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| 6 | %% |
| 7 | [[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cobrakaihawkdemetri.jpg]] |
| 8 | [[caption-width-right:350:Binary Brothers for life.]] |
| 9 | %% |
| 10 | ->''"One of the best things... has been teaching you. And I want you to know, no matter what happens, I promise I will always be on your side, and I will always have your best interests at heart."'' |
| 11 | -->-- '''Johnny Lawrence''' to '''[[LikeASonToMe Miguel Diaz]]''' |
| 12 | |
| 13 | ''Cobra Kai'' isn't all about fighting and violence. Sometimes it's truly inspirational, since it's about two karate masters trying to do right by others. After all, [[Film/TheKarateKid was it not said that everything can be better if there is balance in one's life]]? |
| 14 | |
| 15 | !!'''''All'' spoilers on this page are left unmarked. Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned!''' |
| 16 | |
| 17 | ---- |
| 18 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 19 | |
| 20 | [[folder: General]] |
| 21 | * Although he's since passed away, it's incredibly heartwarming to see how much Mr. Miyagi's influence continues to resonate throughout the series. Whether it's Daniel passing on his lessons to his own students, Sam using him as a role model, Chozen and Yukie speaking of him with honor, or even Amanda passing on a bit of his wisdom at a vital moment, it's clear that the lessons he taught have been taken to heart and continue to make other people better even after he's died. Even Johnny Lawrence, for all his problems with the Miyagi-Do style, never once says anything bad about him, and it's made clear multiple times that he still remembers and is grateful for how the man went out of his way to save his life from Kreese. Mr. Miyagi may be gone, but he is ''never'' forgotten. |
| 22 | [[/folder]] |
| 23 | |
| 24 | [[folder:Season 1]] |
| 25 | * Miguel and Johnny's relationship is quite heartwarming in many ways. Johnny is in a way getting a second chance at being a father figure after screwing up with [[AntagonisticOffspring Robby]], and Miguel is getting the father figure he never had. This is nowhere more apparent than the scene where Johnny is begging Miguel's mother to allow him to keep training -- one gets the definite sense that these words are exactly what Johnny wishes he could say about Robby. The fact Johnny got through to her is sweet as well. |
| 26 | -->'''Johnny:''' Please don't close the door. Look, I know I wasn't there for him when it mattered. I let him down. I guess I let you down too. And I know there's no do-overs, but that kid... is the only person in the world who hasn't given up on me. And I don't want to give up on him. I know I messed up big time, but if you let him come back... I won't fail him again. I promise. All right? Please, just think about it. |
| 27 | ** It's touching on many levels to see Miguel turning to Johnny for advice as a father figure, on topics such as dating girls, dealing with people, and how to navigate the world. |
| 28 | * Johnny tends to be [[CondescendingCompassion tough but fair in his criticisms]]. Although he mercilessly mocks and belittles nearly every one of his students when they first join, he is genuinely open and encouraging when he sees them giving it their all. Although Miguel, Hawk, and Aisha are the most obvious examples of this, it's also very telling that he supports Bert in the All-Valley tournament despite how woefully outclassed the kid is - to Johnny, it's obvious that the important thing is how unflinchingly his student went into battle despite the odds. |
| 29 | * Even if a bit of a MyBelovedSmother and naive, Carmen, Miguel's mother, clearly has Miguel's best interests in mind. Throughout the series, she shows herself to be a hardworking and kind person. |
| 30 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E1AceDegenerate Ace Degenerate]]" (1x01)]] |
| 31 | * Daniel's inclusion of a bonsai tree with every purchase ties back to Miyagi's bonsai shop in ''Part 3'', this is his way of making Miyagi a partner in his business. |
| 32 | ** Most of the bonsais Daniel gives his customers appear to be very young and simple, but the one he gives Johnny is obviously mature and incredibly well cared for, something ''incredibly'' valuable. |
| 33 | ** Daniel's adherence and love of Japanese culture as a whole. It's never shown as being fetishized for Daniel, and you can tell it's a way he remembers his father figure Miyagi, who almost certainly taught Daniel everything he knows as his surrogate son. |
| 34 | * Even if he was a {{Jerkass}} about it, Johnny saving Miguel from Kyler's gang shows that despite his PoliticallyIncorrectHero status, [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold he still has some good in him]]. |
| 35 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E3Esqueleto Esqueleto]]" (1x03)]] |
| 36 | * When Miguel excitedly shows Johnny the website for Cobra Kai that he built, Johnny has no idea what it does or how to use it but Miguel's enthusiasm for it makes Johnny smile in spite of himself. He was also pleased when Miguel changes his ring tone to "Round and Round" by Ratt and started getting into 80's rock as per Johnny's earlier advice. It's at around this point we start to see their relationship shift from student-teacher to father-son. |
| 37 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E4CobraKaiNeverDies Cobra Kai Never Dies]]" (1x04)]] |
| 38 | * Although it veers heavily into TearJerker, Johnny carrying a battered Miguel home after the boy loses his first fight with Kyler's gang. It shows how much Miguel now means to Johnny, and also shows CharacterDevelopment for Johnny to take responsibility for his actions that arguably landed Miguel in that mess to start with. It also mirrors the moment in the first movie where Mr. Miyagi carried a barely-conscious Daniel away after ''Johnny'' and his friends beat the hell out of ''him''. |
| 39 | * Even if they disagreed on how to help Miguel, both [[MamaBear Carmen]] and [[CoolOldLady Rosa]] caring for him after the NoHoldsBarredBeatdown shows they both love him dearly. |
| 40 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E5Counterbalance Counterbalance]]" (1x05)]] |
| 41 | * Along with it being a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome, Miguel's fight in the cafeteria was triggered by him standing up to Kyler on Sam's behalf. At this point, this kid will stand up for a girl he barely knows, just because it's the right thing to do. |
| 42 | * Johnny giving Miguel his old gi after hearing about the fight in the cafeteria. [[BeAllMySinsRemembered Miguel asks him if he's sure he wants to give it to him]] and Johnny tells him [[SoProudOfYou he's earned it]]. |
| 43 | * Daniel's flashback to Mr. Miyagi teaching him about balance when he was a teenager. As an aging Daniel struggles to find balance again in the face of a resurgent Cobra Kai, it's genuinely touching to be reminded of how much he and Miyagi meant to each other, and how Miyagi's benevolent influence stays with Daniel even decades later. |
| 44 | * Daniel donning his signature gi and headband and practicing some katas, while the classic theme song from the original trilogy plays. The Karate Kid [[HesBack is back!]] |
| 45 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E6Quiver Quiver]]" (1x06)]] |
| 46 | * Despite degrading many of his new students, Johnny referring to Miguel and Aisha as miracles is a very sweet gesture. |
| 47 | -->'''Johnny:''' When I look around this dojo, I don't see Cobra Kai material. I see losers, I see nerds, I see a fat kid with a funny hat with his tits popping out. But in my short time as a sensei, I've also seen some miracles. ''(sidelong glance at Aisha and Miguel, who smile)'' So... maybe there's some hope for you yet. |
| 48 | * Even Johnny's mockery of his students has a heartwarming tinge -- if you tilt your head and squint hard enough. Johnny used to be a bully, he knows well the secondary gain of tearing someone else down to make yourself feel better, but that's not why he mocks his students. He's telling them how bullies operate and what they want, and thus how to deny them easy targets, as well getting his kids to toughen up and learn to take ''emotional'' blows just as solidly as he teaches them to take ''physical'' ones. He wants to build his students up into people who can be ''proud'' of themselves. He's also very impressed when Eli reveals that he took his advice to heart and "flipped the script", and gives him the new badass nickname "Hawk" as a sign of his approval. |
| 49 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E7AllValley All Valley]]" (1x07)]] |
| 50 | * The WaxOnWaxOff TrainingMontage at the dealership. Just as Miyagi did with him all those years ago, Daniel has done with Robby. |
| 51 | * Most of the episode qualifies, as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iV17rvBbIM Miguel goes on a wonderful date with Sam]], and Johnny's committee meeting goes exceptionally well. The triumphant way they both greet each other back at the dojo says it all, as does the toast. |
| 52 | -->'''Miguel''': ''(shouting in triumph after his "not-date" with Sam)'' Who da man?!\ |
| 53 | '''Johnny''': I'm the man!\ |
| 54 | '''Miguel''': ''(shit-eating grin)''\ |
| 55 | '''Johnny''': ''(honestly and sincerely excited)'' Oh, shit, are you the man too?! |
| 56 | * Even if some of his dating advice is dated, Johnny shows that, by saying no means no when things get physical, he does [[FairForItsDay (at least for his heyday)]] have respect for the women he dates. |
| 57 | * Johnny's speech to the All-Valley Tournament committee that results in Cobra Kai's ban being lifted. |
| 58 | --->'''Johnny:''' Look, I admit Cobra Kai had its share of problems in the '80s. My sensei didn't always play by the rules. That's why I left. But my Cobra Kai is different. It's a place where kids can come and feel like they belong. Where they won't get picked on just because they're a bunch of losers - [[VerbalBackspace er, because they're unique]]. I've watched firsthand as my students have gotten stronger, gained confidence, learned how to stand up for themselves. Cobra Kai's making a difference in these kids' lives. And honestly, they’re making a difference in mine as well. |
| 59 | ** Immediately after the speech, one committee member even says the community could use more people like Johnny. |
| 60 | * What fan of the original film didn't get the warm fuzzies just a little when Commuter's "Young Hearts" queued up over a shot of the old Golf n' Stuff sign? |
| 61 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E8Molting Molting]]" (1x08)]] |
| 62 | * When sharing his history with Miguel, Johnny reveals his signature headband was a gift from Ali. As horrible as he was to her in the first movie, he did care about her. |
| 63 | * Johnny eating dinner with Miguel's family. Johnny is getting some much need social support here. In a sweet little BilingualBonus for those who know Spanish, one of the last things Rosa says while praying over the food is thanking God for their new friend, Johnny. |
| 64 | * When cleaning up his apartment, Johnny throws out a lot of trash. However, he keeps a clean and intact photo of his mother displayed where anyone can see it, and earlier expressed disgust when his stepfather objectifies her in memory. Even after decades, Johnny still loves his mom and remembers the woman who gave him much-needed kindness and encouragement. |
| 65 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E9DifferentButSame Different But Same]]" (1x09)]] |
| 66 | * When Johnny confronts Daniel about Louie and his goons torching Johnny's car, he shows anger at the fact that, aside from his beloved car being destroyed, the fire could have burned down his whole neighborhood. Clearly, he's showing concern for Miguel and his family after everything they've done for him. |
| 67 | * Johnny and Daniel both start to loosen up during a test drive, bobbing their heads to Music/REOSpeedwagon while still trying to put on a belligerent air. Then they bond over drinks and begin to open up and learn more about each other's upbringing and personal lives, with Daniel even revealing what became of their shared ex-girlfriend Ali ([[HappilyMarried Schwarber, nee Mills]]). It's a shame that it all ends up getting torpedoed over a simple misunderstanding about Robby. |
| 68 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS1E10Mercy Mercy]]" (1x10)]] |
| 69 | * Miguel's family cheering for him during the tournament is quite sweet. When Miguel makes it to the finals, Carmen says with enormous pride to one of the spectators, [[SoProudOfYou "That's my son."]] Any proud parent can relate to this. |
| 70 | * On tournament day, we see Johnny making his most sincere efforts to encourage his Cobra Kai students. Not only does he deliver a crass RousingSpeech to them and give them all the iconic black sleeveless Cobra Kai gi's, but during the matches themselves, we hear him cheering them on almost like a real coach -- no longer is he even calling them by his usual degrading nicknames. He wasn't blowing smoke up Daniel's ass when he told the tournament committee that his students were making a difference in his life. |
| 71 | ** Note that he does this for every single one of his students, including Bert (who's clearly out of his depth in the tournament and loses quite easily). And when they lose, he doesn't admonish them like Kreese did, but rather assures them they did their best. |
| 72 | * Despite the fact that Daniel is still angry at Robby for not telling him that he was Johnny's son, he still can't help but cheer for him during the tournament. |
| 73 | ** Similarly, Sam cheers wholeheartedly for Aisha despite her falling out with Miguel and her negative view of Cobra Kai in general, showing that she is truly committed to repairing their friendship. They reconcile later on following Aisha's early elimination, with Sam apologizing for associating with the likes of Yasmine and Aisha encouraging her to take up karate again so they can compete together. |
| 74 | * Daniel's locker room speech to Robby about his father, encouraging the boy to understand and forgive him. Daniel describes his nemesis not as pure evil, but simply a man with a lot of demons who was led down a bad path. It means a lot that even with all the bad blood between them, the things he learned about Johnny during their bonding session in episode 9 stuck with him, and Daniel is still willing to recognize Johnny's humanity. |
| 75 | * Even if it doubles as a TearJerker, Miguel sincerely regrets hitting Sam while drunk at the beach party and apologizes to her. Despite everything, he still has feelings for Sam. There is still some of the old Miguel that Sam was originally attracted to left, even if most of it has been taken over by [[NoNonsenseNemesis a ruthless martial artist]] [[CombatPragmatist who will do anything to win.]] |
| 76 | * The moment doubles as a TearJerker, but at the bitter end, when Johnny has watched his best students turn into the same jerkass bullies he and his Cobra Kai friends used to be, does he celebrate their brutal victory? Does he rub it in the face of his arch-rival Daniel? No, he goes and sincerely apologizes to his own defeated son, who in turn even seems to accept his apology. Even though his students are going down a bad path -- and he knows it -- Johnny has come a long way from the adolescent bully who almost killed Daniel. |
| 77 | * [[TookALevelInJerkass Even when Miguel starts to go down a bad path]], Johnny still cares for Miguel like he's a son to him. This is obvious by the encouragement during the tournament and desperate pleas Johnny gives to Miguel not to fight dirty. He does not want his protege to go down the road he went down. |
| 78 | * As much of a {{jerkass}} as Miguel has become, him dedicating his victory at the All-Valley Tournament to Johnny and Cobra Kai is still very heartwarming. In fact, much of the camaraderie within Cobra Kai is quite sweet. They support each other during their matches and provide much-needed encouragement as well. It is clear that even though they have fallen into HeWhoFightsMonsters territory, they support each other even outside of the ring. All of this from a diverse group of kids who just wanted to not be picked on. |
| 79 | * While Robby is disappointed that he came in second place, Daniel assures him that he's still proud of his performance and that Robby is the true winner because he fought with honor, unlike the Cobra Kai. Robby accepts the loss without further complaint. |
| 80 | * Following the tournament, Daniel brings Robby to his sensei's old house, introducing him to [[PacifistDojo Miyagi-Do Karate]]. The original Karate Kid has well and truly [[PassingTheTorch taken up the torch.]] |
| 81 | ** The best part is that despite all the years that have passed, Daniel has managed to keep Mr. Miyagi's house in pristine condition with not even a speck of dust on the place. |
| 82 | * When she fends off Kyler's advances, Sam realizes that she's StillGotIt. In her final scene of the season, all alone in the training room, she proceeds with a kata of her own. |
| 83 | [[/folder]] |
| 84 | |
| 85 | [[folder:Season 2]] |
| 86 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E1MercyPartII Mercy, Part II]]" (2x01)]] |
| 87 | * While setting up the dojo for student use, Daniel shows Robby several of Mr. Miyagi's possessions from the original trilogy, including his Medal of Honor, the handheld drum, and the banners listing the two rules of Miyagi-do karate. |
| 88 | * While he's initially furious with Miguel for his dirty tactics injuring Robby during the tournament, Johnny later tells him that there is a difference between having no mercy in karate and having no honor outside it, and while he might not have appreciated that when he was younger, he sees Miguel as having the potential to be better than Johnny himself ever was. Miguel's little smile and bowing to his sensei afterward confirms he did indeed appreciate the lesson. |
| 89 | ** Crossing over with Awesome, his expansion and elaboration of "No Mercy," both in private to Miguel and for the whole dojo. To the dojo, he points out that beating opponents who can't effectively fight back doesn't make one "badass." Johnny has realized the mistakes he made in his youth and is acting fast to keep the kids under his charge from going the same way. |
| 90 | * Daniel sitting down and having a talk with Sam about love and moving on. |
| 91 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E2BackInBlack Back in Black]]" (2x02)]] |
| 92 | * Kreese actually gets a legitimate moment of this when he calls out the current Cobra Kai students for whining about Johnny's instructions at the construction site: |
| 93 | -->'''Kreese:''' This man led you to the mountain top, and you question him? Look at you. Look at all of you. I can't believe this pathetic pack of pussies competed in the All Valley, and let alone ''won''. It's an absolute miracle. And who's responsible for that miracle? Johnny Lawrence, the best student in the history of Cobra Kai. ''My'' student.\ |
| 94 | '''Hawk:''' ''(impressed)'' You were Sensei's Sensei?\ |
| 95 | '''Kreese:''' You better believe it, kid. And I tell you I've never trained a tougher student in my whole life. So if you know what's good for you, you better listen to every goddamn word he says. |
| 96 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E3FireAndIce Fire and Ice]]" (2x03)]] |
| 97 | * Johnny takes Miguel to a diner that's across the street from the hospital where Robby was born, explaining one of the most painful things in his life -- how his alcoholism and his mother's death caused him to not be there to welcome his son into the world. He laments how he went on to fail Robby every other day of the boy's life, as well. But Johnny moves past this {{Tearjerker}} moment to state that one of the ''best'' things in his life has been [[ParentalSubstitute teaching Miguel]], and straight-up promises Miguel that no matter what happens, [[LikeASonToMe he will always be there for him]]. |
| 98 | -->''"One of the best things in my life has been teaching you. I'll always be on your side and always have your best interest at heart."'' |
| 99 | ** Before this, Miguel was angry with Johnny for not telling him about Robby and initially refusing to discuss it when he and Hawk confronted him about it. However, after hearing the full story and realizing just how sensitive a topic it is for Johnny, he understands why he didn't want to talk about it before and lets go of his anger. |
| 100 | * During Valley Fest, Hawk pulls Demetri onstage during the performance to help him with his part. Earlier in the episode, he chastised Demetri for using Cobra Kai's reputation to score with girls despite not being a part of the dojo. In a way, he's helping him back up his claims so he doesn't look like a jerk in front of everyone. Seeing as in the next episode, their friendship spirals downwards, it's the last nice thing Hawk does for Demetri for a while. |
| 101 | * Johnny finally learning how to use the internet, and discovering he can look up all the babes, 80s movies, and sports clips he wants. With all the crap he's been through in his life, it's nice to see the guy just having a good time. |
| 102 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E4TheMomentOfTruth The Moment of Truth]]" (2x04)]] |
| 103 | * When Johnny finds out that Kreese has been lying about his "resume", Kreese confesses that the events of his life after losing Cobra Kai are not only anything BUT badass, but in fact have left him a broken man. Johnny gently reminds him of the Cobra Kai motto -- "Defeat does not exist in this dojo" -- which inspires Kreese to return to the dojo under Johnny's leadership. (And while this moment is ruined by the fact that Kreese ultimately was playing him like a fiddle, it takes nothing away from how Johnny ''wanted'' to redeem this man who was the closest thing he ever had to a father figure. The fact that Kreese once tried to murder him, and Johnny is ''still'' willing to try and help him, speaks volumes.) |
| 104 | ** Also, if the army buddy that Kreese mentions tried to offer him a job when he fell on hard times after the events of ''Film/TheKarateKidPartIII'' was Terry Silver (as [[ShrugOfGod Hayden Schlossberg]] [[https://ew.com/tv/cobra-kai-karate-kid-easter-eggs/ openly implied]], and was later more or less confirmed in Season 4), it is another reminder of their [[HeterosexualLifePartners strong, enduring bond of friendship]] (perhaps the latter man's only [[EvilVirtues redeeming quality]] at that point in his life). |
| 105 | * When Robby accompanies the [=LaRussos=] to a beach club that he used to run criminal hustles at, the manager recognizes him and moves to throw him out, but Amanda wards the manager off. Afterward, when she asks Robby what was going on, he confesses that he did some bad things before falling in with the [=LaRussos=], and guiltily decides to leave the premises anyway. Amanda stops Robby and assures him that it doesn't matter what he did in the past, it's his ''current'' direction in life that matters. |
| 106 | * As Daniel walks down the beach, he sees a man in the distance fishing, and wearing the same type of clothes Miyagi wore. When he walks towards him, he realizes it's just a random man, fishing. The man politely asks about Miyagi and then tells Daniel that the right fish will come to him -- he just needs patience. Definitely something Miyagi would say. (Daniel then comments that the man is more like Mr. Miyagi than he thought.) This not only serves as a happy reminder for fans who were sad about Pat Morita's and Mr. Miyagi's passing, but also is a rare example of MistakenIdentity being used for heartwarming instead PlayedForLaughs. |
| 107 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E5AllIn All In]]" (2x05)]] |
| 108 | * Even though Demetri is a borderline pessimistic and neurotic wimp, Daniel taking and keeping him under his tutelage really illustrates his own dedication towards his students. Even when he learns that Demetri joined Cobra Kai and Miyagi-do purely out of peer pressure, rather than dismiss him like most would, Daniel actually changes his approach towards training Demetri by getting on his level and letting him learn at his own pace. When they both discover that they have a shared interest in ''Series/GameOfThrones'', Daniel uses that to both connect with Demetri and expedite his training and teachings with series-related analogies. By Season 4, Demetri steadfastly proclaimed that joining Miyagi-Do was the best thing that ever happened to him. |
| 109 | ** It's also heartwarming to see how the show positively portrays characters who ''aren't'' the best, most athletic fighters. While Demetri may not ever be able to defeat any of the top-tier teens (Sam, Robby, Eli, Miguel, Tory) in a straight fight, over time he works his way to the next level down, not because he has any inherent skill, but simply through dedication and practice. |
| 110 | * Sam and Robby rushing in to defend Demetri from Hawk and the rest of the Cobra Kais. Early in the series, Demetri's only friend was Eli himself, who was far too meek to confront bullies like Kyler and Brucks. Now, Demetri has friends who are willing to stand up for him, something that slowly develops over time thanks to Miyagi-Do playing a crucial role in Demetri's life. |
| 111 | * Moon finds out that Hawk tried to attack Demetri over a Yelp review and since Demetri is her friend, she's upset by his actions and confronts him over it. When Hawk refuses to listen to her when she says that Demetri is still his friend, Moon tells him that while she stills finds him attractive, she doesn't want to date a bully, which is an improvement from she used to follow Yasmine when she was bullying Aisha. |
| 112 | * Upon hearing that their fellows trashed the Miyagi-Do dojo, multiple students walk straight out the door of Cobra Kai. They wanted to learn to be badass, but this is a line too far. |
| 113 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E6TakeARight Take a Right]]" (2x06)]] |
| 114 | * Johnny is clearly and absolutely furious about how his students trashed the dojo. No matter his antagonism with Daniel, he ''will not'' brook any insult to the memory of Mr. Miyagi, who saved his life all those years ago. |
| 115 | * When Johnny tells his friends about his dojo, one of the first things he mentions is what great kids the students are. Even though he just learned they trashed the Miyagi-Do dojo, and several of them quit to join ''his arch-nemesis Daniel'', he still cares about his students and holds them in high esteem. |
| 116 | * Strongly overshadowed by {{Tearjerker}}, but Tommy's last day was not spent slowly expiring in a hospital bed, he spent it hanging out with his old Cobra Kai compatriots like their glory days and encouraged Johnny to keep trying to change his life for the better because, unlike him, Johnny still has time to do so. Once it's over, he peacefully passes away in his sleep. [[AGoodWayToDie It's the way anyone would want to go]]. |
| 117 | ** When Tommy tells Johnny that the latter still has time on Earth to do whatever he wants, Johnny tells him that all he really wants to do with his remaining time is keep teaching his students at Cobra Kai and prevent them from making the same mistakes they made when they were younger so they'll have bright futures. |
| 118 | ** This episode is made all the more heartwarming by the behind-the-scenes detail that not only did the original Cobra Kai actors reprise their roles, but in real life, they all remained friends and kept in touch during all the years since the original ''Karate Kid''. |
| 119 | ** Daniel being willing to give former Cobra Kai kids a chance even against Robby's opposition and willingly telling his students about his experience with Terry Silver, which is clearly very personal to him, so they will understand that people can change. |
| 120 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E7Lull Lull]]" (2x07)]] |
| 121 | * In a FreezeFrameBonus, you can see the butcher shop Daniel takes his students to is called ''Fernandez'', hinting it belongs to Freddy Fernandez and he's letting Daniel use his butcher shop as a training lesson. He might've been a FairWeatherFriend to Daniel back in the 80s but the fact that 35 years later, they're still friends and is actually going out of his way to help his friend shows that he grew as a person. |
| 122 | * Miguel immediately gives his condolences to Johnny about Tommy's death when he returns to Cobra Kai and asks him how the funeral was. |
| 123 | * Daniel encourages Demetri to use his own cynicism to anticipate attacks. This is what really starts Demetri on the path from neurotic wimp to the guy who can give Robby a good fight two seasons later. |
| 124 | * All of the Miyagi-Dos gather around Demetri to congratulate him after he learns the lesson. |
| 125 | * Johnny kicking out Kreese, telling him that there's a difference between "no mercy" and "no honor," and not falling for any of his guilt trips. It really shows just how much he's grown. |
| 126 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E8GloryOfLove Glory of Love]]" (2x08)]] |
| 127 | * Johnny falling for Miguel's mother, Carmen. He only tries dating apps because she's seeing someone else, and after a long montage of hilarious date fails, Johnny meets an attractive lady who seems tailor-made for him... that is, until he overhears Carmen's boyfriend saying that he only wants Carmen for "a few bangs" and then he'll dump her. Johnny doesn't think twice and ditches his date to confront the douchebag boyfriend, beating on him until he agrees to leave Carmen alone. While you could take issue with Johnny's aggression here, there's no question that he cares far more about Carmen's well-being than this jerkass who was just using her. |
| 128 | * Hawk telling Miguel that there are no hard feelings between them after their confrontation at Coyote Creek, showing that he still values their friendship even as he's starting to fall under Kreese's influence. |
| 129 | * Daniel spends the episode trying to make amends with Amanda. When he finally succeeds, he admits that he's been missing Mr. Miyagi badly, and opening the Miyagi-Do dojo made it feel like he had his old mentor back. In a subversion of WetBlanketWife, Amanda assures him that she doesn't want to take that from him. Then the following exchange happens. |
| 130 | -->'''Daniel''': I do know that, if (Mr. Miyagi) were here, he'd say, "Forget about karate. Focus on what's important." |
| 131 | -->'''Amanda''': And what's that? ''(Daniel then kisses her, as "[[Music/{{Chicago}} You're The Inspiration]]" plays in the background.)'' |
| 132 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E9Pulpo Pulpo]]" (2x09)]] |
| 133 | * It may have been a hopelessly naïve and stupid thing to do, but that fact that Moon at least ''tried'' to bring an end to the dojo rivalry by inviting everyone to her party was very sweet, and shows that she really does care for her friends and just wants everyone to get along. |
| 134 | * At Moon's party, Demetri tries to comfort Hawk as he mopes over his failed relationship with Moon and her new girlfriend, Piper. Considering how Hawk had assaulted Demetri over his Yelp review earlier in the season, Demetri attempting to make amends with his former friend is a touching gesture (even though it fails). It's also nice that they have a (very short) bonding moment over Doctor Who. |
| 135 | * Johnny and Daniel genuinely getting along at the restaurant, even laughing together without vitriol. Amanda also gets on well with both Carmen and Johnny as well. |
| 136 | -->'''Daniel:''' I'll always be Miyagi-Do, you'll always be Cobra Kai. That doesn't mean that we have to be at war, right? |
| 137 | -->'''Johnny:''' Kreese is the one who cares about war, not me. (After a moment, Daniel offers his hand, which Johnny takes. They share a bit more teasing, before genuinely wishing each other a good night). |
| 138 | * When Hawk gets angry over Demetri mocking him in public, ''Mitch'' is the one who reminds him what Johnny said about showing mercy. |
| 139 | ** After he loses his temper, Chris and Robby immediately get in the way and make it clear that if Hawk wants to get Demetri, he'll have to go through them. |
| 140 | * After Sam learns the truth about how Miguel returned the Medal of Honor (and Robby withheld this from her), she retreats to the privacy of one of the poolside chairs to gather her thoughts and reflect on all her decisions from the summer. Sometime later, Miguel comes out to approach her. Given how their talk had gone at the roller rink a few days earlier and the fact that Miguel's new girlfriend just tripped Sam for no reason, one would get the impression she hated him and any chance of reconciliation for them as friends. But when he sees her sitting all alone at the party, he can't help but go and check to make sure she's okay. Despite the fact that he thinks she hates him, he puts those emotions aside and still goes to check on her because he still cares about her. It doesn't matter if Sam still hates him, he needs to make sure that she's okay. While she initially turns him away, she quickly realizes that she doesn't want him to turn away, she wants him to return to her life, even if only as a friend. So she stops him before he can go back inside to thank him for returning the medal and take the first step to repair a broken bridge. |
| 141 | ** Of course, alcohol and emotions don't normally mix well, and we all see how that inevitably turns out when they kiss here (where Tory can see them), but the intentions of the conversation are pure. Miguel just wants to make sure Sam is okay, and Sam just wants Miguel back in her life, even if that meant as a friend. And she continues to show this attitude from this point forward, between seeing him in the hospital in season 3 after he wakes up, and throwing the car wash fundraiser. |
| 142 | * When Robby takes a drunken and embarrassed Sam to stay somewhere that her parents won't see her, he turns to his father in desperation. Even though Johnny had every reason to not have his rival's daughter in his house, he takes them in without question. |
| 143 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E10NoMercy No Mercy]]" (2x10)]] |
| 144 | * The morning after the party, when Robby is going through his father's old possessions, he finds that Johnny kept some of Robby's childhood drawings, including one depicting their biological family happy together and one with a dinosaur. |
| 145 | ** Johnny states that while he's happy to give the kids a safe place to recover from drinking too much, he's still going to have to explain to Daniel what happened. A moment of honor and decency that transcends their rivalry (even if said rivalry was patched at that point). Then Robby says they can blame the whole thing on him, to spare Sam parental disapproval. |
| 146 | ** When Daniel tracks Sam's phone to Johnny's apartment, he's understandably frantic to figure out what happened with his daughter. Johnny tries valiantly to calm him down and explain things, finally flatly refusing to let Daniel in until he cools off. Again, Johnny doing what he can to spare Daniel's family. |
| 147 | * Although it comes at great cost (both before and after), it's pretty wonderful to see Johnny dropping off Robby for his first day of school and earnestly trying to be a dad for the first time in 16 years. |
| 148 | ** And ''Robby'' suggests that Johnny and Daniel each have lessons that could be of value to the other side, a stark contrast to how he told Johnny that Daniel was a better man than he would ever be at the beginning of the season. |
| 149 | * A student goes up to Hawk and tells him that he also wet the bed until recently and that it's nothing to be ashamed of. Hawk shoves him away, but it was still a nice thought. |
| 150 | * During the school-wide brawl, Demetri does his best to avoid confronting Hawk (especially after Hawk started actively hunting him down). When they do eventually come to blows, Demetri apologizes to Hawk after kicking him into a trophy case, which apparently put him out for the rest of the fight. Despite all that's happened between them, Demetri seems to truly wish to have his friend Eli back. |
| 151 | * Despite having just suffered a fractured rib and lacerations on her right arm, Sam's immediate instinct when Miguel falls over the railing is to run to his side. When she's in the hospital, all she's concerned about is Miguel's wellbeing. |
| 152 | ** Notice that the only other combatant to run to Miguel's side besides Sam is Hawk, and the intentional framing of the shot leaves only them in the frame with Miguel. Hawk and Sam may not be on the same side but in that moment they were both on Miguel's side. Nothing else mattered to them in the instant they saw Miguel laying there. It didn't matter that Sam and Hawk were fighting each other. It didn't matter that Miguel was at one point an asshole to Sam and a bully. In that one instant they saw the boy that they both loved and cared for and they rushed to his side. You can even see Sam reach towards Miguel's head. |
| 153 | * Daniel holding Sam's hand in the hospital during her surgery as he consoles her and tells her everything is going to be alright. |
| 154 | * Arguably heartwarming under [[DramaticIrony tragic and ironic circumstances]], but Ali friend-requesting Johnny on Facebook after he finally mustered the nerve to reach out to her and confront his past demons. Despite Ali's memories of what a bully Johnny was when they were teenagers, she's clearly willing to at least ''talk'' to him now... another stark contrast to how things began. Remember the opening of the first ''Karate Kid'', when in Johnny's first appearance, Ali didn't even want to talk to him? |
| 155 | [[/folder]] |
| 156 | |
| 157 | [[folder:Season 3]] |
| 158 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E1Aftermath Aftermath]]" (3x01)]] |
| 159 | * Amanda, of all people, saying she's proud of Louie for finally taking initiative and doing his job. And part of the reason they've forgiven Louie for his prior transgressions and brought him back during a period of crisis for the dealership is because he did show up to see Sam in the hospital. |
| 160 | * Being an awkward nerd his entire life, Demetri gains respect from his classmates after defeating Hawk in the school brawl. People no longer pick on him, except the supreme jerkasses at Cobra Kai (mainly Hawk & Kyler). Girls are appreciating his nerdy interests more. As mouthy as he is, you can't help but feel happy for him as he gains a new level of confidence to stand up for himself. |
| 161 | * Miguel is still in a coma and close to death for most of the episode, with him having a dream where he's competing in the All-Valley fighting an unnamed opponent and struggling. Later on, Johnny sneaks into his hospital room and, after apologizing for what happened, encourages him to keep fighting and not give up. Following Johnny's words, Miguel is then shown fighting better in his dream and his heart rate increases. The episode ends with Miguel defeating his dream opponent and waking up from his coma, all thanks to his sensei encouraging him. |
| 162 | |
| 163 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E2NatureVsNurture Nature Vs. Nurture]]" (3x02)]] |
| 164 | * Rather than being angry or disappointed, Shannon tries to assure Robby that things will be okay as he's being carted away after being arrested. Considering how neglectful she used to be, it's welcome to see that Shannon has learned to care for her son. |
| 165 | * While Kreese is only doing it so he can get Tory to return to Cobra Kai, and not because he cares about her, seeing how messed up Tory's life is only for Kreese to find her and threaten her asshole landlord into leaving her alone and giving her a place to stay at the dojo is genuinely nice to see, and one of the few times Kreese doesn't seem like a sociopath. |
| 166 | * Johnny and Amanda have a couple of nice sweet moments. He sounds genuinely happy to talk to her when she calls him and Daniel during their "mission" and tells Daniel "I'm not going to lie to your wife." Later, when Miguel awakens from his coma, Amanda sends Daniel a message telling him so and asking him to please let Johnny know as well. Daniel likely would've done it anyway, but it's nice she wants to share good news about his student. |
| 167 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E3NowYoureGonnaPay Now You're Gonna Pay]]" (3x03)]] |
| 168 | * Even after Johnny disrupts his service by being a drunken ass, Bobby still takes the time afterwards to console and advise him on how to cope with what happened to Miguel and Robby. He even decides to have his church make a donation for Miguel's surgery (without Johnny asking for one) and accompany Johnny to the juvenile detention center to visit Robby. |
| 169 | * Hawk visiting Miguel in the hospital, especially as he's the only Cobra Kai who's actually seen doing so. Even as he continues down a dark path under Kreese's influence, his genuine loyalty to Miguel remains one of his most redeeming qualities. |
| 170 | * Right before Hawk shows up, Sam comes to the hospital to provide give Miguel a get-well card. Miguel lights up like a child on Christmas morning at seeing her, probably having thought that what Tory did in the school rumble would've led her to believe her father was right about Cobra Kai being a bunch of bullies after all. Yet she still comes, as she's able to separate her feelings for Miguel from her feelings for Cobra Kai as a whole in light of finding out Miguel returned Miyagi's Medal of Honor. |
| 171 | ** Miguel is surprisingly vulnerable in this scene, yet he opens up to Sam about his anxiety over his upcoming back surgery. You can see he's trying to keep it together, especially when he talks about miracles. Sam is right there with him, trying to spin the negative situation into a positive, telling him, "If anyone can beat the odds, it's you." Considering their last sober conversation was at the roller rink, with both of them having abandoned any hope that they could again be friends, it's touching that it's like they have fallen back into an old routine from when they were dating, with Miguel talking about his worries and Sam giving him the support he needs. |
| 172 | ** Sam can see his worries, especially when Miguel talks about the treatment being expensive and likely to drive his mother into debt. Sam sympathizes with him, and this is here she gets the idea to throw the car wash fundraiser. In fact, it appears that Sam is the only person Miguel tells about Carmen being in debt. If he had confided to Hawk about this, Cobra Kai would've probably done some sort of charity drive of their own, but he never does, indicating a certain degree of trust in Sam he doesn't have for his friends in Cobra Kai or a refusal to be viewed as weak to them. |
| 173 | ** Then Miguel notices the claw marks on Sam's right arm from where Tory attacked her. Sam puts on a brave face because she can see the devastation on his face-the fact that he couldn't help her during the fight-and Sam doesn't want him to feel more remorse right before the surgery. So she shrugs it off and tells him, "It makes me look tough." Even though in reality she's barely keeping it together, she's putting his needs before hers. |
| 174 | ** Lastly, to cheer him up, she shows Miguel her card. It depicts a smiling octopus carrying a [[CardiovascularLove heart]], under the words "You [[{{Pun}} Octopi]] My Thoughts," invoking their relationship mascot (Senor Octopus), and causing Miguel to think back to their first date at Golf 'n Stuff, back before everything became so complicated. |
| 175 | ** Though we haven't seen them interact yet, we can infer that Carmen definitely sees Sam as a positive influence in Miguel’s life. Considering the fact that Miguel was only allowed certain visitors in the hospital (friends and family), Carmen is well aware of how important Sam is in Miguel’s life (even when they weren’t dating). |
| 176 | * The Miyagi-Do students have the choice to leave Miguel stuck in a hospital bed as he is Cobra Kai's star student. Instead, Sam decides to throw a car wash fundraiser to help the "enemy", without Daniel needing to say anything, let alone being aware of this. This proves that even when Daniel neglected to properly teach the philosophies of Miyagi-Do, his teachings about forgiveness and balance are still taken seriously. Cobra Kai stealing the money to donate it in their name was purely cruel, even without beating up Nathaniel. |
| 177 | * While Daniel, Amanda, and Louie are coping with the news of Tom Cole's poaching Doyona away from [=LaRusso's=], Daniel thinks back to how his mother's station wagon was so faulty he and his mother had to push it to get it to start moving, hence why he was so excited when Miyagi gave him the iconic 1945 Ford Supe Deluxe on his 18th birthday. Miyagi was the one who pushed Daniel into sales, despite Daniel thinking car salesman are sleazy. He reminded Daniel to follow his passions, so Daniel opened the dealership because he wanted to make people feel the same excitement as he did when Miyagi gave him the car. His dealership is about making people happy and that's why they were so successful. |
| 178 | ** Amanda mouthing along with Daniel when he quotes Mr. Miyagi is a nice reminder of the relationship he had with the entire [=LaRusso=] family, not just Daniel. |
| 179 | ** The fact that they convince Anoush to come back to them as a reward for betraying Cole. While Anoush was hurt by Daniel neglecting the dealership to focus on his karate school in season 2, Daniel at least treats him with respect, unlike Cole who viewed him as an errand boy and doesn't bother to remember his first name. |
| 180 | * Johnny caring enough about Miguel that he's willing to swallow his pride and goes to Sid, the one person he hates more than Daniel and Kreese, for money. |
| 181 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E4TheRightPath The Right Path]]" (3x04)]] |
| 182 | * The bartender of the bar Daniel goes to [[DrowningMySorrows drink after failing to save his dealership]] notices his unhappy state and asks about the picture of Miyagi in Daniel's phone. When Daniel admits he is no longer around, the bartender says that "in Japan, you can always visit someone. They always speak to us, even when they are gone." This gives Daniel the inspiration to visit Miyagi's hometown. If it weren't for him, Daniel would have returned penniless and unable to save his dealership. This moment truly demonstrates how warm Japanese people are, even to foreign customers. |
| 183 | ** It's incredibly heartwarming in hindsight, as the bartender's advice helps Daniel find new balance in his life, allows him to reconnect with old friends, gives him the means to save his dealership, (and thanks to Chozen) his life, his dojo, and Miyagi-Do as a whole. Yuna and Chozen are both able to pay back a life debt to Daniel. Consider all of the above and all the good Chozen does in Season Five, and then consider that all of this happened thanks to a bit of advice from a random bartender. |
| 184 | * When Daniel first arrives in Tomi Village, he is dismayed to find it heavily gentrified. He then learns that after a crop failure, Sato made those changes to give the village a new economy and enable it to survive -- something the villagers themselves remember fondly today. While Daniel may be disappointed that the old Tomi Village is gone, it's heartwarming to see that after Sato's HeelFaceTurn in ''Part II'', he didn't just give the village deed back to the villagers and then wash his hands of it all -- he stayed with them and kept helping them when they needed him the most. |
| 185 | ** Kumiko is seen performing a traditional dance in the plaza of Tomi Village Green with a group of her students. Heartwarming in that she did get to follow her dream, and in the confirmation that while the village has changed, it did so on its own terms and has preserved its culture while still thriving in the modern era. |
| 186 | * The show actually manages to give Miyagi an active role outside film clips when Kumiko shows Daniel all the letters he wrote to her aunt after reconnecting with her. This includes confirmation that Sam got to know him, and considered him an honorary grandfather. The last letter, written near the end of Miyagi's life, revealed not only his final SoProudOfYou thoughts about the man Daniel had become, but his deep thankfulness for having been part of Daniel's life. Daniel is brought to TearsOfJoy and a whole new understanding of how he should be living his life. |
| 187 | -->My sweetheart Yukie, I'm sorry. It has been a long time since my last letter. I am so happy to hear that ''Kanhizakura'' is in good health. I am sorry to tell you that I am back in hospital. Please do not worry. There is nothing to do except watch TV, and think. Think about family, think about us. Think about where I have been. Think about where I am going. In life, I have always looked for signs to show me the right way. But I got lost, until I met Daniel-San. His kind heart, strong chi, and loyalty and love for those around him is a guiding light to me. I am very proud for the man he has become, even though he still has a hard head. I never thought I would have a family again. Daniel-San has welcomed me into [[FamilyOfChoice his family]], and he has passed on what I teach him in Miyagi-Do to his daughter. Samantha makes me feel like I am her ''tanmee''. "In life, we always lose our way, but it is people, not signs, that guide us back to the right path". Do you like that, Yukie? I heard it in a car commercial.\ |
| 188 | Love, Nariyoshi Miyagi |
| 189 | ** A close observer will notice that Ralph Macchio and Tamlyn Tomita's tears are very much real. They had a very strong bond with Pat Morita, and also the other actors from ''The Karate Kid Part II'' who'd died in the interim, Nobu [=McCarthy=] (Yukie) and Danny Kamekona (Sato). |
| 190 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E5MiyagiDo Miyagi-Do]]" (3x05)]] |
| 191 | * Johnny takes Miguel to a [[Music/TwistedSister Dee Snider]] concert to help him take his mind off his condition and enjoy himself. Miguel is actually underage but the [[ScaryBlackMan door guard]] allows him entry after Johnny claims that Miguel is dying and how much this experience was on his bucket list. During the performance, Snider dedicates his next number to Miguel after hearing that a "Make-A-Wish" kid is in attendance. The exhilaration of the entire evening is enough to get Miguel's foot tapping -- the first step in his recovery. |
| 192 | * Daniel hits a KarmicJackpot as it turns out the little girl he saved from the hurricane in the second film is now a high-ranking member of the car company he needs to save his business. Kumiko naturally sees this as proof of her aunt's philosophy of the good you put into the world coming back to you. |
| 193 | ** His reunion with Yuna is ''perfectly'' executed. When Daniel initially doesn't place her, she makes reference to how they met in Okinawa. Daniel ''immediately'' recognizes her and calls her by name, despite last seeing her '''over 30 years ago''' and he happily pulls her in for a hug. For Yuna, she's ecstatic to see him again and her face as she hugs him speaks volumes. For her, she's not only hugging a friend she hasn't seen in decades, she's hugging the man who ''saved her life.'' One can only imagine how delighted she was to know she had a chance to pay him back for his kindness after all these years. |
| 194 | * It's revealed that Chozen has changed exponentially for the better. While he's initially cold to Daniel, it's mostly just a front and they manage to part on good terms, with Chozen not only gifting him an ancient Miyagi-do scroll, but also teaching Daniel some new moves that later help him defeat Kreese. |
| 195 | ** Even better? It's only mostly a front. It does seem that Chozen does still bear Daniel a bit of antagonism at first, but as they spar and Chozen gets to repay Daniel for saving his life, their bridges are genuinely mended. |
| 196 | ** The sheer fact that Chozen, one of the [[HateSink cruelest]] [[SoreLoser antagonists]] of the franchise, parts ways with Daniel on better terms than [[JerkJock Johnny]] [[GracefulLoser Lawrence]] in less time is heartwarming too. Even Daniel [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] this, which in turn causes ''Chozen'' to seem [[GoodCannotComprehendEvil surprised]] that Daniel still has ongoing grudges. |
| 197 | ** Chozen reveals that after the events of ''Part II'', he and Sato mended fences, and Sato gave him a chance at redemption when he was a DeathSeeker. After Sato realized the error of his ways and how he had guided Chozen down a wrong path late in the movie, it's heartwarming to hear that both men got the chance to make up for their mistakes. |
| 198 | ** The gift of the scroll get more heartwarming the more you think about it. Remember how Mr. Miyagi stressed ''his family's'' karate, passed down from father to son. Sato learned it from Miyagi's father because Miyagi considered him a brother, and taught it to Daniel because he came to consider him a son. This makes Daniel and Chozen cousins. With a simple gesture, Chozen honors that bond and gives Daniel a tangible reminder of it. |
| 199 | * Amanda comforts Sam after she witnesses Demetri's arm get broken and Amanda cuddles Sam as she cries in her mother’s arms. |
| 200 | ** And in MamaBear fashion, she winds up having the courage to confront and ''slap'' Kreese at the dojo on behalf of Sam ''and'' Demetri. Earlier in the episode, she kicks Demetri and the rest of the Miyagi-Dos out (minus Sam) because she wanted her family to have nothing to do with karate or Miyagi-Do. Now, it seems like she really does care for the Miyagi-Do students as if they were her children. |
| 201 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E6KingCobra King Cobra]]" (3x06)]] |
| 202 | * [[FreezeFrameBonus In Johnny's abandoned 80-page message to Ali]] he says that he isn't a good parent, but then concedes that Miguel seems to like him as a counterpoint, reinforcing that he [[LikeASonToMe thinks of Miguel as his son.]] |
| 203 | * When Kreese kicks Mitch out of Cobra Kai after losing to Kyler, Hawk voices his objections to this, as Mitch has been a dedicated member of the dojo. It also shows that while Hawk often treated Mitch like a lackey, he does care about him and considers him not just a Cobra Kai fighter who's paid his dues, but a friend. Now compare that to Kyler's response when Hawk subsequently disposes of Brucks which is to abandon him. |
| 204 | * When Johnny and Miguel realize that Miguel is standing on his own after they argue over Johnny letting Kreese steal the dojo, they both cry TearsOfJoy and embrace and thank each other. |
| 205 | * Johnny deletes the pretentious photos he uploaded to Facebook to try and impress Ali, and instead uploads photos of him working as a sensei as well as a video of Miguel proudly standing on his own two feet. He also writes a much shorter, heartfelt message to Ali... Though he doesn't send it, instead sending "Not much. U?" |
| 206 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E7Obstaculos Obstáculos]]" (3x07)]] |
| 207 | * Miguel being welcomed back by the other students who congratulate him for his recovery. They even have a big banner saying "Welcome Back, Miguel". |
| 208 | * After being an unrepentant, cruel AlphaBitch for all of season 1, Yasmine reveals that she TookALevelInKindness when Kyler draws a giant penis on Demetri's arm cast. Yasmine reverses Demetri's humiliation by signing "I love your BIG dick - YAS" on it, as getting humiliated by Aisha on tape gave her a taste of her own medicine, and an understanding of what it's like to be hurt and helpless, with everyone laughing at you. And to think that in season 1, she wouldn't have been caught dead talking to him. She has changed so much that Sam and Miguel even catch the pair making out in the hallway! |
| 209 | ** Demetri also states that he knows how it feels to go through what Yasmine did. Hell, their small conversation after she signs his cast is adorable. |
| 210 | * Daniel spends the episode helping Sam overcome her trauma and promising to always be there for her no matter what, using his fight with Mike Barnes. |
| 211 | * All of the other Eagle Fang students rush to help Miguel to his feet when he falls down at training. Miguel sees it as CondescendingCompassion, but it highlights how the dojo have become TrueCompanions. |
| 212 | * The reason why Johnny doesn't want to let Miguel compete in the All-Valley Tournament is that he's concerned about Miguel returning to competition-level fighting too soon and getting injured again. Bonus points for how Johnny's genuine concern for Miguel earns him further gratitude from Carmen. |
| 213 | * Miguel [[MeetCute bumps into Sam in the hallway]]. When he casually mentions to her that the Cobra Kai guys aren't his friends anymore, Sam is unable to resist the urge to smile in a way that practically says, "So deep down he really is the good kid who stood up to Kyler for me." Given that she never really got over her feelings for Miguel during the whole time she was with Robby, it's not much of a surprise that they go from talking once in the morning at school and establishing themselves as friends again to a few days later being back in a relationship again, and a very intimate and comfortable one to boot. |
| 214 | * Even though the school brawl has resulted in the All-Valley Tournament being canceled, the other committee members don't blame Daniel at all and understand that the decision is a result of the city council overreacting to what happened. Ron even personally reaches out to Daniel to break the bad news to him and persuade him to make an appeal to convince the council to overturn their decision. |
| 215 | ** Although Daniel is hesitant to go through with appealing, on the grounds that letting the tournament go on would give Cobra Kai a venue to display their violent behaviors, it's [[DaddysGirl Sam]] of all people who persuades him that they should try, by reminding him that the tournament is the best way for Miyagi-Do to salvage their reputation (given that the Cobras have been motivated by Kreese to use Miguel's injuries as an excuse to bully the Miyagi-Dos at school). |
| 216 | ** After Johnny, Daniel, ''and'' Kreese have failed to convince the city officials to un-cancel the tournament (and in fact, [[PersonalHateBeforeCommonGoals their bickering only serves]] [[NotHelpingYourCase to further alienate the council]]), Miguel unexpectedly emerges to give a RousingSpeech about what the tournament (and martial arts) means to him and his fellow students followed by Sam getting up to support him. The councillors are so moved that they immediately (and unanimously) decide to reinstate the tournament. Miguel and Sam succeeded where three old masters failed, proving that he is indeed the All-Valley Karate champion, both on and off the mat, just by speaking from their hearts and personal experience. |
| 217 | --->'''Miguel:''' My name is Miguel Diaz. I was in the school fight. I was the one who got kicked off the second floor. I know...I thought I was going to be paralyzed. I relearned how to stand. I relearned how to walk. And I want the tournament to continue.\ |
| 218 | '''Councilperson Roberts:''' We are very happy for your recovery, young man. But I'm afraid you don't understand-\ |
| 219 | '''Sam:''' ''[stands up]'' Yes, he does. We're the ones getting hurt. We're the ones fighting! ''[Sam joins Miguel at the podium]'' Our voices should matter the most. And we want a place where we can compete, fairly and safely.\ |
| 220 | '''Miguel:''' When I first moved here, I was bullied. I realized that there’s no escaping it. There's always going to be some kid will want to steal your lunch money, or give you a wedgie, or give you a swirlie.\ |
| 221 | '''Councilperson Roberts:''' A swirlie?\ |
| 222 | '''Johnny:''' [[DontExplainTheJoke It's when you, uh, dunk someone's head in a toilet and flush it. Pretty funny, actually.]]\ |
| 223 | '''Miguel:''' (to Johnny) [[DudeNotFunny Sensei!]] (To Councilperson Roberts) Instead of burying your heads in the sand and pretending that bullying doesn’t exist, or that you could get rid of it, what you need to do is to teach kids how to defend themselves.\ |
| 224 | '''Sam:''' Physically and... mentally. Because... sometimes the scars you can't see are the ones that hurt the most...\ |
| 225 | '''Miguel:''' Karate is about discipline. It’s about inner strength. it’s about confidence! Lessons that you could use the rest of your life! [[UndyingLoyalty Look, I don’t know where I would be today or who I would be today...if it wasn’t for my sensei.]] Look, we don’t need this tournament to do cool kicks or to sell tickets. We need it to show the bullies of the world that we’re not afraid. It’s called the "All Valley" because it’s for everyone, to give everyone the chance to show what they can do, to fight, to become a champion. And we deserve that chance. |
| 226 | ** Sam deserves a mention for her part. She stands to back Miguel up in his speech with zero idea what he was even going to say. Because after the first few things he said, she realizes that whatever point he's building up to, it would end up being something she agrees with. She realizes that he's exactly the person who took her out for a fun night at Golf 'n Stuff - and that she wants him to be - and that she will stand by his side and support him, and also probably showing her dad that she's with Miguel on that too. They just smile at each other when she comes down to the podium. And then she hugs him tightly while his speech is met with applause and a unanimous vote to let the tournament resume. |
| 227 | ** In retrospect, this is where Sam also gets the idea of [[EnemyMine bringing their dojos together]], as this is the first time she's heard Miguel's side of the story of what Johnny did for him. It's here that she realizes that her dad's stories about Cobra Kai had to have been very biased. So she doesn't just realize she has to have Miguel's back and support him, without even needing to hear what he said, she also starts to realize that Miguel looks at Johnny the same way her dad looked up to Mr. Miyagi, and that Johnny and her dad are more alike than they want to admit, and her wheels start turning about how they could bring the two dojos together. |
| 228 | ** This is also the first time Daniel begins to see Miguel differently. Seeing that he is so well-spoken and values karate for the same reasons leads to him reconsidering his opinion of him, and sets the stage for him having the conversation with him in the next episode. |
| 229 | * Sam and Miguel celebrate saving the tournament by knocking back Red Bulls in the Miyagi-Do garden, while she teases him over Eagle Fang's unorthodox training grounds, shoulder punches him, and goads him into a playful round of sparring. [[MomentKiller If it weren't for Robby showing up]], [[AlmostKiss they clearly would've gone a bit farther than that]]. |
| 230 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E9FeelTheNight Feel The Night]]" (3x09)]] |
| 231 | * Johnny and Carmen finally start a legitimate relationship with each other. While the two are uneasy with what this could mean for Johnny's relationship with Miguel, they are clearly happy and comfortable around each other. This is shown enough so that despite hearing Ali is no longer married (and seeing that she has aged [[OlderThanTheyLook very gracefully]]), at no point does Johnny make an actual move on her. |
| 232 | * Now that they're reconciled, Sam and Miguel are just as happy and comfortable around one another as they were on their first date. They're all smiles and banter as Sam shows him the drum technique, then he counters with [[DoubleEntendre some secret moves of his own]]. He promptly does a spin-takedown on her, lays her on the mat, and kisses her. It's almost a shame [[ParentsWalkInAtTheWorstTime Daniel shows up at the dojo]] at that moment. |
| 233 | ** Unlike in Season 1, where Sam caught Miguel off guard so he couldn't resist her flip-throw takedown, there's no reason Sam couldn't resist Miguel's takedown. She literally gives him both of her hands because he has earned her trust. |
| 234 | ** We see that Sam has learned from her mistakes back in season 1. When her dad first warned her about Cobra Kai in season 1, she worried that he could be right and Miguel really could be a bully (and his falling hard into the "strike first" mentality due to Johnny's biased information about the [=LaRussos=] didn't help), and she felt like she had to keep the relationship a secret as a result. Here, she's no longer doubting Miguel, and directly telling her dad that "he's not Cobra Kai's top bully". Sam is now confident that she knows who he is, and that Miguel's a good person who she's willing to side with even at the risk of having to fight for him with her dad. |
| 235 | --->'''Sam:''' Look, I'm sorry, Dad. I should've told you that I invited Miguel over.\ |
| 236 | '''Daniel:''' All right, new rule. If you're gonna bring boys over to the dojo, leave the door ''open''.\ |
| 237 | '''Sam:''' Come on, Dad, it's not 1984... \ |
| 238 | '''Daniel:''' ''[sighs]'' Look, you're grown up. You're a young woman now, okay? I get it. I just feel like in this past year, there's been [[TheBully Kyler]], Miguel, and Robby. Now back to Miguel? [[LampshadeHanging Seems like you're adding more drama to your life than you need.]] [[DramaticIrony And just imagine if]] [[GreenEyedMonster Robby]] [[DramaticIrony knew Miguel was back in the picture!]] ''[Sam grimaces and she shifts nervously on her feet]'' [[YouHaveGotToBeKiddingMe Oh no]]. Sam, really?!\ |
| 239 | '''Sam:''' ''[hesitantly]'' ...He came by last night, when I was here with Miguel.\ |
| 240 | '''Daniel:''' And he saw you two...[kissing]?\ |
| 241 | '''Sam:''' ''[makes disgusted face]'' NO! God, Dad!\ |
| 242 | '''Daniel:''' What, I saw it!\ |
| 243 | '''Sam:''' I know, it's been a lot. But can you ''please'' try to remember that I'm still your daughter? And that you can trust me?\ |
| 244 | '''Daniel:''' It's not ''you'' I don't trust, Sam.\ |
| 245 | '''Sam:''' Miguel's changed. He's a good person. He's not "Cobra Kai's #1 bully"; he's not even ''in'' Cobra Kai anymore! |
| 246 | ** Miguel and Daniel finally interacting with each other, and finding out they have a lot of common ground. This is something a lot of fans have hoped to see ever since season 1, considering their similarities (both having been poor fatherless kids who turned to karate for solace, and both being All-Valley Tournament champions). Daniel sees who Miguel truly is after having judged him as Cobra Kai's top bully (though that was more because of a chain of events than anything else), and Miguel sees that Daniel isn't at all the arrogant asshole that Johnny painted him as. In the words of Mr. Miyagi, “different but same," something strongly reinforced by putting them in the 1948 Ford Super [=DeLuxe=] the same way Daniel and Miyagi did back in the first movie. |
| 247 | ** Even after Daniel fills in Miguel on the unsavory details that Johnny didn't mention when telling him about the events of the first film, Miguel's opinion of Johnny doesn't change and he understands that Johnny's behavior was just due to a combination of being upset over Ali and Kreese's corrupting influence, and refuses to let his sensei's rivalry with Daniel cloud his judgment. Daniel, in turn, decides he's cool with Miguel dating his daughter (as long as they keep the [[DoubleEntendre sparring]] light!), which of course leaves a delightful grin on Sam's face. |
| 248 | ** An important detail is that Daniel leaves Sam alone at the dojo with Miguel. This is a big contrast from how he reacted to Sam being alone with her last two boyfriends. In season 1, he barged when he saw Kyler taking her into a classroom at the Halloween dance. In season 2, he also flipped out when Robby took her to Johnny's apartment to sleep off her hangover. Now regardless of if Daniel did the correct thing or not[[note]]he definitely did in the case of Kyler, who Daniel likely concluded (based on what he'd seen of Sam's texts with Kyler, and had heard from Johnny about Kyler picking on kids half his size) might be planning to date-rape Sam[[/note]], these both show his lack of trust for Sam's boyfriends. And as Daniel explicitly says right before deciding to talk to Miguel here, it's not Sam that he doesn't trust but Miguel. Yet by the end of their conversation, he trusts Miguel enough to be okay with leaving him alone at the dojo with his daughter. Daniel is very protective of Sam, so him being okay with her being there alone with Miguel shows just how much Daniel approves of Miguel, and also probably reflects him trusting Sam's judgement of Miguel's character since she stood up for Miguel at both the meeting and to Daniel here. |
| 249 | ** When Daniel thanks Miguel for the chat, he calls him a fellow All-Valley Champion. In contrast to the end of Season 1 and beginning of Season 2, where Daniel dismissed Miguel's win as a result of his cheap shots (which admittedly isn't untrue), Daniel has recognized Miguel's noble qualities and accepts that at heart the kid does embody the honor that Daniel considers the title to represent. |
| 250 | *** In fact, when Daniel first enters to see Sam and Miguel kissing, his first response is to yell "Sorry!" instead of "Get your hands off my daughter!" It's clear from the beginning of the scene that he's a lot more comfortable with Miguel than he might let on at first. |
| 251 | * Hawk's reaction to learning Robby has joined Cobra Kai is to protest vehemently, saying to Kreese, "We don't need him! He put Miguel in the hospital! He's the enemy!" Miguel may have stopped being friends with Hawk after learning what happened to Demetri, but that doesn't mean Hawk isn't going to continue speaking up for him, and view Kreese's choice to recruit the kid who injured Miguel as a betrayal of the values Hawk and Miguel joined Cobra Kai to learn. |
| 252 | * [[BigDamnReunion Johnny and Ali's reunion]] is full of this. It starts off with a simple lunch where both of them happily reminisce about high school and discuss the struggles they've had as adults before the two go to Golf 'n' Stuff and enjoy all the activities there just like the old days. The two of them have so much fun that, rather than leave him to go to her parents' Christmas party, Ali invites him to accompany her. |
| 253 | ** Ali says she loves how Johnny can still make her laugh, along with them spending the “old days” at Golf’ N Stuff so many times before. It’s implied that their teen relationship ''started'' happily and they had a lot of fun with each other. Even though the relationship went south later, it was one of the few good things that happened to Johnny during his miserable childhood. His reasons for being so torn up about their breakup become understandable. Ali made young Johnny happier in a way neither his mother nor Kreese ever could. |
| 254 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS3E10December19 December 19]]" (3x10)]] |
| 255 | * While the brawl is pretty brutal overall, it's heartwarming that Miyagi-do and Eagle Fang's disagreements with each other [[ConflictKiller go away the second both groups are attacked by Cobra Kai]]. Individual moments include: |
| 256 | ** Sam instinctively grabs onto Miguel in a reassuring way when Kyler taunts, "It's payback time, Rhea." |
| 257 | ** Miguel giving Tory a chance to back out of the fight by telling her she doesn't have to do this. It's a futile effort, but it shows he still cares for her even though their relationship didn't work out. |
| 258 | ** Demetri [[BigBrotherInstinct trying to protect Bert and Nathaniel]] from the Cobra Kai students during the house assault. |
| 259 | ** [[{{Jerkass}} Mitch]] [[PetTheDog encouraging Demetri to get up and keep fighting when he gets knocked down.]] |
| 260 | ** Sam remembers her father's words and fights back to defeat Tory. It's also heartwarming that Tory smashing Mr. Miyagi's picture is the catalyst for her HeroicSecondWind. Think about it. Miyagi said in his letters that Sam considered him an honorary grandfather when she was younger, and there's a chance their bond was almost as strong as his and Daniel's. This response would have been exactly Daniel's if he was cornered in fear and saw the picture of his father-figure getting smashed by an opponent. On top of that, she may have also been thinking about her father and how much Miyagi meant to him in the first place. Sam has already been shown to be a DaddysGirl, so seeing the photo smashed would have certainly hurt her as much as it would hurt her dad. |
| 261 | ** Hawk finally realizing the errors of his ways after seeing Miguel, Mitch, Bert, and Demetri, all of whom he had counted as his closest friends, in pain from being attacked by his fellow Cobra Kai members and Kyler, who had tormented him before he joined Cobra Kai, [[NiceJobFixingItVillain bragging about the damage they're dishing out.]] Hawk then saves Demetri from having his arm re-broken and apologizes to him for everything he did and Demetri, realizing his best friend Eli is back, immediately forgives him and initiates a handshake. They team up and turn out to be quite a [[BashBrothers formidable team]], with Hawk's strength complementing Demetri's agility to curb-stomp the other Cobra Kai students. The grin on Hawk's face when Demetri accepts his apology is also great to see. It's clear that even though he wouldn't have been willing to admit it, deep down Hawk has missed Demetri's friendship as much as Demetri has missed his. |
| 262 | ** Miguel remembers how Johnny has always believed in him and finds the strength to believe in himself and defeat Kyler. |
| 263 | ** Tory warns Hawk that he should watch his back after his HeelFaceTurn. Demetri counters that he doesn't need to, as he has friends to watch his back for him. {{Narm}}? Sure. But it really shows how their friendship is on the mend, and Demetri is expressing his feelings in the best way that his socially awkward self can manage. |
| 264 | * After many years of enmity and rivalry, Daniel and Johnny make peace thanks to Ali. What leads to this is Ali assessing that Daniel and Johnny are [[NotSoDifferentRemark more alike than they admit]] and they see parts of themselves in the other and don't like what they see. Daniel and Johnny realize their faults, much to Ali's delight, and part on better terms, with Johnny calling Daniel [[FirstNameBasis by his first name]] after referring to him by his last name for so many years. |
| 265 | * Daniel and Ali reconciling after 30 years. Daniel apologizes to Ali for how their relationship ended, but she reassures him that all of the good times they shared together far outweighed the bad. Daniel takes this to heart and agrees and the two share one last hug. |
| 266 | * When Johnny visits Miguel's apartment after the Christmas party and finds Miguel all battered and bruised from his fight with Kyler, [[PapaWolf his first instinct is to confront Kreese, who allowed (or even sent) his Cobra Kai thugs to attack his and Daniel's students]]. |
| 267 | ** The reason he was going to Miguel's apartment was that he realized something after his day with Ali: he was in love with Carmen and wanted to openly reveal his feelings for her. Before he can confess, he finds Miguel beaten to a pulp. He was caught off guard, considering how much of a [[LikeASonToMe son Miguel has become to him]] and like any parent or ParentalSubstitute, demands to know who did this to him. |
| 268 | * Daniel uses the pressure point techniques that Chozen had taught him a few episodes earlier to defeat Kreese, meaning that Chozen has unknowingly repaid Daniel for sparing his life back in ''Part II''. |
| 269 | * Sam and Miguel, showing up at the strip mall right as Daniel is about to strike the finishing blow to Kreese. [[MoralityChain Hearing his daughter's voice calling to him]] prompts Daniel to back down and collect himself, as he realizes that in coming to pick a fight with Kreese, he forgot one of the key lessons of Miyagi-Do: "If you go looking for revenge, you can start by digging two graves." |
| 270 | * We finally get the full explanation for Terry Silver's UndyingLoyalty to Kreese. In Vietnam, they were in a Green Beret team that was captured, and their captors forced pairs of soldiers to fight to the death. When Terry is ordered to fight their [[ColonelBadass company commander]], it's clear that he doesn't stand a chance, so Kreese volunteers to take his place. It was entirely likely that Kreese would be killed in that fight, and even if he survived, he'd have to kill his own commander, but he didn't hesitate to lay down his life for his friend. Small wonder that [[IOweYouMyLife Silver remains adamantly loyal to Kreese, even decades later]]. |
| 271 | --->'''Silver:''' I owe you man. You saved my ass. Anything you need...I'm there for you. Your whole life. You hear me Johnny? Your whole life. I owe you. |
| 272 | ** Consider also the start of ''Part III'' where Silver asks Kreese how many times the latter saved his ass in Vietnam, and Kreese replies "I don't know, I lost count". While Kreese may have just been exaggerating to tease Silver there, the possibility remains that this will only be the ''first'' time that [[VillainousFriendship Kreese comes through for Silver]]. |
| 273 | ** It's implied that Terry Silver's signature hairstyle is to honor the memory of Kreese and Silver's fallen friend, "Ponytail". |
| 274 | * Daniel and Johnny end the season by joining forces, working together to teach a combined class of their students to prepare for the tournament. What makes the moment especially beautiful is seeing the fighters who had been divided by Cobra Kai rejoin each other side by side -- Demetri with Hawk, Chris with Mitch, Nathaniel with Bert, Miguel with Sam, and last but not least, Daniel with Johnny. |
| 275 | ** Hawk’s presence at the dojo also means that Johnny has welcomed him back into the fold, even after he had continually forsaken him for Kreese during the season. |
| 276 | * This is the closest one to a happy ending in the show. Sure, while Kreese is still at large and has Tory and Robby in his hands (not to mention, prepared to bring Terry Silver into the fold), Daniel and Johnny are finally working together like we always wanted them to be. With the students no longer fighting each other, they would truly be a formidable team against Cobra Kai. Compare that to the [[TearJerker/CobraKai tear-jerking season two finale]], and this moment becomes even more poignant. |
| 277 | [[/folder]] |
| 278 | |
| 279 | [[folder:Season 4]] |
| 280 | * Kreese acting as PapaWolf figure to Tory, who has a very rough home life, even going to the point of informing Amanda that Tory should be left alone because of it, especially after losing her job. |
| 281 | * Amanda has every right to be furious at Tory. She even [[MamaBear goes to her workforce to demand that she leaves Sam alone.]] But this changes when Kreese tells her about Tory's home life. A lesser woman would have dismissed it, but Amanda didn't. [[DontYouDarePityMe Even if Tory didn't appreciate it at first]], with both Daniel and especially Sam [[WhatTheHellHero objecting to it]], she still kept trying to find ways to help. Amanda even goes as far as getting Tory back in school and setting her up with a therapist. For the first time in her life, Tory has an adult figure who she can trust, and it's her ArchEnemy's mother, out of all people. |
| 282 | * Kyler might be an utterly despicable bully, but he’s surprisingly friendly to his Cobra Kai teammates. In this season alone, he makes a lot of effort to bond with them, such as throwing big parties at his home, taking them to drive-in movies (on his treat, no less), and even ordering a limo to take them to prom. He also seems genuinely mad at Tory when the stunt she pulled resulted in half the team leaving. Despite how violence-prone he is, Kyler also seems to care less about the dojo rivalry than the other Cobra Kais and is mostly just there because he loves training in an aggressive form of karate. As a bonus, he extends his camaraderie even to the weaker Cobra Kai members, despite that they're the same type of kids Kyler and his gang would have bullied before he joined Cobra Kai. |
| 283 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E1LetsBegin Let's Begin]]" (4x01)]] |
| 284 | * Although most of the Miyagi-Do/Eagle Fangs are understandably wary of Hawk, they all welcome him back with open arms when he proves his commitment to his new teammates by designing a sparring deck for the dojo. |
| 285 | ** What makes this even better is that when Daniel and Johnny first learn about the deck (by seeing their combined students already building it), they were on their way to announce that the Miyagi-Do / Eagle Fang alliance was over... but when they see their students working together so well, they decide they don't have the heart to end the alliance after all. By not giving up as TheAtoner, Hawk almost single-handedly keeps the combined dojo from disintegrating right out of the gate. Combine this with how Hawk ultimately defeats Cobra Kai in the male division at the All-Valley tournament (again giving the enemies of Cobra Kai one more shot to prevail), and the guy has one hell of a [[BookEnds Book End]] for this season. |
| 286 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E2FirstLearnStand First Learn Stand]]" (4x02)]] |
| 287 | * In [[OneSceneWonder one short scene]], this season humanizes last season's brutish Shawn Payne by revealing that Kenny is his little brother whom he cares deeply about. On top of this, Robby and Shawn evidently ended up on sufficiently good terms that when Kenny reveals he has a bully problem, Shawn feels comfortable referring him to Robby for help and Robby not only (eventually) agrees, but also asks Kenny how Shawn is doing. After this, Kenny becomes the recipient of nearly all of Robby's PetTheDog moments in season 4... at least until the last episode, when it becomes clear that Kenny has strayed into HeWhoFightsMonsters (while Robby gets MyGodWhatHaveIDone). |
| 288 | * Seeing Johnny practice Miyagi-Do, set to the classic theme music, tugs on the heartstrings in the best way. It's also nice seeing Daniel train in Eagle Fang. Both of them are gaining a greater understanding of the other's style. What really sells this is the ''mood'' each of the two bring to their teachings. When Daniel is training Johnny, he does (as Amanda would put it) "enjoy it a little too much", but you can also tell that he is taking great pride in being able to share Miyagi's wisdom with Johnny and helping him become a more balanced person. Johnny, for his Eagle Fang training, also enjoys what he's doing to Daniel a little too much, but he ''sincerely'' encourages Daniel the whole time, constantly calling things like "You got this!" In the end, even Daniel manages to get into the testosterone-soaked mood, cheering "YEAH!" at the top of his lungs when he finally climbs to the top of the chain. |
| 289 | ** Also, who would have thought, all those years ago, that one day we'd see ''Johnny Lawrence'' practicing Miyagi-Do? |
| 290 | ** Another heartwarming moment is that at first, Johnny doesn't find Miyagi-Do appealing at all. However, Daniel chops the top off his beer bottle with a single strike, and reminds him that Miyagi-Do saved his life a few weeks before, and that it wasn't the first time. Johnny then flashes back to Mr. Miyagi rescuing him from Kreese as Daniel tells him that "no one was more badass than Mr. Miyagi." In response, Johnny simply picks up his paint brush and goes back to the wall. |
| 291 | * One of Daniel's lines ("Ambition without knowledge is like a boat on dry land") comes from Film/TheNextKarateKid. For fans of that movie, it's really sweet to see that it's not being ignored or brushed over entirely. |
| 292 | * Doubles as a [[Funny/CobraKai Funny Moment]], but throughout the episode, it seems as though unlike Daniel, Johnny didn't really take his rival's lessons all that seriously, seeming more eager to begin showing [[TrainingFromHell his style of training]] to Daniel. However, after getting Daniel in trouble with a group of thuggish hockey players ''on purpose'' (then leaving him to deal with it alone) to awaken Daniel's natural aggression, he appears from nowhere and earnestly commends him on his skill. The icing on the cake is that his reason for leaving was [[CallBack "no be there"]], showing Johnny '''did''' take some of the lessons to heart. |
| 293 | --> '''Johnny:''' ''Kick-ass!'' Nice going, [=LaRusso=], way to assert your dominance. |
| 294 | --> '''Daniel:''' [[WhatTheHellHero Where the hell were you?!]] |
| 295 | --> '''Johnny:''' No be there. ''(Johnny walks away)'' |
| 296 | --> ''({{Beat}})'' |
| 297 | --> ''(Daniel briefly looks annoyed, but then stops and [[{{Touche}} smiles to himself]])'' |
| 298 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E3ThenLearnFly Then Learn Fly]]" (4x03)]] |
| 299 | * The montage of Johnny and Daniel teaching together and slowly becoming friends, both teaching each other's students and still making fun of each other, but with no acid. Highlights include the two sharing food (Johnny eating some of Daniel's sushi while Daniel tries some of Johnny's frozen ham sandwich), Johnny playfully mocking the Crane Kick while all the students laugh, and the pair sharing a fist bump at the end of a session. |
| 300 | * The whole family dinner with the [=LaRussos=], Johnny, Carmen, and Miguel. Obviously, everyone there cares deeply for and is proud of each other. All of the snarking (except from Anthony) is friendly instead of hurtful. Johnny and Daniel are even friendly enough to discuss Johnny and Carmen's relationship troubles comfortably. |
| 301 | * Miguel feeling comfortable enough to vent to Eli about his relationship worries, and in front of the other students, no less. Hawk, for his part, assures Miguel that he's TheAce and that there's no way Daniel won't be impressed with him if he shows him what he's made of. |
| 302 | * All of the scenes between Daniel and Miguel, given how similar they are. Their bonding was inevitable and completely natural. |
| 303 | ** When Miguel's mom's car breaks down, Daniel gives Miguel a lift to his garage, has one of his guys come and get the car instead of making her wait and pay a tow truck, then teaches him how to fix it, along with a little Miyagi-Do philosophy (that sometimes, you have to move in a circle to get to your destination). |
| 304 | ** Daniel telling Miguel "Looks like you're wet behind the ears," exactly what Miyagi said to him. |
| 305 | ** At the end of the episode, Daniel gives Miguel a classic Miyagi-Do headband, just like the one he was given by Mr. Miyagi. |
| 306 | * Johnny and Sam actually bonding, with her even being the first one to heed his lesson and [[ItMakesSenseInContext take a leap of faith over the buildings.]] The other students cheer her on, and Johnny is visibly proud. Afterward, too, Sam takes an active interest in training with Johnny, continuing to bond with him and becoming a stronger fighter for it. |
| 307 | * Johnny heeds his own advice and rushes to Carmen to confess his true feelings. Carmen happily reciprocates and the two share a BigDamnKiss, cementing their status as an OfficialCouple. |
| 308 | * This episode further humanizes Shawn revealing he was in prison because he had gotten with a bad group of kids, one of whom tried to steal from their family. When Kenny noticed what was going on, the thief came after ''him'', but Shawn stood up for his brother and brutalized the thief badly enough to land in juvie. This has led many to the conclusion Shawn is not a NobleDemon but rather a decent person who was ForcedIntoEvil to survive in juvie. |
| 309 | * Although Kreese clearly doesn't think much of Kenny, he's willing to give him a second chance to try out for Cobra Kai when Robby requests it and ultimately allows him to join when he shows his potential by sucker-punching Kyler. |
| 310 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E5MatchPoint Match Point]]" (4x05)]] |
| 311 | * It's shown that Hawk and Moon have managed to get back onto friendly terms as she approaches him at school to compliment him on his now-purple mohawk. After Moon leaves, Demetri asks Hawk if he's gonna try to get back together with her. Hawk, not knowing she and Piper broke up, replies that he won't (because he thinks Piper is still in the picture), showing that he really does respect her and is fine with her being in a happy relationship, even if it's not with him. |
| 312 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E6KicksGetChicks Kicks Get Chicks]]" (4x06)]] |
| 313 | * What causes Tory to finally decide to get her life together? Prior to this season, some fans questioned if Tory really loved her family. It turns out on top of the shitshow she's already dealing with, Tory is facing a future custody battle for her brother against her parasitic aunt (her mom's sister) who, unlike Tory, freely admits she doesn't care about them and is only using them for survivor's benefits. Her aunt points out she knows the system and can easily beat Tory in a court battle, so Tory decides to do everything in her power, even if she must swallow her pride and beseech Amanda, to stop that from happening. |
| 314 | * Amanda's reason for helping Tory? We learn Amanda had a DarkAndTroubledPast where she took a baseball bat to her math tutor's car while the tutor was inside in retaliation for the woman sleeping with her dad. Amanda admits she knows what it's like to feel like you have nothing to lose and give in to your own hatred, but she got another chance and worked so hard to move on from that past. She wants Tory to be able to not let that anger and recklessness define her for the rest of her life like Amanda was able to. |
| 315 | * Demetri visiting a demoralized Hawk and trying to boost his confidence and talk him into rejoining Miyagi-Do. He tells Hawk that even though he was a {{Jerkass}} during the previous year, he was completely right about how Demetri needed to learn karate and that joining Miyagi-Do was the best thing that ever happened to him. He also breaks out one of their old goofy "Binary Brothers" videos to remind him of how important their friendship is. It works. |
| 316 | -->'''Demetri:''' Eli, Hawk... hell, call yourself Cornelius for all I care. None of that changes the fact that you're my Binary Brother. Whether you're number one, or a zero. |
| 317 | * Robby sharing a friendly SecretHandshake with the owner of the bodega across the street from the Cobra Kai dojo when he drops in to buy something. We've never seen these two interact before this point, so we're left with the charming suggestion that Robby can actually be a sweet guy when all this karate melodrama isn't distracting him. |
| 318 | * When Sam is confused and angry over Amanda wanting to give Tory a chance, she drives all the way to Santa Barbara and talks with [[TheBusCameBack Aisha]] about what to do. Aisha recalls how, at her new school, a girl in her homeroom gave her a nasty look, but Aisha decided to introduce herself and even compliment her shoes (which Aisha actually hated), and ask the girl to show her around. According to Aisha, she has since become her "new school bestie" and remarks about how her karate training applied to her new life philosophy and encourages Sam to "set her own terms" in trying to make peace with Tory. We don't actually get to see Aisha's interaction with this girl on screen, but it's still a heartwarming story. |
| 319 | ** Even though Johnny probably hasn't kept in touch with Aisha since she left, he would be proud to know that Aisha had actually took the Cobra Kai creed and channel it in an actual healthy and productive way, just as Johnny had intended when he first revived the dojo. |
| 320 | * In sharp contrast to the hostility Hawk faced during the season opener, everyone welcomes him with open arms when he returns to Miyagi-Do. He also gets to demonstrate his new humility here, stating to Daniel that his reason for returning is simply wanting to do whatever he can to help the team. |
| 321 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E7Minefields Minefields]]" (4x07)]] |
| 322 | * When Johnny is about to teach Miguel the Flying Tornado Kick, Sam shows up unexpectedly, expressing her interest in continuing to train with Eagle Fang. Despite his insistence on severing all ties with Daniel, and despite how Sam is ''still'' on Team Miyagi-Do, Johnny doesn't hesitate to include her in this special training he had set aside for his star pupil. Also, the fact that Sam is still interested in Eagle Fang. |
| 323 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E8PartyTime Party Time]]" (4x08)]] |
| 324 | * Yasmine takes a break from her very expensive trip to Australia for her dad's wedding so she can show up to prom and surprise Demetri. His joy at seeing her again and his more openly excited demeanor as they go dancing really sell it. |
| 325 | * A subtle one, but when Demetri leaves to spend time with Yasmine and looks back at Hawk apologetically, Hawk only smiles, as if to encourage his friend to forget about him and just enjoy himself. He may be lonely, but he can't help being happy that his best friend is getting to enjoy prom with the girl of his dreams. |
| 326 | * Dirk, a former Cobra Kai student who was kicked out for losing to a new recruit, is shown getting along and partying with his former Cobra Kai teammates. It’s a bit odd, considering they dropped Mitch after he lost his match, but shows that they still have some comradery left. |
| 327 | ** Note: It's entirely possible that he didn't lose to a new recruit and voluntarily chose to leave Cobra Kai and join Eagle Fang instead, however, that still wouldn't explain why they didn't drop him after he left like they dropped Mitch after he got kicked out. |
| 328 | * When Robby accidentally knocks Tory into Stingray's pool along with Sam and Miguel, she's not angry at all. Instead, she finds it hilarious and even playfully pulls him in after her. In fact, though Robby and Tory's plan was to go to prom together to mess with Sam and Miguel, they end up realizing that they no longer care what their exes think and just have a great time with each other, before [[RelationshipUpgrade kissing in Terry's car]]. |
| 329 | ** On top of all that, this may be the first time ''in the whole series'' that we get to see Tory actually ''happy'' in a healthy way. Not happy because she one-upped Sam or pulverized someone from Miyagi-Do or got drunk on ThePowerOfHate, but happy because something ''nice'' is finally happening in her life. |
| 330 | * Shannon's first instinct when Silver gives Robby his car and Shannon money and a job offer is to immediately not trust that guy and go to Johnny, relying on him to be able to deal with what's happening to Robby. This is in stark contrast to what we saw back in Season 1 and 2 where she would've trusted Silver without question and possibly even ''tried to take him to bed''. Sadly, Shannon running to Johnny was what Silver planned all along, to set up an ambush so he could beat the hell out of Johnny, but that was more the issue of Silver being smart, not Shannon being foolish. |
| 331 | * This episode really shows that both Johnny and Daniel, despite no longer training with each other, have taken each other's lessons to heart: Johnny uses some Miyagi-Do parries against Silver, while Daniel uses Johnny's "QUIET!" to shut up Anthony. |
| 332 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E9TheFall The Fall]]" (4x09) / "[[Recap/CobraKaiS4E10TheRise The Rise]]" (4x10)]] |
| 333 | * Despite its [[TheBadGuyWins tragic ending]], the All Valley tournament has its fair share of heartwarming moments. |
| 334 | ** Even though they're technically on opposite teams, Johnny wholeheartedly cheers for Sam when he sees her using moves he taught her, while Daniel congratulates Miguel on incorporating some Miyagi-Do style into his arsenal. |
| 335 | ** After Kyler calls Hawk "Lip" a few minutes before their quarterfinal match, Moon comes up to tell Hawk to just ignore Kyler's bullying, telling him he's always been better than that. After Hawk admits he's been having a bit of an identity crisis since losing his mohawk, Moon tells him he's not defined by his haircut and what drew her to him was his confidence and energy. As Hawk continues expressing his doubts, Moon kisses him and tells him he has a fight to win when he's called to the mat. This rebuilds Hawk's previously shattered confidence enough to not just beat down Kyler, but also win the tournament for the boys' league... and Moon cheers him on from the stands all the way through. |
| 336 | ** Even though her defeat to Tory has all but ruined any chance of Eagle Fang winning the tournament, Johnny tells Devon to be proud of herself for how far she came with so little time to prepare. And far from being embarrassed by her defeat, Devon is already dreaming of the next tournament and how much ''more'' ass she's going to kick with another year to train. |
| 337 | ** Before their quarterfinal match, Robby and Kenny make clear that they'd rather be fighting anyone except each other, and Kenny sincerely thanks Robby for changing his life. |
| 338 | ** Even after Robby came to resent Daniel and Sam for everything that happened, Robby is still fond enough of Anthony that he's horrified at the realization that he trained Kenny as a Cobra Kai to get back at ''him''. Additionally, despite everything that's happened between them, Robby still listens to Daniel when the latter comes over to talk to him and, particularly judging by the end of the episode, seems to take his advice ("never put passion before principles") to heart. |
| 339 | ** When the luck of the draw pits Hawk and Miguel against each other, they give each other a friendly fist bump before starting their match. A far cry from their bitter fight over Mr. Miyagi's Medal of Honor in season 2. There's even a CallBack to that Coyote Creek showdown, as Eli once again says "Finally, a WorthyOpponent", but in a much friendlier tone of voice showing how much he's grown since then. When Miguel injures himself, Hawk is the first to rush to his side and check if he's okay. |
| 340 | ** Just like the previous year's tournament, Sam and Miguel have a spat just before the tournament and get the chance to make up during it. Unlike last time, their talk actually goes well, as the two sympathize with each other feeling under pressure with all the karate drama, and Miguel reassures Sam that he's always on her side. |
| 341 | ** Despite having his arm broken earlier in the year, Demetri manages to make the final four. And after he is demolished by Robby without scoring a single hit, he dejectedly remarks "Okay, he's very good", only for Daniel to reply [[SoProudOfYou "So are you."]] |
| 342 | ** After Hawk and Robby's final enters sudden death overtime, the two bitter rivals respectfully bow and acknowledge each other as their WorthyOpponent. |
| 343 | ** After everything Hawk has endured throughout the series, having him win the All Valley is incredibly satisfying to watch. Especially considering the odds were stacked against him with his low confidence and the fact the referee had been bribed to cheat. Additionally, it also proves what he said in "[[Recap/CobraKaiS2E5AllIn All In]]" wrong. He had friends other than Demetri, got together with Moon and can now be remembered as an All Valley champion! |
| 344 | ** When Hawk wins the Boys' final, the first Miyagi-Do student to congratulate him is Chris, who earlier in the season had told him he wasn't welcome at the dojo. |
| 345 | ** Before her match with Sam, Amanda thanks Tory for taking her advice and seeing a therapist, and hopes that the match will be the end of her and Sam's rivalry. |
| 346 | ** During the finals of the female tournament, Daniel not only asks Johnny to be his co-sensei, but he has the announcers also introduce Johnny as being a fellow Two-Time Champion just like him. It's been a reoccurring theme throughout the series that Johnny's life has been defined entirely by his narrow defeat to Daniel so to finally see this acknowledgment on the grand stage itself was a long time coming. It's also a further sign of the one thing that both Johnny and Daniel can agree on despite their differences as people: they genuinely want the best for their pupils, and if it means needing to swallow their pride and have them learn from the other to make the kids better fighters and people in general, then so be it. It's especially touching that Sam is the person who brings them together, as Daniel trusting Johnny to coach his daughter shows he has now accepted that Johnny was a good influence on her after all, and the two both show how proud they are of her progress. |
| 347 | *** Daniel suggests naming their combined dojo, "Miyagi-Fang," to Johnny's amusement. |
| 348 | *** Earlier in the season, Daniel and Johnny each told themselves not to apologise to the other after their previous fights because "[[StrangeMindsThinkAlike it shows weakness]]". In the end, they both apologise. |
| 349 | ** When Daniel allows Johnny to be his co-sensei and tells Sam he trusts her to fight her own way, she gives her dad a big hug in front of the entire arena. |
| 350 | ** Even ''Kreese'' ends up having a HeelRealization and decides to learn from his mistakes with Johnny and let Tory fight without cheating as she wants. It's the first time ever that the old man has put his students before his own ego, and it proves that his PetTheDog moments towards Tory were not just cynical attempts to secure her loyalty. |
| 351 | ** Tory's HeelFaceTurn. Compare Season 2 where she tried to disfigure Sam to now when she's genuinely remorseful for cheap-shoting Sam ''by accident''. After the match, she even asks Sam if she is all right and tries to help her up, only for the other Cobra Kais to pull her away. Tory also looks none too happy in the end when she learns that she only defeated Sam because Silver bribed the referee. |
| 352 | ** Tory learning that Silver cheated works well for her. Amanda made her promise not to go outside the rules to hurt Sam; Tory accidentally broke that promise, so she can at least use that as leverage to show she's being honest about the cheap shot being accidental if confronted about it. |
| 353 | * As Johnny stands in the now-abandoned Cobra Kai dojo, Robby arrives and tearfully admits that, despite his efforts, he screwed up with Kenny the same way Johnny screwed up with him. Johnny hugs him, assuring him that it's not his fault and everything will be all right. |
| 354 | ** During the conversation, Robby is also able to truly let go of his anger when he hugs Johnny back. |
| 355 | ** For the first time in the series, Johnny explicitly acknowledges that Daniel was a good mentor to Robby, and that he was wrong to let his jealousy get in the way of their relationship. |
| 356 | --->'''Johnny:''' You had a good thing going with [=LaRusso=]. I got in the way of it. You don't blame yourself; blame ''me''.\ |
| 357 | '''Robby:''' I'm sick of blaming you, Dad. |
| 358 | * The final scene of the season. Not only was Daniel comfortable enough to reach out to Chozen for help on defeating Cobra Kai, Chozen agreed and was willing to drop everything and travel all the way to America to lend Daniel his assistance. He also gives Mr. Miyagi's grave a respectful bow. |
| 359 | [[/folder]] |
| 360 | |
| 361 | [[folder:Season 5]] |
| 362 | |
| 363 | [[AC:In General]] |
| 364 | * Johnny's genuine dedication to not only both Robby and Miguel, but his unborn child. Him going as far as driving down to Mexico to come after Miguel already speaks volumes of their relationship, but the fact that he brings Robby with him shows how much he truly wants to care for both boys and not one over the other. When he finds out that he’s having another child with Carmen, he goes through great lengths to end the rivalry between Robby and Miguel (ultimately having them fight each other as a last resortt), and even makes an effort to get a job and refurbishes his apartment. [[TookALevelInKindness He really has learnt from his mistakes, and has done more than enough to atone for them]]. |
| 365 | * Anthony's CharacterDevelopment throughout this season, the best example being when he earns the respect of all of the Miyagi-Do/Eagle Fang dojo by convincing them to unite in Chozen's exercise. Once they pass the test, all the students rush to embrace Anthony in gratitude and Chozen is also proud of him for being the first one to understand his lesson. This firmly cements his position as TheHeart of the Miyagi-Do/Eagle Fang alliance. |
| 366 | |
| 367 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E1LongLongWayFromHome Long Long Way From Home]]" (5x01)]] |
| 368 | * While Robby is expectedly apprehensive of Johnny's intentions to go get Miguel back from Mexico, he nonetheless acknowledges his father is finally committed to righting his wrongs and do right by both him and Miguel, and willingly helps him. The two's relationship also greatly repairs itself, to the point where the [[ParentChildTeam two thrash a group of scam artists]] and happily share drinks together. |
| 369 | ** Accompanying Johnny to Mexico shows a great deal of growth and maturity on Robby's part; he doesn't view this as his father once again prioritizing Miguel over him, but Robby actually understanding and accepting how much his rival means to Johnny. |
| 370 | * Amanda apparently doesn't hold Tory accidentally elbowing Sam against her as she considered the All Valley a success. |
| 371 | |
| 372 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E2Mole Molé]]" (5x02)]] |
| 373 | * Chozen shows how good of a sensei he really is when he's undercover trying to get a job with Cobra Kai. He works with Tory and just in those few seconds, is able to see how conflicted she really is and encourages her to be better. Even while keeping up a front, he does what he can to help a student. |
| 374 | * Robby volunteers to join a hot-pepper-eating contest in order to win the 400 pesos they need to get their van out of impoundment. Johnny cheers on Robby, at one point yelling, "That's my boy!" When Robby reveals that he switched the pepper for a bit of candy, they share a laugh and Johnny calls it "the most badass thing I've ever seen." |
| 375 | |
| 376 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E3PlayingWithFire Playing With Fire]]" (5x03)]] |
| 377 | * Eli reworks his pectoral tattoo of the Grim Reaper to a stylized lotus trinity, symbolizing his more enlightened view and as an appreciation to Miyagi-Do for setting him on the right path. That it's also a symbol Moon would appreciate makes it even more heartwarming. |
| 378 | * Miguel and Sam hanging out with their respective boy/girl posse; Demetri and Eli try to help Miguel figure out how to placate Sam's (imagined) choler while Yasmine and Moon advise Sam on how to come across with Miguel without sounding unapologetic. This is an especial far cry for the girls since Season 1 when they were a very shallowly-connected clique, and even for the boys Miguel, Demetri, and Eli had only came together then because they simply felt the resident high school losers should stick together. But now the two groups stay together because they genuinely consider each other friends. |
| 379 | * Daniel and Mike Barnes' reunion. It starts out with Daniel thinking Mike is still Silver's goon, but it turns out he, like Chozen, has become a better person. He now owns a furniture business with his wife and is genuinely remorseful for how he treated Daniel earlier. He is happy that Daniel is doing better and wanted to reach out to him to apologise for a long time, but was afraid of opening old wounds. The two even have a friendly banter about a rematch, which leads to [[AbuseMistake Chozen believing he is attacking Daniel]] and rush to his rescue... and yet despite this violent misunderstanding, Mike's "revenge" is to merely overcharge Chozen for a couch, and the two of them are content to leave it at that. |
| 380 | |
| 381 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E4DownwardSpiral Downward Spiral]]" (5x04)]] |
| 382 | * Carmen's wholesome 80's-themed dream about her future with Johnny. Even better? When she wakes up next to him, Johnny holds her and happily asks her to tell him all about it. |
| 383 | * Shannon is not at all upset that Johnny "knocked up Carmen", but honestly happy for them, and helps Johnny get set up with some real work. It would be easy for her to resent Johnny getting a second chance to be a decent father and committing himself to not making the mistakes with Carmen and their baby that he made with Shannon and Robby. But Shannon is instead pleased that Johnny is trying to be a better person, to fix and learn from his mistakes, and she's sincerely proud to support him in that. |
| 384 | * Johnny thanks Demetri (who had arrived at his apartment as his tech assistant) for helping him get set up with a new phone and a tech plan so he can start gig-working. Johnny is about as caustic he typically would be to Demetri, [[GrudgingThankYou but is genuinely appreciative for his help]] and he seems to be getting over the idea that being a "nerd/geek/dork" is inherently a bad thing. |
| 385 | * Hawk has two big moments at the waterpark. First, when he sees Cobra Kai bullying Anthony, whose face he can't see, meaning he doesn't even know that the victim is his sensei's son/teammate's little brother, he immediately goes over to stand up to them, even though it's clear that he would much prefer to stay out of any fights and just enjoy a day off with his girlfriend and his friends. Then, he's about ready to fight Kenny when the latter starts hassling him, only to see a young boy, who recognizes him as the All Valley champion and is obviously a big fan of his, is watching intently and cheering him on. Wanting to set a good example, Hawk quickly moves to de-escalate the situation. He's come a long way from the obnoxious bully he once was. |
| 386 | * In keeping with the series' tendency to have profound, uplifting wisdom come from unexpected places, Lyle the pawn shop owner (whom Johnny has had nothing but unpleasant interactions with for the previous several seasons) sees that Johnny appears to be having a bad day as a ride-share and food delivery driver, offers him one of the taquitos that he ordered (despite [[HypocriticalHumor throwing them away when he finds out Johnny already ate one en route to the dropoff, and giving him a one-star review for it]]), and reassures him that, even though many people do not go into the most ideal professions, they can still find satisfaction when they remind themselves that they are doing it to help support those they love and cherish the most (as Lyle has with his own family, and as Johnny is doing with the family that he has built with Carmen, Miguel, Robby, and his unborn child). |
| 387 | * Despite Robby having quit Cobra Kai and gotten into a serious argument with Kenny when he refused to join him, Robby still sticks up for Kenny when he gets into a fight with Hawk. |
| 388 | |
| 389 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E5ExtremeMeasures Extreme Measures]]" (5x05)]] |
| 390 | * When Daniel gets desperate to stop Silver, he barges into Johnny's house drunk to demand he join the effort and even threatens to fight him when he doesn't want to do it. Johnny's reply? To calmly ask him what's wrong and if he needs help. Daniel quickly concedes and the two demonstrate that they truly have put the past behind them. Johnny then proceeds to give Daniel some sincere encouragement, and Daniel admits that "classic Johnny" has started to grow on him. |
| 391 | * After Daniel apologizes that he wasted Chozen's time by having him fly out to California, Chozen's only reply is that defending the honor of Miyagi-do is never a waste of time... nor is helping a friend. |
| 392 | ** Little fridge heartwarming here. Given how Miyagi-Do was passed down parent to child, it's very heavily implied that Sato was seen as Miyagi's brother. Which means, in turn, that Chozen isn't just helping a friend--he's helping a ''cousin''. |
| 393 | * While at a bar in Ohio with Amanda, Sam finds a video of Anthony being bullied at the water park and asks why Anthony didn't tell her. Anthony admits that having his sister beat up his bully will probably make things worse and explains everything that happened. Even though Sam clearly thinks Anthony as an AnnoyingYoungerSibling and doesn't hide the fact that he deserves Kenny's mistreatment, which [[KarmicNod Anthony agrees with]], [[EveryoneHasStandards she draws the line at Kenny and Cobra Kai bullying him even worse than Anthony did to Kenny]]. After they leave the bar, Sam offers to teach Anthony how to defend himself, which Anthony eagerly accepts. It's especially sweet to see them getting along after four seasons of not having the best relationship. |
| 394 | * Even before Miguel and Robby reconcile, Robby tells Johnny that he's fine with Johnny and Miguel's relationship, showing that he's over his jealousy and sees how important Miguel is to Johnny even if he still hates Miguel personally. |
| 395 | * Miguel and Robby reconcile after one last fight, with Robby revealing to Miguel that breaking his back was the worst moment of ''his'' life, too. The two are then ''thrilled'' when Johnny reveals that they're both getting a younger half-sibling, and the scene ends with a three-way group hug. |
| 396 | ** The heartwarming spills over into the next scene with Robby and Miguel, where they are sharing a meal at Miguel's apartment when Carmen walks in. For a moment, there is tension, as Carmen must know that Robby is the one who put her son in the hospital, and Robby obviously ''knows'' that she knows... but then he humbly asks her if it's okay for him to be there, and -- seeing the two boys at peace together -- Carmen replies that Robby is always welcome. |
| 397 | ** A bit more than the above: the revelation that Johnny and Carmen are expecting, this makes Miguel and Robby not only friends but virtually step-brothers to each other as well. |
| 398 | * The fact that Tory visited Kreese in prison. While almost everyone else sees Kreese as a monster (and they're not wrong), it remains that he's one of the only people in Tory's life who ever had her back, and it's heartwarming to see her repay his loyalty now. When they plot against Silver together, there's definitely the sense that Tory is doing it as much (if not more) to help Kreese as to neutralize Silver. |
| 399 | * A small moment that gets immediately interrupted by Silver, but Daniel felt so guilty about scaring Stingray that he went back to his apartment to give him an apology gift, which is a brand spanking new PS4 console after he accidentally broke the first one. |
| 400 | |
| 401 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E6Ouroboros Ouroboros]]" (5x06)]] |
| 402 | * Tory is genuinely upset with what Silver did to Daniel and even more horrified that Kreese sees it as a good thing. As much as she hated Sam, Amanda’s kindness must have really made its mark on her as she's concerned about someone she never really knew (but is loved by Amanda, the woman who has done so much for her). She’s done with collateral damage and wants nobody to get hurt. |
| 403 | * Now this might seem like a weird choice for a Moment of Heartwarming, but it's when Daniel [=LaRusso=] in his 50s[[note]]who was recently beaten to a pulp by a vengeful Terry Silver, which triggered his PTSD[[/note]] realized why [[BewareTheNiceOnes Mr. Miyagi]] in his 50s would walk away from a fight despite being an unbeatable [[OldMaster Miyagi-Do master]]. They avoid [[MartialPacifist conflict]] not because Daniel and Miyagi are too weak to fight. It's [[ForYourOwnGood because]] of how despite winning against foes, it's the [[InnocentBystander people around them]], especially their loved ones, that get hurt in the process, leading to [[NotQuiteTheRightThing Pyrrhic victories]] and [[NiceJobBreakingItHero unintentional suffering]] despite their [[DestructiveSavior best]] [[NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished intentions]]. It showcases maturity in the middle-aged Daniel, even if it happened during his [[HeroicBSOD lowest point]] so far. |
| 404 | * Keeping with the series' theme of people who seem to be entirely disconnected actually becoming friends, Tory and Devon bonding over similar upbringings, having a mom who was terminally ill and taking up karate because they felt they owed it to themselves to prove what they were capable of. While they do have a falling out, they reconcile towards the end. |
| 405 | * Johnny and Chozen swap stories about some of the great moments they saw Daniel perform. They realize [[CommonalityConnection they both hated him when they were younger]] but now respect him as a great guy and how Daniel has a way of making people around him better. |
| 406 | * Johnny and Chozen, both seeking to avenge Daniel's beating at Silver's hand to defend his honour. Also, counts as a BigBrotherInstinct in Chozen's case as he has become Daniel's close confidant and is outraged that his surrogate cousin was attacked and beaten. |
| 407 | * Kreese's therapy session with the prison psychiatrist. While it's obvious he's trying to sway her to his side, he opens up a little and confronts some of his demons. For the very first time, he seems to acknowledge his own issues a little, even confessing that losing Betsy destroyed him and feeling regret for the way he treated others, especially Johnny. He even admits that in his own twisted way, he wanted his students to become strong, not so they could ''be like'' him, but so they could become ''better.'' It also subtly displays his affection for Tory. It's unclear how much of his is just an act, but it may hint that there are indeed still traces of good still in him, albeit buried deep, ''deep'' down. |
| 408 | * Kreese's flashback to his time with Terry in Korea shows he was close with Kim Da-Eun when she was a kid and still maintained a great friendship with Terry. We also learn that even back then, Terry had great ambition for the expansion of Cobra Kai, but Kreese turned it down. Why? He wanted to focus on his dojo and train his new student Johnny, who even back then he spoke very highly of and saw a lot of potential. |
| 409 | ** Bit of fridge heartwarming here, but this means Kreese's affection for Johnny may have been the only thing standing between them and worldwide martial arts domination. |
| 410 | * Amanda reveals that the night before their marriage, she was incredibly nervous, and went to visit Mr. Miyagi. She passes on the advice he gave her, and this leads into all of Daniel's family and students (plus Johnny and Chozen) helping him out of his HeroicBSOD by reminding him of all the good he's done and that they are always by his side. |
| 411 | -->'''Amanda:''' He said to me, "Amanda-san, in life, always easier to hide head in sand." He told me you could be a bit of a handful sometimes, but you would always fight for what you believed in. And there was nothing you believed in more than your family. Friends. And what I believe in now is standing up to Terry Silver. It's the right thing to do for you, for me, for our family. Sorry it took me so long to realize.\ |
| 412 | '''Daniel:''' That means the world to me, Amanda. But what if standing up to Silver just makes things worse again? [[BeingGoodSucks Every time I try to fight for what's right, somebody gets hurt.]] I can't fail these kids again.\ |
| 413 | '''Robby:''' You didn't fail me. Sam and my dad told me what was going on. [[Recap/CobraKaiS1E6Quiver You know, when you first met me, I was a messed-up kid. But you gave me a job.]] [[Recap/CobraKaiS2E2BackInBlack And a home.]] And a purpose. You can't just give up.\ |
| 414 | '''Daniel:''' Robby, the things I did, [[Recap/CobraKaiS3E3NowYoureGonnaPay juvie,]] I was... I was just trying to help you.\ |
| 415 | '''Robby:''' No, I'm... I'm sorry. [[Recap/CobraKaiS4E6KicksGetChicks I should've listened to you about Cobra Kai.]] [[Recap/CobraKaiS4E10TheRise But I didn't understand]] [[BigBrotherMentor until I started mentoring someone myself.]] Now Silver's got a hold on this kid. There's some others in there I care about too, and, uh, we need to stop Cobra Kai. But we can't do it without you. Sensei.\ |
| 416 | '''Sam:''' Dad, not everyone has someone like you to protect them and teach them. It's time that all of us join this fight.\ |
| 417 | '''Daniel:''' All of us?\ |
| 418 | ''[[TrueCompanions [Sam, Robby and Amanda lead Daniel towards the backyard, where Johnny, Chozen and all the Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang are waiting for him.]]]''\ |
| 419 | '''Sam:''' [[YouAreNotAlone You're not alone anymore.]] So what do you say, Dad? Will you fight?\ |
| 420 | ''[The Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang students bow to their senseis. Daniel exchanges nods with Johnny and Chozen, and they bow to their students.]'' |
| 421 | ** It's clear when Robby mentions "others" in Cobra Kai that he cares about that he's talking about Tory, showing that he hasn't given up on her despite their breakup. |
| 422 | ** In particular, seeing Robby and Sam standing and working side by side is just really wonderful, after everything they've been through. |
| 423 | ** Last time we saw the dojos this united was in Season 4, when they were still essentially two different schools working together. Now, they've all finally put aside their rivalries, and they are one, united dojo. |
| 424 | |
| 425 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E7BadEggs Bad Eggs]]" (5x07)]] |
| 426 | * At the beginning of the episode, Johnny is checking in with Miguel in a thoughtful and respectful way, promising he won't force him to fight if he's not comfortable. |
| 427 | ** Robby then comes over and pretends to be jealous about that, before grinning and reassuring his dad that he's just teasing. It really shows how far they've come since just last season, that Robby is comfortable teasing his dad and sharing a brotherly role with Miguel. |
| 428 | * Chozen's lesson to the combined Miyagi-Do/Eagle Fang dojo, teaching them the value of teamwork and unity. Particularly since it's not as though he couldn't have torn through them if he really wanted to; that's not the point. The point was to teach them that the dojo is so much more than the sum of its individual students. And that lesson really pays off in the finale, allowing Anthony time to play the video which directly leads to Silver's downfall. Special mention goes to Chozen's little smirk of pride when he overhears Anthony convincing the others that they need to work together. |
| 429 | * Terry Silver giving Kenny enough encouragement to shed his meek, submissive personality and finally emerge as a leader amongst his peers. He knows for sure Kenny has way more potential than Kyler has, and as such goes all the way to make sure Kenny reaches it, even if he's only molding him to become more and more of a vicious bully. |
| 430 | * Though it's a stupid idea, Mitch cites Mr. Miyagi as his inspiration for his strategy to hide the egg: "Nature's rule, not mine." Even though he ultimately proves to be incredibly petty, it's nice that he took in some of Mr. Miyagi's lessons. |
| 431 | * Robby and Hawk, bitter rivals in previous seasons, finally becoming FireForgedFriends through Chozen's training exercise. |
| 432 | ** Although their initial interactions are frosty, Robby does immediately apologise for shaving Hawk's mohawk. |
| 433 | ** When stating Hawk's ListOfTransgressions, Robby includes the fact that he broke Demetri's arm, even though this happened after he had left Miyagi-Do, showing that he never really stopped caring about Demetri even when he was angry at Daniel and Sam. |
| 434 | ** Who is it that finally convinces the two that their pasts as "ex-assholes" don't matter now that they're on the same side? [[TheHeart Demetri]], who has been a shared MoralityPet for both characters. |
| 435 | ** The pair makes an effective team when facing off against Chozen with the rest of the dojo, at one point landing a double front kick on him together. |
| 436 | |
| 437 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E8Taikai Taikai]]" (5x08)]] |
| 438 | * Kreese attempting to get Tory to stay with Cobra Kai because of the perks that would come with it. While she doesn't see it this way, it's clear from the look on his face that he's urging this because he genuinely wants what's best for her. |
| 439 | * While it's mainly presented as a funny moment, Johnny launching into the story about "Shimpo Sensei" when the Taikai organizers are looking around the Miyagi-Do dojo. The fact that, months after hearing this story for the first and probably only time, he still remembers the details well enough to recite it at the drop of a hat, is yet more proof that he really took all of what Daniel said to heart. |
| 440 | * Johnny and Gunther (the German Sekai Taikai representative) having a CommonalityConnection moment over their passion for ''Film/RockyIV''. Despite being worlds apart professionally and personality-wise, it's an uplifting reminder that even cultural geekdoms can bond the least likely of individuals. |
| 441 | * While it's a bit ambiguous if Terry Silver is really doing this to be manipulative, it's nice to see him establish a deeper connection with his star-pupil, Kenny — sharing his past as a once pathetic man before turning into the "Way of the First", complementing Kenny on his ascension, and going as far as to teach him the [[DangerousForbiddenTechnique "Silver Bullet"]]. |
| 442 | * Robby is seen coaching Anthony, showing how much he wants to atone for his previous actions. |
| 443 | * When Kenny storms over and starts yelling at him, Robby genuinely tries his best to get through, and later walks into the flagship dojo by himself to try and get through to the other students as well. A far cry from the guy who thought all Cobra Kais were irredeemable only a year ago in-universe. |
| 444 | * While it backfires, it's nice that Eli agreed to go easy on Kenny, since both he and Robby know how seductive Cobra Kai is. |
| 445 | * Chozen and Daniel gives Sam a vital bit of advice before the big fight. He tells her about his and Daniel's duel, then adds: |
| 446 | -->'''Chozen:''' But I was fighting against. Your father... was fighting ''for.'' Fighting for friends, for village... for Miyagi-san.\ |
| 447 | '''Sam:''' For my senseis.\ |
| 448 | '''Daniel:''' And for you, Sam. For you. |
| 449 | * [[PapaWolf Johnny taking care of Eli]] after Kenny uses the “silver bullet” on him. He’s become fully protective of his former student and holds no ill will against him after they butted heads and Eli left him for a new Sensei twice. It shows how Miyag-Fang has truly blended into one dojo, as well as Johnny not taking the past personally anymore. |
| 450 | ** Furthermore, Johnny's decision to look over Eli shows that he trusts that Daniel and Chozen will be able to coach Sam without his help and Sam can win without his advice. |
| 451 | * Robby gives Sam a big grin of approval when he sees her fighting well against Devon, and later embraces Chozen in relief. When she wins, her dad is bursting his buttons with pride, and Chozen gives her a big grin, and she hugs him. Following this, all of the combined dojo (with Miguel in front, naturally) dogpile her in congratulations. |
| 452 | * In a somewhat twisted way, Sensei Kim telling Devon the loss wasn't her fault. |
| 453 | * When the tournament leaders ask for the name of the dojo, ''Johnny'' identifies them as Miyagi-Do. Daniel then firmly steps up and says that they are also Eagle Fang. |
| 454 | * The party after the tournament tryouts is one big moment of heartwarming (until Sam sees Miguel making out with another girl, anyway), particularly with Eli, Miguel, and Robby really hanging out together for the first time, their past animosity truly behind them. |
| 455 | |
| 456 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E9Survivors Survivors]]" (5x09)]] |
| 457 | * The entire episode is this for the adults when they celebrate Johnny and Carmen expecting their new baby by going out clubbing. After all of the stress and trauma they've had to deal with Cobra Kai, the sight of them having a brief moment of peace and relaxation is a refreshing one. |
| 458 | ** Louie decides to plan the evening himself because he still feels bad about destroying Johnny's Firebird in Season 1 and wants to make things right with him. Johnny appreciates the gesture and merely requests that they go somewhere where they can dance since Carmen loves dancing. |
| 459 | ** In a strange way, the fight between Louie and Anoush. It only started because Louie was worried (not without reason) that Anoush was taking advantage of his sister. Once he calms down, he gives them his blessing and the two even give a PlatonicDeclarationOfLove. Compare that to Season 1 where Anoush couldn't stand Louie and only tolerated him as a coworker. |
| 460 | * Chozen reveals that he has always been in love with Kumiko, but felt as though he was undeserving of her due to his past mistakes (especially after she and Daniel got together). Daniel encourages him, saying he is worthy of happiness and to take a chance with her while he can. This inspires him to leave her a very sweet voicemail asking her to meet him when he returns to Okinawa. |
| 461 | -->'''Chozen:''' I only make one mistake. [[CallBack I should have taken you with me.]] |
| 462 | ** Season 3 revealed that after Chozen lost his fight with Daniel in Okinawa and became a DeathSeeker, Sato managed to redeem him. In this season, Chozen adds that Kumiko was the one who found him and brought him back to Sato. |
| 463 | |
| 464 | [[AC:"[[Recap/CobraKaiS5E10HeadOfTheSnake Head Of The Snake]]" (5x10)]] |
| 465 | * ''All of Miyagi-do, Cobra Kai and Eagle Fang'' (including Amanda) standing beside Daniel when Terry challenges him. |
| 466 | ** The fact that even ''Kyler'' does not side with Silver and [[EvenEvilHasStandards appears to show genuine disgust toward the latter's actions in his body language and facial expressions]] are a small but nevertheless existent sign that ''anyone'' may be capable of finding redemption, even if Kyler [[FakeUltimateHero falsely attempts to take credit]] for [[BlatantLies seeing through Silver and finding Cobra Kai "cultish" for some time]] afterwards. |
| 467 | * After Daniel finally defeats Terry, who's the first to hug and congratulate him? Sam, followed by Amanda and then Anthony. His family, forever and always, 'till the end of the line. |
| 468 | * Combined with [[Awesome/CobraKai Awesome]], Johnny's HeroicSecondWind, caused by seeing his and Carmen's unborn baby's ultrasound. It drives him enough to defeat several of Cobra Kai's senseis who gave him a good beatdown. It really shows his drive that even in the face of imminent death, he will not give up his second chance to be a good father. |
| 469 | * At the beginning, Miguel genuinely tries to connect with Kenny and encourage him not to let things devolve into violence. Of course, it doesn't work, but the fact that he tried is great. |
| 470 | * During the final fight, Demetri doesn't show the least bit of worry about Eli being the only thing standing between himself and four Cobra Kai students. He has that much confidence in his Binary Brother. And none of it is misplaced. It's also wonderfully heartwarming watching the two of them fight side by side, completely in unison. |
| 471 | * When Robby is being rushed by three Cobra Kai students at once during the final battle, Miguel runs to his aid and sends Kenny sprawling with a flying sidekick before beating up the other two kids, giving his step-brother in all but name time to recover. |
| 472 | * The fact that Daniel defeated Silver with a crane kick. We've seen Chozen and Daniel working side-by-side throughout this whole season. But with the crane kick, one of the most iconic moves from the original movie--maybe ''the'' single most iconic--it's almost as if Mr. Miyagi is there in spirit as well, helping out his student one last time. |
| 473 | ** Seeing Silver's own techniques being used against him is a nice touch as well, since it shows Daniel taking the worst, most brutal parts of what he learned, from Silver himself no less, and using them for good. |
| 474 | * Big Red offers to give Little Red a ride home in the aftermath, finally ending the rivalry between the two brothers. |
| 475 | * [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure The police]], understanding that Raymond was under duress when he gave his initial false statement on who really beat him up, decide to let him go without facing any legal repercussions. |
| 476 | * After the final battle, when Tory has followed Robby's lead in leaving Cobra Kai for good, the two are unsure which of them owes the other an apology... a conundrum that Tory resolves by simply asking Robby to kiss her. |
| 477 | * Sam and Miguel ''finally'' confessing their love for each other and reconciling. Complete with a BigDamnKiss. |
| 478 | * It took four seasons, but finally, Sam and Tory are, if not friends, at least no longer enemies. Tory comes clean to Sam about Silver fixing the All-Valley, Sam gets a good look at Tory's home life and finally understands why the girl has so much rage and need to vent it, and the two join forces to bring Silver to justice, fighting side-by-side to see it done. In fact, during the final battle, Sam breaks away from protecting her brother to help Tory against Kim. They may not quite be ready to join Moon and gossip about boys together, but they've achieved a level of respect and understanding for each other. |
| 479 | * As Johnny and Daniel watch Silver being arrested by the police, Johnny gives Daniel a playful nudge as he congratulates him on defeating his ArchEnemy once and for all. |
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