51 GREATEST FICTIONAL BAD GUYS
#50. JOHN KREESE from THE KARATE KID. A couple of years ago, Lena Dunham came out protesting that sushi was cultural appropriation. Yes, this actually made headlines. There’s no way a Swede, Italian, Korean or Inuit could ever make the leap in gastronomical technology to roll $8 worth of imitation crab inside of some rice. But what do I know? I grew up in Northern Canada; my cultural diet (dictated by local restaurants) was a choice between a hamburger and sweet and sour pork. If you really want to see a version of cultural appropriation, look no further than the Cobra Kai dojo.
Like most great villains, John Kreese is just a twisted reflection of the protagonist’s mentor. Where Mr. Miyagi is insightful, patient and sincere, Kreese is abusive, demeaning and racist — wrapped up in a series of toxic platitudes.
It’s been long rumored Chuck Norris was originally earmarked for the role but he turned it down for the negative connotations the character throws on karate. For whatever reason, Martin Kove won the spot, which suits me just fine. In itself, Kove’s presence is imposing enough, but his thuggish sneer and cock-sure glow seal it completely.
Kreese: “We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, in the streets, in competition: a man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.”