Over the course of Cobra Kai‘s improbable four-season run, the series has featured constantly changing alliances, a nostalgic view of the 80s and one of the best characters on television in Johnny Lawrence. Season 5 of Cobra Kai continues to be a love letter to the 80s and a fitting showcase for William Zabka.
However, season 5 does away with the everchanging allegiances. In season 5, every character either goes through a multiple-episode character development arc or stays the course throughout the season. Daniel LaRusso starts out in vengeance mode, quits and is reborn again over the course of the season. Sam LaRusso starts out quitting karate and then chooses to return later in the season.
Robby and Miguel tease reigniting their rivalry. However, once they’re on solid ground, they remain on the same team. Tory is outraged when she finds out Terry Silver paid off the official during last season’s karate tournament finals against Sam. She returns to Cobra Kai, but she’s secretly working with John Kreese to bring down Cobra Kai from the inside.
If there’s an issue in season 5, it’s Miguel’s trip to Mexico, which basically serves as a roundabout for Miguel’s dad by choice, Johnny. The best aspect of the Mexico arc is Johnny bonding with Robby and the fight against Kano from 2021’s Mortal Kombat is fun. Once Miguel, Johnny and Robby return from Mexico, the series is close to perfection. Outside of Miguel, Robby, Sam and Tory, the rest of the teens are pushed to the background. However, the adult storylines are so entertaining it works out for the most part.
However, when you have a villain as loathsome as Terry Silver, it’s hard to find much fault with a season devoted to all of the heroes and former villains uniting to take him down.
With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang’s season 5 battle against Terry Silver. There may be some minor spoilers. Cobra Kai is available to stream on Netflix.
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Role Reversal for Johnny and Daniel in Cobra Kai Season 5
For the past 4 seasons, Johnny has been a force of chaos. However, in season 5, Johnny is the voice of reason (up to a point, this is Johnny Lawrence). Daniel’s quest for vengeance over losing the tournament boils over. Daniel’s rage leads to Amanda leaving at one point. Jessica Andrews from The Karate Kid III returns to the franchise as Amanda’s cousin. Jessica tells Amanda to support Daniel and she does from that point.
Daniel tries to start a fight with Johnny in a drunken stupor, and it’s actually Johnny who talks Daniel down. He listens to Daniel and actually offers good advice. Later, when Daniel is beaten down by Silver and an incessant Johnny with Chozen and Amanda take up Daniel’s fight. Daniel is disheartened and calls off his vendetta. His passion is reignited by his students.
Johnny consistently does the right things this season. When he learns Carmen is pregnant and he’s gets another chance to be a father, he steps up. He still makes small mistakes but doesn’t take any massive step back like he did in season four.
Rivals no more
Miguel and Robby’s rivalry is largely squashed very early in the season. Episode five features the long-awaited rematch. Miguel shows mercy and Robby apologizes for injuring Miguel back in season two. After the fight, Johnny reveals Carmen’s pregnant. Both boys congratulate them. Miguel’s tempted by one of the kids to confront Robby later in the season. Robby’s having a friendly conversation with Sam. Miguel doesn’t take the bake and lets them talk.
Sam and Tory have the best arcs during the season. Sam starts the season unable to deal with losing the tournament. She eventually decides to quit karate to find out who she is apart from Miyagi-Do. Sam also breaks up with Miguel so she can figure things out. After her father is badly hurt, she finds her way back to karate and even encourages her father to return.
Tory is also having a hard time dealing with the tournament fallout. Terry admits to paying off the official during last season’s tournament to Tory. She appears to accept Terry’s explanation and returns to Cobra Kai. Tory is actually working with the imprisoned John Kreese to bring down Cobra Kai. Tory’s subterfuge is eventually uncovered and she’s injured as a result.
Tory confesses the truth to Sam. Sam doesn’t take it well at first. Miguel convinces her to try to talk to Tory about what happened. Sam doesn’t know what Cobra Kai is like and he does. For Tory to admit to what happened took a ton of courage. Sam and Tory even team up in the season finale fight at the flagship Cobra Kai dojo.
Terry the Conquerer vs Chozen’s Influence
Thomas Ian Griffith is phenomenal once again as Terry Silver. Without Kreese around to keep tabs, Terry has set up Cobra Kai dojos all around California. He even flies in senseis from around the world to help train students in the Cobra Kai way. Leading these Senseis is Kim Da-Eun. She’s a South Korean sensei who agrees to a 50-50 partnership with Silver.
Chozen is a terrific addition to the cast. Similar to Johnny, it’s tough to know whether he’s being serious or not at times. Chozen tries to infiltrate Cobra Kai early on as a sensei, but Terry discovers the truth. Some of the best moments come later on in the season. Johnny and Chozen make for an entertaining pairing. Both are former bullies trying to break away from their pasts.
One former bully did succeed in escaping the past only to be brought back down. Mike Barnes returns to the franchise. He’s not evil. Barnes simply owns a furniture store. He agrees to help Daniel and Chozen. However, Terry finds out and burns his store down.
Johnny, Daniel and Chozen work hard to take down Terry. However, it’s the kids that ultimately succeed. With Tory’s help, they convince Stingray to tell the truth about the assault. For the first time in the series, the season ends with the heroes winning.
Cobra Kai Season 5 Final Thoughts
Cobra Kai continues to be a fun blast with just enough drama to ground what is an absurd show. After all, Kreese escapes from jail with the help of melted Jello which looks like blood. Season 5 featured a number of strong character arcs, a masterful performance by Griffin as Silver and some of the best fights of the series.
The Review
Season 5
PROS
- Strong character development throughout the season for every character in the show.
- Thomas Ian Griffith is sensational as Terry Silver.
- Creative fight scenes.
- Johnny as the voice of reason.
CONS
- Mexico trip didn't serve much of a purpose.
- John Kreese's escape from prison is absurd even for this show.
