#videl's potential was flushed down the drain after the spopovich fight

[fanfic-lover-girl]

DBZ Thoughts: Gohan saving Videl from Spopovich is not as romantic as it seems

So I made this post a while back comparing the Videl v Spopovich fight with the Vegeta v Frieza fight. In the blog, I indicated along the lines that Videl's fight marked the end of her status as a fighter. After this fight, Videl was reduced to a love interest and any development her character could have had as a next-gen human fighter was dropped.

I would argue that Gohan's attempted intervention in the Videl v Spopovich fight put the nail in the coffin for respecting Videl as a fighter.

Why do I say this? Let's establish the facts:

Videl up till this point is a very capable and proud fighter, IMO more than her dad Mr Satan. She uses her skills to help people and she shows curiosity for new techniques as demonstrated by her desire to learn to fly. Sure, Gohan has saved her as the Great Saiyaman but she has so much courage to risk her life every day.

Videl is such a proud fighter that she CHOSE to remain in the fight. Remember this is a tournament fight with rules and exits. With two words, Videl can walk away from this fight without any consequences besides maybe a bruised ego. However, even when her head is being squashed, she refuses to concede. I think it's Vegeta's level of stupidity, but I respect her for it.

So what is the impact of Gohan trying to save Videl?

If Gohan interrupted the fight before Yamu, he would have been disqualified from the tournament. Videl wanted Gohan to be in the tournament so I don't think Pre-fight Videl would have appreciated Gohan being disqualified.

Gohan is basically disrespecting Videl as a fighter. By intervening, Gohan is unintentionally demonstrating his need to save Videl from her own decisions. Videl is too dumb to save herself due to her pride so Gohan has to step in as her knight in shining armor. Remember, Videl does not need saving! This is not a life-or-death battle like with the Frieza forces, just a very violent tournament match. That Videl can walk away from HERSELF.

The audience is being told that Videl can no longer depend on her own skills and needs to rely on the big (Saiyan) boys to protect her. Videl does not get a chance to swear vengeance against Spopovich or to use that moment to motivate herself to become better. Instead, what we have is Gohan stepping in and swearing vengeance on Videl's behalf and Videl asking Gohan to get back at Spopovich for her. Nothing is wrong with a male loved one protecting you and I find it sweet of Gohan. But this just further robs Videl of whatever agency she had left as a promising female fighter.

Gohan is unfortunately the worst thing to happen to Videl's character as a fighter.