Avatar: The Legend Of Korra - Part 1

[sandwraith]

I don't believe multi-bending is possible but I do believe that a keen student of the Bending arts is capable of adapting core principles of other types of Bending into their own natural element to create new techniques such as Iroh's Lightning redirection that he learned from watching Waterbenders (where or when he had the time to do so is an interesting sidestory) or even Piandao's swordfighting which according to some material, he developed by watching Benders.

This of course begs the question of how Mako was able to redirect lightning or electricity. I chalk that up to the core principles of Pro-Bending which is the Avatarverse's answer to MMA. MMA which you may or may not know has roots in Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee's concept ("concept" often being mistaken as a "style" or "discipline") which espouses that a fighter should incorporate all aspects and techniques from different disciplines to compliment the fighter's own natural strengths and make up for the fighter's inherent weaknesses. That's how I would explain how Mako could redirect lightning/electricity, a firm understanding of other fighting arts.

 

[Midnight Black]

In LoK. I am way more interested in the humor and the main conflict as opposed to who ends up shacking up with who.

As far as 'multi-bending' sure I guess its 'possible'. Maybe it even crossed the minds of the creators, but then there would be no point in having a show about an Avatar if any average shmuck bender could bend more than one element. So I definitely don't think there is any chance of that ever becoming a reality.

I am hoping Iroh has a role to play in Season 2. I would love to get some more FN tidbits from the last 70 years in the show. Maybe then he could eventually tell the tale of Zuko's mom (if Zuko doesn't show up). I just hope if they do, they don't do the stupid 'cut it short' like they did in the first episode. I was pissed when that happened haha.

Yeah, the humor is there, not as funny as TLA, but it's there. The romance aspect of the show makes sense though because they are teenagers, and that's what teens go through.

Yeah, I pretty much stated that 'multi-bending' is unlikely though interesting given everything you stated lol.

What do you mean by "'cut it short' like they did in the first episode?"

I don't believe multi-bending is possible but I do believe that a keen student of the Bending arts is capable of adapting core principles of other types of Bending into their own natural element to create new techniques such as Iroh's Lightning redirection that he learned from watching Waterbenders (where or when he had the time to do so is an interesting sidestory) or even Piandao's swordfighting which according to some material, he developed by watching Benders.

This of course begs the question of how Mako was able to redirect lightning or electricity. I chalk that up to the core principles of Pro-Bending which is the Avatarverse's answer to MMA. MMA which you may or may not know has roots in Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee's concept ("concept" often being mistaken as a "style" or "discipline") which espouses that a fighter should incorporate all aspects and techniques from different disciplines to compliment the fighter's own natural strengths and make up for the fighter's inherent weaknesses. That's how I would explain how Mako could redirect lightning/electricity, a firm understanding of other fighting arts.

Iroh was well in his 60s possibly 70s so I think he had plenty of time to learn and incorporate the different bending styles into fire bending.

As far as Mako being able to redirect lightning I don't think it is that complex. I think the writers are just taking liberties with him seeing as how he has been shown to bend/direct lightning and they know we as the audience are familiar with lightning bending and all that can be done with it; therefore, they are just 'giving' him all the attributes that come with lightning bending. I love MMA, but I wouldn't necessarily compare pro-bending to MMA. I think the sport is more along the lines of competitive dodge ball/volleyball/street hockey and all other sports that consist of a ball. I don't think pro-bending has displayed that the benders have incorporated other aspects of bending into their own or that it has shown anything to indicate such. However, I would agree his exposure to the other styles has given him insight on how to be a better fighter and capitalize on his weaknesses. Also, I like your analysis of MMA & Jeet Kune Do in the world of bending, as I'm a huge huge fan of MMA and Bruce, but I don't think the writers/creators thought that in depth.

 

[Midnight Black]

One suggestion I would make is that instead of calling Zuko's son or grandson General Iroh, would have been to name him Admiral Iroh. Reason being the Fire Nation or now United Forces seems to be heavily warship/fleet based, and I think this could lessen the confusion of the two rather than saying young Iroh vs. old Iroh.

Additionally, we've seen that the Fire Nation has already used both military recognitions for their highest ranking titles on land and sea, so I think Admiral Iroh would have been a more appropriate title.

Thoughts?

 

[Thundercrack85]

Perhaps, but he could just be an army leader stationed on a fleet (who disembarks with his army when they get to land). I think they just wanted to use the original's title. Though it's not like we wouldn't get the reference to Iroh...

 

[Midnight Black]

Yeah, that may be true. But I think naming him Admiral Iroh people would still get the reference, and would also allow for a slight distinction between the two. Not everything has to be the exact same, naming him Iroh is enough lol.

 

[Thundercrack85]

We'll have to wait and see.

My first thought was, oh he must be related to Zuko. Followed by... doesn't he look a bit young to be a general? But hey, that's what nepotism is for.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Yeah, that may be true. But I think naming him Admiral Iroh people would still get the reference, and would also allow for a slight distinction between the two. Not everything has to be the exact same, naming him Iroh is enough lol.

Calling him Admiral Iroh makes me think of Admiral Zhao though.

 

[Midnight Black]

We'll have to wait and see.

My first thought was, oh he must be related to Zuko. Followed by... doesn't he look a bit young to be a general? But hey, that's what nepotism is for.

Lol, nepotism is better than being exiled. So you're first thought was "oh he must be related to Zuko." lol? Yeah, I guess there were a few clues lol.

 

[Tanin]

This is why I love Nick:
http://www.nick.com/pictures/legend-of-korra/korra-who-is-amon-flipbook.html

A list of suspects for Amon:
Tarrlok
Hiroshi Sato
Lin Beifong
Triple Threat Triad Thug 2
Republic City Civilian
Pema
Yakone
Fire Lord Ozai
Pabu
Aang

And they give reasons why it could be each!

 

[Thundercrack85]

Well between the voice and name. He's presumably Zuko's grandson. Or son... if he had kids really late.

Or he's Azula's son. Now that would be unexpected.

 

[Midnight Black]

Calling him Admiral Iroh makes me think of Admiral Zhao though.

See I was thinking the same thing at first because he was the only other Admiral I remember, but I think having a General Iroh and a Admiral Iroh just gives a distinction and allows for a different military experience possibly. Plus, it gives us another admiral we can view as positive and a success other than the failed Zhao lol.

 

[Tanin]

Well between the voice and name. He's presumably Zuko's grandson. Or son... if he had kids really late.

Or he's Azula's son. Now that would be unexpected.

He is confirmed by the creators as Zuko's Grandson.

 

[sandwraith]

About Iroh (I)'s rank, I found it very odd most people called him "General" when he was still essentially "Prince" Iroh even after Ozai usurped him of the throne.

Here's one thing I never really understood about the Iroh/Ozai dynamic. Ozai seemed to hate Iroh and Iroh never quite seemed bothered by his younger brother but when Ozai ascended the throne, he never tried to off Iroh seeing as his older brother was still a legitimate heir to the throne. Fear? Respect? Slipped his mind?

...In hindsight that was a very Game of Thrones type post.

 

[Midnight Black]

This is why I love Nick:
http://www.nick.com/pictures/legend-of-korra/korra-who-is-amon-flipbook.html

A list of suspects for Amon:
Tarrlok
Hiroshi Sato
Lin Beifong
Triple Threat Triad Thug 2
Republic City Civilian
Pema
Yakone
Fire Lord Ozai
Pabu
Aang

And they give reasons why it could be each!

Just clicked the link, yeah the nick site is pretty funny. Pabu though lol? Everyone is a suspect.

Well between the voice and name. He's presumably Zuko's grandson. Or son... if he had kids really late.

Or he's Azula's son. Now that would be unexpected.

Yeah he could be his son seeing as how Azulon had Ozai relatively later than Iroh. I wonder why Iroh did not get a 'z' in his name? Maybe the creators first thought Izoh, Zroh, or Irohz, but Iroh sounded a lot better.

 

[Tanin]

About Iroh (I)'s rank, I found it very odd most people called him "General" when he was still essentially "Prince" Iroh even after Ozai usurped him of the throne.

Here's one thing I never really understood about the Iroh/Ozai dynamic. Ozai seemed to hate Iroh and Iroh never quite seemed bothered by his younger brother but when Ozai ascended the throne, he never tried to off Iroh seeing as his older brother was still a legitimate heir to the throne. Fear? Respect? Slipped his mind?

...In hindsight that was a very Game of Thrones type post.

I'm assuming it's for the same reason he stated in the last episode. He knew it was the Avatar's destiny to take care of Ozai and if he killed his brother it would just be seen as more needless bloodshed.

 

[carrrnuttt]

Re: In regards to Iroh as "Admiral."

Well, if it is a truly united force, then they have waterbenders. You'd think their navy would be running using them, while firebenders are infantry.

 

[Thundercrack85]

I'm guessing grandson, but it could be his son.

Iroh was fairly devastated by the loss of his son. They made that very clear.

I can't remember him and his brother ever interacting though. Which is kind of strange. Though it is hard to imagine, really. Iroh probably changed quite a bit though. Can't imagine Azulon raising someone like Iroh.

 

[sandwraith]

I'm assuming it's for the same reason he stated in the last episode. He knew it was the Avatar's destiny to take care of Ozai and if he killed his brother it would just be seen as more needless bloodshed.

I can believe that Iroh would have that kind of sensibility. But Ozai? Nah, that guy was a power-hungry militarist with a God complex. If I were to guess, he probably enjoyed having his more accomplished older brother needing to kowtow to his usurping ass.

 

[Midnight Black]

Yeah, being Azula's son would be really creepy. Who would want to get with her crazy a**. Wonder what happened to her...probably rotted away in some crazy prison. Although that would be interesting.

Theory: What if Ozai escaped, freed his daughter from a mental prison, and she vowed to find out how he lost his bending. She has a son somehow and he takes on the mantle of learning how bending can be taken away by tracking down the lion turtle and either threatening to kill it or convincing it that benders need to be abolished because they have distorted the balance of nature by building republic city and ushering in the industrial revolution. After the lion turtle is convinced of the devastation to nature by witnessing deforestation, smog, etc. He teaches Azula's son energy bending...and that son become Amon.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Makes more sense to me than some of the other theories...

I wouldn't count Azula out though. She was fairly young at the end of Avatar. She could have gotten better (or worse). She could still be alive, really (considering her older brother is).

 

[sandwraith]

If there is one story from the Avatar universe I REALLY want to made into either a comic or a Direct-to-DVD feature, its what I tend to call in my mind's eye "The Last Charge of Prince Lu Ten" where we see a more ruthless but jovial Iroh in his prime and Ba Sing Se's defenders taking on the Dragon of the West and son. Of course the story needs to end with Lu Ten dying and Iroh heading to the Spirit World...

 

[sandwraith]

Makes more sense to me than some of the other theories...

I wouldn't count Azula out though. She was fairly young at the end of Avatar. She could have gotten better (or worse). She could still be alive, really (considering her older brother is).

Wouldn't rule it out. Azula was a joy to watch in the previous series. It'd be cool to see her in some form in LoK.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Wouldn't rule it out. Azula was a joy to watch in the previous series. It'd be cool to see her in some form in LoK.

Would be funny if she turned out to be Korra's firebender master. Lady may be insane, but she can firebend with the best of them.

 

[sandwraith]

Would be funny if she turned out to be Korra's firebender master. Lady may be insane, but she can firebend with the best of them.

Korra' Firebending teacher was this old dude at the beginning of the series. He had more of a Jeong Jeong type of demeanor and I think even he had issues with Korra's impulsiveness.

In fact...the only person who didn't seem to have a problem with Korra was...Katara?!

 

[Midnight Black]

He is confirmed by the creators as Zuko's Grandson.

Tanin, where are you getting this insider information lol.

About Iroh (I)'s rank, I found it very odd most people called him "General" when he was still essentially "Prince" Iroh even after Ozai usurped him of the throne.

Here's one thing I never really understood about the Iroh/Ozai dynamic. Ozai seemed to hate Iroh and Iroh never quite seemed bothered by his younger brother but when Ozai ascended the throne, he never tried to off Iroh seeing as his older brother was still a legitimate heir to the throne. Fear? Respect? Slipped his mind?

...In hindsight that was a very Game of Thrones type post.

I assume they called him General because 1) It was the highest military post that could be earned and since he earned the respect and as a revered warrior it was seen as carrying more respect than the inherited "Prince" title. Just spitballing here. 2) Since he was older calling him Prince probably seemed a little juvenile and was reserved more commonly used for younger royals. I forget did they ever refer to Ozai as Prince Ozai in the few flashbacks?

Re: In regards to Iroh as "Admiral."

Well, if it is a truly united force, then they have waterbenders. You'd think their navy would be running them, while firebenders are infantry.

Not necessarily...I'm sure there are plenty of waterbending sailors, but to have fire benders as strictly infantry would less the strength of ground forces IMO.

Perhaps in Avatar world the military branches are all under one so Admirals are under General. Only time will tell.

I can believe that Iroh would have that kind of sensibility. But Ozai? Nah, that guy was a power-hungry militarist with a God complex. If I were to guess, he probably enjoyed having his more accomplished older brother needing to kowtow to his usurping ass.

Iroh IMO was always more passionate and sympathetic than his brother and father. He was a member of the white lotus, keep in mind, and respected the avatar other benders and balance, but his loyalty was to his fire nation and family. I use to question how he and the other fire bending master could be members of the white lotus and be members of the fire nation, especially since Iroh tried to take Bah Sing Se. However, the other old masters probably respected his allegiance to his family, father, and nation, but Iroh probably made a pact with them that he would not kill without cause and would limit casualties as possible. I can definitely see him making that promise.

Also, there is like a 15-20 year gap in between Ozai and Iroh, so Iroh probably just viewed him as little brother though they did not spend a great deal of time together because Iroh was off in the military while Ozai was still in grade school.

Makes more sense to me than some of the other theories...

I wouldn't count Azula out though. She was fairly young at the end of Avatar. She could have gotten better (or worse). She could still be alive, really (considering her older brother is).

I thought Zuko was younger than Azula?

If there is one story from the Avatar universe I REALLY want to made into either a comic or a Direct-to-DVD feature, its what I tend to call in my mind's eye "The Last Charge of Prince Lu Ten" where we see a more ruthless but jovial Iroh in his prime and Ba Sing Se's defenders taking on the Dragon of the West and son. Of course the story needs to end with Lu Ten dying and Iroh heading to the Spirit World...

I agree I always wanted them to make that story a special on the DVDs or maybe a two hour special or something on Nick. Iroh was such a rich character that so much could be expanded on him alone. Heck, there were a lot of sub-stories that could be shown from that series.