Episode 192 of Dragon Ball Z, first broadcast in Japan on July 7, 1993 and titled Goku's Decision in Funimation's dub, is the morning after the battle. Gohan is healed by Dende, Mr. Satan claims the victory in front of the cameras, and Shenron brings back everyone Cell killed. Only Goku is missing, and Goku, to everyone's surprise, asks to stay dead. The full Japanese title adds "A Farewell with a Smile."
Summary
Gohan lies exhausted in the crater, smiling. Piccolo congratulates him, and the group decides to take him to Dende at the Lookout, since the senzu beans are gone. Yamcha carries the boy and Tien takes Trunks's body; Krillin, to everyone's shock, picks up Android 18 too, because she was also one of Cell's victims. Vegeta refuses Piccolo's help and stays behind alone: surpassed by Goku and even by Gohan, he swears he will never fight again.
Out in the wasteland, the TV reporter wakes up having missed the end of the fight. Mr. Satan seizes the moment and announces that he defeated Cell, with his entourage ready to back him up. The news spreads around the globe and sets off celebrations; King Furry has his doubts but thanks the heavens.
At the Lookout, Dende heals Gohan, who tells the others he heard his father's voice and even felt his presence during the fight. Then it is Android 18's turn. When she comes to, she learns that Krillin stood up for her, and Gohan blurts out that his friend has a crush on her. She coldly replies that she owes no one anything and leaves.
With the Dragon Balls gathered, the group summons Shenron, who can now grant two wishes. The first brings back everyone Cell killed: Trunks wakes up, while in the city the parade for Mr. Satan celebrates the return of the fallen soldiers. The second is meant for Goku, but Shenron cannot revive him a second time. The friends turn to the Namekian Dragon Balls, until Goku's voice cuts in: he is staying in the other world. Enemies keep coming to Earth because of him, and up there he gets to keep his body and train with the great fighters of the past. He says goodbye with a cheerful "bye-bye." His friends recall their memories of him, and Gohan thanks his father.
Our take
Goku's choice is one of the most debated in the series, and the episode does not soften it. On one side there is a logic to it: Raditz, the Saiyans, Frieza and the androids all came because of him, and staying dead removes a target from Earth. On the other side there is the chance to train with the champions of the afterlife, which is Goku through and through, but it leaves a young son and a wife behind. The Japanese title puts that lightness front and center.
The subtext is clear: the hero steps aside and the world passes to Gohan, whom Goku himself calls more reliable than he is. The comic counterpoint of Mr. Satan taking credit for the victory is the other legacy of the Cell Games, and it will shape the series for a long time. The anime adds the parade, a stop to see Yajirobe at Korin Tower and a hungry Goku pestering King Kai, but here the padding lets a finale breathe after weeks of tension.
Trivia
- It adapts chapter 417. Written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa and directed by Daisuke Nishio, with Yūji Hakamada as animation director, it drew a 19.6% share.
- The closing memories reuse scenes from Dragon Ball episodes 13, 123 and 148 and Dragon Ball Z episodes 86 and 188.
- Kanzenshuu marks this as Vegeta's 150th appearance, counting movies and specials.
- On its first Cartoon Network and YTV run, the English title was Goku's Noble Decision.
Characters
- Gohan, Goku and King Kai
- Piccolo, Vegeta, Krillin, Tien and Yamcha
- Future Trunks and Android 18
- Dende, Mr. Popo and Shenron
- Mr. Satan, the reporter and Satan's entourage
- Chi-Chi, the Ox-King and King Furry