I just wanted to show you guys something. Have you guys watched the Japanese (English subtitled) episodes of DBZ? I greatly prefer that because then you get to know EXACTLY what was originally meant for them to say, not translated and edited to make the words fit their mouthing. I was watching this episode [link] just now and seeing how it differed from the English translated version, and I noticed some very important things:

1. First of all, the flashback of how King Vegeta died and how Planet Vegeta was destroyed is being told by Frieza, meaning how he remembered it could be false!!! He could have tweaked a few things to intimidate or bother Vegeta (because he loves to torture his little play toy). When it's over Vegeta says "That's bull!", meaning he didn't believe Frieza's version was totally accurate. He's not arguing that Frieza didn't kill them, he just thinks Frieza edited his memory a bit to his liking. I guess it's up to us individually to decide what was true and what Frieza made up. I hate how they do this to us!! I want to know!!

2. In Frieza's flashback, King Vegeta and Zorn have a little conversation. In the English translation, Zorn says "I'd rather die than hand over the prince to Frieza!" and King Vegeta replies, "Me too, but we have no choice!" Reading the subtitles in the Japanese version, however, Zorn simply asks, "Are you really going to hand your son over?" Vegeta replies "It doesn't matter to me if my son lives or dies, I just hate that Frieza!" While Frieza could have lied about what King Vegeta said, it very well could have been true since it sounds like the "Saiyan thing to say". Prince Vegeta seemed to have a lot of love and respect for his father though, so would he have feelings for his father if his father didn't give a care about him?

3. When Vegeta told Frieza "That's bull!" about his flashback, he continues "If you were really afraid of us Saiyans, simply blowing up Planet Vegeta would be a completely fruitless measure. I'm right, aren't I? I mean, you let me survive, after all!" But then he silently thinks to himself "Not to mention Kakkarot..." This stood out to me because he's acknowledging that Goku certainly is strong. The English version gave me the idea that Vegeta always believed Goku was weak, stupid and an unworthy opponent and he only threatened him with defeating him some day as a means of just getting him out of his hair, like a pesky fly. This shows a side to Vegeta that the English version cuts out, methinks.

So there you have it, the flashback that I've always relied upon as the actual end of King and Planet Vegeta could be skewed slightly or completely, King Vegeta may or may not have felt the same attachment to his son that Prince Vegeta felt (whether he admitted it or not), and Vegeta was not oblivious at all to Goku's strength and potential as I previously thought.

Thank you for putting up with me and my fangirliness.

I can't believe I used to think Trekkies were so weird when I was younger. I can't say that I'm too different from them.