TV Review: Cobra Kai Returns To End Old Rivalries
When it comes to Cobra Kai Season 5, Creator Jon Hurwitz has truly made a consistently good series, and season 4 left with many cliffhangers. What surprised me most about Season 5 is that, for all the potential plot twists we expected from last season, the series returns to wrap up with subtlety and sweetness all its old rivalries.
Watching Season 5 was a quick delight, of which this series is too easy to binge-watch. Yet, I was shook by the emotional airiness of this season. While there are combustive, fight sequences, and the expected villainy of both Kreese (Martin Kove) and Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), the season felt more focused on the inner healing of both its adult and teenage leads. In essence, while Kreese and Terry are formidable foes, each slithering and scheming across the season, they did not feel like the focus, even if LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) became so obsessed with them, his wife contemplates divorce. Yet, that Is EXACTLY THE POINT! This season is all about the distractions we use, like karate, to avoid our inner work.
If this series has done one thing, it has made Johnny (William Zabka) beloved, and revealed Daniel to be a slight jerk. With their growing friendship, and the return of old enemies turned friends, Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) and Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan), Daniel’s journey is one of catharsis. For all the privilege and triumphs he has had, he never fully enjoys them because he has to ¨stop a villian,¨ but with so many old enemies becoming his good friends, he loosens up and it is nice to see. The same can be said for his daughter, Sam (Mary Mouser), who does not walk out a fan-favorite, as usual, but does become a richer, more redemptive character, especially in terms of Tory (Peyton List).
This season really goes to Tory. Out of all the characters, she packs the most emotional punches: both given and received. I was surprised to see how much she dominates this season, especially over Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and Robbie (Tanner Buchanan) whose growing brotherhood proves anyone can become brothers. Yes, that is right! Johnny is hyper-focused on making his blended family with Carmen (Vanessa Rubio) one of peace and love. Seeing Johnny really try to tell a pair of hormonal teenagers that fighting is wrong is so funny and heartwarming. Yet, their dust-ups and dust settles are truly impactful, and give both Robbie and Miguel so much character growth for their actors to shine. Naturally, Miguel will remain a fan-fave with his sweetness still anchoring this show´s heart, and inspiring others to show it to Tory.
While this season fills and smooth a bunch of storylines, I have to say it ended an era. Season 6 of Cobra Kai will truly be a new world for all its characters because Season 5 was about ending rivalries for everyone, and learning that carrying hatred in your heart, automatically, stops you from being a person of peace. Cobra Kai Season 5 Comes Out September 9.
