Reviews

The pilot was a rarity in that I actually cared about the characters and their storylines by the time it ended. And each episode keeps getting better. The pilot comes off a bit raunch-commy with boobs and f-bombs galore, but it simmers down after that, and the bit of mature content that remains serves the storylines. And I find myself, at odd times, getting choked up. The humor and silliness slows down and there are these wonderful moments of empathy and vulnerability-something most half-hour comedies can't pull off.

First rule in making a kick-a** karate show: don't overthink it. And Cobra Kai doesn't. Like Danniel-san, the creators have found balance between nostalgia, freshness, humor, drama, goofiness, and intensity.

Second rule in making a kick-a** karate show: ditch the Top 40 hip-hop and crank the death metal. Check, and CHECK.

On a side note: turns out Barney on HIMYM was right. Johnny's the real karate kid, and Danny's just kind of a bully.