Why was Android 16 deemed a failure?

[SSJ2]

Based on everything that we saw from Android 16, I fail to see how he would be considered any less functional than say, #8. Considering how enormous his power was in comparison to Goku’s at any prior point in the series, Gero could have ended Dragon Ball Z by releasing him. It’s also worth noting that he had a functional power scanner. It makes no sense that he wouldn’t be released while the unpredictable 17 & 18 were several times.

 

[theallpowerfulpuipui]

The plot was some sloppy shit in the Cell saga.

 

[PorchMaster]

He had a gentle heart and wouldn't obey Gero's commands to wreak havoc... I guess.

 

[SSJ2]

He would’ve killed Galu at the very least though, the guy who caused Gero to have a 20 year grudge lol

 

[PorchMaster]

He would’ve killed Galu at the very least though, the guy who caused Gero to have a 20 year grudge lol

AT went full retard on that one 2

 

[SSJ2]

Maybe Gero thought 16 had the same brain defects as #8 and feared he could self destruct upon awakening.

 

[Pocket-Gog~]

He was as gay as Curtis.

 

[sei'taer]

Birds

 

[ahill1]

yeah, likely due to his gentle nature, a problem apparently shared by #8. while he could at least have killed Goku, gero also wanted world domination and the Android would likely oppose him on that.

it's curious though that when #17 was about to activate him, Gero stated #16 could destroy the world... either he was bluffing with this as a way to have #17 take his worries more seriously or he was thinking in another reason not to use him.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

As already stated, it was due to his gentle nature. Sure, he could've killed Goku, but that seemed to be the only order he had programmed in. If your ambition is to not just kill Goku, but revive the Red Ribbon Army for global domination, a peaceful machine only obeying a one-time command isn't that good in the long-term.

 

[Let's Go Fearless!]

Because #16 didn't turn out to be similar to Gero's biological son.

 

[SSJ2]

As already stated, it was due to his gentle nature. Sure, he could've killed Goku, but that seemed to be the only order he had programmed in. If your ambition is to not just kill Goku, but revive the Red Ribbon Army for global domination, a peaceful machine only obeying a one-time command isn't that good in the long-term.

But if he was already built and programmed to kill Goku, it makes no sense for him to not be released. Gero wasted all of the time building him just to let him rot away? That seems even more wasteful in the long term. 1 victory based around Gero's revenge would surely be better than no victories.

Not to mention Goku was the most powerful fighter on earth to Gero's knowledge. Letting him live is nonsensical. It's just bad writing from

 

[Captain Cadaver]

It would as a short term plan, but given his defective programming when it comes to being a complete killing machine and his love for nature, he'd turn into Gero's biggest threat if he were to then turn on his creator if Gero goes about harming animals or innocent people. Gero already had a difficult enough time controlling #17 and #18 to the point they were a last resort. Someone far stronger than both combined and with similar flaws would be a potentially greater risk.

 

[ahill1]

Well, if he were to oppose Gero's goal of world domination, wouldn't that been reason enough not to release #16? The Red Ribbon wished to dominate the world initially and I doubt it has changed since Red's death.

 

[SSJ2]

Who said he would? He was more than happy to spectate 17 and 18 nearly killing the Z Senshi and gave no fucks. I don't see anything supporting him opposing his creator's goal.

And removing Goku from the equation is one step towards world donination. He can always shut him down after completing the task.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

#16 would've had little intel on whether those fighting #17 and #18 were even good people, not to mention the Dragon Team started the fight with Vegeta actively seeking the trio out. Not exactly the best first impression for him.

 

[theallpowerfulpuipui]

To entertain this nonsense, 19 and 20 were considered penultimate Androids and the previous units were simply made to achieve Gero's goals. Considering the droids were stronger than future Trunks 19 being weaker than 17 was of no consequence considering Gero did not know that time travel existed.

19 and 20 were also designed to become much stronger if competing against opponents even equal to them through absorption. Of course this plan went to shit as Gero's plan was discovered.

 

[Future Warrior]

It would as a short term plan, but given his defective programming when it comes to being a complete killing machine and his love for nature, he'd turn into Gero's biggest threat if he were to then turn on his creator if Gero goes about harming animals or innocent people.

Which was a situation that had already happened with #8. Seems pretty logical if you ask me.

 

[SSJ2]

8 wasn't programmed to kill the strongest guy on earth in the way of world domination. We see from the moment 16 is released that he is willing to join 17 & 18 in their quest to kill Goku. Seems illogical to me.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

He joined them for it, and didn't participate in any battle until Cell due to seeing him as a threat to the planet and because #17 and #18 didn't kill anyone. If #16 is willing to act like that against one of Gero's creations, what's to say he wouldn't do the same to Gero himself?