What episode is "Counting Down" in Dragon Ball Z?
"Counting Down" is episode 21 of Dragon Ball Z.
Spoiler-Safe Summary
safe readWith Goku’s intense training complete, the Z Fighters prepare for the arrival of their Saiyan opponents while making a desperate wish to bring Goku back sooner, facing a critical time constraint.
Full Plot Summary
spoilersAfter days of hard training with King Kai, Goku has gotten much stronger and faster. But, the Saiyans are going to arrive the next day, so Goku speaks to Master Roshi telepathically through King Kai. He asks him to use the Dragon Balls to wish him back. Suddenly, King Kai realizes that he forgot to account for the time it will take Goku to go back down Snake Way. With no time to waste, Goku leaves King Kai's planet and races down Snake Way.
Episode FAQ
4 quick answersIs "Counting Down" canon or filler?
"Counting Down" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
What story arc is "Counting Down" part of?
"Counting Down" is part of the Saiyan Saga.
Can I read this without spoilers?
Yes. Start with the spoiler-safe summary, then reveal the full plot only when you want the complete episode breakdown.
Series Cast
18Browse the main cast connected to this episode guide.
Krillin main 
Piccolo main 
Son Gohan main 
Son Goku main 
Vegeta main 
Android 17 supporting 
Android 18 supporting 
Bardock supporting 
Bulma supporting 
Chiaotzu supporting Master Roshi supporting Pan supporting 
Son Goten supporting Tien Shinhan supporting 
Trunks supporting 
Yamcha supporting Babidi antagonist Burter antagonist Related Movies
6Franchise movie releases are kept separate from the TV episode spine.
Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku 1990 
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might 1990 
Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest 1990 
Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks 1991 
Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! 1992 
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound 1993