The television special 'Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku' premiered, introducing the backstory of Bardock, father of Goku.
The TV special was released on home video in Japan, making it accessible for repeated viewing and gaining a wider audience.
The special was included in various Dragon Ball Z DVD box sets released worldwide, increasing availability and popularity among fans.
Bardock encounters a Kanassan warrior who predicts the destruction of Planet Vegeta, sowing seeds of doubt about Frieza's intentions among the Saiyans.
Bardock leads a team of Saiyan warriors to conquer a planet as part of Frieza’s army. During the mission, he gains the ability to see the future after being struck by a Kanassan's psychic attack.
After the Kanassan psychic attack, Bardock receives multiple visions of Frieza destroying Planet Vegeta and killing the Saiyan race, causing him to question Frieza’s plans and his loyalty.
Bardock tries to warn the other Saiyans of Frieza’s impending betrayal and the destruction of their home planet, but his warnings are ignored or dismissed as insanity.
Frieza destroys Planet Vegeta using a powerful energy attack to eliminate the Saiyan threat once and for all. Bardock is the only Saiyan survivor, critically injured but alive and determined to oppose Frieza.
In a final act of defiance, Bardock confronts Frieza but is overwhelmed by his superior power. Despite being defeated, Bardock's resolve to protect his race and his son remains unbroken.
Bardock dies from his injuries after the destruction of Planet Vegeta, unaware that his son Kakarot (Goku) was sent away and survived, eventually becoming a hero on Earth.
