Korra Season 1Episode 2 REVIEW : There He Is!!!

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Episode 2 of Korra! We're done with all that expositions stuff and we're diving into fleshing out our characters!

[@Gamelover254]

Korra saying “I’ve wanted to see a pro bending match since I was a kid” doesn’t mean she knows the rules. If anything it could mean it’s just something she heard about but never got to listen to or see for herself.

[@doctorinthezone3494]

Why do I get the feeling that this series will blow up Critter's channel?

[@notaaronburr3177]

i really hope it does honestly

[@TunaPetunia456]

That would be awesome actually

[@matijasostojic4288]

Blow up on a good way or in a bad way?

[@True-Awkwardness]

I love your Korra reviews and I love the fact when people like the same fandoms as me (like you like RWBY AND Korra???? Yay!!!!)

[@marielb2924]

IDK about you people but I just got scared to death when this 18:10 started poping out lol

[@slushisimcambi2521]

Enjoying this series a lot! Not sure if I’m gonna agree with your takes on the later seasons, but season 1 praise is appreciated.

[@oohgs_0h]

Totally agree

[@_TinyHyeju_]

It’s only two episodes but this series is making me so happy like I’m even debating on rewatching korra again

[@wahajhaider6313]

S-she did it SHE GAVE BOLIN BEST CHARACTER AWARD AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Thank you

[@IamEscBoy]

i found korra's smile endearing there was no jumpscare i don't find jeff the killer scary that transition scared the shit out of me lol good job

[@jaredglidden8334]

The random Jenna Marbles audio caught me entirely off guard but was much appreciated.

[@richman6974]

16:50 I was listening to this episode as a podcast and I turned around to look at the smile and you scared the crap out of me! >:(

[@True-Awkwardness]

One of my favorite things about Korra is that they added pro bending. Literally pro bending is genius and it makes PERFECT sense! Like of course people would use bending for a sport everyone goes to watch. It's so good

[@theshire9173]

I probably would have liked pro bending more if I actually understood the rules and if the earthbenders weren’t at a serious disadvantage. I mean, disks? That’s all they have? Why can’t the platform they fight in be made of earth?

[@MG-xs6kq]

Awesome! Please keep this videos coming! I can really look TLOK in another light with fun reviews like this

[@BdelaCAS]

14:00 Technically no TV or way of seeing it so when the announcer says knocked over she doesn't have the visual aid to know over the side is a no no. She wouldn't have had a rule book or anything since this is the 20s era basically. All she had was radio of actual live commentary of matches. So I accepted it

[@samanthapribble3306]

No rule book? ????? Uh, you know the 20’s has rulebooks, right?

[@BdelaCAS]

@@samanthapribble3306 available rule books for rural areas like the south pole enclosed camp where she was kept

[@samanthapribble3306]

@@BdelaCAS that feels like a lot of assumptions to me.

[@BdelaCAS]

@@samanthapribble3306 which is all we have really. and the fact she didn't know leans more to wards that.

[@theshire9173]

I’m glad we both love and hate the same boys. I don’t know what the writers were thinking with Mako. He’s just a personalityless guy in the middle of a love triangle and nothing more in the first two seasons. His only redeeming quality in my opinion is his relationship with Bolin

[@Akanina_Gacha]

He has a very cute relationship with Bolin and Wu but.. there's nothing more to it, his story is literally Katara's

[@jonathanjohnson6727]

Imo, Mako is what would happen if you present Mai characteristics prevalent to the story with a protective nature thats similar to Katara.

[@JM-vj2sx]

Really I wonder what led them to “honor” Mako the actor by giving his name to such an annoying character.

[@adventurersitem-shop3050]

I actually like Mako, love the concept of someone who used to be on the wrong side of the law in order to survive and then later in life becoming a detective and help put criminals away. It helps that in season 4 Mako gets a new design that actually fits his character. He is not some super cool bad boi, he is a uptight stick in the mud and his new design showed this. But I will agree he can be pretty ehhhh in the first 2 seasons.

[@williamwilson1348]

I love all the little edits, they’ve got me giggling and laughing every time 😂

[@SubzeroBlack68]

Korra smile was such an adorable precious moment. Now its ruined! Lol... I dont think I'll ever get that out of my head now lol

[@ADAMOTERRA]

Thanks Judgmental Critter! (oh and first episode that's better than second...I would say 'LOST')

[@fishnewt1331]

It’s a shame airbenders weren’t more abundant at this point. I wonder how the bending matches would integrate airbending.

[@lukatragic7041]

I’m already so excited for each video in this series and it’s only episode 2. Like you said in the first episode, an episode by episode breakdown is something korra really needs.

[@wordswithdragons9599]

been recently rewatching korra for the first time in Years with some friends who have never seen it before. it really has been fun taking a look at the show again

[@Nyxiius]

Oh god just imagining how many frames it would take to animate the spin panels in 2D hurts my hand. Also, I don't really comment too much but I'm really enjoying this review series of yours! It's been a while since I watched Korra so seeing a fresh take of the series is nice.

[@notaaronburr3177]

I think the first episode of book 4 infinity train is better than the second one 👀 tho that's just bc i really like the split screen thing they did and its honestly just really cool

[@JoseLuisGarcia9540]

That one is an amaaazing first episode

[@TheOneTaurus]

9:30 I swear that laugh is adorable 😂😂

[@MikaWind]

I had the same initial feeling when Bolin was introduced. "Oh i guess he's the Sokka of the group" not that it would bad if he was but it would be pretty meh. But omg he's not and i adore him so much! Bolin is best boy! And as for Mako, the only thing i like about him is his name for the same reason you mentioned. I dont really dislike him but... eh. He wasnt too annoying for me, tho i did feel off about him as a character later in the series, since i personally feel the romance was rushed and all over the place. I also cant remember much about him as i think about it now so that says something haha

[@izaacidlartist164]

I admit i never properly watch korra, but your reviews really makes me want to watch it now !

[@TheMhalpern]

There's a couple other bending sports in last airbender, Earth Rumble, and Agni Kai, though I'm stretching it with Agni Kai

[@ryleedavis9571]

I was looking for this comment, Toph was introduced in part as a pro bender!

[@TheMhalpern]

@@ryleedavis9571 and we see in book 4 of Korra Earth Rumble is a bit more formalized

[@donnamitsuki281]

I'm laughing so hard,I had my suspicion it was gonna be Mako cause I also disliked him (past tense,now he's my boy but I won't deny my disliking). Loving the series so far!! And yes,Bolin is best boy,he deserves THE WORLD

[@TheAngryAsianAnimations]

Interesting. I would have swapped Mako and Bolin in the character list (and personally I never minded Ikki. Meelo still sucks though. Ever play witcher 3? Meelo looks like Uma). I always hated the idiot comic relief character and Bolin was to be the dummy with a heart of gold. Works in season 4 as a contrast to Kuvira but until then I did not like him. As a martial artist who does both eastern and western martial arts, I love the introduction of pro bending as it is like the modernization of martial arts. Martial arts started out as real fighting arts during a time with no real protective gear so they trained around it like no punches to the head. As technology got better western martial arts began to modernize the old ones and update the techniques. Gloves let you punch to the head so head movement was used etc. You can actually see this here. In the real world, Eastern martial arts use large movements especially their blocks. The idea is to stuff the punch before it gets any real speed because even blocking a full powered bare knuckle punch by simply covering up REALLY FREAKIN HURTS. Even glancing shots bouncing off the dome will leave your ears ringing. So you commit to full blocks to stop it from happening. Downside is, if the punch is a feint then you just left yourself wide open for an attack. Because of the gloves, it hurts significantly less and glancing shots don't really bother you except maybe velcro burn. So guards are brought in tighter and more square so they are less vulnerable to feints. I'm rambling. But you see this in the pro bending too. Their arms are very tight to their body, their elbows are down with their knuckles at their jaws or their temples. You can see them slightly hunched over and using head movement as part of their defense. And while not always, they do on occasion tuck their chin. Their stances are narrower (something Bolin points out to Korra) and they're more bouncy as compared to the rooted traditional benders (probably because it's hard to have real footwork when wearing shoes). This really does mirror the evolution of traditional eastern martial arts to modern western ones. Even Tenzin's reaction is comparable, dismissive of pro bending at first then accepting it.

[@ronaldlennier86]

Wait you don't like the previously on segments!? That's fine you are allowed to have a different opinion. But I just love the silly radio voice and the black and white aesthetic, perhaps I just like the 30s aesthetic (despite hating everything else about the 30s)

[@marinary1326]

I'm very happy to see some good Korra content, and going back from the beginning like this is... well, it reminds me of watching the show when it first came out. I didn't always keep up with it once the second season happened (I actually didn't watch it at all till years later, I skipped to season 3) but the premiere of Legend of Korra was one of the few times I actually watched something on TV when it first aired, and the sense of hype and the magic of it all... nowadays I'm too much of a cynic and I've been burned too many times to be just unconditionally excited for anything anymore. I must admit I didn't really vibe with the probending, I've never been much of a sports person, much less a sports anime person. In hindsight I think I like it less for taking up some of the very limited time in this first season that maybe a couple other elements of the plot could have used instead, but at least I don't find it intolerable or annoying- the animation is just too good, watching the fights is just always a delight. And ooof Mako lol. He actually always reminded me of my older brother, so I definitely had a different opinion than yours. And that probably contributed to why I really didn't ship him and Korra...

[@BdelaCAS]

16:30 At our lowest point we are open to the greatest change ;) foreshadow I think.

[@mangamandrew]

I mean, I will say that with the Korea not knowing how to play the sport. If it is against the rule to knock people over the ring, that can be public knowledge but that does not mean it is common knowledge. It’s like being interested in a sport but not knowing everything about it’s. Just because you listen to the sport does not mean you know how everything work. You still need to be taught the rules.

[@silvereyes242]

I like all the characters individually, but as I feel as if the love triangle really hindered the team dynamic in the early seasons. I mean Korra and Mako spent more time at odds than they did getting along.

[@KeeKage37]

Not sure if there was ever a airbender sport we’ve seen or not, but we do get beach volleyball in the fire nation too. Unfortunately the air acolytes are more explained in the last airbender boos series.

[@groynin]

8:37 is it bad that since when you started this series I have been waiting for some RWBY comparison where you used them as the 'bad' example of a point? There have been a few moments you said something along the lines "It's nice Korra does THIS, since I don't like when a show does THIS" and I would think back at RWBY doing exactly the 'bad' thing lol

[@ninjamonkey508]

I think this series is interesting. I finished all of LOK and I felt like I was one of the few that didn't absolutely hate. The season after is super weak and I'm not wild about how the bending has changed and the writing isn't as good as ATLA but it does have some good moments and some unique ideas. Usually when I hear reviews of this show it's usually met with some pretty harsh views but at least in season 1 i actually rather enjoyed it. Amon is a badass villain, he goes out like a badass, Korra and bolin are at their most likeable, tenzin is cool. Etc. The only thing I never liked is how they fixed Korra problem by the end of this season. Like it's a massive cop-out and arguably the worst decision of the show. But until then I was invested. I'm interested to hear your views on the show as you keep going. I may not agree with everything but you have some good perspectives on it.

[@KingoftheOutback]

JK SIMMOMS IS A LEGEND!

[@orangemarissa50]

Yesss Bolin getting the love he deserves!!!!

[@jaymechele]

Commenting in the middle of the video to say that you have a cool voiceover voice and that I knew Mako was going to be your 2nd worst character because wow he's no good and I feel like the creators/writers did it on purpose to spite the Zutara shippers LOL btw I'm glad I found your vids :)

[@thedaemonwolf1814]

1:21 ....Filly-fart? That's a new phrase... 4:27 The reminder's appreciated! Didn't really remember to timestamp the rest of the video, but I did watch it. Gonna comment on it with numbered paragraphs to make it easier if you choose to reply. 1: I think Gamelover254 put it best when they said that being a fan doesn't mean you know the rules. I like basketball, but that doesn't mean I know the rules, especially since I'm fairly certain announcers for real life sporting events only bring up the rules if someone breaks them. I'd bet since there aren't TVs in Korra's world yet, she only really has the announcer's play-by-play to know what's happening, and even if she did have a TV, watching a match isn't always enough to figure out the rules either. 2: I definitely think Mako could be better, though I personally never had too much of a problem with him. Though... I don't really remember that much about him, so maybe I shouldn't talk on the subject. That being said, I can certainly state that his romance plotlines are a significant reason why I have sworn as a writer to never do Love Triangles or any of their equally stupid, somehow more ridiculous cousins. In fact, I specifically set up a trio of my characters to _subvert_ the idea of a Love Triangle. 3: I really appreciate you going into detail about how Bolin and Tenzin's teaching styles are different and how that affects the way Korra learns. I never really thought about that before, but it makes perfect sense that Tenzin's teaching style is one of the main things holding Korra back from learning Airbending. 4: Toph is the best. Always has been, always will be. No contest. 5: This might be a bit of a random video to say this on, but thank you so much for going so in-depth with your reviews. You, your sister, and others who review shows like this are not only incredibly entertaining, but extremely helpful for rookie writers and even newbie animators like me. Both negative reviews and positive ones teach me new things about both my hopeful careers, even when they're just being funny.

[@skytiger215]

7:06 - 7:20 You presented it like we would be surprised lol

[@chidivids2005]

Bolin is best boy🥰

[@sacrifice6717]

Shows where I would argue that the first episode is better than the second : Yakusoku no Neverland Helluva Boss BloodyBunny even RWBY Legend of Aang

[@pierrepadilla1697]

Lol I was coming to the comments to see if someone posted The promised neverland yet

[@sacrifice6717]

@@pierrepadilla1697 Agreed, I think that one is the best example for this case

[@shmee123ful]

I am a little gobin...did you just refinance critical role? Like I haven't watched the whole series yet, but that voice sounds like calab

[@thejudgmentalcritter6584]

It is Caleb! He was mimicking the voices of the other members of his team! :) Here's a little animation that I really like of the moment with this quote! :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZWllImhia2Amsk

[@classicslayer456]

0:39 Angel the series and cowboy bebop BOOM!

[@Dragiare]

Bolin being the best character, I completely am with you. Mako being the 2nd worst. I can see him there for season 1 but for later seasons he moves to most boring.

[@dylans.1741]

I'm just gonna be completely honest. I never liked Mako, because I thought that he was boring and kind of a jerk. I have a feeling that the writers never really figured out what they wanted to do with his character.

[@benbeneke666]

maybe make a tier list or something of almost everyone :)

[@joerogers9413]

It's almost certainly not, but the snap thing might of been a reference to the old Justice League sidekick Snapper Carr. He was an idiot and snapping was his gimmick. "The Justice League just saved the day!" SNAP!

[@Raymond.D99]

You got me all types of fucked up with that scare. ☹☹☹☹☹☹

[@ame-bi]

"The first real bending sport"? What about Earth Rumble?

[@thejudgmentalcritter6584]

I guess I didn't really count it as a "sport" more like, performative combat? But I suppose you're not wrong!

[@oohgs_0h]

So I started Korra after your last video on it and I'm already on the last season. I gotta say I get the love but I also get the hate. (spoilers) I loved season 1 but the show never really regained that spark. Season 2 was really bad imo. The villain was super boring and cliche with him just being "evil uncle" and the "evil spirit" cliches in one. I didn't like anything about him. The whole severing Korra's connection to the past Avatars really bothered me. I expected that we'd see Aang much more often throughout the show and that he'd help Korra out when she needed it, but ig not. I also thought there'd be bigger implications or consequences but...not really??? Then the Avatar backstory. I also hated it. It wasn't even that bad a backstory, but I wish we just never got one. I never wanted a backstory for the Avatars and it kinda just removed the mysticism of it all. Then season 3. Honestly, I don't have much to say about it. I expected there to be more stuff related to the spirits but they were set up as a plot point and then dropped pretty soon after. Again with the consequences. Korra talks to her friends about whether she did the right thing or not but not the actual people it affected. Any time people show that they aren't happy about the change she gets kinda defensive which ig is a character flaw but it just rubs me the wrong way. The main villains seemed really cool but I honestly didn't feel very intimidated by them. They peaked in their intros imo except for Zaheer. He was just cool throughout. Wish we got more from him tho. His plan was kinda just "Rulers oppress people so let's get rid of them" "But wouldn't Anarchy bring chaos? That wouldn't be very good for the people" "well...chaos is...how it used to be..so..I want it..and...whatever shut up." I can't tell if he generally cares about the people or if he just wants the world to be the way it was before Wan closed off the two worlds, cause those are two separate motivations. Ig I did have stuff to say lol. I'm still watching season 4 so not much to say on that, but Kuvira seems pretty cool. Also going back to season 2..the characters and relationship drama....no. Just no. The characters took a nosedive for me. I always found Korra a little annoying but her naivete and optimism gave me hope for her character. She was funny at times and generally wanted to become a better Avatar. In the later seasons, I feel like the writers just took everything I disliked about Korra and pushed it in my face. She had some good scenes here and there but I just can't stand her anymore. bolin's becoming less and less funny as the show goes on. Mako started off as a mildly unlikeable but interesting character and just became a super boring character with nothing to do. I'm not even sure who the main cast is cause everyone has become so boring. The relationship stuff is so dumb. so Korra likes Mako but he dates Asami but Mako and Korra kiss so he likes her too oh yeah and Bolin liked Korra but that ended real quick and then Korra's in danger so Mako gives her more attention and Asami notices and she doesn't like it then end of season Korra and Mako are just a thing now? skip to season two and they're a full-on couple and Asami's just fine with it? We didn't even get to see them break up or how she reacts she just acts like it's normal for some reason. Korra and Mako's relationship starts off very rocky and the conclusion is that they just aren't great for each other which is probably true but from what I saw it was just a lack of effort on both sides. Korra went out of her way to antagonize Mako and Mako just didn't care about anything she talked about. It just looked like they didn't want to date in the first place. Where did all that caring for Korra go? It's like he remembered he was angsty out of nowhere and decided to turn it back on out of nowhere Anyway, Mako dumps Korra but she gets amnesia and then Mako kisses Asami which is...um...anyway Korra comes back but forgot Mako dumped her and so he doesn't tell her. Asami is upset as she should but then Korra remembers and they officially break up but Mako doesn't date Asami? Honestly, Asami shouldn't even date him but she clearly wanted to so...what happened there? They could've at least had a conversation but they act as if the kiss never happened. Oh wow, this show...

[@shadowclaw7210]

Melo is opposite of Perrito.

[@Krendall2]

I really love Korra's design. It's rare to see a large-framed girl without her being overweight or muscular, especially in animation. Giving the best character slot to a male character? Is that allowed?

[@BL3446]

As far as knowing the rules of Pro bending, I dont think we are at the point of seamless global communications yet She has probably heard of it, but never really watched/listened to a game or researched it. And its the only real true bending sport it seems. It would be like 'I always dreamed of seeing the Olympics' and still not knowing even what most of the sports are.

[@reimannsum9077]

Bolin as... the best character? My god, there was no one that grated on me, grieved my soul and generally rendered the series almost unwatchable, more than Bolin. Worse that Milo given their relative screen time. Mako as second worst? Despite the waffling between Korra and Asami, which is a terrible snafu on the part of the studio executives and writers, he was likely the most rational and sane man in this world this side of Tenzin. While the pragmatic and relatively mature adult of the group in season 1, he truly grew on me in season 2 when everyone around him was insane, irrational, or foolish to the point of character assassination, particularly Lin in the trust she invested in Larry and Curly.

[@moukies]

Not you comparing Korra to Jeff the Killer 😭😭😭

[@markpula91]

Someone needs to make a sports anime about Pro-Bending; I would watch the hell outta it

[@BlackNChaos]

Gotta disagree on the new bending styles point. While in the beginning it felt fresh, ultimately it removed the uniqueness each bending style had. In korra every bender fights the same except maybe air benders and it becomes bland.

[@hypeman1825]

It's always bothered me that Korra honestly didn't travel as much as Aang. Like I get why from a narrative perspective because coming off of the first show you'd likely not want to watch another show like that. But it contradicts the role of the Avatar. They're suppose to wonder the world to get a grasp of it's current condition to help bring balance. That's their role, they need to explore, learn about what's going on in their current time. Still though as a LOK fan.. it's cool to see more people talk about this show.

[@smuu1996]

Ngl, I love Bolin, but I hate Mako.

[@dalenorothoron7247]

Aight just commented in the last vid before watching this one and now after watching this one I canconcur that I CALLED IT actually yeah Mako is..... difficult again the only worse character I can bring up is Unalaq but he was bad cause of poor writing and Mako is kind of a douchecanu..... ALSO Bolin being the best character? Ehhh debatable there are characters I like waaaay more Tenzin Lin antagonists like Kuvira OR just another member of Korra's team Avatar Asami who is more then just a pretty well everything "She is beauty she is grace and she can easily PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE" *insert a cool Asami fight scene* she is awesome..... So Bolin best character of Legwnd of Korra? eeeh everyone has their opinion I respect that but no. Bolin Being best BOY of Legend of Korra? Actually yes cant even debate with that there are no other valid contestans coming to mind but being Best DUDE character in Legend of Korra? Thats Varrick he is mah duuuud I just like Varrick and his borderline almost but not really sociophath businessman manner as he IS trying to help in a way but his ways are deffinetly illegal corrupt and immoral and he knows thar but he is still just going wirh it anyway Sooooo fun. Also fighting styles I like the fights in LoK how Korra is CLEARLY more physical in the fights then Aang was Aang? I can imagine him using his staff to pacify an opponent but Korra? I can imagine her beating the shit out of someone without the need to bend like in episode 1 her fighting style is less graceful form over raw power and more physical Raw power over form. Also Lins fighting style is sooo good too showing off her style as yeah she is definetly learned from the best earth bender.... her mother Toph but also brings her own Volume into technique. And Tenzin? He is an absolute beast in combat Form incarnate! In season 1 nope in season 3 fuck YEAH he took on Zaheer and his buddies 1 on 3 did he win? No but was he cool? YES absolutely shown that he trully is an airbender master. About Bolin and Mako I cant say anything you didnt yeah their bending is more Box style and its sooooo cool to see that and is this lkke the 5th fighting style we re just listing here? we havwnt even talked about the NON benders like again Asami 1 equalist gauntlet and she can level the fi-fuck that she dont even need the gauntlet she is a master hand to hand combatant being able to outmanuver even benders at some parts of the show. Also the chi Blockers cooí fighting sequences, Tarlocks fighting technique is also cool a modern watertribe technique Amons just unstoppable looking onslaught with physical fighting more then bending, Tanrak Korea's father clearly showing where Korra inherited the More raw physical fighting over form Unalaq using form Minghua's spidery water technique And ALARIGHT ALRIGHT you all get my point the fighting is fucking awesome here. Loved the vid Judgemental cant wait to watch the rest

[@kevinci6041]

Attack on titan has a better first episode than the second.

[@troperhghar9898]

9:00 Oh no, I know that look Korra`s a filthy hetero Oh if only there was some beautiful woman who would save her

[@thejudgmentalcritter6584]

Or, y'know, bisexual people also exist.

[@troperhghar9898]

@@thejudgmentalcritter6584 yes obviously I'm just thinking how much more interesting it would be if korra and asami were a couple from day one

[@thejudgmentalcritter6584]

@@troperhghar9898 I also think it's kind of rude to say "filthy hetero". I don't think my sexuality or anyone else's should label them as "filthy".

[@troperhghar9898]

@@thejudgmentalcritter6584 I apologize for my irreverent comment

[@scottymcribofficial]

Hot take for 1st episode being best: Goblin Slayer That episode has a lot of offensive shit in it, but it does the one thing it should do right: it makes the villains irredeemable, and justifies the protagonist's drive to slay them all fully for the remainder of the series. Why is the protagonist not doing quests he clearly is suited for? Because slaying goblins is all that matters to him, and that's something you as a viewer can understand exactly why from the very first episode. Not caught up to the manga though lol

[@PK-xc3qr]

girl I love ur vids but Bolin (or any of the lighter characters) ain't white 😭 💀