Unsung/Underappreciated Heroes of the Android Saga
These are the characters I feel don't get enough recognition in the narrative (or even fandom) for their actions in the android and cell saga.
Future Bulma
I think Trunks is praised more by other characters for piloting the time machine and saving the timeline than Future Bulma is for designing and building it. Especially considering the dire circumstances. I honestly don't remember Future Bulma being talked about much for her miraculous feat. I have been watching a ton of clips lately and my memory is still blank. Also, this woman is a great mom! She raised Trunks very well :)
Present Bulma
She made the remote that could have ended the cell saga before things got worse. However, Krillin literally stomped all over her hard work when he decided to simp for 18.
Piccolo
Goku may be the best fighter but Piccolo is the leader. He was the one who relayed the information about the androids to the others. He was the one leading the effort against Imperfect Cell. He was the one who fought the best out of the Z fighters against the Cell Jrs. Even better than Vegeta and Trunks. And rallied Tien and Yamcha to defend Goku. I don't think Piccolo is acknowledged enough for being the voice of reason on the team.
Tien Shinhan
Forget the epic tri beam against Semi-Perfect Cell. This man deserves some credit for going to help Piccolo even though he stood no chance against the androids. Good thing he was there otherwise 18 would have been Cell food way sooner. What a role model!
And now...the true MVP of the Cell games. The person who arguably helped Gohan more than Goku or Piccolo ever did in that battle...I present to you...
ANDROID SIXTEEN 👑
Android 16 deserved the world. He is the only one to jump in to help Gohan. Granted Piccolo and Goku were about to as well. But he did not have to have a dad quarrel first before he took action! And he helped Gohan to unleash his potential. Unlike Goku who just threw Gohan to the wolves and misunderstood the nature of his son's power, 16 was able to connect with Gohan calmly on an emotional level. He understood Gohan's gentle nature and urged him to use his power to protect people. A true MVP. Too bad Gohan likely destroyed his processor chip during his power-up :(. 16 you left us too soon...