The series really did kind of lose it's identity by the end of the Frieza. It went from being an comedic martial arts adventure series to a visual video game. And while the Cell and Buu sagas were still reasonably entertaining, by this point, the series has all but lost it's special spark in the beginning, and they only seemed like an excuse to have more flashy fights.
I'll admit, DBZ kind of tainted of my view of the original DB, having sort of been spoiled by high end scale and earth shattering fight scenes, DB just seemed sort of tamed by comparison. It's was sort of hard for me to kind of accept it as it's own thing, even though the differences are so vast. DB and DBZ are just totally different beasts that just happen to exist in similar continuity.
Personally, I really think the series should have ended in the Frieza saga like it was originally meant too. The Saiyan and Frieza sagas had so much revelations on both Goku and the Dragon Balls themselves, it would only have made sense for these to be the conclusion. Sure, some fans would accuse them of being bloated, but Toriyama intended them to be that way, as he wanted the series to "end in a bang". Ending it at Frieza would also put more meaning behind the series, Goku has proven himself worthy, defeating the most powerfull being in the universe, and achieving the highest state of his race, the "Super Saiyan", not by being cold and ruthless like his kin, but possessing a pure heart. His journey has now ended, as there isn't any more he can learn, he has mastered the training of Roshi, than Kami, and than King Kai. I would have imagined he may have sacrificed himself to defeat Frieza, thus, leaving Gohan, his son, to take the mantle of both his father, and his Saiyan race.
I do realize that it may not have had as many fans if did end there, but for integrity's sake, it may have been a preferable option. And if it did, I would have considered it to be among the best conclusions to a television series, not just in anime.
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