‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6 Part 3 review: The finale delivers a solid punch with only a few missed swings.
Oh, “Cobra Kai,” how I’ll miss your wildly absurd yet oddly heartwarming journey.
After six adrenaline-filled seasons packed with explosions, teenage drama, and endless nostalgia, the final chapter — now streaming on Netflix — closes out with the same signature mix of fun and genuine emotion that made it a hit. The key to the show’s success has always been its perfect blend of honoring the past while looking toward the future**, something Mr. Miyagi would surely admire.
What truly sets Cobra Kai apart is its unapologetic embrace of melodrama. The finale plays out like a karate-fueled soap opera, filled with epic fights, explosions, weddings, births, and nostalgic music cues at every turn. It’s gloriously over-the-top — but honestly, could it have ended any other way? Following the shocking tragedy at the Sekai Taikai Tournament, Daniel (Ralph Macchio), Johnny (William Zabka), Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), Robby (Tanner Buchanan), and Samantha (Mary Mouser) return to the valley, still shaken by recent events. However, peace proves short-lived, and a chance to finish the tournament pulls everyone back into one last showdown. Nearly every familiar face from the past six seasons returns, including fan-favorite Chozen (Yuji Okumoto), to settle scores once and for all.
The finale flirts with indulgence, offering multiple endings reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. With so many plotlines to wrap up, the last few episodes feel a bit stretched. Yet, it all ties satisfyingly back to the beginning. Johnny’s story comes full circle, giving him a final shot at redemption.
Even when the show stumbles — including a bizarre deepfake moment that turns “Cobra Kai never dies!” into more of a warning than a promise — it always finds its footing and delivers a punch when it matters most.
Cobra Kai thrives on its mix of absurdity and sincerity, with each over-the-top moment somehow feeling well-earned. Despite its wild twists, the characters’ honesty keeps the story grounded. The stakes are high, but the show’s ability to wink at itself makes the journey even more enjoyable.
Much like Johnny himself — an underdog prone to self-sabotage — Cobra Kai is far from flawless, yet it manages to win you over every time. It may be a bit rough around the edges, but the finale delivers the kind of farewell that leaves you bowing one last time and saying, “Thank you, sensei.”
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