Videl discovers Gohan’s secret identity as the Great Saiyaman in Dragon Ball Z episode 228, titled “Detected! Videl’s Suspicion of Gohan.” This revelation marks a turning point in their relationship, blossoming from suspicion to a strong bond built on trust and shared responsibility.
The Moment of Truth: Episode 228
Episode 228 is pivotal in the Saiyaman saga, as Videl’s keen observational skills finally lead her to the truth about Gohan. Throughout the World Tournament preliminaries, she’s been noticing similarities between the Great Saiyaman and Gohan, fueled by his awkward attempts to hide his activities.
The episode culminates when Gohan, as the Great Saiyaman, must rescue Hercule from a dangerous situation. Videl witnesses Gohan’s incredible speed and strength firsthand. This, combined with her earlier observations, leaves no room for doubt. She confronts him directly, demanding an explanation. While Gohan initially tries to deny it, he eventually relents under her persistent questioning and, faced with irrefutable evidence, admits he is indeed the Great Saiyaman.
This episode isn’t just about Videl finding out Gohan’s secret; it’s about the implications that discovery has on their relationship. Videl’s strong sense of justice and her desire to help others ultimately leads her to understand and accept Gohan’s alter ego. This acceptance paves the way for their partnership in fighting crime and their eventual romantic relationship.
Understanding the Great Saiyaman Saga
To fully appreciate the significance of Videl’s discovery, it’s important to understand the context of the Great Saiyaman saga. This arc, which follows the Cell Games, sees Gohan entering high school and feeling a responsibility to protect the innocent. He creates the Great Saiyaman persona to fight crime while trying to maintain a normal life.
This arc introduces a lighter, more comedic tone to the series, juxtaposing the serious battles of the past with Gohan’s awkward attempts to blend in and protect his secret. However, it also explores themes of responsibility, justice, and the challenges of balancing a secret identity with everyday life. The Great Saiyaman is Gohan’s way of grappling with his extraordinary power and finding a purpose beyond simply training for future threats.
Videl’s Role in the Saga
Videl is not just a bystander in this saga. She actively participates in the story, pushing Gohan to be more responsible with his powers and eventually becoming his partner in crime-fighting as the Great Saiyaman 2. Her intelligence, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice make her an invaluable asset to Gohan and a compelling character in her own right. The foundation of their relationship, built on honesty (eventually) and mutual respect, is firmly established in this arc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Videl’s discovery of Gohan’s secret and its surrounding circumstances:
What specific clues led Videl to suspect Gohan was the Great Saiyaman?
Videl noticed several clues that pointed towards Gohan’s secret. These included:
- Gohan’s absence during Great Saiyaman sightings: She observed that Gohan was often missing when the Great Saiyaman appeared.
- His superhuman abilities: She witnessed Gohan exhibit incredible speed and strength that normal humans couldn’t possess.
- Similar body build and hair: Videl noted the physical similarities between Gohan and the Great Saiyaman.
- His awkward behavior: Gohan’s nervous and evasive behavior when questioned about the Great Saiyaman raised her suspicions.
How did Gohan try to hide his identity from Videl?
Gohan attempted to conceal his identity through various methods:
- Wearing the Great Saiyaman costume: The helmet and suit were intended to mask his appearance.
- Using evasive language: He avoided direct answers when questioned about the Great Saiyaman.
- Changing his posture and voice slightly: He tried to alter his demeanor to appear different from the Great Saiyaman.
- Claiming to be at other locations during Great Saiyaman incidents: He created alibis to explain his absence.
What was Videl’s initial reaction to learning Gohan was the Great Saiyaman?
Initially, Videl was a mix of disbelief, anger, and curiosity. She felt betrayed by Gohan’s deception but also intrigued by his secret identity and his motivations for being the Great Saiyaman. Her strong sense of justice ultimately led her to want to understand his actions.
How did Videl’s discovery impact her relationship with Gohan?
The discovery initially created tension and mistrust, but it ultimately strengthened their bond. Videl’s acceptance and support of Gohan’s actions led to a close partnership in fighting crime and eventually evolved into a romantic relationship. Trust became a cornerstone of their connection.
What were Videl’s motivations for wanting to know the Great Saiyaman’s identity?
Videl’s desire to uncover the Great Saiyaman’s identity stemmed from several factors:
- Her strong sense of justice: She wanted to know who was taking the law into their own hands.
- Her curiosity: She was intrigued by the mysterious hero and his extraordinary abilities.
- Her competitive nature: She was determined to solve the mystery before anyone else.
Did anyone else know about Gohan’s identity before Videl found out?
Yes, several people knew about Gohan’s identity before Videl:
- Goku, his father: Obviously, Goku knew.
- Chi-Chi, his mother: Chi-Chi was initially worried but ultimately supportive.
- Bulma, his friend: Bulma helped Gohan create his costume and provided technological support.
- Piccolo, his mentor: Piccolo was aware of Gohan’s activities and offered guidance.
How did Videl become the Great Saiyaman 2?
After learning Gohan’s secret, Videl wanted to help him fight crime. Gohan trained her in basic fighting techniques, and Bulma created a similar costume for her, transforming her into the Great Saiyaman 2. This solidified their partnership and deepened their bond.
What kind of training did Gohan give Videl?
Gohan’s training focused on improving Videl’s martial arts skills and teaching her to control her ki (energy). He helped her enhance her strength, speed, and agility, preparing her for the challenges of crime-fighting. He emphasized the importance of using her abilities responsibly and protecting the innocent.
What was the reaction of other characters to Videl becoming the Great Saiyaman 2?
The other characters generally reacted positively to Videl’s involvement. Goku was amused and impressed by her courage, while Chi-Chi remained concerned for her safety but ultimately supportive. Bulma continued to provide technological support, and Piccolo offered tactical advice.
How did the Great Saiyaman saga contribute to Gohan’s character development?
The Great Saiyaman saga allowed Gohan to explore his own sense of justice and responsibility. He learned to balance his extraordinary powers with the desire to lead a normal life. This arc helped him mature and develop a stronger sense of self, preparing him for future challenges. It also showed his commitment to protecting others, something he carried into his adult life.
Why is Videl considered a strong and important character in Dragon Ball Z?
Videl is a strong and important character because she is intelligent, courageous, and fiercely independent. She challenges traditional gender roles and proves herself to be a capable fighter and a valuable ally. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her strong moral compass make her a positive role model.
Did Videl ever regret finding out about Gohan’s secret?
No, Videl never regretted finding out about Gohan’s secret. While the initial discovery created some tension, it ultimately led to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Gohan. It also allowed her to become a partner in his efforts to protect the innocent, fulfilling her own desire to make a positive impact on the world. Their shared experiences and commitment to justice solidified their relationship and made them a formidable team.