On The Legend of Korra, Avatar Korra got a bad rap for being headstrong and stubborn. She was an impassioned Avatar committed to living up to the title. Along the way, she learned her worth and learned that she amounted to more than being a perfect Avatar for those around her.
But, as anyone who's watched the show would say, there were some times she was more imperfect than others. Korra was responsible for a few major mistakes and she was more hot-headed than the Avatars that came before her. While she learned her lessons by the end of the series, some errors have stood the test of time.
Destroyed Tenzin's Antique Treasure
Shortly after joining the crew at Air Temple Island, Korra committed a cardinal sin: she destroyed an antique belonging to Tenzin that was two thousand years old Tenzin, of course, freaked out for the loss of this "historical treasure."
This was made even worse by the fact that it wasn't really an accident; she scorched it after failing to pass through the circle. Korra destroyed the antique out of frustration over not mastering airbending right away. She had trouble getting the moves down pat—that is, until she learned how to move light on her feet through pro-bending.
Got Arrested Her First Day in Republic City
Perhaps this is where Korra got her hotheaded reputation from. During her first outing in Republic City, Korra tangles with some Triads and smashes up a shop. The scuffle ends with the whole of Republic City's police force chasing her down and bringing her in to the station, where she first meets Chief Lin Beifong.
As one will recall, they don't get off to the best start. Lin said Korra should have called the police instead of handling it herself. Korra essentially became a criminal mere hours after arriving in Republic City. While she goes on to become the city's hero, one wonders if this ever came off her permanent record.
Disobeyed Tenzin To Go Pro-bending
And it happened multiple times. During her early days of living in Republic City, Korra learned all about pro-bending. Tenzin forbade her from going anywhere near the sport, but Korra does that and more. She sneaks off to the Arena and meets Mako and Bolin.
Not only that, but she also joins the team after Tenzin once again ordered her to stay away. One could argue this worked out for Team Avatar in the end, but Korra still flagrantly disregarded Tenzin's requests like a wily student.
Kissed Mako When He Was With Asami
No fan could forget when Korra kissed Mako in season one. The worst part about it? Mako was dating Asami at the time and had told Korra he was confused about his feelings. The best part, though? It gave birth to the fantastic meme starring a weeping Bolin clutching flowers for Korra.
This is also considered one of the worst things Korra did for the sheer fact that fans regard her love triangle with Mako and Asami as the early series' weakest point. It even continues into the second book. Luckily, it abandoned the drama in time for the stronger third and fourth seasons.
Ran Away From Her Friends
Book four gave rise to some of the franchise's strongest emotional arcs. Korra abandoned her friends and family in the wake of being poisoned by Zaheer. Fans watched the aftermath of this struggle in "Korra Alone," widely regarded as one of the best episodes of the series.
She vanished without a trace when everyone thought she had been safe all along. When her friends and family found out that Korra had been lying to them about her whereabouts, they were deeply worried. A lot went into this being one of the worst things she ever did.
Left Tenzin For Unalaq
Many will be in agreement: season two was not the strongest outing for Legend of Korra. In the early episodes, Korra herself was at her worst. While Tenzin gently reminded Korra she still needed airbending training, Korra wanted her uncle to teach her how to bend spirits instead.
She said she was tired of listening to Tenzin. "We've come this far," a distraught Tenzin said. "This is as far as we go," Korra responded. It was tragic to see the teacher and student part ways temporarily simply because Korra wouldn't listen.
Failed To Beat Kuvira In A Duel
Korra rushed into battle too soon against Kuvira, challenging the master metalbender to a fight she couldn't win. When she entered the Avatar State, she couldn't sustain the power. Korra wanted to prove herself, but she wasn't ready for the fight. She still had a ways to go in her recovery.
Unfortunately, there was a lot on the line. Her mistake cost the city of Zaofu. After losing the duel, Kuvira launched her attack on Zaofu and successfully captured the city, forcing Korra and her allies to flee.
Opened A New Spirit Portal
Early on in book two, Korra opened a new spirit portal in the Southern Water Tribe while under the influence of Unalaq. She believed it was the right thing to do, but it was actually one of the worst things she did.
This enabled Unalaq to release dark spirits, including Vaatu. But this grave error also came to epitomize the idea of balance in the show: the opening of the portal also reignited the line of airbenders, one positive to come out of the situation.
Lost Her Connection To The Past Avatars
Due to her error in siding with Unalaq, Korra falls victim to his atrocities. Losing her connection to the past Avatars is one of the worst consequences of Unalaq's actions.
It compromises future Avatars, as well, who will not benefit from the diversity of perspective afforded to all the previous Avatars. This also was a major weak point of the show for fans, who regard it as one of the worst things to happen in the series creatively.
Didn't Restore Anyone Else's Bending
In book one, Amon infamously stripped benders of their abilities. Some of these benders were notable and fan favorites, including Lin Beifong, who was fortunate to receive her powers back from Korra—but it seemed to be a show of favoritism.
But others, including Lightning Bolt Zolt and Tahno of the Wolfbats, never seem to get their bending back from Korra. Viewers learn this when Tahno returns in book two, clearly still a nonbender. It hardly seems fair that the Avatar would selectively restore bending to only one close ally.