OMG this episode brought tears to my eyes. The reunion with Kumiko & the flashbacks to the 2nd movie. Wonderfully done, and well edited. This is the proper sequel to the 2nd movie, not the rubbish 3rd movie we actually got.
18 Reviews
Beautiful nostalgia... a wonderful ode to The Karate Kid
joebloggscity14 January 2021
This episode is very special. I love the original movie, and when a kid was taken to the cinema as celebration with a friend to see The Karate Kid Part II which at that age I utterly loved. In reflection it may not have the gravitas of the original, but is still a kind wonderful film.
The main crux was the characters, and this episode perfectly recaptures what melted the hearts of all the viewers at the time. Kumiko & Daniel were a wonderful young couple in love, with Miyagi & the Okinawa locals adding further colour.
This episode is in three parts, and it's the section in Japan that concentrates on the good side of The Karate Kid Part II that will strike you most. Kumiko & Daniel look as wonderful together as ever, and I was in love with them all again. It was so touching to hear the Miyagi letter being read out loud which melted everyone's hearts.
Back in the US, there are steps forward and retreats over the stories but things are heating up. Seeing a slight reunion between Jonny & Miguel (and his family) is great to see, but so much more to go.
This is a wonderful episode, I can't speak highly enough of it. It will likely most touch those of an age who first saw the films a generation or so ago, and are now seeing it continue. Cobra Kai has been wonderful to date, and is a lesson for all scriptwriters on nostalgia & respect. I hope we see the story continue again in Japan in future episodes.
Arregato Daniel-san and Kumiko.
The main crux was the characters, and this episode perfectly recaptures what melted the hearts of all the viewers at the time. Kumiko & Daniel were a wonderful young couple in love, with Miyagi & the Okinawa locals adding further colour.
This episode is in three parts, and it's the section in Japan that concentrates on the good side of The Karate Kid Part II that will strike you most. Kumiko & Daniel look as wonderful together as ever, and I was in love with them all again. It was so touching to hear the Miyagi letter being read out loud which melted everyone's hearts.
Back in the US, there are steps forward and retreats over the stories but things are heating up. Seeing a slight reunion between Jonny & Miguel (and his family) is great to see, but so much more to go.
This is a wonderful episode, I can't speak highly enough of it. It will likely most touch those of an age who first saw the films a generation or so ago, and are now seeing it continue. Cobra Kai has been wonderful to date, and is a lesson for all scriptwriters on nostalgia & respect. I hope we see the story continue again in Japan in future episodes.
Arregato Daniel-san and Kumiko.
Things Turn Around - Because It's Episode 4
Gislef5 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After the pit of despair for Daniel and Johnny, that episode 3 was, things start to turn around. Not entirely, because it's episode 4 out of 10. Chozen confronts Daniel, and Miguel doesn't miraculously walk after Johnny's "inspirational" speech. But things are looking up!
Daniel returns to Tomi, and cue the wayback machine. We get flashbacks to 'The Karate Kid II', and Tamlyn Tomita shows up as an older Kumiko, She reads a letter a dying Miyagi wrote to her mother and his sweetheart, Yukie.
Meanwhile, Kreese has a heart-to-heart with Johnny in a bar, saying that he always tried to do right by him. Of course, Kreese believes in "tough love", so this comes across as both sincere and generally creepy. And Martin Kove is one of those actors who is always good.
The third leg of the triangle is the two rival groups of students, who take their frustrations out on the soccer field at school. This is probably the most interesting of the three plots, mainly because the characters are relatively fresh and new. Sam doesn't get much to do, but Hawk and Demetri stick the knives in each other. And Decenzo and Bertrand are good as the friends turned bitter enemies. Yes, I know they'll come around eventually.
And I do like the production staff's commentary on modern day schools Even if it's exaggerated a bit. Hawk and his thugs get off, when Demetri is standing right there with a bloody nose. Uh-huh. But there's a cute contrast between modern-day school discipline, and Blatt insisting on giving Sam an extra week of "rehabilitative detention". As if Blatt doesn't know how else to deal with the situation.
And you kinda wonder where the kids' parents are. I suppose Demetri and Hawk's parents are going to remain non-entities, but where's Amanda?
Overall, "The Right Path" is a decent "things are looking up" episode. It doesn't entirely clear the board: Kreese and to a lesser degree Chozen are still out there. And the average viewer will probably be bored with Daniel's trip to Japan, since it relies heavily on the nostalgia factor (And the in-jokes! Like references to the Cranberries and racks of ice.) But if you're willing to put up with that, Macchio still manages to come through when Kumiko reads Miyagi's last letter to Daniel-san. One wishes Pat Morita was still alive.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
Daniel returns to Tomi, and cue the wayback machine. We get flashbacks to 'The Karate Kid II', and Tamlyn Tomita shows up as an older Kumiko, She reads a letter a dying Miyagi wrote to her mother and his sweetheart, Yukie.
Meanwhile, Kreese has a heart-to-heart with Johnny in a bar, saying that he always tried to do right by him. Of course, Kreese believes in "tough love", so this comes across as both sincere and generally creepy. And Martin Kove is one of those actors who is always good.
The third leg of the triangle is the two rival groups of students, who take their frustrations out on the soccer field at school. This is probably the most interesting of the three plots, mainly because the characters are relatively fresh and new. Sam doesn't get much to do, but Hawk and Demetri stick the knives in each other. And Decenzo and Bertrand are good as the friends turned bitter enemies. Yes, I know they'll come around eventually.
And I do like the production staff's commentary on modern day schools Even if it's exaggerated a bit. Hawk and his thugs get off, when Demetri is standing right there with a bloody nose. Uh-huh. But there's a cute contrast between modern-day school discipline, and Blatt insisting on giving Sam an extra week of "rehabilitative detention". As if Blatt doesn't know how else to deal with the situation.
And you kinda wonder where the kids' parents are. I suppose Demetri and Hawk's parents are going to remain non-entities, but where's Amanda?
Overall, "The Right Path" is a decent "things are looking up" episode. It doesn't entirely clear the board: Kreese and to a lesser degree Chozen are still out there. And the average viewer will probably be bored with Daniel's trip to Japan, since it relies heavily on the nostalgia factor (And the in-jokes! Like references to the Cranberries and racks of ice.) But if you're willing to put up with that, Macchio still manages to come through when Kumiko reads Miyagi's last letter to Daniel-san. One wishes Pat Morita was still alive.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
Omg my childhood
brandonrhewitt1 January 2021
This episode gave me a nostalgic feeling and I respect all the cast and crew for bringing this show together it really has made me so happy. So far the over a year i have been waiting for season 3 has been worth it.
Throwbacks
kathye19856 January 2021
WOW!
deanbeckton2 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Growing up with The Karate Kid movies, and having The Karate Kid Part II being my personal favorite, it's probably safe to say my review of this episode could be a little bias.
Disheartened after the business meeting in Tokyo doesn't work out, Daniel is inspired to head to Okinawa in search of, something, even he doesn't know what.
I love the sense of bewilderment and wonder when he discovers Tomi Village is not the same place it used to be. Then we see Kumiko. WOW!
Kumiko is on a small stage, her back is to the crowd along with some other dancers. When she turns around and Daniel see's her face, honestly, that right there, that is how it's done, perfect, absolutely perfect.
Tamlyn Tomita is as beautiful as ever and her smile is truly breathtaking.
The Okinawa scenes are peppered in between what's happening back in Los Angeles, so we get some more tension building with the younger characters at school, which is done to great effect.
Johnny manages to alienate himself further from Robby when he makes a visit to him. It really seems like there's no one who can help Robby, then Kreese pays him a visit.
The real gut punch of the episode however, is the brilliant scene between Daniel and Kumiko where she shows him a box of letters Mr Miyagi had sent to her Aunt, over the course of many years. There is one dated just before Mr Miyagi passed away, and Kumiko offers to read it to Daniel. It's incredibly moving and the two put in fantastic performances. I was blown away.
The episode ends with Daniel and Kumiko at a bar, there's a cute moment when their hands touch by accident, but then Chozen walks in and calls out to Daniel. Fantastic.
Dream come true
tmeshram-852605 January 2021
Hats off for the cast and crew
minnepinne6 January 2021
The absolutely best episode of the series!!!
robin-5036217 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Of the Karate Kid movies, Karate Kid 2 was my favorite. Having Daniel-San travel to Okinawa and meet with Komikko, brought tears to my eyes. In my dreams, I always wanted Daniel-San and Komikko to go off into the sunset together, but this is the next best thing.
Some fan service for the Karatekid fans!
moritzherz4 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
T H E R I G H T P A T H
This episode was clearly made to satisfy the fans of the original karate kid films. Many flashbacks and old characters come back in this episode. But even if you did not watch the original movies (like me) it was great.
But also the relationship between John Lawrence and Miguel is back, John now tries to help Miguel to walk again. I am looking forward to see some crazy stuff their doing together.
But behind all that John Kreese continues to build his Cobra Kai empire, he even visits Robbie in jail and Lawrence. But luckily he couldn't turn them on his side.
A very good episode.
7 out of 10
G R E A T.
This episode was clearly made to satisfy the fans of the original karate kid films. Many flashbacks and old characters come back in this episode. But even if you did not watch the original movies (like me) it was great.
But also the relationship between John Lawrence and Miguel is back, John now tries to help Miguel to walk again. I am looking forward to see some crazy stuff their doing together.
But behind all that John Kreese continues to build his Cobra Kai empire, he even visits Robbie in jail and Lawrence. But luckily he couldn't turn them on his side.
A very good episode.
7 out of 10
G R E A T.
Finally, we get some Miyagi magic!
joetulgan4 January 2021
I'm starting to speed through the kids rivalry scenes.
Steve_Holt_1 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Japanese trip felt like an excuse to bring in some more connections to the original movies, and it probably was, but it was really cool for Daniel to be able to have that connection to Mr. Miyagi again. I really hope this helps level out Daniels's character going forward.
Dimitri once again reinforces the fact that he has no character or integrity. Sam may be acting out, but at least she was acting real. Dimitri immediately separates himself from her. He's on no one's side but his own. Just like he was never on Eli or Miguel's side.
Kumiko may be an older lady now, but she's still beautiful and it was fun to see her.
The very last scene of the show was classic hilarious fun.
Dimitri once again reinforces the fact that he has no character or integrity. Sam may be acting out, but at least she was acting real. Dimitri immediately separates himself from her. He's on no one's side but his own. Just like he was never on Eli or Miguel's side.
Kumiko may be an older lady now, but she's still beautiful and it was fun to see her.
The very last scene of the show was classic hilarious fun.
Wasted Opportunity
rainydayjapan3 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm going to buck popular opinion and say that I really disliked the whole Okinawa side trip that ran through a couple of episodes in season 3, beginning with this one.
The fact is, the whole Okinawan side trip was excruciatingly boring, but it didn't need to be.
They had a lot of emotionally charged material to work with here. I mean, you are reuniting two long lost lovers from opposite sides of the world who haven't seen each other in over 30 years. More importantly a large portion of the audience hadn't seen them together in over 30 years either. That whole romantic subplot from Karate Kid 2, cheesy though it seems in retrospect, still had some pull on our heart strings that the writers could have worked with. What will Daniel's long awaited reunion with Kumiko bring?
Nothing, it seems. There was a genuinely emotionally charged moment when the two first lay eyes on each other and a flicker of recognition appears on their faces.
Then they basically just engage in painfully emotionless, stilted dialogue with each other for the rest of Kumiko's appearances. In the end the only plot point she serves is to introduce him to Chozen and Yuna in the next episode and to give him some letters from Mr. Miyagi which don't really advance the story.
If they had been bolder, why not try to re-create some chemistry between the two of them? Tempt Daniel with a long lost flame and see where his character goes from there. Given the madly complex web of constantly fractured relationships which played out to some effect in Season 2 this would have given Kumiko's appearance some meaning to the overall story rather than just trying to shoehorn her in there somewhere so they could say they did it.
Part of the problem with this episode also goes towards a problem with the overall series. I hate to be unkind, but the fact is Ralph Macchio is not a very good actor. He just can't convey any emotion whatsoever.
This creates a strong contrast with William Zabka who can. When Zabka's character is angry, you feel angry for him. When Zabka's character is frustrated, you feel frustrated for him. When he is sad, you feel sad for him. And so on. He is good at conveying emotions in a way the audience connects with and, for me at least, this means the episodes focusing on Johnny are by far the best.
In contrast, episodes in which Daniel features prominently are almost always a drag because Macchio just can't convey any of that. When his character is supposed to be angry I just don't feel it from him. Or sad. Or happy. Or anything.
Basically his only acting setting seems to be "fatherly figure in a 1980s family sitcom". Which would be fine if this was a 1980s family sitcom. But it isn't. Its a comedy drama with an insane amount of drama in it. Most of the other actors can deliver, but Macchio just can't. The scenes with Kumiko in this episode really strike that home. He walks into this huge romantic reunion yet from the way he plays it you'd think he was just interacting with someone at the DMV.
Anyway I felt this was pretty disappointing. They really should have had Johnny go to Okinawa instead, his character would have had a much more interesting trip.
The fact is, the whole Okinawan side trip was excruciatingly boring, but it didn't need to be.
They had a lot of emotionally charged material to work with here. I mean, you are reuniting two long lost lovers from opposite sides of the world who haven't seen each other in over 30 years. More importantly a large portion of the audience hadn't seen them together in over 30 years either. That whole romantic subplot from Karate Kid 2, cheesy though it seems in retrospect, still had some pull on our heart strings that the writers could have worked with. What will Daniel's long awaited reunion with Kumiko bring?
Nothing, it seems. There was a genuinely emotionally charged moment when the two first lay eyes on each other and a flicker of recognition appears on their faces.
Then they basically just engage in painfully emotionless, stilted dialogue with each other for the rest of Kumiko's appearances. In the end the only plot point she serves is to introduce him to Chozen and Yuna in the next episode and to give him some letters from Mr. Miyagi which don't really advance the story.
If they had been bolder, why not try to re-create some chemistry between the two of them? Tempt Daniel with a long lost flame and see where his character goes from there. Given the madly complex web of constantly fractured relationships which played out to some effect in Season 2 this would have given Kumiko's appearance some meaning to the overall story rather than just trying to shoehorn her in there somewhere so they could say they did it.
Part of the problem with this episode also goes towards a problem with the overall series. I hate to be unkind, but the fact is Ralph Macchio is not a very good actor. He just can't convey any emotion whatsoever.
This creates a strong contrast with William Zabka who can. When Zabka's character is angry, you feel angry for him. When Zabka's character is frustrated, you feel frustrated for him. When he is sad, you feel sad for him. And so on. He is good at conveying emotions in a way the audience connects with and, for me at least, this means the episodes focusing on Johnny are by far the best.
In contrast, episodes in which Daniel features prominently are almost always a drag because Macchio just can't convey any of that. When his character is supposed to be angry I just don't feel it from him. Or sad. Or happy. Or anything.
Basically his only acting setting seems to be "fatherly figure in a 1980s family sitcom". Which would be fine if this was a 1980s family sitcom. But it isn't. Its a comedy drama with an insane amount of drama in it. Most of the other actors can deliver, but Macchio just can't. The scenes with Kumiko in this episode really strike that home. He walks into this huge romantic reunion yet from the way he plays it you'd think he was just interacting with someone at the DMV.
Anyway I felt this was pretty disappointing. They really should have had Johnny go to Okinawa instead, his character would have had a much more interesting trip.
in the feels
Calicodreamin19 January 2021
Amazing!
thecoolbonnie22 January 2021
wow Japan
cyroskristi11 January 2022
Wow Japan that finally one good thing that season 3 done right .
It's nice to the place after 30 years of the movies ...
wow Japan that finally one good thing that season 3 done right .
It's nice to the place after 30 years of the movies ...
It's nice to the place after 30 years of the movies ...
wow Japan that finally one good thing that season 3 done right .
It's nice to the place after 30 years of the movies ...
feelings
rikbuzatto12 January 2022
A good twist!
mm-3913 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A good twist the series was getting old with flat story lines> The Right Path changes direction as Danial has to to Japan, and meets an old foe. There is a re direction plot. What works is the needs to done? What is happening? How will Danial survive? Then we go back to Lawrence helping out the injured student which we followed in interest. The story follows too soap opera ish stroyline. But the Japanese plot twist keep brings new life for the series. 6 stars.
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