The following article contains SPOILERS for Cobra Kai season 6, part 2.AfterCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2’s release, the showrunners are ready to open up about why Johnny elects to save Kreese. This latest batch of episodes focus onthe Sekai Taikai tournament, which has only escalated the tension between the show’s various dojos. John Kreese (Martin Kove) brought his own students, but he quickly discovers that he has lost his own fighting edge. In an all-out brawl, he comes face-to-face with Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and would have been killed, if not for Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) stepping in.
In an interview withThe Wrap, showrunners Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Scholossberg explained exactly why Johnny made the surprising decision to save Kreese. Though the two have been rivals throughout the show, Johnny chooses not to leave him to his fate. Instead,Johnny pays Terry back for their season 4 fightand manages to secure a different kind of revenge. Check out their quotes below:
Schlossberg: Johnny is caught up in the frenzy of this brawl and sees the guy he hates the most. He’s going after Kreese probably to kick his ass and then sees him getting his ass kicked but by somebody who he hates. So it just makes sense to go after Terry becauseKreese was already on the ground.
Hurwitz:He says at the time ‘I owed you one’ because way back when Silver got a cheap shot on him when he wasn’t looking. Johnny may justify in his own mind like ‘okay this was my shot to to get him back.’ He could have witnessed the end of Kreese and potentially been happy with that but he chose not to. I think in the back five we’re going to have to see the impact that has for Johnny and Kreese andyou know where their story eventually ends.
What Johnny’s Rescue Means For Cobra Kai
Kreese May Finally Seek Redemption
Much of the show has focused on Kreese’s diabolical actions. Of all themembers ofCobra Kai’s cast, Kreese is among the most despicable.He corrupted Johnny from the very beginning, taught him to fight savagely and without remorse, and attacked him multiple times with little justification. He even managed to steal the dojo from Johnny, solely out of his own need for control. The rivalry between Kreese and Johnny is legendary, and Johnny had good reason to let Terry end him. Instead, he saved him.
It may finally be time for the villainous master to reconsider his perspective.
By saving Kreese,Johnny proved that Kreese’s warped view of the world is wrong. He showed Kreese that people can be altruistic even when faced with their rivals. After Kwon (Brandon H. Lee) accidentally stabs himself with Kreese’s knife, it may finally be time for the villainous master to reconsider his perspective. He has brought nothing but suffering to himself and his students. Johnny’s actions could very well prompt him to reckon with that fact. If so,Terry Silver may beCobra Kai’s final villain.
Our Take On Johnny’s Decision To Save Kreese
Johnny Proved That He Is Nothing Like Kreese
Johnny has already proved his growth countless times, but this instance of redemption could even convince his old master that he was wrong. Johnny may not have officially won the fight against Terry, but that was only because of an unexpected and extremely tragic interruption. By beating Terry and standing up for Kreese,he proved that he is morally and physically stronger than the other masters. It was a major sign of growth for Johnny and proof that he deserves to be acknowledged as one of the best characters inCobra Kai.
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.
