After years of high kicks, heated rivalries, and unexpected alliances, Cobra Kai wraps up its story with a final set of five episodes that had me cheering, crying, and occasionally laughing (sometimes unintentionally). The show remains as compelling as ever, delivering intense tournament action and heartfelt character resolutions that solidify its place as one of the most rewarding legacy sequels in recent memory.
A Fitting Farewell for the Senseis
While Cobra Kai has always been about the next generation of karate kids, this final stretch leans more into the journeys of the original senseis, Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence. Their dynamic takes center stage as they confront what they need from each other—and what they want their legacies as mentors to be.
The younger characters still get their moments of triumph and defeat, but it’s the adults who truly shine. William Zabka, in particular, delivers some of his most gut-wrenching work, reminding us just how lost and lonely Johnny was after his infamous All-Valley defeat in 1984. Meanwhile, Ralph Macchio’s Daniel finds himself deeply reflecting on Miyagi-Do’s philosophy and the place of karate in his life.
One of the series’ strengths has always been its ability to honor the spirit of The Karate Kid without simply rehashing nostalgia. Here, Daniel wrestles with Mr. Miyagi’s core belief that karate is for defense—not for glory. It’s a poignant theme that resonates throughout the season.
A Bit of Uncanny Valley, But Worth It
Does Daniel’s soul-searching once again include a CGI Mr. Miyagi that veers into eerie territory? Yes. But while the de-aging tech may be distracting, the emotional payoff makes it forgivable. Miyagi was never about accolades—he found validation within himself. And that lesson remains at the heart of Cobra Kai’s final act.
High-Stakes Karate and a Return to The Valley
The latter half of Cobra Kai’s final season builds to an electrifying showdown at the Sekai Taikai, the world’s biggest karate tournament. These episodes are packed with victories and defeats, revenge and redemption, and the biggest underdog story the series has delivered in years.
But just when it seems like things might get too dark—especially following the shocking death of Kwon—the show pulls off a masterful course correction. It acknowledges The Karate Kid franchise’s evolution from high school bullying to life-or-death stakes and manages to balance its tone while delivering a deeply satisfying conclusion.
Everything comes full circle as Cobra Kai shifts its focus back to where it all began: The San Fernando Valley. This setting, which has taken on a near-mythic status across the Karate Kid universe, remains the heart of the story. It’s where Johnny continues to grow, where Daniel learns to balance himself, and where characters like Tory and Robby fight to forge their own paths.
Comedy, Drama, and Redemption
Cobra Kai has always been a unique blend of over-the-top comedy and genuinely affecting drama. Even in its final episodes, it sticks to that formula. Some moments lean into sitcom-style antics (botched proposals, chaotic baby deliveries), but just when you expect the show to zag, it zigs, delivering unexpected emotional punches that land beautifully.
One of the most satisfying elements of Cobra Kai is its approach to redemption. Few characters remain purely villainous—those who don’t fully atone at least get moments of depth that hint at future absolution. Without giving too much away, one final act of redemption fuels the last two episodes in a way that feels both unexpected and deeply rewarding.
A Legacy Worthy of The Karate Kid
As Cobra Kai comes to a close, it’s astonishing to see how many characters it has collected over the years—strays who became fan favorites, rivals who found common ground, and lost souls searching for purpose. Some don’t get the perfect send-off, but the world is so richly built that you can easily imagine their journeys continuing. And, of course, the show still knows how to stage an incredible tournament battle, with one final showdown that pays tribute to the entire Karate Kid saga.
Verdict
Cobra Kai goes out with a bang, delivering thrilling action, heartfelt resolutions, and plenty of surprises. While bringing everything back to The Valley was expected, the show still takes bold creative swings—and they pay off. Everyone ends up where they should be, and the finale leaves just enough room for potential spinoffs (Karate Kid: Legends, set three years after Cobra Kai, is already on the way).
Out of all the legacy sequels that have surfaced in the past two decades, Cobra Kai stands out as one of the most rewarding. It’s been a wild ride, and the show bows out with a finale that is both hopeful and exhilarating.
