TV Review Series: Episode 3 - Cobra Kai

[This is a review for the show in it's entirety]:

The Quick - Cobra Kai for me over all was a solid 8 out of 10. Despite it's cheesiness and it's overall predictability, plus a rougher couple earlier seasons, the show, as a whole, comes full circle and does service to every character and storyline. Be it from the movie franchise or ones they introduce, the ending executed the build up to it perfectly.

That being said, you also do not have to see the films to enjoy the show or be filled with nostalgia to compel you to watch it. The show stands on its own just fine and will explain past events easily. Every season, the story gets better and more intense. As does the acting from all the kids and adults. (Plus, the netflix budget helped in some areas, honestly.)

The Long - [I will do my best to be spoiler-free, some information will obviously be revealed, but nothing more than would be in the trailer.]

-Cobra Kai follows Johnny Lawrence, who hasn't had a great life and he boils 'why' down to his loss against Daniel LaRusso in a karate tournament in the 80s. He doesn't really see himself as having worth, but really has a lot of false confidence. This leads to him never really accomplishing anything, always drinking, never holding down a steady job for too long. And there Daniel is, on his tv. Rubbing his fancy life in Johnny's face. Daniel now owning a car dealership and using karate gimmicks to make a buck.

One night when Johnny is drinking, he meets Miguel Diaz who is being bullied by some kids from school, and due to them pushing him onto his car gets a little angry, and steps up whoops him down and then can't believe that Miguel can't defend himself. This catalyst leads to him reopening Cobra Kai and trying to give a new generation of kids karate. Only now, Daniel doesn't like that. Thus, the rivalry is ignited even more.-

That's all the setup I'm really going to give you in my wording, but essentially the show plays off that rivalry and the enemies to lovers trope big time in this series... with almost, every, character.

More:

https://youtu.be/mpKIT0YXmwQ?si=2aR4UkC0oo9HOYgB