SPOILER FREE
I don't even know where to begin. Everything was down to perfection. After suffering two mediocre episodes a few weeks ago The Legend of Korra has bounced back in a way not many other shows have done, especially a cartoon.
Let me start with the animation. Studio Mir has proved time and time and time again that they are the best in the animation business. But here, in this episode, they've really taken it to the next level, again. TLOK has always had extremely well done animation with rich textures, colors, and lighting but this was something else entirely. The fight choreography was simply stunning and the cinematography was utterly breathtaking. The fight and combat sequences in these last two episodes are hands down the best in the entire series (yes, including Avatar: The Last Airbender).
And let's not forget about Jeremy Zuckerman's epic and emotional musical score which, this season in particular, has continued to impress enormously, adding so much depth and raw emotion to the characters and the action sequences.
Something TLOK has struggled with since it's conception was having it's own identity. A lot of the times it felt like the show's writers were trying to set it apart from ATLA but ultimately it fell mostly due to harsh criticisms from fans. Season three has solidified TLOK as the most impressive, focused, exciting, emotional, and interesting season in, once again, the entire series.
Now, of course, this all my opinion and my own thoughts but I truly don't think ATLA holds up to this season of Korra. The character arcs and developments were so incredibly well done all around and the story wasn't only the most interesting and thought provoking yet, but the villains were outstanding and expertly written.
Other than a few lackluster episodes (which really weren't bad; it's only when you compare them to the high standard of season three do they fall) I have nothing negative to say about the third season of Korra. It feels weird to say this about a cartoon but I can honestly say with confidence that this is the best season of TV I've seen in 2014.
The ending will (guaranteed) leave you speechless. Your emotions will have been tampered with and your jaw will be left hanging open on multiple occasions. TLOK reaches out into incredibly dark territory this season and it's a wonder how in remains with a Y7 rating. This isn't a "kids only" show and it never was.
Congratulations to The Legend of Korra team for creating one of the best seasons of television I've ever seen.
Season 4!! Please come quick!!