Top 10 Best Cobra Kai CallBacks and Easter Eggs

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John Kreese remains one of the most quotable characters in the “Karate Kid” lore. A lot of that has to do with actor Martin Kove’s delivery. Take a line such as, “I like that,” for example. Pretty straightforward, but listen to how Kove says it in the first film. Iconic! The line resurfaces with Kreese’s return in Season 2, although this time he says it to Johnny rather than Miyagi, suggesting that the former student and sensei will soon be on opposing sides. Kreese later repeats the line to Amanda, who expresses how much she dislikes that with a feisty slap. Kreese retaliates by declaring open season on the LaRussos and Daniel’s students. Another simple yet threatening line made classic by Kreese.

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Speaking of familiar lines, many quotes from the “Karate Kid” trilogy have inspired episode titles, some only hardcore fans will immediately recognize. The pilot is entitled “Ace Degenerate,” which Johnny was once described as. In that same scene, Johnny is instructed to “take a right,” the title of another episode. Johnny once told Daniel, “Now you’re gonna pay,” which is used for an episode where Daniel and Johnny are desperate for money. The title, “Cobra Kai Never Dies,” stems from Terry Silver in “Karate Kid Part III.” “The Moment of Truth” isn’t just an episode title, but the Survivor song synonymous with the franchise. The Season 3 finale, “December 19,” also alludes to the date that Daniel first fought in the All Valley Karate Tournament.

“All Valley”

In the original film, Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel about bonsai trees, planting the seeds for a beautiful friendship. This plays an even more essential role in the third film with the opening of Mr. Miyagi’s Little Trees. What’s more, the trees tie into Daniel’s falling out with Miyagi, their eventual reconciliation, and their relationship’s strong roots. When Daniel takes Robby under his wing in “Cobra Kai,” the two bond over bonsai trees. Like Miyagi before him, Daniel teaches Robby to “think only the tree.” Amanda advises her husband against convincing Robby to open a little tree store like Daniel and Miyagi did. Daniel still insists that going into the bonsai business was a worthwhile endeavor. If only it weren’t for Mike Barnes and Terry Silver.

“Miyagi-Do”

Miyagi establishes at the beginning of the second film that he could easily annihilate Kreese without even throwing a punch. While Miyagi is given the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow, he instead honks his opponent’s nose, which is far more humiliating for Kreese. Daniel finds himself in a similar situation during his climactic fight against Chozen, following his master’s peaceful example. Having a rematch decades later, Chozen gains the upper hand. Thankfully, Chozen is far less murder-y than he was during the anything-goes 80s. To Daniel’s surprise, Chozen has also mastered the art of nose squeezing. Daniel learns a fair deal from Chozen during his return to Japan, but Daniel taught his former enemy the meaning of mercy.

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Seeing how Miyagi taught Daniel, it makes sense that the OG Karate Kid would use the same methods while training the next generation. Like Miyagi, Daniel shows Robby the secret to punching while wearing catcher’s gear. Daniel helps Robby find balance on a collapsed tree, calling the iconic stump scene to mind. We also get montages of them training by the water and the inevitable “wax on, wax off” callback. Johnny, meanwhile, borrows from Kreese’s playbook, making Miguel do pushups on his knuckles. Miguel has to clean Johnny’s dojo as well. Unlike Miyagi, though, Johnny is only about the free labor. Too bad Johnny didn’t adopt the “wax on, wax off” technique, but maybe Miguel picked up some skills while scrubbing the toilet.

“December 19”

In “Karate Kid II,” it’s revealed that Daniel and Ali broke up at prom. Daniel is especially sour because Ali dumped him for a college football player and wrecked his beloved Ford Super De Luxe. At least, that’s what Daniel leads Miyagi to believe. The Ford resurfaces in “Cobra Kai” and so does Ali, once again played by Elisabeth Shue. Reuniting with Daniel, Ali sets the record straight. Ali claims that the football player was only a friend. She didn’t appreciate Daniel being so defensive and decided to egg him on. Ali also notes that she warned Daniel about the car’s brakes, suggesting that he was truly responsible for the crash. In typical “Cobra Kai” fashion, we get a fresh perspective that reveals Daniel’s errors.

“Mercy”

History is repeated at the 50th All Valley Championship, but in some instances, classic moments play out in reverse. This time around, Miguel takes down an opponent with the Crane, stealing the move that Daniel used to beat Johnny. Hawk pulls an illegal move that gets him disqualified and Robby injured. This is similar to what Bobby Brown did to Daniel. Where Bobby reluctantly followed Kreese’s orders, though, Hawk remorselessly acts alone and Johnny condemns his student. It appears Daniel may use Miyagi’s hand-rubbing technique to heal Robby, but he leaves it to the medical professionals. Although Robby returns to face Miguel, it’s Cobra Kai that emerges victorious this time. It’s like a reflection of the original, but the mirror is turned upside down.

“Miyagi-Do”

Coming out the same year as “Part III,” “The Karate Kid” animated series only lasted thirteen episodes. The plot followed Daniel and Miyagi traveling around the world to return a magical miniature shrine to its rightful place in Okinawa. Throughout the series, the shrine is used to brainwash people and do basically whatever the plot demands. We think we owe the Hillary Swank movie an apology because it deserves more credit than this ridiculous show. Like most fans, “Cobra Kai” co-creator Jon Hurwitz doesn’t consider the cartoon canon. However, they couldn’t resist sneaking in an Easter egg. While visiting Chozen’s dojo, Daniel notices several relics on display. One of them is the spitting image of the Miyagi-Do shrine. Does it possess magical properties too?

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

A Deleted Scene Gets Its Due

Remember When Daniel Met Freddy Fernandez?

Why Would You Want a Warm One When You Could Have a Cold One?

It’s More Than a Toy Drum

Miyagi-Do Brings the Ice, but Cobra Kai Brings the Fire

“Take a Right”
Actor Rob Garrison is best known for his performance as Tommy in the original “Karate Kid.” While Tommy has a few memorable quotes, nothing stacks up against, “Get him a body bag, yeah!” Garrison actually dubbed this unscripted line after shooting and Director John Avildsen knew it would be a classic. Although the line is darkly comedic, it takes on a tragic irony after watching “Cobra Kai.” Johnny reunites with his old buddies, as Tommy is dying from an illness. After spending the day reminiscing, Tommy passes away in his sleep. Tommy is last seen in a body bag before it’s zipped up. This twist is only made sadder knowing that Garrison passed away in September 2019, five months after this episode was released. It was his last acting role.