Avatar: Legend of Korra, s1

...I marathoned it yesterday. Oops?

In any case, well, I did not go in completely unspoiled (I knew how the love triangle would end, frex), and ended up skipping some bits because embarrassment squick, but I like Korra as a protagonist more than Aang, so. (Also she's not 12 and looks post-pubescent so I can buy her in romantic plotlines without going DO NOT WANT.)

Korra's brash and powerful and determined and hot-headed and very, very relateable. She also has some visible muscles and is in general an A+ character design. I went all starry-eyed from the moment I saw her in the firebending test being all competent-like. Also, nice hairdo.

Bolin, eh, I really wish he'd grow up beyond the comic relief guy. Mako's a bit better and I in general like the competence – and in fact, I like him as a character – but the whole love triangle bits were eye-roll worthy. Also, Zuko was hotter. (I don't mind the current ship configuration, I just ... don't necessarily ship it.) I like Asami, she's cool and competent and I love the "use their own tech against them" thing she's got going!

My most favoritest character, however, is Lin Bei Fong. She was just there at the start, but s1e6 (And the Winner Is...) featured a metalbending tour de force with the cables and Korra and ... drool. Everything after that has been so, so delightful and delicious. Metalbending on her uniform! Genuinely cares about her underlings! Willing to sacrifice herself!

Worldbuildingwise, I like that progress has happened. 1890s-to-WWI -analogous periods are much more interesting than the tech level of the original A:tLA. Steampunk!

The villain did have good points, which is what I want from a villain, ( ending spoilers )

Avatar: Legend of Korra, s2

I binged season 2 as well! (Seasons 3 and 4 will probably be one-ep-an-evening rewards for actually doing something useful.)

The plot was more standard stereotypical good vs evil. I liked the worldbuilding of the whole Avatar's origins thing and also the spirit realm. The whole business acquisitions and Ferric (sp?) B-plot was annoying, but I recognize that it sort of had to be there. Mako's noir cop subplot was not enjoyable. Again, I did not like Bolin or his subplot, and I did not at all like the romance. Mako came across as a two-timing asshole, as love triangle centerpoints are wont to.

The theme of family was a better fit to the writers' strengths than love subplots. I liked Tenzin and Bumi and Kaya sort of ... connecting with each other (though wow was Aang a bad parent). Iroh makes an appearance! (In fact, both Irohs made appearances! I am pleased with both.) Not enough Lin Bei Fong bending displays of awesome competence.

( spoilers )