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How Kreese & Mr. Miyagi Have Parallel Backstories Explained By Cobra Kai Creators
The following article contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 2.With the major death inCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2, the show’s co-creator teases that the tragedy will impact theKarate Kidfranchise villain, John Kreese (Martin Kove). Both Miyagi-do and Cobra Kai have made it tothe Sekai Taikai tournament, with more rivalries and tension brewing as the teams attempt to accumulate points to get into the final rounds. Throughout the latest batch of episodes, Kreese’s knife, “Eunjangdo,” became a key item in the story, which led toCobra Kai fighter Kwon (Brandon H. Lee) accidentally but fatally stabbing himselffollowing a karate brawl at the tournament.
In an interview withTheWrap, co-creator Hayden Schlossberg addressed the significance of Kreese’s knife and Kwon’s death impacting Part 3. He admitted that the creative team wanted to verify viewers felt nervous about the knife. The co-creator brieflyteased that the final episodes would see Kreese deal with the consequences, but didn’t elaborate on how that would happen. Read his comment below:
“We wanted that knife to be something that you’re nervous about. We felt that we set Kwon up in the first part as this is the new antagonist kid from overseas. So you’re just assuming that he’s going to be in a final fight or whatever – you think he’s going to have that plot armor.
We also wanted Kreese to have to see the consequences of some of the choices that he made. You’ll see how that reverberates into the last part.”
What This Comment Means For Kreese’s Arc In Cobra Kai
It’s Unclear If Kreese Will Get His Last Chance Of Redemption
Since the inception of theKarate Kidfranchise,Kreese has prominently been a key villain, which continued into the Netflix series. The antagonist is cold-hearted and corrupted to the point where he even harms his students when they fail, with Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) being an example of facing those traumas. While Kreese has had moments where he connects with his students, any chances of redemption are tarnished when he returns to his brutal, selfish, and vengeful ways.
Explaining That Cobra Kai Death In Season 6, Including Its Thematic Meaning & How It’ll Affect The Final 5 Episodes
Cobra Kai season 6’s part 2 ends with a devastating death scene, making it hard not to wonder how it will ripple into the show’s final five episodes.
While Schlossberg doesn’t elaborate beyond the brief tease, his comments seemingly confirm that Kwon’s death may actually impact Kreese. While many players are at fault for the tragedy, Kreese would ultimately be the most responsible dueto his hunger for revenge against Terry Silvers. Kove’s character also played a part in encouraging Kwon to become the dojo’s leader due to his rebellious and ruthless attitude. Whether Kreese would own up to his part in his death is unclear and remains the biggest question going into the final episodes.
However, unlike the past, Kreese is finally seeing the realities of his own actions causing the death of a student.
One way that Kreese may seek a redemption arc is through the moments before the unfortunate demise. Despite the tumultuous relationship between Johnny and Kreese, Johnny saves Kreese from Terry. Whether that would changetheCobra Kaicharacteris hard to predict due to his history of deception and distrust. However, unlike the past,Kreese is finally seeing the realities of his own actionscausing the death of a student.
Our Take On The Kreese Comment
It May Be Too Late For Kreese To Right His Wrongs.
I’m still shocked by the events of Part 2, and I’m curious how the Sekai Taikai tournament will even continue at this point. If the final episodes attempt to show Kreese amending his wrongs, I’m afraid it may be too late to seek any redemption since he always tends to mess up in some way. That said, the comments from the co-creator mean that Kreese’s story doesn’t end just yet, and the final episodes may have some last surprises about his character. Unfortunately, those answers won’t come immediately, asCobra Kai’s final episodes will not be released until next year. Hopefully, that wait won’t take too long.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
