Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2, episode 13&14 (Finale) - Darkness Falls and Light in the Dark

I will start with episode 13, I think don't have much to talk about this very episode, except clear some points of the plot...

I don't have much to say, it was amazing, good action scenes, I love how the spirituality approached here, specially regarding Korra and Tenzin, while Korra was determined to trap Vaatu, Tenzin is determined to save his daughter Jinora, they go through, some huge difficulties, it ended Korra LOSING THE CONNECTIONS WITH THE OTHER AVATARS, the avatars weren't destroyed, losing isn't synonym of destroying, even episode 14, clear this out - Tenzin saved his daughter and so his brothers, I love how Tenzin tries to remain rational and keeps going with a little push from his father Aang, those moments where you have to confront yourself, no matter where you came from, you're still your own person, you're not someone's shadow or reflection, this part is clearly a set up for the next episode and something Korra will learn too. =)

Now about the last episode, Korra maybe correct about "destroyed" connections with the previous avatars, she may the last avatar at this very moment, but I wouldn't say Raava was destroyed in a literal sense, the title of the episode, says it all, Raava is the Light Spirit while Vaatu is the Dark Spirit, they are like or are, Yin and Yang, when there is light there is darkness, where there is darkness there is also light (Kingdom Hearts also taught me that, specially Birth By Sleep), I think this is one of the messages of this episode, Raava still exists, how she kinda vanished was also the same when Avatar Wan died, her presence became much weaker, it is the better word, it probably takes 10 000 years to restore it's full strength, the same with Vaatu, that's why Vaatu needed Harmonic Convergence, in each 10 000 years it happens, it's all connected, even Vaatu said even though they are separated, he can still feel her presence, and vice-versa, like Raava said to Vaatu, one cannot exist without the other.

Also I loved, Tenzin admitting that he needed spiritual growth to go through and teaching Korra to let go of her attachment of perception of herself (about what she thinks she is), it's not Raava that defines her, but her own Korra self, her very own spirit, he said there is a way to do it, to save the world, while they were going towards the tree of time, that connects the spirit world to the physical world, Tenzin explains, "the ancient meditate in the tree and connect with the great cosmic energy of the universe (...) do what the ancient once did, connect to the cosmic energy of the universe, don't bend the elements but the energy within yourself", remember when the Lion Turtle taught Aang how to bend energy of another person, said the same... "In the era before the Avatar, we bent not the elements but the energy within ourselves."

then comes what it comes, Korra successfully connect with the cosmic energy to help bend her own energy, goes towards the final and epic battle against Vaatu, it was bit like watching a battle of giants of TV show like Power Rangers, Korra couldn't find Raava inside Vaatu, but Jinora did Raava, we don't know how she did it, then Raava go inside Vaatu and Korra starts fight back and free Raava, then Korra did the Light bending on Vaatu, then he turns yellow and vanishes, I don't as being disappeared, remember Korra spirit vanished and her spirit came back to her body, I think Vaatu came back to where he come from originally, which we don't know where is.

Korra fused with Raava, but her connections with the other avatars didn't came back, because it was lost from Raava too, Korra decides to not close the portals, she wonders what if the spirit world and human world weren't supposed to be apart, Korra then becomes the last avatar of the previous age of the avatar but she is now the first avatar of the new age, she is not the bridge anymore but the guide instead.

yes, I think it was pretty cool...

Now coming to the polemic discussions, about Makorra break up, many people may disagree and many others may agree for different reasons, I'm being one of them, this was a mature and wise break up, they said themselves, even though they don't work as a couple, but they still love each other, that's what it matters most, you don't have to be a couple to love someone, to show you love someone, it won't stop caring of that person well-being, same goes for the kinds of love (friendship, family).
 there is more I have to say about Makorra before the break up and when they started dating, I always thought it was soon, I didn't agree of Mako and Korra decision to start dating at the end of Book 1, I think they were caught in the moment and weren't ready for this kind of relationship yet if they wanted, humans relationships - bonds takes time to become strong and, even friendship isn't exception.
I love the finale very much because also quite coincide with my spiritual views just as much did episode 10 and episode 8...after it, I felt very light, like some lot of weight and pressure was out.

I really wonder where it goes from now on, Book 3 Title is Change, I do look forward to watch it.

Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2, Episode 11&12: Night of a Thousand Stars & Harmonic Convergence

I did enjoyed both episodes greatly.

episode 11, it's pretty much around Bolin, his character development and focus we were waiting for and at the same time staying true to his character...
it was neat, despite that Korra's let me in shock and then it seems revealed she didn't remember they broke up, while Mako didn't revealed but just let the fact they had a fight, because everyone was watching, I guess he wanted solve it privately with her, you're once again in awkward situation like, between a rock and a hard place, literally.
as for the end of the episode, the fight between Tonraq and Unalaq, he is becoming more and more twisted, you can tell by the tone of his voice.
Varrick, you're hilarious.

Now as for episode 12, it's pretty much around how they gonna infiltrate the south, the whole Mako's problem how to clear things up with Korra about the break up, probably many people are bothered by it, I'm not, I found it pretty funny instead, just the play with his expressions and the interaction with Bolin, I found pretty amusing.
Even though this episode was more action packed with some some crazy Bumi's rescue touch, it still has the depth as a set up to into deeper to the finale, Unalaq reveals his plans of fusing with Vaatu and new order in the world for spirits and humans to co-exist together, what we fans all suspected (kinda obvious).

I do intend post separately or just as Finale about the last 2 episodes of the finale, you better count that will be huge amount of text...

yep, this post was very small, I know, the big stuff I will write comes next.

(I just wanted to put a screenshot with her hair down, I love seeing her hair down)

Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2, Episode 10: A New Spiritual Age

This episode had a lot to sink in, because it was quite hard, I couldn't really efficiently focus on simple tasks for not stop thinking about the episode, also it let me quite emotional by just remembering the 2 scenes that made me cry, one for nostalgia and other of sadness over Korra, Tenzin and Jinora makes me want to cry again.

It was a beautifully executed episode, the animation was amazing and so the voice acting.
The episode visually and the interaction explained how this whole spiritual energy flows (specially the avatar solar system =D ), it shows how important it is to be calm and keep your mind clear, because if you focus on negative thoughts and emotions, it can affect the energy flow and twist it which affects your surroundings, it kinda works like it does when someone is laughing, even if you don't know the reason why the other is laughing, you start laughing and so do the others, or if in your home in a depressing environment, you become depressed, etc, also show how important it is to stay positive, it's to stay positive when we need most in troubling times, I think it subtly mentions the karma.

Some theories and wondering questions about the avatar world regarding the spirit world and material world, specially about the dead, what it happens to the "human" spirit when leaves the material world by leaving his material body where it goes after, because we always saw the spirits and "human" spirit was visiting the spirit world while their body remained in the material world, so the "human" spirit has to go somewhere when his material body dies, right? so Iroh kinda answered, he kinda talked about death in a harmless and light tone, in a sense to not be scared or bad but embrace it instead and go on, it made me feel nostalgic about this subject such as life and death and spirituality (a subject I always found fascinating, Harry Potter books series quite touches the subject), the way he defines tranquilly, makes me remember a quote of a novel I didn't read, but that it was a wise quote coincided my beliefs that has kinda the same meaning:

"You don't have a soul, Doctor. You are a soul. You have a body, temporarily."  A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr.

Thanks Iroh, for taking away my doubts about the spirit world and material world in the "avatar world". =)

About the events, Unalaq, you are very twisted and very mean, I just don't know if is by greed or by naiveness and tricked by Vaatu or by unhealthy obsessive hope seeing his wife again as some fans theorize it and tricked by Vaatu (yes, I disagree with this theory, it quite resembles Hiroshi Sato obsessive blind revenge on benders, also I hope it won't go that path).
Even though it was kinda obvious what Unalaq wasn't going completely keep his word, I think even Korra thought so, if you think about it, she was hesitant in a serious way thinking carefully, she didn't had much option, she didn't wanted Jinora being infected like she did, Jinora was kept hostage which is better than being infected, because at least Jinora may have chances to save herself or being saved than being infected.
I cried when Iroh appeared, I had some tears in the eye, I didn't sob, I was tear eyed, as for Korra trying to save Jinora and came back to the material world, looking at Tenzin about to cry for feeling extremely guilty for not bringing Jinora and Tenzin reaction, as if his biggest fears about his daughter's safety became reality, you can see in Korra's face what is she thinking: "it's all my fault, it's all my fault, I made a big mess again, I couldn't save Jinora or close the portal, I'm failing as the avatar." - it's heartbreaking, I'm sobbing by just writing this. Korra, don't be so hard on yourself and I feel so sorry for Tenzin. T-T

I think I do know now what will happen to Tenzin in the finale about his realization that he has to face "his own shadow", who will probably overcome it, finally go to the spirit world and try to save his daughter Jinora.

Rant: likeable and unlikeable characters to evaluate quality of a game/tv show/book/movie, isn't subjective?

I do always have an issue when people make a review about a game or tv show or film or book or comic book or graphic novel, they write or say for example:

"this A game has likeable characters so it's good" or "This B animated show has dislikeable characters therefore it's bad".

With these examples, that's where my problems resides, a quality of a story doesn't reside if the characters are likeable or not, because people have different opinions on what they consider likeable or not, it's quite like in Harry Potter books and movies, each person who read the books has a different vision of the characters, so of course the actors wouldn't be like exactly or very similar to the character as the readers had in their minds, so the right way to evaluate a character is by analysing and see how well-rounded they are, not if likeable or not.

The purpose of well-rounded characters, it's not with the intention to make the character likeable or glorified or to be a role model but to treat as a person first with flaws, virtues, strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, the amount of resilience, convictions, ideals, not a black-white character but much deeper and complex, more to the character than what meets the surface.

Many people has the bad habit of judging a character or evaluate them basing on what's on the surface of their actions, don't even question why he/she did, when given reasons is:
"because he is a jerk" or "because she is annoying" (each person has a different ideas of what they consider annoying or jerk) and when they say why they think a character is annoying or jerk:
"because it did A,B,C,D,etc.",  but the actions/reactions/personality traits and why he/she did it, that's what a well-rounded character is. Remember Understanding is different from Liking, understanding a character doesn't mean you like the character.
It's noticeable likeable and dislikeable is a matter of a personal subjective opinion and not an evaluation.
If the characters are well-rounded or not, it's an evaluation.

there is many well-rounded characters I dislike, Umbridge, Voldemort, Amon, Lucius Malfoy, "Father" Homunculus, etc.
as much there is many well-rounded characters I like and love, Atemu/Atem"Yami No Yugi", Yugi Mutou, Harry Potter, Izayoi Aki, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Azula, Aqua, etc...(yeah, too many to list).

also there are few well-rounded characters which I feel indifferent or like and dislike, Snape (sorry fans, but he is in my like and dislike list, in another words, in the middle :p), Mazaki Anzu (same with Snape), most of the Homunculus, etc.

I hope I was clear :).

Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2, Episode 9: The Guide + episode descriptions&speculations

I watched episode 9, few hours ago and just now finished listening to Avatar The Last Airbender Online roundtable podcast about this episode, that usually helps me organize my thoughts better.

the episode was overall very good with few complaints regarding 2 characters *cough*Mako and Asami*cough*

I'm going with the Air Temples scenes, when Korra comes to Tenzin for help, you can see how much affected her learning about the first Avatar, she is calmer, thinking things through, wiser, more humbler, makes me proud of my baby girl, that's why I have soft spot for these good-natured egocentric, arrogant and cocky characters, they may be the slowest to develop more and become better person, specially more consciously of themselves and others, she does quite resembles my favourite character of all time in that sense.
Tenzin not being able to enter the spirit world wasn't surprising to me, because I already suspected that or else how would only Jinora going with Korra? but his character development it was what surprised me in a very good way.
Also Jinora being able to see other spirits, I did suspected some people could and others didn't since it was proven with Iroh in Avatar The Last Airbender and again here with Jinora, I look forward to see more of it.

Unalaq, I'm still stuck with my theory, Vaatu is tricking him, there is more to Unalaq to understand and to know about it, he's not an archetype villain, Bryan and Michael rarely goes through that path regarding villains and also there is something else, the only thing I wonder is how Unalaq was able to contact Vaatu before the southern portal was open, how he did go to in between(the Physical and Spirit worlds), unless spiritually, of course, even more wondrous when at the time both the spiritual world and the physical world were sealed, others questions we have ponder, Wan sealed the portals so no human couldn't enter physically, but he says won't enter physically in the spirit world, so in another words, from what I can understand about it and confirm, Vaatu is not really in the spirit world and neither the physical world, it's literally in between like it's said, so Vaatu can be contacted somehow in the spirit world, it seems we just need to know how.

now the uncomfortable, Masami, this time to some extent agree with the most of the fandom, I don't hate Mako or Asami, but I agree what they did wasn't right and also Mako was at a moment of weakness(nobody believing him and kinda stressed to find evidences) and unconsciously Asami took advantage because she still loved Mako and wanted date again with him, I hope it won't have much of a big mess because of this, in another words, the romantic subplot won't interfere too much in the plot, we had that in Book 1, no need anymore.
As for Bolin, it's still developing, even in this episode did though it was really small, but according to next episodes we will have more of Bolin and probably more highlighted.

Speculations time!!

Episode 10: A New Spiritual Age – ““Korra enters the spirit world and struggles with the Avatar’s relationship with the spirits.”
I can't say much except, I will be able to confirm my theories about the avatar and it's 2 worlds and develop further and I will be able to ponder some questions about it I have it since after I re-watched a few times of Avatar The Last Airbender, it will give some evidences and thoughts I will be in touch on next episode and more ahead.

Episode 11: Night Of A Thousand Stars – “Bolin saves the day when President Raiko is attacked.”
that's the one I mentioned where Bolin would be highlighted, I think episode 10 may be focused heavily on the Korra and Jinora Journey to the Spirit World, I think this is the episode Bolin may know already about Varrick or will be this episode and saves the day, maybe Bolin after this attack he will realize Mako had been right all along, somehow Bolin may be able to prove it, that's probably when Bolin and Asami look through the night sad and disappointed outside in the Pro-bending Arena...

Episode 12: Harmonic Convergence – “Korra and company try to close the spirit portals before the Harmonic Convergence.”
We can have some idea what will happen, as for Korra and Company, I wonder who will be in the "company" members...Team Avatar is back or new members in Korra's company being airbenders and kataang kids or both, I don't know...

Finale | Episode 13&14: Darkness Falls – “Korra discovers a new twist in Unalaq’s evil plan; Tenzin realizes that he must face his own demons.”/ Light In The Dark – “Korra discovers a way that she may be able to defeat the ultimate dark spirit and save the world.”
This is when probably we are gonna know the truth about Unalaq and Vaatu, their true intentions even though may differ in some parts.
 As for Tenzin, I think I know what it is he is going through, it probably relates with episode 9, like he wasn't able to completely live up to his father and his culture for not being spiritual enough and Air Nomads legacy, face his problems he always hold back and kept closed deep down, character development for Tenzin, YAY.
I wonder what way Korra gonna discover to be able to defeat this ultimate dark spirit (probably fusion of Unalaq with Vaatu?)


Next Episode post, be ready, it will be probably huge.

Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2 episode 7&8 - Beginnings Part 1&2

It's hard for me to express it appropriately, I'm still overwhelmed by it, it hasn't completely sink in yet, that's how much I loved the last two episodes.

Besides both episodes being extremely good, the animation was top-notch, it was very nicely paced, even the plot, it's Korra/Avatar Focus episodes.

so what we learned about these two episodes, we can interpret that "avatar" is the fusion between the human spirit and Ravaa Light spirit, from what I can understand which comes theories about the essence of the avatar, Ravaa probably chose the next human, but the previous avatars stay fused with Ravaa, so they can guide the next avatar and help to bring balance to the world, it has lots of complexity and depth, the creation of avatar entity is by Wan and Ravaa becoming friends and working together, so it's very interesting.
It's also very interesting Avatar Wan was the one who guide the spirits to come back to the Spirit World and sealed the portals so no human wouldn't physically enter the spirit world and also learn about the real purpose of the lion turtles, they were guardians of humans literally and spirits in a detached manner (also it seemed only the air nomads get along with spirits at the time, that's why they have the culture they have, ideals, teachings and convictions, once again it proves they are the most spiritual, very respectful of nature).
Now the creepy part, the Dark spirit Vaatu, I'm having conspiracy theories about this spirit, as you have seen he is an manipulative spirit, you see when he fooled Wan to break free from Ravaa, also one more suspicious matters about it, Avatar Wan sealed Vaatu inside a tree inside what is currently the Spirit World, so no human could break him free, in another words, a human released Vaatu from his prison for dark spirits being around right now, because one of Vaatu abilities is to become spirits into dark spirits, my bet is it was Unalaq who break him free in similar way when Wan broke him free from Ravaa, persuaded Unalaq to free him, Unalaq right now is trying to fix the mess he did in a way to cover his mistake and to look good, make it look it was his older brother (using him as scapegoat), this is probably why he is trying to hurry the avatar to go to the portals called Harmonic Convergence.
Harmonic Convergence, remember there is a title episode, which is episode 12, right after is the finale episodes 13 and 14, it makes perfect sense, Harmonic Convergence as we know is the portals between the Human World and the Spirit World, we can guess episode 13 and 14 will be the meet between avatar Korra and Vaatu.
The Avatar Wan backstory sure strongly impacted Korra, she is catching things up, she sees the urgency and importance about the Dark spirits, I think after this, Korra will be much calmer and control her temper much better.
From now on, I can see the episodes will get better...

Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2 - Episode 6, The Sting

I have to start, it was a very good episode BUT is my least favourite episode for now for personal reasons, it feels very uncomfortable to me most of the time, it's mostly Bolin scenes and the movie-mover, it has to do with my quirkiness, I think Bolin very high naiveness in this episode is making me feel very uncomfortable.
Only Mako scenes catch my attention, even that scene when Asami kissed  Mako didn't bother me as I thought it would, he didn't kissed her back, Asami said she was sorry, Mako is really focused on his investigation, to help Asami and for the sake of uncovering the truth, I think is pretty cool, he doesn't lose sight of what he must do, he tries to do what is right this time.
Varrick, I knew it was you...on the surface he looks such a eccentric and quirky and crazy character, but under it he is very cunning, an eccentric character with dark secrets, I can see where this is going, I want to see how Mako will uncover the truth and proves it, we know Bolin and Asami will be very disappointed at something and probably about Varrick.

Unalaq, it's getting weirder and weirder, getting closer to my suspicions (I don't think he wants to rule "the whole water tribe" not for power, he doesn't give that feel, he is not a vain character, I think is related to spirituality, he may thought his brother would take the spirituality even more to decay, he was in the way since his older brother isn't spiritual, I think we will get into more depth of his character later).

as for the ending of the episode, very curious, Korra has no memories of who she is even though the first element she bends is air to defend herself, which is very interesting and her body ends in a island, she meets with the Fire Sages, so we can guess she is in the Roku Island, I do really wonder where this is going, I'm very curious, though I question why there was no scene of Tenzin and his family in this episode, I think it confirms even more Jinora importance in this Book, it's that flow wonder in storytelling, leaving subtle clues on pending to see when it connects to the plot.

Watching - Legend of Korra | Episode 5 - Peacekeepers

My opinion about Studio Pierrot animation still the same, pretty good and solid but too condensed colouring, it's a bit better though.

Now regarding the plot in this episode, I think the pace was a bit too fast, as if they were hurry up to something or to some turn point of the story, maybe because of Korra's impatient and reckless pace, but still a very good episode.

Now characters, Korra, I think she is quite disconcerted with all these events around Unalaq and this Civil War she started, she is so focused to protect or get help in the war on the side of her Southern Tribe to the point she forgets about the Dark Spirits problem, making even more irresponsible and rash decisions and jump to conclusions, enrolling herself in more problems, becoming more indecisive, you can tell she hates being indecisive so instead prefers take action first, she is trying to do her job though in a wrong way and because that brings problems to the relationship with her boyfriend, Mako who also is trying to do his job that comes to a point they break up, Mako is trying to be rational while Korra is being emotional and not trying to be rational (for hating to be indecisive and realization of her lack of experience as the avatar frustrating her), I wasn't surprised they broke up, because I expected in the future they would break up (being fiery characters and one is rational and the other is emotional, sometimes collapses and breaks out), I was surprised by the timing of the break up, I thought it would be later in this Book or in Book 3.

With these recent events, Korra feeling and thinking everything is against her, nothing go on her favour but being consequential from her rash and reckless actions to the point going on a boat by herself (crying from the recent break up with Mako and recent events) and then suddenly being attacked by the twins (Eska still mad but kinda sad at the same time because of her wedding with Bolin) right after both of them (Korra and the twins), attacked by a Dark Spirit and it ends, cliffhanger - very like the end of episode 8 of Book 1.

As for Unalaq, I suspected he said he didn't need her to open the portal to the Spirit World in the North Pole was just a bluff to look like he had the upper hand or he was ahead, it sounded too weird how he didn't need her all of a sudden, since the Avatar is the bridge, it's the only one who can do it, he asked the twins to bring her for this reason.
I say this again, Unalaq is definitely a character that neither black or white, I don't see him as evil but neither good side, he is not doing not for others or for himself (once again not black white), but something else, his objectives looks very invisible and deep, but I have some suspicions what his objectives are and going after them in a malleable way (which I will talk about it later).

Varrick, I can't say much but he's crazy, but there is nice and thoughtful touches in Bolin, he is kinda trying to help Bolin to find answers what he wants to do with his life, I think that's when starts Bolin real growth from now on.

Another light touch, Tenzin is starting bit by bit bonding with his children, episode 4 it was with Ikki, this episode was with Meelo, which means next episode is with Jinora...


Speculations
Episode 5 to episode 6 to episode 7/8 and 9, there will be a connection between these episodes, specially after this sudden Korra disappearance together with the Dark Spirit, I think Korra will be immediately go to the Spirit World, but in episode 6 there may have an absence of her, while Mako doing his job as the description says he uncovers a conspiracy going on against Future Industries (it may relate with Varrick, don't forget his biography no matter how funny and eccentric he is), it will focus also what's happening Tenzin bonding with Jinora, that's when Jinora spiritual and extremely important role in this Book will finally start take shape, Tenzin will discover his daughter being able to connect with the spirit world, I think he will be quite impressed, now as for the rest...no idea (Unalaq is very hard to read).

Episone 7 and 8, we already know what will be about, at least I think this will be about more about avatar in itself, and to know that where it started the reincarnation of the spirit of avatar which go on and on in different humans beings and how it chooses, I'm sure if Avatar is chosen by seasons pattern, so is something can't be done randomly either, I think this will uncovers some mysteries even confirm some theories I had about the "Avatar Spirit" for a long time before Legend of Korra, that is very complex, we get to know what it means in more detailed way what means the Avatar being the Bridge between the Natural World and the Spirit World.
From looks of the trailers, after Korra learns about the origins of the avatar will have a deep impact on her, I'm sure, if we notice when Korra comes from somewhere of stones shining, she encounters from up with the Fire Sages, I think is when she gets out after learning more about being avatar, the tone she says it and looks at them you can see how deeply she is affected by something and taking more into consideration(once again must be related with backstory of the first Avatar), also will probably take her come to Tenzin of when she admits she needs more than ever Tenzin's guidance in her spirituality as the avatar, that's when relates with the episode 9 "The Guide".
Episode 9-12 will be many times around Korra travels to the Spirit World.

Thoughts - Watching | Legend of Korra Book 2 episode 3: Civil War, Part 1

Despite the complaints about the animation everytime made by Studio Pierrot, sure the animation in my opinion is a bit too condensed but still good and yes, Studio MIR is better, remember Studio MIR is animating 2 animated series, Legend of Korra and The Boondocks at the same time, so obviously they can't animate all Korra episodes, so stop being nitpicky with the animation by Studio Pierrot.

Overall episode, I think it was very good, I loved the interactions, how much it reveals about the characters and their problems and how they try to cope and solve them, for example, specially Korra trying to do her job as the avatar (being impartial and neutral, which is hard in her case, being inexperienced for reasons we all know, being locked up) and her parents and she tries to learn from it as much as she can, Kataang's children - we can see it wasn't all happy, there was problems, like every family has (yes, I loved these scenes), Bolin and Eska (just so you know, I knew it wouldn't click, episode 1-3 makes pretty obvious, there goes one shipping slowly going down), I can't get into the twins.
Unalaq, for me is becoming weirder in every episode, we really don't know what his goal or what he is plotting, there is something weird about him, I wouldn't say he is a villain but neither exactly nice, you can see clearly he is not a black-white character, there is something much deeper and sinister about him, Unalaq is more politically oppressive, forcing things that isn't needed, it seems like he is in a hurry for something, he wants to do in a hurry but carefully at the same time.

Avatar The Last Airbender Online Podcasts and Most ATLA/LOK fandom

I do always enjoy listening to them, they are very good, what I like most about them, they don't really criticize, they make their own observations, commentary and analysis of each episode and always reasonable, they are often impartial.
To me listening to them always help me organize my thoughts about it, because they notice something I didn't, my thoughts usually coincide with them, I recommend you to listening to them.

You can download them here in their official website:
Avatar The Last Airbender Podcasts

--------------------------------------------
Most ATLA/LOK Fandom (not generalization)
I have been wanting to be less involved in discussions of the episodes (even from other fandoms), because most of their comments are written with raw emotions, usually are thinking with their emotions instead being objective and impartial, sometimes makes me wonder if they give themselves the work to rewatch and give some thought before criticizing, they always attack what they dislike and defend what they like, they rely way too much on preferences, judge things too soon and rashly (and they criticize Korra for acting rashly, pfft), then put fault on the creators and the production just because wasn't the way they wanted.
If was the way you wanted, wouldn't criticize as predictable? if is opiniated as cliché being predictable or done before (as if cliché is a bad thing)?
It's determining a value of an object by their own measure based on personal parameters.
it's fine having an personal opinion but don't mix with objective analytical observation as "proving your opinion is right", observations and analysis is impartial, it's not trying to prove anything, they are just results of our own interpretations and conclusions about an object/subject.
Once disliking a character for their behaviour, it's easier to judge and bash them than to understand them, just because you understand them better doesn't mean you have to like them or make it likeable, it helps handle and cope with the character personality and actions better.
Remember understanding isn't the same as liking, it's just being perceptive.
The co-creators and producers aren't forcing you to enjoy it, you're the ones being forceful and quite demanding, everything they do has to go with your rhythm and your ideas, each has their own same to you, so it can't please you in everything or in everybody.
If you're not enjoying then stop wasting your time in something you're not even enjoying it since they aren't even forcing you.

Watching | Legend of Korra: Book 2 - Episode 1&2

I'm just writing of what I just watched recently, since Friday 13 (Today for few hours), just my random Thoughts about the 2 episodes...

awww Korra, Korra, Korra, impatient and hot-headed as ever, you may have a better control over your temper (still needs some work though), but your impatience mixed with your recklessness makes you do forceful decisions and actions and that's not good, however that's not all Korra fault...

So it wasn't Aang idea to keep Korra closed, we all suspected but all Tonraq and Tenzin, seriously you guys...someone like Korra's personality needs to learns spirituality is outside to gain experience not closed, becoming spiritual isn't born you, you know? it grows through experiences...

Jinora sure shown interesting signs of stronger spiritual connection, specially with her grandfather Aang, it seems Aang it's trying guide her through his grandchild (since Korra didn't listen to Tenzin...there is a reason why you have to listen, Korra you have such wrong timing on things, it was right at the moment she could finally be able to connect to the spirit world like Aang did in the 3rd episode of Book 1, oh well Korra is the type of person who learns in a harder way...most of us do though).

Mako, I feel for you...

Bolin, you're such a sweet and funny guy, just learning to be less naive, Asami keep doing it, you're gonna make it, as for the twins, I have no opinion of them for now, Varrick looks like a funny eccentric guy (ehich I like) and the new characters same as the twins - no opinion...
Unalaq, I'm quite suspicious of him.