5 Mind-Blowing Inconsistencies in Cobra Kai You Won’t Believe

by

From its debut season, “Cobra Kai” has captivated a massive viewership by resurrecting iconic characters from “The Karate Kid” and blending nostalgia, action, and drama for modern audiences. However, the series’ intentionally over-the-top style and use of creative liberty – frequently veering towards the absurd to maintain momentum and enjoyment – has resulted in some implausible scenes that stand out more than intended. In other words, the show occasionally requires viewers to momentarily suspend their disbelief to fully engage with the narrative. This method certainly offers advantages, but it also leaves certain queries unanswered even today.

There are 5 aspects in the Cobra Kai series that remain puzzling and hard to understand. Frankly, certain storylines are challenging to grasp or reconcile with the show’s universe.

1) Kreese Remains a Tough Opponent for Daniel and Johnny

It’s challenging to believe that John Kreese (Martin Kove) can hold his own in fights alongside Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny (William Zabka) without it appearing contrived, given his advanced age. While his military background might account for some physical fitness, the level of strength and agility he displays in the series seems unrealistic considering his age and time away from active combat. In real-life hand-to-hand fights, age often impacts endurance, speed, and flexibility, but Cobra Kai seems to disregard these limitations, granting him abilities that seem out of place for his age.

Excessive exaggeration not only strains the believability of the narrative but also requires viewers to suppress their critical faculties. Given the already questionable elements in the series, portraying Kreese as a formidable physical threat becomes problematic. Although it’s crucial to keep the antagonist relevant and emotionally engaging, this can be achieved through alternative methods. Indeed, Kreesse employs psychological manipulation, strategic planning, and student control – these aspects should suffice. However, depicting him as an invincible fighter at this point in the story contradicts the internal consistency of the show.

2) Miguel’s Recovery Happens Almost Instantly

At the close of season 2, Miguel (portrayed by Xolo Maridueña), experiences a critical injury resulting in a coma and extensive physical trauma. However, the narrative progression seems implausible as he quickly resumes his active life and karate fighting within an unrealistic timeframe. The series dedicates some episodes to his rehabilitation process, but the recovery appears overly expedited. In actuality, such a severe accident would necessitate a prolonged, agonizing, and limiting recuperation period, if full mobility were regained at all.

It’s reasonable to assume that an extended absence might dilute the progression of his character storyline, yet hastily resolving it diminishes the emotional intensity of the incident. The dramatic fall of Miguel in Cobra Kai was one of the most surprising moments, but its long-term effects seem to vanish. To keep him relevant to the plot, the show takes a hasty approach which dilutes the emotional depth. It’s heartening to see Johnny playing an active role in his recovery, fostering their relationship, but the significance of the fall is overlooked – along with the chance to depict a genuine struggle towards overcoming permanent impediments.

3) Black Belts Are Earned at an Unrealistic Speed

In most traditional karate styles, it typically takes numerous years to achieve a black belt. However, the TV series Cobra Kai seems to suggest that this milestone is almost casually granted within the storyline. Characters who have barely begun their training are often portrayed as accomplished martial artists. Essentially, this gives the impression that mastering a martial art can be swift and effortless, which is ironic given that the core message of the original Karate Kid franchise revolves around the value of discipline, patience, and skill. Regrettably, the significance of time, effort, and technique in karate appears to be overlooked in Cobra Kai.

In simpler terms, having a newcomer like Robby, who’s only been trained for a short time, earn a black belt in karate too quickly seems unrealistic given the standards set in the ’80s and the character of Johnny, who’s known for his rule-breaking and impulsiveness. It might strain the believability of the world we see on screen. The black belt should signify true mastery and maturity, not just a step forward in the script.

4) Johnny Somehow Remains Financially Stable at All Times

From the onset of “Cobra Kai”, Johnny appears to grapple with keeping regular jobs, managing technology, and adjusting to contemporary life in general. Despite these challenges, he rarely seems financially strained. He leases properties, acquires gear, travels, and maintains a composed demeanor that feels inconsistent with his circumstances. This portrayal is somewhat puzzling as it’s not fully clarified and appears to be contradictory. While he initially received funds from his stepfather and students to sustain the dojo, the source of his income for the rest of the series remains unclear.

In the series “Cobra Kai,” financial stability becomes a hidden weakness for the character. Occasionally, we witness damage in his home caused by fights, outbursts, or even intense moments with Carmen (Vanessa Rubio). However, he always swiftly repairs these damages. For instance, if a new TV gets damaged, he’s had multiple replacements throughout the storyline. Introducing financial hardships for Johnny could have enhanced his redemption journey, making it more impactful and commendable, as it already is.

5) The School Fight Breaks Out Without Any Adult Intervention

In the climactic fight at the end of season 2 on “Cobra Kai,” one of the most thrilling and lasting scenes occurs, but it’s also strikingly unrealistic. The chaos begins when Tory (Peyton List) uses the school intercom to declare her intention to confront Sam (Mary Mouser), a clear act of public aggression – yet no authority figure intervenes. There’s no immediate presence of security, teachers, or any preventative measures following the announcement. Instead, students flock to the hallways as if it were an event, while the suspense continues to escalate. The most implausible aspect? The astonishingly long delay before the school takes action.

The conflict escalates in multiple locations, drawing in numerous students such as Robby and Miguel, lasting for several minutes where brutal fights occur out in the open during daytime hours – a prolonged, intricate scene of violence. Remarkably, it’s not until Miguel suffers a severe fall that could have been fatal that any adults arrive on the scene. In a well-managed school, Tory’s declaration would have promptly set off alarms, led to an immediate suspension, and swift action from staff members. However, in the world of Cobra Kai, it seems as though the adults are either oblivious or absent until the script demands their presence.

Cobra Kai is available to stream on Netflix.

Read More

2025-06-28 04:10