Cobra Kai follows Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence thirty-four years after their clash at the All-Valley Tournament and how their lives panned out.
The Karate Kid franchise took a bold leap forward with Cobra Kai, returning our favorite characters from the original movies.
But instead of rehashing old stories, Cobra Kai breathes new life into these characters, showing their evolution over the years.
Let’s dive into how the original Karate Kid characters have evolved in Cobra Kai.
Daniel LaRusso: From Underdog to Mentor
The Karate Kid Grows Up
Remember Daniel LaRusso, the underdog who captured our hearts in the ’80s? In Cobra Kai, he’s all grown up and has swapped his karate gi for a businessman’s suit.
Running a successful car dealership, Daniel seems to have it all. But as we soon find out, he’s still got a lot to learn.
Embracing Mr. Miyagi’s Legacy
Daniel’s journey in Cobra Kai is about reconnecting with his roots and Mr. Miyagi’s teachings.
We see him struggle to balance his career with his desire to pass on Miyagi-Do karate to a new generation.
His evolution from a hot-headed teen to a thoughtful mentor is heartwarming and a bit rocky – just like real life.
Johnny Lawrence: From Antagonist to Antihero
Redefining the ‘Bad Guy’
Johnny Lawrence was the quintessential ’80s bully in The Karate Kid.
Fast forward to Cobra Kai, and he’s a down-and-out guy trying to make amends. He’s still rough around the edges, but we get to see a whole new side of him.
A Second Chance at Life
Johnny’s journey in Cobra Kai is about redemption. He reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, but this time he’s trying to do things his way.
It’s not always smooth sailing, but watching Johnny strive to be a better man and mentor is one of the most compelling aspects of the show.
John Kreese: Still the Villain We Love to Hate
More Than Just a Villain
Remember John Kreese, the menacing sensei of Cobra Kai? Well, he’s back in the series and hasn’t changed much.
He’s still the villain, but Cobra Kai adds layers to his character, showing his backstory and what led him down this path.
Old Habits Die Hard
Kreese’s presence in Cobra Kai reminds us that some people don’t change. He continues to embody the ‘no mercy’ philosophy, causing trouble for both Daniel and Johnny.
Kreese’s character evolution (or lack thereof) serves as a reminder that the past always has a way of catching up.
Ali Mills: More Than a Love Interest
Returning with a Bang
Ali Mills, the heartthrob of The Karate Kid, makes a return in Cobra Kai and it’s not just for nostalgia. Her character brings closure to some old wounds between Daniel and Johnny.
A Fresh Perspective
Ali’s evolution is about moving on and growing up. She’s now a successful doctor and offers a fresh perspective on the lingering rivalry between Daniel and Johnny.
Her presence in Cobra Kai is a breath of fresh air and a nod to the impact of first loves.
Conclusion
Cobra Kai does a fantastic job of evolving the characters from The Karate Kid.
It doesn’t just rely on nostalgia; instead, it allows these beloved characters to grow, stumble, and find their way in a world that has moved on since the ’80s.
Watching Daniel, Johnny, Kreese, and Ali adapt to new challenges while staying true to their core is what makes Cobra Kai a knockout continuation of the classic story.
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