Daniel LaRusso’s First Friend Freddy Fernandez

Let's Talk - Cobra Kai
Episode 76: Daniel LaRusso’s First Friend Freddy Fernandez

Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the on-and-off friendship between Daniel Larusso and Freddy Fernandez, fellow South Seas neighbor and schoolmate, from The Karate Kid.

Original Episode: S03E35

Recorded: 10-25-21
Studio: Just Curious Media
https://www.JustCuriousMedia.com/

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Transcript

Jason Connell: 15:29:42

Welcome to Just curious media. This is let's talk Cobra Kai. I'm Jason Connell.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:29:45

And I'm Sal Rodriguez.

Jason Connell: 15:29:47

All right sow. We are back for a very fun and unique episode.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:29:52

Oh yeah, I dug into some stuff today. That's really cool and very interesting about the person in question.

Jason Connell: 15:30:00

As did I added I did my homework. And the episode Today we are covering is entitled, Daniel the Russos. First friend, Freddy Fernandez. First friend meaning first to California. Are you so? Yes.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:30:17

For bed or lock your door?

Jason Connell: 15:30:20

Five, six, get a crucifix? Oh, yes, that's pretty Krueger, a different. So no, Freddie Fernandez befriended Daniel Russo before he even stepped foot in his new apartment and the South Seas and receipt of California. So why don't you give us that backstory that sequence how that went down. So

Sal Rodriguez: 15:30:44

yeah, sort of a dramatic entrance by Freddy Fernandez. Because as soon as Daniel and his mother make their way from New Jersey, through Sedona? Yes, yes. And then they wind up in receita at the South Seas apartment, and they're unloading and in this moment, Daniel is unloading his bicycle, taking his bicycle into the apartment, and then delivers. What would that be a straight kick, a front kick. What do you call a kick out a front kick to the door to the main entrance gate? And then Freddie is on the other side. And he gets knocked by the opening door or gate? What are we going to call? It's

Jason Connell: 15:31:21

a big wooden door he couldn't see through? Yes, yes. Now I've been there since then. And you have to get to see through gate. There's none of that business. Now. After Freddie got hurt. Everything changed. We already had to kind of different door on. But yeah, he does take a hit. And that begins kind of a cute meat. Yeah, like you see in old school movies.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:31:41

Yeah, it looks innocent enough. We get a feeling that hey, Freddy seems like a cool friend. A good neighbor, maybe. And you know, he's about Daniel's age. They're about the same age. Hey, maybe Lucille can be friends with Freddie's mother or Freddie's parents. You know? Yeah, this could be a very good thing. You know, obviously, if you move into a new place, you want to at least be friendly with the neighbors. And that's what we're seeing. We're seeing this kid who is befriending Daniel and everything seems fine so far.

Jason Connell: 15:32:08

Now, let's pause that and let's give some backstory on the actor who is portraying Freddy Fernandez. Yes,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:32:16

that is Israel Warby. Yes,

Jason Connell: 15:32:19

Israel Warby. Now, I looked at his credentials because I always wonder what happened to him. And now that we've been doing this deep dive into the Karate Kid since Cobra Kai, and we're doing all things Cobra Kai and karate kid. I was watching a movie about a year ago, I was just revisiting a movie about a year ago. And I swear I saw him I was like, pause. I sent you a screenshot even. So like that's ready. Yeah. And then so here are some of his filmography, if you will. I'm going to rattle them off. This is not going to be the episode where we break down Robert Mark came in Yeah. Filmography which I highly recommend checking that episode out. He's incredible prolific, you'll never even imagine what he has his hands in besides the Karate Kid franchise. But here's Israel's kind of background TV movie. And it all happened in a short span of time. So here we go. Cagney and Lacey. He played Nunzio. Did he work with Martin Cass? I was thinking that was an ad to then Remington Steele played Darrell in one episode and 83 Hill Street Blues. He played Paco and Diablo kid in two different episodes. 1984 Give me a break. He played the center. I guess it was a basketball sequence. ad for one episode, then the Karate Kid. Freddy 1984 Beverly Hills Cop room service waiter also handy for nikecourt He played a team in 85 one episode chopper John M. D. He played Hey Soos and 8586 two episodes are prized his role their silver spoons. He played a heckler. At seven one episode the movie overboard. Great movie Kurt Russell. If you remember Goldie Hawn. He played on the yacht. She owned a yacht in the movie and he was an engine room crewman in 87. Then the movie I saw him and most recently, again, indecent proposal. Great film is a citizenship student. And Demi Moore is their teacher. That was 93 Angels in the Outfield. He played Jose Martinez and 94 and then the net. He was a thief and 95 I mean, those are great credentials for anybody. This guy was killing it. You could do a six degrees of Israel waterbay And you could be one degree from almost any Buddy in Hollywood, I

Sal Rodriguez: 15:34:43

love that this guy has some really cool credits. I hope he's proud of him. I'd be very proud of my credits if those remind.

Jason Connell: 15:34:49

You know it's missing. Yeah. Cobra Kai? Yes. Oh, we'll get to that. We'll get to yeah,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:34:54

we'll see. We'll see who's coming up in season four. I mean, jeez, if Mike Barnes Freddie Fernandez.

Jason Connell: 15:35:01

Hey, why not? So what did you find out today before we jump in, as I revisited Freddy scenes in the movie to see how strong this friendship was with Daniel Russo?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:35:11

Well, I don't know if this is a spoiler for what you're gonna say. But I saw this very interesting video where a YouTuber, this guy I forget his name. I'm sorry, but he made this video analyzing every scene with Freddy.

Jason Connell: 15:35:26

Was it mind?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:35:27

No. Okay, listen, do you know that there's another video that talks about how Daniel is the real villain of the Karate Kid we have. Yeah. Okay. So that kind of blew up and went viral. So this guy makes a video about how Freddy set up Daniel? Freddy set up Daniel, to fight Johnny Lawrence on the beach. And if you do a play by play, egg kind of make sense.

Jason Connell: 15:35:52

You could take that and that's extreme. I cover the facts. You know,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:35:56

you're not a you're not a conspiracy theory.

Jason Connell: 15:35:58

I'm not trying to make no none of that. I have no theory other than this is pretty comical. No one that I know has ever explored this before. Except for this YouTuber that you spoke. Yeah, yes. Yes. So all right. I'm ready to jump in anything else you want to add? Before we do so?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:36:13

Well, we'll see if as we go along, if this actually will elaborate on the conspiracy or put to rest the conspiracy?

Jason Connell: 15:36:20

Yeah, who knows? So we have this encounter where they meet at South Seas. And immediately Freddy is welcoming to Daniel. And he's apartment 17. He's telling Daniel L Europe and apartment 20 He's already seen his mother go in and out and carry some stuff up. So Friday is all about South Seas. He's you know, head on a swivel. He's not missing anything going on. Yeah. He's also got a nice fashion sense out.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:36:47

Yes. Yes. And right now Israel is as we speak, probably up there signing a makin bacon t shirt.

Jason Connell: 15:36:54

He's got the makin bacon t shirt, the cartoon pig. Yeah, you go back and see it. It's like, yeah, there were those types of shirts. I saw myself in a photo from the 80s. That literally said, Who's that Turkey. And it's like pointing whoever standing next to you. I was wearing that shirt around with a big turkey on it. So yeah, you know, somehow these making bacon shirts find their way into your wardrobe.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:37:17

No, but I wore similar shirts when I was in high school. And then when I was in high school was late 80s, early 90s. The thing of it is though, if you wore that makin bacon shirt today, to you would literally make the news. I think you literally make the the news student wears inappropriate shirt to school, and we'd have the parents rights groups and the teachers fighting and it would be a big thing. So true.

Jason Connell: 15:37:40

So immediately, though, Freddy spots Daniels karate skills, because he just took one off the head on the door. He immediately knows like, yeah, Daniels got some skills. I bet you he can handle his own out there. I don't know where that's going. But no, but hang on.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:37:55

But there you go. I

Jason Connell: 15:37:56

know that not back to your conspiracy to keep going back to that constantly. But I think he's just trying to make fast friends. Yeah, that's who Freddie is. There's a newbie. I'm on him. Hey, do you want to come to a beach party? What are you doing tomorrow? Yeah, let's go. Yeah. So

Sal Rodriguez: 15:38:10

you have no reason to mistrust. Freddie. At this moment? No,

Jason Connell: 15:38:13

no, I think this is who he is. You've met people like this in your lifestyle? Sure.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:38:18

Well, yeah. But let me tell you something. Yes, I have met people like this. And I have warned people about people like this, particularly years ago when I would give dating advice. Yes, it's true. And girls would say to me, Hey, this guy's doing this and this. And I would say beware of people that come on strong. The stronger somebody comes on, look out. And in this case, this could be the prime example of something like that.

Jason Connell: 15:38:41

Even if he doesn't have an ulterior motive. I believe that it just feels wrong. Right. But Daniels very innocent knew. He's not going to be taken advantage of. He's got this New Jersey, you know, he'll stand up for himself. Yes. But you know, he's trusting. And I think that Friday means well, but guys like this, they might acquire friends very quickly, and they may lose friends

Sal Rodriguez: 15:39:03

very quickly. Yeah, yeah, there you go. The analogy is a shooting star now. There you go. Shooting Star is big. It's fantastic. And man got out of there. Yeah. What was that? Yeah. So the same can be said in friendships or in love. Friendships are love. You know, the only differences is the physical intimacy. But otherwise, yeah, these come on strong. It explodes. It's big. And then we're gone. It's dead. And what happened to that person?

Jason Connell: 15:39:25

Yep. So now we're at the beach. The party in which Friday invites Daniel two. Yes. And we're playing soccer. And Friday again,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:39:34

what you love I know you love the soccer part. Oh, I'm

Jason Connell: 15:39:36

gonna get to myself. But he's got another statement

Sal Rodriguez: 15:39:39

shirt. Okay. I didn't notice that one. I didn't know Notice that one

Jason Connell: 15:39:42

normal, but no A and O R M L with like one of the letters is kind of looping around. Wait

Sal Rodriguez: 15:39:51

no RML Yeah, that's the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws normal. No, yes. Yeah.

Jason Connell: 15:39:59

This is progressive. I would not.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:40:01

I should have noticed that because yeah, normal. You don't hear about normal much anymore because look what happened marijuana is become legal everywhere. But once upon a time you had the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Yes. That's what that is

Jason Connell: 15:40:14

crazy under if the staff even knew what he was wearing.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:40:17

That's so crazy that I didn't notice that. And as real

Jason Connell: 15:40:21

snuck one by someone from the wardrobe just said, Hey, put this on.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:40:26

Very interesting. Yeah. Well, if you would have worn that to school, he might have gotten in trouble cuz let me tell you something. I wore a zigzag shirt to middle school once. It was like an old hand me down from my older siblings. Oh, it was a big thing. I got taken into the office. They made me turn it inside out the whole thing. But yeah, wearing a zigzag shirt. In the what was that? The mid 80s. And the here's this guy wearing a normal shirt in the mid 80s. Very interesting. Freddie props and shout out got ahead of you.

Jason Connell: 15:40:54

Yeah, one time I wore a spuds McKinsey shirt and High School in the late 80s, early 90s. And they made me turn that inside out was Budweiser.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:41:03

Yes. No, you know, I gotta say this just for the benefit of the youngsters or the newbies. spuds Mackenzie was the original Budweiser icon mascot. Yeah, you would recognize him as the target dog today. So the dog that is the target dogs for Target stores. That is an English bull terrier dog. The same as spuds? Mackenzie was I love spuds Mackenzie big fan. Yeah.

Jason Connell: 15:41:27

So back to soccer. Yes. Out Friday and I with our equal shared love of soccer would have made fast friends.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:41:36

Yeah, yeah. Yeah. kicking a soccer ball around. Big time. Fun Factor. Ton of

Jason Connell: 15:41:40

fun. Well, Freddie loves it. And so does Daniel, for that matter. Well, this leads into of course, we know they're playing soccer, not a lot of dialogue here. They're having a good time. You know, Ally's kind of with her friends and we're starting to get that build up. But now it's nightfall and the cookout is going on? They're making hot dogs. And there's this little exchange, probably the most dialogue that Freddy and Daniel have ever. And it's right here and just for the sake of indulging, Sal, why don't you give us a play by play.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:42:08

All right. Freddie says. I think the blonde is looking at you. Daniel says, oh, yeah, right. Freddie says I'm serious. I think she has the hots for you, man. Daniel says, Oh, you could blame her right, Freddie. Freddie says, Oh, yeah. Then why don't you make a move? Daniel says, nah, I'm eatin ma'am. Freddie says How could you think about it, man, go make a move. Dennis says I'm hungry. And Fred, his other friend says maybe they ain't got no moves where he comes from? These wisecracking sidekicks. Daniel says, No, I got moves where I come from. Yeah, yeah, we got more moves there than here. I'll tell you that much. And Freddie says, oh, yeah, yeah. Huh.

Jason Connell: 15:42:47

Great exchange. But this leads to Freddie kicking the soccer ball towards ally because on that, yeah, yeah. He's like, Oh, okay. We'll see. And Sal, this puts the Karate Kid franchise into motion.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:43:02

Yeah, yeah. I would say it's an infamous moment. With that soccer ball rolling over there.

Jason Connell: 15:43:08

It's like the ripple effect. Yeah, ball rolls up on her own pit with her friends. And they all know it's intended for ally like the girl other girls. Give her the ball. Yeah, everything just changes right there. Right there. Choose your own adventure. And this is what happens. I don't think it's conspiracy is this Freddie's a device? He's the friend. In all, they're making good friendship here. They've only known each other for just over 24 hours. They've helped him move in. He's invited him to Malibu, have a cookout, play some soccer meet other friends. I mean, listen, when you're new to a place you're going cross country. And I know I've done this before. You know, you don't know anybody first times. So Friday is like way. This is great. And he's also introducing him to this young lady. Oh, yeah.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:43:54

I mean, if you're a teenager, you know, it's all about the hormones. You're out there. You're out there looking, you know, who's around, go to the mall. You know, that was a big thing. So yeah, going to the beach. And it being a team party on the beach. I don't even know if I went to any team parties on the beach. Yeah, he didn't know Friday. I didn't have any any. No, I didn't know Freddy, and didn't know any friends in Malibu at all. But yeah, so that's a good time. It's a real good picture is what it is.

Jason Connell: 15:44:21

Exactly. You know, quickly. I have to interject here because I meant to say this earlier, but I have it in my notes. You know, had you been a little bit older? Yeah. You know, not at for you are too young. Yeah. But had you been a little bit older and because you began acting in the 90s? Sure. Yeah. Yeah. popping up on all these hit shows. Kind of like Fridays resume. Yeah. partner can't lose market lose. Can't Lose. Yeah, partners can't lose. Not a to one. Oh, yeah. Are you on Melrose?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:44:49

I was on Melrose once or twice a wonder years a lot.

Jason Connell: 15:44:51

Yeah. So I mean, here you are. These are also huge shows. Well, you know,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:44:55

as I tell everybody, I've had big roles and small productions are all roses big productions. Yes. Yeah.

Jason Connell: 15:45:00

But had you been the right age? You easily could have been cast is funny. I'm telling ya. Freddy Fernandez, Sal Roderick.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:45:09

You always broadside me? Yeah. Yeah, you're probably literally right. If I were in the right place. A couple years older. Yeah, it could have happened. Sure. Why not happened? Why not? I could be citing making bacon shirts today. Today at the cons.

Jason Connell: 15:45:25

You could just do it anyways. I can tell people

Sal Rodriguez: 15:45:29

I say yeah, but I mean, Warby, they'd be like, really? Okay. You saw my shirt.

Jason Connell: 15:45:33

I'll buy that. Yeah, you were a cool, man. All right back to where we were at. So now cut to the Cobra Kai's in the famous fight with Johnny. You know how this thing goes. This plays out poorly for Daniel. But Freddy does indeed help Daniel up once after getting knocked down like a Leg Sweep. The second time he tries to help him up he can't because Daniels kind of bent over and the third time and Johnny absolutely destroys Daniel. Fridays in disbelief. Yeah. in disbelief. And then his friends come over Freddy's friend. Yes, yes. Come over to him. And they say you sure pick cool people to be friends with Friday. And another guy says, Where do you find this guy? And last guy says, Come on. Let's go. He'll be alright. Come on. Let's go. He'll be alright. Now. Meanwhile, Sal, how did Daniel get here to Malibu?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:46:28

Yeah, yeah. We talked about that before we say Oh, yeah. Oh, that's

Jason Connell: 15:46:32

speculation on our special episode. Please visit it The Karate Kid. Yeah, we're here. Yeah.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:46:37

Because you know what? If you're familiar with the San Fernando Valley, and the layout as it relates to the Pacific coast, there's no bus. There was no Uber now, you could ride your bike by most likely not. This is Sunday night. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. We don't know how we got there. Nor do we know how the hell is he gonna get home and you leave this guy laying on the beach after having been beaten. And those guys when I was watching that video earlier of that conspiracy video, I was looking at Freddie's friends there. Who are those guys? I want to know who those guys

Jason Connell: 15:47:09

are. Exactly. That's another deep dive. Yes. But that was their exchange. And Freddie is just looking down at Daniel hasn't said a word that was his friends talking. Yes. He just looks this. Beyond disappointment. He's just, he can't even believe he's appalled at his new buddy. Got his butt kicked. And Sal, why? Because he lost to a jealous hot headed martial arts bully. I mean, what was he supposed to do? I didn't see Fred and his friends standing up for Daniel. No, you know, there was plenty of other Kobrick guys there to get involved in usually when those things would happen. And, you know, middle school high school, it would escalate beyond the the main guy, you know, like some of the residual players would get involved. But sure they wanted none of that. Yeah, so that was it. Like, was he saying, I can't be friends with this guy? This guy can't fight?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:47:58

Well, no, I'm reminded of a similar story. One time I made I worked at a clothing store in the mall, made friends with a couple of guys who worked at the clothing store. We this was right out of high school. There used to be these 18 over clubs. That was a lot of fun. They weren't 21 Over 18 Over nightclubs. And so we go there. We went to one and then afterwards we're having tacos at this taco. Stan is three of us. And some gangsters come over some Cholos come over. And for some reason they had it in for me. I don't know why they chose me. I don't know why they hated me. But these guys were coming up threatening me. intimidating me. And they said to these two guys, are you with this guy? We are at the same table eating tacos together. They say are you with this guy? And they go No. No. And I'm sitting there going? What do you what do you mean? No? What the hell anyway? So I talked myself out of it. Can you believe it? I talked myself out of it. I do believe it. But guess what? Those guys wanted to hang out with me later. Like, like they wanted to act like nothing happened. Yeah, I was like, I'm never hanging out with you got

Jason Connell: 15:48:54

areas assembler here. Very similar indeed. Although Daniel got himself wrapped up in that mess. Yeah, but they should at least be there to console him and say, hey, you know, we haven't finished eating. Let alone we're leaving and bailing on you, or take you home. Now. On that point. So what's Freddie's plan? I'll never see Daniel again. They both live in the South Seas apartment apartment. 17. Apartment 20. And they both go to the same school. Well, he really didn't think that went through.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:49:25

Jason This brings up a whole nother thought. What if Miyagi attempted to give tutelage to Freddie? Before Daniel ever arrived?

Jason Connell: 15:49:36

We talked about that at one point in time. Yeah, sure. He's there love the property? sale season. Long before Daniel. Yeah, he could have been training him but I you know, he runs from bullies.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:49:47

Yeah, I think we can definitely assume that Freddy knows me. I'll give me all you knows Freddie. Yeah, we can assume that. Yeah. But yeah, let me just leave my neighbor at the beach. head on out. I'll never see him again. Yeah, same school, same apartment. Hello.

Jason Connell: 15:49:59

He might as well have just said, You're dead to me.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:50:03

You know what, I would have respected that more. I would have respected that.

Jason Connell: 15:50:06

Right. But that leads us to literally the next day, which is also the first day of school. Yes. And they're on the soccer pitch. Yeah, here they are, you know, before school are in the middle of gym class or after school. And here's the exchange and this blows my mind and it kind of shows you how much heart Daniel has. Daniel says to Freddie and the same guys that made those comments and Malibu they're on the soccer pitch to Yeah. Hey, guys, Freddie. How you doing? Wow. Hey, guys, Freddie. How you doing? Oh, my God. Like he just was embarrassed. ashamed. What happened? All those guys left me. I was being stupid. I'll try to win them over again. Blows my mind Freddie to that says a karate kid. Let's see the moves. Laugh laugh. And there it is. Coins. The movie. Wow. Wow. Freddy. I've mentioned that before but he does say it. Now. He doesn't say the karate. Yes. That was unique. But yeah, he does say hey, Karate Kid. And then wonder Fridays friend says he knows how to get his butt kicked. Of which Friday says I already know that move. Laugh laugh and they're out. Wow. So yeah. How about that sound?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:51:26

Yeah. Yeah, he got he has my sympathy at this time.

Jason Connell: 15:51:30

Yeah, not hey, we're sorry for leaving. We didn't know what to do or kind of worried about the Cobra cause we know those guys from high school. Yeah, you know, tough dudes.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:51:39

Johnny's like martial arts champion.

Jason Connell: 15:51:41

Yeah. And they have a gang. Yeah, we wanted to get out of there. And sorry, we didn't have enough room to take you home or something. But no, nothing. Sal Freddy is not a friend to covet.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:51:53

No, no, he was. In fact, I wonder whatever became in the Karate Kid universe. Right? What became a Freddy Yeah, I want to I want to see if he becomes an ace degenerate.

Jason Connell: 15:52:04

Let's save that because essentially, he disappears. Yeah, from that moment on as he runs away with his other friends. Yeah, are his real friends. He disappears until all valid.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:52:15

That is funny. What the hell is he doing there?

Jason Connell: 15:52:19

However, there is one question I have. Could Freddy be? The chicken from the Halloween dance that hits Daniel with the egg that started in near deadly sequence of events. Wow. I mean, I don't know. He's an instigator. That guy's in a full chicken suit. I say guy. I guess it could have been a girl. Yeah, but we don't know. But I thought you know what? There's that moment. You don't miss a shower and he hits him with the egg. So

Sal Rodriguez: 15:52:45

that is fantastic. fan speculation. Did you think of that yourself? I sure did. That's pretty cool.

Jason Connell: 15:52:52

Yeah, conspiracy theorist. I mean, that's just a reach. But it's like, you know, if I ever found out one day like, oh, yeah, that was Israel. And I wouldn't be surprised. Yeah,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:53:00

yeah. No, that's, that's really cool. And uh, hey, you know what? I think we should start the urban legend. Let's do it. Let's initiate that Freddy was in the chicken costume at the dance,

Jason Connell: 15:53:11

as far as I know. So let's cut all the way to all Valley. All right. Now we see Freddie's friends cheering after Daniel scores his first point at the tournament. And then right after that is when Ali says you're the best and then kicks off the great song and the montage and says But no, Freddy. It's those other guys. Well, they're there and they're rooting for Daniel. Wow. Then the montage begins and it's a great montage. You know, sometimes you just have to watch the montage. That is incredible. Who's sings a song?

Sal Rodriguez: 15:53:48

That's a Joe Esposito, you're the best, right? Because I say you're the best around but you say it's not officially around? No. What's his nickname? Joe being Esposito?

Jason Connell: 15:53:57

Yes, very good. So Freddy does pop up during the montage to join his friends to see his other friend Daniel fight. So all of a sudden he's there in the stance. Wow,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:54:11

what an interesting choice for the producers and director to make well they

Jason Connell: 15:54:15

need people on those scenes. So that makes sense to me. And maybe there was some stuff cut outside but and we should probably talk about the friendship more before I rush all the way to the end. Yeah, you know, maybe there was more of a build up there after Malibu. We're gonna build this friendship more but wait a second. We're really getting him an ally together. It's almost like he hands the baton off to ally. Like, we're going to be friends. These are my other friends and then oh, you can't fly Like I thought you could that first time I saw you when you were doing correct a. So I'm gonna hand the baton to Ali and it's Ali and Daniel started their romance. And Friday just takes a backseat. But I wonder if there was more there, you know, because he's a good actor. Yeah, he does. Unlike Daniel Roth macho, who was 22 at the time, who looks like he's 12? Sure. I think Israel is a little bit older. Okay, maybe he's 20 to 23. But looks a little bit more mature. Right. There was that kind of

Sal Rodriguez: 15:55:11

way to sell? Wait, you're saying that in 1984? Daniel was older than Israel. No, I don't know. I'm sorry. Ralph was older than Israel.

Jason Connell: 15:55:21

I would say Israel looks more his age, whatever his age was. Yeah. I don't know what his age was. I mean, he just looks like a kid.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:55:29

Yes. Attorney. 1020 years

Jason Connell: 15:55:31

nominally. Yeah, but I look at him. He's like, he did look like older brother younger brother. Yeah, to me. Yeah. Okay. So

Sal Rodriguez: 15:55:38

that's sort of a stockier build as well.

Jason Connell: 15:55:41

Anyway, there could have been more they could have done more with it, for sure. Rather than leaving him with that just kind of it was kind of cold. I mean, think about it. Like okay, what a few Sal Rodriguez I just mentioned earlier. You were Friday, Fernandez. Yeah. And you're looking at the script going and Mr. kamin, Mr. Robertson, can we soften the edges a little bit because, you know, I leave him in Malibu. Yeah. And then I diss him on the soccer pitch. I don't want to bring him back at all valley. He doesn't seem like he would want like, you know, an olive branch moment.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:56:14

I just imagine like Abelson and kamy would like cigars like you'll be at the valley. Don't worry about it. Don't worry.

Jason Connell: 15:56:21

At all Valley. You can bring your friends too.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:56:25

Yeah. I'll be cheering for Daniel at the end. We're all on the same page. Don't even worry about

Jason Connell: 15:56:30

it. No one's gonna see this thing. Yeah,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:56:33

this is a throwaway. Line. Trump doesn't believe in this thing. Don't even

Jason Connell: 15:56:37

call the Karate Kid. Chill out. Meanwhile,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:56:43

that is fantastic.

Jason Connell: 15:56:46

All right. So let's get back on point here. So I would have assumed that Freddie would have left all valley after Daniel got injured now there's a long delay. Yeah. You know, they think he's not a battle. Russo's gonna fight. There's a long delay. Typical la patron show up late lever. Yeah, he already showed up late so I expected Friday to be gone. So I was scanning. You know the crowd, but he stayed Wow. And Friday is seeing cheering and screaming when Daniel goes up to nothing against Johnny and the finals because he's like, right out of frame. You can see him and they cut him a lot. Yeah. And so he goes on to a boo when Johnny reenters Daniel and makes a rally.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:57:32

Wow. Did you analyze the whole movie today or what?

Jason Connell: 15:57:36

Yes, I watched it in slow motion. The only scenes

Sal Rodriguez: 15:57:39

I watched was a beginning where they meet at the South Seas. Then at the beach then on the soccer field and then at the end of the all Valley. Okay, just those four scenes. Yeah, that's it. Is that are those the only four scenes that Freddie's in Yeah, okay. Okay. i Yeah, you analyze them even more than I did.

Jason Connell: 15:57:56

I even scan scenes to see if he was in other scenes. Just

Sal Rodriguez: 15:58:00

just not like, is there like a facial recognition software's like, total password password stop there is

Jason Connell: 15:58:05

he's an extra here in this and I saw him. So then finally, just after Daniel lands, the Crane Kick heard round the world. Oh, yeah. Freddie, and friends rushed the mat, which you probably saw to celebrate, and Daniels victory. And Sal, I'm here to tell you, and you saw today so you know, it was indeed Freddy and his friends that hoisted Daniel in the air as he raises the trophy high for all to see.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:58:39

Oh my god. This is so meta because I've never Yeah, I never thought about who is literally lifting him like I just figured it was anonymous. Bystanders anonymous audience. Those guys it's

Jason Connell: 15:58:52

not Miyagi. Miyagi stayed off on the side alleys. They're rushing, but she's not gonna pick him up. No, Johnny hands him a trophy. But he doesn't lift him up. Hang on. It's, yep, you're right,

Sal Rodriguez: 15:59:03

LORUSSO.

Jason Connell: 15:59:05

You're all right. Yeah, that's happening. And Fred is like, one of Verdi's friends is like shaking his hand. The same guy is like, where do you find this guy? Or he'll be all right. He's like shaking Daniels handling. Hey, man, way to go. Let's pick you up. You're the champ. Wow. So yeah, this is it. He got his respect from these guys of what she lost. And Malibu.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:59:27

Well, so are we I'm wondering what's going on in Daniel Larissa. Danna Lewis. Okay. Yes. Yeah.

Jason Connell: 15:59:32

Let's talk about Dan.

Sal Rodriguez: 15:59:33

Does he think these guys are his friends? Well, he's

Jason Connell: 15:59:37

had some adventures since he met them and they kind of never talked again that we used All after the soccer field and he fell in love with someone so maybe he's been preoccupied so well. He's also had to endure a lot of Cobra Kai hazing and bullying, karate training and working for Mr. Miyagi, which is not too easy. Well, I

Sal Rodriguez: 15:59:57

guess if you compare being harassed by Cobra Kai, so those are your enemies. What's being dished by Freddie? Yeah, exactly. That pales in comparison. So Freddie and his friends are for all intents and purposes, Daniels group of friends, group of friends, that is

Jason Connell: 16:00:14

all I had. shocky I have ally Johnny's kind of cool now and Bobby apologize. I got Friday. So So Freddy Fernandez, his best friend, Daniel Russo, is the 1984 all Valley karate champion? Yeah, Fred has never been prouder. No, no,

Sal Rodriguez: 16:00:32

I know that guy.

Jason Connell: 16:00:33

I know. They got you. That's my buddy.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:00:35

I took it to the beach because of me. He met Ali. Yeah, if it weren't for me, he wouldn't have met her.

Jason Connell: 16:00:40

That's what kind of friend he is. This is the kind of friend that you keep close like an enemy. Hey, you never know what he's capable of?

Sal Rodriguez: 16:00:49

Listen, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been arrested. And you wouldn't have met your wife who was a corrections officer. You know, have you thought about that? You know, there are all these ways to spin things. You know, that's totally that's one of them.

Jason Connell: 16:01:00

So, back to an earlier question. Do you foresee any way shape or form Freddy popping up on Cobra Kai?

Sal Rodriguez: 16:01:08

Okay. So honestly, okay. The honest answer is no, but, but like when we delivered speculation about via reference. There you go about Jessica, right? Yeah, we so maybe just a little tip of the hat. Like you said, maybe you see her on Facebook. You get a chuckle there she is. Maybe something similar with Freddy. Maybe How about this, like they're passing by a strip mall and there's a little store Freddie's T shirts, there's, you know, just something so you know, he's acknowledged and he's alive.

Jason Connell: 16:01:37

I think they had their chance sale on they went to South Seas apartment with Johnny and Daniel and Cobra Kai. And they could have bumped into Freddy there like he's cleaning the pool or an apartment. 17 Okay, I

Sal Rodriguez: 16:01:51

think you can say he took over as the handyman he took over the Miyagi position. So he's still

Jason Connell: 16:01:54

there. He's just still living there.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:01:56

Oh, no, wait a second. Didn't they tear down the apartment? All right. Now they will remodel they will remodel. Okay, so the apartment is because they

Jason Connell: 16:02:05

went back there. They went back there. And you and I both know, it's still

Sal Rodriguez: 16:02:07

there. Yes, yes. Yes. Yes, it is there. And it was never meant to be turned on. They were doing that construction. They were remodeling. Yeah, you're right. That'd be funny. You go back to the south season, Freddie is still there. And the pool is still down to only you know, one foot of water at the bottom. Well, they did have water

Jason Connell: 16:02:19

in there that one episode. So that was working with full water. Yeah, I believe that episode. They kind of you know, stood there and overlooked the pool and had a quick exchange. Oh, with a dad. Yeah. More in modern time? Yes. Okay. No, not then. It wasn't a working pool. So I was always fascinated by this actor. His filmography? Yeah. And just his character. Yes, yes. Yes. Yes. You know, so he was in the beginning of the movie, and he was there to hoist him up at the end.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:02:48

Wow. Interesting. Interesting choices. First of all, Israel Warby fantastic. Resume is really, I mean that seriously, really great. And yeah, very interesting choices. Bye, bye, Cayman and Appleton to have the character arc of Freddie. What if we see in season four Freddie does appear. And he's actually Miguel's dad. We find out. Freddie could be Miguel's dead.

Jason Connell: 16:03:12

Although they said Miguel's dad's a bad man. I don't think Freddie has.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:03:17

I'm saying stupid things. Now.

Jason Connell: 16:03:18

I think Friday works at golf and stuff and lives itself. See that's I don't think his world moved very far.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:03:26

You said this episode will be fun. And you're absolutely right. This was a good time.

Jason Connell: 16:03:30

As I researched, I was laughing so I knew we were in for a good time. So that's all I got covering Freddie and the Daniel Russo's first friend for the Fernandez episode. But I do have something else to share. And this will go out for our YouTube live viewers because we are live on YouTube. And of course, we release our podcast episode A few days later because we you know, we can edit, shorten, tighten, but this is going live. So we have two versions of our show now. The YouTube live version goes live if you miss it live, it's there. If you want to be caught up with us, you can always go there and listen and watch the show. Or you can wait and get your episode delivered on whatever format you desire.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:04:14

Yeah, yeah, because we got a lot of interesting things happening with let's talk Cobra Kai and just curious media things are uh, brewing. Things are stirring up. A lot of momentum happening now as we go into season four of Cobra Kai, and a lot of exciting things to share with our fans and listeners.

Jason Connell: 16:04:28

Absolutely. Those who don't know, Sal has an official new studio.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:04:34

Yeah, I have a beautiful new studio. I have a Mac now. I've been PC forever. Now. I'm Team Mac and you know what, uh, A whole new world a new fantastic point of view. Okay.

Jason Connell: 16:04:49

All right. So, so that's great. And I did move to the East Coast, New England.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:04:55

We haven't talked about it really? Now.

Jason Connell: 16:04:56

We haven't talked about it. And you are still in Los Angeles. Yes. Yes. And we have not even seen each other face to face in person. Yeah. Since 2019.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:05:06

Yeah. Wow. Not crazy. Well, because I see you someone I talk all the time, though. We talk I talk to you more than more than I talk to my own girlfriend. We share more words per minute. Yeah, you so you are on the East Coast. I am on the west coast.

Jason Connell: 16:05:20

So just curious media covers the entire US. Yeah, coast

Sal Rodriguez: 16:05:24

to coast. We are nationwide. Yeah. But since

Jason Connell: 16:05:27

we record locally, we do this little technical thing for people. The YouTube is its own thing, video audio, it's going out there. But we also sound I have the same exact setup. Now we didn't before and that's fine. But now it matches identically. And we record locally. And then I take these high res files, and then I edit them so it does sound like we're in a studio side by side

Sal Rodriguez: 16:05:50

and Jason, are you going we look side by side? Are you giving away our trade secrets is which

Jason Connell: 16:05:54

trade secrets but I think any true audio aficionado would do the same?

Sal Rodriguez: 16:06:00

You know you would think so I've listened to a number of podcasts to think that localized recording is a foreign concept. I think

Jason Connell: 16:06:05

that's too much trouble for some but not us. So thank you so much for listening and please be sure to subscribe to Let's Talk Cobra Kai wherever you get your podcast. You can also really help us by giving the show a five star rating on Apple podcast.

Sal Rodriguez: 16:06:18

And for all your listeners that enjoy sharing your thoughts. You can leave us a review on Apple podcasts, send us a direct message or post a comment on our social media which is at let's talk Cobra Kai, as well as at just curious media.

Jason Connell: 16:06:31

If you're a dedicated listener of Let's Talk Cobra Kai, consider supporting the show on Patreon. This greatly benefits the show on many fronts and offers you exclusive access and much more. We also highly recommend checking out our other podcasts and visiting just curious media.com

Sal Rodriguez: 16:06:47

No Mercy