Setting the Stage for Karate Drama
As Netflix prepares to release Cobra Kai’s highly-anticipated sixth and final season, it’s time to take a step back and appreciate the show’s vibrant ensemble of characters. From its origin in 2018, Cobra Kai has gifted fans a treasure trove of personalities, each crafted with depth, flair, and a dash of nostalgia. We’ve got classic faces like Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, right along with a new generation of karate enthusiasts. But who really sweeps the leg and takes home the gold for best character? Let’s find out!
A New Blood With Potential: Devon Lee
“Devon was introduced in Cobra Kai season 4 when she joined Johnny’s Eagle Fang Karate, and she eventually wound up at Cobra Kai under Terry Silver.”
Devon Lee is a newcomer but packs a lot of promise. The show has done an excellent job setting her up as a strong contender, especially with her shifting loyalties and determination. Yet, she hasn’t been given the spotlight she deserves. With the final season on the horizon, it’s high time Devon gets her due.
The Constant Love: Carmen Diaz
“Mother to Miguel, Carmen has been a relatively constant presence throughout the Netflix series, but she doesn’t stand well on her own.”
Carmen Diaz, the love interest of Johnny Lawrence, is essential but a tad underdeveloped. She mainly acts as a tool to progress Johnny’s arc rather than shine as an independent character. Here’s hoping the baby bump shakes things up for Carmen in the last chapter of the series.
Anthony LaRusso: From Spoiled to Refined?
“Anthony LaRusso was pretty difficult to like for the majority of Cobra Kai.”
Meet Anthony, Daniel LaRusso’s often-ignored son. He began as a petulant rich kid and has slowly evolved, gaining more screen time and complexity. Could his rivalry with Kenny in the upcoming season finally give him a chance to shine?
A Villain Without Layers: Terry Silver
“Terry Silver is an excellent villain… However, the fact that there is little motivation for Silver’s action aside from wanting to be the best leaves him a little one-note.”
Ah, Terry Silver, the man you love to hate! While his villainy spices up the drama, the lack of a solid backstory makes him less engaging than other characters. We get it, he’s bad, but why is he this bad?
Samantha LaRusso: The Fighter in Flux
“However, her struggle and floundering regarding decision-making made her story more frustrating than satisfying.”
Samantha is excellent in combat but not as sharp in decision-making, causing some fans to lose interest. But hey, it’s high school! Aren’t teens supposed to make bad decisions?
Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
“Eli’s character arc in Cobra Kai has certainly been a rollercoaster.”
From a shy geek to a mohawked bad boy, Eli Moskowitz has seen one of the most remarkable transformations in the series. His journey reflects the volatile nature of teenage years, making him a standout character.
Amanda LaRusso: The Voice of Reason
“From season 1 onward, Amanda has been the voice of reason among the chaos and outrageousness of Cobra Kai.”
Every show needs its voice of reason, and Amanda fulfills this role perfectly. She’s the one who points out the absurdities, making the unreal world of Cobra Kai more relatable.
Demetri Alexopoulos: The Unexpected Hero
“This wound up being critical to Hawk’s development since it was through Demetri’s example that he realized he had gotten out of control.”
Demetri’s character adds a necessary dose of realism and plays a pivotal role in Hawk’s redemption. He’s not just a secondary character; he’s a silent hero shaping the narrative in more ways than one.
John Kreese: The Villain You Love to Hate
Finally, there’s John Kreese, the man who could easily be the poster child for bad decisions. But Cobra Kai has done something miraculous with his character, adding a depth that makes you hate him a little less (or maybe more).
“John Kreese has been a real piece of work ever since The Karate Kid…Kreese has clear (if not misled) motivations throughout Cobra Kai, making him one of the best-developed characters of the series.”
Chozen Toguchi: The Redeemed Antagonist
Chozen’s transformation from a straight-up villain in The Karate Kid Part 2 to an endearing character is fascinating. His double-agent tactics and love angle have turned him into one of the most exciting characters to watch.
“Chozen’s development accelerated even more once he came to America…his epic battle in the finale of Cobra Kai season 5 and the reveal that he was in love with The Karate Kid’s Kumiko only added to the interest in his wonderfully developed character.”
Robby Keene: From Struggle to Redemption
The son of Johnny Lawrence, Robby Keene, has had a tumultuous journey. What made his story especially engrossing was his training under Daniel LaRusso, a narrative twist that fans of the original movie ate up.
“What makes Robby’s character fun is the fact that he first began learning karate from Daniel LaRusso…This was satisfying but not quite as fun.”
Miguel Diaz: The New Kid on the Block
Another series standout is Miguel Diaz, who was introduced as the new “Karate Kid” in season one. His journey from underdog to influential character in Johnny’s life has been nothing short of impressive.
“Aside from Johnny and Daniel, Miguel is the true main character of Cobra Kai…Overall, Miguel’s character is a solid A-plus.”
Tory Nichols: The Complex Villain
Tory Nichols started as a straightforward antagonist, but as we learned more about her, she became a multifaceted character worthy of audience sympathy. Her transformation, especially in her dealings with Amanda LaRusso, paints her as one of the most interesting figures on the show.
“Tory’s character arc has been all over the place in Cobra Kai, but that’s part of what makes her so great…her conflict over Terry Silver’s cheating became the hinge for the plot of Cobra Kai season 5.”
Daniel LaRusso: The Grown-Up Karate Kid
It would be criminal to discuss Cobra Kai without mentioning Daniel LaRusso. The man is still the “Karate Kid,” albeit one dealing with mortgage payments and a teenager of his own. Daniel has always been a fan favorite, and his growth as a character doesn’t disappoint, adding new layers of complexity.
“As the hero of the franchise, Daniel LaRusso has long been a beloved character…He’s still that titular karate kid we know and love, just grown up, more developed, and even better.”
Johnny Lawrence: The Comeback Kid
The first spot on this list is a no-brainer. Johnny Lawrence, once a one-dimensional bully from The Karate Kid, has turned into the series’ most complex character. Cobra Kai delves into the recesses of Johnny’s psyche, revealing that there’s much more to him than meets the eye.
“A considerable part of what makes Cobra Kai work…is Johnny Lawrence’s character… understanding where he came from and what has happened to him since the ‘good old days’ makes Johnny the most dynamic and well-thought-out character of Cobra Kai.”
The Final Kick
As we gear up for the final showdown in season six, Cobra Kai proves its brilliance not just through its plot twists and fight sequences but through its complex characters. Their conflicts, evolutions, and motivations make them as memorable as any spinning kick or jaw-dropping kata. They are the soul of Cobra Kai, and we can’t wait to see where they end up as the story comes full circle.
