From 1984 to 2018, the character of Johnny Lawrence was pop culture shorthand for a bully who finally got his comeuppance. And then along came Cobra Kai. The final five episodes of Netflix’s popular Karate Kid spinoff series premiered Thursday,

Cobra Kai’s lifespan has played out a lot like a character in its dojo: some incredible highs, some very disappointing lows, and perhaps longer than it should have been. Now, the Karate Kid spin-off is back for one last kumite – and it’s a winner.

The star of “The Karate Kid” discussed embracing a less heroic role in the Netflix spinoff series and what keeps him coming back to the character.