In episode 8 of Cobra Kai, prom night is here, and Samantha and Miguel are determined to enjoy the night. But, of course, things soon go sideways. Back home, Amanda and Daniel get a bit of a wakeup call about their parenting. Read on to find out what happens in “Party Time.”
Warning: Spoilers beyond this point.
The Cobra Kai Effect
The episode opens with the return of Raymond (aka Stingray), who now lives with his sister, does not get along with his neighbor, and still wants to be part of Cobra Kai. Speaking of, their next lesson is how to get inside an opponent’s head. They pair up, and Tory and Robby settle on prom. As they work, Ray shows up hoping to rejoin the dojo. Kreese refuses and sends him away.
At the LaRussos’, Daniel, his mother, Samantha, Amanda, Louie, and Louie’s sister Vanessa wait for Miguel, his grandmother, Carmen, and Johnny to arrive for prom photos. When Carmen and Johnny get home, Shannon is waiting for them. She tells Johnny that Terry approached her and told her how he helped Robby for prom. He also gave her cash and offered her a job. She doesn’t know his game, but she tells Johnny to deal with it.
Oh, What a Night
Prom is in full swing. Eli and Demetri aren’t having a great time, but Yasmine surprises Demetri, and Eli pines over Moon. Meanwhile, Samantha and Miguel are determined to enjoy themselves. Well… until Robby and Tory arrive. They show-off on the dance floor as Miguel and Samantha unhappily watch. In another area, Ray tells Bert to invite everyone to an after-party.
It’s party time. Ray’s neighbor angrily tells them to shut the party down. After humiliating Ray, Ray uses a few karate moves on his neighbor and the party continues. Samantha and Tory run into each other by the pool, and it doesn’t immediately go downhill. Then Tory mentions her deal with Amanda, which is enough to provoke Samantha into starting a fight. Miguel and Robby get involved, and it ends as they fall into the pool. Samantha is angry, but Robby and Tory really couldn’t care less. Their night ends on a high note.
Parenting Under Fire
Louie tells Daniel and Amanda that Vanessa can help them with Anthony. They don’t believe him until Vanessa offers a preliminary assessment. Vanessa talks with them about how they parent Anthony, making solid enough points that Amanda and Daniel become defensive. Afterwards, Daniel goes to talk with Anthony. He takes a softer approach until he discovers Anthony still has a tablet tucked away. Angry, Daniel takes it and breaks it. (Damn, Daniel.) The next morning, Daniel and Amanda see Anthony taking out the trash. He did take Daniel’s words to heart after all.
Back Where It All Began
Johnny goes to confront Terry, who watches via a security camera from home. He calls Johnny and gives him a location. The location in question? The original Cobra Kai dojo. While they wait for Johnny, Terry tells Kreese he wants to expand. When Johnny arrives, Terry begins to attack him. Kreese doesn’t seem thrilled about it, and Terry explains that if Johnny’s students see him beat up, they’ll lose hope.
After prom, Miguel goes to Johnny’s place and finds him lying on the floor, bruised and drunk. Miguel helps Johnny into bed. Before falling asleep, Johnny says that he wants to be there for Miguel, even if he sucks at it. Miguel thinks he’s doing okay and tells Johnny he loves him. Johnny says it back, but instead of saying Miguel’s name, he says Robby.
The episode ends as Ray again returns to the main Cobra Kai dojo. This time, he faces an intoxicated Terry, who beats the snot out of Ray.
Cobra Kai season 4 is streaming now on Netflix. Keep up with our season recaps here.
In this Cobra Kai episode, Daniel learns Anthony is dealing with bullying, only he doesn’t know the whole truth. Johnny and Miguel’s relationship also faces a shift while Terry and Kreese encounter their own increasing tension. Read on to find out what happens in “Minefields.”
Warning: Spoilers beyond this point.
Anthony’s Lie
Lia and Anthony catch up at school, and then she goes to talk with Kenny (much to Anthony’s annoyance). After gym class, Anthony steals Kenny’s clothes, including his Cobra Kai hoodie. At home, Daniel finds the hoodie. Anthony admits he took it from someone but claims the kid was messing with him. This prompts Daniel to bring Anthony to the dojo where he starts Anthony off with cleaning the cars for training. Daniel returns and finds out Anthony paid someone else to do it. When they’ve both cooled off, Daniel shares a memory about Mr. Miyagi regarding Anthony, whose guilt is written across his face. He tells Daniel he’ll handle the kid.
Miguel Learns the Truth
Johnny goes to pick up Miguel for class. Miguel leaves the room which gives Carmen and Johnny a minute to make a plan to tell Miguel. But Miguel finds Johnny’s headband and asks about it. Carmen and Johnny come clean, and for now, Miguel is cool about it. During class, though, Johnny treats Miguel noticeably different as he trains Devon and the rest of the Eagle Fangs. That night, Miguel points out how weird Johnny is being and that he’s not really okay after all.
Johnny finds Miguel at school and brings him to the warehouse. He admits he doesn’t know what he’s doing because of he didn’t with Robby. Johnny continues opening up to Miguel, sharing why he wasn’t there for Robby and his own issues with his father. He doesn’t want to make the same mistake with Miguel. Miguel says it’s still a little weird but wants Johnny to keep being his sensei. Johnny then tells Miguel he’s going to teach a new kick called the flying tornado to beat Cobra Kai. A few moments later, Samantha joins them. She still wants to learn both styles.
The Real Bullies Are Revealed
Lia invites Anthony to the fair, mentioning Kenny. When she’s gone, Anthony approaches Kenny, wanting to talk civilly. Kenny, however, is tired of Anthony and co. and provokes them. Another chase ensues, but this time, Kenny leads them to the library and fights back. Just before he can knock out Anthony, a teacher finds them. Daniel and Amanda go to the school after the incident. They believe Anthony is the victim. But the principal tells them Anthony is part of the group receiving punishment and shows them video proof.
We All Have Weaknesses
During a Cobra Kai class, Terry explains that everyone has a weakness, even Kreese. The class will focus on the kids learning how to find that weakness. Kreese and Terry turn it into a small competition: they each choose fighters and whoever gets the most hits owes the other a pack of beer. Thanks to Robby’s weak spot for Kenny, Terry ends up winning. So, as agreed, Kreese brings the beer. He mentions the comment about his weakness, and he uses what happened in Vietnam against Terry to prove his point.
Cobra Kai season 4 is streaming now on Netflix. Keep up with our season recaps here.
In this episode of Cobra Kai, the All Valley tournament board changes things up, leading Johnny to seek new recruits. Meanwhile, Tory seeks some guidance. Read on to find out what happens in “Kicks Get Chicks.”
Warning: Spoilers beyond this point.
The New All Valley
The All Valley board agonizes over how to change things up to keep attendance strong. Via Daniel telling his class, we learn the tournament will have a skills competition as well as a girls and boys division. The dojo with the most points by the end wins grand champion. The kids aren’t so certain, but Daniel thinks this is a good thing. Johnny doesn’t. His group has no girls, so he’ll need to recruit some. Meanwhile, Kreese and Terry are relatively unaffected.
Johnny Begins His Search
Miguel and Johnny go to the high school where Johnny attempts to recruit some girls, but he’s a bit creepy about it. They run into Moon, who tells them that Piper might be interested. So, they go find Piper, and thanks to some pointers from Moon, Johnny gains Piper’s interest. During the next Eagle Fang session, Piper doesn’t show. Miguel learns she and some friends joined Cobra Kai instead. Johnny switches tactics, and he, Miguel, and Bert find the perfect addition, Devon, at a debate tournament.
Seeking Help
Tory’s aunt finds her in front of Cobra Kai hoping for money. She brings up Tory’s mother eventually dying, causing Tory to get defensive. Tory says that since she’s almost 18, she can fully take over her family, but her aunt thinks otherwise before leaving. Shaken by the encounter, Tory turns to Amanda for help. The school is willing to let Tory return, but she needs the LaRussos to sign off. Amanda agrees but only if Tory will get help, and she says she will. Then, Daniel and Samantha return home, surprised to see Tory.
A bit later, Samantha and Amanda argue. Samantha’s frustrated that after everything, Amanda wants to help Tory. When they’re alone, Daniel voices a similar concern. So, Amanda tells him about the time she got arrested and how it relates to Tory. She just wants to help break a pattern. This prompts Daniel to go speak with Robby. He explains the negative influence of Terry Silver, who shows up and ends the conversation.
Meanwhile, Samantha goes to visit Aisha. She tells Samantha about how she approached a tough situation and how what Johnny taught wasn’t entirely off base. Maybe Samantha could use that. When Tory returns to school, Samantha confronts her and lets her know what’s what.
Hawk Relearns How to Fly
Demetri visits a dejected Eli and tries to get him to come back. But Eli says he quits. Demetri explains how, because of Eli, karate turned out to be the best thing that happened to him. He pulls up one of their Binary Brothers videos to remind Eli that they’re still best friends, adding that the mohawk doesn’t define Eli. During the next Miyagi-Do class, Eli returns and is ready to help however he can.
Cobra Kai season 4 is streaming now on Netflix. Keep up with our season recaps here.
This week marks the penultimate episode of Dexter: New Blood. Dexter stays true to his promise to Harrison, leading them to become closer than ever. Meanwhile, Angela wonders just how much she knows Jim Lindsay/Dexter Morgan as she continues her investigation. Read on to find out what happens in “The Family Business.”
Warning: We’re in the business of spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Clowning Around (Dexter Morgan Style)
Robert Clark/SHOWTIME
The episode kicks off with a flashback as Dexter watches someone (who looks like a wannabe Joker) at a place called Mr. Wiggles Playground. Later that night, he snoops around (the triumphant return of the Henley) searching for evidence. As the scene plays out, he narrates how some bad guys slip through the cracks, and in the present, he’s telling all this to Harrison. Dexter mentions the Dark Passenger and explains what it is. Harrison asks why they are the way they are, and Dexter says it’s because they saw their mothers murdered. Harrison shares he felt misunderstood, and Dexter agrees, saying he thought Harry would institutionalize him.
The flashback and narration continue as Dexter leads into the Code, explaining that the person needs to fit the Code before anything else happens. Then, he finds his evidence. In the present, Dexter tells Harrison his urges began around Harrison’s age, which is when Harry gave Dexter the Code to channel them and use them for good and a way forward. Continuing the flashback, Dexter says he can act once there’s proof, and he includes that he kidnaps the person (and Deb gives him a warning). He then explains how he prepares a place to confront the person, including the victim photos and (almost) the blood slides until Deb stops him. So, he forgoes that part of the ritual.
Finally, Dexter wakes up Wiggles and prepares to kill him. Deb warns him that if he tells Harrison this next part, there’s no going back. Dexter kills Wiggles but only tells Harrison the whole ordeal was only meant to scare the person. Back in the present, Dexter confirms this lessens the Dark Passenger’s intensity. Harrison responds by saying Dexter is like a vigilante, like Batman.
“I like Dark Defender.”
Dexter
Harrison admits all of this is a lot to process. He asks about Kurt, but Dexter isn’t worried. The two say goodnight and Dexter wishes Harrison a Merry Christmas. But the wrapping’s not all done, as Dexter in voiceover says, “I still have one more gift to wrap… in plastic!” Next, he goes to deal with Elric’s body.
The Gift(s) of Fatherhood
Seacia Pavao/SHOWTIME
It’s Christmas morning, and Dexter gives Harrison his gifts, including a rifle meant to help Harrison fit in. The two go outside and Dexter teaches Harrison how to shoot. Harrison asks if Dexter went after Kurt because of what Kurt did to Harrison. Dexter reveals Kurt’s been killing women, but he didn’t tell Angela, because he didn’t have proof and she’ll get suspicious. He says he has a plan, and his voiceover reveals he wants Harrison to ask what it is. Instead, Harrison gives Dexter a gift: a drawing of Deb. Before they head to Angela’s, Dexter brings out one more present: an ugly Christmas sweater.
At the Bishops’, Audrey notes that Harrison seems happier. He tells her he found a way to let go of his anger. The group does their gift exchange, which goes well until Kurt shows up with a peace offering for Angela. He makes a show of telling Dexter how lucky he is to spend the holiday with Harrison before leaving. Shortly after, Dexter and Harrison rush out (which Audrey notes is kinda weird). Harrison begins to panic. In the truck, he suggests they do what he THINKS Dexter did to Wiggles. Dexter agrees, but first they need proof.
The Proof Is in the Sketchy Dirt Patch
Seacia Pavao/SHOWTIME
Harrison uses the drone Kurt gave him to search the property. As he does, he admits that Dexter was right about Ethan, apologizing for how he reacted. He wonders why Dexter didn’t tell him everything then. Dexter says he wanted to exhaust other options first. After a beat, Harrison adds that something about Wiggles’ ending doesn’t really feel like justice. Dexter asks what justice looks like. So, Harrison reveals that when he was 12, he fantasized about hunting down and killing Trinity with his own razor. Deb quietly shakes her head at Dexter, who simply responds to Harrison by saying he understands. On the drone tablet, Dexter notices the spot where Kurt disappeared, and Harrison sees a vent. They’ll check it out that night.
Meanwhile, Kurt is on the war path. He brings a gasoline truck to Dexter’s cabin, dousing the building with gas and setting it on fire. His intention is to lure Dexter and Harrison out and shoot them, but they’re not home. In fact, they’re heading into Kurt’s underground lair. Dexter descends and Harrison points out a security camera. Dexter deliberately steps on the wire that triggers an alert on Kurt’s phone. An angry Kurt flees the arson and heads back.
The Disappearance of…
Angela examines photos of the Bay Harbor Butcher bodies, searching for and comparing puncture wounds. She later heads to the livestock vet (Dr. Patel), asking about recent ketamine purchases. After three irrelevant names, Dr. Patel mentions Jim Lindsay. That evening, Angela listens to Molly’s podcast, but she’s interrupted when Dexter calls saying he and Harrison won’t make it later, as they’re going hiking. Angela continues the podcast when Audrey accidentally scares her. Audrey mentions it, and Angela asks if Audrey believes Miami Metro got the wrong guy. She’s not sure but is glad they live away from all the monsters. When Audrey’s gone, Angela calls Molly, who doesn’t pick up.
Angela decides to head to the inn where Molly was staying. The clerk tells Angela that nothing seemed out of the ordinary with Molly’s departure. He brings her to examine the room, which seems normal. Then Angela notices the safe is still locked. The clerk unlocks it, and inside, Angela finds Molly’s recording gear – gear she would never leave behind.
Merry Killmas Christmas
Dana Starbard/SHOWTIME
Dexter and Harrison find Kurt’s embalming room and another area farther back (in what seems to be a shipping container). As Harrison walks, he triggers motion sensor lights that reveal a long corridor of large cases with display windows. And in each case are the women Kurt killed and preserved. When Harrison reaches the end, he stops in front of one: Molly Park. He mentions Kurt getting away with this, asking if Dexter actually killed Wiggles. Deb doesn’t want him to tell, but Dexter says yes, and he also killed Trinity (though he skews the timeline a bit). After a beat, Harrison says Kurt needs to die.
Kurt returns and grabs what he needs to get out of town. Harrison confronts him while Dexter sneaks up and tranquilizes him. Back underground, Dexter finishes prepping the kill space. Harrison watches and asks how many people Dexter has killed. Dexter reveals it’s in the hundreds, and Harrison remarks it’s like he’s saved thousands of people. Dexter beams at this, as he’s hearing himself painted as a hero. He checks in with Harrison before waking Kurt up.
When Kurt wakes, Dexter jumps right to telling him to spare the daddy issues excuse. Kurt admits his crimes, claiming it was for safety (when actually it was for power). Harrrison jumps in to remind that Kurt tried to kill him, leading Kurt to reveal that Dexter killed Matt. Dexter assures Harrison that Matt fit the Code before gagging Kurt. Dexter checks in once more with Harrison and then kills Kurt. Harrison is shocked (and maybe even a little afraid), but he’s ready to watch Dexter continue with the disposal process.
Ashes to Ashes
Seacia Pavao/SHOWTIME
Dexter dismembers Kurt’s body while Harrison watches. A stream of blood begins to flow towards Harrison, and he remembers Rita’s death. He becomes overwhelmed and waits outside for Dexter. They head to the incinerator to burn Kurt’s body. Harrison asks what happens when people notice, and Dexter explains how they will think he skipped town. When Dexter checks in about the Dark Passenger, Harrison says it’s quiet. He adds that it’s good no more women will get killed. (While Harrison is currently holding up okay, he seems to be saying this more for Dexter’s benefit than because he truly believes it. While he’s giving little away, his enthusiasm seems to be replaced by something resembling apprehension now that he’s seen Dexter in action.)
When they get home, they see the cabin burned to the ground. Angela and Audrey are there, and Angela demands to know where Dexter and Harrison were. Again, Dexter claims hiking and that he lost track of time. Audrey checks that Harrison and Dexter can stay with her and Angela, but Dexter says they’ll stay at the inn. Audrey wins this battle, though. At the Bishops’, the kids and Dexter head to the kitchen. Angela sees an envelope in her mailbox. She opens it and finds a note that says Jim killed Matt, along with the other titanium screws.
Other Noteworthy Moments
While Dexter deals with Elric, Deb remarks that Harrison will ask more questions, which Dexter will answer. Deb points out how messed up it is that Dexter dismembers bodies after the way his mother died. He points out Harrison used a straight razor, like Trinity did with Rita.
In the shed, Dexter admires his knives. Deb thinks he’s going too far, but Dexter uses what Harrison said about Trinity and what Harry taught him as justification. When Deb argues back, Dexter grabs her face and emphasizes that his way is best. (It’s worth noting that while Deb has touched Dexter prior to this, he’s never initiated the contact until now. He has control over this situation and is set on maintaining it.)
With only one episode left, many questions still remain. Kurt may be gone, but Dexter isn’t in the clear. Who sent Angela the note, and how will it affect her Bay Harbor Butcher investigation? The evidence is becoming quite stacked against Dexter. What will justice for his crimes look like? What consequences will he pass on to Harrison? It’s anyone’s guess how the show will end, but we can’t wait to find out.
The Dexter: New Blood finale airs next Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Showtime. Keep up with our weekly recaps here, and the rest of our coverage here.
Bestselling author Livia Blackburne brings us Feather and Flame, the second installment in Disney’s The Queen’s Council series. This new series reimagines the stories of some of our favorite Disney princesses and the very real historical settings behind their stories while also keeping the Disney magic alive in the mysterious Queen’s Council. They advise these young female rulers throughout history. Feather and Flame sees Mulan living in her home village a few years after the war against the Huns. It’s 206 BCE-900 CE during the Han and Tang Dynasties, and Mulan finds herself leading her own militia of women quietly away from the prying eyes of the Imperial City. Aware that his time is near, the aging Emperor names Mulan as his heir to the throne shortly before his death. Mulan suddenly finds herself as the Warrior Empress, leading the people of China as they fight to keep power from falling to the Huns.
Blackburne’s exquisite writing brings Mulan and ancient China to life in the reader’s mind. While we all know the story of Mulan and her selfless act to save first her father and then her country, Feather and Flame solidifies Mulan as multifaceted character as she finds herself faced with the daunting task of leading a country. As the first Empress, Mulan is full of self doubt as her advisors imply she’s less than equal to the task. Mulan undergoes a transformation as the story progresses, learning to trust herself and her own abilities by the end of the book. She begins her tale timid but willing to take on the task and steps fully into her destiny. Mulan’s story is punctuated with new characters that are sure to become fast favorites for any reader. She’s also joined by some familiar faces including Shang, who is now her minister of war. As she fights treachery from within and the threatening army at the border, Feather and Flame feels true to Mulan’s fierce story, the history of her time, and the reality of what a new Empress would face as she stepped into her power.
This wouldn’t be a tribute to Mulan without the inclusion of a battle scene or two and Blackburne delivers. From combat training, military strategy, and outright fighting we’re once again reminded of the incredible leader and warrior that Mulan becomes. This story will remind us all that women are multi-faceted beings capable of compassion and tenderness as well as ruling an empire.
Rebel Rose, the first installment in the series, relied heavily on the mystery surrounding the Queen’s Council and the mysterious ways it operated. In Feather and Flame, that intriguing plot line is explored in more depth as Mulan is in need of their help. Readers are introduced to more of the Council as well as a deeper understanding of how and when they come to a ruler’s aid. The fascinating twist on the classic tales while also remaining historically accurate to each Princess’ period.
Feather and Flame will be available online and in bookstores February 1!
In this episode of Cobra Kai, a confrontation leaves Johnny and Daniel wondering about their next move. Terry Silver also thinks a different approach is necessary. Read on to find out what happens in “Match Point.”
Warning: Spoilers beyond this point.
Daniel and Johnny Are at Odds
Picking up right where the previous episode ended, Terry and Kreese talk with Daniel and Johnny. They remind Daniel and Johnny that the deal still stands: no fighting until the tournament. Later, Daniel and Johnny consult over drinks. Daniel believes they should focus on Miyagi-Do karate; he knows how Terry operates and thinks it’s the best method. Johnny vehemently disagrees. Soon, they decide to settle the matter the old-fashioned way. If Daniel wins, they go with his method. If Johnny wins, they don’t.
A Twitter Rant for the Ages
During school, Hawk and Demetri read up on Terry. After a brief conversation with Moon and Yasmine, they bump into Miguel and Samantha. Miguel shows them a Twitter rant Johnny posted about fighting with Daniel. At the dealership, Amanda brings it up as well. She, Anoush, and Louie think it’s a bad idea. Then, Daniel tells her about Terry and reassures her that he and Johnny won’t actually fight. Meanwhile, Johnny preps for their fight.
Fighting Without Fists
Terry and Kreese also remind the Cobra Kai kids about the deal. At the end of class, Robby mentions they can still get payback without fighting. So, they set their sights on Hawk, cornering him at the tattoo parlor. Terry and Kreese have their own discussion about the rivalry. Terry points out the drama Kreese is getting everyone wrapped up in. Kreese claims he has it under control. Terry says he wants Cobra Kai to win, but first, Kreese needs to let go of the past.
Daniel LaRusso versus Johnny Lawrence. Again.
Daniel works out how to apologize to Johnny when Samantha comes home. Daniel tells her about how he plans to focus on Miyagi-Do. Like Johnny, Samantha doesn’t think it’s a good idea. They need to fight back. On the other side, Miguel tells Johnny he doesn’t think the fight with Daniel should happen. If it does, no one wins. Johnny won’t back down, and Daniel begins his own prep.
Everyone sans Hawk arrives at the dojo. The fight begins and the score is 2-2. For the final point, Johnny and Daniel manage to knock each other down simultaneously (and it’s even caught in 4K). Shortly after, Hawk shows up with his hood covering his hair. He reveals the mohawk is gone, courtesy of the Cobra Kais. Johnny and Daniel both have their own “I told you so” moments before ending the partnership.
Cobra Kai season 4 is streaming now on Netflix. Keep up with our season recaps here.
In episode 4 of Cobra Kai, Johnny begins to feel envious of Daniel’s new bond with Miguel while navigating his relationship with Carmen. Meanwhile, the Cobra Kai dojo sees another new addition to the team. Read on to find out what happens in “Bicephaly.”
Warning: Spoilers beyond this point.
A Little Green Monster
Johnny continues to stew over Miguel and Daniel. After class, he invites Miguel to dinner, but he’s going to the garage with Daniel. Back home, Johnny shares his frustration with Carmen. She suggests they tell Miguel about them, but Johnny thinks it will make things worse. Carmen disagrees. Meanwhile, Miguel and Daniel finish work on the car. Daniel teaches him how to drive. On the way to a party, both open up about their fathers.
The Unfortunate Bathroom Incident
The middle schoolers tour the high school. Lia points out something on Kenny’s (Cobra Kai) shirt. He heads to the bathroom to clean up, running into two Eagle Fang kids. Noticing the shirt, they crack jokes at Kenny’s expense. Just as Kenny is about to attack, Hawk swoops in and stops him and says Kenny should get out of Cobra Kai while he still can.
At the Cobra Kai dojo, Kenny tells Kyler, Robby, and Tory what happened. Class begins and Kreese formally introduces Terry. Afterward, Robby trains one-on-one with Kenny. Then, Terry arrives to spar with Robby. He tells Robby not to let fear hold him back.
An Unhappy Birthday Party
Samantha and Amanda attend a birthday party where they learn Tory is working it as part of a mermaid princess group. While Tory tells a story to a group of kids, Samantha interjects every so often with snarky remarks. When Samantha leaves, Tory uses her story to get the kids to throw glitter all over Samantha. Once Daniel and Miguel arrive, Samantha makes a show of kissing Miguel. Tory gets angry and storms out. Amanda follows and tries to offer sympathy that Tory doesn’t want to hear.
Relationships and Manwiches
Johnny uses a well-intentioned but poorly worded Google search to figure out how to tell Miguel about him and Carmen. He flashes back to when he was a kid, and his mother revealed her engagement to Sid. In the present, he cooks up manwiches (aka sloppy joes) when Robby shows up. He tells Johnny about the incident with Kenny at the high school, throwing out a small threat. The two argue about Cobra Kai and Kreese, but Johnny ends the conversation. A bit later, Miguel returns. Johnny invites him to eat, wanting to tell him something. Unfortunately for Johnny, Miguel already ate with Daniel.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Sprinklers
The Cobra Kai kids are at the drive-in theater where they use Kenny to get concessions. During a particularly hefty concession run, Kenny runs into the Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do kids. As the Cobra Kais arrive, a stand-off begins. Miguel tells the Cobra Kais to meet them at the baseball diamond, where a well-timed arrival causes the Cobra Kais to get doused by the sprinklers. Their respective senseis hear about the incident. Johnny is upset about the provocation, but Daniel thinks the approach was solid. As tension ramps up, Kreese and Terry show up at Miyagi-Do.
Cobra Kai season 4 is streaming now on Netflix. Keep up with our season recaps here.
In this episode of Cobra Kai, Johnny and Daniel switch students for the day, but one sensei hits a roadblock. Meanwhile, Kenny decides he wants to fight back, and Terry Silver makes his decision. Read on to find out what happens in “Then Learn Fall.”
Warning: Spoilers beyond this point.
A Switch Up
Daniel and Johnny finally get into a rhythm. The LaRussos, Miguel, Carmen, and Johnny have dinner at the LaRussos’, where Daniel begins to get excited about the future (specifically, Samantha’s). Miguel gets nervous, accidentally spilling wine on Daniel. But still, nothing ruins the evening.
The next day, Johnny and Daniel switch groups. Daniel’s lesson includes having his group try to catch a koi. At the end of their day, Miguel says Carmen is having car troubles. Daniel insists on bringing him to the garage. While there, they discuss college and the future, and Miguel is worried about his. Daniel shares how his path getting to LaRusso Auto wasn’t straightforward, and Miguel’s doesn’t have to be either.
Meanwhile, Johnny brings his group to the roof of a building, where he tells them to jump across to the neighboring building. Samantha’s not having it. But Johnny is willing to wait until someone does it anyway. Eventually, after an argument with Samantha, Johnny caves. As they leave, he makes a comment to Samantha. Then, she decides to go for it and jumps to the other building (like a total badass, obviously). That night, Johnny makes his own leap, finally telling Carmen how he feels, and she reciprocates.
Kenny’s Ready to Fight (Almost)
Kenny heads to the Cobra Kai dojo, and Kreese says if he wants to stay, he needs to prove himself. Kreese puts Kenny up against Kyler, but Kenny is unable to fight back. Later, Robby visits Kenny, offering to teach him a few things. The next time Kenny goes to Cobra Kai, he’s finally able to land a punch (after a couple tries). Kyler is annoyed, but Kreese lets Kenny stay.
Will He or Won’t He
After some war flashbacks, Terry goes to see Kreese. He insists he’s not interested in Kreese’s offer, but Kreese thinks otherwise. Terry says what he needs to before leaving. At home, he stares at his reflection and remembers when he and Kreese got matching tattoos (which we see in a flashback). They also discuss Cobra Kai. Back in the present, Terry puts his hair in a ponytail. Perhaps Kreese got through after all.
Miguel’s Triumph
During their next session, Miguel figures out a new strategy to catch a koi. He leads the group into the pond and finally catches one. Daniel presents Miguel with a headband that matches his, explaining the symbolism behind it. Johnny and his group arrive, all in a better mood. That mood is squashed, though, as Johnny observes Miguel and Daniel, upset at the scene unfolding.
Cobra Kai season 4 is streaming now on Netflix. Keep up with our season recaps here.
Grab your books, wand, and robes, because it’s time to take a trip back to the Wizarding World. Today marks the premiere of Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, an HBO Max Original retrospective reunion special that looks back on all eight Harry Potter films and the talented cast and crew behind them.
As a 90s kid myself, I grew up during the pinnacle of Potter mania, devouring the books and feeling subsequently enamored as they all came to life on the big screen. The Wizarding World always has and always will be a magical escape for me, extending far beyond the pages and the credits, which is why I immediately burst into tears during the opening of Return to Hogwarts. It builds up with a soft thrum of excitement as the cast receives their Hogwarts letters, moving on to the anticipation of the Hogwarts Express, and hitting a peak as Emma Watson strolls into the Great Hall and old friends greet one another with a comfortable warmth and happiness. This wonderful opening really helps to convey the gravity of the special. However, while constraints like logistics and the runtime may have contributed to this, I do wish that we could have seen the main trio interact with more of the cast members, because it was endearing but far too brief to see them all together in the introduction.
That being said, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is undoubtedly a remarkably sentimental journey through a decade of films that’s guaranteed to make longtime fans reach for the tissues. Given all the other various ways in which the universe of Harry Potter has expanded over the years, seeing an official reunion between Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson was a wonderful surprise. It was lovely to see them as adults wistfully and humorously looking back on their experiences as Harry, Ron, and Hermione and the reverent way that the Wizarding World still holds a place in all of their hearts.
HBO Max
There was a special sort of honest intimacy and vulnerability in the conversations shown between the cast and crew throughout, which allows viewers to understand that while Harry Potter may have changed our lives, it also changed theirs as well. And with the conversations also came plenty of fascinating tidbits about the films, like Alan Rickman’s insider knowledge on Snape, Radcliffe’s casting, the real story behind filming Ron and Hermione’s kissing scene, and a debacle with the candles in the Great Hall.
In this current age of filmmaking, we as viewers have now recently grown used to experiencing a constant flow of information about television and movies by way of social media. There’s so much unfiltered access to things like cast and crew commentary and behind-the-scenes snapshots, which is something that you used to have to watch the extras on a DVD or buy a book for. This phenomenon had yet to reach the level that it has now during much of the days of the Harry Potter films, which meant that we didn’t quite experience that aspect of them in the way that we do with other productions today. So for me, pulling back the curtain and revisiting so many familiar faces and places in Return to Hogwarts truly felt just as magical as the world that it was set in.
To address the unwanted elephant in the room, yes, J.K. Rowling does appear in the special by way of solo archival footage from 2019 and several mentions of her name throughout. Her randomly-inserted commentary was entirely unnecessary, and it felt as if her inconsequential remarks on the film series were haphazardly tossed in as a way to include her. Rowling’s continuously problematic, harmful transphobic rhetoric has driven a deep wedge into the franchise in recent years, and seeing her included in what was an otherwise touching retrospective special was deeply uncomfortable. In case you missed it, make sure to read our deep dive into how fans have found ways to celebrate these characters and stories that mean so much to them without Rowling — 20 Years of Harry Potter: How The Fandom Is Reclaiming Potter For Themselves.
While the producers were able to bring together an impressive amount of members of the cast and crew, there were several key faces that were sadly missing from the endeavor. I would have liked to have seen Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon reflect on their time as two of Hogwarts’ most legendary figures, for Julie Walters to have been there for the Weasley reunion, and for David Thewlis to have joined in for the chat between Radcliffe and Gary Oldman. There were also some important figures that have passed away in the time since the movies finished, which the documentary acknowledged with an emotional tribute. And of course, it was only fitting for the special to close out with Alan Rickman’s most iconic line.
Overal, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts was a magically nostalgic documentary that faithfully paid tribute to the talented actors and filmmakers that cast the spell of a lifetime in bringing the Wizarding World to life.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is now streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m still waiting for my Hogwarts letter.
The BBC has released the first trailer for the sixth and final season of Peaky Blinders!
The massive hit starring Cillian Murphy will return this year, and the new teaser features Murphy’s Thomas Shelby confronting the rise of fascism. It also briefly teases the return of Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray. The footage does not address Aunt Polly’s character after the death of Helen McCrory last year, but creator Steven Knight has said that the season will address Polly and serve as a tribute to the actress.
Despite season 6 being the end of the series, it will not be the end of the Peaky Blinders story with a film already in pre-production. There is no word yet on a release date, either on the BBC or on Netflix (where it airs in the United States). Check out the teaser below!
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