are these roles supposed to change?
It seems like Mako will truly come to his senses this season with a story arc that will focus on his role within the complex support structures surrounding Korra.
The series creators have managed to maintain the characteristic levity of Avatar while dealing with heavy subjects, such as religion or gender roles.
The artwork and animation remain flawless. The contrast between the Inuit inspired water tribes and the almost-steampunk styling of Republic City create culture palates giving the show even more depth.
This season will run for 14 episodes.
“Avatar: Legend of Korra” airs Fridays at 7 p.m. on Nickelodeon.
To watch old and new episodes of “Avatar: Legend of Korra,” visit Nickelodeon.com.
S. David Ramirez may be reached at [email protected].
