Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 2 will be released on Netflix on Friday, November 15. This is a spoiler-free review for all five episodes.

With its heightened stakes, tournament setting, and roster of villains, the second third of Cobra Kai’s final season is more dynamic and intense than the cheerful tranquility of Part 1. Folly and cruelty are nicely balanced here as the elite of Miyagi-Do (and Devon ) to Barcelona to take part in a global tournament where teenagers can tear each other apart. It’s a fun flurry of fists and kicks that, despite being the middle five of a 15-episode season, has big season finale vibes, complete with a signature “everyone was fighting kung fu” bookend.

These five episodes are very busy from a character perspective, but the Spanish setting and the constant pressure of elimination from the prestigious Sekai Taikai competition keeps everything tight. There are separations, reconciliations, reconciliations and redemptions, all while introducing some new faces to the fold – a bold move for a final season, but also inescapable given the story. Despite a huge ensemble and countless stories to tell, Cobra Kai still feels in control of its destiny and is very aware of its priorities.

While some previous villains move into neutral (or even friendly) territory (Cobra Kai’s coolest MO), a new set of sinister nogoodniks enter the fray. Lewis Tan’s brutal Sensei Wolf, Rayna Vallandingham’s arrogant influencer Zara, Brandon H. Lee’s violent hothead Kwon, and several international teams (one of which is co-led by AEW’s own Britt Baker, DMD) are starting to pose a bigger threat than Cobra Kai. The titular dojo almost becomes a peripheral obstacle at times, despite Johnny’s obsession with taking down Kreese (Martin Kove) and Tory’s decision to join Cobra Kai’s new flock and fight her found family.

Tory’s story remains a highlight, and in Part 2 we see how her decision affects Robby (Tanner Buchanan), and how Robby’s exploits in the Sekai Taikai trickle down to his already feuding teammates. It nicely stokes the flames of Miyagi-Do’s self-sabotaging tendencies, which then leads to an extremely satisfying recovery and comeback. No one can beat Miyagi-Do into the dirt like Miyagi-Do himself, whether it’s the naivety and/or buffoonery of Senseis Daniel (Ralph Macchio), Johnny (William Zabka) and Chozen (Yuji Okumoto), or the short-sighted choices that young people make. Everyone has to to make the actual mistake of learning from the mistake – advice is rarely taken to heart by this bunch, but after five hours and the change we know it will all lead to a satisfying finish.

Although Cobra Kai boasted the return of both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, this actually all started as Johnny’s story. Seeing things from his perspective and investing in his pursuit of a better life was our ‘in’ back in this world, so it’s always great when the show still gives itself space to explore how he comes to terms with his new vulnerabilities. Johnny and Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) continue to bond throughout these five episodes over a fear that shakes them both to their core and momentarily takes them out of the Sekai Taikai. At first glance, it may seem like this melting pot is just designed to spark meaningful conversation, but as with most things about Cobra Kai, it sets off a chain that goes much further, including closure at the Kenny/Anthony /Devon Front. which in turn also helps the rift between Hawk and Demitri. It contains little to no fat.

It was a smart idea to present the Sekai Taikai now, in the middle of Season 6. First of all, it would be a stretch to wait until the last five episodes since this is a super big season. This is the natural place for the tournament given the usual length of Cobra Kai seasons. Second, these five episodes feature more characters than ever before, and the show needs the final five chapters to sort out Episode 10’s cliffhanger and wrap up the series as a whole. That wouldn’t have been possible if the international karate elimination competition had been saved for the real purpose. It also makes for Cobra Kai’s most action-packed run yet, with everything from one-on-one matches to pro-wrestling-inspired tests like tag team battles and Royal Rumble-style elimination battles.

And for fans eager to see returning faces from the past, let me just say that we get to see one of the most obscure draws yet. One that was so niche that I laughed out loud. Yes, there is a great white whale in the form of The Next Karate Kid’s Hilary Swank, so this particular “return” almost felt like a hilarious bit of audience contempt.

Part 2 of Season 6 features all the silliness and righteousness that makes Cobra Kai great, while using Daniel’s investigation into Mr. Miyagi’s secret past as the anchor story that will carry us to the end. Johnny is now Miyagi-Do through and through, so the Miyagi-ness of it all will most likely be the big landing spot for the series. We just have to suffer Daniel’s outrage at what he felt was a huge disrespect of Miyagi. His mentor didn’t tell him everything about his entire life – and it was never his right to know anyway. It’s a nasty path for Daniel because it distracts him from some really important things, and leaves him susceptible to mind games. But by the end of these five episodes, he starts to take a big step when it comes to his dependence on all things Miyagi.