The end is nigh for Cobra Kai. For many in a generation, The Karate Kid was way more than a movie, it actually encapsulated a world that taught us about courage, overcoming challenges and obstacles, and growing up, as well as about the power and impact of having a mentor like Mr. Miyagi.
Revisiting these stories now, with Cobra Kai bringing back Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, is a rare opportunity to reunite with heroes we thought we had left in the past and see just how far those lessons have carried a generation.
Now, with Ralph Macchio himself anticipating a "devastating" journey for Daniel, it is impossible not to have some mixed feelings—the joy that comes from following this journey, and the sadness of having to bid farewell. Coming back to each new season of the series was like meeting an old friend, remembering the lessons learned, but also accepting that it is time to close a chapter here.
If this is indeed the last time we see LaRusso in action, may it carry the same impact and maybe transformative power it had on anyone watching the story unfold those years ago when Daniel's journey was just beginning.
Will Cobra Kai Season 6 give us a farewell worthy of Daniel LaRusso?
Let's brace ourselves! In a recent interview with Digital Spy, Ralph Macchio used the word "devastating" as related to the fate of Daniel LaRusso in Cobra Kai, which leaves us fans with a possible glimpse into the emotional finale for his character.
Daniel is going down the rabbit hole of searching for answers about Mr. Miyagi. (...) The further he digs deeper into it during part two, the deeper the questions become and potentially more devastating and surprising, if not shocking. — Ralph Macchio
It's impossible not to feel a pang of curiosity—and obviously, nostalgia—when we know Daniel is still trying to understand the legacy of Miyagi. After all, for those of us who grew up with The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi had always been the wise master, and watching Daniel revisit this bond brings about an emotional load we are not sure he—or us—can take. But, bring it on!
At the same time, imagining that he might find out something "devastating" or even "shocking" suggests tainting that almost idealized image we formed of Mr. Miyagi. This “rabbit hole” sounds like a perfect allegory for the doubts and uncertainties we all face when we try and revisit the past and, many times, get to see pieces we can't unsee.
On top of that, certain things happen that take very hard left-hand turns in the story, when he thought they may be going to the right. — Ralph Macchio
This idea of unexpected twists and turns makes us think of how much Daniel, even as an adult, still faces surprises in his journey, which only reinforces that the path to learning and growing up never truly ends, not even for a veteran "karate kid" like him.
Daniel is not alone in this, said William Zabka
Daniel, however, is not the only one to be struggling in the upcoming episodes of Cobra Kai, according to William Zabka, who said his character, Johnny Lawrence, will end up "deeply challenged" in the upcoming final chapter of the series. Said challenges show that, while on opposite sides, he and Daniel share similar struggles.
This duality of theirs, which has always been a highlight of the series, is one of the reasons why Cobra Kai managed to win over new fans and garner the love and respect of the old ones.
They go through some bumps and bruises (...) Sometimes they can't get out of the way of themselves or they push each other's buttons. — Ralph Macchio
It's fascinating how, even with so many years of interaction and growth, Johnny and Daniel still manage to get under each other's skin. This long-standing rivalry is their major weakness and strength, like a glue bonding them together despite everything.
I think they learn to accommodate their differences better, but there are things that they'll never be able to change about either one of them and it's growth. — William Zabka
As we get closer to the end of this story, Cobra Kai reminds us that the lessons from The Karate Kid don't grow old—they echo and reverberate. The path shared by Daniel and Johnny, with their rivalries and reconciliations, shows that maturity is not a destination—it is an under-construction road.
As we get closer to the final events in this strip of their road, we are invited to reflect on the bonds that shape our lives and the enduring power of a legacy across generations. If this is Daniel LaRusso's farewell, may it be worthy of all he has represented to us.
Save the date—November 15, 2024. Cobra Kai, Season 6. Round two—fight!
Trending
Prepare to be impacted. Maybe crushed. Devastated.
The release date for the third and final part of the series—the grand finale—has not been revealed yet.
Reply
