Cobrai Kai S3 (2021) Review

 

Cobrai Kai S3 (2021)

The first review of 2021! Happy New Year!

Cobrai Kai Season 3 picks up right where the last left off, focusing on Miguel’s journey since the accident, as well as the warring rivalry between the Kreese-led Cobrai Kai’s, Miyagi-Do, and Johnny’s new dojo.

I’ll admit, I was pretty afraid of what Netflix would do to Cobrai Kai after acquiring it from Youtube in-between seasons, but this is one of the better seasons yet. We got a much better look at the rivalry between CK and MD and karate has really overtaken their lives, with Cobrai Kai really asserting their dominance and showing their violent tendencies, really making them the true bad guys again. We get some more action with Daniel and Johnny as well, showing us that that truly are more alike than they would like to admit, becoming especially true with the finale, as they finally team up to take on Kreese. The rehabilitation of Miguel was also a really nice touch, having him and Johnny go back to what their connection so great early on, and making Miguel finally change as a character into the goodhearted person we know he is. Having Daniel go back to Okinawa was interesting as well, as those movies were sort of blemishes on the series, but the reunions felt so good and heartfelt.

The cast once again pulls it off, featuring Tanner Buchanan, Xolo Maridueña, Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mouser, and of course Ralph Macchio, Martin Cove, and William Zabka. We also get some deep cut returns too in the form of Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, and Elisabeth Shue. I love the reunion between Ali, Johnny, and Daniel, with it being a heartwarming reminder of the old movies. Zabka once again is so entertaining, with both him and Macchio showing they very much still got it. Zabka in particular built upon his foul-mouthed persona, but also really stepped up his action scenes, especially with Kreese at the end of the season, showing he can be just as violent and badass as he used to be. And Martin Cove is as menacing and villainous as ever, but with added humanity and emotion due to character explaining flashbacks from his Vietnam days.

Season 3 builds on much of the action and story of the students and teachers, delving into their backstories and showing what makes them who they are and their motivations to continue karate in the Valley. This season was a violent story of redemption and reconciliation for our main characters to finally unite them under one banner against the ultimate villain in Kreese, assembling the Avengers of karate. 

Can’t wait for Season 4.

8/10