Showdown

Billy Grant and his partner Spinelli respond to a late-night noise complaint at a chaotic house party. Billy tries to de-escalate the situation with calm, unarmed techniques. When a thug attacks, Billy's defense knocks him down and forces him toward the stairs, where the thug's head hits hard. The other thug is arrested, and Billy's attempt to revive the killer fails, fueling his guilt and leading to his resignation.

Ken Marks and his mother relocate from Kansas and settle into a new town. It is Ken's senior year, and he faces social awkwardness and the pressure of making friends. The move sets up his later conflicts with bullies and his budding feelings for Julie.

Ken's first day at the new high school is nerve-wracking, and he notices Julie among the students. He is warned by Mike to stay away from Julie because of her boyfriend. The tension begins to fade when he and Julie briefly connect in a library moment.

Tom's harassment escalates after he sees Ken talking to Julie. Julie defuses the situation by defending Ken's presence, but Tom and Rob chase Ken after school. In a quiet moment, the janitor—revealed to be Billy—asks if Ken is okay and hints at a past he shares with Billy.

In the janitor's room, Billy reveals he was a cop who quit the force and expresses a desire to help. He agrees to train Ken, starting with work duties around the school and moving into basic martial arts. Ken's confidence grows as he begins to learn to defend himself.

Ken faces Tom in a gym encounter and uses defensive moves until Tom overextends. Kate takes Ken to Lee's dojo, a front for illegal fighting, where she offers him a chance to compete. Ken declines, learning Billy is secretly investigating the operation, aiming to bring it down.

Billy and Spinelli try to gather evidence at the dojo but are confronted by Lee's men and forced to retreat. The next day, Lee discovers the surveillance footage and goes on a rampage, increasing the danger surrounding Billy and the kids. Billy persists in closing the dojo and protecting Ken.

Julie ends her relationship with Tom and reaches out to Ken, seeking honesty and safety. The two share a quiet bonfire moment where Ken explains why he wants to learn martial arts and protect Julie. Tom's bullying continues to test their resolve and fuels Kenny's determination.

Police tape surrounds the gym as the town's authorities step in, deepening the sense that something illegal is happening. Tom resumes pressure on Julie, but she remains steadfast. Ken accepts the challenge to fight at Lee's dojo and Mike begins coaching him for the confrontation.

Ken trains hard in preparation for the showdown at Lee's dojo. In front of a crowd, he and Tom trade blows, with Tom initially having the upper hand before Ken finds his rhythm. Ken delivers a decisive spinning kick that knocks Tom out, shocking the crowd and signaling a turning point.

Lee lashes out after Tom's defeat, attempting to injure Ken or Tom further. Billy intervenes, using the jump-spinning kick he taught Ken to knock Lee out. The police arrive as the fight ends, and Kate is stopped by Mike as she tries to flee.

Tom apologizes for his behavior and thanks Billy for saving him, offering his hand to Ken. Ken kisses Julie as Mike signals that it’s time to go. Spinelli shares the news that Billy plans to rejoin the police force, bringing the story toward a hopeful future.

With Billy back on the force, the dojo's influence begins to fade and Ken and Julie's relationship stabilizes. Spinelli looks forward to Billy's return to active duty, signaling a strong finish to the arc. The community breathes a sigh of relief as the threat of the illegal dojo diminishes.