Cobra Kai Season 5 does not hold back any punches! In fact, it solidifies itself as the best season yet with epic fights and shocking surprises.
Cobra Kai Season 5 is completely unafraid to pull out all the stops in order to solidify itself as the best season of the popular show yet. One of the best things about this series has been its ability to appeal to longtime Karate Kid fans as well as new viewers. It does a great job of explaining what occurred in the film franchise well enough that rivalries and current events make sense to those that haven’t even ever seen the movies — although it is likely many people watched them after being introduced to Cobra Kai.
This season picks up almost exactly where it left off. After the massive cliffhanger of Tory discovering that she only won the All Valley Tournament because Terry Wilver paid off the referee, she has a lot of internal struggle this season. And rightfully so.
Cobra Kai season 5 also focuses on Miyagi-Do preparing to close its doors because of the loss, Miguel exploring Mexico in search of his father, Johnny and Robby’s relationship, and Kreese in jail. There is a lot to unpack this season, however it is done so with brilliant writing.
While yes, some storylines feel rushed or like they have a cheap resolution, it doesn’t take away from the season as a whole. Those are few and far between, with the biggest one being just how soon Miguel returns to the Valley. Still, even though it feels like that story was going to be bigger and then wasn’t, there is a lot the characters learn from it, which shapes them for the future.
Kreese might not be in the season too much, but when he is, he is phenomenal. Martin Kove was born to play this role and whenever he is on screen he commands attention, even in a subtle way. He is one of those love to hate characters, and certainly will make fans happy this season.
The best thing about Cobra Kai season 5 however, is the fighting. There has always been a fair amount of action in this show and they are not pulling their punches this season. With nearly every episode including at least one fight — and multiple episodes featuring all out brawls — viewers will be thrilled. There are necessary one-on-one fights, bar brawls, and even a battle over who gets free reign of the water park.
These fights have high stakes too. There is a lot of blood shed and injuries, that show once again just how far these kids (and adults) are willing to go.
In the past, Cobra Kai has not really balanced the dueling story lines well. All too often we spent too much time with the adults, or too much with the kids, however Cobra Kai season 5 achieves perfection here, spending just the right amount of time with each group. In fact, the way that the writing crosses the storylines over from time to time is absolutely brilliant.
In true Cobra Kai fashion, there are a lot of lessons to be learned here as well. That is what Karate Kid was always about and this series continues that legacy. This season is particularly emotional at times, and chances are those who allow themselves to become fully invested will be shedding some tears. Both happy and sad ones.
Johnny has come a long way from his Karate Kid days, and has turned into the heart and soul of this series. He has some particularly great moments in Cobra Kai season 5. One of which was showcased in the trailer — where he takes on some gig jobs such as being a rideshare driver. This montage is absolutely hilarious and feels very true to Johnny. He is one of the main standouts of the season.
Characters that have been around throughout the series move to the forefront in this season, which gives everyone new people to really get to know. Devon and Kenny in particular take on new and important roles. They both have very well written character arcs and are set up to be quite important in the future of the Cobra Kai series should it continue.
Overall, Cobra Kai season 5 will shock and surprise, while being true to its roots. There are a few small missteps, but nothing that takes away from the season as a whole. The way the final episode wraps up will leave fans begging for more. The action is unmatched, but there are also a lot of truly emotional beats here.
In short, Cobra Kai season 5 doesn’t pull its punches, and solidifies itself as the best season yet. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
Rating: 5 out of 5
NEXT: Cobra Kai Season 4 Review: New Rivalries Shake Up The Valley
About Cobra Kai Season 5
Following the shocking results of the All Valley Tournament, Season 5 finds Terry Silver expanding the Cobra Kai empire and trying to make his “No Mercy” style of karate the only game in town. With Kreese behind bars and Johnny Lawrence setting karate aside to focus on repairing the damage he’s caused, Daniel LaRusso must call on an old friend for help.
