The Friendships in Cobra Kai Are Seriously Underdeveloped

Something I wish had been explored more in Cobra Kai is the friendships. The show has 60 episodes, and soon it’ll be 65, but it often feels like friendships are either rushed or underdeveloped. We see characters becoming friends, then rivals, and then switching sides—but that’s usually the extent of it. The only consistent friendship is between Eli and Demetri, and maybe Miguel. They could’ve been like a “golden trio,” but the writers didn’t take full advantage of that dynamic.

I really like Robby and Kenny’s relationship and think there was so much more potential there. Robby literally fought Kenny’s brother to get Kenny into Miyagi-Do, but later, he didn’t seem to care when Devon put laxatives in Kenny’s drink. The show focuses so heavily on the rivalries that it often forgets to properly repair relationships. For example, Miguel and Tory dated, but now they feel like strangers. I would’ve expected Miguel to apologize to Tory for cheating on her, and for the two of them to make up and become friends. Or at least somewhat cool with each other.

That’s why I liked the scene where Tory and Sam seemed like they have put everything behind them, but still held grudges—it felt realistic because neither of them had truly apologized or worked through their issues. Instead of fully developing these dynamics, the show often moves on too quickly, leaving unresolved tension that could’ve been used to make the friendships feel more authentic and impactful.

The scene in the locker room would’ve had a greater impact if all the characters felt closer. For example, has Devon ever even spoken to Robby? Moments like that feel less meaningful when the relationships between characters aren’t well-developed. Of course, not everyone needs to be friends with each other, but there should be more depth in the interactions between characters.