PJ Byrne ('Bolin') Interview from 'The Legend of Korra'

New York Comic Con 2014 was the last comic convention for the cast and crew of Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra and it was a bittersweet time for everyone. The fans were celebrating a new season of the series -- the first one to debut and air completely online -- but it was also the last in the series. When the final episode airs in a few weeks, that's it for Korra, Mako, Bolin, Asami, Pabu and all the other characters we have grown to love.

The NYCC Korra Panel featured some artwork from creator Bryan Konietzko, who also explained that though it will never be revealed this season, Asami was the one who designed the new and improved Airbender Nation "Lemur" suits. And speaking of Asami -- the Korra and Asami sismance is REAL. The fans absolutely LOVED every scene where Korra talked about Asami on screen. I don't think it's going to happen, but I think it would be amazing if Korra and Asami went full circle, having been rivals for Mako in the beginning to being together in the end.

Before the panel, I had a chance to talk to PJ Byrne who voices Bolin and he shared his thoughts on the final season. This was the first time I met PJ and I have to say, he's even funnier in real life than Bolin on the show. I think he was able to transfer his personality brilliantly into Bolin -- which is remarkable. Again, as a fan of this show, I am hoping that if there is ever a new series based on Avatar in the future, hopefully Bolin has a part in it.

New episodes of The Legend of Korra airs every Friday on Nick.com.

Interview with PJ Byrne ("Bolin")

Rickey: What to expect from Bolin this season... without giving too many spoilers.

PJ Byrne: I know we're still not allowed to say anything... But I think this is a good season. Well, we know that Kuvira is gonna wanna drop some power on everybody, but as fas as Bolin goes, I think he's grown up a lot. I think he's about to go though a journey that's pretty powerful if you will. He's gonna really learn what's right and wrong in the world and how your choices really affect everyone. And you should choose who you're friends with and who's your family and always try to do the right thing.

Rickey: It starts off really in the wrong foot with Opal...

PJ Byrne: Who's Opal? I'm kidding. [laughter] I don't know. He might finally go the wrong way. What a great hook or what a bad hook or what a terrible hook. It'll be an amazing hook. I think people go through phases in their lives, and this is the time where Bolin's on his own. He doesn't have his core around or his buddy around or Opal around. And a lot of people used to guide him through life. And now, he isn't with his tight circle, and that's what happens when you grow up. You go on your own and see the world and hang out with people called Rick. I don't know. I don't know what's gonna happen right now. I don't know what's gonna happen, Rick. Pabu's here. I don't know.

Rickey: So, what's your feeling about the last season.

PJ Byrne: To be honest, it's bitter sweet because I love [the show]. It's a nice thing when you get to show up everyday for five years, and it's one thing going to work with people you love and respect, and that's happened with a lot of jobs. Knock on wood. But you love and respect their work, but then you become friends with these people, and they become your family, and that's truly a special thing to be able to go to work everyday with people that you love. And jump in the trenches with them and mix it up and just laugh and have a blast. You get to work... I don't even consider it work. It's a blast. I get to go hang out with my family, which is really special, but we have a finite time on this planet, if you will, so it's just like you wanna also... I can't wait to see what Mike and Brian are gonna come up with. What's buried in the deep crevices of their heads.

Rickey: Do you throw suggestions in their way?

PJ Byrne: To what they should do next?

Rickey: Yeah.

PJ Byrne: I actually do all the time.

Rickey: Even for your character?

PJ Byrne: Yeah... Oh no no. I'm just saying what next great story. They created this great, what would you call it, quadrilogy if you will or tetralogy, I think it's called. Four stories.

Rickey: What would Bolin be, in 10 years, in the Avatar universe?

PJ Byrne: Oh my God, that is a great question. What would Bolin be? I think about in 10 years from now I think Bolin has lived a lot of insane experiences that his brain now finally has time to process it. So, it wouldn't put it past me that he's living in some magically beautiful place like almost like the metal bending world, maybe back at Opal's family's house and just... And they're happy and they're having kids, and I think he's starting to teach the next generation to look out and keep the world safe. Maybe it's the Bolin Show. Maybe that's what it is.

Rickey: What do you think about the show that makes fans loyal? It went online. That was a big disappointment. But...

PJ Byrne: How they found us?

Rickey: Yeah, yeah... we're still here [the fans].

PJ Byrne: I think it just... It's like kudos to Mike and Brian, where they created this epic, huge world. I always say like the 4 H's. It's got like, it's a huge world, it has honor, it has heroes, and it has heart. It's like and... That's one part of it, which is massive. So people can relate to the stories, and it's kind of like commenting what's going on in the world today, at some level, and it's good lessons for you to watch. You get a great lesson. But these guys are like mad artists. They're incredible. Visually, this is a beautiful show, and I know how much work they put into it. So, I think the fans, the people that found the show that know it exists really went and followed it and then tracked it down. I think that's what makes it so special.

Rickey: Yeah, I watch it now... I've actually gotten used to it. I just go online every Friday.

PJ Byrne: But I think there's the new... I'm kinda think that's how I'm watching TV actually myself now, like HBO Go or Netflix or any of that stuff. Except, if I would ever be on a network show, I'd be like, "You should tune in on Tuesday nights." No, I wouldn't. But that's how I watch my shows now, to be honest with you.

Rickey: Do you plan to do any more voice over type of work, what's the future for you now?

PJ Byrne: Oh, yeah. I mean, look, if there's something else that comes my way that's interesting or inspiring... I have a good relationship with Nickelodeon wherever, that's sort of... I would absolutely do that 'cause I had so much fun. It's doing voice overs and acting for of the cameras, are two different worlds. And especially, I like doing something big like this because I can just close my mind and imagine and sort of play as supposed to, when you're shooting a TV show or movie, you're like, "Hit your mark, your angle... " This is just so freeing.

You can follow PJ on Twitter at: @PJ_Byrne

Long live The Legend of Korra!