Summary

• Yamcha and Puar's motivations for their Dragon Ball wish plans are revealed, adding depth to their characters.
• Pilaf returns to wreak havoc, introducing formidable mecha machines to raise the stakes.
• The shape-shifting antics provide a humorous climax, but the episode's focus on inappropriate comedy falls flat.

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Original by Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball has been a true delight throughout its introductory Emperor Pilaf saga. Several setup and world-building episodes have done wonders for the anime, especially when it comes to developing its eccentric characters. Dragon Ball is coming off a recent high with its previous episode that was almost exclusively combat-focused. One might assume that intense martial arts immediately becomes Dragon Ballis the guiding force. Unfortunately, “Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls” is a huge throwback.

Episode 6 makes further use of Dragon BallThe newest wild cards – Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong – but it all feels rather inconsequential and like an unnecessary chapter in the heroes' journey. Comedy is a big part of it. Dragon Ballit's DNA, but the reliance on low-hanging fruit fan service and eye candy brings out the series' worst qualities.

All eyes are on Bulma as Dragon Ball succumbs to temptation

Hormonal hijinks dominate the episode's narrative

Dragon Ball is a shonen series that played multiple roles throughout its first season. This isn't unusual for a new anime that's still finding its feet, but "Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls" is one Dragon Ball episode that seems at odds with itself. It mixes all the ideas and themes that were present in Dragon Ball since its inception, but fails to achieve the right balance. 'Keep An Eye on Dragon Balls' is packed with comedy, embarrassing misunderstandings, and action. That said, it's almost It looks like an obscene fanfiction written by Master Roshi and Old Kai. Dragon Ball Episode 6 is the kind of weird anime that makes audiences feel mortified if someone catches them watching it..

“Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls” is heavy on its inappropriate and off-putting material, even though it contains some fun jokes and rewarding character moments. Episode 6 is also the most uncomfortable and predatory episode of Dragon Ball, crossing several boundaries, even for an early 90s comedy. It has been previously discussed that Dragon Ball'The bawdy comedy is emblematic of another era and should be taken with a grain of salt. It's easy to overlook these tone-deaf jokes when they're just one element of the episode. However, the exciting comedy is really all that 'Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls' has going for it. In this single episode, Bulma is spied on in the shower, inappropriately fondled, has her panties stolen, and is forced to play in a Playboy bunny outfit. Bulma and Goku are even drugged by Oolong with "Sleepy Grass" so that they pass out and become unresponsive. And it's all done for laughs and in the name of comedy.

It's really shocking to see how quickly Bulma regresses from a brilliant, science-savvy sidekick to sexual comic relief eye candy. who is always being chased and the butt of jokes from the characters. All it took was a few episodes and the presence of more male characters in the mix. This may be holding Dragon Ball up to unnecessarily high standards, but Bulma and Goku's unique dynamic was one of the Dragon Ballstrongest aspects during her first few episodes. She's an interesting character who helps challenge Goku in exciting ways, which is why it's so disheartening to see her become obscene fan service just a few episodes later.

Yamcha evolves from desert bandit to lost lover

Yamcha's motivations for the Dragon Balls become clear

'Keep an Eye on the Dragon Balls' may seem like a great excuse to admire Bulma, but there's even more going on in this episode. The capsule technology continues to impress and open up the series to exciting possibilities. In this case, that translates into a cozy RV that becomes a focal point of banter throughout the episode, before meeting an unhappy and fiery end. It wouldn't be a bad idea for Goku and company to travel the world in this strange RV—even if only for a few episodes—but it also seems fitting that Dragon Ball destroys the option almost as quickly as it's introduced. It would be too easy for their characters, who were clearly meant to fight in the most comical way possible.

On that note, “Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls” marks the triumphant return of Pilaf and his gang After several episodes of absence, Pilaf's crew continues their comedy, but they also waste no time reminding the audience that they are true villains. This time, their plan involves planting a bomb in the heroes' trailer so they can blow it up and knock them out in a deadly explosion. This assassination plot encounters comical complications, but it's another surprisingly mature development for a children's shonen series. Pilaf's crew stays out of the spotlight and hides in the shadows in "Keep an Eye on the Dragon Balls," but they've recently been equipped with formidable mecha machines that give them immense combat power.

'Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls' becomes a complete farce by the end, capitalizing heavily on everyone's strange misunderstandings as they perform their actions under the moonlight. It almost feels like the climax of one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies. The episode's strongest sequence is when all this nonsense collides, and the metamorphosed Oolong and Puar find themselves—albeit as Bulma and Goku—oblivious to the truth at hand. It's a truly clever way to maximize these characters' magical abilities, all of which are made funnier by their dollar store Goku and Bulma impersonations. The broader elements of the episode don't necessarily work or gel, but these absurd Goku and Bulma impersonations are almost worth watching.

Yamcha spends most of episode 6 in villain mode, but “Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls” makes some important strides when it comes to humanizing this outcast. Yamcha makes it clear that his Dragon Ball wish would be make him less terrified of women so he can speak to them confidently. The revelation is played for laughs, especially given that Yamcha is an intimidating figure throughout this episode. It's a moment that connects and feels surprisingly real, especially after he chastises money and power, explaining that there are some things in life money can't buy. Up until this point, Pilaf has been the only real threat and opposing force to Goku and Bulma's Dragon Ball collection. Yamcha's intense desire makes him a worthy contender, as much a desire to collect the Dragon Balls and make a wish as Goku and Bulma.

A rich rematch between Goku and Yamcha establishes a new rivalry

Yamcha's interest in Goku goes far beyond punches

Yamcha's interest in the Dragon Balls precipitates the episode's big action sequence. and serves as an excuse for a thrilling rematch between Goku and Yamcha. Both martial artists are essentially on par with where they were in the previous episode, "Yamcha, the Desert Bandit," only Goku has learned how to better counter Yamcha's tricks. Their fight plays out like a sped-up version of their last confrontation, except Yamcha ends the rivalry with a missing tooth. There's some decent combat on display, but "Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls" also includes some explosive action when it comes to bomb detonation and Yamcha's use of a rocket launcher to blow up Goku, Bulma, and Oolong's RV. It's always effective when... Dragon Ball calls in heavy artillery to solve a problem. Episode 6 ends with Yamcha launching a devious plan where the car he graciously donates to Goku is actually bugged with a tracker. This highlights how Yamcha's deceitful dance continues and that he's not yet ready to bury the hatchet and join Goku and company on their heroic quest. After all, not everyone can share the Dragon Ball's desire.

'Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls' really feels like frivolous filler. Episode 6 is Dragon Ballthe least substantial episode so far, shifting the anime's focus from action and combat to juvenile antics and inappropriate comedy. There are some welcome insights into other characters' insecurities and what they desire from the Dragon Balls. It's a smart decision to have more people join the Dragon Ball pursuit, as Yamcha—and even Oolong—enter the fray and become potential obstacles. In fact, Yamcha serves as a more competent villain and adversary than Pilaf and his gang, especially since his desire to be better with women and one day marry is surprisingly healthy. It's not as if he wants Bulma to fall in love with him or force her to be his bride. His insecure desire is much more chaste for those who spend this episode spying and scrutinizing.

“Keep An Eye on the Dragon Balls” is unfortunately weak Dragon Ball episode. That said, such a setback was inevitable for an anime that continued to undercut it. Hopefully, the series will keep its troubling fascination with Bulma at bay for at least a few more episodes, while allowing its characters to focus on what's truly important and move the story forward. Dragon Ball has the potential to reach untold heights now that characters like Oolong, Yamcha, and Puar are around. Just be careful how you deploy these characters and what's best for the series. Occasional frivolity and youthful impulses aren't the end of the world, as long as they don't become... Dragon Ballis the norm and replaces exciting combat and compelling character development.