Cobra Kai: Ranking Every Character Worst To Best
2. Miguel Diaz
Miguel has big shoes to fill as the new Cobra Kai’s inaugural student. Despite his sensei, Johnny Lawrence, learning largely on the fly, Miguel is a quick study, dropping bullies like yesterday’s headlines in no time flat. Not bad for a karate neophyte!
His newfound confidence is encouraging, and Miguel even channels his swagger into a budding romance with Samantha LaRusso, that is until a series of misunderstandings tears them apart. He also hits her, which, accident or not, is a monstrous deal-breaker. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Miguel has his share of flaws, but his loyalty to Johnny, who becomes a surrogate father to him, is deeply moving. He’s also sharp enough to see the shortcomings of Cobra Kai’s “no mercy” philosophy, thanks in no small part to Johnny’s own softening approach. Miguel and Johnny improve each other, and we’re all the better for it.
Cobra Kai's tender moments where Miguel and Johnny open up to each other are what make this show so addictive. From them talking about the pitfalls of dating to sharing in each other’s successes and failures, Miguel and Johnny develop a beautiful relationship. We could watch them cruise Los Angeles while listening to AC/DC for days. Let’s maybe ease up on the underage drinking, though.