EPISODE CONTEXT

Sitting at episode 71 of 97, this falls squarely in the Cell saga's escalation phase — Cell has revealed his terrifying potential and evaded capture, and the heroes are now forced to mobilize aggressively. Goku's return to action marks a critical turning point after prior episodes focused on Cell's cunning and the growing desperation among the Z Fighters. This episode bridges the gap between Cell's initial rampage and the larger confrontations ahead, laying essential groundwork for the strategic preparations and power-ups that will define the saga's climax.