TV Review: ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6 Part 1

Arriving to Netflix the July 18, ‘Cobra Kai‘, which has been successfully airing on the streaming service for the past few seasons, is preparing to conclude its season.

However, there is a problem in terms of scheduling for this latest performance, as with several of the company’s other hits (‘Bridgerton‘, ‘Strange things‘) –– Season 6 has been split into separate parts. Part 1 will be followed by Part 2 on November 28, and Part 3 sometime in 2025.

Fans may be disappointed that the show is ending, but they can rest assured that the show, for the most part, has not dropped in quality.

Related article: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan to team up for new ‘Karate Kid’ movie

‘Cobra Kai’ still showing no mercy?

Although the season is divided into three, the creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg They’ve promised that each five-episode chunk will tell its own story within a larger arc, and judging by the evidence of Part 1, that’s coming to fruition.

What works about the show remains true: the comedy and action still blend together, and the characters are still entertaining (with one exception; more on that below).

‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6: Script and Direction

As Season 6 begins, the story largely continues from the previous season: Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (Guillermo Zabka), the two main sensei, having finally fired Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and the resurgent Cobra Kai dojo, are trying to find a way to successfully merge their dojos and teaching styles. And despite burying their differences, they still have friction.

As for the writing, two major issues remain: one is that it remains difficult, especially in a shorter season, to satisfy such a large cast and find interesting things for both older and younger characters to do. Daniel and Johnny naturally enjoy most of it, but some of the plots for the kids end up veering into soap opera territory.

The other is potentially more serious (though it’s hardly serious in tone), though it’s largely isolated in its own plot: a pointless subplot about Johnny’s former teacher, John Kreese (Martin cove), who has been an occasional enemy in the series. In this latest installment, he goes on a misguided mission to recruit new students, and there’s an entire bit with a snake that’s so obvious it’s ridiculous.

The direction has never been the series’ strong point – it’s perfectly shot, but rarely gets in the way of the cinematic style of other Peak TV series or even other Netflix offerings. But the character work remains solid.

‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6: Performances

As we mentioned in the script section, there isn’t always the same amount of solid storytelling to go around, but the cast, as always, is happy to step into these roles.

Raph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso

The heart and soul of the franchise since the original ‘Karate kid‘The Cobra Kai franchise’ has allowed Macchio to explore different facets and nuances of the character, including the fact that he can sometimes lean into his arrogant side. But overall, he’s still the Daniel we know and respect, with an added plotline where he discovers a side of his deceased mentor, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), never knew.

William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence

If anyone has truly benefited from “Cobra Kai” in terms of character work, it’s Zabka, who has found the space to expand what was a stereotypical villain (albeit with some depth) into a fully-rounded wannabe badass with a brain and point of view stuck in the 1980s. He’s endlessly entertaining, and you absolutely empathize with his attempts to be a better man (while still being a jerk at times).

Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso

Largely a supporting character in earlier seasons, Courtney HenggelerThe role of Daniel’s wife has been expanded in the latest season, and with good reason: she’s a comedic killer as well as a great emotional performer.

Martin Kove as John Kreese

It’s always seemed like, unlike Johnny, Kreese is no longer useful to the story. Yet the writers keep bringing Kreese back. It’s not really Kove’s fault, as he’s an actor who gives himself over completely to acting, but Kreese’s pantomime side often makes him seem like a retro character rather than a well-developed one.

As for the rest of the cast, we would highlight Yuji Okumoto as Chozen, a late addition to the series (who appeared in ‘The Karate Kid Part II‘) and has proven to be a very welcome part of the show, capable of comedy, drama and action.

And while some of the teen characters tend toward melodrama at times, they are always worth watching, especially the rising stars. Xolo Maridueña like Miguel Diaz.

‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6: Final Thoughts

We’d be sorry to see “Cobra Kai” go, but A) at least from what we’ve seen, it’s leaving while there are still stories worth telling. And B), there are still 10 more episodes to come.

And the mix of comedy, drama and (although there is less of it in this first part) martial arts action remains strong. ‘Cobra Kai’ continues to hit hard.

‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6, Part 1, receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

What is the story of ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6 Part 1?

The television sequel to the ‘Karate Kid’ film franchise.

With Cobra Kai eliminated from the Valley, our senseis (Daniel LaRusso as Ralph Macchio and William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence) and the students must decide if and how they will compete in the Sekai Taikai, the world karate championship.

Who Else Is In ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6 Part 1?

The cast of ‘Cobra Kai’ also includes Martín Kove, Xolo Maridueña, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mousetrap, Tanner Buchanan, Peyton List, Gianni DecenzoCourtney Henggeler, Vanessa Rubio, Dallas Dupree YoungYuji Okumoto, Alicia Hannah-Kim, Santopietro tap and Oona O’Brien.

Other movies and TV shows in ‘The Karate Kid’ franchise:

Buy ‘Karate Kid’ movies on Amazon