One of my favorite aspects of Korra is the carefully peppered in character moments. In only six episodes, we’ve learned a ton about each member of the show’s large ensemble, while avoiding endless stretches of backstory exposition. I like it that way — for example, I know just enough about both Mako and Bolin to understand what they think about the world and how they make decisions. I doubt I’ll ever shut up about that perfectly executed moment where we see Mako lightning bending at his power plant day job.

There’s a bit we don’t know yet — how did these two end up where they are today? Why is Mako all brooding like? — but I’m hoping we don’t learn too much more. I like that Korra lives mostly in the now (other than the teases to Tenzin’s past and the reoccurring flashback to a pivotal moment in Aang’s Avatar career), so unless the death of Mako and Bolin’s parents is tied directly to Amon, the central conflict or Korra’s own story, I’d say we don’t need too much of pre-Korra Mako. I agree that I want a moment in the series that helps me love Mako the same way we love goofy ol’ Bolin, but I’m hoping that moment is one of present day heroism.

– Patches

(art via Yori-Narpati)