The Dragon Ball franchise has had several memorable antagonists since the beginning. Except for a few, all of them had redemption arcs. Akira Toriyama had a habit of providing the villains a second chance. Since Dragon Ball, Yamcha, Tien, Piccolo Jr., etc., enjoyed redemption arcs and became part of the Z Warriors.
The mangaka loved to include everyone in one single group. Even Vegeta and the Androids got a chance at redemption. It is fair to say that they have changed a lot since their debut. There is another character who has been part of the franchise for a long time. But he never seems to get a shot at redemption.
Frieza’s Redemption Arc Could Change Everything
All the major villains of the Dragon Ball franchise had only one motive to eliminate Son Goku. All of them spectacularly failed due to Shenron. But Frieza is the only one who scared him multiple times. It is almost as if the evil incarnate has the most appearances after the Z Warriors. One of the Reddit fan theories claimed that he might be getting a redemption arc soon and put up several points that support their claim.
Crazy theory about Freeza that's most likely false. Possible Spoilers
byu/TimmyBlackMouth indbz
For a long time, Vegeta was the perfect villain/rival to Goku. The former would improve, according to the latter powering up. But with time, Vegeta became soft, even though he very much has his Saiyan pride. He even refrained from training when Bulma was pregnant with Bulla. It is an unlikely behavior from a Saiyan. On the other hand, Frieza is the only one who keeps up with Goku.
The first time they met, it was Goku who had to match up to Frieza. In Dragon Ball Super: Resurrection F, he returned with his new form, Golden Frieza. Goku also had unlocked God Ki by then and attained Super Saiyan Blue. Currently, the latter unlocked Ultra Instinct, and the antagonist attained a new Black form.
Frieza is the one keeping up with Goku like Vegeta used to do. His anti-Goku antics make him a perfect rival to the protagonist. Moreover, Akira Toriyama highly rated the villain. So, in his absence, Frieza might finally be able to join the Z Warriors, especially after the franchise has started to explore multiple universes. It is Universe 7 against all the others.
Fans Are Keeping Their Fingers Crossed With Frieza
Frieza got his semi-redemption arc with Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power arc. Son Goku invited him to represent Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power. His evil motives were always at play, and he wished to be resurrected after winning the tournament.
For a brief moment, he put aside his evil self and sacrificed himself for the sake of the universe. Goku and he took out Jiren so that Android 17 could become victorious. One of the fans said, “Freeza, on the other hand, is excellent to fit the roll Vegeta filled for so long.” Fans are skeptical about Frieza’s redemption arc.
Comment
byu/TimmyBlackMouth from discussion
indbz
Comment
byu/TimmyBlackMouth from discussion
indbz
Comment
byu/TimmyBlackMouth from discussion
indbz
Comment
byu/TimmyBlackMouth from discussion
indbz
Comment
byu/TimmyBlackMouth from discussion
indbz
They are not sure how to react, especially after going through his records. But if he becomes good, it would benefit the Z Warriors. The fans are hoping he does not turn his decision mid-way to his redemption arc. Unfortunately, Akira Toriyama would not be there to oversee things. It might fall upon Toyotarou if he decides to go forward with the idea.
Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
