Cobra Kai Season 6 Finally Breaks The Show’s Biggest Rule

Like “Cobra Kai,” “The Karate Kid” films showcase Mr. Miyagi as a masterful martial artist with a captivating persona. However, unlike the initial five seasons of “Cobra Kai,” they make an effort to highlight his multi-faceted nature, moving beyond the stereotypical wise old master trope.

Miyagi stands out as an unconventional sensei, carrying a quiet humor and challenging his students through seemingly mundane tasks. He exhibits genuine annoyance when outperformed, such as when Daniel manages to catch a fly with chopsticks before him. Furthermore, Miyagi isn’t above humiliating those he sees as unworthy. This is evident when he defeats John Kreese (Martin Kove) in “The Karate Kid Part II” with a few simple dodges and a playful nose honk. Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) experiences a similar fate in “Part III” when Miyagi mockingly returns Silver’s childish taunts after besting him in a fight. One memorable scene in “The Karate Kid” even shows Miyagi karate-chopping beer bottles to intimidate a pair of racists after polite attempts fail.

Mr. Miyagi’s enigmatic backstory is gradually revealed throughout the movies, fleshing out his character’s depth and tragic history. Moments like the drinking scene in “The Karate Kid” put his complex personality on full display. Notably, the franchise had never suggested that Miyagi could have a darker side until “Cobra Kai” Season 6, Part 1 introduces this concept. While Parts 2 and 3 are likely to paint Miyagi’s teased shady past in a more compassionate light, it is refreshing for now to see the show acknowledge Miyagi as a well-rounded human being.

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