the_hughman_spider

I've always enjoyed this episode but rewatching it the other day really hit me right in the feels. I feel like cartoons are seen as childish and not taken seriously but they really can deliver some really deep and mature episodes that resonate with the older audience. The way we see how Nicole's life could've been different is clever and unique but of course the episode truly shines as we are walked through Nicole and Richard's time together and her realising he was the best path she could've taken. The message this episode sends is so beautiful in how you may not have everything sorted out but with love it'll all work out.

This is an extremely well done tournament episode within Cobra Kai setting up what would be the second best finale at that point in the series (season 2 having the strongest finale). It seems a lot of people had an issue with the Carrie Underwood music scene and while I must agree that it was slightly cringe I didn't let it get to me, as there's so much good in this episode that is massively outweighs that singular nitpick. The whole fourth season had been building up to the all valley tournament, however there are changes this year due to the new skills competition and girls division, both great additions to the tournament. However the clear highlight of this episode to me is the jaw dropping cliffhanger ending, probably the biggest cliffhanger since the end of season 2. I still remember watching it for the first time and being absolutely floored, still to this day it makes me shudder. Excellent episode.