Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 2 arrives Friday, November 15 on Netflix. This is a spoiler-free review for all five episodes.
With its raised stakes, tournament setting, and smorgasbord of villains, the secon third of Cobra Kai’s final season is more dynamic and hard-hitting than the mirthful quietude of Part 1. Folly and ferocity are balanced nicely here as Miyagi-Do’s elite (and Devon) head to Barcelona to compete in a global tournament that allows teenagers to kick the crap out of each other. It’s a fun flurry of fists and kicks that, despite being the middle five of a 15-episode season gives off big season finale feelings, complete with a signature “everybody was kung fu fighting” bookend.
These five episodes are very busy from a character standpoint, but the Spanish setting and the constant pressure of elimination from the prestigious Sekai Taikai competition keep everything tight. There are breakups, hookups, reconciliations, and redemptions, all while introducing a bunch of new faces to the fold – a bold move for a final season, but also inescapable given the story. Despite a massive ensemble and numerous tales to tell, Cobra Kai still feels in control of its destiny and very mindful of its priorities.
As some previous baddies shift into neutral (or even friendly) territory (Cobra Kai’s coolest M.O.), a fresh lineup of sinister nogoodniks enter the fray. Lewis Tan’s brutal Sensei Wolf, Rayna Vallandingham’s arrogant influencer Zara, Brandon H. Lee’s violent hothead Kwon, and various international teams (one co-captained by AEW’s own Britt Baker, D.M.D.) begin to pose more of a threat than Cobra Kai. The titular dojo almost becomes a peripheral obstacle at times, despite Johnny’s obsession with taking down Kreese (Martin Kove) and Tory’s turncoat decision to join Cobra Kai’s new flock and fight against her found family.
Tory’s story continues to be a standout, and in Part 2 we get to see how her decision affects Robby (Tanner Buchanan), and how Robby’s performance in the Sekai Taikai trickles down to his already squabbling teammates. It nicely fuels the fire of Miyagi-Do’s self-sabotaging tendencies, which then leads to an ultra-satisfying recovery and comeback. No one can beat Miyagi-Do down into the dirt like Miyagi-Do itself, whether it’s the naiveté and/or buffoonery of Senseis Daniel (Ralph Macchio), Johnny (William Zabka), and Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) or the short-sighted choices made by the teens. Everyone has to make the actual mistake to learn from the mistake – advice is rarely heeded by this bunch, but after five and change we know that it will all lead to a fulfilling finish.
Even though Cobra Kai boasted the return of both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, this really all began as Johnny’s story. Seeing things from his perspective and investing in his drive toward a better life was our “in” back into this world, so it’s always great when the show still gives itself space to explore how he comes to terms with his new vulnerabilities. Johnny and Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) continue to bond during these five episodes thanks to a scare that shakes them both to the core and takes them out of the Sekai Taikai briefly. At face value, it might seem like this crucible was designed just to lead to meaningful conversation but, as with most things Cobra Kai, it kicks off a chain that opens up a lot more, including closure on the Kenny/Anthony/Devon front, which in turn also helps the Hawk/Demitri rift. There’s little to no fat here.
Showcasing the Sekai Taikai now, in the middle of Season 6, was a smart idea. Firstly, waiting until the final five episodes would be a trudge since this is a supersized season. This is the natural place for the tournament given the usual length of Cobra Kai seasons. Secondly, these five episodes feature more characters than ever before, and the show needs its final five chapters to sort out Episode 10’s cliffhanger and wrap up the series as a whole. That couldn’t have been done if the international karate elimination contest was saved for the true end. It also allows for the most action-filled run of Cobra Kai to date, with everything from one-on-one contests to pro-wrestling inspired tests like tag team battles and Royal Rumble-style elimination bouts.
And for fans who enjoy returning faces from the past, I’ll just say that we get one of the most obscure pulls to date. One that was so niche that I laughed out loud. Yes, there’s a great White Whale out there in the form of The Next Karate Kid’s Hilary Swank so this particular “return” felt almost like a hilarious morsel of audience contempt.
Part 2 of season 6 features all the rowdiness and righteousness that makes Cobra Kai great while using Daniel’s exploration into Mr. Miyagi’s secret past as the anchor story that’ll carry us through to the end. Johnny’s now Miyagi-Do through and through, so the Miyagi-ness of this all will most likely be the big landing pad for the series. We just have to suffer through Daniel’s indignation at what he feels was a huge slight by Miyagi. His mentor didn’t tell him everything about his whole life – and it was never his right to know, anyway. It’s an aggravating path for Daniel since it distracts him from some truly important things, and makes him susceptible to mind games. But at least by the end of these five episodes he starts to turn a big corner regarding his reliance on all things Miyagi.
