When the news first broke that a new Avatar: The Last Airbender television series would be airing, I didn’t know what to think besides to be skeptical. So that’s what I did. I sat quietly in my corner, thinking it over while crying over Shyamalan’s detestable piece of garbage he gave us two years ago. Honestly, it’s still hard to get over and makes me even more mad the more I think of it. But Nickelodeon began releasing photos and short videos of the world we get to see now, with this next installment. Cities with bridges and cars began to be shown, creatures like a Polar Bear Dog gave hints of new animals and species, and most importantly Korra was viewed. The new female Avatar that would be the heroine of the show was dressed in blue clothing, showing she was of the Water-tribe. Everything has changed, and this is not the Avatar: The Last Airbender we have seen before. However, that makes it all the better.

It’s 70 years after Aang had defeated the Fire Lord. A new 17-year-old Avatar is born and she is hot-headed and ready to fight, her name is Korra (Janet Varney) She lives in the Southern Water Tribe along with Aang’s widow, Katara. Korra, this time around, knows and has mastered all of the elements except airbending. Katara proposes that Korra work with her and Aang’s son, Tenzin (J.K. Simmons). He is the only airbender of Aang and Katara’s three sons and Korra’s only hope to learn air bending so that she can complete her Avatar training. When learning that Tenzin must go back to his home near Republic City, he tells Korra not to come with. Disobeying Tenzin and with Katara’s permission, Korra leaves to Republic City in search for her airbending trainer and her new home. What she finds is: a metropolis of benders and non-benders, metal bending police forces, and a sport called pro-bending.

What these first two episodes do perfectly is, show the audience the new world of this show. Avatar: The Last Airbender was almost like the Civil War era. This time it is set in a 1930’s vibe. Cars show the same resemblance toward those of that time. Republic City has skyscrapers and bridges. But what stands out most is the music. Once Korra starts mayhem in Republic City, they throw on an electric- jazz soundtrack that fits the environment so perfectly, it becomes a song you immediately want to own. It shapes the way the world is viewed, how it moves, and the time-period it is being shown in. This world isn’t supposed to be sci-fi, but because we are used to seeing the world of the last series, this feels like a sci-fi show and it doesn’t stray away from the humor, "epicness," or the beauty. Because we feel like we are home again. This is where we have wanted to be since July 19, 2008

All the crying goes away. All of the anticipation builds up and delivers. Every joke lands and hits it’s mark. The action is top-notch and better than ever. While, all the characters are incredibly likeable and you fall in love with this 17-year-old Avatar, as much as you did with Aang the first time. This isn’t just re-invented for a new series. It is a continuation of the show we so dearly loved in the first place. We see Aang’s spirit within Korra even if they are not the same person. This show has come out and surprised me with everything it had. The story is not all clear yet, but that doesn’t matter. I feel home again in this world. It is as if when The Hobbit is released and if it is as good or better than The Lord of the Rings, we will all feel home again in that world.

This show is going to fill everyone’s soul as much as the first series did. While, break some other hearts by how much they get right. If I gave this rating any lower than Better Than Sex, I would be a liar. I cannot wait for the rest of the show to air so that we can continue this marvelous journey with this incredible new hero, Korra. Every reference to Toph, Zuko, and Sokka are nice and make you smile and everything comes together into what I hope to be one of the next best shows on television. But, I mean, if I can't sell you on the fact that there is a Polar Bear Dog in this series, you are a heart-less being.

See ya all on the other side,

Whiff