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Ali dated Troy Aikman

Bill Simmons: The UCLA quarterback boyfriend is jokingly identified as Troy Aikman using his transfer timeline; this is an invented character theory, not casting fact.

Kyle Brandt: Swapping PartsII andIII would make the breakup and tournament chronology more coherent and leave Japan’s higher stakes for last.

Forgive and move on

Bill Simmons: The forgiveness saying is endorsed as advice to move on, despite earlier doubts.

The film

The Karate Kid Part II (1986)

Directed by John G. Avildsen · Action

113 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Ralph Macchio Daniel LaRusso
Pat Morita Mr. Miyagi
Tamlyn Tomita Kumiko
Yuji Okumoto Chozen Toguchi
Charlie Tanimoto Miyagi Chōjun
Martin Kove John Kreese

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

21:14

Dr. Richard Kimble Inappropriate Body Award

Chozen receives the physique award after an eligibility objection.

Chozen receives the physique award after an eligibility objection.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:14Read transcript
  • The young karate fighter’s muscular appearance is praised, though his youth initially seems inconsistent with the older-doctor premise. — Kyle Brandt
  • The award is granted anyway. — Bill Simmons
23:20

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Was Sato in the right?

Was Sato in the right?

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:20Read transcript
  • The speakers argue that the arranged marriage and best-friend betrayal give Sato an understandable grievance, questioning Miyagi’s claims of honor. — Bill Simmons
  • They wish Miyagi and Sato exchanged blows rather than repeatedly avoiding a fight. — Bill Simmons
  • The woman’s unmarried life and Miyagi leaving again are criticized as an unhappy consequence. — Kyle Brandt
26:40

Top Ten List

1986 box office top ten: 1 Top Gun; 2 Crocodile Dundee; 3 Platoon; 4 The Karate Kid Part II; 5 Star Trek IV: The Voya...
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:40Read transcript
28:05

Most Rewatchable Scene

Opening confrontation, travel, grief and ice breaking

Opening confrontation, travel, grief and ice breaking

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:05Read transcript
  • The opening reprises a scripted ending of the first film but was reportedly newly filmed; Kreese’s abuse and Miyagi’s window dodge are memorable, though one speaker wants an actual fight. — Kyle Brandt
  • Daniel joining the trip, the arrival trap and his consoling Miyagi after the father’s death are nominated. — Kyle Brandt
  • The father’s abrupt death acting and apparent closeness in age to Miyagi are criticized. — Kyle Brandt
  • The date leading to ice breaking is a childhood favorite, but Daniel’s ability and the convenient ice setup are questioned; the betting arithmetic is noted. — Kyle Brandt
36:00

Most Rewatchable Scene

Final fight and hurricane are the two personal scene picks.

Final fight and hurricane are the two personal scene picks.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:00Read transcript
  • Miyagi clearing the attackers is discussed as limited but effective choreography; Morita’s movement is compared to an aging movie fighter. — Bill Simmons
  • The hurricane, log chop and child rescue are exciting despite implausible strength and the child’s assigned danger. — Bill Simmons
  • Drinking tea and taking the sticks out of her hair lead to a kiss, interrupted by a typhoon. — Bill Simmons
  • Sato’s changed attitude is touching and the final setting excellent, but the repetitive drum-technique closeups disappoint. — Bill Simmons
  • The final fight is one personal choice, especially the videogame-like setting. — Kyle Brandt
  • The hurricane is the other personal choice for its danger, bravery and safe outcome. — Kyle Brandt
40:59

Marion Cobretti Pizza Cutting Award: Why Didn’t They Stop This on Set?

The disowning dialogue may reverse who is dead to whom.

The disowning dialogue may reverse who is dead to whom.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:59Read transcript
  • The speakers question Sato’s wording and the later callback, considering the exchange jumbled. — Bill Simmons
44:08

The most 1986 thing

Panasonic televisions, earnestness, easy travel and a simple game adaptation.

Panasonic televisions, earnestness, easy travel and a simple game adaptation.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:08Read transcript
  • The all-Panasonic shop, possibly showing Fame, and the uncynical honor-and-love story evoke1986. — Kyle Brandt
  • A last-minute Northwest ticket and a1987 game built from flies/ice-breaking actions are additional period markers. — Bill Simmons
45:45

Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award

Sato’s log-chopping hobby and local business empire

Sato’s log-chopping hobby and local business empire

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:45Read transcript
  • Chopping the same log for decades is enjoyed as a peculiar leisure activity. — Bill Simmons
  • Airport advertisements for the dojo, construction, escorts and realty are compared to Brad Wesley’s town control in Roadhouse. — Bill Simmons
  • The business portfolio inspires joking career advice and an imagined visit to the escort business. — Kyle Brandt
48:07

Best Movie-Related Fantasy Football Team Name From This Movie

Sato’s Escort Service is claimed as a fantasy team name.

Sato’s Escort Service is claimed as a fantasy team name.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:07Read transcript
  • The speaker claims the name and asks others not to take it. — Bill Simmons
49:05

What’s Aged the Best?

The Weintraub production and Conti score inspire confidence.

The Weintraub production and Conti score inspire confidence.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:05Read transcript
  • The production/music-credit familiarity and prominent pan-flute score are praised, with Cobra Kai’s musical familiarity a comparison. — Bill Simmons
49:42

What’s Aged the Best?

Headbands, third-person speech, Glory of Love, romance and the quick ending

Headbands, third-person speech, Glory of Love, romance and the quick ending

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:42Read transcript
  • Headband fashion and Miyagi’s unselfconscious third-person speech are enjoyed. — Bill Simmons
  • Glory of Love is called a defining legacy of the film, with its Oscar loss to Take My Breath Away disputed. — Kyle Brandt
  • The tea ceremony and Sato’s rapid change from villain to friend are enjoyed. — Bill Simmons
  • The roughly35 seconds from defeating the villain to credits is praised as an efficient1980s ending, compared to Sudden Death. — Bill Simmons
50:41

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Is Miyagi the greatest third-person speaker?

Is Miyagi the greatest third-person speaker?

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:41Read transcript
57:12

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Daniel consoling Miyagi and the castle reveal.

Daniel consoling Miyagi and the castle reveal.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:12Read transcript
  • The consoling image is nominated. — Kyle Brandt
  • The castle appearing exactly on the matching song lyric is praised as a perfect edit. — Kyle Brandt
57:48

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

The climactic castle

The climactic castle

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:48Read transcript
  • The Hawaii location standing in for Okinawa is admired, with the castle dance/fight setting selected. — Kyle Brandt
58:14

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Sato and Chozen are competing choices.

Sato and Chozen are competing choices.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:14Read transcript
  • Sato is the initial pick and Chozen the alternative. — Kyle Brandt
  • Chozen’s on-the-nose succession meaning is compared with the Odyssey character Mentor. — Kyle Brandt
58:47

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Glory of Love

Glory of Love

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:47Read transcript
  • Glory of Love is selected without debate. — Kyle Brandt
58:47

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

An Okinawa subtitle

An Okinawa subtitle

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:47Read transcript
  • Okinawa, Okinawa Drift and Okinawa Honor are suggested as subtitle options. — Kyle Brandt
59:25

Todd Parker Award for Best Character Entrance

Sato’s warehouse entrance is the selected flex category.

Sato’s warehouse entrance is the selected flex category.

Flex pick · Kyle Brandt

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:25Read transcript
  • The ominous warehouse, suit, aviators, hair and angry greeting establish Sato’s menace; Darth Vader and Hans Gruber are comparisons. — Bill Simmons
1:01:08

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Too little karate in the first hour.

Too little karate in the first hour.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:08Read transcript
  • The first kick arriving around58 minutes and the missing major Miyagi fights are criticized; more action is wanted alongside the relationships. — Bill Simmons
1:02:09

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Miyagi does not disclose his earlier marriage.

Miyagi does not disclose his earlier marriage.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:09Read transcript
  • The omission of his deceased wife when reconnecting with the woman who waited decades is criticized; imagined confrontation scenes underline the objection. — Bill Simmons
1:03:40

What’s Aged the Worst?

Kimiko being punched is the clearest choice.

Kimiko being punched is the clearest choice.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:40Read transcript
  • The forceful punch is considered shocking and excessive, unlike the more familiar screen shove or slap. — Kyle Brandt
  • Daniel and Kimiko have little sexual tension or fireworks despite her beauty. — Kyle Brandt
  • The poster, Miyagi’s betrayal of Sato, Kreese abusing students, Miyagi’s fighting and the mentor relationship are additional objections. — Kyle Brandt
1:06:18

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Sato and Chozen

Sato and Chozen

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:18Read transcript
  • Sato is the initial choice, with Chozen’s ice/neck threat another enthusiastic nomination. — Bill Simmons
1:06:37

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Ali dated Troy Aikman; swap the order of sequels.

Ali dated Troy Aikman; swap the order of sequels.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:37Read transcript
  • The UCLA quarterback boyfriend is jokingly identified as Troy Aikman using his transfer timeline; this is an invented character theory, not casting fact. — Bill Simmons
  • Swapping PartsII andIII would make the breakup and tournament chronology more coherent and leave Japan’s higher stakes for last. — Kyle Brandt
1:08:31

“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch

The airplane explanation raises the stakes to death.

The airplane explanation raises the stakes to death.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:31Read transcript
  • Learning there is no referee and survival determines the winner is called almost an escalation-category moment. — Kyle Brandt
1:08:59

Casting What-Ifs

Shue’s absence and the RockyIV music tradeoff.

Shue’s absence and the RockyIV music tradeoff.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:59Read transcript
  • Shue reportedly disliked being written out while studying at Harvard and would have returned; the speakers think she did fine afterward. — Kyle Brandt
  • Conti reportedly chose this score over RockyIV, and Cetera’s song was reportedly rejected there for Hearts on Fire. — Kyle Brandt
  • The musical choices are judged appropriate: a romance song fits here better than a revenge/workout film. — Bill Simmons
1:10:16

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Sato and Clarence Gilyard are nominated.

Sato and Clarence Gilyard are nominated.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:16Read transcript
  • The Sato performer is immediately recognizable by the character rather than his name. — Bill Simmons
  • Clarence Gilyard’s ice-bar appearance is identified through Top Gun, Die Hard and Walker Texas Ranger; the choice receives agreement. — Bill Simmons
1:11:00

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Kreese

Kreese

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:00Read transcript
  • His one-scene impact is praised and affirmed. — Kyle Brandt
1:11:06

Recasting Couch

Give Elizabeth Shue a breakup scene.

Give Elizabeth Shue a breakup scene.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:06Read transcript
  • A prom scene with the quarterback, Daniel storming out and Johnny Lawrence is proposed; Zabka’s tiny existing part is regretted. — Bill Simmons
1:11:30

Half-Assed Internet Research

Oahu filming, B.D. Wong, Kove’s injury claim and recurring music.

Oahu filming, B.D. Wong, Kove’s injury claim and recurring music.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:30Read transcript
  • The Windward side of Oahu and B.D. Wong’s dance appearance are reported. — Kyle Brandt
  • Martin Cove’s claim that his blood and lasting scars were real is explicitly doubted. — Bill Simmons
  • The game’s swinging axe and the repeated Fascination song from the first film are noted. — Kyle Brandt
1:12:45

The Rose From Titanic “Sneaky Suck” Award

Daniel, though the “sneaky” qualifier is disputed

Daniel, though the “sneaky” qualifier is disputed

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:45Read transcript
  • Daniel is the pick; the speakers agree his failings may be open rather than sneaky. — Bill Simmons
1:13:02

Apex Mountain

Macchio: tentative yes

Macchio: tentative yes

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:02Read transcript
  • The answer is yes: making more money than the first film was good for Macchio, before Crossroads and My Cousin Vinny. — Bill Simmons
  • Avoiding sequels might have opened a different career, but the speakers doubt his range and see the return to LaRusso as appropriate. — Bill Simmons
1:15:17

Apex Mountain

Morita’s first film is preferred; Hawaii, other cast and toy drums receive support.

Morita’s first film is preferred; Hawaii, other cast and toy drums receive support.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:17Read transcript
  • Morita’s nomination in PartI is preferred; Hawaii posing as Okinawa, the other cast collectively and the toy drums are affirmed. — Bill Simmons
  • The sensei-student relationship joke is assigned to PartIII instead, which is teased for a future episode. — Bill Simmons
1:16:20

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise as an American version of Chozen.

Cruise as an American version of Chozen.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:20Read transcript
  • Sato is initially tested, then an American pupil or chief of staff is considered; Chozen is the final suggested role. — Bill Simmons
1:17:34

Hans Gruber Scale Villain Ranking

Sato starts high but falls with redemption; Chozen remains high.

Sato starts high but falls with redemption; Chozen remains high.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:34Read transcript
  • One assessment gives evil Sato8.5; another starts him at9 and drops him to5, because he abandons villainy unlike Gruber. — Bill Simmons
  • Chozen is at least8 and committed to the end; his later friendly Cobra Kai incarnation is disliked. — Bill Simmons
1:18:42

Picking Nits

Tournament fame, breakup timing, travel choices, English and dubbing

Tournament fame, breakup timing, travel choices, English and dubbing

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:42Read transcript
  • Children asking for Daniel’s autograph seems implausible to one speaker; another loves the exaggerated importance of karate. — Kyle Brandt
  • Ali breaking the news at prom rather than before or after is questioned. — Bill Simmons
  • Sato and the woman could have traveled to America rather than wait decades; more training or fighting is wanted. — Bill Simmons
  • Japanese characters speaking broken English to one another should instead use subtitled Japanese. — Kyle Brandt
  • The final nose-honk sound appears dubbed without moving lips and looks sloppy. — Bill Simmons
1:21:23

Is This Movie Better With…?

Brimley’s blackmailer and a critical soccer commentator

Brimley’s blackmailer and a critical soccer commentator

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:23Read transcript
  • The Firm’s Wilford Brimley is imagined threatening Daniel with compromising photos to force Miyagi into a fight. — Bill Simmons
  • Alexi Lawless is imagined criticizing Daniel’s winning performance from a commentary booth; Tony Romo is floated but not developed. — Kyle Brandt
1:24:22

Just One Oscar

Peter Cetera’s song

Peter Cetera’s song

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:22Read transcript
  • Morita is initially suggested, then Peter Cetera for Glory of Love receives agreement. — Kyle Brandt
1:24:31

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Is Daniel good at karate, and would you choose him as a fighting ally?

Is Daniel good at karate, and would you choose him as a fighting ally?

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:31Read transcript
  • The failed crane kick illustrates the limits of repeating a surprise move, compared with football plays. — Bill Simmons
  • Asked to choose a non-sensei ally, the speakers doubt Daniel would be a first-round pick and prefer Johnny Lawrence or Dutch. — Kyle Brandt
1:26:37

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Chozen; the woman’s life and future remain unknown

Chozen; the woman’s life and future remain unknown

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:37Read transcript
  • Chozen and Mike Barnes are preferred to Daniel despite their losses; Sato is imagined as formidable, and the absent Miyagi fight is regretted. — Bill Simmons
  • Was Suki a virgin, and did the nice Sato end up with her? The speakers do not know; Karate Kid3 says nothing about Miyagi’s love life. — Kyle Brandt
1:29:01

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Toy drums, Daniel’s red robe and Sato’s log.

Toy drums, Daniel’s red robe and Sato’s log.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:01Read transcript
  • The final-scene drums and bright red robe are wanted. — Kyle Brandt
  • Sato’s chopping log is a personal favorite for backyard challenges, with joking medical support for injuries. — Bill Simmons
1:30:08

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Forgive and move on; do not betray your friend.

Forgive and move on; do not betray your friend.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:08Read transcript
  • The forgiveness saying is endorsed as advice to move on, despite earlier doubts. — Bill Simmons
  • Avoid pursuing a best friend’s partner is the other lesson. — Bill Simmons
1:30:36

Best Double Feature

Karate Kid3 is the serious choice after a documentary joke.

Karate Kid3 is the serious choice after a documentary joke.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:36Read transcript
  • Between PartsI andIII, PartIII is selected; the Peter North documentary is floated jokingly and withdrawn. — Bill Simmons
1:32:10

Who Won the Movie?

Peter Cetera and Pat Morita split the explicit choices.

Peter Cetera and Pat Morita split the explicit choices.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:10Read transcript
  • Cetera is selected because the song is the film’s lasting association, compared with other song-defined films. — Kyle Brandt
  • Morita is the other explicit choice; both reject Macchio. — Kyle Brandt
  • Sato is an acceptable alternative but not a final ballot. — Kyle Brandt
Podcast choices
Kyle Brandt
Peter Cetera

More from the conversation

The episode sets up a future Karate Kid3 discussion but finds PartII better than remembered; the recap seamlessly restores the first film’s tournament atmosphere, compared with Rocky sequels.
Approx. transcript time · 00:00:06Read transcript
A prior negative ESPN trilogy essay is reconsidered: the sequel is praised as a strong Pat Morita vehicle and Miyagi origin/romance story.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:12Read transcript
Daniel is criticized for provoking danger, asking obvious questions and being less compelling than Miyagi; sympathy for the antagonist is exaggerated for comic effect.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:17Read transcript
The close intergenerational friendship is joked about through the airport declaration, housing arrangements and isolation from peers, with Marty McFly/Doc Brown as a comparison. The speakers question Daniel’s choices rather than establish any misconduct.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:35Read transcript
The relationship and tournament chronology is questioned; Cobra Kai is praised for later embracing the idea that Daniel can be the troublemaker.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:53Read transcript
Prom-night visits, enthusiasm for a passport-office errand, spending college funds and sitting together despite a vacant aisle seat are further examples in the comic relationship critique.
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:58Read transcript
Nine Miyagi aphorisms are read and challenged for coherence; avoiding war and not keeping a lady waiting receive the clearest support. Morita’s delivery is credited with making weak sayings sound profound.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:56Read transcript
Morita’s ordinary speaking voice and Happy Days/comedy background make the Miyagi transformation impressive; modern child-star comparisons are floated.
Approx. transcript time · 00:19:11Read transcript
The predominantly Asian ensemble is praised, especially Kimiko, Chozen and Sato; Sato’s rapid transition from menace to benefactor is considered entertaining.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:03Read transcript
A12-million budget and130-million gross are reported; the film is called fourth highest among1986 releases and more successful than the first.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:35Read transcript
A participant suspects credited Chad McQueen was replaced by a lookalike in the opening, based on hidden face and behavior. This is explicitly a working theory, not verified casting; other missing Cobra Kai actors are mentioned.
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:20Read transcript
A participant theorizes Macchio was injured, causing the final fight to switch to tight shots and reduced movement. This is expressly unverified speculation.
Approx. transcript time · 00:43:19Read transcript
Cetera’s Chicago background and solo success prompt disagreement with labeling Chicago yacht rock; a partial August2 singles chart names positions1–6 and9, not a complete top-ten list.
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:55Read transcript
The Peter documentary and a reported meeting with its subject lead to adult-industry naming jokes; a future episode is floated, not a current theme.
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:53Read transcript
PartIII is teased for a later2026 episode. Kyle discusses his Get Up debut and return, then the hosts close with first-name production thanks.
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:13Read transcript

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