Movies News Talk
The death of Tory's mother in Season 6 Part 1 stunned and depressed Cobra Kai's fans. This turning point in the show has major effects on Tory's future in the next episodes and her character arc. In an interview with Screen Rant, Showrunner Josh Heald illuminated the causes of this dramatic change and how it affected the storyline of the show.
For Tory's character, the death of her mother marks a sea change. Tory's mother's illness has loomed large over her life over the series. Tory, who looks after her family mostly, has battled to fit her obligations with her love of karate. The death of her mother will surely push Tory to her boundaries, forcing her to face her loss and negotiate the weight of her new reality.
The timing of Tory's mother's death couldn't have been more significant. It happens exactly as Tory is getting ready for the Sekai Taikai tournament, a turning point in her karate career. Her performance in the tournament will surely be affected by her loss and grief, adding still another level of emotional complexity for the character. Her choices and interactions with other characters will also change with the death of her mother. The showrunner underlined the need of timing, which gives the already intricate plot more suspense and conflict.
Following the death of her mother, Tory makes the pivotal choice to leave Miyagi-Do and join the newly formed Cobra Kai under Kreese. The showrunner has said that Tory's decision could be influenced by her sense of loss and grief as well as by other elements. Kreese is now her coach, thus Tory's sensitivity could make her open to his manipulative lessons, so affecting her viewpoint on karate and her contacts with others. The showrunners have suggested that the death of Tory's mother could be the impetus for a change in her perspective, which would have broad effects on her character growth.
Tory's performance in the Sekai Taikai tournament might be much affected by her emotional turmoil. Her anger and loss could skew her judgment and cause her to lose concentration. Should Tory let her feelings overwhelm her, she might not realize her full potential in the tournament, thus perhaps resulting in a sobering lesson about the perils of allowing loss to control her.
Although Tory's choice to join Cobra Kai seems permanent, the writers of the show have left opportunity for atonement and a possible change in her allegiance. The fact that Johnny and Daniel, who have been tutors and encouragement for Tory, are present points to her maybe finding her way back to their side. But the road she will travel to get at peace and healing will be personal and call for her to make tough decisions. Eventually, Tory makes the last call; fans will have to wait for Season 6 Part 2 to find out which road she decides to travel.