Tory quit Cobra Kai, but that doesn't mean she'll join Johnny and Daniel's dojo. Season 6 has a much better story it can tell with her character.
In spite of the current direction of her arc, Tory shouldn’t join Johnny and Daniel’s dojo in Cobra Kai. Played by Peyton List, Tory is one among a handful of characters without a dojo going into the final season. After spending so much time on opposite sides with Sam and the others, Tory is finally in a position to become one of them.
Tory’s break with Cobra Kai in season 5 amounted to a major shift in the status quo for her character. Having put aside her grudge against Sam, Tory expressed a willingness to fight beside the kids against Terry Silver’s Cobra Kai students in the finale. Based on how much things have changed since the days when Tory was one of their most ruthless opponents, it’s not impossible that Cobra Kai is setting up Tory to join Johnny and Daniel’s dojo. This idea feeds into speculation that Chozen, who briefly tutored her in a season 5 scene, will act as her new mentor in the show’s final season. Admittedly, putting Tory on their student roster would give her a clear place in season 6’s story.
Tory Joining Johnny & Daniel Would Betray Her Cobra Kai Story
The problem with Tory joining Johnny and Daniel’s dojo in season 6 is that such a move wouldn’t be true to her character’s journey. Tory finally being able to put aside her differences with Sam isn’t enough to justify her making such a significant jump. She may not have personal issues with Johnny and Daniel’s students anymore, but the fact remains that their dojo isn’t the right fit for her. When it comes to karate, Tory is Kreese’s student above all else. His teachings have been vital to her development not only as a person but also as a fighter.
Having Tory suddenly begin training under Johnny, Daniel, and Chozen would be a betrayal of her story and her relationship with Kreese. She may not be on good terms with Kreese after the latter advised her not to continue the fight against Silver, but their last conversation hardly served as closure or a full rejection of his martial arts philosophy. Rather than have Tory abruptly change directions, Cobra Kai should finish what it started by continuing to explore their relationship. It’ll struggle to do that if it aligns Tory with the people Kreese perceives as his enemies.
Tory Is Kreese’s Best Path To Redemption
One thing that Cobra Kai has proven about Kreese is that Tory is his best bet at finding redemption. In the season 4 finale, Kreese experienced a rare crisis of conscience when Silver ordered Tory to cheat in the final round of the All Valley. Kreese’s decision to put Tory’s own interests above winning was a positive step for him and a good sign for his future. His desire to avoid making the same mistakes with Tory that he did with Johnny could lead to him making better choices in Cobra Kai season 6. Season 5 ended with Kreese on a dangerous path to revenge, but it’s possible that his bond with Tory can be used to prevent him from crossing any more lines.
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