What makes Cobra Kai so appealing to viewers has been its ability to touch on real subjects that kids today are scared to talk about. What the original film and now Cobra Kai has taught its fans is that not everyone is perfect. Each character of Cobra Kai has had their moments where they shine and others where their weakness are put on blast.
No matter which character a fan may choose as their favorite, no one on the show has survived through three seasons perceived as perfect. From Daniel and Johnny all the way to Miguel and even Sam, they all have their good and bad moments on Cobra Kai.
Daniel LaRusso
Flaw: The Past
Daniel LaRusso cannot let go of the past. It doesn't matter which version fans want to believe, the truth is, Daniel is stuck in a time where he's still playing the role of the victim. In order for his character to show true growth, he must deal with his demons and defeat them. The problem is, he still thinks Johnny is the problem, when in fact, it's him.
Redeeming: Mr. Miyagi
Daniel is a lot like Mr. Miyagi more than he may ever know. What drew Daniel to Miyagi was not that either was looking for a father and son type of relationship, it was one who needed help and the other was looking for someone to help. This is Daniel now. He wants to save people the same way Mr. Miyagi saved him.
Johnny Lawrence
Flaw: The Past
Johnny and Daniel both suffer from their own demons. Neither of the two can seem to let go of the past and that's what's hurting their character's growth. Maybe now with the fallout from the Season 3 finale, Johnny can begin his own healing process. Kreese is a thorn and his yearning for Ali was also holding him back.
Redeeming: Regret
In the original Karate Kid film, Johhny was a bully. Now, Johnny may be the most well-liked character. He cares for Miguel and wants a relationship with his son Robbie. He regrets his past decisions which in turn, forced fans to view him differently.
Miguel Diaz
Flaw: No Real Identity
Even as a young kid, Miguel's biggest flaw is his desire to want to fit in. Much like Daniel in the original movies, he was the new kid who wanted to be with the in-crowd. He didn't fit, but that burning desire is still there. The majority of his actions in the three seasons are based on Miguel still searching for his identity.
Redeeming: Heart
While he has not found the path he seeks, Miguel has a heart of gold. Johnny tried to teach him no mercy but Miguel always seemed to fight against that. How many young kids can be paralyzed in a hospital bed and still see the shining light at the end of the tunnel?
Robbie Keene
Flaw: The Blame Game
Robbie can be a good kid good if he can just stay out of his own way. Being abandoned by his father and mother caused Robbie to see things differently. He makes awful decisions and looks to blame others for his mistakes. Being on his own has not taught him the lessons he needs out in the real world. He takes no responsibility for his actions.
Redeeming: Willing
Robbie just wants to be loved. And as viewers seen in the first two seasons, that if he gets that, his life is more meaningful. Despite the absence of his parents, Robbie made a way for himself. He wants to do right, he just needs to be shown the proper way to get it done.
Samantha LaRusso
Flaw: Confusion
Sam is a confused character. One minute she wants to be with the in-crowd and the next, she's with the nerds. She's still tired to keep things civil but doesn't understand, that in high school, sides are taken. And her love life is much of the same. She's gone from Miguel to Robbie and now back to Miguel.
Redeeming: Leader
Sam, even as confused as she is, she understands that she's looked upon as a leader. Despite Daniel being her father, everyone within Miyagi-Do looks to Sam as their leader. She carries it well except for one instance where she didn't help Demetri.
Tory Nichols
Flaw: Anger
Tory is full of anger. And for that, she can't see straight. Her storyline in Cobra Kai always seemed incomplete until Season 3 when it was revealed that she's under plenty of pressure and responsibilities. Her anger is shown in her fighting style as she does have that no mercy approach.
Redeeming: Heart
Her feelings for Miguel are pure. Tory just wanted to belong somewhere and John Kreese took advantage of that. Her hatred for Sam is caused by emotions that shows that she does have a heart under that rage. Tory, despite being a child still works two jobs and takes care of her family.
Amanda LaRusso
Flaw: Quiet
Up until Season 3, Amanda's biggest flaw was that she came off as a little soft. Daniel was making major decisions for him, the family, and the business, and Amanda just took a huge portion of that and shrugged it off. It seems the writers recognized that and gave her a more solid foundation in Season 3 with her confrontation with Kreese.
Redeeming: Protective
For Amanda, it's all about the business and family. While often playing the background, Amanda came off as a lesser role to Daniel in the family. But the truth is, while Daniel was off bringing Miyagi-Do back, it was Amanda taking care of the home and the business.
John Kreese
Flaw: Vengeance
John Kreese is the enemy. No matter how Season 3 tried to swing it, he's evil. He has no mercy for anything and while he may have been bullied coming up, he still made the choice to remain that way when he easily could have changed. Kreese is manipulative and uses kids to do his dirty work.
Redeeming: Hope
Even with his evil ways, Kreese has a soft spot for Johnny. Despite Johnny turning him down numerous times, Kreese keeps coming back and offering chances. He has a soft spot in his heart, it's just buried deep down under that anger.
Demetri
Flaw: His Mouth
Demetri doesn't know when to shut up. It's cool being one of the smartest kids in the neighborhood but awful when you have to show that every chance you get. His biggest life lessons in Cobra Kai has been a result of him running off at the mouth to someone.
Redeeming: Morals
He may talk too much and still is a little timid but Demetri is still himself to his core. He wanted to be a part of Cobra Kai but his morals would not let him. He's a good kid and that has not changed despite the constant physical and mental abuse from his peers.
Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz
Flaw: Chip On His Shoulder
Eli still walks around with a chip on his shoulder from his earlier days when he was bullied. While that was the driving force for him in the first two seasons, it quickly became his biggest weakness in Season 3 before the sudden change.
Redeeming: Change
Despite his arrogance and chip, Eli proved that he still had a heart. He learned to fight the peer pressure that he put on himself and did the right thing in the end. Not a bad guy despite his actions, Eli had to understand where he came from and how to get back there.