Season 6 Episode 2 Review

Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 2 arrives Friday, November 15 on Netflix. This is a spoiler-free review of all five episodes.

With its raised stakes, tournament settings and villain board, the second third of Cobra Kai’s final season is more dynamic and hard-hitting than the cheery stillness of Part 1. Folly and savagery are nicely balanced here as Miyagi-Do’s elite (and Devon) head to Barcelona to compete in a global tournament that allows teenagers to kick the crap out of each other. It’s a fun flurry of punches and kicks that, despite being the middle five of a 15-episode season, gives off big season-ending feels, complete with a signature “everyone fought kung fu” bookend.

These five episodes are very busy from a character standpoint, but the Spanish setting and the constant pressure of elimination from the prestigious Sekai Taikai competition keep everything tight. There are breakups, hookups, reconciliations and redemptions, all while introducing a bunch of new faces to the fold – a brave move for a final season, but also inevitable given the storyline. Despite a massive ensemble cast and numerous stories to tell, Cobra Kai still feels in control of its destiny and keenly aware of its priorities.

As some former baddies shift to neutral (or even friendly) territory (Cobra Kai’s coolest MO), a fresh lineup of sinister nogoodniks enters the fray. Lewis Tan’s brutal Sensei Wolf, Rayna Vallandingham’s arrogant influencer Zara, Brandon H. Lee’s violent hothead Kwon, and various international teams (co-captained by AEW’s own Britt Baker, DMD) begin to pose more of a threat than Cobra Kai. The titular dojo becomes almost a peripheral obstacle at times, despite Johnny’s obsession with taking down Kreese (Martin Kove) and Tory’s decision to join Cobra Kai’s new pack and fight her found family.

Tory’s story continues to be exceptional, and in Part 2 we get to see how her decision affects Robby (Tanner Buchanan) and how Robby’s performance in the Sekai Taikai trickles down to his already bickering teammates. It nicely feeds the fire of Miyagi-Do’s self-sabotaging tendencies, which then leads to an ultra-satisfying recovery and comeback. No one can beat Miyagi-Do into the dirt like Miyagi-Do himself, whether it’s the naivety and/or trickery of Senseis Daniel (Ralph Macchio), Johnny (William Zabka) and Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) or the short-sighted teenage choices. Everyone must make the very mistake of learning from the mistake – advice is rarely heeded by this bunch, but after five and change we know it will all lead to a satisfying finish.

Although Cobra Kai boasted the return of both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, it all really began as Johnny’s story. Seeing things from his perspective and investing in his drive for a better life was our “in” back in this world, so it’s always great when the show still gives itself space to explore how he comes to terms with his new vulnerabilities . Johnny and Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) continue to bond over these five episodes thanks to a scare that shakes them both to the core and takes them out of Sekai Taikai briefly. At face value, it may seem like this crucible is only designed to lead to meaningful conversation, but as with most things Cobra Kai, it starts a chain that opens up much more, including closure on Kenny/Anthony/ Devon front, which in turn helps the Hawk/Demitri gap. There is little or no fat here.

Showcasing Sekai Taikai now, in the middle of season 6, was a smart idea. First, waiting until the last five episodes would be a drag, as this is a super-sized season. This is the natural location for the tournament given the usual length of Cobra Kai seasons. Second, these five episodes feature more characters than ever before, and the series needs its final five chapters to figure out Episode 10’s cliffhanger and wrap up the series as a whole. It could not have been possible if the International Karate Elimination Competition was saved for the true ending. It also allows for the most action-packed run of Cobra Kai to date, with everything from one-on-one contests to pro-wrestling-inspired tests like tag team matches and Royal Rumble-style elimination matches.

And for fans who enjoy returning faces from the past, I’ll just say we’re getting one of the most obscure moves yet. One that was so niche that I laughed out loud. Yes, there’s a great white whale out there in the form of The Next Karate Kids’ Hilary Swank, so this particular “return” almost felt like a fun bit of audience contempt.

Part 2 of Season 6 features all the goofiness and righteousness that makes Cobra Kai great as he uses Daniel’s exploration of Mr. Miyagi’s secret past as the anchor story that will carry us through to the end. Johnny is now Miyagi-Do through and through, so the Miyagi heath as a whole will most likely be the big landing spot for the series. We just have to suffer through Daniel’s indignation at what he feels was a great little bit of Miyagi. His mentor didn’t tell him everything about his entire life – and it was never his right to know anyway. It’s an aggravating path for Daniel as it distracts him from some really important things and makes him susceptible to mind games. But at least by the end of these five episodes, he’s starting to turn a big corner in terms of his addiction to all things Miyagi.