Unpopular Opinion (Maybe?)

I still like Mako.

I don’t see a reason to dislike him, and I’m honestly still rooting for his happiness, whether he chooses Asami or Korra.

Some people in the fandom are getting pissed at him for being an ass to Korra and not telling Asami about the kiss. He’s been an ass for the majority of the most recent episodes- that much is true. Okay, so he’s an ass. Now what? What are you really hating him for?

Being a human being?

Being confused?

Having emotions?

Being conflicted?

Don’t you get it? Mako’s raw and real and a regular teenage boy (besides all the I-can-control-fire! shit). Two pretty, sweet girls have crushes on him and one asks him out. So, what does he do? Go out with her!

The other girl he likes kisses him? Of course he’ll kiss her back.

He’s confused guys. He’s really confused. And the reason for his assholishness in episode 7 wasn’t because he’s a genuine asshole (at least, I hope not), but because he felt guilty over the kiss he shared with Korra and felt the need to defend Asami in any way possible. He feels that he’s already hurt her, so he has to be extra careful to protect her.

And, as for not telling Korra about the kiss, that’s also human nature. Honesty is the best policy, but the boy’s grown up on the streets his whole life, probably having to con people for money. His first reaction to the situation is to cover his tracks, and while that’s not the best thing, it’s a real reaction.

People don’t hate Mako because he’s a douche- they’re hating him because he’s realistic.

I understand- some people don’t like that. They like the perfect guy who comes along and is super sweet and sweeps the girl off her feet. But the truth about relationships is that they’re often complicated and messy and sometimes completely awful. Love, whether it’s platonic or even deeper, is a strange thing that works in odd ways. Mako isn’t your fairy tale prince, fandom. He’s an 18 year old boy.