I've missed having a full series of overanalyzing to look forward to every week, we're so back

I like how tenzin tries so hard to be calm and easy going like aang but it’s so obvious he has kataras personality

Another thing about the scene where Korra wrecks the airbending training thing is that she does it with firebending. I feel like that gets glazed over with how it was firebenders that nearly wiped out every air nomad to begin with. I don't know if the writers meant for that to add extra weight, but with how history tends to add meaning to actions like this in real life, I think it's worth pointing out.

I kinda like Tenzin’s first line, at least concerning patience. You can see how hard he tries to be patient and be as much like Aang as possible but sometimes doesn’t always live up to those expectations.

Korra's hang up on Airbending is one of the few changes I actually really like. Korra grew up understanding the fundamentals for three of the four elements, so she ended up adopting an MMA style to her bending. As such, her bending in all three styles takes on a much more aggressive stance than what is customary for airbending. So air, which focuses on evasion and non-combative movements, would obviously be much more of a weakness for her.

They're often called lychee nuts, because they have a tough leathery rind, but lychees are actually a fruit. They're actually quite delicious! If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend trying one out.

Pro Bending to me always felt like a realistic in-world result of trying to turn the magic system into a formal sport. The three common bending styles are so different, you basically end up _having to_ whittle them down to the point they basically do the exact same thing, or one will always have an advantage over the others in some way. Even if you gave the different elements different roles, that wouldn't make for an interesting sport because the moment one falters, the entire team collapses, with no chance of recovery. And then you have to heavily regulate these extremely dangerous powers down to a system that won't result in broken bones, open wounds and frostbite/burns. It has as much to do with real bending combat as olympic fencing has with actual sword fighting, or chess with battlefield strategy. And that makes perfect sense to me.

Fun fact! Tahno, the leader of the wolfbats, was voiced by Rami Malek! And he called Korra the 'uhvatar' as a nudge to making fun of the live action last airbender that never shouldve existed

Hold on. So what you're saying is that Wan Shi Tong is actually a shape-shifter and that for some reason (probably because a bunch of upstart kids forced him to bury his library), he decided to move out of the desert into Republic city where he got a job announcing pro-bending matches, presumably moonlighting as a handler for his army of fox spies. Pro-bending Announcer dude is now officially Wan Shi Tong in my head cannon.

I think it’s important for analyzing Korra’s character to remember she has been extremely sheltered her whole life. Some of the decisions she makes and the way she acts makes a lot more since with that in mind. I mean she was forced to stay in a compound her whole life surrounded by bodyguards and the 5 other people she knows

I actually think that the point that Bolin and Mako didn’t know exactly who Korra, but at the same time knew the Avatar was in town. They are basically two poor orphan kids. Why would they care enough to know every detail about her. Knowing just enough that the avatar is in town and making those connections after talking to her makes actually almost perfect sense to me

The lights at 16:58 are actually nixie tubes! They use a process called glow discharge, using the ionization of gas (neon, and argon) by electrical current to cause a self-sustaining reaction that causes light. Depending on the type of gas used, you can change the color of the light, too. They were invented in 1955, so it roughly tracks with the settings theme!

I kinda realized, that while Korra, Tenzin and Bolin start with flaws that kinda let them grow through series, Mako starts with flaws and it goes nowhere, while Asami starts without flaws (so nothing changes). Which kinda causes Lin, a side character, to actually grow out of her flaws.

I think Tenzin's first line characterizes him better than you give him credit for - because his first line he is sarcastic, which I interpret that his patience is more performative than true to his character

Something I like about Bolin and Mako is that on the surface they have personalities that seem like they are the opposite of their respective elements, but deep down they actually completely embody those elements. Bolin feels like Fire in his flighty interests in girls and movies, etc., but deep down he grounds a lot of other characters, and he is deeply rooted in his loyalty to his friends (so long as he hasn't been hoodwinked, he isn't always the wisest cookie). Meanwhile Mako tries to be stoic, cautious, and consistent, but especially when he and his circle have been threatened he reveals himself to be passionate, unable to temper his fiercely emotional reactions. This was really fun to look for as I finally watched this series in full last year. ToK isn't perfect, but I really enjoy it! I'm excited for this series to continue!

The victory conditions for the pro-bending matches are that any knockouts (dunk all 3 opponents in a single round) are instant wins of the whole match, and then if there is no knockout, then it goes to best 2-out-of-3 rounds. I think it was this episode that mentioned that the Fire Ferrets "could only win from a knockout" after losing the first 2 rounds - they still get to play the 3rd round, but they can no longer get a score of 2-out-of-3, so the round is played purely to give them the opportunity for the instant win turnaround.

The big bulbs in the Pro-bending were probably similar to Nixie Tubes, that is what I always assumed. Also I'm pretty sure the technology development of the world is meant to he more steampunk inspired since they have literal magical forces

I actually like that pro-bending is so simple comparatively. It makes it feel more like a sport that you could start doing as soon as you can fling your element which I imagine is what a kid would learn first in their training, it's got that "anyone can play" feel that you'd get with sports like football.

I always interpreted the thing about air being the opposite of her personality, as that Aang grew up among his people and absorbed their way of life much more than Korra ever has. Like Korra is born in a time of an exceptional cultural closeness that simply didn't exist previously. Aang brought all these different nations together much more than any Avatar before him, making it possible for a child born among the Water tribe culture to be influenced by philosophy of earth and fire culture. Since Korra clearly knows who the Avatar is when we first see her as a little kid, she probably got told those stories even before she could bend. She probably immediatly tried to bend other things besides Water, witch earth and fire being her favorites, and thus discovered that she could. Which seems very relatable to everyone who tried to become a Super Saiyan or tried using the force can probably very well relate to. That's my interpretation of it at least. And I like to think that.

I only just realized I relate to Korra so much in that air bending training scene. She's a chaotic and reactive soul running on minimal sleep and under pressure and expectations to accomplish the first thing in her life that ever hasn't just come easy to her, and her physical rage and proceeding verbal outburst are something I both relate to and also deeply hate about myself, and I'm starting to wonder if that's why I hate her so much as a character...

After he talks about Bolin doing the Philly accent, he does it like a minute later, when he says sorry that is the funniest thing ever to me

SO GLAD you pointed out the often forgotten fact about this series- It was written with the belief that it would only be a single season mini series. I firmly believe that Korra could have been a way stronger series had it been written as a multi-season work from the start

one thing that can be taken from Tenzin's introduction is that he says "we are finally here" right as we see the other airbenders since Aang arrive on screen, marking it not only as the first time we've seen airbenders since the show started, but the first time we've seen multiple airbenders together ever in an occasion that isn't a flashback.

In regards to the 'struggling with the opposite element' discussion, I think we often forget that Aang isn't just all spiritual and sentimental and stuff BECAUSE he's the avatar: he's like that because SEPARATE from being the avatar he's also still just a really REALLY good airbender. He's deeply engrained in the culture of airbending and while that obviously makes sense as it's his native element, it isn't a rule that the avatar is always lofty and selfless and stuff, and in Korra's case she learned she was the avatar at the very beginning of her life so she got to develop her personality around it and therefore whatever element she wanted. For Aang and Roku who both had their entire childhoods to become engrained in their elements' cultures, of course their opposite elements are the opposite of their native elements.

1:44 you can see the dancing kid from the book 3, the headband. And it goes insanely hard.

The "You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot" moment really soured me on Mako right away. Like he was all set to be rude to her forever until he learns she's someone of importance, and only then does he start being polite

Pro bending works for me because fighting is such a universal thing. You try to do anything more creative, suddenly it gets too specific and not all of the three currently existing elements can participate. Like you can fill the earth soccer ball with water or something so water benders can participate, but then the fire benders are just hung out to dry.

I really loved this series. I watched ATLA and LOK multiple times so much that i began watching it with directors commentaries which gave a lot more insight. The biggest point dimartino and kineztko ( I probably spelt those wrong but I'm not about to Google it rn) was that they WANTED korra to be the polar opposite of Aang. They wanted someone who instead of running from their role as avatar and the crushing responsibility that came with it to someone who instead not only accepted the role but embraced it to the extent that it was almost a detriment. Korra's arc was to be one where she learns it's not all it's cracked up it be and to struggle with a world that almost doesn't need her anymore. Her identity revolves around her being some sort of savior and she gets humbled every step of the way. She gets used, she gets defeated, her naivete is manipulated to the point where she has to close herself off as coping mechanism. She learns what being the avatar means in this world so drastically different than any avatar before her. Against all odds she prevails and learns to accept that the role of avatar must change like the world has

While there are other bending sports, i think Pro Bending is popular because it involves 3 different types of benders working together, so it embodies the principles Republic City was founded on.

Like and comment on this video, or be struck down by the almighty Zeus, who was recently found to be real, eating dinner at a TGI Fridays.

13:43 "Zuko? I mean, you know about Zuko." 😂

In air bender they had lechy tea, there is that moment where katara enters a tea shop and we can clearly see Zuko saying "Uncle I need 2 Jasmine, 1 Greef and one lechy" so lechy juice seems like a legit thing could be

I dont mind Korra starting off with lots of negative character moments, its how characters grow mainly; and I dont mind her destroying the airbending thing in a vacuum, it could have been a really good opportunity for growth if the show took it seriousy, but like beyond Tenzin getting upset about it (and I think a lot less upset than he should have lol) the show doesnt even really consider it that bad of a thing to do??? Like what the fuck, she got upset that she couldnt airbend on fucking day 2 of training so she takes out her frustration by destroying an ancient artifact of an almost extinct culture??

The weird light in the bulb is called a nixie tube. They’re usually orange and are used to display a single character, most commonly a number. They weren’t commercially available until the mid 50s, so it could be considered an anachronism, though I’ve never seen a colored one before, and I’d imagine that they came much later.

At 5:21 I assumed those were rocks on the end of the metal that he was bending rather than the metal bat itself

I love how you handle the show. There is so much honesty and fairness in your writing. I really appreciate that 🙏

I think something that is a real shame in the pro bending fights, is that there seems virtually no difference between the elements, they all just seem to be used to hit enemies head on and hope it knocks them back. It would just be nice if each element had it's own role it played in a fight. A simplistic example would be like earth being a strong defensive tool, but the attacks being easier to dodge, fire being good at going on the offensive with, but being very lacking in defensive capabilities, and water being somewhere in-between.

@17:00 Pretty sure they're basically just Nixie Tubes. While Nixie Tubes proper were introduced in the 50's, tech like them were patatanted as early as the 30's.

Thank you for bringing attention to the face 17:44 I remember watching this episode when it came out and thinking those faces in particular were so weird looking

About waterbenders wringing out their hair! Honestly, I assume it’s on purpose to keep their hair healthy! I would think waterbending it out of their hair would wring out all it’s moisture, leaving it dry causing damage.

Korra having an earth personality is such a fun twist to have her be anti-air personality. She’s very single minded and while respectful, isn’t held down much because of her patience. Meanwhile Bolin’s light on his feet stance quick to change direction to what suits him implies he actually favors air movement. Which has to be REALLY tough for an earth bender to get. Which I like to believe why Bolin eventually gets his upgrade…and LACKS the metal bending talent. Metal bending is the next level and likely needs even GREATER earth motion to effect refined surface. And Bolin? When he exerts a lot of effort he is very shakey. As for probending? I more see it like boxing. Which is a style of martial arts different from others, and as we learn, collateral damage has been introduced to be a major factor in the bigger civilization areas. So maxing out damage and mitigating spread actually checks to become a thing. That being said, I do GET the complaints here. Especially when you want to see what makes their world unique, I get the step towards the familiar and being a focal point does ring a lil hallow. But that’s just me.

I really hope this season goes well, can't wait for season 3

Overall great commentary, absolutely love that you are doing this series. I am pretty surprised how critical you are of pro bending, it is probably my favorite element of korra that didn't really get fully explored. We can imagine that korra has only ever listened to the fights via radio from the south pole or read about it, and since all the fighters know not to knock people over the sides, they would have never mentioned that happening, so she wouldn't know it isn't allowed. She would likely know the dousing rule, but pro-bending is so alien to her, it makes sense she wouldn't be able to adjust her bending immediately. The concept that fighting styles have evolved in modern times with better trained athletes are unique and interesting, but they would also have drawbacks. Those athletes are primed for quick, evasive movement, so it makes sense that they wouldn't have the muscles and the energy to keep up pressure like that. A lot of martial arts have a similar concept, where if you break concentration for split seconds you get laid out. Korra has trained for a different kind of bending entirely, so she wouldn't run out of stamina as easily. But it would be difficult for her to show that difference within the rules of the sport, so she evades and outlasts, allowing her teammates to recover and deal the blows that matter. She learned air bending basics, tactically outplayed her opponents, and won a game she had never played till that day. It really shows her immense talent and potential, unfortunately I think those are never really reached. We can imagine that this sport evolved from regular fights. As tensions in a diverse city grew, different benders came together to brawl. To solve the problem, the remaining members of team avatar (I imagine it was sokka) would have come up with a way to inspire different types of benders to work together. So they invented a sport where they could vent all their anger but had to work together to do so. This would also have provided entertainment for people, which historically distract them from their own issues and any grievances. Perhaps most importantly, what this sport doesn't show is a place for non-benders, and having sporting celebrities be unable to represent a certain people shows exactly why their frustrations would build so rapidly, even though they are just as unequal as in Aang's time. The rules are just like boxing. It doesn't matter that one team had 2 round wins, if you get a clean knockout, the game ends.

Crazy you picked up on that blink-and-you-miss-it move Korra did that indicated she understood the leaf circling maneuver. I had always wished wished there was a little more of a build up before she mastered that move, so i guess im a little happy they included that.

Pro-bending is the first sport involving multiple types of bending that alone makes it difficult to plan out. I’d like to see how they incorporate airbenders, maybe as a substitute for firebending since they’d play similar styles

The best part of these episodes are those patron shoutouts. Never get sick of what they come up with.

Overanalyzing Avatar, this video changed my life. My entire view of everything that exists in this world, in fact, even in the entire universe. I can never look at anything I know the same way again. This video represents emotions that most humans could never understand. But I can. Thanks to this video I was awakened to many things previously considered unimaginable. Thank you for this exquisite video, I will never forget this experience!

From what I remember from Pro Bending, hitting all three opponents out at the same time is a Knockout and is an automatic win. A sort of golden snitch type of deal so the protagonists have a way to win even with their backs against the wall.

Personally, I'm super not a fan of the romance/love triangle in this season. I do, however, love the prop bending in this one episode. Tenzin realizing that fighting *is* kind of how Korra learns and connects with things is really awesome. Still loving the series! P.S. Can't wait to see which cryptid you cover next.

Your overanalyzing strength and style has only gotten better with time. Really like the details you pick up on, your story insights, commentary and comedy!

Everyone else excited for OA to get to Season Three for the peak content. Me excited for OA to reach Season Three for him to see Ghazan: "By God he's done it, the waist high wave, lava variation! Somebody stop him he's going to kill us all!"

Having the show back on a weekly basis really makes live better.

17:00 I imagine the point lights work similarly to Nixie Tubes, which look similarly to these. Nixie Tubes were invented in 1955, so they don’t quite fit the 1930s, but not a major deal. The series has shown to be a bit more ahead of the times of our 1930s. Still within the realm of believability.

I think for the case of introductory lines in Korra, you cannt take only the first line sadly. But if you consider the first whole interaction then you can learn a lot about each character. Tenzin you can see the whole relationship with his family and Bolin and Makko's character come in full after the whole first dialgue interaction.

You point out “worter”, and then proceed to say “soar-y” (12:58) Was that intentional?

3:47 I love how it's perfectly synced to Tenzin so it looks like he's angrily berating Korra about "Leichi nuts".

I wish Pro-Bending was made into a spin off or something. I really enjoyed all the Pro-Bending matches. The game feels really fleshed out when you look at the rules.

I definitely want to see the critiques of Pro-bending like in a full video because I quite like these scenes. I like that the 3 nations all have a standardized sport to all play now and the matches themselves are entertaining.

I was so excited for this series coming into existence and I’m so glad you’re making it, I really hope that you continue on to making it for the other seasons

I'm fairly sure pro bending knockouts involve all three opponents going into the water. It's mentioned that there's a timer so I assume it's best of three and most people left standing wins each round, with zones for tiebreakers or something. The reason they play out the third match even on a 2-0 is because a knockout instantly wins the whole thing.

I’m one of those weird people who has rewatched Korra more than Avatar, so I am absolutely down to get more of these videos. Keep making great stuff!

Echoing what everyone else says for engagement - so happy to have Overanalyzing to look forward to every week again

17:09 It's referenced later on (IIRC?) but if you get a triple knockout in a single round you win the whole match.

The "score board" thing is a series of Nixie Tubes. They were very popular for making clocks in the 80s for their vintage 20s look.

The lights are Nixie tubes, they are maybe a little more modern since they are from the 50's but I think they work

I very happy you decided to do korra

8:29 I think pro bending was a fine addition, it’s a familiar sporting concept with great integration of bending, and very practical setup and rules in regards to how you would set up a sport for safety. While I do totally understand the want to have a more creative sport to truly display the dynamics and potential of bending, when tying it in with the character of Korra and what pro bending accomplished for her, I think it had to be something that she would be interested in naturally. It may not make as much sense strictly for learning air bending, but I like the way it incorporated the leaf lesson, and I couldn’t imagine Korra learning air ball or any other sport besides fighting

“Bolin says ‘water’ weird” OAA: “Sore-ey” 1 minute later

In terms of pro-bending, I feel like in the 70 years of peace, bending would lean away from fighting and more into earthbenders building structures, or waterbenders becoming doctors or firebenders working in factories for electricity as is shown. So maybe pro-bending was in-universe created as a way of bringing back that fighting discipline part of bending we saw in last airbender. I know its just making excuses for the show but I think it works out fine enough

A separate full " Overanalyzing Probending" episode would be cool, seems like you have a lot to say about it.

16:58 it's a vacuum tube. The earliest were developed in 1900s, 1903 officially, and later-on the technology was developed to shape the internal filament to make numbers and things, so it's a little advanced but it's a pro-sports facility so it tracks I think for it to have cutting-edge tech.

the thing with tarlock being seen in the newspaper way before he was introduced was also done with kuvira

I didn’t even know you could come in before the Premier

Of course this video drops right when I have to go in for work

12:44 Over a DECADE of training ZERO discipline

I am so glad you got into this, these videos are so good, love your work.

I feel like the only one that actually enjoyed TLOK. It has its faults and misses, no doubt, but I still really like it and I enjoy coming back to watch it. It feels bad that more people don’t really share the same joy, even if ATLA was miles better.

1:43 in the background

1:44 the little dude flailing in the background! You go little dude!

I am so excited for this series!!! Thank you for continuing your work

I actually really liked this episode and remember it fondly. It’s just a good feel good episode.

In 2014 I was in Union square multiple blocks away from oracle park where the giants were playing a playoff game and I could hear the crowd yelling before the game even started. Sound in stadiums travels through and across cities very easily. Hearing the sound of the crowd while still inside the stadium is very realistic. Sports crowds are insanely loud

Man, it really feels like yesterday when i stumbled across the first episode of over analyzing avatar. Loved that series, and its great to see how far you’ve come.

The reason why the opposing element to the Avatar's native one is the most difficult to learn is due to how the style of the opposing element is the reverse of the one they've used for most of their life. By the time a normal Avatar finds out who they really are, they're sixteen, which is plenty of time to have a certain style ingrained into you, (Like with Aang) It does however make sense for Korra to struggle with air-bending since she's been a natural water, *earth*, and fire-bender since before she came out of diapers. (stellar writing right there) And as a side note, Bryke knew full well they were getting four seasons, I don't know why that tid bit of misinfo keeps getting thrown around whenever I see videos on LoK.

The side characters particularly part of Korra’s group are criminally under developed. It’s quite unfortunate and makes them come off as one note characters with no substance other than surface level stuff that’s never explored. Other characters like Tenzin and Lin get a lot more development in those areas. As for Mako, I won’t lie he became my favorite character. It mostly came from a time where everyone piled hate on him a lot and that kinda bolstered me to like his character more. Cause I didn’t see why he was hated so much. As for how he treats Korra if we wanna look into the potential depth he didn’t get. In regards to her being in the match, she doesn’t know the rules and they didn’t have time to break it all down to her. Which yeah she broke a rule while playing. If we were to look into stuff the sorry didn’t touch on as much as it should had. That would be how Mako and Bolin grew up. Mako first off is shown to be protective of Bolin and from Mako’s point of view he might be looking at Korra as someone who could drag Bolin into danger or trouble. He might also see her as someone who lived a privileged life. At least compared to him and Bolin. Not having to struggle to find food or a place to live. Now this is misplaced resentment and he shouldn’t put those feelings on her. But, like with how Korra destroyed the air training artifact, it’s fine for him to start from a place that is unfavorable and place for him to grow from. If only the writers invested more depth and time into his character (not just his but like imo Asami and Bolin as well). Instead of that god forsaken love triangle. Listen season 2 has a lot of faults, but man that love triangle is the worst thing in the series for me.

Love your commentary and the hard work you put into making these. Glad you are covering this series! Gives me something to look forward to every week 🤩

Love hearing the classic OA style come back but with a new twist for a new series! I agree on the points how analysis will be more spread as many character and story beats take longer to fully form. Can’t wait for more OA!

I like the idea of being able to affect other peoples bending, generally more for earth and water though, if the other bender is a great deal stronger with the bending. Like the clip you showed of Toph doing it, because let’s be honest she’d definitely be strong enough in a case like that.

Theres so many moments from the first season of this show, like the bending sequence from 4:15 - 4:41 that really show how amazing this show can be at time. The attention to detail in that scene showing how Aang's influence is rubbing off on her while also showing how her headstrong personality has influenced her bending style is so cool to see and really shows how much the creators truly care bout this world. I still to this day think it's a damn shame that Nickelodeon never gave the creators of Korra the time and resources they needed to make this show truly great. The show has proven time and again that it really is built on a great foundation its just too bad they were forced to rush it to the finish line.

i'm so happy i can watch you every week again, this used to be my favourite series back in ATLA

3:53 Did they somehow find a way to juice nuts? Actually most likely yes. We can juice nuts, we just dont sell it as nut juice, but instd as nut milk... Probs bcuz no one wants to drink nut juice... Well, mostly no one.

3:03 Korra needs to get that face under control my god

"yue has gotten her shit together" is my favourite line

I like the pro bending. It meant to kinda mirror blocking. And given that the time period of Korra mirrors the early 1900’s it seems appropriate to have a fighting sport because boxing was the big thing back then

Cant wait for this to become a series, I will be here for the whole journey.

I'm very happy you're covering this series. I know it has a lot of flaws but it also has a lot of interesting things going for it! Hope you cover the whole show and I hope when the show dips it doesn't ruin your entire enjoyment of it.

regarding the "weird" lightbulbs, i think they are supposed to be nixie tubes which is the predecessor of the modern light bulb and was invented in ~1910 so it actually fits really well in the time that they are going for.

I really appreciate you taking on LoK. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and I hope you do the whole series! Then the Netflix show, then the avatar studios stuff. Lots of stuff to work with

Honestly this is just going to be amazing to enjoy every week.

8:17 Republic City has many different benders. The most popular sport is one that tries to level the playing field for different benders. Earth Bending Soccer and Air Ball probably exists and would be popular in their respective nations. The sport is fine and interesting to watch. This criticism seems more like a mindless reaction.