Warning: Spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6 part 3
Throughout its six-season run,Cobra Kaihas been littered with references fromThe Karate Kid, from Mr. Miyagi’s car collection to Johnny’s Halloween costume. The show’s continued emphasis on nostalgia and Easter eggs made it abundantly clear that nearly every memorable moment fromtheKarate Kidmovieswould find its way into the series in some form or another. That was absolutely the case with one particular line fromThe Karate Kid’sending, “You’re alright, LaRusso.”
Much like “Wax on, wax off” and “Fear doesn’t exist in this dojo,” there was a natural expectation for the line to make it in the series, presumably during an exchange between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. But despite all the Johnny vs. Daniel fightsCobra Kaihas offered, the show never seized on those opportunities. But, as expected, the reference finally did come - only it wasn’t until the story was in the midst of its conclusion.
Cobra Kai Saved Its Most Highly Anticipated Karate Kid Reference For The Final Episode
“You’re Alright, Lawrence” Is The Reverse Of What Johnny Said In Their First Valley Tournament
In theCobra Kaiseries finale, Johnny Lawrence finally triumphed over Sensei Wolf, thanks in large part to a motivational speech from Daniel. In the immediate aftermath of Johnny’s victory inthe Sekai Taikai tournament, Daniel said, “You’re alright, Lawrence.” In doing so, he flipped the final words that Johnny spoke to Daniel at the end of The Karate Kid. After scoring the final point and being declared the winner of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, Johnny handed over the 1st place trophy and congratulated him with, “You’re alright, LaRusso.”
Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 3’s Post-Credits Scene Explained
The final episode of Cobra Kai season 6, part 3 includes a post-credit scene that references two different sides of the Karate Kid franchise.
Johnny and Daniel have been on the same side for quite some time, so theoretically, an Easter egg to this scene could have easily been worked into the show on multiple occasions, possibly as early asCobra Kaiseason 4’s ending. All the show needed to make it work was the two being on friendly terms, but the series opted instead to keep it on the backburner, holding onto it until the final fight of the series.
Why Cobra Kai Waited So Long For A “You’re Alright, LaRusso” Reference
The Timing Couldn’t Have Been Better
Given how things turned out, the decision to delay the reference untilCobra Kai’sending made a great deal of sense. It’s true that it could been used at any point in Johnny and Daniel’s friendship, but it’s hard to imagine it working out better than what the show ultimately pulled off. Rather than simply using it as a way of expressing one’s acceptance of the other, the show waited for Johnny to win a championship win of his own, thus allowing the circumstances to align perfectly.
Johnny achieved a massive underdog win, with his victory made even better by personal validation from his rival.
Much like Daniel himself inThe Karate Kid, Johnny achieved a massive underdog win, with his victory made even better by personal validation from his rival. Johnny hearing the same words he said to Daniel when he congratulated him for his big win in 1984 made his big moment in theCobra Kaiseries finale all the more special.
