Netflix Series, Cobra Kai, Shows the Power of Friendship
Schuyler Kropp, Staff Writer
The show Cobra Kai is based off of the events in the movie The Karate Kid. It was made in 2018 by Josh Heald, John Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg in hopes for the Karate Kid saga to live on. The show begins thirty four years after Karate Kid. The dojo name “Cobra Kai” is taken from The Karate Kid, and there are many returning faces including John Kreese, Paul Dugan, and Terrance Silver. This show explores many different forms of relationships and how they can teach us to be better people.
Schuyler Kropp, Staff Writer
The show Cobra Kai is based off of the events in the movie The Karate Kid. It was made in 2018 by Josh Heald, John Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg in hopes for the Karate Kid saga to live on. The show begins thirty four years after Karate Kid. The dojo name “Cobra Kai” is taken from The Karate Kid, and there are many returning faces including John Kreese, Paul Dugan, and Terrance Silver. This show explores many different forms of relationships and how they can teach us to be better people.
Robby Keene is the main character in season one. Miguel Diaz is the main character in season two. They become friends throughout the show as you get to know the differences and similarities between Miguel and Robby and how their bond is formed. They both want the same things, but have different paths to get there. At first, they don’t like each other because Robby is jealous that Miguel starts to have a father figure to look up to. Throughout the seasons, they have their problems, but they grow up and move together towards achievable goals that bring them together.
In one memorable event from the season two finale, Miguel ends up in a coma because Robby kicked him off a high staircase. However, later in the show Robby and Miguel fight again and resolve their conflict. Eventually, they find common ground after the fight and become best friends. They are able to unite because they both didn’t have male role models growing up. I feel like the lessons that are being taught to the viewers are that people can have conflict at first, but it is important to know and understand their side of the story. This also shows that the two people who once didn’t get along can always move on from the past, and grow into more mature people.
Another character, Tory Nichols is also similar to Johnny Lawrence. Both of them miss father figures, and resort to isolating themselves. Tory and Johnny never really got to know who they really were as they both grew up without knowing who their biological father is. Many have speculated online about rumors of Mike Barnes possibly being Tory’s father. I disagree, but I think her father could be either Dutch or an unknown man. Both Dutch and Tory had difficult lives and both ended up in juvie. That is revealed when Johnny’s buddies from high school mention that he was up in Lompoc County.
While learning under Sensei Johnny Lawrence, Miguel starts to become close to a girl named Samantha, and eventually starts a relationship with her. They find things in common and they share chemistry together as their relationship grows stronger each season. Miguel struggles in this relationship because Sam feels like she doesn’t know and understand him anymore after a few weeks. They eventually break up and Miguel gets into a short relationship with Tory Nichols to try something new in an attempt to get over Sam. Tory points out that this is unfair for her. Eventually Miguel returns to Sam when she finds an octopus necklace in the dojo and realizes that Miguel still likes her more than a friend. They get back together again because they spent some time on their own trying to find out more things about themselves but they end up realizing that they love each other romantically. This shows how willing Miguel was to communicate and understand his love for Sam from the very beginning of the show, all the way to the end. Their relationship can show us how to communicate in romantic relationships, and everyone should be able to do this in their own lives.
Throughout season one, Robby gets hired at LaRusso Auto and works there helping a character named Daniel fix and sell cars. Daniel later becomes a father figure for Robby. Both of them had demons in their past and fought them. Daniel sees the potential he had in himself and decides to help Robby use it in his life. Robby struggles against his opponents in tournaments. Robby knows the sorts of struggles that he faces are inevitable. He makes lots of mistakes throughout every season. but he wants to take responsibility to show Daniel that they are alike in many ways. Daniel learns how to trust himself throughout this father-son relationship as he helps Robby. There are times where they argue, but they eventually put their differences aside to come back together. Robby and Daniel are very much alike and they have always found ways to win in various situations.
Many people struggle with bullies in their life. Yet, in the end, it is always important to remember what you’ve been taught. Even if that is fighting for your purpose or love. I have most certainly dealt with a whole lot of bullying and I do not like it. It is because of bullying and the things I dealt with in my early life that I began to watch this show Cobra Kai. I feel like if I get better at fighting for what is right, then maybe I could pass down my knowledge as a sensei one day. While I hope that everyone lives their lives full of happy memories and experiences, they should also be ready for unfortunate events to happen. However they can overcome those difficulties by remembering to spend the most time you can with the people that you love and care for.
Hit TV Show, Stranger Things, Highlights A Variety of Human Relationships
Schuyler Kropp, Staff Writer
Stranger Things is a TV Show set in the 1970’s through the 1980’s that was introduced to Netflix in July of 2016. It was made by the Duffer Brothers, as a multi-genre series including science fiction, horror, drama, and action. The show quickly gained a lot of popularity and views, making many of its young actors famous. In the beginning of the show, the character Will Byers, played by actor Noah Schnapp, goes missing in the town of Hawkins. The past of Hawkins is uncertain in the beginning of the film but then, the cause behind tragedies in this town are revealed.
Schuyler Kropp, Staff Writer
Stranger Things is a TV Show set in the 1970’s through the 1980’s that was introduced to Netflix in July of 2016. It was made by the Duffer Brothers, as a multi-genre series including science fiction, horror, drama, and action. The show quickly gained a lot of popularity and views, making many of its young actors famous. In the beginning of the show, the character Will Byers, played by actor Noah Schnapp, goes missing in the town of Hawkins. The past of Hawkins is uncertain in the beginning of the film but then, the cause behind tragedies in this town are revealed.
The show often centers around the character, Eleven. She grew up inside a mysterious lab and eventually made an attempt to run away. She escapes through the underground tunnels leading out into a forest away from the lab. When she escapes, she is found by three boys— Micheal, Dustin, and Lucas— who help her learn about the outside world. As she starts to explore this new world, she starts to learn how to form meaningful relationships and love the people around her. You can learn about love through Eleven’s journey of discovery. She explores different types of relationships in her life. Those types of relationships are friendship, romantic, self, and parental love.
She experiences friendship and love through the relationship she has with Max. At first, Eleven doesn’t like Max because she is jealous over a boy, but when Max asks her about him, they learn about their likes and dislikes. Max gives Eleven relationship advice, and allows her to discover her taste of who she wants to be. This is how she finds happiness with Max. Later on in the show, they understand each other better as their friendship grows. Throughout the show, they support each other through difficult and even violent times as they face issues with both friends and supernatural forces. Their friendship teaches us how we can rely on friends through hard times.
Eleven experiences romantic love in the show with her boyfriend, Mike. Mike and Eleven become friends during her time when she first escaped the laboratory. They become closer as they both struggle with bullies in their lives. Throughout the show, they are both willing to stand up to these bullies for each other. As she defends Mike, Eleven learns that she wants to use her powers for the greater good rather than showing them off or hurting others. As he finds safety in Eleven, he discovers that he can always have someone to rely on through tough times. This relationship teaches us that our partners are supposed to be people who always have our backs.
Eleven learns about self love throughout the show as she tries to figure out who she is. At the beginning of the show, she had been stuck in a lab for her entire life and therefore, had never been able to discover herself. Once she breaks out and is able to explore the world, she starts to gain a sense of independence. She starts to be able to make her own decisions, including who she hangs out with, how she dresses, and what her values are. This teaches her about herself as she is no longer just a tool for someone else. She also takes time to discover her past and meets her sister, Kali and her mom. From her journey of self discovery, we discover that no matter how bad our pasts may be, it is always okay to keep moving forward and make our own decisions about how our futures shape us.
This show also models parental love with the characters Hopper and Eleven. Hopper adopts Eleven when she escapes from the lab and quickly becomes her father figure. The beginning of their father and daughter relationship is a bit tough as Hopper becomes controlling of her. Hopper wants to protect Eleven as she fights the evil in Hawkins, but at one point ends up pushing her away as she tries to find independence. Eleven returns to him once they both open up about how they have lost important people in their lives. Hopper has made mistakes but his relationship with Eleven allows him to reflect on this, move forward, and become a better person. Hopper helps her understand what parental love is and what it means to be unconditionally supported. Their relationship shows us that parents are supposed to love and support us even through disagreements.
Character based storytelling is important because it allows us a new way to learn about ourselves and how to navigate the real world. Stranger Things shows how people love each other and what that is like. I like to relate some of my writing to this show, as I like to tell stories and express different relationships between characters. The beauty of stories is that they can show how everyone deserves to be loved.
The 5th and final season of Stranger Things will premiere later in 2025 on the streaming platform, Netflix.
Top 5 Halloween Sitcom Episodes
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
With Spooky Season in full swing, I have taken the liberty to re-watch, review, and report 5 of the best sitcom Halloween episodes ever created. While I know everyone’s TV preferences vary, I have listed the following episodes based on the plot, characters, Halloween spirit, and overall spooky sense that the episode provides. I have also listed places to watch each of these episodes, so you can all fully indulge in these sitcom specials.
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
With Spooky Season in full swing, I have taken the liberty to re-watch, review, and report 5 of the best sitcom Halloween episodes ever created. While I know everyone’s TV preferences vary, I have listed the following episodes based on the plot, characters, Halloween spirit, and overall spooky sense that the episode provides. I have also listed places to watch each of these episodes, so you can all fully indulge in these sitcom specials.
5. "Costume Contest” from The Office
Season 7, Episode 6
First aired on October 28th, 2010
At the bottom of our Top 5 is the episode, “Costume Content” from the American sitcom, The Office. While The Office has several notable Halloween episodes, this is my personal favorite because of the sheer irony of Halloween celebrations and the corporate view of this overly styled holiday. This episode features each character in costumes that match their personalities, some even making fun of the employee’s flaws and quirks in a fun, good-natured way with the goal of winning a costume contest with a book of coupons as the unassuming prize.
Click here to watch “Costume Contest” from The Office
4. “Halloween III” from Brooklyn 99
Season 3, Episode 5
First aired on October 25th, 2015
Next in line is “Halloween III” from Brooklyn 99, a sitcom based around detectives in New York City. Obviously, prior to this episode are “Halloween I” and “Halloween II” but I chose “Halloween III” for this list because of the major plot twist at the end. After a night of Halloween haunts and silly shenanigans, an unlikely suspect is revealed to be the brilliance behind the mayhem of the night, resulting in an unexpected loss, and a magnificent victory for one of the precinct's top detectives.
Click here to watch “Halloween III” from Brooklyn 99
3. “Halloween” from Modern Family
Season 2, Episode 6
First aired on October 27th, 2010
Smack in the middle of our Top 5 Halloween episodes is the simply named earlier Modern Family episode, “Halloween”. As a personal lover of all things spooky season, I can safely say that I strive to be as successful as a decorator and Halloween hostess as the matriarch of the family, Claire Dunphy. This episode is filled with family fun, and signature style. Phil tries to keep up with his ever-enthusiastic wife, Claire, as she prepares the Dunphy home for epic Halloween experiences, transforming a suburban house into an iconic haunted mansion.
Click here to watch “Halloween” from Modern Family
2. “The One with the Halloween Party” from Friends
Season 8, Episode 6
First aired on: November 1st, 2001
As a diehard Friends fan, it’s obvious that this episode would make the list. Set in Monica’s apartment, the group comes together to celebrate Halloween with a costume party. While several of the characters have well thought out costumes and clear intentions for the evening, others attend with a less prepared option, showcasing the differing personalities, and the inner workings of the group. The characters are also presented with a plethora of typical Halloween challenges including being guilted into giving too much candy to Trick or Treaters, and finding a costume that’s both culturally relevant and physically flattering.
Click here to watch “The One with the Halloween Party” from Friends
1. “Epidemiology” from Community
Season 2, Episode 6
First aired on October 28th, 2010
It’s time for the top sitcom Halloween episode ever made. An episode I have watched repeatedly, and one that is nothing short of haunted perfection. I give you, “Epidemiology” from Community as the number one choice. Centered around a ragtag group of 7 students at a community college, “Epidemiology” is the ultimate homage to various zombie and horror movies. Set to legendary hits from ABBA, the “Greendale Seven” must face their very own “Walking Dead” scenario. Students ingest a biohazardous substance at the college’s Halloween party that turns them into zombies. This leaves the group to save themselves and the school, when they are locked in with infected students,
Click here to watch “Epidemiology” from Community
That’s a wrap for our Top 5 Halloween Sitcom episodes. Even if you haven’t watched the full extent of these shows, I personally recommend you dedicate a night to solely watching Halloween episodes. Each episode has its own plot, independent from other scenarios in the series, making them easy to follow and popular to rewatch.
Must Watch Christmas Movies and TV shows on Netflix
By Sofia Flores, Staff Photographer
I don’t know about y’all, but Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year! What’s not to love about the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies, dressing the beautifully bare evergreen tree, snowball fights, quality time with friends and family, and not to mention… CHRISTMAS DINNER! But the one thing that effortlessly gets me into the holiday spirit without a doubt is Christmas movies! Ever since I was a kid, every year I would look forward to gathering into the living room with my family and watching a classic like Home Alone or Elf.
Trust me…I know the struggle. It’s hard to find the perfect movie or TV show on Netflix. It’s like no matter how hard you look, you can never seem to find the perfect choice. It’s almost as if you wished you had a list you can turn to or some kind of generator…
That’s where I come in! Sadly, I do not have a Netflix Christmas Generator, but I do have a list! I have compiled a Christmas themed list filled with movies and TV shows that you MUST watch on Netflix. So, kick back, relax, grab a cozy blanket, your favorite snack, and enjoy!
When you need a laugh…
1. Unaccompanied Minors
This film will always be a classic. If you love pure, innocent fun and mischievousness, then this is definitely the choice for you! If I could only explain it using a couple of phrases it would be airport, Christmas, group of kids, freedom, and trouble.
2. Love Hard
I would hands down give this movie a 10000000/10. This movie made me laugh out loud about 20 times throughout the whole film. This is a movie that would make you do the same, guaranteed! Want a romantic comedy that is genuinely comedic? This is the perfect match for you!
3. Let it Snow
I think this is a movie that we would all be able to relate to, no matter what situation you find yourselves in this Christmas. Not only does it include a great deal of laughs, but it also gives you a great message that you cannot miss. Of course, I can’t spoil that for you! I guess you’ll just have to watch to find out…
When you’re in the baking spirit…
1. The Great British Baking Show:
Holidays I have to admit… I SUCK at baking. Unlike my boyfriend, I can never seem to have a successful baking attempt, even if I follow the directions step by step. However, one thing I am great at is watching baking shows. And what’s more perfect than watching Christmas baking shows!
2. Sugar Rush: Christmas
If you like the first choice, then you’re definitely going to love this one! Let the Christmas Baking continue!
3. The Great British Baking Show
I know, I know…this is not a Christmas themed show, but I just HAD to include this in our list, my friends. What’s one thing we instantly feel when it comes to Christmas: cozy! That’s exactly the vibes that this show gives off. Just picture it: fireplace crackling, you’re all wrapped up in your most soft blanket, hot chocolate in your hand, and The Great British Baking Show is playing on the TV. Who wouldn’t love this?
When you’re feeling in love…
1. Dash & Lily
Dash & Lily is by far one of the most amazing treasures I have had the honor of stumbling upon. You’re probably thinking this is just another cheesy, rom com of a show. Well dear reader, I hate to be the one to tell you that you’re wrong. It’s a show that includes two perspectives of Christmas: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and “It’s the worst time of the year.” If you’re looking for an intriguing, thrilling, romantic show; look no further!
2. A Christmas Prince
Is this movie cheesy? Maybe a little bit. Is it amazing? Yes! Will it put you into the romantic Christmas Spirit? Heck yes! I admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first watched this movie but once I started watching it, I did not regret it a single bit. It’s a beautiful film that not only includes wonderful nuggets of wisdom, but a story of unexpected love!
3. The Knight Before Christmas
This movie is definitely one of my favorite Christmas romance movies. It makes you fall in love with love, much like A Christmas Prince. Does that make sense? Probably not, but you get what I mean.
When you’re looking for something to enjoy with the family…
1. Klaus
This film is a work of art, to say the least. The animation is absolutely beautiful, and the story line is even better. This is definitely a movie that you will enjoy with your family. It is the perfect way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the holiday season!
2. The Princess Switch
One characteristic that is always correlated to the Christmas season is love. There is love being spread every second from partner to partner, friend to friend, and family to family. This movie is a perfect embodiment of that. It shows us that love is what connects us all together.
3. The Holiday Calendar
This is a movie filled with…MAGIC! I have always thought of the Christmas season to be magical, and in this movie, it literally is! If there’s anything I have learned from this movie it's that there is always magic floating in the air, but it’s our job to notice it.
WandaVision’s contributions to MCU Phase 4
This will include spoilers for the full series, and additional Marvel movies.
The WandaVision series finale has left us with more questions than answers, fan theories were disproved, we saw the fall of the hex and lost what many fans believed to be a set up for the young avengers.
By: Sarah Gomez, Staff Writer
This will include spoilers for the full series, and additional Marvel movies.
The WandaVision series finale has left us with more questions than answers, fan theories were disproved, we saw the fall of the hex and lost what many fans believed to be a set up for the young avengers. Though the ending may have seen a bit clear cut, with Wanda destroying the hex and going onto study magic in a faraway land, there is a lot still unclear.
The Twins
When Wanda destroyed the hex, we saw her lose not only Vision, but her two boys, Billy and Tommy. This led to an invalidation of what many Marvel fans believed to be the first of the young avengers. Billy and Tommy were supposed to be wiccan and speed, however their deaths complicate how they are going to come back to assume those roles. The end credit scene of the final episode shows Wanda seemingly making contact with her children on a separate plane. This is a clear set up for the reincarnation of the twins, hopefully something that will be explored in the Doctor Strange Sequel, where Elisabeth Olsen is already set to make an appearance.
The Missing Person
Many fans were upset that the appearance of Evan Peters’ quicksilver seemed to be a mere fan service, however many theorize that it goes beyond that. The theory that Ralph Bohner is the person Agent Woo was looking for is something fans are still debating. While many say this is not the case because of Woo’s lack of reaction to seeing him, Woo doesn’t see him at all. Once “Pietro” comes into the show, Woo is then taken off the base and does not get to comment on Ralph Bohner. In addition to this, Evan Peters’ Peter Maximoff would be a definite candidate for witness protection, being who he is. This theory, however, has holes. The headshots suggest that Ralph is a struggling actor, an idea further confirmed with bills that are overdue for the past year. If Ralph was in witness protection, he would most likely be barred from a career like acting. However, a struggling actor would not be able to afford the house Ralph has, causing more confusion. Though it is extremely unclear as to who the missing person is, it’s reasonable to assume they will play a part in the next phase.
The Vision
The duel of the two Visions is some of the most action we see in the series finale, ending rather anticlimactically. Following the actual fighting, the two engage in discussion on who “The Vision” is. Their discussion of the Ship of Theseus then led to a philosophical discussion between the two that ended with the realization that both of them are and are not The Vision. The white Vision then flies off and is seemingly defeated for the time being. Though that is the last of him we see in WandaVision, it is expected he returns once his internal conflict is resolved.
The Multiverse of Madness
One of the many successes of the series is the set up for the Doctor Strange sequel. In addition to the end credit scenes' implication of the twins being in another plane, the prophecy described the scarlet witch as someone more powerful than the sorcerer supreme. The last time we saw someone labeled the sorcerer supreme, they died. Doctor Strange is now next in line to fill that position, setting the scene for a Wanda versus Strange fight scene.
Overall, WandaVision was a perfect introduction for the universe following the loss of a majority of the original MCU characters. Not only has the series been able to set up what seems to be the premise of future films, but it was also able to bring attention to how everyone felt following the blip. Though it is safe to assume we will not be getting any more episodes of WandaVision anytime soon, with Marvel we may never know.
WandaVision: Not Just for Marvel Fans
By: Sarah Gomez, Staff Writer
I’m sure nearly everyone at this point has heard of the Disney+ original WandaVision, the first series made by Marvel Studios, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, with that being said, you don’t have to care or even know about any of that to enjoy the series as it is. Though Marvel fans might advertise this series as something of the specific niche, anyone who likes a good plot and cool characters can enjoy it. This sitcom format series is something enjoyable for multiple audiences of different familiarities of the characters. Whether you’re a marvel fanatic, only seen two or three films, or never even heard of it, WandaVision is bound to have something you can enjoy.
The show follows a couple, Wanda and Vision, as they move into their new home in the town of Westview, New Jersey. Wanda, a stay-at-home wife who can make a pen float in the air, and Vision, an indestructible AI that works for Computational Services Inc., move in at the beginning of the series. This series also expands on the two characters on a more personal level. This approach establishes the two in their own little bubble. The two are the main characters and we get to see the two grow with each other in a completely independent manner. The show follows a standard sitcom format that changes throughout the series, going from 50’s to 60’s and so on and so forth. While the two love birds are living their newly-wed lives in their new home, things begin to look out of the ordinary for their picture-perfect life. New problems begin to arise that are out of the ordinary even for a sitcom, and the rest of the series attempts to understand who or what is ruining the show.
Though this may not be the most enticing storyline for everyone immediately, each episode comes with its own flavor. In addition to having the time era‘s general aesthetics, the story line of the episode follows a similar arc we would expect from a television show at that time. From I Love Lucy to The Office, WandaVision has an episode for whatever your comfort sitcom may be. In addition to this, the variety in episodes keep audiences constantly on their toes. The easy-to-follow plot makes this an ideal binge for family nights or background entertainment for studying, while still being entertaining.