why Zutara is toxic: a refreshingly critical analysis

".....will you go penguin sledding with me?!" - Avatar Aang

From the moment that Avatar Aang opened his eyes, after one hundred years suspended in an iceberg, he knew Katara was the one.

(Satire)

Interestingly enough, despite Avatar: The Last Airbender’s showrun ending well over twelve years ago, the everlasting impact of the show continues to stand the test of time. As such, discourse continues to erupt among social media daily, filled with new fanfictions and headcanon theories.

One of the longest standing debates in the ATLA franchise, is whether the creators made a mistake in the finale. Should Katara have really ended up with the powerful pacifist, Aang or the redeemed and honor-driven Zuko?

These two groups of fans are known as “Zutarians” (Katara/Zuko shippers) or the “Kataang Gang” (Katara/Aang shippers). Yes, I just made up the “Kataang Gang”! As the show continues it’s record breaking streak on Netflix, fans bring the possibility of “what if” back to the surface. Was “Zutara” the pairing that was truly meant to be? Did the creators make a mistake after all?

Unless you were living in Lake Laogai, you are aware of how the journey ended in love for our two young heroes, Aang and Katara. And if you did not understand that reference, you should probably stop reading here.

Personally, I am a die hard fan of Kataang, and I have been since the show originally aired in the mid 2000’s. The shared trauma, unconditional love and loyalty between Katara and Aang, is so well written, that as a kid I cried after their kiss in the finale...

It was much to my surprise over the years to see so many people express their dislike of “Kataang”. I have even witnessed fans claiming that the creators did not properly build up to their union…. And to that I say……

ARE YOU SIPPING ON CACTUS JUICE?????!!!!!!!!!!!!

Instant Destiny

In the first few moments into “The Boy in the Iceberg”, Katara broke Aang out of an iceberg, of which he had been stuck in for one hundred years. As soon he opened his eyes he saw the love of his life, instant destiny if you will. Shortly after this, Katara and Sokka brought Aang back to their home in the Southern Water Tribe to meet their village. The tribe was stunned to see the young airbender, believing airbenders were extinct. Soon Aang and Katara snuck off to go penguin sledding, but the fun was short lived as Zuko approached the village.

First Encounters

While looking for the Avatar, not only did Zuko attack Katara’s village, prodominately women and children, he pulled her grandmother by the collar and tossed her to the side. Yes, her grandmother! This was Katara’s very first time meeting Zuko, and the first thing he did, was attack her loved ones.

Not too long after this, the Gaang visited Kyoshi Island. While there, Aang developed a fanbase among the young girls. Katara got visibly annoyed by this, thinking that all of the attention was going to Aang’s head, which it was. Nonetheless, Zuko managed to find Aang and the crew once again. Aang was forced to fight off Zuko and his team with the help of the Unagi. In this particular episode, Zuko and Katara do not interact, but it is Zuko’s second time indirectly attacking her and her friends.

The Necklace

Later on in Book 1, the Gaang stumbled upon pirates and merchants, one of whom was in possession of a water bending scroll. Katara later stole the scroll, unintentionally drawing attention herself and the Gaang. She wound up being captured by the pirates and Zuko. In this scene, Zuko used Katara’s necklace, that of none other than her deceased Mother, in an attempt to manipulate her into disclosing Aang’s location. Per usual, Aang showed up later on, and the group escapes once more.

Over the course of Book 1 we see Zuko and Zhao continue to chase Aang and his friends all over the world. However, once the Fire Nation set its sights on the Northern Water Tribe, the first battle between Katara and Zuko commenced.

The First Battle

As the Fire Nation prepared to close in on the Water Tribe, Aang traveled to the Spirit Oasis in search of help in the Spirit World. In the mortal world, Katara watched over his body. Before long Zuko entered the Oasis and began to attack her, in an attempt to capture Aang. However, Katara managed to fight evenly with him. This only angered Zuko more, which resulted in him downplaying her skills and calling her a “peasant”. The two continued to battle, before Katara managed to overwhelm Zuko, resulting in him going unconscious temporarily.

As the sun rose, Zuko reawakened and charged at Katara, releasing a powerful fire blast, knocking Katara unconscious. Zuko fled the Northern Water Tribe with Aang, traveling aimlessly through a blizzard. Soon Katara and Sokka found the two in an igloo. Zuko, a fire bender, surrounded by snow and ice, engaged the water bender once more and was buried.

It is important to note, that Katara, along with her brother Sokka, had every intention to leave Zuko for dead after defeating him. Zuko, especially as a fire bender, would not have survived. Aang was the only one to acknowledge this, and brought Zuko with the Gaang back to the North Pole.

After successfully defeating the Fire Nation at the North Pole, The Gaang traveled to the Earth Kingdom. Upon departure, Master Pakku left Katara with a parting gift. An amulet filled with water from the spirit oasis at the North Pole. Master Pakku sternly warned Katara not to lose it, due to its “unique properties”.

Traveling the Earth Kingdom

Starting off in Book 2, Aang and Zuko’s lives continued to parallel. Both characters found themselves traveling into the Earth Kingdom. In search of an Earth bending master, and to seek refuge, respectively. Zuko and his uncle, along with the Gaang, eventually found themselves on the run, as Zuko's younger sister Princess Azula, followed in hot pursuit. In the eighth episode “The Chase”, Azula found herself cornered by everyone, including the newly introduced Earthbending master Toph. In a slick attempt to cause a distraction, Azula shot Iroh straight in the chest. After she disappeared, Iroh lay still on the ground in pain and unconscious. Zuko stood over his uncle, mortified, prompting Katara to offer help. Keep in mind, Zuko has done nothing to deserve such a kind and generous act. After all, he has already; taken her hostage, attacked her, attempted to manipulate her, assaulted her grandmother, and called her a “peasant” among other things. And yet, Katara still remains empathetic and humane.

Zuko rejects the notion, not verbally, but with a flame that went right over the Gaang. After this, the group fled. Leaving Zuko to grieve his wounded uncle, alone.

Zuko and the Gaang do not encounter one another again for several weeks, until they reunite in Ba Sing Se.

Freeing Appa

Upon entering the impenetrable city, Ba Sing Se, Zuko stumbles upon “missing posters" dropped by Aang in his neighborhood. Realizing that this could be his opportunity to capture Aang, he went off to search for Appa. Donning his alter ego the “Blue Spirit'', Zuko managed to infiltrate Lake Laogai. He soon found Appa, and struggled to get the ten ton flying bison out of captivity alone. When Uncle Iroh showed up, he practically scolded him for still hopelessly chasing the “destiny” his father forced upon him. Appa was then seen flying away, reunited with the Gaang, after Zuko made the “right” decision, and released him.

Metamorphosis

Shortly after freeing Appa, Zuko began to experience hallucinations, accompanied by nausea and fatigue. He was experiencing an inner conflict that had begun compromising him physically. As Iroh termed it, a metamorphosis. Iroh sought after and cared for Zuko, mirroring Zuko’s efforts to care for him after Azula shot him. During his metamorphosis, Zuko was confronted by his subconscious mind, fears and desires. He fantasized of the life he longed for, back in the Fire Nation, free of his scar, ruling the country, with his honor. In one dream, dragons encircled him, one blue and the other red, appearing to take on the personas of Azula and Iroh respectively. The blue dragon preyed on Zuko’s vulnerability, embodying temptation. The red dragon gave a stern warning to the Prince, to ignore the blue dragon, and leave before it was too late. His long lost mother Ursa appeared, pleading for help, and just as Zuko realized he was in danger, it was too late.

When Zuko recovered he was in high spirits and began to embrace his new life. He returned to work eager to help his uncle serve the growing business at the Jasmine Dragon. Iroh was generally impressed, and arguably the happiest he had been in a long time. Things were looking up, as Zuko said.

Corruption in the Earth Kingdom

As the Gaang had fully reunited after weeks searching the Earth Kingdom for Appa, their duty was to begin preparations for the upcoming invasion of the Fire Nation. However, after Long Feng, in addition to the Dai Li, were exposed for corruption and committing various crimes against the Earth Kingdom, the group decided to split up temporarily to face several objectives. Katara took on the responsibility of meeting with the Council of Five independently to help plan the invasion. Thus she remained in Ba Sing Se.

Here is where it gets flame-y.

While looking to get a cup of tea, Katara stumbled upon Zuko and Iroh in the Jasmine Dragon. She spots them instantly, and runs off to the Earth King. When she arrives in the palace, she confides about her encounter with the exiled firebenders, to the Kyoshi Warriors. Only to realize she is talking to Azula...

While Aang is away with Guru Pathik, he successfully opens six out of seven of his chakras. As he opened up about his traumatic past and healing, he learned that Katara had become the spiritual rebirth of his love for the air nomads. He had difficulty opening his final chakra, the "thought" chakra, which embodies his Earthly attachments. Aang’s greatest attachment on Earth had become Katara. The requirement to release the attachment appears contradictory, and nearly impossible to Aang at first. In fact, he outright refused to attempt it initially, preventing him from fully gaining access to the Avatar state.

Guru Pathik soon helps Aang overcome his pride, and proceeds to begin guiding him into the Avatar State. As Aang begins to enter the Avatar State, he envisions Katara, tied up in chains. Aang immediately exits the state, and exits the Western Air Temple, against Guru Pathik's warnings.

Back in Ba Sing Se, Azula is running the Dai Li and Earth Kingdom Capital. She successfully executes a coup to take down the Council of Five and the Earth King. But as usual, Azula wants it all. She then ambushed her uncle and brother for the second time, with a fleet of Dai Li agents. Iroh managed to escape, while Zuko turned to face his sister, looking for the opportunity to battle one on one. Azula dismissed him and had him thrown in the Crystal Catacombs of Old Ba Sing Se, with Katara.

The Moment That Birthed "Zutara"

Katara was initially displeased to be stuck with Zuko. Surrounded by giant glowing green crystals and Earth, with virtually no water or need for fire, they were practically helpless. Katara initially yells at him begrudgingly, out of frustration and curiosity. She questions how a person could be so barbaric, as to consistently attempt to apprehend someone that the world needed desperately. And for such fruitless aspirations.

But these were not fruitless aspirations, Zuko explained.

It was a game, a hopeless voyage designed by his Father, that was intended to go on endlessly. Fueled by his own desperation and shame, he became obsessed with the idea of winning his old life back. The prize was his honor, and the only way to win was to capture the Avatar.

But life had inspired him, along with his Uncle. He had begun to question his true identity and purpose was.

During an off screen conversation, Katara and Zuko discussed their mothers and some of the parallels between their lives. This is the first fire bender Katara has ever opened up to regarding her personal life, as well as the first time Zuko gets candid about his Mother's disappearance and the impact it had on him.

The sudden vulnerability between the two prompts Zuko to discuss how the burn scar on his face, impacts his self esteem. Katara offered to use the water from the Spirit Oasis, in an attempt to remove the scar permanently. Although initially skeptical, Zuko gave in, and allowed Katara to touch his scar, while preparing to heal him.

This moment is the moment.

Keep in mind, Zuko had not allowed anyone else to touch his scar at this point. Also, this is the most honest and genuine Zuko had ever been with anyone from the Gaang.

But, much like Admiral Zhoa's story arc, it does not last long.

Aang Intervenes

When Iroh and Aang found Zuko and Katara in the cave, she immediately ran towards Aang and embraced him. Aang and Zuko were rather hostile towards each other. After a brief confrontation, Aang and Katara ran off to find Toph and Sokka. Zuko remained with his uncle, conflicted. Katara’s conversation with him had an impact, and now he was confused. He questioned why his Uncle had been travelling with the Avatar, prompting Iroh to give him an ultimatum. In this moment, the visions Zuko had during his metamorphosis were coming to life, as Azula entered.

Backed by two Dai Li agents, Azula charms and persuades Zuko into joining her. She argued that this was Zuko’s opportunity for redemption, and that she could only win with his help. A classic tactic performed by Azula, to play on temptations with deception, for her own agenda. Similar to the blue dragon discussed previously. Zuko was then left to ponder between the life he had, or the life he always longed for.

As Azula engaged Aang and Katara in battle further along in the Crystal Catacombs, Zuko joined in the fight.

This is the moment.

The moment of truth.

The moment that killed “Zutara” .

Betrayal

Zuko turned to Aang and attacked, while Azula simultaneously attacked Katara. An all out battle between the four ensued, the siblings versus Kataang. Initially the siblings were overwhelmed by the duo, Aang managed to slam Zuko, and Katara nearly defeat d Azula. Once the firebenders switched, Katara and Zuko faced off once again.

“I thought you had changed!” Katara yelled at Zuko, as she swung water whips at him.

Katara’s assertion that Zuko changed was met with a confirmation by Zuko, followed by another fire blast attack.

As of that instant, Zuko had admitted to being aware that he betrayed Katara’s trust, and had little to no remorse for it. Right after confiding in the young waterbender, her offering to possibly rid Zuko’s face of his scar and even forming a traumatic bond over their mothers, Zuko still betrays her. And not only did he betray her that night, he assisted Azula in murdering Aang. By the end of the night, Katara was left helpless and distraught, as she held Aang’s lifeless body, after being shot by Azula. Zuko and Azula moved towards her, before being blocked by Iroh.

Interesting to note, had Iroh not intervened, it is likely Zuko and Azula would have killed Katara or had her killed. Considering that we know Katara would never surrender willingly. Additionally, Zuko had just helped Azula kill the Avatar, right after she confided in him about the Fire Nation taking away someone she loved.

Any trust, respect, or loyalty Katara ever had for Zuko, was lost in this battle.

Time to Change

Zuko accompanied Azula along with her friends Mai and Ty Lee, back to the Fire Nation. He continued to endure inner turmoil within himself for weeks, following his betrayal of his Uncle Iroh, back in Ba Sing Se. His emotions spiraled between resentment, confusion and shame, the final weeks leading up to the invasion of the Fire Nation.

Conversely, the Gaang focused on Aang’s recovery after being struck with lightning by Azula, rendering his Avatar State ineffective. Katara was Aang’s primary caretaker during this time, consistently giving him healing sessions. The Gaang traveled the Fire Nation,

You Can’t Sit With Us

When Zuko first proposed the idea of him joining the Gaang, Katara harshly rejected him and demanded that he leave immediately. Following Aang’s decision as the Avatar, to have Zuko as his firebending teacher, Katara obliged. Nonetheless, she made sure to give Zuko a clear and direct promise; should he bring Aang any harm, be it even the smallest threat, she would kill him.

Katara threatened to kill Zuko over Aang!

Bad Influence

After going on a “life changing field trip” with Aang, Sokka and Suki, Zuko was now determined to help Katara face her mother's killer once and for all. In “The Southern Raiders”, Zuko believed that Katara’s anger towards him was connected to her mother's killer. It certainly could not have anything to do with him capturing her, deceiving her, attacking her, attacking her loved ones, stealing from her, or betraying her.

After gathering some information from Sokka, Zuko came up with a plan to earn Katara’s trust back. Upon hearing the plan, Katara was skeptical, but was willing to take a chance to confront the murderer. Aang attempted several times to warn Katara and dissuade her from violent revenge, whereas Zuko encouraged it.

This episode exemplified the two different dynamics Zuko and Aang brought to Katara’s life, and which one served her more and rhymed with her own morals and ethics. While on the trip, Katara was vengeful and aggressive, which is unlike her typical character. While Katara finally forgave Zuko, she remained uneasy about the whole experience. Both times Katara confronted a man and prepared to kill him, Zuko did nothing. Because he does not know Katara well enough to understand that she is not truly a killer. A relationship like this would only serve to destroy the purity and wholesomeness that is Katara’s character. Zuko’s advice arguably brought out the worst in Katara, causing her to change her mind at the last moment. In the end she chose to let her anger out, while still showing restraint and mercy, just as Avatar Aang had advised her.

The Final Agni Kai

Upon the night of Sozin’s Comet, Zuko requested that Katara accompany him on his journey to the Fire Nation, to have one final showdown with Azula, for the throne. Although their original plan was to tag team her, Zuko changed his mind once he saw Azula’s deterioration. As the two battled, Azula began to become exhausted and overwhelmed. After Zuko taunts her for being afraid to use lightning, she shoots it at Katara instead of him, resulting in him taking the bolt to the chest, partially redirecting it and saving Katara’s life. Shortly after Zuko was shot, Katara defeated Azula and successfully healed Zuko’s injury, and thanked him for risking his life for her. The two embraced each other and watched as Azula finally succumbed to her declining mental health.

Almost Isn’t Good Enough

While there is absolutely no way to deny the untouchable redemption arc, that is Zuko’s story in ATLA. The fantasized romance between Zuko and Katara, is non-existent, as it is illogical. Realistically, Zuko had only been with Team Avatar for eight episodes. While it was powerful to see him right his wrong doings, that is not justification for him to deserve Katara. Katara had just begun forgiving him after confronting her mother's killer, it would be unrealistic for them to have suddenly fallen in love. The creators did not make a mistake. The outdated concept of "bad boy hurts good girl because he secretly loves her” needs to be put in the garbage, like yesterday.