As a reviewer, I try not to write the same thing every week about whatever show I’m talking about. It’s boring for me, it’s boring for you, and it’s just plain lazy. So honestly, I went into this week’s Legend of Korra being like, “Julia, you’re not going to write another review about feminism and strong female characters, okay, you’re going to write something different.” But yeah, that’s not gonna happen. (Sorry, Bolin. You and Pabu will get your day in the sun, promise.)
It’s just that this show does women so well. Lin Beifong could easily have been a one-dimensional kickass lady who places the law above everything else, but instead this episode we got to see that it’s not about the law for her, it’s about protecting what she cares about. She’s willing to break the law (which, if you think about how we first saw her just six episodes ago, is amazing) to save her men. She isn’t a soulless Lawful Good (yeah, I went Dungeons and Dragons on this) character, she’s someone who deeply and passionately cares about defending those she considers hers to care for. And if she has to break the law, she’s wiling to do it, even if it means leaving the job she loves.
But what I love the most is how the Korra and Asami relationship is being handled. In any other TV show we’d go down the same tired two girls fighting over one guy road, but nope, not in Korra. Korra is what, sixteen? At sixteen, I don’t think I’d have been nearly as mature and reasonable as she’s been dealing with the whole “girl dating the guy I like” situation. But aside from pulling a few faces, Korra’s been gracious, friendly, and willing to put aside her initial dislike and pre-judgment of Asami to try to see the good in her, which should not be nearly as revolutionary to see on a TV show as it is. When Korra turns in Hiroshi, on any other show it probably would have been the jealous ploy Mako accused it of being. (Uncool, Mako, I’ll have words with you later.) But Korra genuinely did it not because she wanted to hurt Asami, but in spite of not wanting to hurt her. She did it because she was trying to protect people and thought it was the right thing.
And oh, Asami, I hope people really do end up laying off you for good, because I love you. Good on you for being kind but not a pushover, for being protective of your father but standing up against him (and holy crap, punching him with the glove? You go, girl. Way to be badass), for kicking ass and taking names, and for not listening to Mako’s whole stupid “stay back while we go see what’s going on with your father in this super-secret tunnel and let the men take care of it and protect you” and thereby saving the day. (And seriously, can we discuss how Mako’s being a jerk? Because he’s being a jerk lately. Being hot does not excuse you from good behavior, Mako. I’m watching you.)
So next review, I will try very, very hard not to just spend the entire time gushing over how great all the female characters are in Korra. On the other hand, that might mean they would have to stop being so awesome, and I’m not sure that’s something I ever want to see less of. You all just might have to put up with this for a while.
Then again — ladies being badass. Does anyone really mind too terribly?
Clacked by Julia Hass 
on May 21, 2012 @ 13:37 EST5EDT
Thank you! I agree completely with everything you said! There was so much to love in this episode: Korra’s maturity in how she handled herself with Mako and Asami, Asami’s choice between her father and what was right (she won me over in this episode), Lin’s general badassery, Tenzin’s awesome airbending (I hope we see much more of it later).
Also agree that Mako acted like a jerk. His accusing Korra of persecuting Hiroshi because she was jealous of his and Asami’s relationship was the last straw for me. I think Korra deserves someone better than him.
Not defending Mako’s actions, but looking from his perspective: he’s had to take care of his brother their whole lives. Bolin is a very trusting, almost naive person who sees the best in everyone. Considering the people they had to deal with on the streets, Mako was the one who had to put a critical eye to everything to ensure their survival. He is a pessimist first, which is why he was so negative to Korra at the beginning. That’s not forgiving his behavior, but I do understand why he would assume the worst about her.
You think Mako’s hot? I think he’s a walking cliche. I hate the cardboard Emo Stone-Cold Hot Guy and the fact that Zuko transcended that stereotype and became awesome is proof of the excellent writing in ATLA. So far though, Mako basically has no personality. Bolin isn’t exactly a complex character either, so both of the brothers are a disappointment so far. Katara and Sokka they are not.
I would be happy just seeing a show about Korra, Tenzin and Lin. Now THAT’S a trio of kickass.
But remember that Zuko only transcended that stereotype in the middle of the 2nd season onward (maybe at the beginning of the 2nd if you want to be really generous). He spent the whole first season as a melodramatic standard villain… the writers even made of it in the play episode. We’re only maybe halfway through the first season, so let’s just give Mako some time to develop.