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

He tries so hard to do the right thing, but he’s damaged, impulsive, and lacks that sage guidance from a father figure that Mr. Miyagi gave to Daniel.

He never learned to control his rage because Cobra Kai taught him only to use it as a weapon. Yet, he is always willing to jump on the grenade and sacrifice his own well-being for those he cares about.

He and Daniel are both tragic figures. Their rivalry one born of external factors pushing them to confrontation fueled by their own insecurities and preconceived notions. In another life, they’d be best friends, but here, they are destined to always be in conflict. Neither ever truly in the right or in the wrong. Both virtuous but flawed. Both trying to be good parents and father figures and businessmen. Just two boys who never really outgrew the petty sports rivalry of their youth.