Despite Its Flaws, Dragon Ball GT’s Super 17 Arc Offers a Hidden Gem You Might Overlook

Overall, Dragon Ball GT has elicited mixed reactions from fans, and a significant portion of the audience harbors criticisms specifically toward the Super 17 Saga. While I personally lean more favorably towards GT than many, I acknowledge the storyline’s shortcomings. For example, the mechanics behind the fusion of the two Android 17s into the titular supervillain have always perplexed me, though I find the idea itself compelling. Likewise, the rationale for the portal connecting Earth and Hell seems contrived and lacks depth.

Moreover, the climactic battle between Super 17 and Super Saiyan 4 Goku falls flat when measured against even the modest benchmarks set by GT. The swift pacing of this arc, which is reminiscent of the Shadow Dragon Saga, results in a feeling of rushed storytelling. A more deliberate approach to narrative development could have significantly enhanced the overall atmosphere of the arc. Nonetheless, despite these multiple flaws, I view the Super 17 Saga as salvageable largely due to its poignant character reunions, particularly those involving Android 17.

Impactful Character Reunions in the Super 17 Saga

An Echo Effect: Trunks Meets Android 17

The reintroduction of Android 17 holds significant weight, especially after his long absence following the Android Saga in DBZ. One of the more subtle yet highly impactful reunions occurs between Adult Trunks and Android 17 just before the latter’s merging. This brief encounter allows Adult Trunks to reflect on a different yet comparable experience to that of Future Trunks, particularly as depicted in the History of Trunks film.

The timeline of Future Trunks underwent a devastating reality due to the devastating actions of Androids 17 and 18; a shocking twist that is hard to overlook. Missing the crucial preemptive warnings about the impending danger, Future Trunks faced an unforgettable ordeal. The Super 17 Saga ingeniously mirrors this dynamic by having Android 17 launch a surprise attack on Adult Trunks in the primary timeline. It’s fitting that Trunks would become the first target of Android 17, reintroducing the villain’s malign presence.

Interestingly, the Adult Trunks in GT was born after Android 17’s supposed demise; thus, he initially recalls his adversary, maintaining the tension and confusion reminiscent of Future Trunks’s experiences. This creates a narrative echo across timelines, presenting Adult Trunks as a precursor to the more significant challenges that lie ahead for the rest of the characters.

The cyclical interactions don’t stop here; they also trace back to the encounter between Android 17 and Dr. Gero. In DBZ, Android 17’s refusal to submit culminates in the destruction of Gero as a bold statement of independence. Ironically, Super 17 meets Gero’s end yet again in GT. While this time the act stems from servitude to Dr. Myuu, the repeated fate of Gero at the hands of Android 17 raises fascinating questions about loyalty, control, and defiance.

A Pivotal Reunion: Android 17, 18, and Krillin

Super 17’s Shocking Act Against Krillin

The reunion between Super 17 and his sister Android 18, along with her husband Krillin, serves as a stark narrative point. The tragic moment crystallizes with Super Android 17 taking the life of his sister’s husband, marking a true low in their intertwined storylines. This moment reverberates with emotional resonance, particularly as all three characters share a complex history.

As the saga unfolds, the first confrontation captures Android 18’s anguish over her husband’s murder, intensifying the emotional stakes considering the evolving relationship between Krillin and 18 throughout the franchise. Their past moments together weigh heavily on 18, amplifying her sorrow and regret compounded by Krillin’s death.

The narrative progresses to a second confrontation where 18 erupts in fury to avenge Krillin. The stakes escalate as she asserts herself during the battle, stating, “I have to at least try. He killed Krillin, Goku.”This line underscores her determination and serves as a poignant reflection of their shared history.

While 18’s fight with Super 17 may be less emotionally charged, it still highlights her disdain for her brother’s subjugation to Dr. Myuu. This echoes the themes of independence that defined 17 and 18 during DBZ, especially as Android 17 previously severed ties with Gero. The emphasis on 18’s outrage over her brother’s capitulation to another master is a powerful commentary on autonomy.

Room for Interpretation in the Super 17 Saga

Embracing Ambiguity in Super 17’s Defeat

The ambiguity surrounding Android 18’s victory over Super 17 profoundly impacted my viewing experience. A hallmark of exceptional storytelling is the open space it leaves for interpretation, and GT utilizes this effectively by keeping the audience uninformed of Super 17’s intentions. As Goku deduces that Super 17’s apparent missteps during battle might have been calculated, the narrative leaves the validity of this theory open-ended.

This clever storytelling choice allows viewers to ponder whether Android 17 genuinely failed to defeat Super 17 or if his actions were strategically aimed at revealing his own vulnerabilities to aid his sister.

Interestingly, the strength of the moments involving Adult Trunks, Android 18, and Krillin accentuates the shortcomings of other reunions in the saga, such as those featuring Goku, Cell, and Frieza. Despite some reservations about the reintroduction of Cell and Frieza, Goku’s innovative use of their previous tactics to triumph adds a layer of creativity to the narrative. However, the rushed nature of Vegeta’s brief reunion with Nappa feels particularly dismal.

Ultimately, these more lackluster moments contrast sharply with how Dragon Ball GT masterfully depicts Android 17’s recollections with Adult Trunks, 18, and Krillin during the Super 17 Saga.

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