By Erika Suarez

Warning: Spoilers are included!

After a few disappointing episodes, it finally led to some to great ones that we’ve been waiting for. Episode 121 gives a perfect set up for the showdown between the last remaining universes, 7 and 11. Universe 3 releases their trump card that was surprisingly acceptable and a worthwhile fight against universe 7’s warriors. For the latest episode, Vegeta intervenes in Goku’s fight between Jiren and delivers some intense Saiyan action that leaves us on the edge.

Episode 121 brought in a different approach in warrior merging and transformations when the wicked scientist Paparoni merges with Koichiarator to form into Anilaza. This change made him into a strategic and destructive giant beast but it didn’t make it any different from the rest of the transformations from previous opponents. The fight against Anilaza lasted long enough without feeling rushed and gave a bit of a challenge. The transformed enemy did not display an impactful characteristic but it delivered an enjoyable fight as all warriors from universe 7 struggle to take down the beasty foe while being thrown off by its clever tactics. Like most of the universes, universe 3 was desperate and believed their trump card would succeed by releasing a berserk warrior and we’ve seen too much of this.  Frieza joins in the battle to lend a helping hand. It was out of the ordinary watching Frieza fight alongside his enemies and gave change of pace for the episode. It brought me to question what his plan will be after the tournament and if he will go beyond his golden form. I say break the chains and let the villain loose!

This arc has been giving the androids a reasonable amount of shine and we see more when the two have a touching moment in episode 121. Android 17 falls out of bounds and Android 18 kicks him back up as she takes the fall and tells him to make the save worth it. The sacrificing fall was a small and sweet part of this episode that was delightfully warm. We see all five warriors together and release a powerful ki-blast in their final forms creating a colorful and impactful attack while the android gives the final blow to Anilaza. Special moments like this make the episode that much embedded in you and seeing Android 17 give it his all along with the warriors was astonishing to watch and gives it a great set up for the next anticipating episode between the last two universes.

Vegeta is taken off the bench in episode 122 when he immerses in a heart-pumping fight between Jiren. This battle quickly escalates after Vegeta takes in a lot of beatings and transitions into plenty of surprising moments like Vegeta’s capability to see through Jiren’s attacks when Goku couldn’t and releasing a new power that was triggered by Jiren. This new source of strength could mean so many possibilities. There could be a chance that Vegeta Can obtain Ultra Instinct Through different methods and possibly reach something higher or a new power. The curiosity amplifies and this episode succeeds in putting you right where they want you.

You can feel the overwhelming intensity in this episode’s battle as Gohan and Android 17 Are tied up in the fight against Toppo, but it didn’t feel as intense as Vegeta’s brawl against Jiren. Another chance can be slipped in for a Gohan moment for this battle which keeps us intrigued on how this will play out. Frieza’s incredibly cocky confidence got the best of him in his battle between the sonic warrior when his tale action completely backfires and results in him being smashed into a boulder immensely.

Episode 121 delivers us a nostalgic Dragon Ball Z feel when we watch all warriors fight together and finish off their foe with a vibrant blast of energy while episode 122 switches things up by giving Vegeta the spotlight in the battle between Jiren. Although some of Universe 7’s warriors felt like they didn’t get enough emphasis on their battles, we remember the battles are just getting started for the actual showdown and it was a good start to keep us locked in and anticipated for the next episode.

Score: 4/5

Dragon Ball Super E.121- “All- Out War! The Ultimate Quadruple Merge vs Universe 7’s Full- Scale Attack!!”
Dragon Ball Super E.122- “For One’s Own Pride! Vegeta’s Challenge To Be The Strongest!!”
Writer: Akira Toriyama
Studio: Toei Animation