Bardock's Complex Nature: Beyond the Villain Label

The character of Bardock, the father of Goku in the Dragon Ball series, often faces a juxtaposition of labels. Some interpret him as an evil figure, while others see him as a complex character with a more nuanced moral compass. This article delves deeper into Bardock's character, exploring his evolution and the reasons behind the perception of him as a villain.

The Evolution of Bardock's Character

Bardock is portrayed as a character who undergoes significant changes throughout the Dragon Ball Specials. Initially, he is described as a character who blindly follows orders and eliminates innocent peoples. However, his journey takes a heroic twist as he becomes aware of the moral implications of his actions and the impending destruction of his planet, Planet Vegeta, by Frieza.

After receiving a psychic warning, Bardock's mindset evolves. His actions are no longer driven by a sense of duty to his race but are fueled by a desire to protect his people and his son, Goku. This newfound sense of morality leads to a more heroic portrayal where Bardock fights against Frieza to prevent the annihilation of his species.

The Controversy of Bardock’s Villainy

Despite this evolution, some interpretations, including the esteemed TFS quotes, offer a more harsh and negative perspective. The quote, "He kills planets and doesn’t afraid of anything," highlights Bardock's brutality and disregard for innocent lives. This behavior is attributed to his upbringing on Planet Vegeta, where genocidal mentality was prevalent.

It is important to note that Bardock's actions are not solely based on a selfless desire to protect others. He adheres to the ethos that the only purpose of a Saiyan is to fight and conquer. This mindset is reflected in his violent actions, which are intended to showcase his power and destroy entire populations.

Humanity Amidst Brutality

Beyond the brutality and xenophobia, Bardock does exhibit some degree of humanity. He often shows care and concern for his fellow low-class soldiers, suggesting that his brutality and sadism are not entirely devoid of empathy. However, this empathy is limited to his own race, and he shows no humane qualities when it comes to the native inhabitants of the planets he invades.

It is noteworthy that not all Saiyans share Bardock's mindset. Characters like Gine and Tarble have a more humane nature, while Goku, Gohan, Goten, Trunks, and Vegeta have evolved beyond their Saiyan nature. Vegeta, after spending a considerable amount of time on Earth, has also developed a more compassionate outlook on life.

Episode of Bardock: A Departure from the Norm

In the standalone episode titled "Bardock - The Father," Bardock's character undergoes a significant shift. He turns away from his usual violent actions and finds redemption. However, this change is often criticized as a "travesty," as it deviates from his established character and the underlying theme of his violent nature as a Saiyan.

Conclusion

The portrayal of Bardock as a villain is largely influenced by his role in the broader Dragon Ball universe. While his actions are undeniably cruel and inhumane, his evolution into a protector of his people introduces a more complex and multifaceted character. Bardock's character highlights themes of morality, redemption, and the inherent complexities of heroic figures.

Understanding Bardock's character goes beyond mere labels like "villain" or "hero." His journey is a reflection of the struggles and evolution of a character who is simultaneously brutal and humane.