English Dub Review: Dragon Ball Super “The Evil Emperor Returns! A Reception From Mysterious Assassins!?”

Frieza is back and better than ever.

Overview (Spoilers Below)

Goku has recruited Frieza the be the final warrior for Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power, but only with the promise of being fully resurrected by Goku once the tournament is over. Meanwhile, Sidra, the God of Destruction from Universe 9 is tricked by Quitela into believing that Universe 7 is out to get Universe 9, meaning that Universe 9 should take measures to knock 7 out. He suggests that Sidra assassinate Frieza.

Back in Universe 7, Vegeta and Bulma struggle to explain to Trunks that they’re working with Frieza, but Goku distracts him by telling him about Android 17’s island full of monsters. Taking advantage of the time before the tournament, Master Roshi trains with Yajirobe to hone some techniques that should be useful for the tournament. Once done, he shares with Yajirobe and Korin that he trained with them to feel young again.

Krillin meets up with 17 and 18, who introduces Marron to her brother. They share a nice moment together before leaving Goten, Trunks, and Marron on the island while they head off to the tournament. Everyone meets up to leave, finishing up their training and talking with each other, while Frieza is resurrected and meets with Goku. Frieza punches Goku in the stomach on account of his hand “Slipping” and heads outside, just in time for hundreds of assassins to arrive. Frieza isn’t at all bothered by this, though, as he powers up to his golden form in order to face the assassins.

Our Take:

This week’s episode of Dragon Ball Super brings all the hype it can and then some, making for an episode that is chock full of great moments to get you ready for the fights to come. A good shounen, I find, is much more about its small, but powerful moments than its big fights. Moments, where fully realized characters express a sincere, passionate theme or idea, are what make long anime really worth watching. This episode is all about that and is especially rewarding for people who have been watching this series for a long time. There’s something here for everyone; no character goes ignored, and even small or comedic characters get some great screen time.

Each and every scene of this story gives us something worth watching. In particular, fans of Master Roshi will be delighted that the old salt gets a moment with some oft-forgotten characters. The old men of the “Dragonball” universe get together to share in some memories, and we get to see Roshi get to the core of what he’s all about in his old age. Still youthful at heart, he longs for the fight once again. Meanwhile, there’s 17 and 18, who haven’t seen each other for quite some time and have a quiet, but meaningful, reunion. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing how much the two have changed and how important they are to save this world they once tried to destroy. Even when Android 17 does such a small gesture as shaking Piccolo’s hand, it feels like a momentous moment, a coming together of heroic warriors, as it should be.

And, as if things weren’t intense enough, Frieza shows us why he is still the undisputed big bad of the “Dragon Ball” universe. His transformation is glorious and much anticipated, while also being somewhat sinister. There’s a feeling that Goku may have gone too far in recruiting him, but a macabre fascination at seeing what he’ll do next. No doubt he will be a great engine of conflict within the team and a powerful competitor in the arena.

I’m having a great time with Dragon Ball Super, as I hope you are as well. In a world where flash-in-the-pan shows try to appeal to our lowest of expectations, its great too that there is still a show out there with the patience and drive to tell an exciting, character-driven tale.