With each new season of Cobra Kai, the show has masterfully reintroduced characters from The Karate Kid universe, turning nostalgia into meaningful storytelling. While some callbacks, like the AI version of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), felt forced, others—such as Mike Barnes (Sean Canan) and Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue)—added depth to the narrative. Even villains like Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) were reimagined in ways that enhanced their legacy.
One character who never made a full return was Dutch, played by Chad McQueen. In Season 2’s “Take the Right,” Johnny (William Zabka) reunites with former Cobra Kai members Bobby (Ron Thomas) and Jimmy (Tony O’Dell) after learning their friend Tommy (Rob Garrison) is terminally ill. During the episode, the group mentions Dutch is in federal prison, a nod to his troubled past. While the show never revisited Dutch, there were plans to bring him back in Season 6.
A Flashback of Johnny Visiting Dutch in Prison
In a Q&A on X (formerly Twitter), Cobra Kai co-creator Jon Hurwitz revealed that the finale’s opening scene was originally supposed to feature Johnny visiting Dutch in prison. Dutch would have warned Johnny that there are no second chances for people like them, serving as a stark reflection of Johnny’s own struggles. However, this scene was ultimately replaced with the one where Johnny visits his mother, which Hurwitz felt better tied the series together.
Chad McQueen, the actor who played Dutch, had a notable career beyond acting, transitioning into professional racing. After retiring from acting, he founded McQueen Racing in 2010, pursuing his passion for motorsports. Unfortunately, McQueen passed away on September 11, 2023, after Cobra Kai Season 6 had finished filming. While he expressed interest in returning to the show, his racing commitments and injuries made it difficult.
Dutch’s Return Would Have Been a Meaningful Send-Off
A major theme of Cobra Kai is redemption—the idea that it’s never too late to change. Characters like John Kreese (Martin Kove) have spent years grappling with their pasts, and Dutch’s return could have mirrored Johnny’s journey. Seeing Dutch in prison would have forced Johnny to confront an alternate version of himself, emphasizing the importance of personal growth.
Even though Dutch didn’t make a full return, the show still managed to tie up loose ends. The infamous Applebee’s incident, often referenced as a low point in Johnny’s life, is finally addressed in the finale. By bookending the series with Johnny’s visit to his mother, Cobra Kai successfully highlights his transformation over the years.
All seasons of Cobra Kai are now streaming on Netflix.
