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.

Top 20 Fictional Characters of all time. Part 1

I thought I’d write something a bit different and broader today, and present my favorite 20 characters of all time along with my reasoning. First off, the characters tend not to be the ones you see on similar lists. I didnt include characters like Luke Skywalker, Indiana Jones and Superman because despite their popularity they are quite shallow and approximate portrayals of humans. They become tedious in their tireless benevolence (and ethnosupremicism in the case of Indiana Jones). The characters I have chosen have arrisen from television, novels, plays and movies and instead represent a more diverse and realistic depiction of humanity…. or primates… or robots. Before I kick off with number one, Id like to say that the ‘ranking’ is completely arbitrary and meaningless; the numbers are just to make sure I dont miscount.

1. Bender is the greatest, and he is the first to remind anyone of that. Matt Groening and David Cohen were fans of science fiction but wanted to parody the way robots were all portrayed as so dull, unemotional and predictable. Thus Bender was Born. Bender, and the other robots of futurama (Hedonism Bot “Let us cavort like the Greeks of old. You know the ones I mean…”) are always portrayed as much more human than the humans or humanoid aliens of Futurama, particularly in their hedonism and shameless materialism. Bender was the first and is the best example of this as he is anthropomorphic but not in a cliché idealized way like animals in Disney movies. He represents the most pure and honest anthropomorphism screen has seen to date, suffering from an unbelievably addictive personality, a god complex but also harbors a sensitive and self conscious side.

2. Batman wasn’t born great but achieved greatness (I would say thrust upon him, but I couldn’t think of a funny enough Robin innuendo). When I say this I mean it on two levels: Firstly, literally, Batman wasn’t born with super convenient powers like other superheroes but managed to accomplish similar feats by hard work, strong discipline and maintaining a strong moral code. Secondly Batman the franchise wasn’t born great in the sense it wasn’t always (indeed hasn’t been for most of its existence) great literature. It started off a dumb cliché like all other superheroes of the time and most other superheroes today. However credible authors started experimenting with batman as a plot device in graphic novels while the dumb comics and movies continued. The Killing Joke is credited as starting this, of course leading to the brilliantly executed Nolan movies. Batman stands out among superheroes because of his humanity; he is the only one that is seen burdened by the weight of his position (both physically and morally).

3. Jay Gatsby. The Great Gatsby has been coined by overly cautious academics as the greatest American Novel, but that is not befitting of its dignity. It is the greatest piece of written fiction in history. It has a greater tragic romance than romeo and Juliet, a greater violent climax than Hamlet, none of the british royal propaganda of the ‘historical’ Shakespeares and has none of the blatant stupidity of A Midsummer Nights Dream. Jay Gatsby is a great character because he demonstrates the difficulty of attaining happiness in a wealth and materialism obsessed world to the audience. He is highly self-aware and knows that his huge wealth and plethora of exuberant possesions cannot bring him any meaning or make him content. He throws it around carelessly hosting enormous but somewhat anonymous social events to woo the woman he fell in love with. He is prone to nervous episodes, is a serial liar and suffers from Agoraphobia but still emerges from the book as everyone’s favorite character.

4. Hannibal Lector, or Hannibal the Cannibal as he is referred too once exposed is the villain of a series of books, movies and most recently the sensational and dark TV show ‘Hannibal’. He is a gastronomically enthused German-French surgeon (like a lot of non homicidal psychopaths) turned very Freudian Psychiatrist who moonlights as a serial killer. He maintains a high level of professionalism and care in his day job appearing to work proficiency as a councellor. Despite his tendency of killing people and preparing various organs in luxury dishes; he is a calm and rational man who enjoys conversation, drawing, composing classical music and reading. He goes to tremendous lengths to avoid killing his patients (succeeding bar one), instead targeting people who he deems banal or uncultured (he often targets them by proximity: killing loved ones, children etc.). He instead sees his patients as projects, as he finds it difficult to understand another persons point of view he is quite interested by them. He is fond of unconventional psychiatric methods including ‘prescribing’ hallucinogenic mushrooms to help access and accept traumatic events in the patients past. Has the scientific efficacy of a placebo, but it is a work of fiction.

5. Eric Cartman is a gift to television, as can be seen by the fascist organization PTC ‘s (parents television council) rabid and manic reaction. Eric is a pure psychopath and shameless bigot who has the innocence and naivety (and to some extent the sweetness) of a nine year old boy. It is such a hilarious combination that operates very well for a variety of social commentaries. The PTC announced that the greatest television show in 2005 was Extreme makeover: Home Edition, so fuck them.

6. Zuko churns through titles and aliases like the Mel Gibson fan club at PTC churn through episodes of Extreme Makeover, so Ill just refer to him by his first/birth name. Zuko is born crown prince of an oppressive monarchy to a tyrannical and cruel father, Fire Lord Ozai. His childhood is pretty horrible for someone so wealthy. He is born into a line of prodigally powerful fire benders (fire nation royal family) but shows no such talent himself. His sister outacheives him intellectually and martially despite being 2 years younger, and is a sadistic master manipulator. His mother disappears at his fathers bequest when he was nine, and to top it all up his father insisted they duel to the death when he spoke out of turn at age thirteen. When he refused, his father mutilated his face with fire and banished him. Zuko has every right to be bitter and twisted, and in many ways he was. But during his search for the avatar (to restore his honour) he displays multiple acts of selflessness and altruism towards his modest sized crew and others, which foreshadow his later transformation and efforts to end the fire nations genocidal conquest.

7. Tyrion also suffers the fate of being an outcast in a rich royal family with a cruel patriarch. He displays intelligence, wit and empathy more than any other Lannister and is probably the only good example of an admirable disabled character in fiction I can think of.

8. V is the guy fawkes and alliteration inspired vigilante and serial killer from V for Vendetta. Set in an ultra right wing dystopic England (yes England, not USA, you read that correctly) V saves a girl Evie from being raped by curfew police and teaches her and the audience the true history of their nation and the problem with authoritarian governments, while simultaneously stalking and killing the staff at the death camp he escaped from and planning a revolution. V is mysterious and sophisticated but also angry and suicidal.

9. Severus Snape. Harry Potter isn’t my favourite book or movie series. Continuity errors run rampant, and I always felt that the Death Eaters and Voldemort felt empty and purposelessly evil to a fault. Its just little plot flaws that irritated me a little; Why does noone say Voldemorts name? it isn’t his birth name so why would he adopt it as his new name and then forbid everyone from using it or risk death. Why not find one he likes? Whats the point in making a new name if you don’t want to be thought of as or addressed by it? And why would a school founded ¼ by a self proclaimed eugenicist keep him as a house when that doesn’t represent the values of the school and advocates ethnic cleansing of the other ¾ of the school? Even if they did keep him as a house, surely they would remove Slytherin once they found out he hid a monster in the school to murder racially impure children? Also Dumbledore showed no signs of being gay, JK Rowling announced that to renew interest in her series after it was slipping. It probably hadn’t occurred to her until after Deathly Hallows was released. But I digress, Severus Snape was a very redeeming character among a fantasy series that probably didn’t deserve so much fame. Its so formulaic to have bad guys racist (and Harry Potter is guilty of this, of course), but few authors are avante garde enough to create a protagonist who exhibits racism along with redeeming features

10. HAL 9000

AI was first conceived in the 1800’s, but noone took it seriously in mainstream media before Kubrick. HAL represents a eerily plausible and self aware entity that wasn’t properly appreciated at a time where computers couldn’t do word documents. AI movies are everywhere now but it took some intelligence to consider it seriously in the 60’s. HAL is told that the missions importance is top priority and comes to the conclusion that the human staff are imprecise and a burden. The rest is predictable. SciFi movies before (and after, unfortunately) had robots with laser guns, HAL is a much more complex and realistic idea.

‘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.

Top 5 Movie Soundtracks of All Time.

Soundtracks actually predate voice acting in movies. Silent theatres had bands playing in the background before audio was added to cinema. However the trend over the past few decades is for less music in movies, or for more ambient background music instead of theme songs and the like. Hence music in Hollywood movies has become more or less obsolete, It is designed  for the most part to not be noticed. Obviously there are exceptions, and these are the best 5.

5. 8 Mile

A bit of a cop out but I couldnt think of a 5th movie with a decent soundtrack. A pretty great movie in its own right, soundtrack is basically another Eminem album. Could be seen as a publicity stunt/extended music video, but at least he pulled it off better than the Beatles did.

4. FrozenBought original soundtrack back to Disney movies, and although songs are more than a little poppy (although not in the Miley Cyrus trashy way) they suit the demographic well.

3. Drive

This is a 80s synth inspired, very mellifluous soundtrack. Nightcall was the standout song.

2. The Man with the Iron Fists

Nicholas Cage level acting from RZA in main role

This one only works if you like hip hop, but assuming you do its an awesome album featuring 40% of the Wu Tang Clain, Kanye West, Killa Sin, Talib Kweli and also the Black Keys. Unfotunately, I cannot in good conscience reccomend watching this movie to anyone. It was about as good as youd expect when you were told that Quentin Tatantino (the 2nd worst mainstream director) decided to direct a  chinese martial arts film with RZA (a rapper from Wu Tang). Soundtrack is great though.

1. Garden State

Zach Braff, the hilarious improvising absent minded intern from scrubs, leads in this very witty and dry humored independent film. As he bought greatness to the Scrubs soundtrack, he also did to this movie. By far the best movie on the list. ‘Only living boy in new york’ by Simon and Garfunkel and The Shins were particularly well received.

‘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

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!

Game of Thrones Season 4: top 6 moments to look forward to (from trailer)

The trailer for the fourth season of the HBO epic has been released, with levels of anticipation bordering those of breaking bad season 5.2. Unlike the notoriously vague teasers for the later, this trailer was action packed and informative. Here (from the perspective of someone who hasnt read the books yet) are the top 5 moments we can look forward to in what will undoubtedly be televisions biggest event of 2014.

1. Huge Dragon over Kings Landing

To big to be danaerys’ dragons, I guess that means it must just be a flashback.

2. Tyrion is arrested

in kings landing, which given his high status must have been issued by Joffrey. One to many bitch slaps?

3. Wildlings invade (someone/someplace)

as seen by Ygritte in a temperate area and later battle scenes

4. Joffrey marries Margaery

in an event apparently called ‘The Purple Wedding.’ Hopefully its like the Red Wedding…

5. Jamie Lannister gets some pimped prosthetics.

Apparently gold, which would be quite inconvenient

6. Jon Snow is alive!

The last Stark with a chance of winning the game of thrones, if the Nights Watch disbands or whatever.