7 Eye-Opening Truths About Revisiting The Legend Of Korra a Decade Later

It's unbelievable that The Legend of Korra aired 10 years ago, and revisiting the show today sheds light on some harsh truths about the sequel to The Last Airbender. Taking place 70 years after the events of The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra follows the Avatar after Aang — and her journey to mastering her powers differs greatly from his. Korra resides in a world that is more unified and technologically advanced compared to Aang's world in ATLA. Despite this progress, she still faces threats that challenge her to learn the four elements and fully embrace her role as the Avatar.

Even though The Legend of Korra takes its protagonist on a unique path from The Last Airbender, it retains the heart and humor that made the original series beloved. Having said that, upon rewatching the series a decade after its conclusion, there are certain aspects of The Legend of Korra that may not hold up as well and could potentially raise some eyebrows.

The Legend of Korra is available to stream on Netflix and Paramount+.

Nickelodeon's Lack Of A Long-Term Plan Hurt The Legend Of Korra

The Series Didn't Have An Overarching Story Like The Last Airbender

Korra frowining and looking confused in Avatar The Legend of Korra - The Series Didn't Have An Overarching Story Like The Last Airbender - Nickelodeon's Lack Of A Long-Term Plan Hurt The Legend Of Korra

Nickelodeon initially ordered three seasons and 60 episodes for Avatar: The Last Airbender, showing confidence from the start. However, The Legend of Korra faced a different situation. The network was not as sure about the sequel series, leading to a bumpier journey for the show. Executive producer Yoo Jae-Myung mentioned in an interview that The Legend of Korra was originally planned for just one season, with renewals happening one at a time. This approach made it difficult for creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko to craft a cohesive, overarching story like they did for The Last Airbender.

As a result, The Legend of Korra has suffered in comparison even a decade later. Upon rewatching the series, it becomes clear that the storyline is fragmented, with new villains and plots introduced each season. While Korra's character development remains consistent, the series lacks the same level of well-thought-out structure and high stakes seen in ATLA. The blame for this can be placed on Nickelodeon's lack of a long-term plan, which hindered the sequel series from reaching its full potential.

The Legend Of Korra's Romantic Relationships Aren't Handled Well

Even The Show's Best Relationship Is Too Understated

Korra, Asami, and Mako stand in a circle in The Legend of Korra - Even The Show's Best Relationship Is Too Understated - The Legend Of Korra's Romantic Relationships Aren't Handled Well

The romantic relationships in The Legend of Korra may not be the most captivating aspect of the show, and they may feel a bit underwhelming upon a second viewing. The love triangle involving Korra, Asami, and Mako seems a bit aimless in hindsight, especially since its early moments don't hint at the eventual pairing of Korra and Asami. Bolin's romantic entanglements also lack depth and the series' main characters often get caught up in unnecessary drama. While this may be realistic for characters of their age, it can sometimes detract from the main storyline.

The New Team Avatar Doesn't Compare To The Old One

The introduction of the new Team Avatar in The Legend of Korra falls short in comparison to the original team from The Last Airbender.

Korra's Gang Just Isn't As Memorable

Team Avatar in The Legend of Korra - Korra's Gang Just Isn't As Memorable - The New Team Avatar Doesn't Compare To The Old One

Aang's Grown-Up Version Surprises Last Airbender Fans

The Legend of Korra's Team Avatar falls short when compared to the original team from The Last Airbender. This difference has been apparent since the sequel series first aired. Upon rewatching the show, it becomes even more evident that the characters in Korra don't leave the same lasting impact as Aang and his friends. While Korra may be a more intriguing main character at times, Mako, Bolin, and Asami never quite reach the same level as characters like Katara, Sokka, and Toph. Their stories just don't stick with viewers in the same way as the previous team's did.

The Legend Of Korra's Depiction Of Aang Is Disappointing

Aang visits Korra in The-Legend-of-Korra - The Legend Of Korra's Depiction Of Aang Is Disappointing - Grown-Up Aang Isn't What Last Airbender Fans Expected

Team Avatar Growing Up Never Gets Less Sad

Before losing her connection to the previous Avatars, Korra has a conversation with an older Aang. In The Legend of Korra, viewers get to see glimpses of the adult Aang through his wife Katara and their children. However, the portrayal of grown-up Aang in the sequel show may disappoint fans of The Last Airbender. The show suggests that he prioritizes his duty over his family, which goes against his character development in the original series where he balanced both his friendships and his role as the Avatar. Additionally, many of Aang's scenes lack the playful and humorous nature that endeared him to fans in the first show.

Sokka's Fate Is Especially Upsetting

Katara looking annoyed while Aang and Sokka look from behind in Avatar The Last Airbender - Sokka's Fate Is Especially Upsetting - Team Avatar Growing Up Never Gets Less Sad

Years later, in The Legend of Korra, the original Team Avatar members are either elderly or deceased, making their absence even more heartbreaking. Aang remains connected through the Avatar spirit, but Sokka is gone and rarely mentioned. Additionally, Katara, Toph, and Zuko are much older now, serving as a bittersweet reminder that their time together as friends has passed. Even seeing Iroh in the Spirit World is a poignant reminder that the days of ATLA are now just memories.

The Legend Of Korra's Themes Don't All Hold Up Years Later

Its Messaging Can Feel A Bit Murky At Times

Korra airbending in The Legend of Korra. - Its Messaging Can Feel A Bit Murky At Times - The Legend Of Korra's Themes Don't All Hold Up Years Later

The Legend Of Korra Got Way More Criticism Than It Deserved

Many critics have unfairly criticized The Legend of Korra, a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, for not living up to its predecessor. While Avatar: The Last Airbender focused on overthrowing an oppressive regime with straightforward themes, The Legend of Korra delved into more complex topics such as PTSD, class consciousness, and political corruption. Although the series' exploration of PTSD was groundbreaking, its take on authoritative systems and oppression received mixed reviews. Despite its more intricate themes, The Legend of Korra's messaging sometimes became unclear, leading to unwarranted criticism.

It's A Solid Follow-Up To Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Legend of Korra promo art featuring the titular protagonist bending fire and water. - It's A Solid Follow-Up To Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Legend Of Korra Got Way More Criticism Than It Deserved

After 10 years, The Legend of Korra's ending feels more bittersweet.

No Animated Avatar Projects Have Come Out Since (But They're On The Way)

The Legend of Korra ending - No Animated Avatar Projects Have Come Out Since (But They're On The Way) - The Legend Of Korra's Ending Is More Bittersweet After 10 Years

The Legend of Korra's ending still feels bittersweet after 10 years since it first aired. This is because there have not been any new projects related to The Last Airbender since the show ended. Despite this, there is hope for the future with upcoming projects from Avatar Studios, including a Netflix live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. These new releases offer a glimmer of hope for the continuation of this beloved world. However, the conclusion of The Legend of Korra serves as a reminder that there was a time when it seemed like the franchise might come to an end, raising concerns about its future beyond this particular series.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a thought-provoking analysis of "The Legend of Korra," revisiting the series ten years after its initial airing. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the sequel, acknowledging its unique path while also pointing out areas where it falls short in comparison to its predecessor. The article's examination of the show's narrative structure, character development, and thematic exploration offers a balanced perspective, allowing readers to appreciate the series' merits while also understanding its limitations.

The article's discussion of Nickelodeon's lack of a long-term plan for "The Legend of Korra" is particularly insightful, as it sheds light on the challenges faced by the creators in crafting a cohesive storyline. The fragmented nature of the series, with new villains and plots introduced each season, is attributed to the network's uncertain approach to the show. This analysis helps readers understand the reasons behind some of the perceived weaknesses in the series' overall structure.