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.