The article contains spoilers for the Cobra Kai series finale.
The Cobra Kai co-creator elaborates on how Johnny Lawrence’s (William Zabka) climactic showdown encapsulates a significant turning point for the series’ protagonist. The Karate Kid spinoff has officially wrapped up its run on Netflix, leaving many viewers satisfied with the fates of key characters, particularly Johnny. The series culminates in Johnny’s dojo triumphing at the Sekai Taikai, following his personal victory against Iron Dragon?s Sensei Wolf (Lewis Tan).
In a recent interview with TheWrap, co-creator Hayden Schlossberg delves into why Johnny’s martial arts battle at the Sekai Taikai represents a pivotal full-circle moment. He explains that facing Sensei Wolf provides Johnny with a second opportunity, but this time, he finds himself in the role of the underdog. This underdog status is what Johnny yearned for, albeit with heightened media scrutiny surrounding the fight and the realization that he is no longer in his prime as a former All-Valley champion.
?I think that fight is really within the shadow of the 1984 fight. You?re on that mat. It?s Johnny back there. So this is his second chance ? we wanted to put him in the underdog position ? put him in the Daniel position ? where there?s all this weight on his shoulders of expectation. Now he got what he wished for, but there?s more cameras, more attention to this thing than ever, and the person that he?s competing against is in the prime of his career, ready to embarrass him on the world stage.?
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Throughout its six-season journey, Cobra Kai showcased numerous transformations within the dojo?s management, yet it fundamentally traces its origins back to Johnny’s insecurities stemming from his 1984 All-Valley tournament defeat. In an effort to rewrite his narrative, Johnny emerged as the hero of his own saga, demonstrating significant personal growth over the years. This evolution led to the resolution of his long-standing rivalry with Daniel LaRusso. Initially fraught with tension, their relationship blossomed into a deep friendship, culminating in them becoming mentors for one another by the series’ conclusion.
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Even though Cobra Kai introduced a plethora of characters, including those from Daniel’s family, the narrative consistently emphasizes that the series fundamentally revolves around the figures who laid the groundwork for the dojo. This focus becomes evident when Samantha LaRusso opts to forfeit her semifinal match, effectively concluding Miyagi-Do’s underdog journey in a pivotal episode. This narrative choice allows the final episodes to center around the key players who flourished under Johnny’s mentorship: Miguel, Tory, and Johnny himself. Furthermore, this development symbolically illustrates the growth each character has achieved since joining the dojo, culminating in individual victories, including Johnny’s.
At this stage, Johnny has undergone a remarkable transformation and is no longer the same hard-nosed sensei who founded his dojo.
Johnny’s showdown against Sensei Wolf stands out prominently as it provides the protagonist with another chance to compete on the very mat where he faced his defeat against Daniel nearly 40 years ago. By this point in the story, Johnny has significantly matured and is no longer the same tough instructor who once built his dojo. He has embraced diverse karate philosophies, including the defensive tactics of Miyagi-Do, and has even confronted Kreese about their shared history, showcasing his emotional growth. This evolution culminates in Johnny’s victory, which not only reinstates his self-assurance but also serves as a crucial full-circle moment to rectify his 1984 defeat.
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Cobra Kai’s Essence Was Always Johnny, & the Series Concluded His Journey in a Fulfilling Manner
As much as it pains me to see this beloved series come to an end, the creators and cast have skillfully crafted an ending that resonates deeply. I often remind myself that Cobra Kai initially began as a YouTube Premium series before transitioning to Netflix during the pandemic. This shift was crucial, enabling Cobra Kai to flourish for another four seasons, culminating in a spectacular conclusion.
I thoroughly appreciated how the final chapters of the series shifted the focus away from Miyagi-Do, placing Johnny’s Cobra Kai at the forefront. Given that Daniel and Miyagi-Do had already undergone their respective underdog arcs in the original Karate Kid films, it was essential to highlight that Cobra Kai fundamentally revolves around Johnny and his quest for redemption over the past 40 years. Throughout this six-season odyssey, we witnessed Johnny reach the pinnacle of his journey, resulting in a series finale that I could not have envisioned being more fulfilling.
Source: TheWrap
