Casting consists of the original actors reprising roles alongside new characters like Miguel (a Latino teen) introduced organically as a bullied student who trains under Johnny; there are no race- or gender-swaps of established figures, no prominent LGBTQ+ representation, and no dialogue or subplots addressing systemic oppression, patriarchy, or identity politics. Johnny's outdated attitudes provide comedic contrast and occasional validation of traditional masculinity and direct confrontation over sensitivity, with no lectures or critiques of traditional norms as oppressive.

Woke media outlets criticized the season (and series) for insufficient diversity and lack of Asian leads in a karate context, highlighting the absence of such messaging rather than its presence. The premise would remain unchanged without any ideological overlay.