So far I love it. I love the stories going for Johnny and Daniel and the way their world's are intersecting, Johnny's student is the one being bullied, Daniel training Johnny's son. The back story on Johnny's life and how he is growing (better late than never) and how successful Daniel is and he gives some wise advice to the teens at times.
It is funny how Johnny is stuck in the 80's and doesn't know anything about technology.
I am about half way into season one now and loving it!
shareI too just finished season 1 last night. It was entertaining. I like the idea of flipping the roles - the antagonist in the original Karate Kid is the protagonist here, and Daniel is, somewhat, the bad guy in this one. At the very least, a reasonable viewer would root for Johnny over Daniel in this show. With Johnny, there is also a message about redemption, how a bad guy can make things right.
The show has faults — some of the jokes are childishly crude (penis on the billboard), some of the actors are not good (ie - Donny), etc.
I actually root for both. A lot of their existing angst is just misunderstandings vs. someone being good or bad. Daniel still seems someone more noble while Johnny is still a bit rough around the edges but seeming to be getting closer to finding that balance between testosterone jerk and bold but a decent guy.
Outside of personality traits though - there’s the basic fact that Johnny is the show’s protagonist. The audience gets the main story / plot from Johnny’s point of view. He also gets more screen time. Naturally, this detail pushes the audience to feel more attached or endeared to Johnny than to Daniel.
shareI will bet they both join forces for season 3 or a season 4 if there is one against a common rival/enemy. The show cant just keep going like this. Bet Cobra kai and Myagi Do become one eventually.
shareps - a lot of Johnny's advice and teaching is just good common sense stuff and useful. Of course he goes too far with a lot of it but as far as being aggressive in life (not sitting back waiting for life to just take care of you but go after things), not giving up and having a never say die attitude, not giving into fear but seizing the moment, having courage, being brave, not backing down.
He is kind of jekyll and hyde, for every bit of good "go after life and don't give into fear" good advice he gives he has the old psycho Cobra Kai stuff from 1984 too.
He has really helped his first student a lot....now I am just at the end of season 1 and he is starting to get a little bit too amped up....I'll see if he harnesses all of that new confidence and esteem and courage in a positive direction or he becomes a bully and a threat. He was on the edge there in that tournament.
Such a refreshing and funny series.
I enjoy the flashbacks...too funny.