With every Avatar, there must be a Team Avatar to support them. Avatar: The Last Airbender has Sokka, Katara, Toph, and eventually Zuko. The Legend of Korra has Mako, Bolin, and Asami. All characters are different in their own right. And although The Legend of Korra does not always get the respect it deserves, their Team Avatar is just as important.
Asami Sato came late in the game when she hit Mako with her moped in the fourth episode. However, her involvement is the most important to Korra in the end. Asami was initially meant as an obstacle between Mako and Korra. This meant that some of her actions were problematic. But as the show went on, Asami came to be one of the best characters in the series.
Worst: Relationship With Mako
From the time that she hits Mako with her moped, Asami’s character is meant to cause division. Mako lays eyes on her and immediately becomes smitten. This causes a large issue since Korra was smitten with Mako herself. Not only does this cause a messy love triangle, but Asami rushes recklessly into the relationship.
Asami immediately strongarms Mako into going on a date with her. This is meant as an apology for the accident. But she continues to overstep her bounds. She forces Mako to go to a fancy restaurant and pays for clothes for him. After going on one date, Asami clings to Mako as though she has known him for years. She is not cognizant of others' feelings and does not bother to ask how this affects Mako's friends.
Best: Holds Mako Accountable
When Asami and Mako embark on a romantic relationship, Asami is unaware of Mako’s dynamic with Korra. Mako and Korra kiss while he is with Asami and he keeps it from her. Once Asami understands how Mako feels about Korra, their relationship hits the rocks.
Asami demands that Mako prove his affection for her. Mako is confused about who he should be with. Asami doesn’t let that slide for long. She makes sure Mako knows that he has to choose between the two of them. Asami never blames Korra for the way things end with Mako and their relationship concludes amicably.
Worst: Defends Hiroshi
Used to the wealth and privilege, it is difficult for Asami to admit her father had done anything wrong. When Korra initially finds proof that Hiroshi had joined the Equalists, Asami refuses to believe it.
However, Korra is the Avatar and the strongest woman in The Legend of Korra series. She has no reason to lie about Hiroshi’s involvement. When these facts come to light, it should have been evident Hiroshi was committing crimes. Especially considering his backstory. Hiroshi harbored a hatred for all benders after his wife was killed in a robbery. Despite her love for her father, the signs were there. Asami was too quick to defend him against the Avatar.
Best: Turns Against Hiroshi
Although it takes some time for Asami to realize what her father has done, she ultimately makes the right decision. Hiroshi was making technology for the Equalists. This included large mecha machines designed to combat the most powerful benders in the Avatar franchise.
Once Asami sees the evidence with her own eyes, she understands that her father is wrong. At that point, she wastes no time in joining Korra and the rest of Team Avatar. She does not feel guilty about her father going to prison.
Worst: Flaunts Her Wealth
Asami is the heiress to Future Industries and has never gone a day in her life where she has not had the benefits of wealth. She often uses this to her advantage, even if it is in poor taste.
When Asami hits Mako with her moped, her immediate reaction is to buy him dinner and a new wardrobe. Even though she has only known him for a day, she convinces her father to become a sponsor to the Fire Ferrets, Mako’s pro-bending team. Asami throws money at everything before she has a chance to get to know the people in question.
Best: Uses Privilege For Good
Asami can at times use her wealth too quickly or without cause. But as the series progresses, she understands how and when to use it. She puts her strength behind Future Industries to make sure that the company is making good decisions.
Asami still sticks with her friends. Even though she becomes the head of a company, she has time and empathy for those around her. When Mako and Bolin’s extended family become homeless in a fire, Asami opens up her grand estate to help them.
Worst: Forgives Hiroshi Too Easily
Hiroshi continues to be a presence throughout the life of The Legend of Korra, although he is one of the worst fathers in the Avatar series. After he is arrested for his involvement with the Equalists, he continues to crop up. Asami goes to visit him in prison when he expresses remorse for hurting her. Hiroshi was intending to hurt a city full of innocent people and Asami lets him have a relationship with her too quickly.
Korra is understandably concerned about Hiroshi as Asami continues to visit him in prison. As the Avatar, Korra has to consider all the potential threats. Asami snaps at her, becoming defensive about her father even though he was dangerous.
Best: Supported Korra When No One Else Did
After Korra’s traumatic battle with Zaheer, it took a long time for the Avatar to recover. Zaheer is a great villain who has some of The Legend of Korra's best quotes. He also traumatized Korra physically as well as mentally. Korra’s recuperation took a long time. Her only emotional support came from Asami.
Korra disappears for six months, evading her loved one’s questions about where she is. Only Asami is there for her. Korra trusts Asami enough to let her know that she is safe. This starts a bond and ultimately a beautiful relationship between the two.
Worst: Distrusts Varrick
In an attempt to save Future Industries from ruin, Asami travels to the Southern Water Tribe and meets with Varrick. He is an entrepreneur and a fan favorite in the series. But more than anything else, Varrick is true to his nature. He does what he needs to survive which includes betraying Asami.
Asami is also true to her nature, so she does not understand this. She holds his crimes against him even when Varrick proves to be an asset. He is instrumental in taking down The Legend of Korra's worst villain, Kuvira. While opportunistic, Varrick makes the right decision in the end. Asami always has her guard up around him.
Best: Goes With Korra To The Spirit World
Asami proves to Korra more than once that she is trustworthy. While at one time Asami and Korra were rivals for Mako’s affections, this turns on its head in the series finale. Korra has come a long way since she first came to Republic City. She is more thoughtful and controlled. Asami has also learned a lot and the two friends grow into something more.
Korra decides to go on a vacation to the Spirit World and there is no one else that she wants with her. Asami shows that she feels the same way. She takes Korra up on her offer. Asami makes clear that she is there for Korra as they embark on their relationship.