The Arrival of Raditz

"Arrival", or "The Arrival of Raditz", is the first episode in the Vegeta Saga and the first episode in the original English dubbed Dragon Ball Z.

Synopsis

The destroyed planet in Raditz's flashback.

The Saiyan Saga began five years after the events depicted at the end of Dragon Ball. A reunion at the Kame House reunited Son Goku with his old master, Turtle Hermit, and his friends, Kuririn and Bulma Brief, who all had not seen each other in five years. Goku surprised everyone by bringing along his four-year old son, Son Gohan.

Unfortunately, the reunion was interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious being, who identified himself as a Saiyan by the name of Raditz. Raditz identified Goku as Kakarrot and berated him for not completing his "mission". Further complicating matters, Raditz also claimed that Goku was from the same Saiyan race as he was, and that he and Goku were in fact brothers. Goku and Krillin understandably thought that Raditz was crazy, however, Turtle Hermit revealed that there may be some truth to the Saiyan's words. In a major turning point in the series, Turtle Hermit revealed that Goku's adopted grandfather, Grandpa Son Gohan, had found a strange space capsule in the woods one day with a baby Goku inside. As a baby, Goku was violent and ill-tempered, however, an accident caused him to fall and bump his head, which in turn changed Goku into the happy, amicable child that everyone came to know and love.

This new revelation shocked Goku, who refused to believe its validity. Raditz went on to state that Goku's original purpose was to destroy all life on Earth, which he should have done in a matter of years after his arrival. Raditz also revealed that the Saiyans' original home planet, Planet Vegeta, had been destroyed by an asteroid some twenty years earlier and that there were only four Saiyans left, including Goku. Finally, Raditz mentioned that he needed his brother's help in destroying all life on a distant planet. Goku refused, which prompted Raditz to notice Gohan (who still retained his Saiyan tail) and leads Raditz to threaten the fate of the child. Goku tried to attack, but was quickly defeated by Raditz, who then kidnapped Gohan.

Major events

• Raditz arrives on Earth.
• Raditz kidnaps Gohan.
• We find out that Goku is Raditz's brother and a Saiyan from Planet Vegeta.

Quotes

"Power Level three hundred and twenty two. I can tell that you're not from this planet, but you'd be a fool to attack me."
— Raditz to Piccolo

"Why so blue, green man? Is it because you're powerless to help your friend? Or is it 'cause you're just plain ugly?"
— Raditz to Piccolo

"Goodness! You've managed to singe a few of my leg hairs!"
— Raditz after getting blasted by Piccolo

"Allow me to demonstrate a more effective attack. I call this one, here, Keep Your Eyes on The Birdie! Now, keep your eyes on the birdie!"
— Raditz

Trivia

• Raditz says that Planet Vegeta was destroyed three years ago, however, flashbacks imply that Vegeta was a kid back then. In "Another Transformation?", Freeza says, "I'm sure I eliminated all the Saiyans except for Vegeta, Nappa, and Raditz 20 years ago." It is likely that this is an error, both on the dub and Raditz's part.
• The Farmer appears to be killed, but is heard mumbling after Raditz hits him with the bullet. On the other hand, his head is never shown after the mortal blow and it is possible that he is mortally wounded. It is also possible this inconsistency is an act of censorship in the similar vein of "another dimension".
• Raditz hints about the existence of Freeza in this episode, explaining that the Saiyans sell planets to "clients".

"Five years after the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku's brother Raditz arrives on Earth and confronts Piccolo. Goku brings his son, Gohan, to Kame House and introduces him to Bulma, Krillin, Master Roshi and Turtle. Raditz locates Goku and kidnaps Gohan after easily defeating Krillin and Goku." cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.