Editor’s note: This review contains spoilers about the show “Cobra Kai.”

The legacy of the pop culture sensation “The Karate Kid” lives on in the stunning series “Cobra Kai,” now on its fifth season. “Cobra Kai” is now its own pop culture phenomenon. With a wide variety of merchandise and a very avid fan base, it’s a fan favorite and is currently sitting at number one in viewership on Netflix, according to Netflix’s Global Top 10 list. 

All the seasons of “Cobra Kai” have been culminating up to this one moment, the start of season five. When we last saw the gang, things had finally reached a tipping point. After a stunning win at the All Valley Tournament, the Cobra Kai dojo is bigger than ever with plans to expand and franchise the Cobra Kai dojo. At the end of season four, Terry Silver, played by Thomas Ian Griffith, finally managed to take out John Kreese, played by Martin Kove, by framing him for the assault of a fellow Cobra Kai member and getting him arrested. 

Silver is willing to do whatever it takes to make Cobra Kai the number one dojo – this is made especially easier because of their two main rival dojos. Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio, is the sensei of Miyagi-Do and Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka, is the sensei of Eagle Fang. The two are forced to close their doors after the tournament. LaRusso was the original “Karate Kid,” and Lawrence was his original rival. They had joined forces in an attempt to stop Cobra Kai, but ultimately failed due to Silver cheating in the tournament. 

To make matters worse, Miguel Diaz, played by Xolo Maridueña, has left in search of his biological father after the shocking discovery that he is still alive. 

Robby Keene, played by Tanner Buchanan, reconciles with his father Johnny Lawrence after realizing that Silver’s methods are taking things too far. Lawrence takes a break from karate to bond with Robby as father and son. 

In another surprising twist, Chozen Toguchi, LaRusso’s rival from “Karate Kid II” and played by Yuji Okumoto, returns to help LaRusso take down Silver and Cobra Kai for good. 

Things are left tense and full of unanswered questions as we lead into the next season. Will Miguel find his father? Will LaRusso and Toguchi be able to put aside their past and work together? Will Robby and his dad truly be able to make peace? 

In the season five opener “Long, Long Way From Home,” the harrowing tale begins to answer many questions. 

In the US, LaRusso and Toguchi follow Silver and learn his techniques. Toguchi recognizes Silver’s style and begins to formulate a plan. At LaRusso’s home, there’s tension between LaRusso and his wife Amanda because he didn’t inform her that Toguchi would be living with them.

In Mexico, Miguel looks for his father and finds possible leads to his whereabouts; he runs into trouble along the way with some dangerous people, but after some close calls, things are looking hopeful for Miguel to find his father. Also in Mexico are Lawrence and his son Robby. Things seem to be going somewhat well until a run-in with criminals. Overall, it looks like season five will be quite intriguing and full of action. 

All five seasons are currently available on Netflix. Season five has 10 episodes. No official word has been given on whether the show will be renewed for a sixth season,  although series co-creators Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg have expressed interest in creating possible spin-offs in the future in an interview with Total Film.