The dojo is back with a vengeance, with young adult drama and epic karate face-offs in tow. It’s indeed a fitting way tofinish off the sixth and final seasonofCobra Kai, aka the sequel series toThe Karate Kid— both of which star the beloved Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. He recently received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and based off that event and the latest batch of episodes in his acclaimed Netflix show, he’s still looking pretty darn good after all these years. Alongside his Jersey accent and “still got ‘em” moves, there’sco-star William Zabkaas frenemy Johnny Lawrence, also reprising his likable O.G.Karate Kidrole.
Sure, Zabka is still somewhat stiff after six full seasons of the glossy YA show, but you can’t help but root for the guy, both as a performer and as a fictional character who’s destined for some sort of greatness. Die-hardCobra Kaifans will undoubtedly be pleased with where Johnny lands by the time the series takes its final, sportsmanlike bow in the 15th episode of this season, the finale of the show. And there is plenty else to soak up during the final five episodes released today, Feb. 13, even if certain cameos and teases along the way may leave you feeling duped at times and itching for more.
Cameos, YA Charm & More
Cobra Kaicertainly brings the late, great Miyagi’s legacy home in a number of bittersweet ways as the final season winds down and returns to the beloved character’s California hometown of sorts. In fact, the final episodes even find a clever and heartfelt way to “bring back” Pat Morita’s iconic persona, though we’d feel like cheaters for spoiling just how Netflix decided to pull it off (and we all know how the good guys in theKarate Kiduniverse feel about cheaters…).
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Despite all the karate-laced violence, occasional substance abuse, and occasional four-letter words,Cobra Kaistill very much feels like a young adult series at its core, all the way to the end. But thanks to the Netflix switchover from YouTube Red several years ago, the series has arguably soared to new heights — not just with the high production value and ability to use top-tier songs by, say, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, but also with some epic and increasingly juicy story beats as well.
Yes, these remaining episodes include a few jaw-dropping payoffs that fans genuinely won’t see coming with certain characters. Everyone you know makes a return to put a bow on their respective characters — even Raymond, played by thereliably superb Paul Walter Hauser. Seeing how his journey concludes with the Cobra Kai organization is reason enough to stick with the series until the conclusion. And until then, there’s plenty else to soak up with the fierce (yet occasionally cheesy) characters you’ve grown to love.
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Decades after their 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament bout, Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence find themselves martial-arts rivals again.
Juggling Many Characters with Comedy
Of course, there’s San Fernando Valley car-dealership owner Daniel LaRusso, aka the O.G. karate kid. As he grows older and remains committed to the Cobra cause, his teenage daughter Samantha (Mary Mouser) is stacking years as well. This means college is now in the picture for her. While Samantha and her karate pals juggle school, competing in the sport and finessing endless lovers' quarrels — looking at you, Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) — the adults surrounding the karate tournament in focus are acting a bit like young adults as well.
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This effectively fuels the comedic edge ofCobra Kai, like when Daniel’s old pal, Chozen (the lovable Yuji Okumoto) — reunited years after theirKarate Kidsequel — finds out his wife has left him, causing him to spiral into a life of pitiful sorrow. Soon following, Daniel has set up a date for Chozen with a single female friend, which starts disastrously but then turns riotously jovial, reminding us of the charming through-line that has helped keep the acclaimed and upbeatCobra Kaiafloat for so long.
“Kreese” Is the Word
Then there are other adults acting childishly, but these yield more dramatic results across the final five episodes. Making his mark on the laterCobra Kaiseasons, of course, is the villainous sensei Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith, eating up every delicious line), who had been roped back in by the infamous John Kreese (Martin Kove, who seemingly hasn’t aged a day since the originalKarate Kidfilms). Silver and his equally treacherous co-sensei Wolf (Lewis Tan) will stop at nothing to ensure their Iron Dragons squad annihilates any team in their way, especially the Cobra Kai’s. That means pulling dirty moves on the mat, hence the “childish behavior” by the senseis that just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
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On that note, seeing the once-corrupt Kreese step up and traverse an actual character arc opposite the increasingly erratic Silver and other evil forces in his life is another reason to stay tuned all the way through to the series' finish line. Watch out for an epic face-off between the two veterans on board an ocean cruiser, by the way.
Speaking of face-offs, will it come as a shock that one of the two leading men from the very start ofCobra Kaimust ultimately reenter the competition and fight himself? Due to a convenient twist of fate involving the international tournament’s rules, Johnny and Daniel can’t rely on the youngings for the coveted trophy at a certain point. Just you wait. It’s likeRocky IIIand “Eye of the Tiger” all over again as one of them gets in shape to channel Miyagi’s teaching from decades prior.
A Surfeit of Speeches & Lots of Lessons
Until then, all the usual sappy and inspirational beats involving the other supporting players fall into place, including Johnny’s expanding family. Cobra Kai’s Tori Nichols (Peyton List) ensures respect on the female side of the squad, Miguel attempts to make a stupendous comeback following that horrific fall earlier in the series, and more.
Sure, the somewhat cheesy speeches get repetitive, as do the inevitable breakups & makeups within each karate team, but that’s what you signed up for with moreCobra Kai, no? And one last word on Hauser’s scene-stealing character Raymond, who is underutilized in the final episodes. Couldn’t he have his own spinoff show down the line? Food for thought. Part 3 ofCobra Kai’s sixth and final season is now streaming on Netflix. Watch it through the link below:
