Legend of Korra Finale and same sex relationships in published media

“However, we still operated under this notion, another “unwritten rule,” that we would not be allowed to depict that in our show. So we alluded to it throughout the second half of the series, working in the idea that their trajectory could be heading towards a romance.
But as we got close to finishing the finale, the thought struck me: How do I know we can’t openly depict that? No one ever explicitly said so. It was just another assumption based on a paradigm that marginalizes non-heterosexual people. If we want to see that paradigm evolve, we need to take a stand against it.”

Bryan Konietzko, Co-creator of Avatar and Korra.

Book 4 and the televised universe of avatar were brought to a close late in December with a climatic and slightly formulaic double episode. Kuvira had a giant robot threatening to flatten republic city (although, like in Man of Steel Korra fell a bit short of saving it). But Kuvira wasnt really what the final episodes, or even book 4, was about. Kuvira always felt like a less compelling villain than Unalaq, Zaheer and Amon to me and she definately didnt receive much screen time or insights into her personal life. But as I alluded to above, Book 4, unlike its predecessors wasnt about Korras struggle with the main antagonist.

In many ways it is Korras PTSD that is her main adversary in book 4, and her battle with it plays a much larger part of the story arc. Additionally, book 4 deals preferentially with closing up loose ends of the Avatar worlds; such as disclosing Tophs whereabouts, securing cameos from some of the more obscure recurring characters and the half dreaded slightly rushed establishing of partners. Bryan and Mike stated in season 2 that following Mako and Korras break up, they were done with romances in avatar. Mostly, perhaps due to slight subconscious chauvenism, I always assumed Korra would end up with Mako. Or maybe it has just become so expected in childrens movies that we see the cartoon format and dont question the romantic outcomes: heroine ends up with handsome broody one, role credits. Until the last 5 minutes of the last episode, I was pretty sure that was how it was going to go down. But as Im sure anyone whos reading this knows by now, it didnt. Korra and Asami went on a holiday alone into the spirit world holding hands and gazing into each others eyes. Fantastic ending, I cant think of a more suitable way to end the series. Korra being alone would be a bit depressing, Mako a bit cliche and there arent any other single characters with whom she had a close acquaintance. Bryan eloquently describes his romance conundrum in a blog:

“It was probably around that time that I came across this quote from Hayao Miyazaki:

“I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live – if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.”

I agree with him wholeheartedly, especially since the majority of the examples in media portray a female character that is little more than a trophy to be won by the male lead for his derring-do. So Mako and Korra break the typical pattern and end up respecting, admiring, and inspiring each other. That is a resolution I am proud of.”

The most interesting part for me about Korra and Asami’s surprise romance was firstly the way it was depicted (as opposed to heterosexual relationships on childrens networks) and secondly the reactions I observed. Nickelodeon, to its credit, was supportive of B&M when they pitched the lesbian ending but, less to its credit, imposed some quite strict limits on what could be ‘broadcasted’ (remember Nickelodeon took Korra off air due to anticipated controversy). Bryan, presumably through wariness of lawsuits and hopefully willingness to pick up Avatar again in some form, neglected to mention the Homosexual parameters imposed upon him. I think the impositions can best be extrapolated from what wasnt seen. Neither of them explicitly stated their affections toward each other, and the spirit light whited out the screen before they could (presumably) share a kiss. These two things are used in countless depictions of heterosexuality in childrens media and Nickelodeon seem to be pretty spineless in the face of adversity and potential criticism.

Watching the publics reaction evolve over the first 24 or even 48 hours was almost as good as watching the finale. The romantic relationship was reasonably obvious if not explicitly stated by a character but some people, (presumably) due to their disposition on homosexuality managed to convince themselves ‘Korra and Asami are just really good friends’. Both Mike and Bryan had to write essays on their blog confirming ‘Korrasami’ as canon. Remarkably some people still wouldnt beleive that, claiming their blogs were fake or hacked. By now everyone accepts that it is the creators design for Korra and Asami to be in a romantic relationship. And while there is a bit of homophobic trash being circulated on various comment sections, generally the Avatar Fandom has accepted it brilliantly. I almost felt sorry for Christian Post who have been loyally giving coverage of every single episode since the Prequel series in 2006 and abruptly stopped at the finale.

Korra and Asami started (among fans anyway) as one of those rubbish ‘Shipping war entries’ where two unassociated and/or vastly different characters are put in fanon primarily for attention, like Korra-Amon or Opal-Lieutenant. I think after Mako their friendship blossomed and evolved in such an natural and genuine way, that in hindsight I cant imagine a better ending. Korrasami is a victory for same sex advocacy, because of its way of normalising it towards young (and plenty of old) viewers. Despite the limitations imposed by a TV network I really approve of the way it was portrayed. Lesbians (and to a lesser extent gay men) are defined by their sexual lives much more than heterosexuals are. Implicitly, this states that there arent any genuine feelings of attachment or affection which Im sure isnt often the case. As a by product of the porn industry, lesbian relationships are portrayed hypersexually in the media even when they are meant to be depicted in an approving way. It felt like a big win when Korra and Asami just held hands.

‘Enemy at the Gates’ Legend of Korra Book 4 review

Korra tries to fix things in a boring, diplomatic way

Korra is finally back in action and Zaofu is her first port of call. She finds Kuviras army amassed out the front and fears the worst, however no invasion has formally begun. Tensions run high at the diplomatic attempts as we find out that Kuvira was Suyins protege who offered to bring order to Ba Sing Se when Suyin declined Raikos plea. Meanwhile Varrick accidentally creates a super-weapon out of spirit vines, and when he tries to close down the project on account of his recently discovered conscience, Kuvira threatens him and forces him to continue. Clueless and naive Bolin finally catches on to some of Kuviras dodgy practices and helps Varrick and Zhu li escape. Once recaptured Zhu Li shocks everyone and pledges allegiance to Kuvira, siting her mistreatment by Varrick as the reason. Bolin is sent to a ‘re-education camp’. In the final moments of the episode a shocked Korra discovers Suyin and her to beefy sons have gone out to assasinate Kuvira.

The first issue of contention is whether or not Zhu Li has legitimately joined Kuviras cause. If she is legitimately betraying Varrick, that is completely understandable. On the other hand I think its a fairly predictable plot twist that shes going to use her position of trust to help save Varrick. Im also interested to see what the re-education camps end up being like. Like the Dai Li Lake Laogai or more Fire Nation prison?

This episode was good although book 4 has been off to a slow start, and for not the first time I cant help but thinking and hoping maybe next week will be the week that shit starts happening.

‘Coronation Day’, Legend of Korra book 4 review

‘Coronation Day’ was set in two separate locations; as dictated by its two preceding episodes. In Republic City, Mako and Bolin reunited for Wu’s coronation, where Kuvira was supposed to hand over control of the ‘Earth Empire’ to the newly anointed Earth King. I imagine it would be quite a short season if that happened: instead she stated she wasn’t handing over her hard work to some idiot (reasonable) and will crush anyone who tries to stop her (less reasonable).

Meanwhile, in the foggy swamp Yoda/Hama/A Hobo/Toph tries to harden up the avatar who complains that she’s been defeated by reasonably unimpressive foes. After revealing to the ecstatic fans watching that she still ‘has it’, she reveals to Korra that she still has metal in her body that Korra could apparently remove herself if she was ready to resume her responsibilities and confront her fears.

Toph says it was because her daughters were never particularly good metalbenders (if Lin isn’t, then who is?) that Suyin failed to remove it all. No doubt the Red Lotus theories will reemerge there.

Overall this was a pretty good episode, although not quite as captivating as ‘Korra Alone’. At times it did feel like it was stalling for time, and was more of a filler episode. But definitely not as much as previous avatar episodes (Avatar Day anyone?). They clearly want to delay Korra returning to the modern world until a specific point, and presumably she will get the metal out before then so at a guess Id say theres at least one more episode with a split team Avatar.

Team Avatar hasn’t really been as much of a team in LOK, they appear quite self focused (except Bolin and Korra) and don’t seem to have as much adhesion as the Gaang, happy to continue with their lives when Korra was out. Hopefully this will be resolved at the end in some way or another; I know Im pumped for the Bolin vs Mako showdown. Makos given every reason for Bolin to be distrustful of him in every season.

Final scenes reveal Varrick is developing some evil machine for Kuvira powered by spirit vines, and Tenzin is sending his children off to find Korra. Ten bucks on Jinora winning.

‘Korra Alone’ Legend of Korra Book 4 review

Zuko Alone

Korra Alone

The more observant among you will notice that Zuko and Korra have injuries on the same eye, once you take the mirror effect into consideration.

About a year ago, complaining of the relative shortness of korra books compared to Atla, I pointed out that somewhat rushed plots didnt give time for character centric (ie: not concerning central plot) episodes. I remember saying that we needed more episodes like the eternally awesome ‘Zuko Alone’, ‘Tales of Ba Sing Se’ and ‘The Storm’. Well at a frequency suggesting chance occurrence, sometimes our prayers as fans are answered.

Korra, leaving from her cage fight, is confronted and attacked by a vision of herself in the avatar state (and with mercury poisoning). They fight, while confused citizens look on. A flashback to Korra leaving republic city confirms she intended to go for a few weeks to recuperate alone. Two years later and even with Kataras spiritual Physio she is having trouble taking a few steps, and isnt replying to her friends letters (and drawings). After three years she is physically mostly recovered. She decides to finish her recovery in Republic City with her friends, but unbeknownst to others she is being haunted by a vision of herself in the avatar state. She sails up solo and is constantly harassed by people who recognize her (at least she got to join the avatar wall!). Her vision stops her from going to republic city and instead she starts traveling the world(s) in disguise trying to reconnect with Raava. A spirit, in disguise as a puppy, leads her to the swamp (dagobah) where she meets the character that ATLA fans have been waiting to see since the get go.

The vision that haunts Korra

Korra Alone is the emotional sequel to Zuko Alone, and is full of subtle self reference. Both involve the protagonist (of that episode, anyway) ditching their family and going on a journey of self discovery. Both get beaten up by an earth bender. Both lose a confrontation with thieves. Both episodes are occur at two distinct time frames, through use of flashbacks. But the self reference isnt limited to just Zuko Alone. Korra, like Aang, is spiritually led to the swamp where they encounter Toph. Toph meets Iroh in ‘The Chase’ and he helps her understand that there is no shame in letting the people who love you, help you. Korra meets Toph, who presumably is about to give her some similar wisdom.

Also there was a lot of star wars references in the Toph-Korra scene (Yoda-Luke scene). It occurs in a cave in a swamp after being spiritually led off course on an important mission. Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are fond of referencing other works of fiction they admire in Avatar; and this wouldn’t even be the first star wars scene they’ve done.

This sums it up pretty well. Courtesy of Avatar Korra page on Facebook

Legend of Korra, Book 4: top 3 conspiracy theories disproven (sort of)

Two days until legend of korras penultimate season and having been given access to certain clips, the conspiracy theories are rampant across internet forums. In hindsight, these theories always end up looking stupid after the seasons finish. For example the ‘Amon is nimble, 87 year old Sokka’ theory was dropped by its fans as soon as Amon was shown to, obviously, not be Sokka. I tried to ignore the outright stupid ones in favour of tackling the reasonably plausible and intelligent ones. And these, I beleive, are the best book 4 conspiracies the internet has to offer

Bolin is the secondary antagonist (or antihero or antivillain)

Although Bolin seems to be dodging a lightning bending attack in a series where the antagonists are metalbenders…

In the trailer Bolin is seen fighting wearing what appears to be a ‘metal nation’ uniform. Therefore many fans have suggested over the 3 years Bolin has become part of kuviras plot to gain power as either Earth Queen or Metal Lord-ess (Its unclear whether the metal supremacy movement is part of or seperate from the earth nation). The main reason that bolin probably wont be part of a metalbending supremacy group is that he cant metalbend (as of the end of book 3 at least). Even if he gains the ability he would oppose a group that suppress regular earth bending citizens because he lived the first 20 years of his life as a non metalbending earthbender. Its more likely in my opinion that he goes ‘undercover’ for team avatar, not against.

Varrick is Sokkas son

Varrick was last seen working for Suyin as an engineer/inventor/useless expenditure.

In all honestly part of me wanted to beleive this. Sokka was my favourite character from the original trilogy. We have been told (at comic con) that Varricks childhood will be revealed in the final season; he certainly shares Sokkas eccentricity and he IS a non bending Southern Water Tribe citizen. But the main reason this is unlikely is because if he was Sokkas son, then Katara would acknowledge him as her nephew when Varrick was in the southern water tribe. which she didnt.

Korra Dies

In more superficial news: haircut.

This isnt a conspiracy theory. Or rather it is, but it is entirely plausible or even likely. This is the final installment in the avatar franchise and LOK is much more darker and unpredictable than ATLA. Korra is traumatized and crippled, and the world seems to be growing out of its need for an avatar. Amon empowered non benders, Unalaq saw that the spirit portal was opened and Aang and Zuko merged people of all nations into republic city. Technology has overtaken the power of bending and in a world where the nations are mixed together and where spirits and humans live together, what purpose does an avatar serve? (their job description: keep the four nations seperate and at peace and be the bridge between humans and spirits).

And the creepiest sequence in the trailer award goes tooo…

Disappearing Korra shot!

The trailer is full of shots of korra looking underslept, fragile, scared and depressed. While martially more capable than her predecessor, Korras mental state is not as stable as Aangs; we’ve seen her suicidal and nihilistic at various points before. I know that she wouldn’t resort to suicide (with a partially underage audience, anyway) but she could give up Raava and become a normal nonbending human. Will she give up the avatar willingly or go down fighting? possibly neither but there is certainly something ominous about the shot where her avatar self is visible in a crowd and disappears. In short although I hope to be proven very wrong, I think this is a very likely ending for book 4.

Get pumped.

Guess whos back (back again) for book 4

Hi guys, I havent posted for most of this year because ive been pretty busy at uni. I am doing my first year in engineering and its quite alot of work.
But I am back specifically to cover the final installment in the avatar universe, but also just to cover regular tv and movies as always.

Korras new hairstyle, 3 years later.

Legend of Korra: Book 3 trailer premiers in Netherlands.

Dont get too excited: the 14 seconds of footage are horrible in both resolution and frame rate. Howver, while Im still holding out for a proper, American release trailer, I was still very glad I watched this. The biggest and most obvious event we really see in this trailer is the presence of a dragon. The dragon isnt a Sun Warrior recluse like its probable parents, but it is in a palace either talking to or being talked to by a member of the white lotus.

notice that aesthetically, this dragon is much different from is ATLA forbearers

The dragon doesnt look like the dragons we saw Wan, Zuko and Aang interact with, being a very obviously more European as opposed to chinese depiction of a dragon. While no doubt intentional, I hope this isnt the replacement for the chinese dragons we saw in ATLA. Legend of Korra needs to be careful not to severe its ties with asiatic principles, theology and culture as they are a core part of its (and its predecessors) appeal. The other more significant clip was one of Korra fighting scores of White Lotus guards. Its safe to assume that they (or some of them, anyway) turn against the avatar and serve some other secretive agenda; kind of like the Dai Li. The dragon clearly plays a role in this. Im just surprised because all the other Order of the White Lotus members we’ve seen since ATLA have been utterly incompetent.

Shirtless Tenzin fights White Lotus.

Book 3 sure looks exciting, but a proper trailer wouldnt hurt Nickelodeon.

Legend of Korra: Book 3 teaser pictures

I found the cocreator of Avatar and LOK’s tumbler, and on it a few pictures from the upcoming third season of Legend of Korra. These are what I beleive to be the most interesting that he posted.

Asami teaches Korra non-bending fighting

Bolin has a bad dream?

This one appears to be directly after the previous one.

Korra appears to have kept the sky bison she was given

Bryan has promised more Lin Beifong in this season, she appears to be training so Im assuming this is in a flashback. Does that mean we find out the identity of the father?

Book 4 has been written and is currently being animated, so book 3 cannot be more than 5/6 months away.

Additionally posts have hinted at:

* more Bumi (I have mixed feelings about that)

* leaving republic city for earth kingdom (generally understood to mean Ba Sing Se, I wouldn’t mind seeing other locations as well)

* No more teen romance due to negative reactions from fans in prior seasons. I think that they probably did overdo the romance a bit in book 2; but that said Korra is 18, not 12 like Aang. Aang/Katara moments werent warmly accepted initially either but retrospectively no one would have it any other way. In short, fans whine about everything and even they dont know what they want.

* All changes in book 2 are permanent. She will never communicate with past avatars again, which is a shame as it has become such a big part of the avatar canon. and of course spirits will be everywhere.

* Earth Queen (of Ba Sing Se) is big part of story. Character is apparently called Opal, and by the looks of the actress, she will be in teens or twenties.

Never mind all that though, I just want to see Zuko and Zuko junior.

get excited!

Legend of Korra: Book 2 thoughts

Katara, Jinora, Tenzin, Bumi and Kya confront the new world.

I just watched the finale of Legend of Korra and Ive got to say I was pretty impressed. As always a few things got under my skin, but Im sure that is mostly my pedantic nature. firstly I noticed that in the last few episodes Korra and Unalaq, as well as Tenzin, Kya, Bolin, Mako and Desna/Eska were able to Bend in the spirit world. Im going to go out on a limb and assume I missed the explanation as to why this was possible, whereas in previous installments of the Avatar universe humans could only bend in the material world.

Secondly I feel that the events of the finale bring the biggest shift to the avatar world yet, which could either be a curse or a blessing. firstly Korra lost her connection with past avatars for tutelage and wisdom, which has often been called upon in times of need in both installments of avatar. honestly, Im not such a fan of adult Aang anyway, I think he’s  boring, but it could make learning avatar stuff hard with no more Gurus or past avatars. Also when Korra decided not to separate the material and spiritual world, she is not only contradicting the will of every past avatar (and presumably the human population as a whole) but also permanently altered the mechanics of the entire familiar avatar world.

Originally, the Avatar stood for the preservation and separation of the four nations and to act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. First came the unification of the four nations, now this and we are left to wonder; what is the role of the Avatar now? has this revolutionary and technologically advanced age surpassed the need for an Avatar? now that she has lost all spiritual contact with past avatars will she be reincarnated post-mortem, or will the avatar die with her? these thoughts trouble me greatly.

The Legend of Korra is bravely stepping away from the premise of The Last Airbender, to prove its worth as a show independently. but I am missing the characters and setting of TLA all the same. the feudal and mythological charm of TLA have gone, replaced by the steampunk and abolition of the spirit world we can see in the last airbender. One Book remains for Korra, titled ‘changes’. It will obviously be about humans and spirits learning to coexist as they once did, and Im guessing it will tell the story of’ the last avatar’ (AKA Korra) and how she helped create a peaceful world that no longer needs an avatar. I just realised that we havent seen Naga for around 5 episodes, and that Korra and Naga havent met since the early episodes. I hope they stay together in book 3, as I feel the animal guide is very much a part of the avatar experience.

Legend of Korra: “beginnings” to “a new spiritual age” thoughts

I havent talked about Korra for a while and a lot has been going on. I loved the beginnings episodes they provided a much needed scope for the story arch of this series. a trip back to the more familiar setting of feudal avatar was much appreciated, and other walking dead fans Im sure were delighted to recognise the voice of glen. Spirits are much more familiar in temperament than all the dark spirits weve seen which was also nice. we see the pride, stubbornness and suspicion of humans, but also the generosity and wisdom which have become typical characteristics of spirits. the Wan story was great, but there were a few small details that bugged me. firstly was the way that humans were given bending. in the original trilogy Iroh said that the fire nation learnt bending from dragons, air from sky bison, earth from badgermoles and water from the moon. however in this story arc all bending was disposed to the people by lionturtles that they lived on. I sort of prefered the earlier story of how bending was learnt, although I understand the two are not mutually exclusive. My main problem is that the Lionturtles doesnt seem a sufficiently spiritual or philosophical  way of learning bending. at all. It seems to me that they keep being used as a deus ex machina of sorts; that is, when there isnt enough time to show characters learning something properly, a lion turtle will teach it to them magically and instantaneously. this happened when aang learnt how to remove ozai’s fire bending and more recently now.

I guess the explanation suggested is that the lion turtles gave people bending, which was crude and unpracticed and they taught themselves by observation. this is seen with wan doing the dragon dance with a dragon, and villagers commmenting that he used his bending like an extension of his body made possible by a heightened spiritual understanding.

plot developments in the material world were limited. Asami and Mako kissed, Varrick is evil and Mako was framed for destroying Sato industries. in comparison nothing huge, or entirely unexpected. Im a little pised of at bolin for wasting precious screen time with his moving pictures, but Im going to assume in faith it will be important to the plot down the track. lets be honest Bolin hasnt done shit all this series. he has literarily earth bent once to help eska of her carriage, but is apparently still a main character where jinora isn’t.

which brings us to ‘a new spiritual age’. Jinora and Korra enter the spirit world and become separated. In the most unexpected plot turn in the whole series, we run into Iroh (the original and the best Iroh). turns out once he was done fulfilling what he was meant to do on earth he decided to abandon his body and join the spirits whose company, apparently, he has always preferred. It is retrospectively obvious that his reappearance was foreshadowed by Wan’s teapot. Im not sure how I feel about Irohs returning. on the one hand, any throwback to the last airbender is welcomed wholeheartedly by me but part of me worries if this iroh is consistent with his original portrayal. it was made apparent that humans, as I had assumed, do not go to the spirit world after death. So what happened with Iroh reuniting with his son Lu Ten? I would have thought that would prioritise over him spending an eternity with some nondescript spirits. but overall im incredibly happy to see iroh again and his general demeanour is unchanged. but the question remains; where is Zuko? we know he is alive, why have we not met him yet?