As to this episode, Kale and Caulifla took center stage. While we do see the main cast in action, it was nice to see the episode focus on some fighters outside of universe 7.
Kale, being as shy and timid as she is, doesn't fare too well early on. Even though you know the pummeling she takes is just to set up her eventual transformation and ownage, you still can't help but feel sorry for the poor girl.
Thankfully, Caulifla has her back. Not only does she keep her protege from getting eliminated, but she dishes out some payback to Kale's attackers, giving them but a small sample of the power of a super saiyan.
It isn't long before she targets Goku, who has no problem sparring with the female saiyan. I did find it odd that she went to the bulky, ultimate super saiyan form when we already saw her hit super saiyan 2, but the episode does address this by having her say that she hasn't been able to replicate the effect.
Oddly enough, Goku has no problem coaching her on it. I'm sure some will cry foul, but it is in Goku's nature to help people reach their full potential, especially if it means he gets a better fight. It also gave them a surprisingly friendly dynamic. Sure, Goku shot down Caulifla's hopes of hitting Blue right now, though he does say that she could hit super saiyan 3 before the tournament's up. All things considered, that's still pretty impressive.
Despite Caulifla's encouragement, Kale can't seem to tap into her hidden power, that is until she gets the impression that Caulifla and Goku are bonding. Just as it did with Cabba, Kale's jealousy triggers a transformation into what is now called the "Beserker" form.
While Vegeta does gawk and warn Goku to watch himself, Vegeta actually takes Kale's display of power much better than he did back in the original Broly movie.
Speaking of, from this point on, the episode gives us several nods to said movie. Kale is reduced to repeating "Son Goku" in a seething tone, much akin to Broly's cry of "Kakkarot!"; she slams Goku into the floor and drags him through it like Broly did with his opponents in walls; and she even no sells a kamehameha wave from Goku. Considering he was in Blue form at the time, it makes it even more awe striking than when Broly shrugged it off.
For all her power, Kale still can't control it. Not only is this a problem for those on the receiving end of her beatings and energy blasts, but Hit notes that her killing someone would result in her being disqualified.
True to form, the Pride Troopers step in to try and keep that from happening. The first fighter, Vuon, is unsuccessful, but Jiren effortlessly knocks her out with an energy blast.
Not only does this give us a taste of what the likely last remaining fighter to stand against Goku can do, but it allows the episode's plot to resolve. I was glad to see that Kale wasn't knocked out of the ring. It would have been a bit sad if she were eliminated this early. At least now we can get to see more of her awesome might later on down the line.
It's too bad the Hit vs Jiren fight never materialized. That would have been really cool to watch. Alas, Goku interrupts. It allows Hit, along with the two female saiyans, to disappear into a cloud of smoke.
All in all, the episode was solid. It didn't really kick into high gear until Kale went all out in the second half, but it was still entertaining. I'm torn on the Broly nods. On the one hand, he's popular and fans will like the homages, though doing more to differentiate her from Broly would have also been nice. Maybe that will come later on down the line.
Click here to join our Patreon campaign
No comments:
Post a Comment