Ace Degenerate

Do you need bad taste to get through the show? - Clearly!

Is it trashy, and completely unpretentious? - For sure!

Is it a cheap production ? - By every standard; - comes close to some Carpenter movies ( "They live", et al)

But, tell me, is it better than the original? - By miles!

• The simple twist, to make the angry and unlikeable prototypical anti-hero the hero, in company with the dry, yet not all-too subtle, humour, really saves it.

To be honest: For me, the simple good- vs. evil plot, influenced strongly by George Lucas, of the original, connected with its terrible 80s presentation, was always completely unbearable. So. the Ace Degenerate certainly deserves his revenge!

I love that the series is focused on Johnny, it's fun to see things from a different perspective. Th nods to the movies were awesome. Acting was surprisingly good.

Priceless twist on one of my top childhood movies. LaRusso plays the the clown sporting a combover/toupe and Johnny the antihero is still living in the past.

I love the story and am just now watching episode 2. So far its great!

I have watched Karate Kid every few years fir the last 30. So I thought I would love this spin -off, or hate it!

The pilot episode of Cobra Kai immediately strikes a clever balance between nostalgia and a fresh perspective. We're reintroduced to Johnny Lawrence, decades after The Karate Kid, now a washed-up handyman living in the shadow of past glory.

The show wastes no time in showing how life has treated him (poorly) while Daniel LaRusso is thriving as a successful car dealer. This role reversal sets the tone for the series, as the so-called villain of the 80s film becomes the underdog we root for.

The episode captures attention through sharp writing, smartly placed callbacks, and a mix of humour and pathos. The decision to focus on Johnny's point of view is a bold one, and it works surprisingly well. His dynamic with Miguel, the bullied teen who finds an unlikely mentor in him, adds emotional weight and hints at a fresh underdog story in the making.

While the tone sometimes flirts with caricature, the episode sets up intriguing conflicts and makes the viewer want more.

A strong start, both for nostalgic fans (like me) and newcomers.

I like the bit where Daniel gives away free banzai trees. What a great gimmick