Cobra Kai Season 4 brings back Terry Silver who adds another layer to the rivalries in the valley — but is this show past its prime yet?
Cobra Kai is one of the most popular series on Netflix, and for good reason. Not only does it do a great job of bringing out the feeling of nostalgia in Karate Kid fans, it has added in a ton of new elements that helped secure a new and younger audience. There is teen romance and drama, but also a part of the story that focuses on a near life long rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence.
At the end of Cobra Kai season 3, fans saw Johnny and Daniel join forces so that they would have a chance to take out John Kreese and Cobra Kai. Season 4 picks up in that exact spot, but there is already trouble in paradise. So will these two rivals be able to put their differences aside in order to take down a bigger threat? Or will they lose and be forced to give up teaching karate… for good?
What Works With Cobra Kai Season 4
Cobra Kai season 4 does not mess around. It jumps right into the action and the drama, and doesn’t ever stop. One of the best things about this season is seeing Johnny and Daniel forced to work together — even though they clearly both do not want to do it. There is still beef between the two of them — that honestly, they might never get over.
With both Dojos reluctantly working together, the humor that this series does so well shines. Cobra Kai goes back to the humor of season one, especially in these scenes, and it is fantastic. Once again these young actors prove that they have what it takes to be the leads in a show like this. It is no small feat to be stealing scenes when you are acting alongside greats like Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, but they often do it.
Of course, there are some serious moments in this season as well — those that touch on addiction, the child having to provide for the family, and more — but in the comedic moments, viewers can belly laugh, which helps to break up the dramatic moments of the show.
With Terry Silver back in the valley, and working alongside Kreese, one would think there would be too many cooks in the kitchen. On paper it certainly seems like Cobra Kai is grasping at straws so they are bringing in original characters. However, it is just the opposite.
Having several Sanseis involved in the series adds an added element of drama and decision making to the show. Karate is one of the most popular sports at the High School now, and so students have to choose where they fit best. New rivalries are created, and students are pushed to their limits as they try to discover themselves.
This is something Cobra Kai has always done well, putting the younger actors and their stories at the heart of the story, and having the original ones take a backseat, but an important one.
Related: A Collection Of The Best & Funniest Cobra Kai Memes
The season consists of ten episodes, each of which are about 30 minutes long with the exception of the finale, which is 45. This was the right choice and allows the season to tie up a lot of the loose ends and answer questions — before tossing a whole lot more at viewers, causing them to live on the edge of their seats until Cobra Kai season 5 comes.
One of the things this show has always done well is leave episodes and seasons on cliffhangers, essentially forcing the studio to give them more seasons. Season 4 has some of the biggest cliffhangers have seen yet.
What Doesn’t Work With Cobra Kai Season 4
There is not a whole lot that doesn’t work in Cobra Kai season 4, especially if you binge all of the episodes back to back. This allows for any plot point that isn’t working to move along quickly, and any moments that feel like they are dragging to be lost in the shuffle of all the fast paced drama and action.
There are a couple of new characters that were added to this season and Kenny, a classmate of the youngest LaRusso, gets a lot of screen time. It is hard to talk about his role in the show without giving spoilers, but while the concept here is an interesting twist, some of the scenes just don’t work.
Perhaps this is because it just feels so out of character for Anthony LaRusso, or maybe even that it just feels strange having a story line focusing on him at all, considering he has always taken a back seat. No matter the reason, these scenes are the ones that feel the most out of place, and just like set up for the future, versus a key plot in season 4.
Still, the studio knows what they are doing and we can all but guarantee there will be a pay off for them in season 5.
Overall Thoughts
Cobra Kai season 4 sees a lot of changes, sacrifices, and growing up — for the kids and the adults. There are important lessons here and easily the best All Valley Karate Tournament we have seen yet. It brings back the humor from the first season, while still being unafraid to dive into serious and deep issues.
Terry Silver is a great addition to the plot, and makes things a heck of a lot more interesting — especially as the season comes to a close.
If you thought the previous seasons left you on a cliffhanger, just wait until you see what Cobra Kai season 4 has in store for you. As easy as it is to binge all 10 episodes back to back, it might be in your best interest to take your time, because we have another year until season 5 hits, and you are going to be begging for it after the finale, trust me.
Brings back the humor from the first season, while still raising the stakes and delivering some incredible action and intense drama. One small, unnecessary storyline, though.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
About Cobra Kai Season 4
COBRA KAI takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the inescapable conflict between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka).
Season 4 finds the Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang dojos joining forces to take down Cobra Kai at the All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament… and whoever loses must hang up their gi. As Samantha and Miguel try to maintain the dojo alliance and Robby goes all in at Cobra Kai, the fate of the Valley has never been more precarious.
What tricks does Kreese have up his sleeve? Can Daniel and Johnny bury their decades-long hatchet to defeat Kreese? Or will Cobra Kai become the face of karate in the valley?
Cobra Kai season 4 hits Netflix on December 31st.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.