Cobra Kai is set to deliver a deeply emotional finale, as revealed by composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg. This acclaimed series, which made its debut in May 2018, continues the legacy of the Karate Kid franchise, unfolding 34 years after the original film. It chronicles the tumultuous relationship between rivals Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence as they vie for control of karate in their community. Fans can anticipate the third and final installment of Season 6 on Netflix, scheduled for early 2025 following part 1 in July 2024 and part 2 in November 2024.
In a recent conversation with Screen Rant, Robinson and Birenberg shared their insights on the emotional weight of the series’ concluding episodes. They reflected on their personal and professional growth throughout the series and hinted at the poignant moments awaiting viewers.
Zach Robinson: It contributed a lot. We have a lot of creative fulfillment from this show. Personally, I look at what we just wrote in season 6, I think about where I was at as a composer when we started season 1, and if you showed me the fights we had to do in season 6 seven years ago, I would’ve crumbled up into a ball and been like, “I’m not the person for this show.” I don’t know if I’d be able to look at it and feel the same type of confidence that I have now.
Not just confidence, but excitement. I’m not going to lie, it was pretty intimidating to watch those last 15 minutes of season 6, episode 10, but I think we have grown so much as just composers and our writing has gotten better because this show has consistently pushed us every single year. You can’t say that about a lot of projects that you work on.
We’ve done a lot of self-reflecting on this show, and we’re doing a lot of it now because we’re doing more interviews and it’s coming to an end. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a blessing to be able to start something from the beginning, see it to its end, and have it be such a ginormous part of your life.
We feel honored and really grateful that we were able to work with partners and collaborators who not only encouraged us to do our best work but let us be as creatively fulfilled as we could possibly be. We are not leaving anything on the mat here, and it’s sad to walk away from it. We love all the other projects we work on and they all have a special place in our hearts, but this show was a big deal for us, so it’s definitely hard to say bye.
Leo Birenberg: That was very, very well put. Our growth as composers, I think, really mirrored the growth of the show. Another element of that is our confidence in our own abilities and taste. Back in 2017 when we started… we were talented guys back then, but I didn’t quite have the confidence to look at a project and be like, “Bam. This is exactly what this needs, and I know how to do it.”
And it’s not even just that macro level thing—it’s smaller things, like, “I know exactly what I want this to sound like, and I know how to crack that formula,” whether it’s something with the way the drums sound or something in the mix. We got so many reps on the show. It’s wall-to-wall music for 65 straight episodes. I think we really fine-tuned our abilities—our wax on, wax off. This was that for us. Moving forward, I think we feel really confident in how we approach these things dramatically, sonically, and musically. There are lessons there we can take through our whole lives, as Daniel might say.
Zach Robinson: There’s stuff in the next block where we got really emotional writing it because it kind of mirrors our own journeys on this show—the growth and the experience and stuff. It’s for sure an emotional last five, I will say that.
Implications for Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3
Character Arcs Resolution and Healing
While the overarching storyline for the concluding episodes remains uncertain, it is evident that the repercussions of Kwon’s death in Season 6 Part 2 will loom large. Other critical narrative threads are expected to finally come together, including Johnny’s ongoing struggle with Kreese, the pursuit of justice against Terry Silver, Daniel’s acceptance of Mr. Miyagi’s legacy, and the quest for the younger characters to unite in peace. The strategic use of music will undoubtedly enhance the emotional depth and narrative trajectory of these pivotal moments.
The show’s evolution has allowed it to transcend its original premise, with the musical score playing an instrumental role in this transformation. Robinson and Birenberg’s compositions are essential to the fabric of the series, and their contributions are likely to provide an enriching backdrop to the final episodes, adding layers to the audience’s emotional experience.
Reflecting on Cobra Kai’s Conclusion
Anticipation for a Memorable Musical Finale
Cobra Kai consistently showcases its love for pop culture, necessitating a powerful and unforgettable score. The forthcoming episodes face the challenge of not only delivering closure following Kwon’s tragic cliffhanger but also unifying the characters amidst their adversity. It seems likely that the tournament aspect will yield to deeper character development, ultimately supported by a striking and evocative soundtrack, solidifying Cobra Kai as a cherished modern classic in pop culture.
Mark your calendars for February 13, when Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3 will be available on Netflix.
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