Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Cobra Kai season 6 part 3!
As Cobra Kai season 6 closes the journeys of several key Karate Kid characters, series co-creator Hayden Schlossberg explains how Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and John Kreese’s (Martin Kove) emotional conversation brought their complicated relationship to a close. The latest season initially saw Kreese and Johnny back on opposing sides as the former sought to bring the titular dojo to the Sekai Taikai with the help of Kim Da-Eun. However, after a tense season of hostility, the two are able to put aside their past and forgive each other before Cobra Kai‘s ending.
In honor of the show’s finale, Variety interviewed co-creator Hayden Schlossberg to discuss some of Cobra Kai season 6 part 3’s biggest moments, including why Johnny and Kreese’s emotional confrontation was a standout for him. Schlossberg explained that the moment represented a key moment of catharsis for Johnny, not only as he was able to air over three decades worth of building anger and vitriol towards his mentor, but acknowledge the positive influences that Kreese left on him. This moment gave him the opportunity to find closure with his mentor:
There are so many, because we’ve become so attached to these characters and the actors over six seasons. All of these big climactic scenes were emotional. The one that stands out to me is the scene between Johnny and Kreese, where they have this intense talk and Johnny airs out all his grievances and Kreese apologizes. You see this student who wants to forgive and can’t forgive, but at least can accept the fact that Kreese gave him certain qualities that he does like. That allows him to move on and be able to take back Cobra Kai.
Furthermore, Schlossberg stated that the weight of the moment could be felt during production, as both Zabka and Kove’s performances helped bring out the importance of the moment and that it brought out a new layer to their real-life relationship after knowing each other for over 40 years. Check out Schlossberg’s recollection below:
That is such an intense scene, and the fact that these are two actors that have been in this relationship on camera for 40 years added to the intensity of the moment. It makes it such a visceral scene for fans, where you see Johnny crying and the teenager in him comes out. It feels so real, and just being there while we were shooting that was emotional for everyone.
The Pair Have Faced Similar Hurdles To Find A Better Way
For Johnny, much of his journey throughout Cobra Kai has been about stepping out of the shadows of his past, be it his rivalry with Daniel LaRuso (Ralph Maccio) or out of the scars left by the mentor he once feared. However, Kreese quickly emerged as a foil to his plans, feigning his initial attempts to make amends to seize control again. However, the series’ message of redemption applied to Kreese too, as the opportunity to try a new teaching approach and the arrival of his former co-founder, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), gave him a much-needed perspective.
Related
All 16 Karate Kid & Cobra Kai Villains, Ranked Worst To Best
The Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai have introduced some excellent villains, but some have been far better developed (& are far eviler) than others.
Despite their good intentions, both Johnny and Kreese’s path to betterment wasn’t straightforward, as the former found himself falling into his mentor’s worst teachings at times, and the latter faced several hurdles or temptations even as he tried to do the right thing. But, ultimately, the pair’s final exchange marked the end of their time together, as Johnny found closure with Kreese over his training and Kreese finally let go of his need for power and retribution. Though Kreese ultimately concluded his redemption arc with a fatal sacrifice, his last conversation with Johnny was the more important resolution.
Our Thoughts On Kreese And Johnny’s Cobra Kai Ending
The Series Gives Both Characters A Fulfilling Final Farewell
Up until the final volume’s release, it was hard to determine just how Cobra Kai would leave its characters. While season 6 would bring the series to an end, Karate Kid Legends continuing Daniel’s story showed that The Karate Kid franchise would continue in some form, raising the possibility that other characters could appear. However, Cobra Kai season 6’s ending for Johnny does feel like a definitive end to his journey, with Daniel reminding his foe-turned-friend that he has already won in life.
Related
All 5 Karate Kid Movies (& Cobra Kai), Ranked From Worst To Best
The Karate Kid movie franchise spans 3 sequels and a 2010 remake. Cobra Kai is continuing the story but here’s which of the movies is the best around.
One such way this is achieved through Kreese. Johnny was already a sympathetic antagonist in the original three Karate Kid movies, but Cobra Kai gave him an opportunity to clear his and the dojo’s slate of their shameful legacies, becoming more than what Kreese or Silver could offer. As such, his and Kreese’s conversation is a perfect note to leave the characters on.
Source: Variety
Cobra Kai
5/10
- Release Date
-
2018 – 2024
- Network
-
Netflix, YouTube Premium
- Showrunner
-
Jon Hurwitz
- Directors
-
Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Jennifer Celotta, Steven K. Tsuchida, Sherwin Shilati, Marielle Woods, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman
- Writers
-
Josh Heald, Ashley Darnall, Chris Rafferty, Bill Posley