Episode 28 – Goku’sArrival/Ferocity of the Saiyans! Kami-sama and Piccolo Both Die!

Before Vegeta, Piccolo was Goku’s rival, and before Vegeta turned into a good guy, Piccolo had a positive character arc that solidified him as a hero. Piccolo’s arc comes to a climax in the 28th episode of Dragon Ball, where he sacrifices himself to protect Gohan from Nappa’s attack (the sacrifice begins in the previous episode, but it is recapped and the following events ensue in this episode). It’s an impactful moment, not just for Piccolo’s selflessness, but also for what he tells Gohan after. With tears in his eyes, Piccolo explains that Gohan treated him like a person, not a monster, not an evil demon, and the time they spent training warmed his icy heart. It’s a heartbreaking moment that marks Piccolos turn to a good guy and solidifies Gohan and Piccolo’s relationship as mentor/student, and as friends.

For this moment, “Goku’s Arrival,” stands amongst the best of Dragon Ball Z, but this episode is also a triple threat. On top of Piccolo’s sacrifice, episode 28 also includes the infamous “Over 9,000! (8,000 in the original Japanese version)” line and it containes one of Goku’s most badass battle moments. Upon his arrival, Goku gets Gohan and Krillin to safety before completely dominating Nappa in battle — in this moment we see just how far Goku’s training with King Kai has brought him, and it kicks ass