Classics: A Review of Cobra Kai Season Five By Lauren Ennis

 "Just when you think things are going good everything falls apart" Johnny Lawrence warned his students in the first season of Cobra Kai.  Four seasons later Johnny, Daniel, and their students will learn just how valid this lesson was as the series enters its darkest chapter yet. In the wake of the shocking season four finale Daniel, Johnny, and company struggle to move forward even as the machinations of Terry Silver conjure the demons of the past. Even as it offers the highest stakes yet the season continues to offer the knockout combination of humor, nostalgia, emotion, and action that has made the series a hit. Join Johnny and Daniel for their most badass adventure yet in season five of Cobra Kai.

The dream team

The story picks up where season four left off with each of the characters reeling in the wake of the devastating finale. Johnny and Robby attempt to rebuild their relationship while pursuing Miguel after he fled to Mexico in search of his father. Meanwhile, Daniel, Sam, and the students of Miyagi-Do come to terms with their loss at the All Valley Karate Tournament. Even as our heroes face their own struggles, however, a larger threat looms in the form of Terry Silver who has expanded Cobra Kai across the valley after successfully framing John Kreese for attempted murder. With familiar foes, unlikely alliances, and twists that are sure to keep you on your toes, season five kicks Cobra Kai into its highest gear yet.

In its fifth outing Cobra Kai delivers an absolute knock out. The story takes our heroes on their darkest adventure yet as each of them are forced to face adversaries within and without. Golden boy Daniel and his teen queen daughter, Sam, embark upon particularly fascinating journeys. While Daniel has always been the show's voice of reason, he finds himself entering a downward spiral when confronted with the manipulations of his old nemesis, Terry Silver. Similarly, confident Sam is overcome with indecision and uncertainty when she is faced with her deteriorating relationship with Miguel and the closure of Miyagi-Do. Villain John Kreese encounters a similar experience as he is forced to finally confront the demons of his past while in prison. Even as it takes several characters into decidedly gritty territory, this season also sees Johnny and Robby undergo transformations for the better as they use their past mistakes and traumas as motivation to meet new challenges. With the rise of Terry Silver and his new partner in crime, sensei Kim, the series ups its ante once again delivering some of the most high kicking drama and action to ever grace the small screen. For viewing that always packs a punch enter the dojo with Cobra Kai.

The series continues its winning streak thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Mary Mouse showcases a darker side of Sam as she struggles to find balance after her loss to Tory. Tanner Buchanan infuses Robby with maturity along with his signature charisma in his portrayal of Robby's efforts to come to terms with his past. Xolo Mariduena expertly blends boyish charm, earnestness, and vulnerability in his depiction of Miguel's journey of self discovery. Peyton List proves to be this season's MVP amongst its younger cast members as she ventures beyond Tory's gruff exterior and explores her traumatic past and morally conflicted present. Martin Kove continues to prove why Johnn Kreese is Cobra Kai in his magnetic turn as the merciless sensei. Yuji Okumoto steals each scene in which he appears as Daniel's rival turned ally, Chozen. Sean Kanan offers a nuanced performance as the bad boy who made good Mike Barnes. Thomas Ian Griffith earns his place as the series' most formidable foe yet in a truly chilling turn as the sadistic Terry Silver. Even in the midst of an exemplary supporting cast the series belongs to Ralph Macchio and William Zabka as bitter rivals turned reluctant allies Daniel Larusso and Johnny Lawrence. The duo are at their most mesmerizing yet as Macchio offers a darker, edgier, take on Daniel as he struggles with Silver's manipulations, while Zabka treats viewers to a wiser, more mature, and ultimately heroic Johnny.

After five seasons Cobra Kai continues to kick the competition. Through a script that pays loving homage to The Karate Kid franchise while offering fresh and innovative entertainment the series continues to be a champ amongst long time fans and new viewers alike. The returning cast continue to expand upon their characters while this season's newcomers pack punches of their own. With its signature blend of thrilling action, uproarious comedy, heartfelt emotion, and original storytelling Cobra Kai shows that it still has plenty of bite. For the best viewing around hit the mat with Cobra Kai.

Yes, sensei!