Mike Warthman

The show doesn’t just rest on the laurels of the movies that preceded it. It takes ambitious turns and grows its characters accordingly. Everyone has their flaws. However, instead of demonizing them, the show builds empathy toward their plights. There is no nonsensical overarching theme of “good vs. evil”. Gone are the days of Terry Silver and John Kreese cackling maniacally as Daniel struggles against his adversary; so too are the days of Mr. Miyagi serving as some flawless mystical figure of unparalleled wisdom and benevolence. Instead, you learn to appreciate each character and empathize with them. You come to cherish them in spite of their flaws. You celebrate their victories and grimace at their misdeeds. Yes, there is a nostalgia factor—several plot devices from the Karate Kid movies are borrowed—but more than that, there is true development in both the plot and the characters, as well as a promising new direction for a story that still has a place in today’s world.