Ep 1. Aftermath

Aftermath is the first episode of the third season of Cobra Kai. It picks up where season 2 left off, as tensions between the dojos escalate following the school brawl. This episode showcases the fallout from the fight and how it has affected the various characters.

The episode begins with a news report detailing the events of the school fight. We see footage of the destruction and chaos caused by the students, and the news anchors express shock and horror at the violence. This sets the tone for the rest of the episode as we see how the characters are dealing with the aftermath.

Miguel is in a coma following his fall at the end of the fight. Johnny is consumed with guilt and takes up heavy drinking to cope with his pain. Daniel is dealing with his own guilt, as he feels responsible for teaching his daughter Samantha karate and putting her in harm's way. Sam is traumatized by the events and is struggling to come to terms with her involvement in the brawl.

The episode also introduces us to some new characters, such as Tory, a member of Cobra Kai who we see is dealing with her own personal issues. We also meet Miguel's mother, who is understandably distraught about her son's condition. These new characters add depth to the show and offer fresh perspectives on the events unfolding.

One of the standout moments of the episode is a scene between Johnny and Daniel. They join forces to visit Robbie in juvie, where he is being held following his involvement in the school fight. Johnny and Daniel have a heated conversation about their different teaching styles and philosophy when it comes to karate. This scene is a great showcase of the fantastic chemistry between the two actors, and sets up the possibility of an alliance between the two dojos.

Throughout the episode, there are several flashbacks to the original Karate Kid movie, which serve as a reminder of the history of the characters and their motivations. These flashbacks are cleverly interwoven with present-day scenes, showing how the past has shaped the present.

The finale of the episode sees Johnny visiting Miguel in his hospital room. He apologizes for what happened and promises to do whatever it takes to make things right. This is a touching scene that showcases the growth of Johnny's character, and sets up the possibility of redemption for him.

Overall, Aftermath is a strong start to the third season of Cobra Kai. It successfully navigates the fallout from the school fight and sets up new plot lines for the coming episodes. The introduction of new characters and flashbacks to the original movie add depth and nuance to the show, while the performances of the cast remain top-notch. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.