As universe 7 still has the most fighters remaining, they are the prime target for the robotic fighters of universe 3. There was quite a bit of build up about how these robots were custom designed to win the tournament. We hadn't really seen that on display, but this episode gives us proof that it wasn't just hollow boasting.
In an all out brawl with most of the universe 7 fighters (Frieza pretty much sits this one out), they are able to hold their own for the most part. It was exciting to see the episode jump from fight to fight. The chaos was something that's been missing, but it was handled well here when the showdown first starts.
Inevitably, it boils down to the two androids vs a fighter named Viara and Gohan facing off against the other three robots.
There is an in-universe justification for this, as Gohan wants Goku and Vegeta to save their strength and energy for later on in the tournament. It was good to see that there was actual strategy and it wasn't just saiyan pride that motivated the decision. Though, even if it were the case, it was worth it just to see the proud smirk on Goku's face as Gohan makes the declaration. It was a very "that's my boy" moment.
Even being outnumbered, Gohan is able to fend off the attacks of his opponents with no visible sign of trouble.
With the fighters being robots and this being an anime, it should come as no surprise to find out that the robots are capable of fusing into one super-fighting robot. The "fusion" amplifies power, speed, and defenses; it makes for a rather formidable opponent.
While Gohan has certainly had worse showings in previous fights, it does take the intervention of Goku and Vegeta to really turn the tables. You'd think that this would be an insult to a warrior's honor or something, but nobody (not even Vegeta) makes a big deal about it. Goku even goes so far as to commend Gohan for doing so well and says that he wasn't going to just sit by and let his son get hit. It was another rather nice small moment between father and son that stood out amid all the fast paced combat.
I did rather enjoy seeing all three saiyans fighting side by side. This isn't usually a thing that they do and it made for a rather awesome moment. The effective teamwork between the three is what ultimately allows them to over power the opponent and knock it out of the ring.
As to the fight between the androids and Viara. It isn't much to write home about, the twins win with minimal effort. It was rather cool to see the 2 on 1 fight, but ultimately they just blasted it until it's shell broke. Considering that Viara's plan was to tire the two out, you knew that the victory was theirs. It made for a nice highlight for the androids, but it wasn't quite the nail biter that one might have hoped for.
Even with all of these fighters knocked out, universe 3 is still in. The mad scientist, Dr....Paparoni, jeebus, is still in the ring. The three saiyans dismiss him and apologetically announce that they're going to have to knock him out of the ring now. However, it seems the good doctor has one more trick up his sleeve. The episode ends before we can see what, but he's convinced that it will be enough to turn the tables.
Overall, the episode was OK. It was fun enough as you were watching it, but I don't know if it will stand out in the long run. There were great moments peppered throughout, but it does seem like universe 7's win is a foregone conclusion. While the universe 3 fighters fared decently, there was never a point where it felt like it was going to be an uphill battle. It was never boring, though, The fights were well choreographed and everything was framed and "shot" very well. Even if it wasn't a highlight moment for the series, it was 20 minutes well spent.
I am looking forward to next week's episode. The preview looked promising, as everyone from universe 7 rallies to try to take out universe 3's last fighter. It should make for an interesting showdown.
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