So far, Cobra Kai has been the shining example of what a reboot should be — but season 3 may have taken the violence too far. In general Cobra Kai respects its source material, The Karate Kid franchise, without making it seem stale, and it has brought on new fans and helped viewers see the old films in a new light. Cobra Kai season 3 debuted on January 1, 2021, and quickly reached number one on Netflix's streaming lists — but this third instalment featured a noticeable increase in violent actions, leading some to wonder if the show has crossed a line.
Cobra Kai season 3 begins right where season 2 left off, with Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) in a coma after his devastating defeat. John Kreese (Martin Kove) is once again running the Cobra Kai dojo, and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) are dealing with their own downward spirals. Johnny struggles to help Miguel, and Miyagi-Do takes the blame for the violence in season 2. Maybe the most interesting storyline this season, however, is how Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz (Jacob Bertrand) is dealing with the fallout left from the end of season 2.
There are several stomach-turning acts of violence in Cobra Kai season 3, often with Eli at the center. For example, in episode 5, “Miyagi-Do,” Eli faces off with his former best friend, Demetri (Gianni Decenzo) and mercilessly breaks his arm, leaving him to suffer. Demetri, who is generally peaceful, was clearly beaten and there was no reason to “finish him” — and while the moment is not overly violent for modern television (and the arm break isn't shown), this scene sets the tone for the remainder of the season. The biggest issue here is how the other Cobra Kai students push Eli to commit the act, and how they all revel in Demetri's suffering. The power of peer pressure is a real issue, and having a major character give in to it can be dangerous for younger viewers.
Eli reaches his darkest moment in episode 6, “King Cobra,” when he faces off against Brucks (Bo Mitchell), one of the teens who intensely bullied him in season 1. Kreese has been recruiting bullies and athletes for Cobra Kai and Eli is, understandably, against the idea. With his anger and past shame flooding back, he absolutely destroys Brucks; after pinning Brucks to the ground, Eli repeatedly bashes him in the face, then finishes the fight by spitting on him while he lies helplessly on the dojo floor. There are many issues with this scene that have not been as apparent in previous seasons. Sensei Kreese approves of Eli’s overly violent (and deeply unsportsmanlike) actions, and no one attempts to stop Eli, even though they all know that things have gone too far. Viewers are thus subjected to a bullied teen living out his violent fantasies in one of the most extreme ways possible. There are no true consequences for Eli’s actions here, and that is the biggest problem.
Even Miyagi-Do karate, the peaceful center of The Karate Kid, is shown to have an offensive side that was never taught to Daniel Larusso. With this season focusing on the events of The Karate Kid Part II, Chozen and Kumiko become relevant to the story, teaching Daniel about a side of Miyagi (Pat Morita) that he never knew. Daniel will presumably bring these teachings back to his own students, which could leave viewers with the impression that violence must be met with violence in order to win — which has never been the message that Miyagi wanted to leave behind with his teachings.
The Cobra Kai season 3 ending set up the dojo war to continue, or at least resolve, in the next instalment. The hit TV series has thus far been self aware, staying true to the heart of the original films. The Karate Kid Part II was more violent than the first, and hinged on a life or death fight. This spirit is seen in season 3, but what is missing is the calm, peaceful presence of the Miyagi character. Hopefully, Cobra Kai season 4 will bring deserved consequences for these characters, and bring the true spirit of Miyagi-Do karate back to the forefront of the series.
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