Reviews

Playing With Fire

Plot A: Mike and Daniel reunion is probably the best part of the episode. I like how the writers show how Daniels nemesis' who were younger (e.g. Chozen and Mike) in the original trilogy all turn out good because they grew up and matured , if that makes sense, while on the other hand Silver and Kreese were already grown up at the time of the original trilogy, so they haven't changed much. Mike Barnes is a likeable guy now and I like how they incorporate him into the series. Probably the highlight character of the entire season even though only in 2 episodes. Chozen and him share good dialogue as well as a good fight although it was cut short it's nice to see how Mike still holds up in combat. Another part I loved from this episode is when Chozen says "well then you better call ambulance." The twist ending was good as well with Silver burning down the furniture store, a bit extreme, but it shows the kind of man Silver is, and I think this really helps with the urgency, you could call it, of why our protagonists really need to take down Silver. Strongest Plotline in the Episode

Plot B: I can't say I expected Carmen to get pregnant, at least not this early in the series, and I was kind of worried about the effect this would have on the show. But after they explored it further and it showed Johnny growing as a character, and his determination to not mess up like he did with Robby, I realised how perfect this fit in to the story. The episode shows Johnny growing and changing for the better, and it shows how far Johnny has come throughout the series, from his alcoholism throughout the first 3 seasons and his failing relationships with everyone around him, to essentially being a father figure to two kids who love him with a third on the way, having a girlfriend who he loves, rivalry being put aside, and having left the past behind him. And I love that he still hasn't changed who he is, like his personality, he is still himself. Love that! Johnny is the best character on the show.

Plot C- The episode really suffers from this Plotline and maybe it's just me but I couldn't care less about Sam and her arc she is one of the most unlikeable characters on the show in my opinion, and it really drags this episode down. I think Mary Mouser does a good job at acting as this spoiled entitled brat, but I still hate the character. Xolo's acting at the end of the episode where Sam breaks up with him is immaculate as always, and I shed a few tears even though I think they are by far the worst couple on the show.

Favourite Scene: Mike talks about his life with Daniel

Standout Character of the Episode: Mike Barnes

Favourite Plotline: Daniel and Chozen look for Mike.

Overall: 9/10.

Molé is a very strong episode, with very strong emotional moments, and a satisfying conclusion to the Mexico storyline, as well as giving more background to a certain 2 characters, with enticing scenes between them. It also gives us some of the coolest fight scenes of the season.

Spoilers:

Molé sees the conclusion to Miguel going to Mexico and finding his dad storyline. I think this episode does a good job at wrapping it up, with the reveal that Miguel's dad is a misogynistic drug dealer who really is as bad as Carmen makes him out to be and Miguel's realisation that Johnny is the only father figure he needs in his life. I think that the scene when Miguel sees Johnny and says to Carmen "I'm okay Ma" is one of the most powerful scenes in the show so far.

Scenes with Robby and Johnny are really refreshing after seeing 4 seasons of Robby just hating Johnny and wanting nothing to do with him. My favourite part with them this episode was when they were laughing together in the car after Robby reveals how he won the spice contest, and Johnny says "that's about the most badass thing I've ever seen".

Silver and Chozen scenes are very suspenseful and it keeps you on edge always, not sure what will happen. I also really liked the dynamic between Chozen and Tory, and I think it could be more explored in season 6 and beyond. The fight scene at the end of the episode demonstrates Chozen's strength and his ability in karate, possibly showing him to be as strong if not stronger than Mr Miyagi himself. Silvers scenes with Chozen also gave us a bit more insight into Silver's grand plan which I like as it sets up silver as even more of a threat.

Favourite Scene: Johnny and Miguel Reunited

Standout character of the episode: Chozen Toguchi

Favourite Plotline: Robby and Johnny looking for Miguel

Overall: 9/10.

Sets up the main conflict and premise of the season, introduces Chozen and Hector, as well as some new storylines. Holds up on second rewatch, amazing premiere.

Spoilers: Loved how they are finally moving forward plotlines like the relationship with Robby and Johnny, feels very satisfying to watch. Loved the Daniel and Chozen scenes, especially the "no he has to be careful to this guy" or something like that. I also liked how Terry got a bit more backstory with the reveal of Chozen knowing about his sensei and recognising the moves, it gives more answers as to how terry changed between the Vietnam war flashbacks and karate kid 3. Miguel's story was good as well. As usual I couldn't care less about Sam's story or ark.

8/10.

"I love you too Robby" probably one of the best and most emotional scenes in the show, episode gets a 10 for that. Then you have all the other amazing moments, with the return of the king (stingray), Terry Silver beating the crap out of stingray, the prom fight, Robby and Tory's kiss (probably one of the best couples in the show imo). Solid episode.