Cobra Kai Season 5

Cobra Kai Season 5 (Various, 2022)

Click here for the basics

Check out how I rated Season 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

I had high expectations for Cobra Kai Season 5, and I must say it was satisfying. Although I was a little disappointed in Miguel's search for his father subplot. It felt very short and too dramatic. Otherwise, though, the series sparkles. The addition of Chozen was definitely my favorite part. The dynamics really worked. And I felt that the joining together of both dojos forces to fight the greater evil worked well. Will this be it for the series? It certainly feels like it could be done, but they do leave a lot of things unsaid and just getting started--Johnny and Carmen's future? Robbie and Tory? And what about Chozen?

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Cobra Kai Season 4

Cobra Kai Season 4 (Various, 2022)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

Season 4 is just as tense, infuriating, and surprising as previous seasons. We finally have some cooperation between Johnny and Daniel, but will it last? Are the rivalries finally over? Or are new ones beginning? The father-son relationships (of which there are many) reach a new level, especially for Johnny and Miguel. I also found the dynamic between Robbie and Krease and Silvers, as well as Robbie and his new recruit very interesting. I really think Robbie is the most interesting character in the whole series...this season doesn't disappoint and the constant changes of loyalties, trials, attempts at compromise and apology, etc. continue to come. And it's far from over. 

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Cobra Kai Season 3

Cobra Kai Season 3 (Various, 2020)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

First of all: I binge-watched this whole season in one day. Not sure what that tells you...;) Season 3 is tense, infuriating, and has some seriously depressing moments. But it is also full of connections and lessons. I appreciated exploring the back stories of several adult characters--this helped make sense of what was happening. Just like in the previous seasons, the physical and psychological impact of bullying and trauma and being part of a gang is shown, so these episodes are heavy. But important.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Happy 2021!

2020 may not have been a good year for anything, but it did provide more time to revisit favorite films and catch up on viewing lots of classics that I had never gotten around to watching. I think my favorite film I watched this year was The King.

Other highlights were seeing Parasite in the theater before the pandemic, watching all Wes Anderson films, all the Batman films, and all the Karate Kid films (+ Cobra Kai show). I also fell in love with Red Dwarf again and re-watched and got caught up on all things Star Wars. The "Best in Show" for 2020 has to be The Mandalorian season 2. Well done John Favreau for creating the hands-down best Star Wars film/show/anything (in my opinion). And for making the year end on a higher note.

I'm hoping to keep watching new and old films in 2021 and make a few more themed lists for everyone. And I'm starting with a list of 25 under-appreciated films I love.

Best wishes!

Cobra Kai Seasons 1 & 2

Cobra Kai Season 1 (Various, 2018)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

I was skeptical, at first, that I would like this show. But many people kept telling me I would. And they were all right. It's fantastic. Yes, it is a little soap-opera-like. Yes, it is violent at times. But it's all about masculinity, father-son relationships, coming of age, redeeming yourself, etc. In other words, everything I like in a show. Well worth the watch. If you liked The Karate Kid films, you'll probably like this. And the fight choreography is excellent, too, if that matters to you.

Cobra Kai Season 2 (Various, 2019)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

Everything that I liked about Season 1 continued into Season 2. But even more conflicts and tension and interesting relationship developments. Can't wait for the next!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here