In Cobra Kai, why doesn't Robby Keene have a relationship with his grandfather, Sid Weinberg? There's potential for a meaningful subplot in the Netflix show, one that could theoretically allow Johnny Lawrence to deal with childhood abandonment issues and the resentment he feels toward his stepfather. In Cobra Kai season 3, however, Sid Weinberg remains a villainous figure who will seemingly never have a genuine bond with his troubled grandson, Robby.
Sid Weinberg is a minor player in Cobra Kai, but his appearances are indeed significant. For one, he's portrayed by American actor Ed Asner, who is best known for his role as Lou Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and also for voicing Carl Fredricksen in the 2009 Pixar classic Up. Two, the character exists in the Netflix series to remind Johnny of his late mother and abandonment issues. In Cobra Kai, Sid has only appeared briefly during the first three seasons, yet he always finds a way to make his mark on the series, especially when speaking with his stepson, Johnny.
Robby doesn't have a relationship with his grandfather because Johnny won't allow that to happen. In the Cobra Kai series premiere, Sid makes a bold move by showing up at his stepson's apartment and questioning his parenting skills. Importantly, Mr. Weinberg also offers Johnny a check that will essentially end their relationship, stating "I'm buying you out of my life." For viewers, this may seem like a throwaway moment, but it's directly connected to the revival of the Cobra Kai dojo, which is financed by said check. As for Robby, Sid will never have a healthy relationship with the teenager because there's no interest. Mr. Weinberg cares little for his stepson, and so Robby is an afterthought.
Even though Sid technically financed Cobra Kai, Johnny keeps him away from Robby because of what he represents: privilege and arrogance. Johnny did indeed have a comfortable upbringing, but he didn't receive the paternal guidance that he needed after the death of his birth father. In the Cobra Kai season 1 episode "Molting," Johnny actually pays Sid back and thus lets go of a burden. The moment shows Johnny's growth as an individual, and also implies that he might be able to overcome his unresolved conflict with John Kreese (Martin Kove), the Cobra Kai founder and his adoptive father figure.
Sid may be a despicable figure, but there's evidence to suggest that he could actually have a relationship with Robby in the future. In Cobra Kai season 3, Johnny reaches out to his stepfather and requests funds to help with the recovery of his top student, Miguel. After an argument, though, Johnny steals an item from Sid's home and subsequently pawns it for cash - a dishonorable act for sure. Given that Johnny hasn't fully separated himself from his stepfather, and also continues to conveniently rely on him for money, it seems inevitable that Sid will have another appearance in the future.
In Cobra Kai, Johnny reaches out to Sid when he needs help with a passion project. Moving forward, don't be surprised if Johnny pays a visit to his stepdad for financial help with a Robby-related issue. Sid may never actually meet his grandson, but he does indeed seem destined to play a role in the teenager's development. In theory, that conflict resolution would seemingly allow Johnny to properly deal with Kreese.
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January 29, 2021 at 05:51AM
