The article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Cobra Kai season 6 part 1.
Summary
The tragicCobra Kaiseason 6, part 1 death is already influencing Tory Nichols' character. Having first premiered in 2018, theKarate Kidspin-off has slowly been seeding the possibility thatTory’s extremely sick momcould die at any moment. Unfortunately, it came to pass in the first half of season 6, as Tory came home to discover that her mother had collapsed. Afterward, she was forced to reckon with her mother’s death. In a twist, the grieving Tory leaves the Miyagi-Do and joins Cobra Kai.
Tory’s grief will have long-term consequences. In an interview withTVLine, Tory’s actor, Peyton List, explained that the tragic death forced her to reconsider her mindset and her path in life. She joined Cobra Kai to finally have an opportunity to win something as a captain and leader, becausemartial arts is the only thing that she hasleft in life. Check out List’s full explanation below:
The loss changes everything. I think it definitely does push Tory into the way that she does end up going. I think experiencing that loss puts her in this mindset of, ‘I have to look out for myself. Daniel is going to look out for his daughter and his family, ultimately, andhe’s not gonna look out for me. I need to get this captain spot to have a win in my life and to actually achieve something now thatI have nothing.’
Tory’s Grief Forced Her To Defect To Cobra Kai
But Her Story Isn’t Over
TheCobra Kaiseason 6, part 1 ending left Tory in a painful position. She has spent much of the show oscillating between supporting Kreese’s cruel teaching methods and serving as a member of the Miyagi-Do. For a time, she was even part of Eagle Fang Karate. After several seasons of personal growth, losing her mother made Tory question everything about her life, which led her back to Kreese and his twisted view of the world. Atthe world-renowned Sekai Taikai,she will fight with Cobra Kai, retaking her position as Queen Cobra.
Kreese believes that there is no difference between good and bad in the world. Instead, he believes that the only thing separating individuals is strength. That is exactly what Tory wanted to hear in a situation in which she felt completely helpless. With her life falling apart,Tory is clinging to a sense of anger, resentment, and strength, rather than accepting her inability to support her mother and brother. Kreese can offer her the chance to inflict pain on others, instead of herself, and the grieving Tory has no one else to turn to.
All Sekai Taikai Teams Competing In Cobra Kai Season 6
Cobra Kai season 6 part 1’s ending finally unveiled the various karate teams that will compete at the international Sekai Taikai tournament.
It is unlikely that Tory will end her story with Cobra Kai, given that she has spent so much time working amicably with the Miyagi-Do. While she will spend the Sekai Taikai with Kreese, she was learning a better way and was only drawn back to Cobra Kai after a serious personal tragedy. Tory’s redemption arc is not over, but she is at a dangerously low point in her life. The Miyagi-Do will need to look past the betrayal and support Tory if she is going to recover afterCobra Kai’s shocking season 6 twist.
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.
