An Analysis of Cobra Kai Season 2: A Dissection of Character Development and Relatability

I’m about four episodes in right now and I would say it’s an improvement over the first season. The cast gets a lot more room to express themselves, and we’re thankfully not forced to wallow in self-pity with Johnny anymore now that he’s solidly on his feet.

The Evolution of Character Development

The primary criticism I have of the show revolves around the way the main characters are forced into a world where fighting prowess determines their self-worth. This concept is pervasive, affecting each of the main characters, making them feel like they are competing in a zero-sum game where their identity is tied to their fighting abilities. As a result, I find myself struggling to relate to any of them, as their journeys seem disconnected from the genuine challenges and growth that most viewers can resonate with.

Fight training as a hobby, while it certainly has its unique appeal, can be ultimately unsatisfying unless it serves a deeper, personal purpose. The only way I find it compelling is when it involves defending one's country, loved ones, or when the act of fighting provides extraordinary joy, akin to how Kenpachi Zaraki in Bleach enjoys combat. Fighting for self-worth or as a form of personal growth, however, can often lack the depth and authenticity needed to engage an audience.

Specific Character Critiques

When it comes to Miguel, his character arc as a hero seems forced and unconvincing. The acting, while not as poor as Kreese's, doesn’t do much to enhance his performance. Miguel often appears to be just two faces: one that seems dopey, and the other trying too hard to look tough. This lack of complexity and depth makes it difficult to empathize with his attempts to grow and find meaning.

With Daniel, the story takes a somewhat light-hearted turn, positioning him as a car salesman. While I have experience in the car sales industry, Daniel’s character transformation to a successful salesperson in a field that doesn't simultaneously reward good character traits or intelligence is somewhat disingenuous. The emphasis on sales success without the backdrop of struggle or personal growth makes his journey less impactful.

Johnny, the titular character of Cobra Kai, is the most egregious example of this flawed character development. His constant bad decisions and toxic behavior make him an unlikable protagonist. The show seems to bring in Kreese as a crutch, ensuring that the main character won't transform into an outright villain. However, this move introduces a alternate narrative that risks overshadowing the core message and tension of the show.

Relatable Characters and Their Journeys

Interestingly, the character I find myself relating to the most is Daniel's daughter, Sam. Despite not wanting to be involved in karate, she doesn’t wish to beat Cobra Kai to prove herself. Her self-worth is not built solely on martial arts prowess. Instead, she makes the best of her circumstances, much like many of us might in our own lives.

Ultimately, this show explores the psychology of broken homes and the lengths to which people will go to find self-worth. Martial arts is elevated to a force-like level of significance, often presented as the solution to all problems, but it should have been more nuanced. The portrayal of these themes is a testament to the show's ambition, but the lack of deeper exploration leaves room for improvement.

Conclusion

While Cobra Kai Season 2 has some improvements over the first season, it still struggles with character development and relatability. The emphasis on fighting prowess as a measure of self-worth is a double-edged sword, providing tension and drama but also alienating some viewers. Characters like Sam offer a glimmer of hope, but the show’s overall narrative structure and character arcs still lean heavily on the focus of fighting prowess as a central theme. For those who value nuance and depth, there is still much to appreciate, but for others, the show may fall short in its portrayal of the human condition.