DBS 122: Epic in so many ways

Dragon Ball Super | Episode 122 : ****1/2

Anime | Fantasy | Action | Adventure

Run Time : 25 minutes

Arc: The Tournament of Power

Review :

We have been waiting for months through countless fillers for this exact moment to take place. There are only 9 minutes for the Tournament of Power end and only 8 fighters remaining on the stage. Just the fact that the final showdown is so close now makes this an epic episode. It is the beginning of end.

We don't know who Jiren is going to fight in the end yet. Though there are speculation that Gohan will be the one, episode 122 does nothing to support that theory. With only the main fighters remaining they had to go head on, staring off with Jiren and Goku. But Vegeta had enough of waiting around so he interprets their fight. Before the episode was out it was already known that Vegeta is going to land a punch and a kick at Jiren, still it was an epic reveal. While Goku was busy fighting Jiren, Vegeta closely observes his moments, making it possible for him to avoid them when he attacks next.

What adds to the fun is comic relief provided by by standers. All the Angels and remaining members were clubbed together in the stadium, which actually brings forth some impressive interaction. It seemed like after Champa was gone, the spectators won't be as humorous but it was really fun to see them interact as colleagues and not higher beings. Frieza's fight with Dyspo was one of those moments too.

Through-out the tournament Frieza hasn't done much. He watched and stood by while others fought. (This could prove to be helpful since he observed others more than anyone. But then again he could use it against his own universe) Of course he saves Goku a bunch of times but that had an ulterior motive, so that can not be considered as contribution. Since there aren't many fighters left he has to enter the battle.

The things I didn't like about the episode is the that, there was a lot of repetition. Explanation and commentary by other characters is a regular thing but it seemed overly done, and it clearly showed how they are going to spend the next 3 months milking on the remaining 8 minutes. In addition, the preview after the title, leaves us with only 21 minutes of screen time.

The episode's animation is another thing that needs special attention. The sharp, dark and grim animation makes it more intense and satisfying to watch. Even though there wasn't much of a change in Vegeta's appearance while powering up before signature movie Final Flash the animation did help make it look more believable and super cool.

It has been long since we saw Vegeta in the prince mode, and seems to continue on in the next episode. The preview teased another power up for Vegeta which may not be a transformation even though it is said to be its beyond Super Saiyan Blue. So don't get your hopes up. But we will see Goku in Blue Kaio-ken.

Verdict: ****1/2 Stars; Episode 122 is the sweet reward of our patience

The end credits show a white aura around Vegeta in Super Saiyan Blue (blue is a darker shade) mode while Goku is in ultra instinct form. That is something!

#Anime