Cobra Kai 4×03 “Then Learn Fly” is about finding balance, which is basically the running theme of the first three episodes of the season. Daniel and Johnny spent three seasons comfortable in their own respective high horses, but that’s all over now. Season 4 is about working together, and perhaps, considering the deeper reasons why they never got along, which makes for interesting storytelling. The two of them working together isn’t what works for us, the viewers. Or at least it’s not the only thing that does. Instead, we’re here for the adjustments that need to be made for the relationship to work.
After all, the bromance possibilities were always this show’s main draw.
But Cobra Kai doesn’t just work because of the bromance, and it worked for a while before the bromance even got to a place where it could be called that. And Cobra Kai 4×03 “Then Learn Fly” is a great example of why. Johnny and Daniel will be frenemies forever, and maybe they’ll get along, maybe they won’t, surely their issues will come back to cause more trouble, but they’re not required to carry the entire weight of this show on their shoulders.
They never have been.
Instead, it’s the kids that carry the storytelling burden, and it’s the kids who have many more avenues to explore. This episode, for example, does a really good job of juxtaposing Miguel and Sam’s possible futures, and what that might mean for their relationship going forward. Because there’s no sugarcoating it, things are different for them. And yes, the money issue and Sam’s inherent privilege might tear them apart, or it might not. But one thing is for sure – they’re gonna have to deal with it.
And, unlike Johnny and Daniel, they’re probably going to have to do that sooner rather than later. Which, I will say, Cobra Kai 4×03 “Then Learn Fly” once again proves that even though Daniel’s annoying at times, he’s got a much better head on his shoulders than Johnny. Jump from one building to the other, seriously? Sam was right to treat you like you were insane, Johnny. And even if she ended up doing it, that says more about the journey Sam is taking than it says about your teaching methods, okay.
Next time pick something they can actually do. You know, like Daniel did. Also, something that isn’t likely to permanently injure them. That’d be nice too.
Despite the level of absurdity in Johnny’s training methods, the biggest takeaway in this episode was that something’s going on with Sam, and it’s probably not going to end well. Something’s going on with Robby, too. Except that’ll probably end where it needs to end, with Robby realizing he isn’t cut for the Kreese style of Cobra Kai.
He never has been.
Robby’s a good kid, not so deep down. We didn’t really need any more proof of that, but his interactions with Kenny in this episode serve as a reminder that, despite some bad choices, we aren’t the worst choices we make. If Johnny can be given the benefit of the doubt, so should Robby. And so should Sam, whenever she makes the inevitable mistake.
All you need is to try to do better. Which is basically why, at this point, it’s hard to even consider another path than the one Tory is on. She hasn’t asked for anything differently. And let’s not even go into Anthony’s issues. Daniel and Amanda should really be paying more attention to him. Too many kids have been ruined by inattention in this show, let’s not add to the list, okay?
That was just wishful thinking. Of course we’re adding to the list, this is a TV show. Just as we’re apparently bringing back the worst version of Terry Silver. I barely cared about in the movies and cannot really make myself care about now. But I guess nostalgia is alive in well in every respect, and that means …bring on Silver, and just about everyone else who appeared in those movies.
I’m still watching, and though I’m not watching for that, I don’t anticipate I will stop anytime soon. This season — and this show — is just getting good.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Cobra Kai 4×03 “Then Learn Fly”? Share with us in the comments below!
Cobra Kai season 4 is available to stream on Netflix.
