The sixth and final season of Cobra Kai (also known as Cobra Kai VI) was the legacy Netflix series longest (spilt) season, consisting of 15 episodes.
Originally a YouTube series, the blockbuster film to TV show moved to Netflix in 2021. Right when the world went nuts.
Unlike previous seasons, the sixth season was released in three parts of five episodes each. The first was released on last July, the second mid-November, & the final part on Valentine's eve.
The series is a direct sequel to the original four films in The Karate Kid franchise, focusing on the characters of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence over 30 years after the titular film.
The season was originally set to be released in 2023, but experienced delays as a result of the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes.
The season features 13 starring roles, all of which returned from previous seasons, including Gianni DeCenzo who was a series regular in seasons 2–4, but was demoted to a recurring cast member in the previous season.
With such a big cast, so many storylines to wrap the finale starring Ralph Macchio, William Zabka,
Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand
Gianni DeCenzo, Dallas Dupree Young, Vanessa Rubio, Martin Kove & Thomas Ian Griffith.
SPOILER ALERT
Johnny prepares for his fight against Sensei Wolf with Daniel and Chozen; Daniel explains that whether he wins or loses the fight, he already has a family and has already won in life and they begin training. On the day of the fight, Wolf berates Johnny in the locker room and Johnny tries to hit him but Wolf easily subdues him and distracts him by talking about defeating him and his family.
In the match between senseis, Wolf bests Johnny winning two points while performing illegal moves that weaken Johnny. Daniel gives Johnny a Cobra Kai style speech that makes him confident and face Wolf. Johnny and Wolf have an exchange of blows in which Johnny scores the winning point proclaiming Cobra Kai the champion of the Sekai Taikai.
Some time later, Johnny moves into a new house with Carmen and her daughter while Miguel, Sam, Demetri, Hawk, Robby, Tory and Chozen continue their respective paths. Johnny and Daniel collaborate with their students as senseis to train them in Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do at the same time.
Truthfully this show was an escape during the COVID period. It was an easy to watch, guilty pleasure to watch.
Overtime though the show got even more cheesy than it started off.
In the end the first ten episodes of this bloated season were just a little too lame.
The last five, with all the action, were an improvement. However I feel like this should have ended on a high around, season four. Airing 65 episodes in total, Cobra Kai had a damn good run.
Apparently Karate Kid: Legends will land at the cinema too this year. So maybe there is a touch more Cobra Kai on the way.
Until then, enjoy the last weekend of (offical) summer. Yes February is coming to an end. The Summer Streamin' 25 continues though till March 31, 2025 when I will be away in Japan! Bring it on!!!
Clean Slate is the latest US (streaming) sitcom I have gotten into. Streaming all eight episodes now on Amazon Prime Video. This twenty something minute (very PG) comedy is a mega easy watch.
OITNB's Laverne Cox & George Wallace star as a father/daughter (nee son) duo in the US south. Centring around a woman (Cox) reuniting with her father (Wallace), who she has not seen since her gender transition.
Streaming from the start of February, Clean Slate has so far received positive reviews from critics.
When Desiree returns to her small town in Alabama to reunite with her father Harry after 23 years away. Harry is excited to reunite with his son, and he has no idea that son is now Desiree—a proud trans woman.
Yep it kinda sounds corny, however it is super warm, big hearted and full of soul.
In the first episode, after 23 years away living as an artist in New York City, Desiree returns home to Alabama to repair her estranged relationship with her old-school father, Harry. Together, they must process their new reality as father and daughter.
There are highs, lows and religion.
The show showcases acceptance, love and the power of family and a good circle of friends. Honestly the world right now needs more simple, cut the special effects and sci-fi/superhero shit, give us loving dramas of forgiveness and love.
Invisible Boys is the latest Aussie drama to land on Stan. Which apparently has just turned ten. Happy birthday Stan! The commitment to high quality Aussie series and films, is (almost) second to none.
Invisible Boys premiered all ten episodes last Thursday.
Created & directed by Nicholas Verso, adapted from the novel of the same name by Holden Sheppard. The series follows the challenges of teens in the coastal city of Geraldton in Western Australia following the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite, it focuses on finding friendships, solace and understanding on what makes them invisible.
Set against the backdrop of Australia’s 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite (what an awful time that was! remember), Invisible Boys explores the challenges faced by a group of gay teens in the remote coastal city of Geraldton, Western Australia after one of them is outed on social media following an encounter with a married man.
As they form a tight-knit friendship, the boys find solace and support in one another, exploring their desires and identities in a world that often renders them invisible.
Starring Joseph Zada (East of Eden), Aydan Calafiore (The Voice 2018), Zach Blampied (New Gold Mountain) and Joe Klocek (Territory), alongside Pia Miranda (Looking for Alibrandi) & David Lyons (Truth Be Told).
Some new stars with Pia Miranda playing an incredibly different role from the lead in Looking for Alibrandi.
Invisible Boys is an interesting look at four (very) different gay stereotypes. While also being from various backgrounds.
It's a tough watch at times. Sexy at other times. A bad reminder about the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite. Don't forget how much of a turkey Peter Dutton was back then when voting this year people!
Dexter: Original Sin is the third in the Dexter TV series created by Clyde Phillips.
Continuing from Dexter: New Blood, the series' frame story sees vigilante serial killer Dexter Morgan on his deathbed thinking back on his youth, starting in 1991, fifteen years before the first season of Dexter.
Landing on Paramount+ (or in the USA Paramount+ with Showtime, great name by the way!) mid-December. The first run concluded Friday (night) with a cliffhanger.
Sadly no news of season two as I write this.
Set in 1991 Miami, Dexter: Original Sin follows Dexter (Patrick Gibson) as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry (Christian Slater), he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcement’s radar.
This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department. Patrick Dempsey, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian (yes the popstar!), Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson & Sarah Michelle Gellar also star in this new series, with Michael C. Hall returning to voice the iconic inner monologue in Dexter Morgan’s head.
So how did Code Blues go down on Friday? SPOILERS BELOW!
Talking with his therapist, Brian (Roby Attal) relates how after the Morgans sent him away, he was put into different foster homes. When his new family tried to take advantage of him, he fought back aggressively. As such, he was placed on Harbor Light Mental Hospital, where he was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. As he grows older, Brian confronts his nurse for hiding his medicine for the past months. The therapist, Paul Petrie, is content with Brian's progress, but warns him not to contact Dexter (Patrick Gibson). Upset, Brian brutally kills him and steals his car.
Dexter follows Spencer (Patrick Dempsey) to a ship in the docks, which is just half a mile off from the police station. Dexter intercepts Spencer and fight, but Spencer begins flooding Nicky's cell, suggesting to Dexter that Nicky might not be his son. Spencer flees, and Dexter is forced to let him go and jump into Nicky's cell to remove his chain. Nicky (London Thatcher) loses consciousness, but Dexter releases him from the chain and saves him. He takes him outside the ship, and uses a flare gun to alert authorities before fleeing the scene.
While visiting Bobby (Reno Wilson), LaGuerta (Christina Milian) tells Harry (Christian Slater) that Barbara has been murdered, and he realizes Brian is responsible. While checking the crime scene, Harry notices Brian in a nearby building, who is awaiting for Dexter's arrival. Harry confronts Brian at gunpoint, finally connecting him to the two other murders; they were bullies from his foster homes.
Brian reveals he already met Dexter, and is upset to know that Dexter has forgotten he had a brother. Brian confronts Harry for not telling Dexter over his affair with Laura, and how forcing her to become an informant led to her death. Brian refuses to surrender and asks Harry to kill him instead. Harry hesitates, and Brian seizes this to knock him unconscious and escape.
Spencer breaks into Becca's house and attacks her boyfriend Nelson, confronting her over lying to her about Nicky's true father. Dexter subdues Spencer again and takes him out of the house, seeing a report of Barbara's murder on TV. Dexter places Spencer again on the killing table, but this time in Camilla's boat. As Dexter taunts Spencer for ruining his legacy, Spencer claims that Harry has failed him, but Dexter does not give it importance. He murders Spencer and dumps his body in the ocean, having found a place to dispose of his victims.
When he returns home, Harry explains Nicky's case is his own fault; had he trusted Dexter, Nicky would have been rescued earlier. Dexter confesses killing Spencer, revealing he saved Nicky as well. Harry is shaken at realizing his lifelong friend was a monster, but Dexter reiterates he was not born like that, unlike Dexter himself. Despite knowing Dexter was affected by his mother's death, Harry comforts him.
The following morning, Debra (Molly Brown) and Sofia (Raquel Justice) reconcile. At Miami Metro, Harry and Angel (James Martinez) discuss Spencer's whereabouts, and Harry dismisses the serial killer case despite LaGuerta's report. Unbeknownst to them, LaGuerta overhears this, and walks away disappointed. Tanya (Sarah Michelle Gellar) informs Dexter that he has been approved to join forensics full-time, officially becoming part of Miami Metro.
After Bobby recovers, Debra tells Harry that she has enrolled in the police academy, which Harry approves. In private, Harry expresses pride in Dexter for prioritising Nicky's safety over pursuing Spencer, deeming that his Code belongs to Dexter. Dexter and Harry join Debra for a dance, with Dexter narrating that despite his fears, the one thing that could save him is family. Outside, Brian sees Dexter from afar.
Honestly this season was fire. A huge improvement on Dexter: New Blood which was awful. In episode one of this season, we learnt the BIG news Dexter.... lives!
Therefore up next is Dexter: Resurrection, which could potentially stream, this year!
So much Dexter, so little time!
But seriously this was such an improvement on New Blood.
Patrick Gibson as a young Dexter was great. If you need a new serial killer drama/thriller, get onto this now. Paramount+ you are on a good run right now, Dexter, Landman, Yellowjackets and NCIS: Sydney on the local front! Too much to stream pre-Easter! Summer Streamin' 25 RATED list is going to be fire!
How to Die Alone is a cute little one and done Hulu/Disney+ series that I just discovered after hearing it got the axe.
Ahead of The White Lotus returning, Belinda AKA Natasha Rothwell, is the series creator whilst starring as the lead Mel.
How to Die Alone follows a woman who has never been in love, and decides to change her life after a near-death experience.
Mel is a down-on-her-luck Black woman working at JFK airport. After a near-death experience, she decides to take control of her life and begins a journey of self-empowerment and personal transformation.
Alongside Rothwell, How to Get Away With Murder's Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, & KeiLyn Durrel Jones also star.
II missed the show when it landed late September.
While receiving positive reception, earlier this month, Rothwell announced that the series had been canceled by Hulu after one season.
This was a mega easy watch, whilst being an interesting little work place comedy, it also had heart.
There were some really funny one liners. Natasha Rothwell is a real talent. Gosh I hope she slays in the upcoming run of The White Lotus in Thailand!
Yes The White Lotus returns to Binge, Monday afternoon. For now though, How to Die Alone lives in Disney+.
Maybe one of my shortest film reviews for 2025 (even this early on) and one of the shortest films of 2025, Presence.
Clocking in at 85 minutes, this fast & furious haunted house tale, hits fast and furious. Whilst also building pace slowly and surely.
As the tension builds with Presence, the supernatural thriller/drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, you see a haunted house, told by the house itself.
Starring Charlies Angels, Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, & Callina Liang as The Paynes, a family of four, mother Rebecca, father Chris, elder brother Tyler, and younger sister Chloe.
They move into a large suburban house inhabited by a poltergeist. Presence is presented from the Presence's point of view in a series of long takes.
Presence has currently grossed $7 million on a $2 million production budget, and received positive reviews from critics. What was my reaction? Read on a brief report below the trailer.
So it builds, but does it deliver? There is a moment of climax, then a brief reaction by the family, then credits.
The film struggles to deliver a BIG finish, however from a different angle the tired haunted house story gets a new lease on life.
I'll pass this but it isn't the best horror film of recent times.
The third and final series of The Newsreader landed on ABC iView on Sunday. Last night I finished episode six, The Fall.
Episodes will continue to air weekly on ABC TV, Sundays at 8:30pm, meaning the time slot home of Australian drama will have no new material for me for five more weeks. Will Mystery Road Origins return next?
Either way here is what went down on the final season of this excellent Australian series.
We first met Dale Jennings and Helen Norville in 1986, when a fledgling Dale was desperate to be a star newsreader and Helen was fighting to be taken seriously as a journalist.
Now, in 1989, Dale Jennings has become the most beloved name in news, and Helen’s fearless international reporting has won her an opportunity to be the first woman to both anchor and produce her own current affairs show, ‘Public Eye with Helen Norville’.
Helen and Dale initially take pride in each other’s success, until an unexpected and cynical network move sees them pitted directly opposite each other in the cut-throat 6pm time slot.
Without warning, these former allies and lovers are plunged into the most ferocious battle in commercial television, and it becomes agonisingly clear that by year’s end, only one of them will maintain their long-
fought-for position.
Episode one highlights TV's night of nights, the Logies. Bob Hawke features in episode two, whilst the Tiananmen Square massacre episode is full on.
The series concludes with the fall of the Berlin Wall. The final episode is dramatic with Sam Reid, as Dale Jennings having a dramatic fall from grace. A place Anna Torv, as Helen Norville has been in almost the entire season.
Both excel in this final season with Mr everywhere, Stephen Peacocke, as Rob Rickards and Michelle Lim Davidson, as Noelene Kim excelling in their supporting roles too. Covering tough topics while bringing up a new child.
NCIS Sydney's (back today on Paramount+) William McInnes, as Lindsay Cunningham is so vile, with some incredible one liner take downs. He has always played the villain so well.
The Newsreader along with Total Control have been brilliant three season ABC TV dramas leaving on highs, not at all outstaying their welcomes on our TV's.
Australian drama is in a good place, but people need to watch these dhows to keep them coming.
So if you need something to watch this Brat Summer Laneway weekend. The Newsreader streams all three seasons now on ABC iView.
