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The Expanse: A Telltale Series (2023)
An Interesting, Disappointing Experiment
Not a terrible game by any means, but definitely nowhere near Telltale's best and a disappointing return for the company.
First of all, the gameplay is great. I enjoyed exploring and using the mechanics involved zero g, but also ultimately felt that many areas were devoid of interesting clues. And the shortage of explorable areas per episode was sorely disappointing.
The general story is alright. It's not really anything special in terms of sci fi, and considering how much is in the realm of possibilities, it's fairly disappointing to see a story so basic. What I WILL say about it is that your decisions do actually matter. Characters will live or die based on your decisions. How that is executed, however, is a different story...
A lot of the characters are very one note, and while I did care about a couple, many of the individual storylines given to these characters is hampered by long gaps where none of them do anything. I was interested in much of the crew, but we barely get to see any. Which speaks also to the whole "all but one can live and all but one can die" thing. They make good on this promise, but the matter of the keeping the characters involved after they are saved...is not handled well. It's unfortunate, since I was impressed with the lengths they were willing to go to make proper consequences with this series. There were many moments that made me regret my decisions, but not nearly enough.
The dialogue is tough to listen to. I know that many insist that this is accurate to the shows universe, but it sounds very stilted to me. Additionally, even when they aren't using the unique curse words of the show, they still talk very generically with each other. No character is truly unique, even the ones I enjoyed.
Overall, not what I was hoping it to be. Telltale can do better.
What We Do in the Shadows: Exit Interview (2023)
Not a Cop Out
I feel like writing this off as a "cop out" devalues the character work that they did with Guillermo here. To be honest, I didn't want this outcome either, but I do like what it means for the character himself.
I think, even though Nandor forgave him, Guillermo still felt the whole thing as dirty. I do think he still wants to be a vampire, and could become one in the future (especially since his relationship with Nandor has gotten closer), but he wants it to happen the right way.
Not to mention that they definitely could've had Guillermo be a vampire for next season. It's not like it would've presented much of a writing challenge. If anything it'd present more opportunities. So making the deliberate choice to for Gizmo to feel human is really to further the relationship between him, Nandor, and the other vampires. We really saw them show different sides of themselves with Guillermo's secret, specifically Lazlo and Nadja. I was impressed with their emotional maturity (somewhat). Great season!
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals (2023)
Improving While Keeping What You Loved
I'm so so happy with Oxenfree II. Oxenfree is my favorite game of all time, but playing this one was able to eclipse it. First of all, the design of the game is just wholly improved. Scenes look more detailed, there's much more atmosphere, conversations continue between locations, interrupted conversations come back later, the climbing mechanics are more involved, there's more little puzzles, etc. They just took the idea of oxenfree and expanded on it in a major way, adding a lot new mechanics to make the game feel much more fresh and, well, more like a game.
The lore is also important to note, as they expand VASTLY on the oxenfree universe. I have a better understanding of how the whole time loop works, and I enjoyed how they played with the ideas they've already used before to make them more interesting. Specifically, while Oxenfree had you going into the past to talk to Michael, Oxenfree II has you go to the future (won't spoil further). The choices you make in those time loops once again does determine what happens later and who you and someone else become as people.
The voice acting is really great. Jacob and Riley are excellent protagonists with really compelling backgrounds. I will say that I enjoyed the cast of oxenfree more than this one (besides Olivia, the teenagers are not extremely detailed characters), but the two main characters more than make up for that in chemistry and intrigue.
Choices matter a lot more in this one, and I enjoy how the utilize the relationships you've built to make certain scenes easier or more difficult based on how well you've been doing. There are consequences for failing sequences in this one, which I was glad to see.
Plus, all your time is filled with lots of Adler notes to find and read and plenty of people to talk to on the walkie. Oxenfree, for its many successes, did contain a lot of dead air, especially since you couldn't leave an area and continue a conversation. 2 definitely makes up for that, giving you lots of optional conversations with their own interesting through lines! I particularly enjoyed Nick and Shelley's stories, though everyone on the walkie is fun to talk to.
Thank you Night school for another beautiful game!
Barry: wow (2023)
(In)Justice
Barry has always been a show that avoids conventional approaches. After the finale, we can safely say they stuck to that technique until the end.
I don't think anyone was expecting a happy ending to this show, even before season 4 came out, but the conclusion we did receive was even more chaotic than I expected. Once again, Barry keeps me on my toes for the better part of an hour and keeps me guessing until the last second.
Although I am obviously disappointed with how things went, I have to think that that's the point. The seedy world of Hollywood has always played a part in this show, and I'm not surprised it's twisted the ending into its favor. I was wonderfully sad- because that's what this show has always done best: tragedy. This is a no spoiler review, so I won't go into specifics, but almost nothing worked out the way I wanted. And I wouldn't have the show gone any other way.
The cinematography is as always top notch and expertly done. Look for symbolism everywhere and you'll probably find it. I'm sad to see it go, as this was one of the tensest and most creatively produced shows I've ever watched. Farewell, Barry! We loved ya!
Dota: Dragon's Blood: The Wind Under the Door (2022)
Big Improvement
I've always felt that this show is just on the precipice of something really great. The animation is of course incredible (I expect nothing less of studio Mir), but the story and characters always lacked a certain spark that would take the series from good to great. So far, this season has plotted things way better than before, and set up for a conflict that is much higher in stakes than many we've seen before.
The characters still need work. I think the story is overall very rushed due to the time constraints that they have per book. I enjoy the characters, I just would like to see more bonding and interactions between them!
However, this season has definitely taken things to the next level in terms of plotting and pacing. I'm very pleased with the premiere, and I hope it's able to continue this quick pace for the rest of the season.
The Quarry (2022)
Honestly- Better Than Until Dawn
I went into "The Quarry" with very high expectations after Until Dawn, and I can safely say that after two playthroughs I am thoroughly satisfied. This game takes the structure of until dawn and improves on it with some notable new features.
First and foremost, as many have said, the acting and dialogue in this game is FAR better. The actors are so natural and have great chemistry, and the writing flows much more smoothly and sounds more like teenagers than ever before. Not only this, but a lot of the characters are actually engaging, and there were none that I COULDNT STAND (like Emily in Until Dawn), so that is a huge plus! Of course, there were a couple weaker ones (Jacob and Nick notably), the cast is still fun around each other and the performances are still top notch.
Besides some small bugs, the game is also really tightly made. The decisions are so far out and branching it's crazy how many paths they were able to create and manipulate. After my first playthrough, I couldn't wait to dive back into the world and find out just what my decisions did. I messed up my first playthrough so bad through some really tiny mistakes, so I'm eager to play this game again and again to see what changes. Great replay value as always!
The soundtrack for this one is also much cooler, including a lot more popular and different genres of music that give it a unique feel. The music definitely helps us identify that these are teenagers as well as the "summer camp" vibe that this is going for.
Overall, I really enjoyed The game. Fantastic story and characters with some really great twists! Not exactly easy to piece together yourself either without any of the clues. Keep it going supermassive!
Young Justice: Death and Rebirth (2022)
The Best Finale This Show Ever Had
Wow. Just incredible. I did not think this show could actually top the penultimate of season 2, but this was an absolutely NUTS finale that had quite literally everything I wanted.
The final fight was so quick-moving but there were so many moments where I actively cheered at my screen. Including, but not limited to: M'Gann going in on literally everyone, Superboy and Superman destroy the Zods, and pretty much every moment the original team was working together. Loved the planning and strategy- really well executed and beautifully animated! I think a new studio did this season and I can only hope they stick around because we haven't gotten this quality since season 1.
Not to mention that this episode also contains some extremely crazy twists. The way Lor was taken out was so good, and I LOVE that his death was always planned from that fourth episode. They answer the question of who's shadow that was extremely well and also killed him in a merciless way. Unfortunately, he will be back. Still, a really nice way to end that storyline and tie it in to the main plot. Thanks Metron btw!
The end also showed some nice villain movement, where now Vandal has access to all the Zods. I really need another season because it seems like the whole show has been building to these arcs (with kid flash and the uncertain future, the importance of superboy, etc.) I'm really excited to see where it goes from here, especially with Darkseid's new super powered team. They even answered the question about where Mary is! Great twist and character writing as well.
The wedding was beautiful. I'm SO glad they didn't interrupt it with anything. That would've been the wrong choice. Things ended positively, but unsurely.
"we won the battle, but not the war"
Hacks: Quid Pro Quo (2022)
This Series Shows Modern Comedies How It's Done
Likeable characters that are also some horrible people. Realistic relationships that are absolutely complicated and filled with paradoxes. Continuous plot and relationship development in every episode. Shocking twists and turns despite UNBEATABLE humor.
This show has always delighted me and made me laugh out loud, but this season seems to be topping it already. After the nailbiting premiere, this episode somehow tops it with all of the separate plots centering on this one email Ava sent. I LOVED all of the storylines with Jimmy. He is absolutely hilarious this episode and you can't help but feel bad for him as he gets nothing he wants. I'm also glad they included Martha Kelly in this fun cast of characters at the agency, as she is just a delight in every scene. The way she talks is humorous on its own.
Lastly, I want to say that the ending was very shocking and I'm curious to see how Ava gets her way out of this. Really interesting development though! Love this show as always! Stylish and so so fun!
Young Justice: Rescue and Search (2022)
The OG Team- Back Together!
Hoooo boy was this episode absolutely packed with information and forward plot motion. Like everyone predicted, this last arc is bringing everything together in a huge way. I love how this season has set up individual parts of plots in separate arcs and connects them to the whole. This episode shows there was just a ton of thought behind the way this season was plotted. And while not every beat might've hit for everyone, I fully believe that this last arc is going to be the icing on the cake.
The best part of this episode is easily seeing the team grow from Nightwing and Zatanna to include the entire team from the end of season one (save for Wally and Conner, of course- I hope M'Gann shows up to fully complete it). I didn't watch this when I was young, but I can imagine people feeling lots of nostalgia from this one. It felt like a season one episode (not a bad thing).
The conflict with Klarion was great. The animation for the nightwing portion went off, but if I had one complaint, I would say that it's a little odd for all these pros to be thrown off in one move each. Besides that small thing though, I think this episode was really fantastic. Not only do the heroes begin to piece things together and form a plan to help, but the villains have some of our heroes completely euchred. I'm excited to see how this arc goes. Pretty high hopes for it. Keep it young justice! This might just be your best season yet!
Ozark: Mud (2022)
Not Poor Writing- The Point is That Money Gets it Done!
People miss the point of this series completely and write it off for the same things they used to love about it. Why is everyone complaining about the timeline here? It really isn't rushed at all. The plots have all been simmering simultaneously and this episode was actually a great tension relieving one, with a lot of plots paying off and combining together before the finale.
First off, the whole point of this show is that they can get through anything with money. Most of the stuff they do in this series is supposed to take much, MUCH longer than it does for them, but they barrel through it all the same because anybody is willing to take the bribe: even a pharmaceutical company or the FBI. Besides, it wasn't exactly easy to convince the Justice to expunge the record. I felt instead that Ruth was smart enough to politically maneuver through the situation.
The thing people used to love about this show has now become something they criticize it for. I feel like people went back and reviewed these episodes poorly AFTER watching the finale and disliking the ending. The plot is rocketing forward here and this episode was extremely tense! Don't believe the haters!
Ozark: A Hard Way to Go (2022)
*something i didn't want to happen happens* - "BAD WRITING!"
You cannot say that this episode was poorly written. Or this season. It's clearly meticulously crafted into the beautiful season that we were delivered. Everything was planned out from the start.
People simply complain because they wanted a happy ending for all. Never been how Ozark operates. You used to all love it for this, now you criticize it?
I loved this season for taking chances in all the right places. They really went for it as a conclusion, forcing Marty and Wendy to bigger breaking points than we've ever seen. The ending line is also fantastic and exemplifies everything the story's about.
People are mad about the car crash fakeout. Actually smart writing, if you think about it, as it sets you up to believe it's the end of the Byrde family, when in reality it's something that brings them closer together. Even Jonah is willing to stand up for them now!
And of course there is some tragedy. Did people seriously expect every main character to survive this? Unfortunate and terribly sad, BUT not poorly written. Just because you didn't like it doesn't mean "the writing is bad" (which is a vague enough criticism already), it means the ending didn't satisfy. And that's fine. But don't try to pretend it isn't your own taste and pawn the blame off on the writers and directors of this show who clearly worked so hard in this finale season.
The acting, cinematography, and writing were all top notch, and I was shocked at how well they managed all of these intricate plot points, eventually connecting them. Plus, this season gave us TWO great new villains: Javi and Carmila. I think Carmila specifically was very subtly terrifying and a great performance.
Ozark bowed out gracefully and made the unpopular choice, like it always has. Don't start criticizing it now.
Young Justice: Leviathan Wakes (2022)
Great and Unexpected Finale
I don't get why everyone is so upset that Mera became Queen. Why is that so bad? I don't think it was a choice just because she's a woman or anything. It just makes sense for the plot. She was part of the prophecy folks! I literally saw that coming from a mile away. To me, it didn't even seem like Aquaman enjoyed being King. He was miserable literally every second of it. And why is three Aquamen ridiculous? There's so many flashes and green lanterns...weird hills to die on honestly.
Anyway, this episode was really fascinating. I love that Vandal's plan actually failed and that the Lords of Order, one of them being his son, personally took offense to this and struck Orm-Arion down. Really cool and grotesque scene there too. I'll say it once again, the animation for this season is killing it!
I like that Khaldur also got his well deserved rest with his boyf. I wish we got more perspective on Wyynde this arc (we only got a little bit in the premiere), but they're so cute together, and I was glad to see him admit the burden that he takes on, as this show never really addressed how he's always been more mature than everyone else on the team, and thus shoulders a huge burden. Great writing about mental healthy as always too!
Young Justice: Nautical Twilight (2022)
Are we really giving this episode low ratings solely for the storyline about Islam?
A little ridiculous to me that this one is being reviewed so harshly considering that I feel Halo is one of the most well written characters in the show. Additionally, people saying it's a waste of time aren't really addressing the fact that it takes up a very small amount of the time during the episode. This is the same way all of the episodes have been structured: with A, B, AND C storylines. Violet's takes up the least amount of time, with Superboy's and Khaldurahm's taking the main stage. And both were quite interesting! I'll admit it wasn't the BEST arc premiere so far (Artemis' still takes the cake with that one), but it was still very solid. Plus, I gotta say, the animation has really stepped itself up a notch! So pretty and well done- glad they were given a good budget. Overall a fun episode that dives deeper into the Atlantis politics, and also gives us a neat new villain.
Euphoria: The Theater and Its Double (2022)
Lexi is indeed a mthrf*ing G!!
I know we were all waiting for Lexi's play to dish everything out in front of the whole school, but I don't think any of us expected the absolute thrill ride that was this episode.
Not only was the show interlaced with extremely real moments, the show itself has some really vindicating moments for some long-standing arcs. Frankly, I loved the humiliation that Nate suffered, but Cassie's look at the end was just *jawdropping*. She looked nearly psychotic. (But of course they both deserve it)
I was at first uncomfortable with Lexi airing out her friends lives for fear that she would say too much, but she was surprisingly tasteful. Rue's life was highlighted with positive moments and the main cast of girls are shown as heroes and friends. Although I still think she should've told them before making it so on-the-nose, but at the very least she only dished it out to those who deserved it.
I have to give a special shout-out to Alexa Demie for this episode. I'm glad they saved the aftermath of the reveal for now, as it was much more emotionally punchy during this moment. Her breaking down and asking when it will end was absolutely gut wrenching, and Alexa absolutely knocked it out of the park.
Fez's storyline is probably about 5 minutes of this episode total, but provides a really tense undercurrent for the whole episode. I'm so nervous for the situation in that house and how it's about to explode. Great tension that has been built all season.
Honestly, some people say season 2 is worse than 1, but I disagree. It's better on every level. It's upped the ante in more ways than one. Thanks Sam!
The Legend of Vox Machina: Whispers at the Ziggurat (2022)
This Series' First Masterpiece
What an episode. Truly a spectacle from start to finish. I honestly cannot believe this episode was 20 minutes long because it felt like an entire movie. Haven't even watched the finale yet, but felt the need to praise this episode immediately.
Of course we have to give kudos to the animators at Amazon Studios for just going absolutely NUTS this episode. Not only were the fights exciting and well choreographed, there were some extremely daring and sweeping shots through them. The 2D blended with the 3D well and creates some spectacular fight scenes that put this show even above many "Invincible" fights for me. Every fight against Sylas, no matter who it was with was a treat. Keyleth showed up like a boss, and the fight between Vax and Vex was not only hard to watch but extremely intricate and complex. Clearly much effort was put into all of these sequences.
Despite that, the story in this episode moves quick as a gun. It doesn't take any time for things to begin, and once they do, it doesn't ever stop. I'm glad we got the backstory for the Briarwoods, because I was able to really feel Delilah's loss here. Not only due to her being a well written character (I also enjoy the reversal of the "typical man does everything to save his wife" trope to an extreme degree), but also Grey Griffin's incredible voice acting. No shockers there. Her death was also so well done- her disappointment in this...orb? I guess? And then- BAM! Out of nowhere. I'm interested to see what the whispered one even is at this point.
They also did wall developing Percy, as I now understand the smoke is clearly some opposite demon. When he struggles against it, that was a very shocking scene. His fight against Cassandra was emotional as well (and beautiful). I'm glad she was able to return to our side (although I'm a big fan of that shot last episode where her name appears on Percy's gun).
And then, when you're out of breath, they threaten to kill Keyleth. OUR SWEET KEYLETH DONT YOU DARE TAKE HER!!
Amazing stuff. Can't wait to watch the finale. If it's even HALF as good as this episode, I'll be wowed. Everyone should watch this, regardless of whether you're familiar with Critical Role!
The Legend of Vox Machina: The Tide of Bone (2022)
From Someone Not Familiar With Critical Role...
This is where the series really nailed itself in for me. Such an excellently paced arc, honestly, as the last three episodes were all fantastic, but this one takes the cake.
I think there was a small pacing issue in the first episodes. It was still fun, but it was missing something integral. This storyline provides that in spades, developing Percy in a really interesting and dark way. When his backstory started, I thought it was a little basic, but after going through all the twists and turns and even learning what the BRIARWOODS past was like, the situation has become delightfully complicated.
I can see moments of DnD adventure-like things in all the episodes, but they've really done a good job of cementing this as a show. Excited to see what is to come.
Cike Wu Liuqi: Fate (2020)
It's a Shame So Few Have Seen This
This episode was, simply put, one of the most incredible pieces of animation I've ever seen. Including some of the top anime, this one can stand among them in terms of beautiful fight scenes and meaningful story development.
I, first of all, of course loved Redtooth's fight against Seven (but, really, against everyone). Such a beautifully choreographed and designed fight, with quick, brutal action and bright, flashy moves. The way it ended was also rather shocking, as I didn't expect Thirteen's storyline with her master to clash in this way.
Another thing to speak of is how this episode sets up well for things to come. Never has the storyline of this show been so focused, and, although I'll miss the quirky island, I believe it'll send this show in a wonderful direction. The show is funny, but whenever it becomes serious, it can hit you hard. Especially after the explosive revelations with Redtooth's connection to the Island Purity Society Lady (BIG shocker by the way), the fight has background and a lot of great emotion behind it.
This season definitely topped the first for me, and I'm eager to see how season 3 takes things from here. WATCH THIS SHOW!!
Dota: Dragon's Blood: My Sword, My Life (2022)
Non-Stop
This episode surprised me. While this isn't my favorite series in the world, I do appreciate this show for the characters, world, and animation. This episode takes all these up a notch. In fact, I'd say this episode almost fits better as a finale than the last finale!
The action is constant and the tension is heightened the entire way through. Great stuff to make Kaden and Bram people we can root for while also keeping Nice development for Fymryn too. Lots of gore and beautiful animation on display. Real powerhouse of an episode!
Cike Wu Liuqi: Thousand Demon Daggers (2018)
A Masterclass in Action and Storytelling
Scissor Seven has always taken great chances with the directions its story takes and the out of this world battles inside it. However, this episode in particular deserves some praise.
Not only is it one of the most beautifully animated episodes I've ever seen, the revelations about seven and his origins are so well done and tease the next season extremely well. I'm now more interested than ever about this mysterious amnesia what happened to his previous personality.
The fight against Prince of Stan is so incredible and I loved that every character we've met so far got to play a part in the final confrontation. It made this little island feel very alive and vibrant.
I can't wait to watch season 2!
Young Justice: Tale of Two Sisters (2021)
Back to (what most would call) Typical YJ
I really enjoyed the last arc, and am saddened to see the resistance towards the more political drama-type storyline. However, I believe that the second arc will probably be more this fandom's style.
Like most YJ episodes, this is just absolutely packed with information. There's so much going on in both the A and B stories that it's clear they're setting up for a pretty action-packed season with the League of Shadows- something I've always wanted to diver deeper into (as a non comic-book reader, those strong hints in "rescue op" (S3E6) had me like "...huh what wait I don't get it"). Now it is starting to make sense: "Damien" is familiar to me- but I'm still curious about the man in the control mask...
Anyhow, this episode makes you ask a lot of questions and the two storylines clashing at the end was just icing on the cake. Great start to the second arc!
Poor clipboard...
Oops it seems that a DC fan was salty that I don't know every piece of information they've ever supplied. I'm new to the fandom, Riddler91...frankly, does it matter? Cool gatekeeping, though!
Young Justice: Involuntary (2021)
People Need to Buck Up or Leave
First off, I'd like to say that this episode had everything. A ticking clock with insane repercussions, a surprising revelation about the king, and poignant social commentary about our world.
And yet, we still have the DC-obsessives complaining about everything. Yes, this season has been less action-packed, but they've traded that in for some much better plot and world building. The dialogue is so much less cringey and conversations contain more interesting topics and ideas exchanged. Just because they aren't beating someone up every five seconds doesn't mean there isn't an interesting story. On the contrary, this allows for a more thoughtful and well-planned tale to unfold.
Many would like to simply dismiss these newer episodes as "woke" and say that they are simply appeasing an agenda. *sigh* People on IMDb always say this whenever a real-life issue is addressed in a show. I've got news for these people: it's not going to stop, so get over it. Art has always mirrored reality and shown us the error in our ways. If you're suddenly tired of that because it's YOUR primal and hateful thoughts that are being targeted, that's fine. Stop watching the show. But don't think anybody is going to stop addressing important issues because it makes YOU uncomfortable. Grow up and realize that you're living in the real world. I love this show and half of its fan base, but a lot of these complete Neanderthals have no idea what good TV is and only want to watch superhero fights that have no implication on the larger story. Go watch a show on the CW if that's your fancy. This show has always addressed hard social issues and tries to evolve so it isn't the same season over and over (which is definitely what all these "the first season was the only good one!" people want).
Great episode. Don't listen to the people who are uncomfortable with change. They'll always be stuck in their ways and unable to enjoy new things. I honestly feel sorry for them. This was a great episode, and one of the best YJ has to offer!
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song: Fluorite Eye's Song (2021)
One Complaint: Give Me More Content
My face is wet. I expected this episode to be action-packed and it ended up being so much better. Hits you right where it hurts and reminds you of how far Vivy has come.
How dare they bring back that little girl- the writers knew what they were doing there.
The ending was emotional and beautiful, and the after credits scene was hopeful. The amazing thing about this show is how it make time almost irrelevant. Episodes take place decades and sometimes centuries apart, but the storytelling is fluid and connects with Vivy's character path really well. And it shows you that, yeah, it might not have worked this time, but Vivy's hope that she passed onto humanity lived on and they were able to try again.
I PRAY this show gets more seasons but I highly doubt given this ending haha- but a man can dream.
Hacks: D'Jewelry (2021)
The WRITING!!
Wow I've loved this show so far for the performances and great jokes but this episode really knocked it put of the park in terms of storytelling and relationship building. The situation between Deborah and DJ is so complex and the way it unfolds from Ava's perspective is just absolutely amazing. Makes for a really enjoyable episodes with quite a few shocking and touching moments. Great show so far! Can't wait for more!
The Legend of Korra: Darkness Falls (2013)
One of the most intense episodes of both series
This episode is just wall-to-wall action, with Korra immediately facing off against Vaatu in an epic battle of good and evil. The choreography is incredibly done in this segment, and Korra really shows that she could beat Vaatu (but Unalaq came back).
Unalaq becoming the dark Avatar had to happen just because why else would they create the concept, but I still found myself gasping when it happened. The sequence was incredible to watch, and the animation and sound are top notch during this part!
The fight against Korra and Unalaq is incredible to watch. Two incredibly power people swirling around each other, launching high level attacks at one another. It's one of the coolest fights of both series.
Bolin and Mako also have some great fighting moments, but lose their matches due to the twins. People blame them for this but how are they supposed to beat THREE MASTER WATERBENDERS?? They held their own against Unalaq until then.
Korra losing the connection of the past avatars is a crazy sequence. I love this choice, as it cements the idea of a new spiritual age by restarting the cycle, and distances Korra from Last Airbender, definitively saying "THIS IS ITS OWN THING". People love to criticize this moment, but also complain that the villains don't make lasting impressions on her (after her bending was returned in season one). You truly can't win with Korra haters.
This is one of the greatest episodes of Avatar, and it's rating is way too low (as for most of book two)!
Blood of Zeus: Past is Prologue (2020)
The Past
A really nice follow up to the first episode. This one contains much less action and focuses instead on Heron's relationship with his father. Lots of great and believable dialogue in this episode with Heron, who is understandably upset with Zeus. This show does a good job of helping you understand both sides, by showing the strife that Heron and his mother go through on a daily basis in this city.
As for the actual backstory, it is quite interesting. It definitely has the feel of an Ancient Greek tale (twins, one of whom is a child of Zeus, the other will rule Corinth). It definitely also sets up a good frame for Heron's inner conflict, never knowing his father but simultaneously owing his own life to him. Good stuff there.
I also enjoyed the mother and her realization that she doesn't deserve to live in squalor. There is definitely a connection between both Heron and his Mom standing up to Zeus. And the end when Heron and Alexia are attacked by a three-headed-demon mutt, well....scared the crap out of me. While not quite as exciting as the opener, still a really good episode!