Episode 6 really excels when it comes to the Demon Realm’s sense of scope and scale. It’s a simple detail, but the fact that “Lightning” shows that the heroes have literally been flying for an entire day helps reinforce the sheer enormity of the Demon Realm’s size and why traveling by foot isn’t possible. Goku is the centerpiece of the episode’s final act, but the majin get plenty of time to shine.
“Panzy” gave a taste of DAIMA’s new character dynamics now that Panzy is along for the ride, but “Lightning” is the first time that it really feels like everyone is working together as a team. There’s so much fun to be had as Shin, Glorio, and Panzy – three Demons from very different walks of life – get to connect and open up, while Goku plays jester until he’s needed in battle. Episode 6 isn’t afraid to occasionally push Goku to the background and have confidence in its new characters and what they bring to the table.
Dragon Ball DAIMA has deliberately been drip-feeding details about its villains. Gomah and Degesu don’t appear in “Lightning,” but the episode does provide further insight beyond what was initially revealed back in “Conspiracy.” Glorio is easily the most interesting character during these discussions as he feigns interest, but remains mum on several topics, so as not to blow any secret cover that he may need to maintain. The full context of Glorio’s connection to the villains remains unknown. Episode 6 confirms that Glorio has direct ties with Dr. Arinsu and that he’s been staying in touch with this cryptic character.
Glorio being a villain in disguise still seems too simplistic and obvious for Dragon Ball DAIMA and some sort of triple-cross situation is more believable. It’d be genuinely shocking if he’s not a hero by the time that DAIMA is over, but it’s also possible that the anime is intentionally playing into seasoned Dragon Ball fans’ expectations. If nothing else, the ominous Count Dracula-esque music that plays during Glorio’s conversation with Dr. Arinsu is fantastic. Oh, and apparently, Glind grow from trees like Cabbage Patch Kids, which is a wild visual that’s even a little reminiscent of Frieza’s tethered containment in Hell.