Spoiler alert! It explains the key plot points and the end of the Netflix series “Cobra Kai.” Be careful if you haven’t seen it yet (but that’s because it’s rad).
“The Karate Kid” ended with Daniel Larusso from Ralph Macchio being carried from the mat by a winning fan. In the series finale episode of “Cobra Kai” forty years later, the same mat, but another winner, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is lifted up by his students and is fed sweet red.
“Who doesn’t want to be on everyone’s shoulders? Especially Johnny. I’m really a personality when I’m doing it,” he said, adding that the antagonist of the popular Netflix series “Karate Kid” (and 1984’s 1984 version of the antagonist of the popular Netflix series, “Karate Kid.” says Zabka, 59, who recreated the runner-ups of all volleyball karate tournaments. “It was a groundbreaking moment for him, and it was great to be lifted up by his children who loved and gave as much of his best self as he could, man.”
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Decades after the crane kick fell on his face, bullying teenage Johnny collapsed, and six seasons of “Cobra Kai” recorded his comeback. He reboots Cobra Kai Dojo and faces his stubborn old teacher, John Clees (Martin Coobe). Johnny reunites with his estranged son Robbie (Tanner Buchanan), becomes friends with Daniel (Ralph Macchio), and is not without the occasional rough patch.
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In the series’ ending episode (Streaming Now), his students Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and Tory (Peyton List) won the boys and girls competition from the international Sekai Taikai Tourney. However, in order to win the event, Cobra Kai must defeat the Iron Dragon in the Battle of Senseis: Johnny vs. The Dragons ‘Wolf (Lewis Tan). Thanks to Daniel’s help, Johnny defeats a young, strong opponent as part of his happy ending. This welcomes fresh crops from Cobra Kai hopefuls, in addition to buying a home for his wife Carmen (Vanessa Rubio) and their new baby girl.
Zabka talks with USA Today about finishing “Cobra Kai.” (Edit for length and clarity.)
Q: Did Johnny always make the final match the end of the show?
William Zabka: They didn’t tell me the ending. The original pitch had no sun skin. He starts himself in the apartment with Coors Banquet (beer), but doesn’t even have fish. He has no friends and bumps into this child (Miguel), which brings him to life, which leads to Carmen, which opens up his mind again. He was red at the end, not because he has a trophy, not because he has a dojo, but because he is improving himself while holding onto something unique.
The original film’s montage anthem “You’re The Best Around” returns as Daniel trains Johnny before his big showdown. Was it strange to see Ralph wearing a cobra kaigi?
Honestly, yeah. When I got off the mat I gave a really good heartfelt laugh and he had to be my teacher’s bare order. I think he looks good on Cobra Kai Gi. I love seeing Daniel dirty. I like to see him trolling around the edges and not so controlled when he’s a bit indifferent. My Johnny has a new respect for Larsso.
It’s the final match that shows how much Johnny has grown, and I love the moment and go back to a defensive attitude rather than surge forward like in ’84. It all depends on it.
If Johnny didn’t tilt the crane kick (84), it would have been a different life. If he learned anything, he learned to go back a bit here and there. In every respect.
The show had so many storyline echoes, Easter eggs and character returns from three ’80s films. Is there anyone who wanted you to come back again?
We were very close to Chad McQueen coming in as a Dutch. Unfortunately, he passed away (in September). The scene would have been at the beginning of the final episode. This was replaced by me visiting my mother at the grave. We kept in touch with him the whole time. He almost made it in season 2 with the guys from (Cobra Kai) and we were riding bikes and camping all the way up the mountains. I would have wanted to meet Holland and I know the fans wanted to see him.
So, what’s next for you? Ralph plays Daniel in the upcoming Karate Kid movie…
what? ! Is Ralph doing a movie? ! That idiot. I’m kidding. (laughs) This was a big baby in a way. I’m very pleased with the ending and I’m just going to reset and see what comes my way.
The world sees Johnny Lawrence differently after this show. Does William Zabka look different in Hollywood?
I don’t know why they can’t. Truly, my career trajectory came from “Karate Children.” I was known as the bad guy in the movies I did in the 80s. But this is how it is a new day. You’ve got access to the entire tool belt of comedy, action and drama colours.
I always felt that the only way to get to the other side of Johnny Lawrence’s shadow was to go through the needle eye and play him again. That’s what I think I did with this and help people understand him. I think it definitely opens the door more than before this happened, let’s say that.