Robby Keene’s descent takes a dramatic turn in Season 2, Episode 10, “No Mercy,” when he is arrested following the devastating school brawl. His actions in the heat of the moment lead to serious consequences, altering the trajectory of his life and deeply impacting his relationships.
The Catalyst: The West Valley High Brawl
The climactic brawl at West Valley High serves as the boiling point for the long-standing rivalry between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do. Fueled by years of animosity, misunderstandings, and aggressive coaching, the students unleash a torrent of violence that leaves several injured. This pivotal scene is the spark that ignites Robby’s troubles.
The Tipping Point: Robby and Miguel
The fight between Robby and Miguel, arguably the most personal and intense of the entire brawl, represents the culmination of their intertwined, yet adversarial, relationship. Jealousy, betrayal, and conflicting loyalties come to a head. The intensity escalates when Miguel, seemingly learning from Cobra Kai’s increasingly aggressive teachings, ignores his earlier agreement to not fight Robby and instead attacks him. The resulting struggle leads to Robby unintentionally kicking Miguel off the second-floor balcony, leaving him severely injured.
The Arrest and its Aftermath
Following Miguel’s fall, law enforcement intervenes and Robby, realizing the severity of the situation, flees the scene. This act of running further implicates him. While the kick was unintentional, his actions caused significant harm and, coupled with his previous run-ins with the law, lead to his arrest.
Behind Bars: The Impact on Robby
Robby’s time in juvenile detention profoundly affects him. He is stripped of his freedom, isolated from his friends, and forced to confront the consequences of his actions. He grapples with feelings of guilt, remorse, and resentment towards Johnny for his absence and perceived neglect. The experience hardens him, making him more wary and cynical.
The Legal Ramifications
Robby’s legal situation is complex, involving assault charges and the fact that he fled the scene. The severity of Miguel’s injuries plays a crucial role in determining the length and nature of his sentence. The involvement of lawyers and the court system significantly shapes his journey throughout the subsequent seasons.
The Sentence: Juvenile Detention
While the exact length of Robby’s initial sentence isn’t explicitly stated, it’s understood to be a significant period in juvenile detention. This confinement deprives him of his teenage years and forces him to navigate the harsh realities of the justice system.
The Ripple Effect: How Robby’s Imprisonment Impacts Others
Robby’s imprisonment doesn’t only affect him; it sends shockwaves through the lives of those around him. Johnny, Miguel, Daniel, and Samantha all grapple with the consequences of Robby’s actions and the fallout from the school brawl.
Johnny’s Guilt and Redemption Arc
Johnny Lawrence, plagued by guilt over his failure to be a consistent and supportive father figure to Robby, views Robby’s imprisonment as a personal failing. It serves as a catalyst for his own journey of self-reflection and redemption. He attempts to make amends for his past mistakes and seeks to reconnect with his son.
Miguel’s Recovery and Perspective
Miguel, struggling with paralysis following the balcony fall, initially harbors resentment towards Robby. However, as he undergoes physical therapy and reflects on the events leading up to the incident, he begins to understand the complexities of the situation and eventually seeks to forgive Robby.
Daniel’s Dilemma: Loyalty and Justice
Daniel LaRusso, who took Robby under his wing and provided him with guidance and a sense of belonging, feels conflicted. While he sympathizes with Robby and believes in his potential for good, he also acknowledges the severity of his actions and supports the need for accountability.
Samantha’s Emotional Turmoil
Samantha LaRusso, who had a complicated romantic relationship with Robby, struggles to reconcile her feelings for him with the knowledge of his actions. She grapples with the emotional fallout from the school brawl and tries to navigate the complex dynamics of her relationships with Robby, Miguel, and her father.
FAQs: Unpacking Robby’s Jail Time
FAQ 1: What specific crime was Robby charged with?
Robby was likely charged with aggravated assault, potentially with additional charges related to fleeing the scene. The specific charge depends on the severity of Miguel’s injuries and the laws of California.
FAQ 2: How long was Robby actually in juvenile detention?
The exact duration isn’t explicitly stated, but he is released sometime between seasons 3 and 4. It appears he served a significant portion of a sentence, likely several months, possibly a year or more, although good behavior and legal maneuvering could have shortened the term.
FAQ 3: Did Johnny Lawrence visit Robby in jail?
Johnny attempts to visit Robby, but Robby repeatedly refuses to see him. This underscores their strained relationship and Robby’s resentment towards his father. Eventually, Johnny does get to see Robby, leading to tense but important conversations.
FAQ 4: Did Daniel LaRusso help Robby with his legal defense?
Yes, Daniel hired a lawyer for Robby, demonstrating his continued support and belief in Robby’s potential for rehabilitation. He felt a sense of responsibility to help the young man who had become like family.
FAQ 5: What were the conditions like in the juvenile detention center?
The show depicts the juvenile detention center as a harsh and unforgiving environment. Robby is forced to navigate a complex social hierarchy, deal with aggressive inmates, and adapt to a life of strict rules and limited freedoms. The conditions are intentionally bleak, contributing to Robby’s hardened demeanor.
FAQ 6: Did Robby get into any fights while in jail?
Yes, Robby gets into several fights while incarcerated. He learns to defend himself and, unfortunately, further embraces a more aggressive, survivalist mentality, partly influenced by Kreese’s presence and manipulative mentorship even from within the prison walls.
FAQ 7: How did Kreese influence Robby while he was in jail?
John Kreese, incarcerated in the same facility later in the series, deliberately seeks out Robby and attempts to manipulate him. He exploits Robby’s anger and resentment towards Johnny and Daniel, further solidifying his own influence and pushing Robby down a dark path.
FAQ 8: Did Miguel forgive Robby for his role in the accident?
Eventually, yes. After a period of resentment and anger, Miguel begins to understand the complexities of the situation and the circumstances that led to the accident. He recognizes that both boys were victims of the toxic rivalry between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do and chooses to forgive Robby.
FAQ 9: How did Robby’s time in jail change him?
Robby’s experience in juvenile detention profoundly changes him. He becomes more cynical, guarded, and hardened. He develops a distrust of authority figures and a heightened sense of self-reliance. While he still retains some of his inherent goodness, he also adopts a more aggressive and ruthless approach to life, heavily influenced by Kreese’s manipulation.
FAQ 10: Did Robby ever completely reconcile with Johnny after getting out of jail?
Reconciliation between Robby and Johnny is a long and arduous process, marked by periods of closeness and conflict. While they eventually find a level of understanding and forgiveness, their relationship remains complex and fraught with challenges throughout the series. Their baggage is significant and requires continuous effort from both sides.
FAQ 11: How did Robby’s criminal record affect his future opportunities?
Robby’s criminal record undoubtedly creates obstacles for him. It makes it more difficult for him to find employment, secure housing, and pursue educational opportunities. He faces prejudice and discrimination due to his past actions, forcing him to work harder to prove himself.
FAQ 12: What ultimately becomes of Robby’s relationship with Cobra Kai after his jail time?
Robby eventually sees Cobra Kai for what it is: a destructive force that promotes aggression and violence. He breaks away from the dojo and seeks to forge his own path, ultimately rejecting Kreese’s teachings and attempting to make amends for his past mistakes. He recognizes the importance of balance and strives to find a more positive and constructive approach to life and karate.