Summary
TheCobra Kaiseason 6 trailer has seemingly revealed the return of Mike Barnes, whose role carries interesting implications for the Sekai Tekai. Played by Sean Kanan,The Karate Kid Part IIIvillain finally returned to the franchise inCobra Kaiseason 5, making appearances in two episodes. But while he wound up playing a crucial role in the final battle against Terry Silver inCobra Kaiseason 5’s ending, his alliance was Johnny, Chozen, and Daniel was only seen as a temporary one.
Unlike Chozen, Mike Barnes never signed onto a long-term fight with Cobra Kai, nor was he associated withJohnny and Daniel’s dojo. Due to this, there were legitimate questions as to whether Sean Kanan would reprise his role again. For months, no confirmation on the actor’s involvement was offered. However, a split-second shot in the trailer forCobra Kaiseason 6has offered assurances that despite the lack of news on this front, Daniel and Johnny will soon cross paths with the “The Bad Boy of Karate” once more.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Suggests Mike Barnes Will Help Daniel & Johnny
Mike Barnes Is Observing Demetri’s Karate Training In The Cobra Kai Season 6 Trailer
At the 0:21 mark in theCobra Kaiseason 6 trailer, a figure dressed in a red and black gi can be spotted standing atop the training platform at the Miyagi-do dojo. Upon closer inspection,the mystery character can be identified as Mike Barnes. In this particular shot, Barnes is seen watching Demetri train. Considering that this coincides with a story that calls for all of Johnny and Daniel’s students to get ready for the Sekai Taikai tournament, it’s fair to say that Mike Barnes is participating with that, at least on some level.
AsThe Karate Kid Part IIIestablished, Barnes was a national champion in karate. That distinction gives him experience that none of the dojo’s three senseis possess and puts him in a position to provide a unique perspective on competing on the biggest stage imaginable.
Although Mike Barnes has yet to meet the Miyagi-do and Eagle Fang students ahead ofCobra Kaiseason 6, it appears he’ll be assisting in their development nonetheless. That move makes sense, especially when considering his background. AsThe Karate Kid Part IIIestablished, Barnes was a national champion in karate. That distinction gives him experience that none of the dojo’s three senseis possess and puts him in a position to provide a unique perspective on competing on the biggest stage imaginable. With that in mind,Barnes can offer valuable advice not only to the students, but to Johnny, Daniel, and Chozen as well.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Just Confirmed My Worst Fears About Daniel & Johnny’s New Dojo
Cobra Kai season 6 looks great so far, but the latest trailer confirms my worst fears about the new dojo created by Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen.
What Mike Barnes' Red & Black Gi Could Represent
Mike Barnes Is Wearing A New Gi In Cobra Kai’s Universe
Arguably the most interesting detail regarding Mike Barnes' presence inCobra Kaiis the gi he’s wearing. The red and black outfit doesn’t connect to any existing dojo inThe Karate Kid’sworld. As for what it could represent,it’s possible that red and black are the colors of the dojo that made Barnes the fighter he is today.After all, it’s important to note that Barnes was onlyhired by Terry Silver inThe Karate Kid Part IIIto fight for Cobra Kai; the character had actually been trained elsewhere. The identity of that dojo has never been discussed, and could be officially named in-universe by Barnes inCobra Kaiseason 6.
Will Mike Barnes Become Miyagi-Do & Eagle Fang’s Fourth Sensei?
Barnes Could Become An Official Sensei At The Dojo Or Serve As A Guest Instructor
Barnes being a part of their training supports theories that he will accept a position as the fouth sensei of Eagle Fang and Miyagi-do, alongside Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen. Such a scenario is technically plausible, but not confirmed by just his involvement in the students' training. Rather,it may be that Barnes is only there as a guest instructor for an episode or two.As noted above, Mike Barnes' status as a former national champion makes him someone that Daniel and Johnny may want their students to hear from. But, his role may not go beyond that. In other words, it’s too early to expect Barnes to enjoy a substantial role in their development.
Because Barnes' role in the narrative is significantly smaller than those of Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen, the series is unlikely to turn him into an equal partner. But withCobra Kai’sfinal chapter being an extended season, it’s not impossible that it finds a way to let Barnes earn an important role at the dojo. But while there’s a much greater likelihood that Barnes will just be a guest instructor,there is indeed a pathway toward Barnes becoming the fourth senseiand guiding the students all the way tothe Sekai Taikai tournament. If that happens,Cobra Kaicould even see him reunite with Kreese when their students clash on the mat.
Students That Have The Most To Gain From Mike Barnes' Guidance
Tory And Kenny Could Be Trained By Mike Barnes
Having Mike Barnes on hand inCobra Kaiseason 6 could lend itself well to the series, specifically to the arcs of some of the show’s teenage characters. Among those who would benefit greatly from Mike Barnes' help is Tory Nichols; previously, it was speculated that Chozen would take Tory under his wing, but the show may opt to take a different direction. IfCobra Kaidecides to make Chozen a mentor to a different character, such as Demetri, it could pair Mike Barnes with Tory, with whom he shares a lot of similarities.
Similar to Tory, Mike Barnes has a history as a hot-headed bully. He’s much calmer and rational now, but is still able to channel that rage in a fight, as evidenced by how he responded to Chozen’s attack at the furniture store. How he evolved betweenKarate Kid Part IIIandCobra Kaiseason 5 could be relevant to any bond he develops with Tory. Learning from Mike Barnes could enable her to grow as a fighter without giving up what makes her so formidable.
For the same reasons,Kenny could also receive some meaningful tips from Mike Barnes. Kenny has no connection to Johnny and Daniel, who each have their own students to train. And, if it does wind upmaking Tory a pupil of Chozen’s, it could set aside some time for some Kenny-Barnes scenes. Having Terry Silver’s partner-in-crime inThe Karate Kid Part IIItake over his role as Kenny’s mentor would be an interesting development.
WereCobra Kaito take this route, whether it’s with Kenny, Tory, or a different member ofThe Karate Kid’syounger generation, it would make a heightened presence for Mike Barnes a necessity for season 6. If he helps one of them make it to the Sekai Taikai, it would be disappointing for him not to be on the sidelines with the other senseis, witnessing their progress for himself. Having this happen would add value to Mike Barnes' story and complete his redemption arc.
