Dragon Ball Daima‘s latest episode, “Third Eye,” has landed, and it’s a whirlwind of action and revelations. Episode 15, which aired on January 24, 2025, plunges Goku and his companions deeper into the Demon Realm, revealing a complex power dynamic and the history of a key artifact, the Third Eye. The episode, while action-packed, serves more as a setup for future conflicts, rather than pushing the overall plot forward.
Chaos in the First Demon Realm
The episode picks up immediately where “Taboo” left off, with Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo facing a full-on assault upon their arrival in the First Demon World. King Gomah’s army, armed with weapons that can paralyze targets, immediately attacks the heroes. Despite the heroes’ power, this conflict occupies a significant portion of the episode, acting as an obstacle that prevents any significant forward progression. The continuous fight against the Gendarmerie force, while showcasing some impressive fight choreography, ultimately feels like a delay tactic.
The History of the Third Eye
Amidst the chaos, the episode delves into the history of the Third Eye, also known as the Tertian Oculus. This artifact, worn on the foreheads of previous Supreme Demon Kings, grants immense power and authority. The narrative reveals that Supreme Demon King Abura, father of Dabura, once possessed the Third Eye, wielding absolute power. However, the Third Eye was lost after being stolen. It was during this time that Abura lost his position to his son, Dabura.
Dabura’s Ambition and Fall
A flashback shows Dabura stealing the Third Eye from his father, but his reign was short lived, as he was ultimately defeated and devoured by Majin Buu. The Third Eye was then lost, ending up in the possession of Hybis, who had been wearing it as a belt.
The Plot Thickens
King Gomah, now aware that Hybis possesses the Third Eye, instructs Degesu to retrieve it, setting the stage for further conflict. Adding another layer to the plot, a mysterious woman appears and exchanges Hybis’ belt for a hat, suggesting a hidden agenda. Meanwhile, Arinsu, along with Majin Duu and Majin Kuu, is seen, hinting that current events are unfolding according to her plans. This reveals a network of interconnected schemes, making the power struggle far more complex.
King Kadan’s Intervention
As the heroes struggle against Gomah’s forces, Panzy’s father, King Kadan, arrives with his own soldiers to help. This allows the heroes to gain a needed opening and advance toward the castle. Goku, having defeated Gomah’s main army, now faces the remaining Gendarmerie Force. The episode leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, with several factions vying for power.
Episode Analysis
“Third Eye” excels in world-building by providing a rich backstory on the history of the Demon Realm and the Third Eye. The episode successfully sets the stage for future confrontations, with characters like King Gomah and Arinsu clearly having their own designs for the Demon Realm.
Strengths:
- World-Building: The episode provides a deep dive into the lore of the Demon Realm, particularly the history of the Third Eye and its significance for Demon Kings.
- Flashback: The flashback with Abura and Dabura helps to bring depth to the characters and the overall history of the demon world.
- Action Sequences: The fight choreography is well-executed, keeping the action engaging, despite it being a distraction.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Momentum: Despite the action, the episode doesn’t push the overall plot forward, mainly focusing on the immediate threat of Gomah’s soldiers.
- Plot Stalling: The extended battle with the Gendarmerie Force consumes too much time and prevents significant plot developments.
What This Means for the Future
The episode’s conclusion leaves several threads hanging, suggesting future plot developments:
- The Third Eye’s Significance: The importance of the Third Eye will only increase as the story progresses. The exchange of the belt for a hat suggests a twist in the plans for the artifact.
- Arinsu’s Plan: The reveal of Arinsu and her plot adds another dimension of intrigue to the story. Her actions will likely drive the narrative in upcoming episodes.
- Gomah’s Obsession: The episode underscores Gomah’s determination to obtain the Third Eye, promising further confrontations.
Where to Watch
Dragon Ball Daima episodes premiere on Crunchyroll every Friday. The episodes are then released on Netflix a week later. “Third Eye,” which is episode 15, was released on January 24, 2025, on Crunchyroll and January 31 on Netflix.
Release Schedule:
- Episode 15: January 24 (Crunchyroll), January 31 (Netflix)
- Episode 16: January 31 (Crunchyroll), February 7 (Netflix)
- Episode 17: February 7 (Crunchyroll), February 14 (Netflix)
- Episode 18: February 14 (Crunchyroll), February 21 (Netflix)
- Episode 19: February 21 (Crunchyroll), February 28 (Netflix)
- Episode 20: February 28 (Crunchyroll), March 7 (Netflix)
Conclusion
Dragon Ball Daima Episode 15, “Third Eye,” is an interesting episode that focuses on world-building and provides important background information, but it does not significantly advance the overall narrative. The episode introduces new players and sets the stage for further conflicts, suggesting an increase in intensity for upcoming episodes. As the story progresses, it’s clear that the battle for power in the Demon Realm is just beginning.
