Summary
The final season ofCobra Kaiis off to a slightly slower, but steady start. To close out the story, and give the characters a proper send-off, the sixth andfinal season ofCobra Kaihas been split into three parts, each consisting of five episodes. While this certainly means season 6 has plenty of room to breathe, it could also lead to some overly lengthy parts that would have benefited from being shorter. And while part 1 has some strong moments, it suffers from slower pacing.
Cast
After the explosive season 5 finale,Cobra Kaihad to create tension and get the characters ready for the Sekai Taikai tournament. Part 1 bears most of the heavy lifting when it comes to bridging the gap between seasons, and that leaves it in an awkward position of being filler. There are some developments, but the spark is considerably dimmer in the first five episodes ofCobra Kai’sfinal season.
Cobra Kai Season 6’s Nostalgic Return To The 1980s Is Exactly What The Series Needs
Cobra Kai season 6 is returning to its 1980s-inspired roots, bringing back the kind of heart-pumping nostalgia the series' ending desperately needs.
Cobra Kai Season 6: Part 1 Sets The Stage For An Epic Finale
However, despite part 1’s lack of action and story developments, it has plenty going for it. Johnny and Daniel have settled many of their differences and learned to work together, but there are fallouts and breakdowns in communication. Their relationship is also reflected by their students, who have their own rivalries and must learn to overcome their differences. And while season 6 needs this tension to push the story forward,Cobra Kaimanages to deliver without feeling like the characters are moving backwards.
Part 1 bears most of the heavy lifting when it comes to bridging the gap between seasons, and that leaves it in an awkward position of being filler.
Taking the characters from a place where everything is settled and comfortable and putting them into a situation causing stress and anxiety is a necessity, and part 1 certainly manages to do that. However, it also feels like much of this could have been accomplished in just one or two episodes. What’s been accomplished and how it’s been done isn’t bad, but it doesn’t have the same intensity or high stakes as previous seasons.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 1 Needs More Than Just Build-Up
Cobra Kaithrives under pressure, with the characters in conflict and a villain who presents a very real threat to both the dojos and the safety of those involved. WhenKreese or Silver entered the picture, the drama and the pressure for the heroes to train and win increased. Part 1 does little by way of establishing the villains of the final season, instead focusing on how characters cope with Silver finally being imprisoned and the Eagle Fang and Miyagi Do dojos joining together.
What’s been accomplished and how it’s been done isn’t bad, but it doesn’t have the same intensity or high stakes as previous seasons.
This ultimately leads to a real lack of tension and drama in part 1, which doesn’t let the story and characters shine. Season 6 part 1 clearly sets the wheels in motion for the remaining two parts, but it’s a shame that this segment fails to resonate as well as previous seasons. The actors performed well, and the story makes sense, but it doesn’t need five episodes to make the few points it works toward.
Thehighlight ofCobra Kaiseason 6part 1 comes in episode 5, when the buildup delivers in revealing the twist. Ending on a solid cliffhanger builds excitement for the rest of the season, while also highlighting how flat the rest of part 1 was.Cobra Kai’sfinal season may be off to a rocky start, but it does feel as though the rest of the season will have some massive moments.
All five episodes ofCobra KaiSeason 6: Part 1 are now available to stream on Netflix.
Cobra Kai
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.
