Netflix
After an intense journey of six years and as many seasons, “Cobra Kai” has finally delivered its concluding episodes. Despite each part of the sixth season seeming a bit slow and fragmented when viewed separately, the collective narrative woven through them contributes to one of the most impactful seasons of the show, especially with part 3 offering some of the most memorable episodes. This inevitably leads to a question about Netflix’s decision to split the season in such a manner.
From its humble beginnings as a more somber and realistic iteration of a “How I Met Your Mother” joke, “Cobra Kai” has emerged as one of the standout series of recent years, and a remarkable legacy sequel. It has not only successfully rebooted “The Karate Kid” for a new generation but also served as an ideal sequel to the first three instalments of the film series. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the often-comical rivalry between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) transform into a deep friendship. They’ve also joined forces with other adversaries such as Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) and Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan) to oppose John Kreese (Martin Kove) and Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith).
“Cobra Kai” has always demonstrated a keen understanding of when and how to indulge in fan service. It masterfully employs nostalgia to breathe new life into beloved characters and to traverse unexplored narrative paths. The final episodes of “Cobra Kai” amplify this approach to deliver a breathtaking five-hour binge-watch, featuring some of the most unforgettable moments from the show and the entire franchise.
Cobra Kai confronts the past in its final episodes
Netflix
Season 6 part 2 concluded in the aftermath of a violent disruption at the Sekai Taikai, which led to a sudden and tragic demise. The subsequent episodes continue from this point, with the tournament called off and all participants still grappling with the shock of the violent incident. However, Terry Silver, in his characteristic fashion, finds a way to resume the tournament at the location that once hosted the 1984 All-Valley Tournament.
There are some who resist this decision, such as John Kreese, who is averse to the idea of risking another student’s life. This gives rise to perhaps the biggest surprise and the finest storyline of the season, where we see a drastically different Kreese, one profoundly shaken by Kwon’s death. The following narrative unfolds the core themes of the franchise, exploring the complex dynamics between teachers and students, and the influence of a teacher’s failings on their students. Martin Kove delivers a commendable performance as Kreese, reflecting on his past deeds and questioning his place in the world of karate.
This theme also extends to Daniel and Johnny. The former finally unravels the mystery surrounding Miyagi’s past, which has been rather underwhelming throughout the season. It’s intriguing to see the show argue that Miyagi wasn’t as perfect as perceived and to watch Daniel accept his mentor’s flaws. However, the excessive build-up of this mystery throughout the season makes the reveal somewhat anticlimactic.
The final episodes of Cobra Kai deliver
Netflix
Season 6 part 3 of “Cobra Kai” reaffirms that the series has always been about the transformation of William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence. Zabka shines in the last five episodes, delivering some of his finest work as Johnny confronts his past mistakes, Kreese’s influence on him, and his insecurities, while also acknowledging his accomplishments and personal growth.
“Cobra Kai” has consistently demonstrated the art of utilizing nostalgia effectively, and the final episodes are all about reflecting on the past to move forward. There are multiple references, homages, direct callbacks, and even complete reenactments of moments from the original “Karate Kid” in these episodes. The references serve to highlight both the past and the present, and to illustrate the characters’ journey. Without revealing any spoilers, it’s safe to say that the final episodes of “Cobra Kai” are a testament to six years of making the right callbacks at the right time, and are a dream come true for fans. When it came to the final showdown, the show proved it was the best in the game.
/Film rating 8 out of 10
You can stream “Cobra Kai” season 6 part 3 on Netflix starting February 13, 2025.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
