Cobra Kai EP Detail The Show's Various "End Games" In Season 6
The article contains spoilers for the Cobra Kai series finale.
Cobra Kai producer Josh Heald has discussed the conclusion to the hit show and how the character arcs unfolded in the final episode. Netflix has officially concluded the Karate Kid spinoff after dropping the last five episodes of season 6. Throughout six seasons, the show has grown to include an epic cast of layered and interesting characters and has explored many different themes. The final episodes were set to close the show in style, and there were high hopes for many of Cobra Kai's characters.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Heald discussed the way the show chose to wrap up its different character arcs and plot threads and how these differed from the initial plan for the show. Discussing the relationships between Johnny and Daniel and between Kreese and Silver, he explained how the former pair's arcs were in the works from the beginning but that Kreese and Silver's end game came into focus later on. Check out Heald's full comments below:
They were all in the works from the beginning in terms of Daniel and Johnny's end game and in terms of Kreese and Silver's end game, but they started to come more into focus. As we got closer, we knew the spirit and we knew the vibe, and we knew the story beat that we wanted to represent. Could we have predicted in season one that we would blow up a yacht? No, but the context and the meaning behind those moments was there from the beginning. It just took a lot of logistics to get to the end game.
What These Comments Mean For Cobra Kai's Endings
The Show Had A Lot To Deliver & Careful Planning Would Have Helped
By the time Cobra Kai reaches its end in season 6, it's clear that much of the series is focused on Johnny Lawrence amending his past, and Daniel LaRusso becomes a key part of that journey. While they initially start as foes, their dynamic slowly evolves into a hearty friendship, which becomes crucial when Johnny relies on Daniel to find his confidence. This becomes key when Johnny ends up on the mat against Sensei Wolf, providing a full-circle moment for Johnny to redeem his 1984 All-Valley Tournament loss, with Daniel finally by his side.
However, given that these stories only develop as the series progresses, it makes sense why Kreese and Silver's endgame was not ideated until the cards were finally in play for the final episodes. After constant betrayal and deception, Kwon's death is what triggers Kreese to amend his past wrongs, which includes genuine reconciliation with former students like Johnny and Tory. While Kreese sacrificing him with the yacht explosion was unexpected, this seems the best closure for an adversary seeking to make the right choices in their final moments.
Our Verdict On The Cobra Kai Finale Episodes
The Show Managed To Wrap Things Up In A Satisfactory Way
The Cobra Kai finale was largely satisfying, with the core characters getting the end they deserved. Johnny is the show's defacto lead, and his and Daniel's arcs are inextricably intertwined, rightly making them the focal point of the final episodes. Achieving a redemption of sorts, Johnny shrugged off his bravado, realized he wasn't a loser and won his fight on terms with Daniel by his side before reopening Cobra Kai Karate in The Valley. It was a touching and satisfying ending that brought both men's arcs full circle and allowed Cobra Kai to conclude on a triumphant high.
There are discussions of continuing the franchise via spinoffs, most notably a Mr. Miyagi prequel show.
Cobra Kai
- Release Date
- 2018 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Netflix, YouTube Premium
- Showrunner
- Jon Hurwitz
- Directors
- Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Jennifer Celotta, Steven K. Tsuchida, Sherwin Shilati, Marielle Woods, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman
- Writers
- Josh Heald, Ashley Darnall, Chris Rafferty, Bill Posley
Cast
Ralph MacchioDaniel LaRusso
Johnny Lawrence
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