- "Hey, watch how it's done."
- ―Miguel Diaz
"Dog in the Fight" is the seventh episode of the sixth season of Cobra Kai.
Synopsis[]
The search for clues about Mr. Miyagi's past leads to Daniel in danger. Miguel raises doubts about Robby's focus. Sam observes ugly behavior off the mat.
Plot[]
The tension at the Sekai Taikai is palpable as the Miyagi-Do students struggle in the one-on-one matches. Their defeats weigh heavily on their morale, but Daniel LaRusso addresses the team with calm resolve. He reminds them that the tournament is far from over, emphasizing that their journey was never meant to be easy. His words are encouraging, yet the underlying pressure is unmistakable. After speaking to the students, Daniel seeks out Johnny, and their discussion quickly shifts to Chozen. The two men end up arguing, their clashing ideologies creating friction as they try to reconcile their approaches to teaching. During their exchange, Daniel mentions receiving an address from Master Serrano, adding another layer of intrigue to his mission.
Meanwhile, Sam and Devon find themselves sharing an elevator. The conversation between them revolves around their performance in the tournament, both expressing doubt and frustration. Before they can delve deeper, Zara steps into the elevator, her presence a stark contrast to their mood. Zara energetically vlogs about her tournament experience, a reminder of her constant documentation of events. Her enthusiastic chatter lingers even after she exits the elevator, leaving Sam and Devon to return to their discussion.
Elsewhere, Demetri voices his growing doubts about the tournament to Miguel and Eli. He openly contemplates giving up, citing the team’s struggles as a source of his frustration. Miguel remains uncertain about Robby’s capability as team captain, despite Robby’s evident skill and leadership role. This uncertainty sparks a comment from the binary brothers, who suggest that perhaps Miguel himself should have taken on the responsibility of captaincy instead.
Back at the hotel, Amanda and Daniel share a private moment. She expresses concern over his mission, but Daniel reassures her with quiet confidence, promising that everything will be fine. While Daniel prepares to follow his lead, Johnny crosses paths with Sensei Wolf. Their encounter is tense, as Wolf berates Johnny and the other Americans, criticizing their mindset and approach. Unshaken, Johnny brushes off the remarks and focuses on supporting his team.
Daniel, determined to follow the address given to him by Master Serrano, finds himself navigating unfamiliar territory. After handing a child some money for directions, he arrives at his destination, only to be ambushed. A sudden blow renders him unconscious.
Back at the tournament, Sam observes Axel mid-training, only to see him endure harsh criticism from Sensei Wolf. The tension escalates when Johnny intervenes, stepping in to coach the Miyagi-Do students in Daniel’s absence. Despite Johnny’s efforts, the team falters in their first round of matches. The first group of students loses, further sinking Miyagi-Do in the rankings. Miguel manages to secure a victory, but it isn’t enough to pull the team out of the bottom tier. Frustration boils over as Johnny berates the students for their lackluster performance, only for the students to argue amongst themselves and walk away in frustration.
Meanwhile, Daniel awakens to find himself trapped in a cage, surrounded by barking dogs. Realizing the severity of his predicament, he begins formulating an escape plan.
Kreese approaches Johnny in an attempt to talk, but Johnny coldly brushes him off. Devon, on the other hand, approaches Johnny with a guilty conscience. She confesses to spiking Kenny’s water during the earlier tournament rounds, admitting that she did it in a desperate attempt to secure her place. Johnny, while visibly disappointed, tells her to regain her focus and avoid dwelling on regret. He advises her to come clean to Kenny, reminding her that honesty and accountability are essential.
Later, Johnny leaves Daniel a voicemail. In it, he admits that despite their many differences and past obstacles, he truly values Daniel and needs his support during this critical time.
Daniel’s situation takes a dramatic turn as he fights his way out of captivity. During the escape, he encounters one of the thugs and notices a Cobra Kai tattoo on the man. Fueled by determination, Daniel defeats him and manages to return to his students. Once back, he discovers more unrest: Miguel is confronting Robby, sharply criticizing his lack of focus as captain. The tension escalates when Miguel demands that Robby step up or relinquish his leadership to someone more capable. Rosa delivers troubling news to Johnny .
Meanwhile, Daniel encounters Kreese and confronts him about his recent kidnapping. The tension between the two is palpable, but their confrontation halts abruptly when Sam steps between them. Seeing his daughter standing before him, Daniel softens. He apologizes to her for his absence during the tournament rounds and reassures her that he’s ready to move forward. Sam informs him that the team has advanced, a glimmer of hope for Miyagi-Do’s future. Daniel promises not to let them down again.
Returning to the hotel, Daniel finds Johnny in the middle of packing his belongings. Johnny delivers the somber news: he and Miguel must return to California immediately. Carmen is in the hospital, and complications with her pregnancy have left them with no choice but to leave the tournament behind.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
- William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
- Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso
- Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz
- Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene
- Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso
- Peyton List as Tory Nichols
- Jacob Bertrand as Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz
- Gianni Decenzo as Demetri Alexopoulos
- Dallas Dupree Young as Kenny Payne (credit only)
- Vanessa Rubio as Carmen Diaz (credit only)
- Martin Kove as John Kreese
Guest Starring[]
- Lewis Tan as Sensei Wolf
- Oona O'Brien as Devon Lee
- Brandon H. Lee as Kwon Jae-Sung
- Daniel J. Kim as Yoon Do-Jin
- Patrick Luwis as Axel Kovacevic
- Rayna Vallandingham as Zara Malik
- William Christopher Ford as Dennis de Guzman
- Felix Cortez as Pedro
- Geo Corvera as Jose
- Caitlin Hutson as Cara
- Joann Perica as Sekai Taikai Official
- Jewelianna Ramon-Ortiz as Maria
- Oscar Fernández Solà as Cab Driver
- Elaine Valdes as Front Desk Attendant
- Daniel Wheat as Vlad
- Jack Wong as Phan
Trivia[]
- This marks Dennis' first appearance since The Karate Kid Part III.
- He has more lines in this episode than in the third movie.
- This is the first episode of the series where Devon gets emotional. She admits that Kenny should've been the one in the Sekai Taikai as she realizes it was a lot tougher than she had expected at first glance and breaks down when talking to Johnny about rigging Kenny's drink in Underdogs.
- Tory doesn't have any lines in this episode, except for verbal fighting noises.
- Miyagi-Do almost risks getting eliminated from the Sekai Taikai until Miguel manages to defeat Dublin Thunder's last two students on his own.
- Marvel's the Winter Soldier (Bucky) is referenced in this episode.
- When Daniel calls Amanda, it is night time in the LaRusso home, showing the difference in time around the world as it's daytime in Barcelona.
Gallery[]
