Cobra Kai Creator Addresses Divisive End To One Character's Story Following Fan Disappointment

Cobra Kai co-creator Hayden Schlossberg has addressed some audience disappointment over the end of Samantha LaRusso's character arc. Cobra Kai season 6, part 3 wrapped up its epic story in a largely fitting and satisfactory way. Tory and Miguel won the Sekai Taikai, Kreese got his redemption and took out Silver, Daniel and Johnny buried the hatchet, and Robbie (along with Tory) got lucrative endorsement deals. However, some viewers felt Sam's arc, which saw her forfeiting the Sekai Taikai and then embarking on a program in Okinawa, was underdeveloped and didn't do her character justice.

While taking audience questions on X, Schlossberg responded to a user, asking whether he and fellow co-creators Jon Hurwitz and Josh Heald were happy with how they closed out Sam's arc. He confirmed that he was but understood that some people were not before explaining the thought process behind Sam's story being closed out in the way it was. Check out Schlossberg's full comments below:

What Schlossberg's Comments Mean For Sam's Cobra Kai Story

The Low-Key Conclusion To Her Arc Is Fitting With Her Unassuming Nature

The writing team made a definitive decision to make sure Sam's arc concluded in a particular way. In many ways, Sam's journey represents the typical teenage arc of self-discovery. Throughout the show, she struggles with finding her place in the world, both with and without karate, and trying to balance her desires with the hopes and expectations placed upon her by her family and her cultural standing.

The Miyagi-do students in Cobra Kai season 6 (2024-2025) above a trophy and blurred image of the Sekai Taikai

The Sekai Taikai Winners In Cobra Kai Season 6 Explained: Why It Had To Be Those Characters

The final part of Cobra Kai season 6 concludes the Sekai Taikai, leading many to wonder who the eventual victors of the worldwide tournament were.

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Ultimately, karate succeeds in making Sam more confident and self-assured about who she is as a young woman. She learns about love, loss, victory, failure, trust, hope, and betrayal and understands that karate does not define who she is as a person. Sam's decision to pull out of the Sekai Taikai and set Tory on the path to glory is a selfless act. This exemplifies that Sam does not covet glory and the spotlight. She is happy to let others shine with the knowledge she is satisfied with the person she's become.

Our Thoughts On Sam's Cobra Kai Arc

It Might Not Be The Most Exciting Arc, But It Fits Well With Sam's Development

Sam has always been the moral compass and, despite her rivalry with Tory, has largely been the character to look for the good in everyone. Unlike many other characters, she comes from a privileged background and has every opportunity. She fights because it helps her understand who she is, but it doesn't define her. Her stakes are lower than Tory's and Daniel's. She's happy with her life, and this makes Sam's Cobra Kai arc one of the show's most fitting.