Cobra Kai

I didn't set out to watch Cobra Kai. In fact, my first reaction upon seeing the trailer for season one was to "cringe". It came across as a bad modern teen soap opera, that had hitched a ride with much older, martial arts franchise, from the 80's. Since then, I've been glad to have been proven "partly" wrong. Yes, it is a teen soap opera but enough of the original 80's Karate Kid films essence has rubbed off, making it moderately charming and watchable. Even to a wider, older audience. The re-emergence of original characters I remember as a teen, watching the original films, held my attention. Season one to four, sensibly builds upon the formula that made the original films so watchable. Sadly, season five is more preachy soap opera than karate action. The cheesy humour of the previous seasons, is mostly absent too.Indeed the tone is unsuitably lecturing and serious, which is, I feel a mistake. This franchise, even in its dark moments never took itself too seriously. Nor should it, given what is essentially the larger than life, almost comic book vibe, the whole thing has going on. In summary, season one to four is enjoyable. By contrast, season five seems to lack a clear sense of direction and worse still, doesn't seem to understand what it is, this franchise represents. I think maybe its time for this nostalgic joy ride, to get the "chop."