As a longtime fan of the Karate Kid franchise and someone who has followed Cobra Kai since its inception, I find this latest episode to be a breath of fresh air. The show has always been about underdogs rising against all odds, but this time it truly shines a light on the unsung heroes – the secondary characters.
In the last installment, I was slightly disappointed to learn that only six Miyagi-Do students could participate in the Sekai Taikai competition. While it’s an effective storytelling technique to make allies face off against each other for a coveted position, if six of them manage to qualify, it essentially narrows down the list to just the main characters. Personally, I enjoy Mitch, Nate, and Chris, but their fights for glory don’t seem as significant compared to Miguel, Sam, Robby, and Tory who are already assured spots in the tournament. So, what’s at stake here if we already know these six individuals will be competing?
The title “Underdogs” signifies that our focus is on the lesser-known characters from the start. This isn’t an episode showcasing the star players; instead, it revolves around Eli, Demetri, Devon, and Anthony, who are used to battling for opportunities. Essentially, this is the first genuine attempt in this season to tell a story primarily about underdogs.
Eli may not truly fit the description of an underdog, given that he bested Robby and claimed the title of boys’ division champion at the All Valley tournament in season four. Nevertheless, only one spot remains open, and it seems Kenny is the front-runner for this position. To maintain neutrality, Daniel and Johnny decide to organize a free-for-all bout, with Mike Barnes serving as the referee.
Cobra Kai now has a lot of experience in bringing back old villains from the original Karate Kid movies and rehabilitating them without softening their personalities to an unrecognizable degree. The ideal Karate Kid villain returnee gets both humanized and showcased as the cartoony karate villain who appealed to fans (or didn’t) in the first place. When Thomas Ian Griffith returned as Terry Silver in season four, for example, his character took on new psychological dimensions, but he also got to let loose and chew the scenery by leaning into the same psychotic vibe of his cheesily memorable 1989 performance.
Last season, it was enjoyable to watch Mike Barnes portray a kind character. However, his arrogant side emerged during the initial battle royal, making for an intriguing contrast. Throughout the day, he assessed students by setting up various tests: speed (catching a chicken), strength (breaking wooden boards), endurance (holding a heavy rock), and teamwork (collaborating to kick friends’ buttocks). The first round of this elimination process leaves only a dozen potential Sekai Taikai contestants, all of whom have been mentioned in this summary.
I have a strong connection with Devon, so I deeply empathized with her predicament as she tried to win Mike’s acceptance, bringing back memories of Kim Da-Eun’s disappointment. The competition intensified during the second round, where contestants aimed to grab the maximum number of flags while safeguarding their own. Johnny attempted to steer Mike towards Devon, but this diversion prevented him from observing some of her remarkable maneuvers. Mike displayed an unforeseen tolerance towards rougher tactics, such as Kenny inflicting a wound on Anthony’s face. Daniel raised concerns about Mike reverting back to his old ways, dubbed “Bad Boy Barnes.”
It was no surprise that Miguel, Sam, Robby, and Tory secured the top spots, as planned. Meanwhile, Mike had the challenging task of selecting two candidates from among Eli, Demetri, Kenny, and Devon. This selection process effectively narrowed down the competition to the most promising secondary characters. Johnny strongly supported Devon, one of his talented Eagle Fang students, and went to great lengths to persuade Mike during a heated conversation. However, their dialogue soon turned into a full-blown argument, ignited by Johnny labeling Mike as a “for-hire thug” and Mike dismissively criticizing Devon’s skills. Ultimately, Johnny emerged victorious in this confrontation – after all, The Karate Kid original was superior to The Karate Kid Part III.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that beneath their menacing facades, the two antagonists from “The Karate Kid” are actually soft-hearted souls. And you know what? I wasn’t surprised when Mike confessed about his recent slip-up with Bad Boy Barnes. It all went down since Daniel and Terry Silver made a reappearance in his life. But here’s the thing: that combative mindset of his is just a protective shield, an attempt to instigate a fight and regain control during moments when he feels most exposed and vulnerable.
The following day, Mike reveals that the final four contestants will engage in a final flag competition, with two flags hidden in the woods; whoever retrieves one becomes the winner. This unexpected announcement implies that Johnny’s recent visit influenced Mike’s initial decision to place Devon last. Additionally, Eli shockingly confesses to Demetri that he never applied to MIT, despite their long-term plan. Though Eli insists it’s not personal, Demetri reacts harshly and the tension escalates. Their heated exchange carries over into the challenge as they both compete for the same flag.
In a regular showdown between Eli and Demetri, it’s safe to say that betting on Demetri would be an unwise decision. Initially, Eli emerges victorious in their encounter in the woods. However, this isn’t your average fight as Demetri has undergone a transformation. He is now a longtime nerd who has found newfound confidence and validation from a popular girlfriend. Moreover, he is displeased that his friend had even considered a future other than what they had imagined for themselves in the same place. This disappointment fuels his anger towards Eli’s perceived betrayal. Consequently, Demetri’s fury propels him to want to defeat Eli more than ever. After Eli extends a hand to help him up, Demetri retaliates by hitting him and flipping him over a rock. Though this victory may not be entirely fair, Demetri takes pride in having bested a proven champion.
As I stand before a porta-potty door, pounding frantically with my heart racing, I can’t help but feel like I’m living out a scene from an old movie or a classic tale of woe. But little do I, Kenny, know that this is only the beginning of a twisted turn of events.
Mr. Miyagi’s Little Trees
Anthony hasn’t been kept particularly busy during this season, which is not a major concern for me. However, there’s a hint of a narrative when he becomes frustrated that his father wasn’t truthful with him, but this theme isn’t explored further in the episode. When Daniel inquires, Anthony can’t help but laugh enthusiastically about Kenny’s accident.
Tensions are rising between Daniel and Johnny as Daniel accuses Johnny of influencing Mike during their judgment role, undermining Daniel’s impartiality as a judge in favor of Devon.
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2024-07-22 19:59