The Legend of Korra (TV Series) Venom of the Red Lotus (2014) User Reviews

Completely speechless...

[jonruff108 · 10/10 · 6 September 2014]

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!!

No other animation series is going to match this!

[hhectoup-781-426644 · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

This chapter (along with "Enter the void") represents the pinnacle the entire Avatar Universe!, the way the story develops is just masterful; from season 2 I loved the fighting scenes from beginning to end, but THIS entire season and the two final episodes elevates all the series way above anyone's expectations.

The sublime and yet amazing evolution for the characters, the villains and the story was priceless, and the result is the very best season finale ever, Mako and Bolin were fantastic, Lin and Suyin...just Epic, the development of the chapters is filled with action,battles, drama and emotion to no end... the mottoes of each side -Avatar team and Red Lotus are convincing and believable, order vs new order, etc... just woah!.

I'm so much waiting season 4 with the highest expectations ever, I just know they won't disappoint me <3

Best finale and best season in the history of Avatar

[mrosser · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

I know that's pretty bold thing to say, but it is so true. This has been the best season of Avatar ever, and the finale was the icing on the cake. None of us knew how good the show would become after the disappointment of Book 2, but man did it bounce back. The good stuff began at episode 10 and just continued to get better until we reached this episode. I had absolutely no idea where it was going to go and was extremely happy with the end results. The final battle was the best fight I have ever seen in the history of animation. It was freaking amazing. I literally have no complaints about this finale at all, not even this season. It was an absolutely amazing finale for an unforgettable season. Bring on the final season.

Unprecedented!

[Shmaden · 10/10 · 26 December 2018]

This review is going to touch both this episode and the previous one because both these two are some of the finest anime pieces I've ever seen. These last 6 episodes of this season have lifted season 3 to the point where it was just as good as the first season and this episode was easily the best episode of Avatar ever put to screen.

I'll touch some points in this review mainly with character development, villains and story. Character: This show just showed through these 3 seasons how characters in an anime can develop and change for the good. Even Asami who was a pretty useless character in book 2 became such a devoted soldier that just reminded me of Juliet from LOST. Korra has developed tremendously from book 1. Not to say about the rest, Tenzin who I thought was going to die in episode 11 has become such a faithful friend, master and helper of Korra, then Mako and Bolin, especially Bolin who's story this season was that he could bend something more but he never could bend metal. And the fact at the end that he could bend lava was just how subverting expectations should be about (take lesson from that Star Wars!). Mako hasn't developed too much through book 3 as he did through book 2 but he had something to do just as important as anyone else, and by the way everyone played some role in this season. Villain: I can honestly say that Zaheer was one of the best villains ever in anime and one of the best in television period! Hi s motives were so transparent and understandable but his ways were the ones that made him evil and worth rooting against. And the way he developed flying was extremely logic and I loved the fact that they teased this since the beginning of the season and the way it was executed in the penultimate episode was fantastic! The story: And this is what makes LoK for me miles ahead of AtLA (say whatever you want) is that throughout this season there were pieces and hints that all came full circle at the end like Bolin metal bending and Zaheer flying. The story was so good planned and although it was a little slow at the beginning these last 6 episode elevated this season to heights that no other Avatar season or series ever reached and probably won't ever.

Just like some reviewers here I am going to say also that no other anime is going to match what has been done in this season season 1 and the second half of the second season. This show has reached some heights that I don't know if they're ever going to be reached yet alone surpassed. Absolutely fantastic! 10/10

This episode of the finale blew my expectations out of the water!

[georgerkao-88-551176 · 10/10 · 23 August 2014]

After a beautiful season of Book 2, it would only be natural to ask yourself how the creators are going to top that. How much more could they possibly put Korra through? Little did we know we're in for a harrowing battle against a new world threat known as the Red Lotus. From the beginning of season 3 building up to the finale, it appears as if Korra cannot escape the seemingly unsurmountable odds against the most dangerous bending criminals in the world. But as spectators, we continue to put our faith in the Avatar's ability to persevere beyond her innate brute strength.

"Venom of the Red Lotus" showcases the antagonists' adamant conviction and they would sacrifice ANYTHING in order to achieve their ultimate agenda. To those who are not catching up on Book 3 seriously are missing out! This episode contains so many shocking moments, heart stopping action, and constant emotional exhaustion. This may be the BEST finale the Avatar franchise ever produced. Looking forward to Book 4.

MIND BLOWN!!!!!

[paulchristechgod · 10/10 · 10 December 2019]

This is the reason I've invested my time on this franchise, because of episodes like this.Cant say much but I am very amazed by this show and it's simply the best animation franchise of all time.

Easily the best animated series ever made!

[a-james-softwares · 10/10 · 24 August 2014]

I didn't expect such an excellent finale for Legend of Korra Book 3. We can say, Story wise, Animation wise this is easily the best animated series ever made. No one can predict the plan of the red lotus, before watching the episodes. The suspense is really good. They revealed the secret in a shocking and surprising way. The finale episodes enter the void and venom of the red lotus, is filled with lot of exciting, emotional, extraordinary movements people should not miss. The action sequences are really mind blowing. Studio Mir really pushed 2D animation beyond its limits. I enjoyed this episode very much. I recommend everyone to watch this series. This is a Must see!

Puts LOK Above and BEYOND ATLA!!!

[tiktokitsaclock · 10/10 · 23 August 2014]

By FAR, this was the best written and executed season of all Avatar seasons INCLUDING The Last Airbender Series. The story comes to a comes to a close at the Northern Air-temple where the heated tension is snapped loose. The much anticipated finale was full of excitement and twists. There wasn't a second where I wasn't "Ooo"-ing or "Ahh"-ing. I cried. I laughed. I shared every emotion that the characters felt. I understood the members of The Red Lotus, they were/are such great antagonists who fight for what they feel is right. This season/finale has launched The Legend of Korra above The Last Airbendr for me. Book one was great, book two was washed out by too much romance, Book 3 was SPECTACULAR. It blew me away. I couldn't have asked for anything better in a Season or Finale. I expect Book 4 to be even greater. The Bar has been set and the only way left for the show to go is UP!

OMG! You can't beat this episode!

[jack-43362 · 10/10 · 17 February 2018]

The series so far has been amazing! Better than all of LOK so far! Season 4 has a difficult job ahead of them i don't know how they can beat this season! The animation as always it brilliant but what made it even better was them actually poisoning the avatar! So mature! Really is the Game of Thrones for kids!

Best episode of the show. I never thought LoK would be as good as ATLA, but I guess I was wrong.

[lasernatoo · 10/10 · 3 December 2020]

I'll use this review to clear up some confusion that I saw in another review of this episode. Zaheer was shown being able to fly because he had let go of all earthly tethers, triggered by the death of P'Li. It seems like it's a plot hole that he can do this when he still wants to capture Korra, but I think that this has more to do with Zaheer truly wishing for a better future for the world, and has nothing to do with his own more personal tethers like P'Li. This is the kind of villain I really like; someone who really truly believes in what they're doing instead of just being evil for the sake of it. And that's why even though Zaheer isn't my personal favorite villain of the franchise (that's Azula, and Zaheer's in second place), he's definitely the best villain.

Damn good episode

[jbwilliams-80682 · 10/10 · 22 August 2022]

The parallels between this season finale and the series finale of the original series alone make it worth it. This episode shows why this series is so highly rated.

Waste of antagonist

[bekemgoeceri · 7/10 · 20 January 2021]

I'm trying to be as honest as I can.

I want to put the main focus on the cons of this finale episode of season three, because I surely appreciate how superb and splendid this show is, but i was a bit disappointed.

Nevertheless, the fighting scenes are incredible and absolutely captivating. It became very emotional at the end and I was surprised that Jinora shaved her head. Seems kinda radical to me. Also how the venom injures Korra temporarily is a good consequence and makes her more vulnerable. I like that roughness.

BUT Heres are the reasons why I was disappointed: Zaheer was made fun of. I think since Amon, LOK hasn't had a worthy antagonist which encounters Korra. Until this episode it was crystal clear to me that Zaheer would be a worthy antagonist. But no, he wasn't treated with respect by the show-runners. Additionally, the other three members of the red lotus were easily defeated. Moreover there is one Deus Ex Machina with Mako that hasn't had to be. Hopefully, season four will be better considering this unfortunate weakness.

Despite this rather weaker episode for me, season three was nevertheless awesome and I truly enjoyed it!

Worst episode of the show

[allan-14931 · 2/10 · 6 January 2021]

No story. Just mindless action constantly inventing new powers and rules and forgetting old rules and powers in the process. All spectacle.

Amazing

[hindmanjoshua · 10/10 · 26 August 2022]

Truly awesome episode. The fight between Zahear and Korra is especially awesome. The animation is on par with AOT or Demon Slayer. The ending was very sad almost made me she'd a tear.

The Pinnacle of Western Animation

[FruitsPunchSamurai2323 · 10/10 · 6 June 2021]

I'll admit that when Korra started I wasn't the biggest fan/ Season 1 was just alright and Season 2 was lowkey bad; but Season 3 has done an amazing job at redeeming the series. Especially with this very episode which I argue might be the single greatest episode out of either Avatar and Korra; and perhaps in all of Western animation. The animation was beautiful, the music was also amazing and amplified the impact of every scene, the voice acting was on point, the action scenes were stunning and amazingly written. The suprisingly dark tone which pushed the boundries of what can be done in a kids show, but did so tactfully in a way which made all the emotions the characters feel even more believable, to the point this show nearly had me tearing up. The amazing character development, where you see every bit of development these characters went through culminate brilliantly in this very episode. But one of my favorite parts without giving anything was how nuanced the ending was. It shows the regardless of which way this conflict goes, all the events we have witnessed have changed the characters and world indefintely with no going back; yet another example of this show skillfully using dark themes in a way that benefits the story.

Overall, a flawless episode of television which was unlike anything I've seen from this show, and I'm so excited to see how things turn out in the final season.

Perfect 10/10.

A nitpick...

[godzilla77 · 9/10 · 18 October 2018]

If Zaheer can only fly if he's abandoned all worldly desires (hey, hey, nirvana), how can he still fly if he wants to kill the avatar and possibly create a utopia of free nationless societies? Sounds pretty damned worldly to me. I don't think this flying works quute the way he thinks it does. But it's sure working. Otherwise... stunning season three finale.

Incredible (overall season 8/10)

[sevskirita · 9/10 · 10 January 2022]

Initially, the concept of this season seemed like a desperate attempt to get back to the original Avatar show's feelings. But this season brought it home.

The overall concept of rebuilding the air nation became more and more well fleshed our, and the Red Lotus was a welcome addition.

This particular episode did nearly perfect in culminating the arcs of the new air nation, Janora's mastery, and Korra's strength. The episodes and especially finale were gripping, and it felt impactful and like it had a lot of stakes when Korra was nearly killed and crippled.

Korea felt strong in the avatar state, Zahir threatening and mysterious, and Janora's Tatoo ritual awesome and emotional. I hope this energy is expanded on in the last season.