Frieza, the intergalactic tyrant, makes his dramatic return in Dragon Ball Super, Episode 95, titled “The Worst! The Most Evil! Frieza Runs Wild!”. This pivotal episode marks the official reintroduction of Frieza into the main storyline, setting the stage for his surprising role in the Tournament of Power.
The Tyrant Rises Again: Episode 95 Breakdown
Episode 95 is more than just a return; it’s a carefully orchestrated revival. Following the controversial elimination of Majin Buu due to his inability to handle the pressure of the Tournament of Power, Goku seeks a replacement. His unconventional solution? Recruit the resurrected Frieza. This decision, born from desperation and a begrudging respect for Frieza’s power, sends ripples of unease and disbelief through the other universes.
The episode meticulously showcases Frieza’s ruthlessness and cunning. Despite being resurrected, he wastes no time attempting to overthrow his “allies” and demonstrating his raw, unbridled power. This serves as a crucial reminder of Frieza’s inherent evil and the constant threat he poses, even when ostensibly fighting alongside the Z Fighters. The episode concludes with Frieza agreeing to join Team Universe 7, adding a volatile and unpredictable element to their chances of success in the Tournament of Power.
Unveiling Frieza’s Journey: Key Episodes & Arcs
While Episode 95 marks his formal return, Frieza’s influence and backstory are crucial to understanding his subsequent actions. His resurrection isn’t a simple one-off event; it’s intricately woven into the fabric of the Dragon Ball Super narrative.
Revival of ‘F’: The Seeds of His Comeback
The “Revival of ‘F'” arc, a retelling of the film Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, lays the groundwork for Frieza’s future involvement. This arc, covered in episodes 15-27, details Frieza’s initial resurrection using the Dragon Balls, his rapid training to achieve his Golden form, and his rematch with Goku and Vegeta. Although he’s defeated once again, this arc establishes his enduring relevance and showcases his potential for further growth. The arc ends with him being sent back to Hell, fueling his resentment and desire for revenge.
The Tournament of Power: Frieza’s Unexpected Alliance
Frieza’s participation in the Tournament of Power, starting in Episode 97, is a turning point. His initial motive is purely self-serving: he seeks to use the Super Dragon Balls to achieve ultimate power and rewrite the rules of the universes to his liking. However, his interactions with Goku and the other members of Universe 7 gradually reveal unexpected layers to his character. While he remains fundamentally evil, he displays moments of reluctant cooperation and even strategic thinking, proving to be a surprisingly valuable asset to the team.
Frieza’s Continued Presence: Post-Tournament Developments
Even after the Tournament of Power, Frieza remains a persistent force in the Dragon Ball Super universe. He is not fully forgiven, but he is allowed to exist due to his contributions in saving Universe 7. This sets the stage for future appearances and potential storylines, ensuring that Frieza remains a key player in the ongoing saga. His presence keeps the Z Fighters on their toes, knowing that even a temporary alliance with evil doesn’t erase the inherent danger he represents.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Frieza’s Return
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Frieza’s return and role in Dragon Ball Super:
FAQ 1: Why was Frieza brought back to life in the first place?
Goku brought Frieza back because Majin Buu was unable to participate in the Tournament of Power, leaving Universe 7 one member short. Despite his reservations, Goku recognized Frieza’s immense power and believed he was the best available option to bolster their team’s chances.
FAQ 2: How strong is Frieza after being resurrected in Dragon Ball Super?
Upon his resurrection, Frieza immediately proves to be incredibly powerful. He undergoes a period of intense training, reaching his Golden Frieza form, which rivals Super Saiyan Blue in strength. He continues to improve throughout the series, surpassing even his initial Golden form in terms of power and control.
FAQ 3: Does Frieza actually help Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power?
Yes, despite his self-serving motives, Frieza does contribute significantly to Universe 7’s victory. He eliminates several powerful opponents, forms strategic alliances (albeit temporary and unreliable), and even saves Goku and Vegeta from certain defeat on multiple occasions.
FAQ 4: What is Frieza’s ultimate goal in Dragon Ball Super?
Frieza’s overarching goal remains consistent: to achieve ultimate power and rule the universe. He initially plans to use the Super Dragon Balls to accomplish this, but his priorities shift throughout the Tournament of Power as he grapples with his evolving relationships and the potential consequences of his actions.
FAQ 5: Is Frieza truly “good” after the Tournament of Power?
No, Frieza does not become “good” in the traditional sense. While he displays moments of surprising cooperation and even a hint of respect for Goku, he remains fundamentally evil and self-centered. His actions are always driven by his own desires and ambitions.
FAQ 6: What are the consequences of Frieza’s resurrection for the other universes?
Frieza’s resurrection and subsequent actions in the Tournament of Power have significant implications for the other universes. His participation influences the outcome of the tournament, leading to the erasure of several universes and shaping the future of the remaining ones.
FAQ 7: Does Vegeta trust Frieza after his resurrection?
Vegeta harbors deep distrust and animosity towards Frieza, given their history and Frieza’s role in the destruction of Planet Vegeta. He is constantly wary of Frieza’s true motives and remains vigilant against any potential betrayal.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of Frieza’s Golden form?
The Golden form represents Frieza’s untapped potential and his ability to rapidly adapt and evolve. It allows him to compete with the Saiyans’ Super Saiyan Blue transformation, highlighting his inherent power and drive to surpass his rivals.
FAQ 9: How does Frieza escape Hell a second time?
Frieza’s resurrection is granted by Fortuneteller Baba as part of Goku’s agreement with him to participate in the Tournament of Power. After the tournament, he’s allowed to remain alive due to his contributions, effectively “escaping” Hell permanently.
FAQ 10: What is Frieza’s relationship with Goku in Dragon Ball Super?
Goku and Frieza maintain a complex and volatile relationship. While they are technically allies during the Tournament of Power, their shared history and inherent animosity prevent any genuine friendship from forming. There’s a begrudging respect between them, but also a constant awareness of the other’s potential for betrayal.
FAQ 11: Will Frieza ever achieve his ultimate goal of ruling the universe?
While it remains to be seen whether Frieza will ultimately achieve his ambition, his continued presence in the Dragon Ball Super universe suggests that he will remain a persistent threat and a major player in future storylines. His power and cunning make him a formidable adversary, and his unwavering ambition ensures that he will always be striving for greater power and control.
FAQ 12: What is Black Frieza?
Black Frieza is Frieza’s most recent transformation, achieved after training in a Hyperbolic Time Chamber for ten years. He is shown to be so powerful that he can defeat both Goku and Vegeta in their Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego forms with a single blow, establishing him as the most powerful character in the Dragon Ball Super universe at the time of his introduction.
In conclusion, Frieza’s return in Dragon Ball Super, specifically in Episode 95, marks a significant turning point in the series. His reintroduction and subsequent role in the Tournament of Power demonstrate his enduring relevance and highlight his capacity to evolve and adapt, even within the context of a seemingly unwavering evil. He continues to be a potent force in the universe and will likely continue to present challenges for the Z Fighters in the future.