Warning! Spoilers for Cobra Kai Season 6, part 2 ahead!
Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso started their rivalry way back in 1984’sThe Karate Kid, butCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2, has paid this off even better than I could have imagined. The Netflix series is fast approaching its grand finale, which means the various stories that have stretched out for six seasons will finally be wrapped up. In Johnny’s and Daniel’s case, there are decades of conflict between them thatCobra Kaiwill definitely have to resolve. Johnny got the ball rolling with one particular line inThe Karate Kid, and his speech inCobra Kaiseason 6 looks like the beginning of the end.
There is a lot to love aboutCobra Kai, but, like many others, I tune in predominantly for Johnny and Daniel’s stories. These are the characters I first became invested in as a kid watching theKarate Kidmovies, and the idea that their rivalry would continue was a primary point of interest when tuning in for the TV spinoff series. However, thus far,Cobra Kaihas ignored a touching line that Johnny said to Daniel at the end of the 1984 movie, and I’ve been waiting for the moment that this would change. While this has yet to happen,Cobra Kaiseason 6has paid off thisKarate Kidmoment in an even better way.
Johnny Telling Daniel He “Needs” Him In Cobra Kai Pays Off His Karate Kid Line
Johnny Is Again Acknowledging Daniel’s Quality Of Character
At the end ofThe Karate Kid, after Daniel won the All-Valley Tournament, Johnny made the touching decision to give his opponent the championship trophy himself.As he handed it over, Johnny said, “You’re alright, LaRusso,“proving that, though a little rough around the edges, there was a solid sportsman in this character after all.Cobra Kaihas been built off the fact that Johnny has a good heart deep down, but hisThe Karate Kidlinehas been otherwise ignored. He started season 1 wholly resentful of Daniel’s win, but hisCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2 speech takes a similar tone:
“You and I, we have our moments, but one thing we share is we’re there for the kids and they need you right now. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I guess I need you too. So just get your ass back here.”
Johnny said this in a voicemail to Daniel inCobra Kaiseason 6, episode 7, “Dog in the Fight,” while his co-sensei was desperately attempting to escape his abductors. Before being locked in a dog cage, Daniel had disagreed with Johnny over the best way to teach their Miyagi-Do students, and it seemed once again that their rivalry would never be resolved. However, the fact thatThe Karte Kid’sJohnny Lawrence was able to tell the man he used to hate so vehemently that he “needs” him is a touchingway to build off the conclusion he had come to so many years before—Johnny is willing to swallow his pride when praise is due.
Johnny & Daniel’s Relationship Has Come A Long Way - Will It Last?
Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 3, Will Determine The End Of Johnny & Daniel’s Story
Johnny hated Daniel as a teenager, but Mr. Miyagi’s student ultimately earned his respect by winning the All-Valley Tournament. However, when his life began to fall apart, Johnny returned to despising his old rival.Cobra Kaisaw this hatred only increase as the two established rival dojos, but some common enemies and a shared passion for their students slowly allowed them to put their differences behind them. Still,their struggles at the Sekai Taikai inCobra Kaiseason 6 proved to me that the competitiveness between Johnny and Daniel isn’t entirely gone.
Johnny’s willingness to drop his pride in Cobra Kai season 6, part 2—just as he did at the end of The Karate Kid—satisfies my desire for his previous acceptance of Daniel to be incorporated into the spinoff series.
Johnny’s willingness to drop his pride inCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2—just as he did at the end ofThe Karate Kid—satisfies my desire for his previous acceptance of Daniel to be incorporated into the spinoff series. Sure, they are bound to disagree and argue, but that doesn’t change the fact thatJohnny and Danielhave helped one another be better people. There are still a handful ofCobra Kaiseason 6 episodes left to go, and I’m sure it won’t be perfect between these old rivals as the going gets even tougher. Still, they will most certainly be “alright.”
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
