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Cobra Kai has continued to gain popularity since its premiere on YouTube Red in 2018. It's a sequel to The Karate Kid trilogy and follows Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso 30+ years later. There have been many twists along the way and the series has since become a hit on Netflix.
The series features many references to the original film and has continued the story through younger characters. Many past characters have also returned, including sensei John Kreese, Ali Mills, and Chozen.
The creators of the series topped that in season 4 by bringing Terry Silver back into the fold. Silver, played by Thomas Ian Griffith, was an over-the-top villain in Karate Kid III and has been an incredible addition.
Season 4 had many character arcs that were well received by both critics and viewers on Netflix. This list will look at five takeaways from Cobra Kai season 4.
Warning: Article contains spoilers
#5. Cobra Kai’s new addition Kenny Payne gets revenge
Cobra Kai added a new cast member in season 4 as Dallas Dupree Young joined the cast as newcomer Kenny Payne. He was introduced as a likable character that was preparing for his first day at his new school. But ends up transitioning into one of the dojo's top students after he’s bullied by Anthony LaRusso and his friends.
Payne’s character arc is an interesting one. Robby Keane takes him under his wing and helps with his training. But Payne begins to become more of a villain as the season progresses. He buys-in to sensei Terry Silver’s teachings and begins his quest for revenge on LaRusso. It works as he traps LaRusso and his friends in at the school's library and beats them down.
In episode 10, Payne attacks him again and tells him that he intends to continue terrorizing him in high school. This was an important moment because it signaled that Payne will become one of the main villains in the series.
#4. Cobra Kai wins the All Valley tournament
Another change in Cobra Kai season 4 was the All Valley tournament. Rather than men and women competing in one tournament, it’s split up into two separate divisions. There was also the introduction of a skills challenge that saw each dojo look to earn the most points.
The change leads to two excellent climactic fights with Eli ‘Hawk’ Moskowitz vs. Robby and Tory Nichols vs. Samantha LaRusso. After ‘Hawk’ defeated Robby to win the men’s trophy, the All Valley tournament would be decided by the women’s final between Nichols and LaRusso.
After a close fight, Nichols beats her Miyagi-Do rival to win the tournament for her dojo. However, she later overheard a conversation in the locker room and found Silver paying off the referee to fix the fight. The win also meant that Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence couldn’t train their dojos due to their agreement with Kreese.
#3. Johnny and Robby make amends in the Cobra Kai season 4 finale
Johnny Lawrence making amends with his son, Robby, was an important moment in the season 4 finale. Since the first season, their strained relationship has been explored, with Robby resenting his father. Johnny training Miguel Diaz only makes matters worse between the two as it leads to Robby training with Miyagi-Do. After the school fight in season 2, Robby distances himself from Daniel and Johnny and gets closer to Kreese.
Father and son make amends at the dojo, which was the sight of the climactic fight in season 3. The scene was a turning point in the series because of the direction they could now go in with their characters. Based on the conclusion of season 4, it looks like Robby will join his father in searching for Miguel.
#2. Chozen agrees to help take down Cobra Kai
Like the previous seasons, Cobra Kai season 4 ends with a cliffhanger that sets the stage for what’s to come. In the final scene, Daniel visits Mr.Miyagi’s grave and reflects on what had transpired. He then says, “I know this isn’t your fight, but will you help me finally put an end to Cobra Kai?” The camera then pans to Chozen Toguchi, who agrees to help Daniel.
This was an important moment because it signifies that Chozen will have a major role in season 5. He served as the villain in The Karate Kid II and returned in season 3, when Daniel traveled to Okinawa, Japan.
During season 3, he reveals that there were many techniques that Mr. Miyagi never taught Daniel. With Chozen back in the mix, perhaps this means he’ll reveal more Miyagi-Do secrets to Daniel and his students.
#1. Terry Silver takes over Cobra Kai
Perhaps the biggest swerve in season 4 was in the season finale when Terry Silver framed Kreese and had him arrested. Despite Kresse convincing him to join him as co-sensei, Silver goes back to his villainous ways when he takes over.
The two had a few tense moments during the season, but it looks like they got past it. However, that changes after Silver baits Johnny to the sight of the old dojo and attacks him. Kreese stopped Silver from doing further damage to his former student and questioned his loyalty. A drunk and enraged Silver then gets his revenge. He attacks ‘Stingray’ and tells him to say it was Kreese that put him in the hospital.
While celebrating their All Valley win, Silver revealed that Kreese was always his weakness. As Kreese is being arrested, Silver mentions that he’ll take care of Johnny and find a few past members to help him run the dojo.
