Dragon Ball Rewatch, Week 24 - DB episode 106-110

[ABED]

If I recall the bit about Yajirobe sounding like Kuririn was in the manga. So was Toriyama prodding the anime to cast Tanaka as Yajirobe?

[MyVisionity]

If I recall the bit about Yajirobe sounding like Kuririn was in the manga. So was Toriyama prodding the anime to cast Tanaka as Yajirobe?

Probably so, since he apparently went to them and requested Tanaka for the role specifically, according to this interview.

(Also, it looks like you asked this same question before back in 2013.)

[ABED]

If I recall the bit about Yajirobe sounding like Kuririn was in the manga. So was Toriyama prodding the anime to cast Tanaka as Yajirobe?

Probably so, since he apparently went to them and requested Tanaka for the role specifically, according to this interview.

(Also, it looks like you asked this same question before back in 2013.)

How the hell am I supposed to remember what I asked or said 7 years ago? I don't remember what I said or asked seven months ago. TBH it's creepy that you know that. Lastly I don't recall getting an answer to the question last time I asked.

[MyVisionity]

If I recall the bit about Yajirobe sounding like Kuririn was in the manga. So was Toriyama prodding the anime to cast Tanaka as Yajirobe?

Probably so, since he apparently went to them and requested Tanaka for the role specifically, according to this interview.

(Also, it looks like you asked this same question before back in 2013.)

How the hell am I supposed to remember what I asked or said 7 years ago? I don't remember what I said or asked seven months ago. TBH it's creepy that you know that. Lastly I don't recall getting an answer to the question last time I asked.

Sorry bro, I was just joking. The only reason I know you asked is because it popped up in Google while I was searching for the interview. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that part.

[ABED]

Phew. I wish that you had mentioned the google search. It would've been weird if you knew that off hand.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Episode 106 - The Demonic Beast – Tambourine Draws Near!!

This episode focuses on the development of Goku and Yajirobe's relationship, despite the latter not viewing the former as a friend, the continuing terror of Tambourine and Daimao's orders. Goku and Yajirobe share a commonality in their hunter instincts, although Yajirobe, as it seems cares about little other than food, even to the extent of eating his meat raw. Tambourine's presence was ominous and foreboding and is shown to be feared by all from a former opponent of Goku (Giran), innocent bears and Bulma and gang. Meanwhile Daimao's presence reminds the viewers that despite the harm and fear caused by Tambourine that there is always someone more fearsome, and powerful out there, a very Toriyama-esque theme as we see more of as this series progresses.

Episode 107 - Son Goku – An Explosion of Anger!!

A less action oriented episode, and more with a focus on the search for the Dragon Balls. There is more time given to Muten Roshi, Tien and Chaoitzu and their importance in the arc. Their search for the Dragon Balls ties in with the need for Kuririn to be revived, demonstrating the loyalty our heroes have developed over the series. The Dragon Ball being in the home of a man previously damaged by Tien was a great narrative choice as it highlights the need for redemption for these characters that have less favourable pasts. Goku, meanwhile is still not having his desired friendship with Yajirobe reciprocated as the latter's remaining frustration over the former eating his Fish and stranglehold on the Dragon Ball makes this rather problematic. The sequence with Goku chasing Yajirobe and both characters trying to outrun one another was quite funny, and the whimsical Kikuchi track was a great supplement to this. Yajirobe also demonstrates some survival smarts when they are jumping from rock to rock and Yajirobe smashes a rock with his foot intentionally for Goku to fall way behind.

Episode 108 - Demon King Piccolo Descends!!

A nice episode to conclude the Tambourine conflict before Goku's first confrontation with Piccolo Daimao with a bit of subversion and the typical search for the Dragon Ball content with other characters. The battle with Tambourine was good mainly because there is some unique strategy in it from Goku, which makes up for Tambourine's rather easy defeat after being built up as a formidable foe. Goku going from staring down with Tambourine to surrounding him so fast that he fails to notice when Goku elbows him and using the Nyoibo in various directions was smart usage of speed and trickery on his part. Funnily enough all Yajirobe thinks about is getting more meat from these creatures, fuelling his frustration with Goku when Tambourine is obliterated by a Kamehame Ha. Towards the end of the episode we see the terror rear its head once more as Daimao prepares to fight Goku, meanwhile Tien, Rishi and Chaoitzu are also attacked by a flock of crows accompanied by an eerie Kikuchi track. Goku shows awareness by looking around while Yajirobe eats grass out of boredom, emphasizing the differing levels of life experience each character has had with the ominous, and sets up the former for what is to come next.

Episode 109 - Son Goku vs Demon King Piccolo

With a rather slow start this episode ended up being quite engaging. In the beginning there is more emphasis on the need to find the Dragon Balls for both Goku and his friends who are away searching. Interestingly, despite Yajirobe's headstrong personality so far he shows fear at the utterance of Piccolo Daimao's name to the extent he finally surrrender, giving Goku his Dragon Ball. Near the halfway point of the episode after some gradual buildup the anticipated fight between Goku and Daimao begins. There isn't much in the way of strategic movement in Goku's fight with Daimao as there was in the fight with Tambourine, but what makes this an interesting brawl is that Daimao appears to be allowing Goku to get the upper hand on purpose. Even Yajirobe is shocked Daimao doesn't look and seem as strong, to the extent of doubting whether he should have given Goku the Dragon Ball. Subversions are completely subverted when Daimao traps Goku with a forcefield. Meanwhile there is some humour with Muten Roshi trying to retrieve a Dragon Ball from under a rock and the rock falling after him, ultimately falling off a cliff. As the fight between Goku and Daimao continues we see the former get a beating from the latter. Additionally Goku becomes aware he is no match for Diamao, his Kamehame Ha not even leaving a scratch was a testament to this.

Episode 110 - Hang in There! Son Goku!!

The ominous feeling gradually established in the previous episode remains as dark clouds hover Pilaf and gang and rain falls. The droning Kikuchi music carries this sense of despair and uncertainty. Goku's losing battle as he is swung back in the rain subverts the sense of achievement he had through his travels and training alone, and demonstrates Daimao's competency even in old age. Yajirobe also shows to have grown fondness towards Goku as we see his excitement when it turns out Goku is still alive after being zapped in the air, and carries him to safety. The search for the Dragon Balls continues with Tien, Roshi and Chaoitzu, and they devise a plan to get the rest of the Dragon Balls from Diamao. Once Daimao eats the Dragon Balls it becomes clear that this is a villain with many a lot more to offer in terms of posing a threat and becoming problematic for the protagonists to achieve their goals. This episode ends with apprehension for Daimao's fight with Roshi and what will become of Goku if he's not ready yet to save the day.