(Photo courtesy of Netflix on YouTube)
“The Karate Kid,” franchise, by Robert Mark Kamen, starring Ralph Macchio and the late Pat Morita, started almost 40 years ago, when the first movie was released in the early ’80’s. Immensely popular because of the compelling storyline, and the beloved characters, (especially Pat Morita, who played the iconic ‘Mr. Miyagi,’) the movie ‘The Karate Kid,’ became an immediate classic, with two sequels following closely behind in 1986 and 1989. “Cobra Kai,” is the surprise series sequel that premiered in 2018 (on YouTube Red first, then picked up by Netflix in 2020.) Once Netflix started streaming this series, it gained more attention around the world, and viewers have been hooked ever since.
“Cobra Kai,” the sensational and surprise series sequel to the 1980’s cult-hit movie franchise, ‘The Karate Kid,’ released season 4 on Netflix after much anticipation from audiences everywhere. The new season was available at midnight on December 31st, 2021, just in time to kick off the new year. Fans across the world are exhilarated to see the martial-arts-based saga, now decades old, continue. Also, delighted to have a fantastic, binge-worthy show to watch on New Year’s Eve.
“Cobra Kai,” is a ‘sequel,’ like no other, with an interesting concept and plenty of twists, making it addictive, compelling, and on the edge of your seat at all times. A series, instead of a movie sequel, ‘Cobra Kai,’ continues the story of Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio, now 37 years older (as of this writing) as well as many other characters who have, so many years later, reprised their roles. William Zapka has returned as Johnny Lawrence, the character who played the arch-nemesis of Daniel LaRusso in the first “Karate Kid.” Zapka is one of many who have been brought on board in returning roles. This kind of continuity makes this show even more amazing.
For those of us who were around in the ’80s and remember the hype of “The Karate Kid,” movies, “Cobra Kai,” seemed to pop up out of nowhere, and then took the world by storm. For those who weren’t around for that era, this series piqued the interest of many younger viewers and revamped the popularity of those iconic films; garnering new fans everywhere, young and old alike. Without giving away spoilers, this series packs the kind of punch that keeps people wanting more, more, more. Thankfully, with plans for the release of season 5 in 2022 already in motion, this desire will be met. The saddest part is that Pat Morita died in 2005 and never got to see or be a part of this production.
Josh Heald is co-creator of ‘Cobra Kai,’ along with John Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, and “Cobra Kai,” is distributed by Sony Pictures television. ‘Cobra Kai,’ has an impressive cast, not only in the old-school realm but in the area of newcomers, too. The list is long, including Mary Mouser as Sam LaRusso; Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz; Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keane; Jacob Bertrand as Hawk; as well as a plethora of others from this newest generation of 20-something actors (some aren’t yet 20).
The cast who returned to join in on the “Cobra Kai,” project from the original 1980’s blockbusters are: Ralph Macchio, as Daniel LaRusso; William Zapka as Johnny Lawrence; Martin Cove as John Kreese; Elisabeth Shue as Ali Mills; and Thomas Ian Griffith as John Silver. It’s an absolute thrill to see these actors come together so many years later to continue their story- a new legacy, one that the late Pat Morita would have been proud of.
“Cobra Kai,” is wholesome. It’s good, family TV, with a bit of off-color fun, for those seeking a show that covers a wide range of topics, and in the end, leaves you feeling good. The overall message is one of coming together to beat obstacles and troubles, but no spoilers here. This critic thinks you’ll be quite satisfied with this series if you’ve not yet given it a watch; and for those who have awaited this release date, ENJOY. As usual, the final episode will leave you full of emotion. And a message we could all bear to remember as we round-house into 2022: be kind to one another first.
As of a December 19th tweet from showrunner Jon Hurwitz, filming for season 5 of ?Cobra Kai,” is already finished as well, so fans can be certain that they’ll get the continued story in 2022. Happy New Year!
Written by Mandie Stevens
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