Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3: The Laura Lawrence Tribute Explained

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Contains Spoilers for “Cobra Kai” Season 6, Part 3

In simpler terms, we can say that the character Johnny Lawrence, portrayed by William Zabka, is moving past his feelings of self-doubt and dislike. One of the most captivating aspects of “Cobra Kai” is his journey towards redemption, and after many years of trying to establish a connection with Carmen Diaz (Vanessa Rubio), he’s found genuine happiness. In the series, Johnny finds true love and is now creating a family with Carmen.

Initially during Season 6, there’s a worry that Carmen could lose her baby. However, she perseveres throughout the Sekai Taikai. Later, when the event is halted and resumed, Johnny finds himself reevaluating his life goals. Suddenly, he hurries to the hospital and proposes to his girlfriend on the spot – before the birth of their child. With Carmen’s family, Johnny’s former rival-turned-ally Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio), his wife Amanda (Courtney Henggeler) accompanying them, they proceed with the wedding as planned.

A while afterward, John and Carmen gracefully introduce their child, Laura, to the crowd. While Carmen clarifies that Laura was named after John’s deceased mom, some may struggle to recall who Laura is or her significant role in her father’s life.

Who is Laura Lawrence?

In the “Karate Kid” movie series, Laura Lawrence may not have had a significant screen time, but she left a lasting impression in Johnny’s mind. In the film, Laura is portrayed as an affluent woman associated with a country club, who appears quite content with Johnny courting Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue). Scenes showing her and Johnny’s stepfather, Sid Weinberg, can be seen in the crowd at the club. They are particularly noticeable during the incident where Daniel attempts to rescue Ali from Johnny by sneaking into the country club, only to end up covered in spaghetti instead.

As a gamer immersed in the world of “Cobra Kai”, I can say that this series really tugs at my heartstrings. It’s revealed that Laura was more than just a friend to Johnny; she was his sanctuary amidst the cruelty inflicted by his abusive stepfather. This maniacal figure pushed Johnny towards the false promises of Cobra Kai and John Kreese (Martin Kove). His biological father, unfortunately, abandoned him and his mother, and despite Johnny’s unwavering hope for his return, it never materialized.

By the end of the ’90s, Laura couldn’t stand her marriage to Sid any longer, and when Johnny spiraled into partying after losing the All-Valley tournament to Daniel, the chasm between Johnny and Sid only grew wider.

What happened to Laura Lawrence?

Prior to the occurrences in “Cobra Kai’s” first season, Laura Lawrence (played by Candace Moon) had already passed away. In the second season, Johnny reveals to Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) during a conversation that Laura died around the time Robby (Tanner Buchanan) was born. This event significantly affected Johnny’s life, leading him to develop alcoholism and eventually abandon his son Robby and his mother Shannon (Diora Baird). The cause of her death – whether an illness or accident – is not explicitly mentioned, but it was sudden and has left Johnny struggling to cope with the grief ever since.

Laura passed away sometime in 2002, and Johnny spent years drinking and expressing his emotions at her gravesite, relying on the financial support of Sid (Ed Asner from “Cobra Kai”). When he eventually pulls himself together, a combination of envy towards Daniel and a desire to make his mother proud serve as motivation. Even after her death, she remains a significant influence in his life. He strives to make her proud by achieving sobriety, becoming an admirable sensei, and being a loving father, stepfather, and spouse.

Why do Johnny and Carmen name their daughter after Laura?

After finding stability in his life once more, Johnny often reflects on the impact Laura had on him and the course his life took. In the climactic episode of the series (entitled “Former Outcast”), just prior to Johnny stepping into the ring to defend his honor and the dojo at the Sekai Taikai, he is momentarily transported back to when he visited Laura’s grave during his darkest hour, clinging to a bottle of alcohol. He is abruptly jolted out of this recollection by the appearance of his wife with their newborn baby girl. It then dawns on him that he has a reason to persevere – a motivation that will drive him forward. This is why he chooses to name his daughter after his mother; her quiet, unyielding spirit has been instrumental in guiding him this far. It’s a heartfelt gesture from a son who has never forgotten the sacrifices his mother made for him, and from a wife who, though she did not know Laura personally, wishes that she had.

When Johnny overpowers Sensei Wolf (Lewis Tan) and establishes Cobra Kai as the number one dojo globally, he inquires about his daughter’s whereabouts and rejoices with her and Carmen on the mat. A few days pass, with his dignity still intact and Cobra Kai restored, he pays a visit to his mother’s grave, bringing a new bouquet of flowers and a photo of her, along with images of their family together at the hospital.

How the memory of his mother inspires Johnny to be a better dad and sensei

In Johnny’s life, Laura serves as the sole constructive example of a parental figure. Regrettably, neither his biological father nor Sid provide him with any positive male influences. This absence appears to be a significant factor in Johnny’s persistent immaturity, which is evident throughout the series “Cobra Kai.” Consequently, Johnny has engaged in numerous questionable actions, ranging from driving under the influence (one of his most egregious acts) to his careless approach towards teaching his students.

Johnny may not be perfect, but he possesses many admirable traits. He demonstrates compassion and care towards his students, standing out as a supportive figure. In difficult times, he proves to be a reliable friend. As a father and husband to Carmen, Johnny has shown remarkable growth, becoming an excellent provider for their family. With the help of Laura’s guidance, it appears that the future Lawrence generation will thrive.

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2025-02-13 19:30