Classics: A Review of Cobra Kai 3-4 By Lauren Ennis

After four seasons of shifting alliances, betrayals, and lots of kicks Cobra Kai proves that it still has plenty of bite. Just when viewers were sure that the stakes couldn't get any higher, old enemies and new challenges emerge that put the soul of the valley on the line. Through two more seasons the series continues to deliver action, humor, and some of the most original content on modern television. Fasten your gi, tighten your belt, and get ready for two more addictive seasons of Cobra Kai.

Bow to your sensei!

Season three picks up in the aftermath of season two's school brawl with Miguel recovering from his devastating fall while Robby faces the legal consequences. Meanwhile, Johnny is reeling from his failure to protect Miguel and the loss of his dojo to Kreese. Daniel faces similar struggles as the fallout from the school fight leaves his relationship with Robby in shambles, his business on the verge of closure, and his daughter suffering from PTSD. While our heroes try to pick up the pieces from season two's shattering finale, Kreese takes his former place as sensei of Cobra Kai. This season sees all three senseis and their students embarking upon alternatingly heartwarming and harrowing journey's into their respective pasts as they come to terms with an uncertain present.

Season four continues where season three ended with Daniel and Johnny finally joining forces against Kreese and the ruthless regime of Cobra Kai. With the stakes higher than ever Kreese calls in a favor from war buddy Terry Silver, forcing Daniel to come face to face with arguably his greatest nemesis. While the adults struggle to prepare for the ultimate tournament showdown, students at both dojos find themselves engaged in their own conflicts. Miguel resumes his relationship with Sam, only to find his relationship with Johnny to be unexpectedly strained.  Sam starts rebelling against Daniel as she becomes surprisingly drawn to Johnny's aggressive teaching style. Meanwhile Robby sinks deeper into the toxic ethos of Cobra Kai as Silver and Kreese take advantage of his anger at Johnny and Daniel. With new faces, old foes, and shocking plot twists this season might pack the series' greatest punch yet.

The latest two seasons of Cobra Kai prove that there is still plenty of kick in The Karate Kid saga. The series takes a decidedly darker, grittier, turn as it explores both its characters' past traumas and the devastating consequences of their actions in the present. In this way, the series grows and matures along with its young stars. Even as it grapples with such weighty themes as the toll of war, familial dysfunction, and the vicious cycle of violence, the series maintains the signature charm and off-color humor that helped make it a hit. The script continues to play with the culture clash between the eighties and today with hilarious results. The series also pokes fun at its own status as a 'karate soap opera' and lovingly sends up moments from the original films to maximum effect. With the approach of the upcoming All-Valley Tournament the series ups its ante once again, showcasing some of the most thrilling martial arts sequences this side of Bruce Lee. The series' greatest success however, continues to be its ability to balance loving nostalgia for the original franchise with bold new storytelling that is guaranteed to leave viewers from Gen-X to Gen-Z reaching for a karate gi. For a true knock-out of a series hit the mat with Johnny and Daniel in Cobra Kai.

The series continues to be just the kick that audiences are looking for thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Dallas Dupree Young makes a welcome addition as Cobra Kai's latest recruit, bullied middle schooler Kenny. Oona O'Brien infuses Johnny's newest student, Devon, with acerbic wit and plenty of sass. Jacob Bertrand lends a standout performance as geek turned ruthless cobra Hawk. Gianni DiCenzo brings dry wit and endearing charm to his portrayal of nerdy Demetri. Peyton List continues to be karate's favorite bad girl as she lends depth and moral complexity to her turn as Tory. Mary Mouser strikes the perfect balance between girl next door charm and steely grit as Sam. Tanner Buchanan proves himself to be a scene stealer as hardened and morally conflicted Robby. Xolo Mariduena continues to be the series' beating heart as Johnny's star protege, Miguel.

Even in the midst of exciting turns by its young performers the series is dominated by The Karate Kid's original stars. The Karate Kid Part II's Tamlyn Tomita and Yuji Okumoto make a welcome return as Daniel's ever endearing former flame, Kumiko, and his intimidating former rival, Chozen. Elisabeth Shue is as charming as she was in 1984 as Daniel and Johnny's mutual former love interest, Allie. Martin Kove remains the sensei that viewers love to hate as the calculating and merciless John Kreese. Thomas Ian Griffith slinks back onto the screen as the sadistic Terry Silver in a turn that is nothing short of chilling. Despite the engaging work of the ensemble cast the series continues to belong to Ralph Macchio and William Zabka as rivals Daniel Larusso and Johnny Lawrence. 

Four seasons on Cobra Kai proves that its still the best around. The script's winning combination of heart-stopping action, complex characters, and eighties nostalgia is guaranteed to keep viewers across generations coming back for more. The performances infuse each of the characters with a humanity and complexity that ensure that every character is both relatable and believable. Through its blending of original storytelling with loving homage to The Karate Kid franchise Cobra Kai achieves a level of balance that would make Mr. Miyagi himself proud. Kick the competition with Johnny and Daniel in Cobra Kai.

Cobra Kai never dies