Warning: SPOILERS for Cobra Kai season 6 part 2Cobra Kaijust included another surprise returning character in one of its final few episodes. Inspired by theKarate Kidmovies, the show features many returning characters in cameo appearances or even in major roles. Yet, one major character did not return until extremely late in the show. After not appearing sinceKarate Kid III, Dennis de Guzman made his triumphant return inCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2.
In an interview withTV Insider, executive producer Hayden Schlossberg revealed that there were several reasons to bring Dennis back. His return was a moment offan service for “super hardcore” viewers, and it was also a sign of Terry Silver’s upcoming return. It made Terry’s return even more ominous and set it up more appropriately. Check out his full quote below:
Every season, we look at all the potential characters in theKarate Kiduniverse. We treat them like the toys in our sandbox. And Dennis is one of those characters that is a deep cut. You could be a pretty hardcoreKarate Kidfan and still not know or remember who the character is. You have to be like really obsessed withKarate Kid IIIto know it. So we felt like he’s the type of character that a small proportion of the audience will recognize and the larger portion just won’t know who he is… And it just ends up being kind of a fun callback for that super hardcore fan base.
It allowed us to create a situation where—I mean,this dovetails into Terry Silver’s reveal. But we love the idea that you see somebody fromKarate Kid IIIthat’s popping into our world and it’s like a little bit of a hint of Terry Silver that may be there.
What Dennis De Guzman’s Return Means For Cobra Kai
Dennis' return did not necessarily mean much fortheKarate Kiduniverse.He has always been a relatively minor character, especially considering that Terry Silver has appeared several times without Dennis making an appearance. When he first debuted inKarate Kid III, he was little more than a villainous henchman. He tormented Daniel, raged over minor inconveniences, and struggled to stand out beside his fellow henchman, Snake. In the years since, he lost his partner, but he remained firmly connected to Terry.
His appearance set up Terry’s return, was an interesting Easter egg, and established another returning thread.
The reappearance was largely meant to build toward Terry’s return. Considering that he was meant to be in prison throughout seasons 5 and 6, his return to the franchise came as a complete surprise. Dennis' role was meant to lay the groundwork for his appearance in the narrative, tying together early seasons into the final episodes. Without Dennis appearing,the season 6 brawlwould have been far more contrived. His appearance set up Terry’s return, was an interesting Easter egg, and established another returning thread.
Our Take On Dennis De Guzman’s Return
It Was Exceptionally Well Done
Though he was not a major character,Dennis de Guzman’s returnfills in holes in the universe. We finally know more about the fate of Terry Silver’s gang sinceKarate Kid III, and we had the opportunity to see what another character looks like years after his debut.Cobra Kaihas spent years establishing another generation of fighters, but it has also been continuing the stories of its original characters. It is always fun to see another cameo, and this one served as the perfect set-up for the show’s best brawl.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
