I don't want this to get too dramatic as Harumi seems to be a pretty controversial topic in the past, so if you're going to contribute, please write an actual reason and by that I mean if it will actually make Ninjago a better show. This post is a little long but please read all of it.
To be honest I've been pretty divided about whether she should or should not return so I was wondering what you all think.
I've been thinking about Lloyd's development which connects to his relation with Harumi. In the past all of the ninja had to get over some obstacle or weakness that held them back (the easiest example is their true potential). Right now, one of those obstacles is Harumi and the effect it has had on his trust of others so if Lloyd is able to conquer that fear maybe he can unlock another power (kind of like Cole's spinjitzu burst). Lego could just make another season about Lloyd's problem with Garmadon but I feel like that has been overused so it would be more interesting to see how he copes with Harumi. It's unlikely that he will just meet someone new and get over her so I think he has to see her again in some way.
A lot of people say that she didn't die which I don't think is likely and I believe that the theories of where she is in the current seasons might be a little too forced (I do encourage you to make fanfic if it makes you happy, but I'm a canon guy). I think we should accept the fact that she is dead but also the fact that she can still influence the plot in many ways.
In my opinion, the best way for her to return is that the ninja have to go into the departed realm to seek some power or key to defeat a powerful enemy and along the way they have to face past demons (including Harumi for Lloyd). Bringing Harumi out of the departed realm would make her out of place and maybe in the departed realm she is given an acutal chance to get the life she wanted with her parents, a new start for her. It would also be a cool twist if Lloyd chooses to remain with her in the departed realm (like if he took the FSM's hand in "Endings"), but maybe I'm going a little too far with that idea.
Here are some invalid reasons for her return (I saw these posted in some other discussions):
- She is too young to die: age was never the point of ninjago. Technically there are only 5 distinctions of age to make: baby-toddler, child, teenager-young adult, old man. Any age within doesn't really matter ("It's not about numbers it's about family") and if she was too young to die, she was also too young to start a criminal motorcycle gang
- She could have been the first villain in 2 seasons straight: Records are cool but not integral to the plot. If Lego wanted a record then there would be 1 villain and he would be the first (and only) villain in 13 seasons, but no one would want to watch that right?
Here are my general reasons for and against her return:
Against
- Her arc ended perfectly and it would ruin her character. How would she fit in in Ninjago
- Lego needs to make deaths more permanent and more meaningful (or the sacrifice would be wasted)
Should return
- She is the one thing holding Lloyd back and he needs to reconcile with her to develop his character more. It seems unlikely for him to just forget about her
- Wasted a character if she just keeps haunts Lloyd and then suddenly he forgets her somehow
Let me know what you think about this and please give actually good reasons!