Warning! This article contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 2.
Cobra Kaibeautifully navigates dark and intense topics in the series, as seen by the shocking death scene from the final episode of season 6, part 2. WhileCobra Kaibegan as a continuation ofTheKarate Kidmovies which came out in the 1980s and 1990s, the series has continually adapted and developed an independent voice and style from the original films.The Karate Kidmovies were tongue-in-cheek action movies that were indicative of the time in which they were made, but they aren’t a great fit for modern audiences.
Instead,Cobra Kai’sstyle, of a more mature and intense action series, which dips into darker themes and tones, but retains the comedy and fun elements at the same time, feels far more modern. And, over the course of the series, this has proven to be a hit with the audience, who have praised and celebrated the series for its ability to play with these styles, and avoid being held back. But theupcomingKarate Kidmovieis set to erase all this progressin favor of a new story, and it doesn’t make sense.
Cobra Kai Season 6’s Shocking Death Shows How The Franchise’s Tone Has Darkened
Cobra Kai Has Featured A Lot Of Dark Storylines
Cobra Kaiseason 1 leaned into a slapstick comedy style, and while it featured intense karate fights, the show did not yet have a good grip on what it was about. However, it wasn’t long before the show pushed boundaries, andbegan exploring darker topics. Miguel being hospitalized and paralyzed by Robby, Robby being sent to prison, Stingray being hospitalized, and Kreese and Terry Silver’s brutality were all elements that explored much darker topics than anything in theKarate Kidmovies. However, inCobra Kaiseason 6, episode 10, the show took a nosedive into potentially the darkest plot development yet.
Which Cobra Kai star’s career are you most looking forward to after the show’s over?
Netflix’s Cobra Kai has introduced many audiences to a variety of up-and-coming actors, namely those of Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand and Giovanni DeCenzo. With the Karate Kid sequel show coming to an end, the sky’s the limit for what the young stars could do next, particularly as Maridueña may have a future as the Blue Beetle in James Gunn’s DC Universe, and List has Paramount+‘s School Spirits returning for season 2. Which of the stars do you see having the best post-Cobra Kai career? And what path do you see them taking?
Kwon, one of the boyscompeting in the Sekai Taikai under the Cobra Kai banner, participated in an all-out brawl which broke out during a key match. Kwon was a hot-headed fighter, who believed he was better than everyone else, but was prone to lashing out and acting in extreme ways. With this in mind, he took a knife which sensei Kreese hoped to use on Terry Silver, and attempted to stab a highly skilled rival who bested him. However, Kwon was knocked to the floor, and with the blade in his hand, he landed on it,fatally wounding himself.
The Upcoming Karate Kid Movie Is Going Back To The Spirit Of The Movies
Karate Kid: Legends Is Going Back To Basics
While this plot is incredibly dark, and shows how far the entire franchise has come, growing up with the audience and maturing, thenextKarate Kidmovie is set to take some steps back. While Ralph Macchio will star, and reprise his role as Daniel LaRusso from the original films, he will be joined by the incredibly talented Jackie Chan, who appeared in the 2010 reboot, where he played a Mr Miyagi-style character named Mr. Han.
However, while the film is set to expand on the world established in both the original films and the reboot, it appears to be excluding anything that happened withinCobra Kai. This hasn’t been explicitly confirmed, but theKarate Kid: Legendsmovie is primarily set to be a sequel to the original trilogy and the reboot. While this opens the movie up to a younger audience, and means new fans could watch without knowing the events ofCobra Kai, it does feel like it’sletting go of some of the strongest parts of the seriessince the movies ended.
Cobra Kai Is Great - So Why Is Karate Kid Doing The Exact Opposite?
Is This A Huge Step Back For The Karate Kid Franchise?
Cobra Kaihas become a phenomenon on Netflix, with the show running for an incredible six seasons, and pulling in huge streaming numbers. The development of these incredible characters, seeing growth and resolution for Johnny and Daniel, and the show growing up with the audience have all been key factors in the series’ success. However,Karate Kid: Legendsmay want to become a new anchor pointfor an as yet unseen audience.The Karate Kidmovies from the 1980s were a cultural movement that inspired the widespread growth of studying karate in the west. MaybeKarate Kid: Legendswants to evoke a similar trend.
Cobra Kai Season 6’s Death Is The Ending Karate Kid 2 Avoided For Chozen
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 ends with a tragic death that echoes what could have happened to Chozen but didn’t in The Karate Kid Part II.
Rather than be tied down by the developments of the series, or forced to rely on the schedules of the large ensemble cast, the newKarate Kidmovie is setting its sights on a brand-new story. To do this, it makes sense to have some influence from the earlier entries, but with how big and expansiveCobra Kaibecame, it could have easily forced the film to adjust and become aCobra Kaimovie, instead of aKarate Kidone. Instead,Karate Kid: Legendswill take a step back, and hope to attract old and new fans with the promise of something fresh.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
