“Many of us used to be enemies, but rivalries don’t last forever,” claims Daniel-san at the start of the new teaser. We knew at the end of season 3 that the Miyagi-Do Dojo was going to unite with the Eagle Fang Dojo in hopes that their combined forces will be enough to defeat Cobra Kai. Daniel delivered his questionably legal crane kick to Johnny’s face at the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament in the original film The Karate Kid. Cobra Kai has been masterfully tucking its Easter eggs in plain sight throughout the series and for season 4 has set this as the arena for the next clash between the Valley’s rival Dojos. Throughout season 3, Daniel and Johnny tested a truce, first in episode 2 when they fight side-by-side in search of Robby (Tanner Buchanan) and again towards the end when they have dinner together with Ali (Elizabeth Shue) at the Encino Oaks Country Club. From those interactions, Daniel and Johnny established that they can be frenemies, setting up the ultimate ‘buddy film’ chemistry for the upcoming season. Already in the teaser, the inevitable conflict between Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang tactics are playing out on comic proportions. The new teaser also reiterates the return of Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), the original owner of the Cobra Kai Dojo and sponsor of the 1985 All Valley Tournament. This was foreshadowed in season 3 with a well-played red herring in the Kreese Vietnam flashback arc with Ponytail (Seth Kemp). Just like Steven Seagal, Silver is known for his ponytail, but in ‘Nam flashback, young Silver (Nick Marini) had yet to adopt the hairstyle affectation. Now we know it is in honor of his fallen comrade. Last May, in the wake of season 3, Netflix released the teaser “Terry Silver Returns”, which also focused on that signature ponytail. The other tantalizing clue in the new teaser is Kreese annoying Amanda (Courtney Henggeler). She has been the voice of reason throughout Cobra Kai, a strangely sober counterpoint to her husband Daniel despite all the wine she drinks. However, Kreese has managed to get under her skin in season 3. As a master manipulator, he has learned how to push Amanda’s buttons, triggering her mama bear instincts when it comes to protecting Sam (Mary Mouser) and making her do something rash and regrettable. Whatever may come in season 4, we know it’s not the end. Cobra Kai season 5 is starting production in Atlanta this fall. Cobra Kai season 4 comes to Netflix on December 31, 2021.
