Cobra Kai: Ranking Every Character Worst To Best
5. Daniel LaRusso
New Jersey's finest, Daniel LaRusso, is living the Los Angeles dream when we cross paths with him in Cobra Kai. But success has dulled much of the audience's sympathy for him. Now enjoying a life of luxury and running a major car dealership, Daniel's not the easiest character to get behind.
Although The Karate Kid's original protagonist is still fun to watch, and Ralph Macchio does a wonderful job in connection his character to the classic films, there's something disturbing in seeing him conspire against a high school rival who can barely make rent. Daniel's obsession with Cobra Kai and distrust of Johnny Lawrence often borders on pettiness.
Yet Daniel's reverence for Mr. Miyagi is what saves him in Cobra Kai. It's emotional without feeling heavy-handed. Watching Daniel react to the callous theft of his sensei's World War II Medal of Honor is absolutely crushing, especially knowing the tragedy of Mr. Miyagi losing his wife and child during the Japanese internment. For a few fleeting moments, we feel the full measure of Daniel's righteous indignation at Cobra Kai.
There's also the unforgettable moment of Daniel spin kicking a bubble tea out of a rival car dealer's unsuspecting hand. Who's laughing now, chump?!