Warning: This article contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 4.
Miguel’s big decision in the Cobra Kai season 4 finale ruined one of his best moments in the series. After months of preparation for the All Valley Karate Tournament, Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) decided against fighting in the semifinals against Eli (Jacob Bertrand). As a result, Eagle Fang Karate lost its only chance of beating Cobra Kai in the tournament.
The choice Miguel made was telegraphed by his behavior in the preceding episodes. Tory (Peyton List), Sam (Mary Mouser), Eli, and Robby (Tanner Buchanan) were all highly motivated going into the tournament, whereas Miguel was greatly lacking in enthusiasm. Issues that Miguel had with Johnny’s relationship with Robby and Johnny’s feud with Daniel (Ralph Macchio) created feelings of doubt and uncertainty for Miguel, who ultimately lost interest in winning the tournament. As he told Johnny in his letter, he no longer felt that he was fighting for himself and elected to pull out. Now, Miguel is off to find his father in Mexico.
While it’s true that his decision was consistent with where his character was headed in Cobra Kai season 4, it, unfortunately, hurt the best part of his season 3 story. In Cobra Kai season 3, episode 8, “The Good, the Bad, and the Badass”, Miguel made a memorable speech that convinced the city council to reverse the cancellation of the tournament. Miguel’s impassioned plea to the city council about how much karate meant to him, his desire to compete, and how Johnny helped him overcome his paralysis was moving not only to those present, but also to viewers. It was an incredibly emotional moment for the character that really spoke volumes about how Johnny and karate had changed his life in a positive way.
Miguel’s passion for the tournament and the instrumental role he played in getting it to happen made it all the more disappointing that he passed on seeing it through to the end. After everything that Miguel went through in season 3, it would have been more rewarding for his character had he maintained his resolve and defended his title against Eli and Robby (even if he lost anyway). Instead, Cobra Kai opted to take a different course with him in season 4.
It’s possible that the journey Miguel will go on in Cobra Kai season 5 will help him overcome these problems and rediscover his love for Eagle Fang karate. Miguel was troubled by Johnny’s opposition to Miyagi-do, but Johnny making peace with Daniel again could help with that. If so, he may be able to past his doubts about himself (and his relationship with Johnny) and resume his role as Eagle Fang’s top student. Hopefully, Miguel didn’t squander his last chance to represent Johnny’s dojo in the All Valley Karate Tournament.