Initially looked at by some as a nostalgic novelty when news emerged in the summer of 2017 that a Karate Kid sequel series was green-lit, it soon emerged into one of streaming television’s most beloved series. In fact, the build in the show’s popularity peaked in August of 2024 when it announced that Cobra Kai took over the top ranking of streaming originals in the USA according to Nielsen. A Netflix series as of 2020, it has been more than seven years since Season One premiered on YouTube in May of 2018. Since then, billions of minutes of Cobra Kai have been streamed from 2018’s Season One, through to the sixth and final season.
Broken into three parts, Part One of Season Six emerged on Netflix on July 18th with the first five episodes. Briefly recapping this, we now know the feud between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do Karate would only heat up as both clinch a spot for the prestigious Sekai Taikai held in Barcelona, Spain. There is also the fact that no matter how far you think Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) have come, they continue to but heads at every turn. Then you have the impending fear of a return of John Kreese (Martin Kove), because after all, unless you cut the head off the cobra, it will keep coming at you.
Fortunately, the progression of Cobra Kai has seen some relationships mend, and this is mostly in the way of the key students previously at odds – Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) and Robby Keene (Tanner Buchanan), Samantha LaRusso (Mary Mouser) and Tory Nichols (Peyton List). Figuring it out for themselves, it stands to reason that the student eventually becomes the teacher in some powerful moments in Part One of Season Six, leading into Part Two which premieres on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Offering eager fans another block of five episodes, you immediately have the resolution to some lingering anxiety during Part One of Season Six, but similar to prior storylines in Cobra Kai, no issues quickly arise. In short, it seems like all the problems of The Valley are in the rearview mirror for Johnny, Danny and their team of top students are behind them… at least for now. Faced with new challenges once arriving in Barcelona, it becomes evident that despite all the battles each character has fought physically and emotionally together, matters can quickly come apart at the seams. Will each survive the mounting pressure, the temptation to distrust one another, and lose hold of what is truly important? Above all, will Daniel and Johnny finally find the peace of mind they seek, or will their flaws and pride cloud their judgment?
These are some of the intense questions that Part Two of Season Six presents to viewers. Yes, there are plenty of group and one-on-one fight scenes throughout this segment, but the true emotion is derived from the realization that everything in each character’s life is coming to a head. In truth, these feelings are heavier than ever, because if you have reached this point in the series, you have become emotionally invested in each individual.
Beyond these deep-seated and thought-provoking attributes of Cobra Kai’s continuous story, Part Two of Season Six could be one of the most action-packed in the entire series. However, what creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg consistently do is bring an element of surprise to everything… whenever it makes the most logical sense. Keeping the dramatic aspect of it high, fortunately, maturity and wisdom are burning off each of our characters so that we do not see them making similar mistakes as in the past.
Overall, Part Two of Cobra Kai’s sixth season answers many questions and provides some resolve, but inevitably leaves you with the overwhelming feeling of – how can any of this end positively for key parties involved. After this, we have five more episodes of Cobra Kai, which will premiere sometime in early 2025, and then it will take its final bow. We can only hope for an epic conclusion that provides the ultimately fulfilling resolve, but truthfully, no one can predict what that might be. Until then, Part Two of Season Six is the explosive mix of martial arts, interpersonal relationships, and a touch of humor that makes it one of the best yet. For this, Cryptic Rock gives the latest entry into the Cobra Kai saga 5 out of 5 stars.
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