I know I'm a film fan and what I'm about to say will sound insane but here goes: I haven't seen The Karate Kid. I know, I know, I know. It's on my watch list. So I didn't really have the nostalgia for the original movie coming into the TV show but I was pleasantly surprised. 

​

Thirty four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso.

​

The beginning of the series shows the effect that the loss at the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament had on Johnny Lawrence. It completely devastated him, cutting who he was down at the knees. Its an interesting direction for a series to go; exploring what defeat can do to a person and how it can radically change the whole axis of their world.

​

There are times where the production really does feel like a TV show from a decade ago in the sets, colour grading, and some of the acting choices but overall Cobra Kai is a great show of redemption against the odds. 

​

Although its not as slick as other TV productions out there, Cobra Kai is a great show of redemption against the odds.