Bardock: The Father Of Goku - When To Watch?

Hey guys! So you're diving into the epic world of Dragon Ball and you're wondering when to watch Bardock: The Father of Goku? Awesome! This special is a fan favorite, offering a glimpse into the Saiyan's past and the origins of Goku's legendary power. But, timing is everything, right? Watching it at the right moment can really enhance your experience. Let's break down the best time to watch this iconic special so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Understanding the Timeline

First things first, let's establish where Bardock: The Father of Goku fits into the Dragon Ball timeline. This special originally aired in Japan in 1990, falling between the Frieza Saga and the Android Saga of Dragon Ball Z. However, story-wise, it acts as a prequel, revealing the events leading up to the destruction of Planet Vegeta and the birth of Goku. This distinction is super important because knowing the context can significantly impact your viewing experience. If you jump into it without any background knowledge, you might miss some crucial details and emotional resonance. Trust me, you want to get all the feels!

The Recommended Viewing Order

So, when should you watch it? The most common and generally recommended time to watch Bardock: The Father of Goku is after the Frieza Saga in Dragon Ball Z. There are a few reasons for this. The Frieza Saga concludes with Goku's epic battle against Frieza, where he achieves the legendary Super Saiyan transformation. This transformation is deeply connected to the Saiyan's history and their struggle against Frieza's tyranny. Watching Bardock: The Father of Goku after witnessing Goku's transformation adds a layer of depth and understanding to the Saiyan's heritage. You'll see where Goku gets his fighting spirit and why he's so determined to protect the innocent. Plus, the special provides context for Frieza's fear of the Saiyans and his decision to destroy Planet Vegeta. Seeing Bardock's struggle against Frieza's forces makes Goku's eventual victory even more satisfying.

Why After the Frieza Saga?

Watching Bardock: The Father of Goku after the Frieza Saga allows you to appreciate the parallels between Bardock and Goku. Both characters face off against Frieza, fighting to protect their loved ones and their Saiyan pride. Seeing Bardock's valiant efforts, even in the face of certain doom, highlights the Saiyan's warrior spirit that lives on in Goku. It also adds emotional weight to Goku's journey. Knowing that his father fought and died to protect him makes Goku's mission to defeat Frieza all the more poignant. This viewing order provides a richer and more meaningful narrative experience, enhancing your appreciation for the entire Dragon Ball saga. Seriously, you'll be reaching for the tissues!

Other Possible Viewing Times

Okay, so after the Frieza Saga is the most popular choice, but there are a couple of other times you could slot Bardock: The Father of Goku into your viewing schedule, depending on what you're looking for.

Before Dragon Ball Z

Some fans prefer to watch it before starting Dragon Ball Z. The reasoning here is that it sets the stage for the entire series, providing the backstory of Goku's origins and the destruction of Planet Vegeta. This can be a good option if you're completely new to Dragon Ball and want a comprehensive introduction to the universe. However, keep in mind that watching it this early might spoil some of the reveals in the Frieza Saga, particularly the details about the Saiyan's history and Frieza's role in their demise. So, if you're a first-timer, weigh the pros and cons carefully. You might prefer to experience the story as it was originally intended.

During the Android Saga

As mentioned earlier, Bardock: The Father of Goku was originally released between the Frieza Saga and the Android Saga. While it's not the most narratively satisfying placement, you could watch it during the Android Saga if you're aiming for chronological viewing based on release date. However, be aware that this placement might feel a bit disjointed since the Android Saga focuses on a different set of conflicts and characters. The thematic connections between Bardock's story and the events of the Android Saga are less pronounced, so it might not have the same emotional impact. Honestly, I'd recommend sticking with the post-Frieza Saga option for the best experience.

The Impact on Dragon Ball Super

Now, let's talk about how Dragon Ball Super affects the viewing order. Dragon Ball Super introduces new lore and expands upon the existing Dragon Ball universe. While Bardock: The Father of Goku isn't directly referenced in the same way, elements of Bardock's character and the Saiyan's history are explored further. For example, the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie touches on the events leading up to Planet Vegeta's destruction and provides a slightly different perspective on Bardock's actions. Watching Bardock: The Father of Goku before Dragon Ball Super can enrich your understanding of these later developments.

Considering Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Specifically, watching Bardock: The Father of Goku before the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie can be particularly rewarding. The movie offers a more modern and visually stunning take on the Saiyan's past, and it portrays Bardock in a slightly different light. Seeing both versions of Bardock's story allows you to compare and contrast the different interpretations and appreciate the evolution of the Dragon Ball lore. It's like getting two sides of the same coin! However, be aware that the Broly movie does retcon some aspects of Bardock: The Father of Goku, so be prepared for some inconsistencies. Just think of it as different timelines or alternate universes, and you'll be fine.

Final Recommendation

Okay, so after weighing all the options, my ultimate recommendation is to watch Bardock: The Father of Goku after the Frieza Saga in Dragon Ball Z, and before watching Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This order provides the best narrative flow, emotional impact, and contextual understanding. You'll appreciate the parallels between Bardock and Goku, gain a deeper understanding of the Saiyan's history, and be fully prepared for the events of Dragon Ball Super. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Why This Order Works Best

This viewing order allows you to experience the story in a way that builds upon itself. The Frieza Saga establishes the threat of Frieza and the Saiyan's struggle against him. Bardock: The Father of Goku provides the backstory and context for those events. And Dragon Ball Super: Broly expands upon that lore with a modern twist. By following this order, you'll gain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Dragon Ball universe. Plus, it's just plain fun to see how the story evolves and changes over time. So grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready for an epic Dragon Ball marathon!

In Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The optimal time to watch Bardock: The Father of Goku is after the Frieza Saga. Of course, you can always experiment with different viewing orders to see what works best for you. But trust me, starting with the Frieza Saga will give you the best foundation for understanding and appreciating Bardock's story. Happy watching, and may your power level be over 9000!