Most TV series/movies would be far better off without the annoying kid character who follows the heroes around. Not Dragonball. Whilst he probably fits the stereotype well during the Saiyan and Freeza sagas, Gohan finally steps up during the Cell debacle in one of the series’ most satisfying moments.
Throughout the previous 100+ episodes it was always hinted that Gohan had the greatest potential of all the fighters, yet due to a combination of his young age and gentle nature it always remained untapped save for short flashes of emotion during the direst of times. Only during the match with Cell, after the death of his father Goku (the series’ main protagonist who is usually relied upon to vanquish the greatest foes) and the immediate threat to his closest friends and the planet itself is the boy able for the first time to consciously harness his inner strength, overcome his own self doubt, then step up to the plate and challenge an otherwise unbeatable foe who had already defeated his father.
It’s this background that make his final beam struggle against the genetically engineered creation such a powerful moment as it acts as a culmination of his character’s journey and struggles through life. The beam showdown hence becomes a metaphor reflective of his own internal conquest of self-doubt. In doing so it highlights the importance of those closest and dearest, namely his father’s ongoing guidance as well as the devotion of his closest friends in overcoming his demons to realise one’s true purpose. Gohan’s evolution illustrates the lesson that not even the strongest can be an island unto themselves, to the contrary, it shows that often those with the greatest of gifts to offer are ironically hampered most by their own uncertainties and doubts.
On a side note Vegeta’s final contribution proving the tipping point is another particularly cool little notch in his respective journey, as one of those brief rare moments where he’s able to overcome his own (very different) demon of pride/ego by putting aside his failure and embarrassment/shame from being comprehensively beaten by Cell himself (those who know his character would know that to him this would once have been a fate worse than death), and instead play his part as the only remaining fighter strong enough to briefly stun and divert the beast’s attentions. But he’s a story for another day :)
good serie, i like it...
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