The Premise Of Avatar: The Last Airbender's New Show Risks Making An Old Korra Problem Worse
The premise of Avatar: The Last Airbender's new show, Avatar: Seven Havens, might exacerbate a problem with the titular protagonist of The Legend of Korra. Recently, Avatar: The Last Airbender announced a sequel show, Avatar: Seven Havens, which will focus on a pair of Earth Kingdom twins once one discovers she is the next Earthbender Avatar. It is an exciting setup that follows The Legend of Korra's ending, decades later. Since Korra is an Avatar from the Water Tribe, the Avatar Cycle will repeat itself in the Earth Kingdom next, as planned.
The Legend of Korra was the franchise's first sequel, released around the same time as The Promise, the first sequel installment of the Avatar: The Last Airbender comics. However, Korra is a particularly controversial character, standing out as one of the most criticized in the franchise. Given these circumstances, her role in Avatar: Seven Havens is surprising. Avatar: Seven Havens suggests that Korra turns the Avatar into "humanity's destroyer" rather than its protector, and this decision poses a heavy risk to the persistent problem with Korraever since The Legend of Korra debuted.
The Premise Of Avatar: Seven Havens Portrays Korra As A Possible Villain
Korra Turns The Avatar Into "Humanity's Destroyer"
Avatar: Seven Havens takes place after The Legend of Korra, following the new Earthbending Avatar. However, her journey to mastering the elements is complicated by the era she grew up in, where the Avatar is now known as "humanity's destroyer." The new Avatar joins forces with her estranged twin to save the Seven Havens, humanity's last stronghold. This premise is a shocking departure from The Legend of Korra, where the conflicts were turbulent, but nothing as dangerous as humanity on the brink of extinction. It is a daunting task for the new Avatar.
However, the most surprising part about Avatar: Seven Havens is the Avatar's new villainous reputation as a destroyer of humanity. If the Earthbender Avatar grows up in an era where the Avatar is universally hated as humanity's destroyer, it can only mean Korra is responsible for the "devastating cataclysm" that tears the world apart. After everything the titular character endures in The Legend of Korra, this narrative decision is a potentially devastating turn in her arc and creates a potential problem for Korra because she is a long-time controversial character.
Korra Has Been A Controversial Character & This News Might Make It Worse
Korra Has Been The Subject Of Unfair Scrutiny
Korra has been subjected to harsh criticism over the years. Her actions have been scrutinized, unlike any previous Avatar. A significant reason why Korra is so controversial is because The Legend of Korra executes some questionable storylines that negatively portray her character. Primarily when Korra refuses to listen to anyone but Unalaq in The Legend of Korra season 2 until it is too late, leading to the destruction of the past Avatars. Although Korra is not at fault for Unalaq's devious plans and has always tried her best, it does not stop her from receiving an unusual amount of hate.
The decision to erase the past Avatars was certainly controversial, and the idea of them being lost forever reflects poorly on the writers of The Legend of Korra. Korra herself goes through incredible character development in her show's second season, but it is often overlooked because of this plot twist. Many of Korra's critics also claim she makes terrible decisions, but she always learns from them. The circumstances of her upbringing and Avatar training make Korra significantly different from Aang, but many loyal fans expect Korra to think and act like Aang.
None of these facts stop Korra from receiving an absurd amount of criticism, and the premise of Avatar: Seven Havens suggests that her critics are unlikely to let up any time soon.
Ultimately, Korra and Aang are vastly different Avatars and approach the world differently. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses while being great Avatars in their own ways. Korra is also headstrong, compassionate, and unwavering in her beliefs about what is right,characteristics that are always overlooked. None of these facts stop Korra from receiving an absurd amount of criticism, and the premise of Avatar: Seven Havens suggests that her critics are unlikely to let up any time soon.
Avatar: Seven Havens Must Tread Carefully With Its Premise
Korra Should Not Become The Ultimate Villain
If the premise of Avatar: Seven Havens is really what it seems, then Korra will be subjected to relentless hate again. The writers of Avatar: Seven Havens should not tarnish Korra and everything she has done as the Avatar. The only way to ensure that is for Avatar: Seven Havens to have more to the story than just Korra messing things up. Perhaps a villain rose to power and orchestrated a series of events that made it look like Korra was to blame, and the Earthbender Avatar will work to restore the truth and Korra's honor.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Timeline Explained (Including Legend of Korra)
Avatar: The Last Airbender was the start of a new universe. Here's a complete timeline of what happened before Avatar and through Legend of Korra.
It would be much more fascinating if the world's dire state resulted from anti-Avatar propaganda and not Korra's actions. It would also be less misogynistic, because if there is nothing else to Avatar: Seven Havens, then it might perpetuate the concept of women being unable to hold positions of power because they are too emotional. The writers must cautiously approach this new Avatar era without putting another target on Korra's back. She is one of the best Avatars in the Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise, The Legend of Korra is underrated, and Korra deserves more love and appreciation.
