I have been on the Cobra Kai train since the beginning. My first entertainment review came way back in 2018 when the Season was streamed on YouTube Red.
Sports Movie/Shows Review: Cobra Kai – YouTube Red
So, if you are late the party, no problem, Netflix now carries the entire series and is highly digestible. Here is my take on Season 4 – Spoilers Coming…..
Cobra Key Season 4 Review
General Overview
In an age filled with multiverses and layered sequels, Cobra Kai Season 4 continues to match that trend and takes the series to a new level. In the history of the series itself, Cobra Kai is the ultimate re-boot/sequel. Cobra Kai at the inception was the update on the divergent lives of Daniel Larusso (the original Karate Kid) and Johnny Lawrence (the original bully from the first movie). Over the past 3 seasons, Cobra Kai has brought back characters from the original movies in both a limited and full fledged fashion. The finale in Season 3 left us with the joining of forces between LaRusso and Lawrence in their once battling dojos – Miyagi Do and Eagle Fang (the split off from Cobra Kai upon the return of John Kreese – the original Cobra Kai sensei).
The general frame of Cobra Kai Season 4 is the new joint dojo is preparing for the 51st Annual All Valley Tournament. The deal between Kreese’s Cobra Kai dojo and Miyagi/Eagle Fang is if Cobra Kai wins the tournament, then Larusso and Lawrence will disband their dojos permanently. High stakes for the 2 former All Valley Champions.
A little more information if you need to catch up from Season 3:
- Robby Keene, Johnny’s son, who was trained by Daniel in Season 1 and 2 is now going to fight for Kreese and Cobra Kai in Season 4 along with Tory Nichols, the fiery, independent female martial artist.
- Miguel Diaz (the last All Valley Champ) will train alongside Samantha Larusso (Daniel’s daughter), so the star crossed lovers will be on the same side this season.
- Other characters like Hawk and Demetri who were friends to start the series and then enemies are back to friends again train with one another at Miyagi/Eagle Fang.
Return to Principles
I grew up watching Karate Kid, so the mythos that the series continues strikes a direct cord to my heart. However, I have found the 2nd and 3rd seasons to be cheesey at best. The parade of past characters including going to Okinawa in Season 3 seemed a bit of a stretch. However, in Season 4, I think the basic premise of a Tournament really helps the season. There is an eventual goal in mind with direct stakes – a lot like in Season 1. This time, however, all the various complicated relationships come to bear as loyalties need to be split or blended, much like the fighting styles created amongst the 3 dojos.
Season 4 unleashes yet another old foe from the annuals of Karate Kid lore. Admittedly, I’ve only watched Karate Kid III probably once in my life (13% on Rotten Tomatoes). Terry Silver, a Kreese clone, in the 3rd movie installment was a super charged business man with a mean streak returns to the franchise. Well, when I saw him in Season 4, I was not super excited. However, I will say that I was wrong. His character arc is as dynamic as the improved fight choreography in Cobra Kai Season 4. As he is led back to Cobra Kai from his posh lifestyle by Kreese to take down Daniel and Johnny, his addition is critical to the series direction. The indebted protege becomes stronger as the season goes on – which I really enjoyed.
Now, like most mature series, it is important to maintain the relationship tensions – romantic, personal and familial. I think the writing in Season 4 is much better in establishing and re-establishing connections between parents and kids, teachers and pupils, and romantic partners. Yes, from the layman, it would be hard not to know the various existing connections, but enough flashbacks are shown to refresh our memories.
The original charm of the series was allowing the audience to peak behind the curtain into Johnny’s life, the anti-hero who has a complicated past and make up. This season does that not just with Johnny but with all of the characters, so there is no black or white – good or evil – Cobra Kai or Miyagi/Eagle Fang. That’s more like real life.
New Element
One of the elements I was not as crazy about was the way Season 4 involved Daniel’s son, Anthony LaRusso. It had some promise, as he was cyber-bullying a new boy, Kenny Payne, early in the season. I actually love the introduction of Kenny and his development throughout the season was excellent, but the Season dropped Anthony and tried to pick it up a little late. So, I’m hoping for more in future seasons in that regard. On the positive side, Kenny, as a new character, has plenty of room for growth and direction.
Final Thoughts
Cobra Kai is in the genre of a pallet cleanser, like Ted Lasso. It is ok to have a show that makes you consider interpersonal issues and positivity without graphic violence or explicit sex. Although not 100% family friendly, Cobra Kai Season 4 tackles several issues that teens, coaches, and parents go through. The 4th Season’s writing showed real maturity with how they handled the overall lessons shown – non-binary thinking, principle over passion and the complexities of every person’s story. Plus, the season ends with a clear direction and excitement for another installment.
3.5 Stars out of 4 (I love how I used baskets in my first review)
Hope you enjoy it, too.
Wegs