Warning: This article contains SPOILERS forthe Cobra Kaiseries finale!Cobra Kaihas featured multiple callbacks to theKarate Kidmovies, but Ralph Macchio thinks the show’s final Mr. Miyagi moment is the perfect way to end the series. During the same post-credits scene where the show’s creators discuss aBack to the Futurereboot, Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence share a meal together. After Lawrence excuses himself, a buzzing fly prompts LaRusso torecall the lesson in which Mr. Miyagi attempted to catch a fly with a pair of chopsticks. However, when LaRusso attempts to replicate the feat, Lawrence returns and swats the insect with his bare hands.
Speaking withTudum by Netflix, Macchio reflected on the decision to end the show on this final note and praised the contrast between the originalKarate Kidflashback and the modernCobra Kaimoment. Suggesting that he “love[s] the way they wrap that up,” Macchio explains thatit puts a fresh spin on one of the original movie’s most iconic scenes. Check out his comments below:
I love the way they wrap that up. It’s so reminiscent of a famous scene from the originalKarate Kidfilm. I really love that editorial choice. You’re watching [a flashback from] theKarate Kidmovie for more than just a couple seconds … and when you come out of it, it lands in a way that’s so classicCobra Kai.
What Macchio’s Comments Say About Cobra Kai’s Perfect Ending
Both Daniel & Johnny Have Learned Much From Each Other
While some fans may have taken issue with the respective tournament outcomes for Miyagi Do competitors Robby Keen and Samantha LaRusso, there is little doubt thatCobra Kaiseason 6 part 3reminded audiences of exactly who the show’s leading characters were. Returning the show’sfocus back to William Zabka’s Johnny and his newfound friendship with his former karate rival, it is fitting that the showrunners opted to end the series with one final moment between the two senseis.
As reluctant as both men may have initially been to embrace the other’s competing philosophy, by the end of the show each had come to appreciate the value of the vastly different Miyagi Do and Cobra Kai teachings.
Moreover, having Lawrence interrupt LaRusso as he attempts to recreate one of theoriginalKarate Kidmovie’smost iconic scenes alsoreinforces many of the show’s key lessons. As reluctant as both men may have initially been to embrace the other’s competing philosophy, by the end of the show, each had come to appreciate the value of the vastly different Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai teachings. Much as Macchio suggests, it was the perfect editorial choice to have Lawrence provide a far more pragmatic approach to swatting a fly than Mr. Miyagi’s far more esoteric lesson about patience and focus.
Our Take On Daniel LaRusso’s Final Flashback
The Scene Also Shows Another Damaged Relationship Set Right
Beyond highlighting the differences between Mr. Miyagi’s original teachings and the lessons LaRusso had learned from his former rival, the show’sfinal flashback also served to repair one last fractured relationship. Throughout much ofCobra Kaiseason 6, LaRusso increasingly begins to question his former mentor as he learns severalsecrets that Mr. Miyagi had keptfrom him in life.
However, when Daniel’s mother explained the origins of Mr. Miyagi’s pearl necklace, the true and honorable motives behind his actions were finally revealed. With so much ofCobra Kai’s story focused on having its characters atone for their past misdeeds and seek to repair even the most damaged of relationships, having Daniel fondly recall one of his favorite moments with Mr. Miyagi proves that he too has reconciled any lingering doubts he may have once had about his beloved sensei.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
