Warning: Spoilers for Cobra Kai season 5
One detail gives Cobra Kai season 6 an easy way to bring Hector Salazar back into the story. For now, there’s no expectation that Miguel’s father will ever be a problem for the show’s main characters. However, that could quickly change if Hector were to somehow learn that Miguel is in fact the son he never knew existed.
Played by Luis Roberto Guzmán, Miguel Diaz's father was a mysterious, unseen figure throughout the first four seasons. When Cobra Kai season 4 set up his debut, there was a sense that the show was building toward the character filling the role of a season 5 villain. However, Cobra Kai avoided going down that road by having Miguel learn the truth about Hector’s dark past without the latter coming to blows with Johnny or figuring out the real purpose behind Miguel’s visit. Since Hector is still in the dark about Miguel’s true identity, there was no reason for his arc to extend beyond two season 5 episodes. On the surface, it seems Hector has fulfilled his purpose in the show and won’t be seen again.
While it’s certainly possible that Cobra Kai season 5 was the last Miguel will see of Hector, the way in which he parted ways with his father creates a way for him to return. When Miguel came to Hector’s home, he was carrying a backpack. But when he walked out of the restaurant and met up with Johnny and Robby, he wasn’t carrying anything. Of course, this could just be a minor plot hole or an overlooked detail that may never matter. Alternatively, Cobra Kai could use it to give Hector motivation to seek out Miguel and Carmen in season 6. The exact contents of the backpack aren’t clear, but it’s possible that if he rummages through the bag Miguel presumably left at his house, Hector could piece everything together.
What Hector’s Role In Cobra Kai Season 6 Could Be
As a criminal who, by his own admission, has no regrets about the crimes he’s committed in the past, Hector could pose a real danger to Johnny and Miguel if he were to show up in the Valley. Realizing Carmen’s deception would surely make things worse, as he’d know that she kept his biological son away from him for over 16 years. Since he did seem to like Miguel (even without knowing the truth), it’s not hard to imagine Hector trying to have a relationship with him. That would most assuredly cause conflict, with Johnny being one character who might attempt to drive him away. If he brings his hired henchmen with him, some challenging fights could break out between his men and Cobra Kai’s senseis.
In regards to Miguel’s story in Cobra Kai, the series doesn’t necessarily need Hector to come back, as the show did see the character get some closure and find the answers he wanted. That being said, the lack of an obvious main antagonist for Cobra Kai season 6 does make Hector’s return a storyline worth considering. While he may not be a character who would stick around for an entire season, he could serve as a secondary threat for Cobra Kai to deal with while it builds up to its next major villain, whomever it may be.