The final episode of Dragon Ball Super, titled “The Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell Goku! Until We Meet Again!” sees Universe 7 emerge victorious in the Tournament of Power thanks to Android 17’s selfless wish on the Super Dragon Balls. This victory preserves the existence of Universe 7 and prevents its erasure by Zeno, while also setting the stage for future adventures and showcasing the growth of characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan.
The Climax of the Tournament of Power
The Tournament of Power served as the culmination of Dragon Ball Super’s overarching narrative, pitting teams of fighters from eight universes against each other in a battle royale where the losing universes would be erased. The final episode meticulously wraps up the storylines and character arcs that were developed throughout the tournament.
Jiren’s Overwhelming Power and Goku’s Response
Jiren, the seemingly invincible warrior from Universe 11, presented Goku with his greatest challenge yet. Throughout the tournament, Goku pushed himself beyond his limits, mastering Ultra Instinct, a state where his body reacts independently of his conscious thoughts. The final episode sees Goku struggling to fully control Ultra Instinct, but ultimately harnessing its power to push Jiren to his breaking point. The raw power exchange between the two titans is visually stunning and emotionally charged, highlighting their contrasting philosophies: Jiren’s focus on individual strength and Goku’s belief in the power of teamwork and friendship.
The Unsung Hero: Android 17
While Goku and Vegeta often steal the spotlight, Android 17 emerges as a crucial player in the final moments of the tournament. After a brutal exchange, Jiren eliminates Goku and Vegeta, leaving Android 17 as Universe 7’s last hope. In a moment of self-sacrifice, 17 uses his barrier to protect Goku and Vegeta from falling off the arena, seemingly sacrificing himself in the process. This unexpected act of selflessness underscores his growth as a character and demonstrates the importance of teamwork in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. He survives, of course, and plays a vital role in the wish.
The Final Wish and its Implications
With Jiren defeated, Universe 7 emerges victorious. The Super Dragon Balls are summoned, and the surviving members of Universe 7 are granted a wish. Surprisingly, Android 17 wishes for all the erased universes to be restored, overturning the Zenos’ initial plan and demonstrating the power of compassion. This wish not only saves countless lives but also opens up new possibilities for inter-universal interactions and future conflicts. The decision by 17 cements his place as a true hero.
Farewells and New Beginnings
The episode’s title, “Farewell Goku! Until We Meet Again!” hints at a bittersweet ending. While Universe 7 is saved, the episode emphasizes the ever-present need for continuous training and improvement.
Goku and Vegeta’s Rivalry Continues
Despite their shared victory, Goku and Vegeta remain fierce rivals. The episode ends with them sparring, signifying their relentless pursuit of greater strength and their unwavering commitment to protecting their universe. Their rivalry is not just about power; it’s also about pushing each other to be better versions of themselves. This friendly competition ensures that they will never become complacent.
Gohan’s Renewed Resolve
The Tournament of Power served as a catalyst for Gohan’s return to fighting form. The episode briefly touches on Gohan’s renewed dedication to training and protecting his family, suggesting that he will continue to play a vital role in future battles. His development is a significant step for the character.
Whis’ Role as Mentor
Whis’ subtle guidance throughout the tournament proves crucial to Goku and Vegeta’s growth. The episode reinforces Whis’ role as a mentor, hinting at his continued influence on their training and development. He remains a key figure in their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dragon Ball Super Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning the Dragon Ball Super finale:
Q1: Why did Android 17 make that specific wish?
Android 17 made the wish to restore the erased universes because he understood the Zenos’ intentions were based on their perception of the universes’ overall quality. Witnessing the fighting spirit and potential of the erased universes during the Tournament of Power, he felt they deserved a second chance. His previous experience as an artificial human created by Dr. Gero also fueled his sympathy for those who were unjustly eliminated.
Q2: What happened to Frieza after the Tournament of Power?
After contributing significantly to Universe 7’s victory, Frieza was resurrected by Whis as per the agreement with the Gods of Destruction. He returns to his role as the emperor of the universe, rebuilding his empire and plotting his revenge against Goku and Vegeta. This sets the stage for potential future conflicts.
Q3: How did Goku achieve Ultra Instinct?
Goku achieved Ultra Instinct through a combination of intense pressure, near-death experiences, and the guidance of Whis. He first glimpsed the power during his fight with Jiren and gradually honed his ability to tap into it. However, he initially struggled to control it completely, and mastering Ultra Instinct remains a continuous process for him.
Q4: What is the significance of the ending sparring match between Goku and Vegeta?
The sparring match between Goku and Vegeta symbolizes their enduring rivalry and their commitment to continuous improvement. It emphasizes that even after achieving great power and saving their universe, they will never stop striving to become stronger. Their rivalry is a constant source of motivation for them both.
Q5: Will there be a Dragon Ball Super Season 2?
While a direct “Season 2” of Dragon Ball Super hasn’t been officially announced, the Dragon Ball franchise continues through movies like Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, and manga chapters. It’s widely believed that the story will continue in some form, whether it’s another series, more movies, or continued manga arcs.
Q6: What is the relationship between the Dragon Ball Super anime and the manga?
Initially, the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga followed similar storylines, but they began to diverge after the Tournament of Power. The manga has continued with new arcs, such as the Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc and the Granola the Survivor arc, which are currently not covered in the anime. The manga is now considered further along in the storyline.
Q7: How strong is Jiren compared to other Dragon Ball villains?
Jiren is arguably one of the strongest Dragon Ball villains ever faced by Goku and the Z Fighters. His immense power surpasses even that of Gods of Destruction, making him a formidable opponent. While power scaling in Dragon Ball can be subjective, Jiren is widely considered to be among the top tier of villains in terms of raw strength.
Q8: What role do the Zenos play in the Dragon Ball Super finale?
The Zenos serve as the ultimate arbiters of the Tournament of Power. They are the beings who initiated the tournament with the intention of erasing universes they deemed unnecessary. However, Android 17’s wish reveals a hidden aspect of their personalities – a willingness to be swayed by compassion and the potential for good in the erased universes.
Q9: What happened to the other members of Universe 7’s team?
Besides Goku, Vegeta, and Android 17, the other members of Universe 7’s team (Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Android 18, Master Roshi, and Frieza) all played significant roles in the Tournament of Power. While they were eliminated at various points, their contributions were crucial to the team’s overall success. The episode subtly acknowledges their efforts.
Q10: How does the Dragon Ball Super finale set up future storylines?
The finale leaves several threads open for future exploration. Frieza’s resurrection and return to power, the potential for inter-universal conflicts, and Goku and Vegeta’s continued pursuit of greater strength all provide ample opportunities for new storylines. The continued manga adventures also provide a roadmap for future anime adaptation.
Q11: What is Ultra Instinct and how is it different from Super Saiyan transformations?
Ultra Instinct is a technique that allows the user to react and fight without conscious thought, making them incredibly fast and powerful. Unlike Super Saiyan transformations, which primarily enhance the user’s power level, Ultra Instinct focuses on optimizing their reflexes and combat skills. It’s considered a divine technique typically reserved for gods.
Q12: What is the lasting impact of the Tournament of Power on the Dragon Ball universe?
The Tournament of Power fundamentally altered the Dragon Ball universe by introducing new characters, expanding the lore surrounding the gods and other universes, and setting the stage for future inter-universal conflicts and alliances. It also served as a major character development arc for many of the Z Fighters, pushing them to new heights of power and understanding. The reintroduction of erased universes expands the scope of potential stories significantly.