Season 5 of Cobra Kai seemed to be ramping up to the series’ final conclusion. Certain characters from the past finally make their modern debut and new characters also ally themselves with the villainous Cobra Kai. All of these make for some exciting karate soap opera goodness.
As with any over-the-top series, there are plenty of twists and turns for the audiences to experience. Characters are betrayed, old enemies are redeemed, and some secrets shatter their worlds. Cobra Kai prides itself on these moments, and Season 5 had some of the best yet.
Devon’s Defection
One of the biggest plot twists was actually seen in the trailers for Cobra Kai Season 5, and it had fans buzzing with questions about the season. As it turns out, Devon wasn’t a mole for Eagle Fang like fans theorized. She joined Cobra Kai to learn strength, as was always her goal.
People tend to forget that Devon had no real reason to be allied with Eagle Fang, While she bears them no ill will, she joined them because she thought they were the best. What’s interesting is that she joined not because of bribery, but because she saw Tory’s strength for herself.
Hawk Loses To Kenny
By this point, Eli is in a really good place mentally and goes home with the gold for Eagle Fang. This season, it’s even agreed upon by Miguel and Robby, the two fighters that could challenge him, that he should represent their dojos in the makeshift match against Cobra Kai.
It’s what makes it all the more surprising that Hawk gets defeated by the upstart Kenny, albeit with the use of a ruthlessly efficient technique. It seems that Eli let Kenny’s youth and his own skills get to his head a little bit. It’s an upset victory, but thankfully, Eli brushes it off and trains even harder.
Mitch Is The Mole
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After seasons of being called “Penis Breath,” it seems that Mitch had had enough. Throughout the season, audiences see Mitch gape with envy over the classy lifestyles of Cobra Kai. Seeing as he started Cobra Kai as a bully, it does make sense he’d eventually defect.
Hilariously, his defection was shortlived, as Cobra Kai imploded mere minutes after revealing his betrayal. It should make for some interesting dynamics next season as he desperately tries to get back in Eagle Fang’s good graces again.
Stingray Snitches
Stingray was always portrayed as a bit of a tryhard coward who beat kids because he was bullied as a kid himself. However, this season gave him some much-needed development. It does a great job of showing how traumatized Stingray was by Terry Silver’s cruelty.
Stingray indirectly confesses the severe beating he took from Terry Silver in a surprisingly somber scene. This all eventually leads up to Stingray finally redeeming himself, saving Daniel from a fight and exposing Terry Silver’s criminal activities. He finally gets to be the hero he pretends to be.
Carmen Is Pregnant
After Johnny’s return from Mexico, Carmen seems to be sick all the time. Soon, they both wonder if she’s pregnant. In a charmingly bumbling scene, Johnny baby-proofs his apartment to prove to Carmen that he’s ready to be a father, a better one than he had been to Robby before.
It’s a great twist that ultimately unites Miguel and Robby even more, as they are now bound by family. It’ll be interesting to see how these two big brothers deal with a new baby in the house. A tag team of the two most heroic karate fighters in the valley is a lot of protection for a baby.
Terry Silver’s Inglorious Basterds Moment
Chozen decides to act as a mole for Daniel to see what Cobra Kai has been up to. For the most part, he does a great job, even getting a personal invitation from Terry himself. However, the facade cracks after Terry notices some cultural quirks that Chozen wasn’t aware of.
In a scene that would make Michael Fassbender sweat, Terry Silver reveals that through his travels, he had never heard anybody say “karii” for a toast. At least, other than Okinawans, that is. This scene was a great reminder to the audience of how well-traveled and successful Terry Silver is.
Dual Dojo Victory
To legitimize Cobra Kai, Terry Silver makes an aggressive move to join the Sekai Taikai by showing off his students. During his pitch, Daniel and company arrive to rain on his parade. This leads to a bout between the two dojos to see who gets to participate in the Sekai Taikai.
Despite their animosity, it’s undeniable that both dojos have amazing fighters. Not to mention, their training, regardless of the negatives, is effective at turning people into warriors, albeit with different values. This convinces the judges to allow both into the Sekai Takai, sowing the seeds for Season 6.
Chozen’s Downfall
In this season, Chozen gets a lot more characterization than he ever had before. Despite his skill in martial arts, he’s dedicated his life to it so much that Daniel realizes he hasn’t really known anything else. They go out for a night on the town, but it eventually leads to an assault on a rich person’s mansion, as most boys’ nights usually go.
Plus, Chozen was emotionally confused because of his confession to Kumiko just hours prior. Combined with the drinks, Chozen is vulnerable for the first time in the series. A moment of weakness allows the dominated Terry Silver to hit Chozen with a cheap slash, putting him down. He’s okay, thankfully, but it’s still a shock to see the best sensei get taken out in one of Cobra Kai’s best fights yet.
Mike Barnes, The Redeemed
Mike Barnes was hyped up last season as Terry Silver’s “smoking gun.” An enemy from the past who brutalized Daniel and harassed him at every turn. However, much like Chozen, his defeat at Daniel’s hands led to him rethinking his priorities. Now, he’s a kind and hard-working furniture store owner.
He’s even willing to help Daniel in his fight with Kreese. Sadly, this gets him in the crosshairs, and he arguably gets the worst treatment, as his livelihood gets burnt to the ground. It’s a blessing to see the old Mike Barnes fury come back not against Daniel, but in support of him. Mike Barnes redeemed himself for his role in Daniel’s suffering decades ago.
Kreese’s Escape
Kreese’s entire arc this season was one of self-reflection. With almost no impact on the main narrative, his segments are focused on the sins of his past. The incredible therapy scene, where he is confronted by all the people he’s wronged, fleshes out Kreese as more than the ruthless old man he became.
Still, he couldn’t be kept down for long. Cobra Kai was his only legacy, and he wasn’t about to let it burn down in flames without him. After faking a stabbing, Kreese manages to escape prison, although it’s unknown if he’ll be a friend or foe to Eagle Fang and Miyagi Do. That alone has people clamoring for a Season 6.
