Decades after their 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament bout in the original Karate Kid movie, a middle-aged Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence find themselves martial-arts rivals again in the first YouTube and then Netflix binge worthy series. This show has all the 80s nostalgia a true enthusiast would want: flashbacks to the movie, 80s songs, and of course the two stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. The writers did a great job incorporating the plot line into modern day setting.
Daniel is now a car salesman with a wife and two kids who used his title win and the teachings of Mr. Miyagi to create a successful life for himself. Johnny is not so lucky in the first part of the Season 1 and after seemingly down on his luck for years and with a non-existent relationship with his son, finds a protege in Miguel (played by Xolo Maridueña) and starts a new Cobra Kai Studio. The two seasons go back and forth between Johnny wanting a new future for his karate students without all the bullying he experienced from his sensei but his old ways creep up now and then. His students who started out being bullied end up doing the bullying in some rather cringe worthy moments. The addition of the original sensei John Kreese (played by Martin Kove) to the Cobra Kai studio wreaks havoc on Johnny's quest to change the "No Mercy" motto.
It was wonderful to have almost all the original cast (Pat Morita who played Mr. Miyagi died in 2012). It has a great binge. My favorite moment (aside from some great Karate moves) was when Daniel and Johnny are riding in his supped car listening to REO Speedwagon - its everything!!
Definitely giving this 1 glass of wine. It is easy to watch both Seasons over a weekend.
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