re: So, is Johnny Lawrence the bad guy in Cobra Kai or no?

I think they both have their faults. They both were impacted by what happened 35 years ago. In good and bad ways. They both hold a grudge to a certain degree and both feel victimized by the other. This is long and has spoilers. So, beware.







Daniel had great guidance with Mr Miyagi. Mr Miyagi could always keep him grounded in reality and help him put things in to perspective. Without Mr Miyagi, he has sort of lost his anchor. He has lost that person that he could turn to for whatever problem. And, to a point, I think he knows it and it is an internal struggle.

He has a hatred of Cobra Kai. Bad memories and experiences will do that. On one hand, I understand why he tries to sabotage Johnny opening up CK again. On the other hand, he is having a hard time seeing that people can change and that Johnny does not want to be like Kreese.

Johnny had a shitty life. Yeah, he had a family that had money. But his step father was a POS and continues to be one throughout the series. That's the reason he ended up at Cobra Kai to begin with. An upbringing like that(both step father and Kreese) will have a lasting effect on a person. He has made bad decisions and at times cant seem to get out of his own way. He has Daniel on his arse causing problems, but his bitterness and warped idea of how things played out just makes him be an a-hole as well. Seems like he places blame for his problem on others rather than taking any responsibility and control of his own action.

They both grow and change throughout the series. There is still that bitter rivalry between them. But there is a hint of respect and understanding between the two. Daniel knows how Cobra Kai is and the kind of teaching Johnny got when he himself joined Cobra Kai in Karate Kid 3. They're both stubborn asses. But both have good intentions.