Mary Mouser on Samantha LaRusso’s Journey & Finale in 'Cobra Kai' Season 6 Part 3

[00:00:09] Mary, thank you for joining me today on Pop Culture Unplugged. Thank you. Thanks so much for having me. It's so much fun to like check back in, you know? Right. I know we spoke part one, now part three and like, first of all, like a lot of emotions are probably going through you the last few days with this and you know, like I said, I've watched the screeners, you know, I'm sad it's over, to be honest.

[00:00:31] Yeah. I'm, I'm very, everyone knows that I'm just the complete mush ball out of the group. So I have shed many, many, many a tear. Happy tears, obviously, for what this whole experience has been and how wonderful it's been and sad tears watching. I got to watch the episodes back as well and seeing them go, seeing each character kind of sign off and have their moment is just so surreal. What was your reaction like reading the script for the last five? The final installment?

[00:01:00] Lots of tears as well. I think I have some tear stained copies of a script of my own, but I think, honestly, it was also a lot of just a lot of gratitude and joy. I felt at peace with it, which I didn't know that I was going to feel that way. I think I was like, how are they possibly going to wrap up everything that we've had going for so long into this, you know, quick goodbye? Like, how could this possibly ever feel right? But it does. They did such a fantastic job, our creators and writers of the show,

[00:01:30] reading it on paper. I was like, Oh yeah, no, that's exactly what that story should have been. What was the biggest surprise for you for the last five? Um, I mean, we knew, I think all of us kind of asked a few questions to kind of prep ourselves. And obviously there's a lot of it that comes down to the physical prep aspect. So it's like, Hey, should I be gearing up for a certain type of fight? Should I be who, what, what opponents should I be practicing with right now to get myself ready?

[00:01:55] So we kind of all knew what the eventual fights technically were going to be, but it was more of the, how do we get there? Um, you know, that I think everybody was interested in. I also did not see the Johnny curveball coming at all. So I was really, I was right there with the fans. Like just, I can't wait to hear their reactions.

[00:02:13] So Samantha, you know, she's grown incredibly through the, through the seat, through the series and the last season. Like, how do you think her story evolves with part three? What was the most rewarding part about playing this, playing her in the final few episodes?

[00:02:26] I think Samantha has had a lot of opportunities to learn over the years. Um, and I think it's almost like all of it catches up with her at once. And like, she's learning these lessons, little bits here and there, she's gone, but then it's just like, all of a sudden it's, you know, a lot of these aspects are kind of falling into place as she's finally looking at things from a larger scope.

[00:02:48] And for me, I think what was the most rewarding moment actually was having the conversation with Ralph in the LaRusso kitchen in episode 13, where, you know, she's so nervous. She's terrified to disappoint her dad, you know, but knowing that she feels this is the right thing to do.

[00:03:05] And then feeling him just immediately, his pride in her and his gratefulness that she got to this place. Um, I think that like moment just solidified her whole arc and story from the beginning for me of finding her place where she fit in and not needing to prove it to anybody and not even to herself, but to say, I've, I've learned my lessons. I've checked every box I wanted to check. It's, it's time to just, um, sit back and, and cheer on the people who need it.

[00:03:33] So you weren't disappointed that Samantha didn't finish her journey in the Sakai Tai Chi tournament. I, Mary was disappointed not to give more opportunities to fight because I love it and I have such a blast, but no, for the sake of Samantha, I was, I was really actually very proud of her in that moment. And, and it took me a second. I definitely was like gutted when I was realized, oh my God, I've, I've already read my last fight and I didn't realize it.

[00:03:58] And I, I read my last fight and didn't know it was going to be my last fight until I got to the point that realized, oh shit, I don't have another one. Um, so that kind of made me like, you know, put some senior goggles on and look back at that last fight and be like, wow, wasn't that magical. Um, but I did, I, I knew coming along the way that it was my last, uh, tournament style fight.

[00:04:18] And so I, I did know, like when I had that moment at the end of the middle block that I got to sit with my, myself and say, okay, this is my last time stepping on the mat as Samantha LaRusso. Um, so I, I, I was, I was at peace with it. Like Samantha's had some intense fights throughout the years though. Is there a specific person that you didn't fight that you kind of hoped you did at one point, but it never happened? Or, or even like, what was like your favorite fight overall?

[00:04:43] So two part, two part question. Yeah. Two part. I feel like I've, I always love the, I mean, there's a lot, there's a lot of fights that I love, but I loved the tournament fighting with Tori in season four. Um, I think that was, it's like a fun marker to go, okay. The season two school fight, the season four tournament fight. And then season six, actually, I loved, um, the, the fight for the captainship.

[00:05:08] That was kind of, um, Peyton and I each getting to, uh, that was almost our kind of final moment to fight each other. We got kind of the sparring in, in the last block, which was a blast. And that actually was the last, um, fight scene that I've ever liked that I filmed was that because we shot him out of order. Um, but that was my last fight scene that I would get to film. And that was super touching and wonderful.

[00:05:31] But I always go back to also the, um, Sam versus Sam dream sequence fight with the size and bow staff, just cause that was so unique and something I never saw coming. So it was really fun to do that. How about Samantha's relationship with Miguel now that, you know, this is, this is a major part of her journey too. Like, how do you, are you happy with the ending for that one? The way it ended with Miguel?

[00:05:54] Yeah. I think I went back and forth where I was like, man, no, I want them to end up together. No, I want them to end up apart. No, I want them to end up together. No, I want them to end up apart because they both have come through so many ups and downs. So I think I saw both sides of the argument. And I think the beauty of it is to me, it feels a little bit like the ending of inception where you kind of have to decide how you believe it happens. Um, I, but I feel this, what I love about them is that they both grew and that they both celebrated each other's growth.

[00:06:22] That's something that's like so important to who I am as a person that getting to see Samantha and Robbie, I mean, Samantha and Robbie, Samantha and Miguel have that. Um, well, I guess, I mean, and then Robbie and then Tori, like it's in all of their characters and these kind of final moments, like truly every one of them has gotten to like close the circle of the thing that they started with, you know, like Tori didn't let anyone in.

[00:06:44] And then she, by letting people in was able to be a champion and Sam, you know, tried to fight the fight on everybody's behalf and didn't often ask for help. And she kind of got to bring that around. And I feel that with her, with Sam and, and, and Miguel specifically is their connection is starts with, you know, this like fun, happy, let's explore something.

[00:07:08] And then as soon as karate gets involved, everything goes haywire and then getting to have them end back at a place where it's like, it's just you and me again, like karate aside, like you and me, let's, what do we want for our lives? And then being able to champion each other's future with or without something to keep them together, I think is really powerful. How surprised were you when you're reading the script, when you saw, you know, like Samantha's going to choose to go to Okinawa and then Miguel at the end decides he's going along.

[00:07:35] It wasn't in the original version, Miguel wasn't going. So there was a version of the script where it was just Sam going off on her own. And then there was a version that came out with Miguel. And again, it was one of those things where I saw both sides and both things felt right. And that I think is the most fun part is I, I do feel like everybody will be satisfied no matter what, but I, the Okinawa aspect, I'm so freaking excited about.

[00:07:59] Like, I love that Samantha is, has opened her eyes to the wide world around her outside of the valley, outside of her bubble, outside of her safe space and is stepping out of her comfort zone. And I, I like that even when she was intending to step out of her comfort zone, she was going to keep a little piece of Miguel with her. And then to know that now she gets to just have Miguel with her. Like, I love the idea of them getting to like, go back to what they started with, which was before they ever kissed or dated or anything. They were friends.

[00:08:27] You mentioned earlier about Tori and Samantha too. I enjoyed that scene where you guys, you were like the sensei pretty much training her to get ready, get her ready for the tournament. Tell us a little bit about that. That was so fun. I mean, I think Peyton and I both have, have loved getting to nourish that relationship. And now what feels like it's infancy. We like, we used to say, oh my God, it's so hard to pretend to hate you because like, I love Peyton. She's the nicest human ever. So like pretending to hate her, I'm like, this is so tough.

[00:08:55] And then we started getting scenes where we're supposed to like each other. And I was like, wait a minute, how is this harder than trying to hate you? Because now I have to figure out how to pretend to like you only a little bit. And I like you so much. And it was easier when I just didn't have to like you at all. And I did, you know what I mean? Like, so finding the nuances and growing that was, was nerve wracking. It was super exciting.

[00:09:16] But really like, I love the idea that again, that Tori struggles with letting people in and she let Sam in and that Sam struggles with passing the baton and letting somebody else take the fight. And, and, you know, when it's, when is the right time to step aside, even if you think that you can save the day. And I love that they like, that's truly to me, that's their little happy ending, you know? Yeah, definitely. You know what the fans are going to be disappointed about? I think, and I, you know, I wrote it down here too.

[00:09:45] Like they're going to be a little disappointed about, we didn't see more of Mary and Axel. That's so funny. I like, I didn't realize that was going to be a whole thing until the middle drop happened. And people like all the comments, they're like, oh my God, like, what if we see more of Mary and Axel? I was like, whoa, wait, what? Like to me, that was, I do, I will say Patrick is a superstar. I love working with him. He's such a great human.

[00:10:08] So I would have loved more opportunities for scenes with him, but I do think it would be really funny if those scenes were more of, and who knows, you know, maybe, maybe he ends up in Okinawa someday and runs into her. And they, they train, they all train karate together for Miguel and Patrick, but, or I mean, and Axel. But I like to imagine that those scenes wouldn't obviously not be at any point romantic, but rather be just an unlikely friendship. Yeah.

[00:10:36] What's your thoughts about Kreese and Silver with that boat scene explosion, whatever you want to call it? It's so fun. I love that. That's so fun to me. I mean, and it's also like, I don't know. It's one of those things to me that's like, that's so Cobra Kai. Like, as soon as, like, I literally finished the scene, I was like, this is so us. Like, just literally going out with a bang, literally. Like, I just think it's so epic.

[00:10:59] And also, I think it's a fun way to, to really say, like, nobody can out enemy the enemy. Nobody can out villain the villain. Like, it's a fun way to just say, you know, there's no other way their stories could have arced. Do you think they're dead? I, I don't believe that boat killed them. I can't believe it. Like, I don't believe the boat killed them. Now, do I think that they continued that fight underwater? Maybe somehow? I don't know.

[00:11:29] But I, I just can't imagine that that boat is what took them out. I have to believe it was karate. I can definitely see that. What about the, uh, the wedding? What'd you think about that for the season? Oh, I loved that. And I was, I honestly was so sad that Sam didn't get to be there because, I know I would have embarrassed myself by crying, but it was really fun because that, those were the episodes. That was the episode that, um, Billy was directing. And so we, that was, you know, obviously Tori and Sam are, are training at the time.

[00:11:57] It was really nice to kind of have the girls have their own thing and get to have that time. I don't know if we would have gotten it if everybody had been mixed into the same scene, but I sobbed like a baby watching it. I was just like a complete mess because I was so happy for Johnny. So happy for Miguel. So happy for Robbie. Like they just, they all deserve that family. Um, I thought it was so cute. The big question is now you finished filming Cobra Kai's the series. What did you take from set to remember?

[00:12:29] I have a few things. I have, um, things from like a little bit from every different season, you know, and, and I, we have our geese. That's, I think the most special thing that I just can't like, that would have been heartbreaking to have to let those go. That was like the most special, special thing to, to take away. Um, I also have like, they got ruined sadly during travel, but I have the actual original

[00:12:55] photo strips from the first date with Sam and Miguel, the little photo strips that printed out. They got ruined in travel once. And I was so sad about it, but I do have them. I have like little bits and pieces throughout the series, but I think the geese are definitely the best takeaway. Now, Samantha, you know, she's left a big impact on the Plober Kai karate kid universe. Uh, what's your thoughts on that? I mean, everybody is going to, you know, have an opinion one way or another to me.

[00:13:22] I've been so, so grateful for how kind and loving and wonderful everybody in this fandom is, uh, you know, toward the LaRusso family. And, um, for better or worse, sometimes we drive everybody up the wall. That's okay. Uh, you know, it's, uh, I, I had a friend say, what did they say? Um, I'm not for everyone and I shouldn't be, you know, there's moments where you do kind of need to have that anger and that frustration and that, why won't you just see sense?

[00:13:51] Um, but I think the most important thing that, that I've taken away is a sense of community. And that's, um, something that's like throughout, I mean, people love this world and love this franchise and to be a part of it is just so insane. It's like, so pinch me unreal. And then on top of that, to have people embrace Samantha and, and connect with her. I've had people tell me, you know, and, and there's a lot of aspects of her that are Mary. And so putting that on screen, it feels so vulnerable sometimes, you know, and to have

[00:14:21] people come up and connect with me on those very things to bring up a scene to me that they resonated with. And me knowing in my mind, I'm like, oh, that was, that was a Mary-ism. Like that was a thing that is from my life. And the fact that you get it is just so wonderful to, to, to know. What are you going to miss about all this? Everything. Are you kidding me? Like this is the greatest group of people, like from every which way it's, we have an incredible crew.

[00:14:49] Um, we've had an incredible cast obviously, and we all get to, you know, hang out and do this kind of stuff together. But, um, I, I, I will absolutely, it's the, it's the people for sure. Like the days were hard, um, and, and they were long and they were grueling, but worth every second, only, only as grueling as they were because all of us poured our whole heart into it. I think other people could have showed up and given half. Um, but none of us did. Every one of us wanted it to be a hundred percent of what it was capable of being.

[00:15:18] And, and I, I, I think that's the only way you get the product you get. I know I've asked you this, uh, in other interviews too, but you know, if there's a prequel or a, or a spinoff or even just a movie, a Netflix movie, would you jump on the opportunity to come back? I absolutely would. Yeah. I'm, I'm not done with Samantha. I like will carry her with me in my heart. I will have her be a part of my life forever, but I, I would love an opportunity to, to see what she's up to.

[00:15:46] Uh, I want to end this with the, with the Johnny, uh, Johnny fight. What was your thoughts on that? It was a blast. Are you kidding? I got to like stand side stage for the greatest show of all time. That was so freaking fun. Um, literally just standing beside Ralph as he got to, uh, tell Billy to stop being such a pussy and get back out there was just incredible. I mean, it was so, so unreal. Do you ever think Ralph was going to wear Cobra Kai again? No.

[00:16:13] And specifically the black geese I putting on a blackie felt so foreign to me. I was literally like walking around, like, what is this? Who has done this to me? Also they chafe in weird places that gee, I will say I have more sympathy now for my castmates that I'm like, damn, you were really, you were sweating it out in this thing. What's your message to the Cobra Kai universe of the fans? Oh my God. Uh, I'm going to start crying. I'm going to try not to, um, my, I think my message is just one of gratitude.

[00:16:42] Like I keep saying it and I'll say it till I'm blue in the face. Cause it's like the, the way that the fans have embraced us is the only way in which we've gotten to make what we have. Like we are only here because you guys are you. If I can say anything, it's that like, I am so grateful for the opportunity and I'm so grateful because it truly has felt like a family. Like as much as all of our crew and cast have felt like family, the fans have felt like

[00:17:12] family too. Every time I get an opportunity to meet somebody and connect with them, it just feels so surreal to know that there are people all over the world who are right there in those moments with us. And we've taken that to heart and we brought it to set with us. And we talk about it on a daily basis on set. Like, you know, we all talk to each other about, um, what, what it feels like, what the fans would think, what, what whatever is so-and-so think of this moment? What would so-and-so think of, you know, this scene that we've just gotten to write and

[00:17:41] we've just gotten to do it's, uh, it's felt like they've been with us there from the beginning. And now it's just so surreal to feel like we all get to kind of hold hands and end this thing together. I'm just so grateful. Yeah. Amazing. Mary, I want to thank you for giving me a few minutes today. This is great. You know, I've enjoyed talking to you every time. Hopefully we'll see you back on future projects. We can jump back on and talk about other things as well. I love it. I look forward to it. So thank you.