How Cobra Kai's Creators Balance The Show's Drama And Outlandishness
Cobra Kai is a show that oozes love for the '80s but has also managed to recreate the world of The Karate Kid in modern times with great storytelling. The execution is so great that viewers get sucked into the drama and high stakes of the series, all while potentially ignoring the sheer ridiculousness of everything that's happening in the series and how much of it wouldn't happen real life.
Cobra Kai masterfully acknowledges the ridiculousness of the franchise from time to time, with the latest nod in a town hall scene in Season 3 where citizens wonder what the hell is happening with teens and karate in this city. I spoke with co-creator Hayden Schlossberg about the scene and asked him how exactly they and the writing staff approach balancing the drama with the series' outlandishness.
If there were a multi-participant impromptu karate brawl at a high school in America, I'd put money down on the event making national news. Cobra Kai didn't take things quite that far, but it did allow the folks of its fair California town to wonder what in the hell is happening, and why isn't the city council holding Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, and John Kreese responsible for it.
Cobra Kai is not immune to cheese, and yes, some of the events that transpire do feel truly disconnected from reality, but it makes sense. As Hayden Schlossberg pointed out, it's not like The Karate Kid's events are all that believable either at times.
The co-creators and writing staff of Cobra Kai have seemingly found a winning formula, as acclaim for the Netflix series is as strong as it's ever been after Season 3. I wouldn't expect the team to start switching tone in Season 4, no matter who or what they have planned for the future episodes.
Cobra Kai is currently available to stream on Netflix. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the franchise and the latest news in television and movies.
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Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.