Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Cobra Kai season 6 part 1!
Summary
As audiences continue to reel from her decision to turn away from her friends, Jacob Bertrand weighs in onCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1’s major Tory twist. The final season of Netflix’sKarate Kidsequel show is leading to a major finale as Miyagi-Do gears up to fight atthe Sekai Taikai tournament, all while still grappling with moving on from their past conflicts. TheCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1 ending delivered an emotional cliffhanger as Tory’s mom succumbed to her illness and, after being refused the opportunity to fight for the team captain spot, Tory turned back to John Kreese to join the titular dojo.
During a recent interview withScreen Rantfor the first chapter of the final season, Jacob Bertrand weighed in onCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1’s major Tory twist. The Hawk actor recalled his and his co-stars' initial reaction to the reveal of her mother’s death and turn back to the titular dojo, feeling it was “f—-ng brutal” and that while Hawk might not be as close to Tory as Robbie, Sam or Miguel, he will be the most understanding of her decision. See what Bertrand explained below:
Oh man, when we first read the scripts, and when Tory’s mom dies, we’re like, “Oh my god, this is f—ng brutal. Tory can’t catch a break, holy cow!” [Chuckles] But, the reveal, I think, for Hawk, at least, is very shocking. But I think if anyone can ever understand the tantalizing grasp of Kreese, it’s probably Hawk, Robby and Tory. So, I think just even watching how the fight ended between her and Sam, and Johnny wanted to keep it going, and Daniel stopping it, Hawk’s mindset is totally leaning toward Johnny. And actually mine too. I think that they should have fought, I’m on that side of the fence too. But I think Hawk is maybe a little bit more understanding of why Tory is going over there. Does he agree with it? No. Does he see why? 100%. And I think Hawk’s more worried about how that affects everyone else in his team more than her sake.
Will Hawk Be The Key To Bringing Tory Back To Miyagi-Do In Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2?
The writing always felt like it was on the wall for the death ofTory’s mom inCobra Kai, as her caring for her mom was an essential part of her backstory and road to redemption from her more antagonistic ways. Given season 6 part 1 saw Sam and Tory also finally working through their differences to keep the peace in the Valley, it made all the more sense for some kind of twist to come in regarding her family life to once again establish a form of conflict for Peyton List’s character going into the Sekai Taikai.
While the resurgence of Kreese could’ve proven enough for her to struggle with, the death of her mom was clearly the push needed for Tory to rejoin Cobra Kai in season 6 part 1, begging the question now of whether she’llreturn to Miyagi-Doin part 2. Given the show has largely been about giving unlikely characters a chance at redemption, it seems likely she’ll rejoin her friends in the Sekai Taikai at some point, though it then comes down to who will convince her. Sam and Robby seem like the most likely candidates, particularly as the LaRusso daughter is finally mending the bridge between them, while Robby and Tory’s relationship was strong prior to her departure.
As noted by Bertrand above, though, Hawk may be the true key to winning Tory back heading intoCobra Kaiseason 6 part 2. Robby has certainly been wooed by Kreese’s manipulation in the past, though Hawk’s lack of major interactions with Tory in the past may make it easier for her to listen to some form of reason in breaking free of his influence and coming back to Miyagi-Do. However, with Kreese’s grip on Tory seemingly strong following her mother’s death, it may take more than just one person to win her back.
Cobra Kaiseason 6 part 2 premieres on Netflix on November 15, followed by a finale event in 2025.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
