Cobra Kai 3×03 is aptly titled “Now You’re Gonna Pay,” and if we’re being honest, it could apply to so many people. Robby’s now in jail after last episode’s shenanigans – and honestly, a part of me is kinda sad they tracked him down so quickly, because all I want is Daniel and Johnny working together – and honestly, we all figured he was going to end up here at some point in the season. Miguel might not walk again, so it feels like Robby deserves some punishment. And not punishment for the sake of punishment, no. Robby needs a lesson.
The problem is I’m not exactly sure this is the way for Robby to learn the lesson he needs to.
Of course, the issue with Robby is that, like his father, he’s typically one step forward, three steps back. Or, like, five? Seven? I appreciate him trying not to get into fights, and I appreciate him trying to stick to the whole “karate is about defense” thing, but that’s just not sustainable in jail, is it?
He’s also mad at absolutely everything. The world, his father, Daniel, the world? And I don’t want to jinx it here, but it feels like we’re moving towards the inevitable someone’s gonna take advantage of that, and it’s gonna be Kreese, right? Ugh, I’m already facepalming. It also feels like with him in jail and considering Sam’s face last time she saw him, we’re moving away from that romance, and maybe back to Sam and Miguel? I’m not sure I would mind that.
But enough about Robby, let’s focus on Miguel, who we all know will probably walk again by sheer willpower and because I’m pretty sure he will have the one thing Robby has never truly had: Johnny Lawrence in his corner. And this isn’t really me trying to dunk on Johnny, he is trying, it’s just that Robby wouldn’t be wrong to point out that he has always tried more with Miguel than he has with him.
From the beginning. Consistently.
He even went to talk to Sid! If that doesn’t prove Johnny really and truly cares about Miguel, then I don’t know what does. He put Miguel’s welfare over his pride, and for Johnny Lawrence, there is no bigger thing.
And to be honest, Miguel needs him. Miguel isn’t the kid who’s had everything, despite Robby hating him because, to him, it feels like Miguel got the girl and the dad he wanted, that he deserved. Miguel is a poor kid who had absolutely nothing, barely any friends, no self-confidence, and no father figure, until Johnny Lawrence came into his life. And just like he helped Johnny find the best parts of himself, Johnny has also helped Miguel do the same.
It’s not fair on Robby, it isn’t, but caring for someone else doesn’t – shouldn’t take away from Johnny’s relationship with Robby. Of course, we know that, in practice, it has, but things aren’t as black and white as Robby sees them. Thankfully this is only episode 3, and with still a lot of the season to go, and one more season assured, we can only hope at some point, Robby realizes the one lesson Daniel and Johnny have still not truly learned.
Things aren’t always black and white. There are no good guys and bad guys in life, and even if you end up being one of the two at one point, that doesn’t mean you have to remain that for the rest of your life. People can always change, evolve, mature. Nothing remains static, not unless you want it to.
And it’s never too late to become a better person.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Cobra Kai 3×03 “Now You’re Gonna Pay”? Share with us in the comments below!
Cobra Kai season 3 is available to stream on Netflix.
