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Dreadwing (Prime)

2012-10-21T17:04:20Z

137.99.174.24: /* Prime cartoon */

{{faction|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Dreadwing}}

:''Dreadwing is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''
[[Image:Triangulation-DreadwinginAntarctic.jpg|right|thumb|350px|It's not revenge I'm looking for. It's justice.]]

'''Dreadwing''', a split-[[Spark]] [[twin]] of [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], was the captain of an army of [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s, and is an expert in explosives. Like Skyquake, Dreadwing is intensely loyal to Megatron, though his loyalty to his twin may be stronger. However unlike his brother, Dreadwing is better at keeping his temper in check.

In addition to his calculative tactics, cool-minded leadership, and fierce loyalty, Dreadwing has outwardly shown a sense of ''integrity'' not normally characterized by the Decepticon agenda. During situations of dwindling odds, Dreadwing considers all possibilites within battle and the resulting consequences from hasty decisions. In order to secure a profitable triumph or the welfare of his [[Megatron (Prime)|sovereign lord]], the dreaded seeker will ''save face,'' in addition to saving the sparks of a few Autobots, if it meant to secure a clean victory and a battle for another day...

He is also a whiz with [[Dreadwing's bombs|explosives]].

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Tony Todd]] (English)}}

[[Image:LooseCannons-Dreadwingjet.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Your daystar burns me! I demand frozen treats!]]

Dreadwing felt his brother's [[Masters & Students|death]], and headed for Earth in [[Dreadwing's ship|his ship]] to investigate, but stopped off to kill [[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]] on his way. He was followed by [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], whom had almost being killed in the explosion that killed Seaspray and wanted to avenge his fellow [[Wrecker]], and soon they landed on Earth. They had a brief battle, which appeared to be in Dreadwing's favor before more Autobots showed up, so he scanned a new [[alternate mode]] and flew away. Using a beacon to let his fellow Decepticons track his position, he soon boarded the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' and reported to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]. After being filled in on his brother's death, Dreadwing was keen for some avenging, however Megatron ordered him to leave it be. Dreadwing disobeyed, and lured Wheeljack and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] into a trap. Using Bulkhead as bait, Dreadwing intended to kill Wheeljack and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] in a cargo port, and while waiting informed Megatron of his plan when he discovered him gone. However, the Autobot leader was tougher than Dreadwing anticipated, and he was soon forced to disarm the [[Dreadwing's bombs|bomb]] he'd planted on Bulkhead after failing to call Optimus's bluff, but retreated back to the ''Nemesis'', where he decided to leave vengeance for another time and pledged his loyalty to Megatron. {{storylink|Loose Cannons}}

[[Image:Crossfire-AirachnidBreakdownDreadwing.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Someone's about to get voted off the island.]]

Megatron assigned Dreadwing the task of ridding them of [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]], offering him the [[second-in-command]] post if he succeeded. Dreadwing took [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] along on the mission with him as backup. Unfortunately Breakdown's temper resulted in Airachnid attacking them and webbing Dreadwing to a tree. With the apparent loss of Breakdown and no sign of his remains or Airachnid, Dreadwing returned to the ''Nemesis'' to face a disappointed Megatron. When Airachnid goaded Megatron to finish the job himself, Dreadwing offered to accompany him, but Megatron ordered him to remain behind. However Dreadwing followed him with a squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], and after a standoff, was able to rescue his leader from the Autobots after giving his word not to shoot if they released their leader. However Megatron did not give his and had his troops open fire on them as he and Dreadwing made their getaway. Though Dreadwing had disobeyed his orders, Megatron noted that he would make a fine second in command. {{storylink|Crossfire}}

After the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' crashed and Megatron brought it back online with [[Dark Energon]], the newly-awoken intelligence in the ship went rogue. Dreadwing, along with the rest of the Decepticons, attempted to find a way to shut the ship down, but was put into stasis-lock. He remained in that state until the kids removed the Dark Energon from the ship's power core. {{storylink|Flying Mind}}

[[Image:Triangulation-DreadwingwithcapturedStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"I know how you're feeling. You don't know whether to kiss me or...kill me."]]
Dreadwing headed to [[Antarctica]] with four Vehicons in search of a relic. After capturing and taking [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] prisoner, he discovered that the relic had already been taken from its location, and assumed the Autobots were responsible. However Optimus Prime arrived demanding the relic, and during the inevitable battle, Dreadwing was left buried under tons of ice thanks to Prime. He eventually dug his way out and tracked down Optimus and the traitor to a human facility that had taken possession of the relic. But while he battled with Optimus, Starscream donned the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] and attacked them. Forced to team up with Prime, Dreadwing attempted to destroy the Armor with one of his explosives, which failed, before Prime gave him an idea, and planted explosives around Starscream, which on detonation sent him falling through the ice. With the loss of the relic, Dreadwing opted to return to the ''Nemesis'', vowing to finish Prime another day. {{storylink|Triangulation}} Megatron was displeased at his failure. {{storylink|Triage}} Dreadwing watched as [[Hardshell]] and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] had an argument in the wake of the missions. {{storylink|Hurt}}

Dreadwing was on the ''Nemesis'' bridge when Optimus attacked the warship with the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]]. {{storylink|Legacy}} While he was keen to take on the Autobots, he instead accompanied Megatron on a trip through the [[space bridge]] to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. There, the pair broke into a tomb and retrieved the arm of a Prime. After the arm was grafted on to Megatron, Dreadwing watched his leader use the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] to create the [[Dark Star Saber]]. {{storylink|Alpha/Omega}}

[[Image:HardKnocksDreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|I'm ready for my close up!]]
Megatron initionally requested Dreadwing to retrieve the second [[Omega Key]], but chose Knock Out instead. Dreadwing was then sent to retrieve the third Omega Key and mined a whole bunch of trees as a trap for the Autobots. Bulkhead and [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] escaped the trap and the larger Autobot goaded Dreadwing into fighting him. Though Dreadwing attempted to take Bulkhead out with a [[Dreadwing's bombs|bomb]], Bulkhead turned the tables and it was Dreadwing who was knocked out with his own explosives. Megatron was once again unhappy at Dreadwing's failure. {{storylink|Hard Knocks}} After losing their Omega Keys to the Autobots, Dreadwing conferred with Megatron about locating the Autobot's base, when they found Starscream on the ''Nemesis'' bridge. His first instinct was to pull out his gun, but Megatron motioned for him to lower it. {{storylink|Inside Job}}

{{spoiler|Patch (episode)|18:00 October 26, 2012}}
[[Image:PatchDreadwing.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Do I look epic enough? Or do I need some more lightning in the background?]]
As Megatron considered Starscream's request to rejoin the Decepticons, he ordered Dreadwing to remove Knock Out from the wall so that they could use a [[cortical psychic patch]] to interrogate Starscream. Dreadwing later arrived and stopped Knock Out from prematurely disconnecting the link. He watched Starscream's memories, and learned that Skyquake was not lying in peace, but Starscream had turned him into an [[Terrorcon (Prime)|undead zombie]] and was wandering around in a [[Shadowzone (dimension)|alternate dimension]]. Shaken by the revelation of Skyquake's fate, and Megatron's decision to allow Starscream to return, Dreadwing stepped outside the ship to scream at the sky. {{storylink|Patch (episode)|Patch}}
{{-}}

== Games ==
=== ''Transformers: Prime - The Game'' ===
[[Image:Dreadwing PrimeTheGame.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
{{voiceactor|[[Tony Todd]] (English)}}
{{comingsoon|when=October 30, 2012}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Prime - The Game}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
{{anchor|Cyberverse}}
[[Image:PrimeCyberversetoy-DreadwingCommander.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]'s Son Strikes!]]
*'''Dreadwing''' (Cyberverse Commander, 2012)
**''Series:'' '''2/005'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''EZ-12'''
**''Accessories:'' Sword, cannon

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' [[Cyberverse#Series 2|Cyberverse]] Commander Class toys, Dreadwing transforms into a modified [[Wikipedia: F-35 Lightning II|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]] fighter jet. He features translucent plastic on the center of his jet/his back and on his cockpit-chest, allowing him to be illuminated by the larger Cyberverse sets. He comes with two translucent yellow weapons, a sword and a cannon, and both weapons feature multiple [[C joint|3mm post]]s, with the cannon additionally featuring three 3mm post-holes. This allows them to be held with his hands or mounted onto his arms and wings in different ways, store on Dreadwing's back, combine with each other to form a bayoneted cannon, as well as combine with other Cyberverse weapons.

: His packaging [[stock photography]] depicts his jet mode as mis-transformed, with the arms not being pegged into his legs and instead being awkwardly bent and left jutting out from the front of his wings, and with his weapons being held by his hands instead of mounting underneath his wings.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed into [[Skyquake (Prime)#Cyberverse|Skyquake]].

{{-}}
{{anchor|Voyager}}
[[Image:Prime_voyager_dreadwing.jpg|thumb|300px|Chucky Sol, I am your Blue Angel of Death.]]
*'''Dreadwing''' (Voyager, 2012)
**''Series / Number'': '''01 / 005'''
**''Japanese release date'': '''[[October 27|10-27]]-2012'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''AM-22'''
**''Accessories'': Blaster cannon/light-up Magnetar pulse blaster & sword (Hasbro only), "Jiku" Arms Micron (TakaraTomy only)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Robots in Disguise (2012)|Prime: Robots in Disguise'']] Voyager Class toys, Dreadwing now comes with ''different'' sword and blaster cannon accessories, both of which can be mounted (via [[5mm post]]s) onto his arms, hands, and back, underneath either of his wings, onto a port behind the cockpit canopy, or onto his robot mode back. The sword itself features an additional peg on its hilt, and the cannon has a peg-hole on its translucent side and on the tip of its barrel. When a lever behind the cannon is pulled, the LED inside the weapon housing lights up red and swivels up, and the cannon hinges over towards the front of its base, transforming into a longer-barreled "Magnetar pulse blaster", all while being illuminated at the barrel by the LED as a sort of "Energon glow". As with other Robots in Disguise Voyager Class toys, the deployed weapon cannot lock into place.

: The [[TakaraTomy]] release of Dreadwing, part of the seventh wave of ''Prime'' product in Japan, has some significant differences from the [[Hasbro]] release. Many of his detail [[paint operation]]s have been replaced with customer-applied [[sticker]]s, he's also a much brighter blue and he does not come with the Hasbro version's weapons. Instead, he has his [[Arms Micron]] partner [[Jiku]], who transforms from a robot shark into a weapon vaguely resembling his in-show cannon.

: This mold was also [[redeco]]ed into [[Skyquake (Prime)#Voyager|Skyquake]].
{{--}}

[[Category:Prime Decepticons]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Prime the Game Decepticons]]

Patch (episode)

2012-10-21T16:58:52Z

137.99.174.24: /* Continuity errors */

{{disambig2|the episode from ''Prime''|the dog from Generation 1|Patch (dog)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 50
|prev=Inside Job
|next=Regeneration (Prime)
|image=Patch Starscream dances.jpg
|caption= Everybody cut loose! Footloose!
|title="Patch"
|airdate=[[October 19]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Starscream proposes a truce with Megatron, but the Decepticon leader remains suspicious.'''

==Synopsis==
Atop the Decepticon warship, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] asks [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] what he seeks in return for the [[Omega Key]]s, his answer being that he wishes to once more become a [[Decepticon]]. While Megatron points out that [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] is now his second-in-command, Starscream insists he will keep to his place. Skeptical, Megatron has [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] extracted from the wall so that he can connect Megatron and Starscream with a [[cortical psychic patch]]. [[Image:PatchKnockOut.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Don't get so cocky, Knock Out.]]

By rummaging through Starscream's memories, Megatron intends to find what really drives him, and first reviews the events surrounding the [[space bridge]] explosion. Knock Out monitors the mental images with interest... especially when he sees Starscream do a victory jig. Megatron watches various instances of Starscream insisting on his leadership: the time he made a bunch of clones to assassinate Megatron; and when he tried to make a deal with Airachnid to terminate Megatron. Starscream claims he was half-crazed with energon deficiency at the time, but Megatron is unconvinced. Starscream insists he always had Megatron's best interests at heart, like removing the [[Dark Energon]] from his body so his mind did not become corrupted by it. Replaying Starscream's monologue during the time when Megatron was trapped underground, Megatron suggests Starscream refrain from thinking out loud in the future. He also drops the hint that if Starscream fails to be convincing, it'll likely end in Starscream's termination.

Starscream claims being beaten is enough to bring him back into line and tries to play up his own generosity by recalling the time when he provided Megatron with [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse for experimentation, and his use of his wits in dealing with the Autobots. Megatron points out his wits are usually insufficient to compensate for his arrogance: when he faced [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] while charged up on Dark Energon; or when he tried to use the [[Energon Harvester]] on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. The revelation that [[MECH]] took Starscream's [[transformation cog|T-Cog]] greatly amuses Megatron, though Starscream is hoping that that might be restored to him in exchange for the Omega Keys—after all, he usually transforms with such style. He points out that at the time he deserted the Decepticon cause, he was not being made to feel particularly welcome there, despite apparently learning his place. Megatron does not believe Starscream's change of heart at the time would have lasted, and replays a discussion between Starscream and Knock Out while Megatron was lying in a coma in the sick bay. In the real world, Knock Out starts to realize that Starscream's memories are going to be equally incriminating to himself. Panicking, he comes up with a plan to disconnect the patch, trapping Megatron in Starscream's mind.

[[Image:PatchKnockOutDreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|That awkward moment when you find out that your thought-to-be-dead twin brother is a zombie.]]
As Knock Out goes to unplug Megatron, Dreadwing stops him and he is forced to make up an excuse. Megatron's psychic interrogation of Starscream continues, and while Starscream claims that not even Dreadwing may have been a "perfect" replacement as his second-in-command, Megatron points out at least Dreadwing and his departed brother [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] were loyal. Starscream's memories of Skyquake's death and revival through Dark Energon are replayed, and he recalls how Skyquake was left in an undead state in some dimensional nether-realm. This revelation comes as a shock to Dreadwing, who is still watching in the lab. Megatron announces that Starscream will be allowed to rejoin the Decepticon forces proper, as they ''must'' be working as one unit if Cybertron is to be properly restored, a fact also addressed to the watching Knock Out. Knock Out realizes that Dreadwing is no longer standing behind him. Dreadwing stands on the outer hull of the ''Nemesis'' and aims a scream of rage at the sky.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]]'' (6)
* ''[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'' (12)
* ''[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]'' (13)
* ''[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'' (14)
* ''[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]]'' (15)
* ''[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]]''
|c2=
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
* [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (4)
* ''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]'' (5)
* ''[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'' (7)
* ''[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'' (8)
* ''[[Starscream clone (Prime)|Starscream clone]]s'' (9)
* ''[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]]'' (10)
* ''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]'' (11)
* ''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (17)
|c3=
* ''[[Silas]]'' (16)

}}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>''Only appeared in flashback.''

==Quotes==
"Few things of value come without a price."
:—'''Megatron'''

"This is going to be juicy."
:—'''Knock Out''' will regret that prediction.

"A word of advice? Stop thinking aloud."
:—'''Megatron''' reckons Starscream talks too much.

"Uh oh...Does this thing have a fast forward button, or better yet erase?"
:—'''Knock Out''' really hoped Megatron didn't see that.

"Ah, I do transform with an exceptional sense of style... I said that out loud, didn't I?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Awkward."
:—'''Knock Out''' aptly summarizes the general atmosphere of the episode.

"Megatron sure knows how to 'patch' things up, eh, Dreadwi-" 
''Knock Out turns around to see that Dreadwing has disappeared.'' 
"Dreadwing?"
:—'''Knock Out''' name drops the title of the episode before realizing that Dreadwing has already left.

==Notes==

===Animation and technical errors===

===Continuity errors===
* Starscream was not present when Skyquake was trapped in an alternate dimension in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", nor was that fact ever made clear to him or any other Decepticon. While it is obvious that Skyquake lost his arm (since it attacked Starscream), Starscream shouldn't have such precise knowledge of his fate (unless he read the script or something). Maybe he saw Skyquake through the GroundBridge right before his arm attacked him?

===Continuity notes===
* This is the first truly Decepticon-focused episode, with no Autobots appearing outside of flashbacks.
* This is also a clip show focusing on Starscream, so virtually every Starscream-relevant episode is revisited.
* Dreadwing learns of Starscream's attempt to revive Skyquake as a zombie minion in "Shadowzone", as well as his imprisonment in an alternate dimension at the end of that episode.
* Megatron tells Dreadwing to free Knock Out from the wall of the ''Nemesis'', which occurred in the [[Inside Job|previous episode]].

===Transformers references===

===Real-world references===
*When the Vehicons are hailing Starscream, he does a hilarious dance routine, with his final move being an impression of John Travolta in ''Saturday Night Fever''.

===Trivia===
* This is the second [[clip show|clip episode]], the first being "[[Grill]]". Interestingly enough, in both episodes only four characters appear outside of flashbacks.
* This is the first episode to feature humans after three episodes which didn't, albeit only in flashbacks. This is also the first episode to not feature any Autobots outside of flashbacks.
* Megatron's mental projection has his original arm, not the [[dead Prime]]'s arm, just like in the [[Inside Job|previous episode]].
* For being clever enough to engineer a plan to successfully steal all four Omega Keys, Starscream didn't really think through his plan to regain Megatron's favor. He went in with no insurance policy to make sure Megatron didn't just simply scrap him and take the keys instead.
* So, uh... how did they get Knock Out out of the wall?
* Starscream's got sweet dance moves!

[[Category:Prime episodes]]
[[Category:Clip shows]]

Patch (episode)

2012-10-21T16:57:24Z

137.99.174.24: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the episode from ''Prime''|the dog from Generation 1|Patch (dog)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 50
|prev=Inside Job
|next=Regeneration (Prime)
|image=Patch Starscream dances.jpg
|caption= Everybody cut loose! Footloose!
|title="Patch"
|airdate=[[October 19]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Starscream proposes a truce with Megatron, but the Decepticon leader remains suspicious.'''

==Synopsis==
Atop the Decepticon warship, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] asks [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] what he seeks in return for the [[Omega Key]]s, his answer being that he wishes to once more become a [[Decepticon]]. While Megatron points out that [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] is now his second-in-command, Starscream insists he will keep to his place. Skeptical, Megatron has [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] extracted from the wall so that he can connect Megatron and Starscream with a [[cortical psychic patch]]. [[Image:PatchKnockOut.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Don't get so cocky, Knock Out.]]

By rummaging through Starscream's memories, Megatron intends to find what really drives him, and first reviews the events surrounding the [[space bridge]] explosion. Knock Out monitors the mental images with interest... especially when he sees Starscream do a victory jig. Megatron watches various instances of Starscream insisting on his leadership: the time he made a bunch of clones to assassinate Megatron; and when he tried to make a deal with Airachnid to terminate Megatron. Starscream claims he was half-crazed with energon deficiency at the time, but Megatron is unconvinced. Starscream insists he always had Megatron's best interests at heart, like removing the [[Dark Energon]] from his body so his mind did not become corrupted by it. Replaying Starscream's monologue during the time when Megatron was trapped underground, Megatron suggests Starscream refrain from thinking out loud in the future. He also drops the hint that if Starscream fails to be convincing, it'll likely end in Starscream's termination.

Starscream claims being beaten is enough to bring him back into line and tries to play up his own generosity by recalling the time when he provided Megatron with [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse for experimentation, and his use of his wits in dealing with the Autobots. Megatron points out his wits are usually insufficient to compensate for his arrogance: when he faced [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] while charged up on Dark Energon; or when he tried to use the [[Energon Harvester]] on [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. The revelation that [[MECH]] took Starscream's [[transformation cog|T-Cog]] greatly amuses Megatron, though Starscream is hoping that that might be restored to him in exchange for the Omega Keys—after all, he usually transforms with such style. He points out that at the time he deserted the Decepticon cause, he was not being made to feel particularly welcome there, despite apparently learning his place. Megatron does not believe Starscream's change of heart at the time would have lasted, and replays a discussion between Starscream and Knock Out while Megatron was lying in a coma in the sick bay. In the real world, Knock Out starts to realize that Starscream's memories are going to be equally incriminating to himself. Panicking, he comes up with a plan to disconnect the patch, trapping Megatron in Starscream's mind.

[[Image:PatchKnockOutDreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|That awkward moment when you find out that your thought-to-be-dead twin brother is a zombie.]]
As Knock Out goes to unplug Megatron, Dreadwing stops him and he is forced to make up an excuse. Megatron's psychic interrogation of Starscream continues, and while Starscream claims that not even Dreadwing may have been a "perfect" replacement as his second-in-command, Megatron points out at least Dreadwing and his departed brother [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] were loyal. Starscream's memories of Skyquake's death and revival through Dark Energon are replayed, and he recalls how Skyquake was left in an undead state in some dimensional nether-realm. This revelation comes as a shock to Dreadwing, who is still watching in the lab. Megatron announces that Starscream will be allowed to rejoin the Decepticon forces proper, as they ''must'' be working as one unit if Cybertron is to be properly restored, a fact also addressed to the watching Knock Out. Knock Out realizes that Dreadwing is no longer standing behind him. Dreadwing stands on the outer hull of the ''Nemesis'' and aims a scream of rage at the sky.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]]'' (6)
* ''[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'' (12)
* ''[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]'' (13)
* ''[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'' (14)
* ''[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]]'' (15)
* ''[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]]''
|c2=
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
* [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (4)
* ''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]'' (5)
* ''[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'' (7)
* ''[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'' (8)
* ''[[Starscream clone (Prime)|Starscream clone]]s'' (9)
* ''[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]]'' (10)
* ''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]'' (11)
* ''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (17)
|c3=
* ''[[Silas]]'' (16)

}}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>''Only appeared in flashback.''

==Quotes==
"Few things of value come without a price."
:—'''Megatron'''

"This is going to be juicy."
:—'''Knock Out''' will regret that prediction.

"A word of advice? Stop thinking aloud."
:—'''Megatron''' reckons Starscream talks too much.

"Uh oh...Does this thing have a fast forward button, or better yet erase?"
:—'''Knock Out''' really hoped Megatron didn't see that.

"Ah, I do transform with an exceptional sense of style... I said that out loud, didn't I?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Awkward."
:—'''Knock Out''' aptly summarizes the general atmosphere of the episode.

"Megatron sure knows how to 'patch' things up, eh, Dreadwi-" 
''Knock Out turns around to see that Dreadwing has disappeared.'' 
"Dreadwing?"
:—'''Knock Out''' name drops the title of the episode before realizing that Dreadwing has already left.

==Notes==

===Animation and technical errors===

===Continuity errors===
* Starscream was not present when Skyquake was trapped in an alternate dimension in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", nor was that fact ever made clear to him or any other Decepticon. While it is obvious that Skyquake lost his arm (since it attacked Starscream), Starscream shouldn't have such precise knowledge of his fate (unless he read the script or something).

===Continuity notes===
* This is the first truly Decepticon-focused episode, with no Autobots appearing outside of flashbacks.
* This is also a clip show focusing on Starscream, so virtually every Starscream-relevant episode is revisited.
* Dreadwing learns of Starscream's attempt to revive Skyquake as a zombie minion in "Shadowzone", as well as his imprisonment in an alternate dimension at the end of that episode.
* Megatron tells Dreadwing to free Knock Out from the wall of the ''Nemesis'', which occurred in the [[Inside Job|previous episode]].

===Transformers references===

===Real-world references===
*When the Vehicons are hailing Starscream, he does a hilarious dance routine, with his final move being an impression of John Travolta in ''Saturday Night Fever''.

===Trivia===
* This is the second [[clip show|clip episode]], the first being "[[Grill]]". Interestingly enough, in both episodes only four characters appear outside of flashbacks.
* This is the first episode to feature humans after three episodes which didn't, albeit only in flashbacks. This is also the first episode to not feature any Autobots outside of flashbacks.
* Megatron's mental projection has his original arm, not the [[dead Prime]]'s arm, just like in the [[Inside Job|previous episode]].
* For being clever enough to engineer a plan to successfully steal all four Omega Keys, Starscream didn't really think through his plan to regain Megatron's favor. He went in with no insurance policy to make sure Megatron didn't just simply scrap him and take the keys instead.
* So, uh... how did they get Knock Out out of the wall?
* Starscream's got sweet dance moves!

[[Category:Prime episodes]]
[[Category:Clip shows]]

Dreadwing's bombs

2012-10-08T20:21:45Z

137.99.174.24: /* Prime cartoon */

:''Dreadwing's bombs are explosive devices from the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' portion of the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:HardKnocksDreadwingBomb.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Tick, tick, tick...]]

'''Dreadwing's bombs''' are small explosive devices that can be attached to an object, or to a bot.

== Fiction ==
=== ''Prime'' cartoon ===
[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] used some of his bombs during his fight with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] in a forest. Later, he strapped [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to a shipping container with a bomb on his chest. {{storylink|Loose Cannons}} During the second relic hunt, Dreadwing tried to destroy the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] with a bomb, but, following [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime's]] suggestion, planted bombs around [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]], which sent him tumbling through the ice. {{storylink|Triangulation}}
{{spoiler|Hard Knocks|October 12, 2012}}
During the hunt for the third [[Omega Key]], Dreadwing rigged a large area of trees with explosives to trap Bulkhead and [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]]. When that failed, he planted a bomb on Bulkhead, but the tables were turned and he ended up being knocked out by his own bomb. {{storylink|Hard Knocks}}

[[Category:Prime weapons]]

The Human Factor

2012-09-18T19:50:41Z

137.99.174.24: /* Trivia */

{{disambig2|the episode of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''|the story originally published in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (Marvel US)]] #68|The Human Factor!}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 45
|prev=New Recruit
|next=Legacy
|image=TheHumanFactor Cylas and Megatron.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Human Factor"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''After Silas is integrated into Breakdown's body, he approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[MECH]] base, a small team of surgeons and technicians hook [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'s reassembled remains up to their computer and infuse them with electricity and Energon. Breakdown awakens, only it's not Breakdown—MECH has implanted [[Silas]] within the Decepticon's corpse. Silas is impressed with their ingenuity, but decides that, as he is no longer human, he no longer needs their services, and slaughters them.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorCylas.jpg|thumb|left|250px| [[Brainmaster|BRAIN SET!]]]]
Some time later, Silas drives up to the entrance to a military facility, stopping at the gate to introduce himself. Meanwhile in the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are trying to encourage [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to keep up his recuperation, despite the Wrecker's belief that he is being replaced. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] suggests he uses the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] for extra strength and power, but Bulkhead sees it as a crutch and knocks it aside, causing it to damage the computer system. As Ratchet grumbles over the negative atmosphere, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] talks with [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] on the phone and is surprised to learn that Raf's been grounded for his slipping grades.

The Decepticons on the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', namely [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], are likewise surprised when Breakdown's signal shows up on their scanners. Knock Out and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are sent to investigate and find the military base wrecked. Moments after they arrive, what appears to be Breakdown strides out of the smoke. In response to the Decepticons' reaction to his marred appearance, "Breakdown" asks in Silas's voice to be taken to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] briefs the Autobots on the theft of the [[Project Damocles]] satellite apparently by Breakdown assisted by a human whom Fowler believes is Silas. Ratchet strongly dismisses the idea of Decepticons and humans pairing together, rebuffed only by Jack's reasoning of the alliance working for the Autobots. Aboard the warship, Megatron is introduced to the Breakdown/Silas combo, now calling himself Cylas: "Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis". Though Megatron is disgusted by such an abomination and Knock Out is keen to dissect Cylas as revenge for Breakdown, the MECH commander wants to strike a deal with the Decepticons and offers the Damocles weapon as a token of friendship. As Fowler's briefing in the Autobot base ends, the Autobots realize they must protect the satellite's interface codes, currently stored on servers in [[Colorado]].

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has already gotten to the Colorado base, clearing it using a recording of Fowler's voice, and by the time the Autobots get there, the place is already heavily guarded by Decepticons. Cylas points out to Megatron that since Soundwave is now connected to the mainframe, he can operate the satellite. The Damocles satellite is duly launched from the ''Nemesis'', and Soundwave starts targeting the Autobots on the ground. His first shot narrowly misses Smokescreen, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] contacts base for backup. Bulkhead is ready to go but Ratchet stops him as Optimus is actually after ''technical'' help to disable the satellite. Ratchet decides Raf is required for this mission and so Raf gets unexpected visitors in the form of Fowler, Miko and Jack.

While the Autobots try to keep Soundwave distracted, Bulkhead attempts to talk Ratchet into sending him to help. Ratchet finally concedes, but has his own ideas. While Raf works on a way to crash the satellite and Fowler tries to work out a way to get to the toilet without Raf's mom seeing, the Decepticons detect Raf's hacking attempt. When they track the source to [[Jasper]], Megatron sends Cylas to deal with the matter, despite Cylas's chagrin. Cylas soon hauls up outside Raf's house and takes aim, only for Bulkhead to come barreling down the street and slam him into a nearby drainage canal. After a tense reintroduction, Bulkhead realizes his opponent is not Breakdown—and is shocked to find that it is actually Silas/Cylas operating the Con's body. The pair start fighting, but Bulkhead's weakness quickly begins to show.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorProjectDamocles.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Ratchet contacts Optimus who is still running from the Damocles beam, to report that Bulkhead needs backup. Indeed, the Wrecker is still not operating fully and not doing well against Cylas, but the addition of Smokescreen to the fight helps. Megatron, impatient at Cylas's failure, orders Soundwave to target the source of the hack. The Autobots take advantage of the cessation of the Damocles attack to try to storm the command center. The kids, meanwhile, see that the satellite has moved and is now aiming at them. Raf manages to get the satellite's thrusters under his control, and the shot does little more than knock the corner off the [[KO Burger]] sign before the satellite starts reentry. Their celebration is interrupted by Raf's mom, but luckily they break out the "study group" defense. Meanwhile, the Autobots break into the command center in time to see Soundwave leaving. Elsewhere, Cylas begins to lose his fight and is called back to the ''Nemesis''. Bulkhead and Smokescreen see the satellite's reentry and congratulate each other.

Back on the ship, Megatron announces that Cylas has earned his place at the table—Knock Out's dissection table, that is—explaining that the MECH commander was correct about the human factor tipping the war's scales, but in the Autobots' favor. Cylas is then zapped from behind and dragged away for "study", much to his fearful displeasure and Knock Out's delight.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[MECH Commando]]s (1)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Raf's mom]] (10)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)

|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Thank you all for your dedication and a life time of service. But I now seem more suited to keep the exclusive company... of titans"
:—'''"Cylas"''' before killing his own men. Cold.

"Bulkhead! I ''needed'' that!"
:—'''Ratchet''' ''still'' hasn't learned that saying that phrase won't change anything.

'''Jack''': You've got to be kidding, Raf! You of all people, grounded? 
'''Raf''': Big time. I misplaced some homework and blew a couple of tests. 
'''Miko''': Translation, A- instead of A.
:—'''Miko''' thinks '''Raf''' is Mr. Perfect when it comes to school, unlike herself.

"Breakdown may act the brute, but he's a maestro behind a rotary buffer!"
:—'''Knock Out''' gives us his little secret for auto-detailing - a pal skilled with a rotary buffer.

"This is the human who dissected Breakdown!" 
''*Knock Out activates his circular saw*'' 
"Please, my liege, allow me to return the favor."
:—'''Knock Out''', finally confirming the fans' belief that he ''does'' care about his former partner.

"Megatron, relax." 
''*Megatron glares at Cylas*'' 
"''Lord'' Megatron."
:—'''Cylas''' learns that Megatron doesn't want to be his friend.

"What? No! If my mom sees you..." 
"Relax, I trained in covert ops." 
"I don't care if you were trained by ninja! My mom has eyes in the back of ''your'' head."
:—'''Raf''' tells '''Agent Fowler''' why he can't use the restroom.

'''Megatron''': Cylas, you have earned your place at the table. 
'''Cylas''': Lord Megatron, I am honored. 
'''Megatron''': Knock Out's dissection table! 
'''Knock Out''': Breakdown would be tickled.
:—Well, '''Knock Out''' finally got ''his'' wish.

"He will be a fascinating case for study." 
"I will leave no fiber or ''fiber optic'' unexamined."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Knock Out''' get a new science project.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Knock Out detects Breakdown's signal, the image of Breakdown on the screen shows his current appearance, when logically the last image they should have had on file would be one with his optic patch. However, this may not be a mistake, since it is unclear how such images are obtained in the first place. Cybertronian self-portraits may well update themselves, much like real life technology is capable of similar things.
* On the same screen as Breakdown's image, the map of the United States shows the state of Louisiana inside Texas, with an empty spot where it's supposed to be. The same map error reappears when Soundwave begins operating the Damocles satellite.
* When Cylas targets the window of Raf's room, his zoomed-in view is from the wrong angle. To be able to see Jack and the others within, he would have to be firing from the opposite side.
* The final shot of the satellite fires parallel to Raf's house. To do this, the satellite would have to be in position below the equator. When it fires, it is shown to be above North America, and burns up in the skies above Jasper not long after. In addition, the beam is constant, even though it should be changing position with the satellite.
* Cylas can talk after being zapped with the energon prod, a phenomenon that didn't appear on other robots such as Optimus Prime. This may not be an error, as the unique interface between the human 'Silas' and the robot 'Breakdown' may have prevented Silas himself from being electrocuted.

===Continuity notes===
* The base in which Silas is revived is the same one used in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* The place in which Cylas, Bulkhead and Smokescreen fight is the same place Arcee and Bumblebee engaged the Vehicons back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]".
* During Cylas's revival, one of the console's screens depict the prototype for Nemesis Prime seen in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]".
* MECH was preparing to save Silas using Breakdown's corpse at the end of "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Silas refers to his merger with Breakdown's corpse as "the perfect meld of man and machine", the same line he used to describe [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] in its eponymous episode.
* Smokescreen offers Bulkhead the use of the Apex Armor, which he took from Starscream in the [[New Recruit|previous episode]]. Bulkhead's resentment of the newbie also started in that episode, but he seems to have resolved it by this one's end.
* Bulkhead uses the [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball from "[[Con Job]]" as a medicine ball.
* Cylas uses his real name (Leland Bishop) to introduce himself to the guard at the military base, which was first revealed by Fowler in the episode "[[Grill]]".
* After taking crippling injuries in "[[Toxicity]]", Bulkhead is finally well enough to go out in the field. He's far from 100%, but he can put up a fight.
* Knock Out references the events of "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and wants vengeance for it.
* Project Damocles, and Silas' role in it, was first mentioned in "Grill".
* Before fighting Bulkhead, Cylas states that the former will never again interfere with his operations, which references "Operation: Breakdown".
* Soundwave displays the picture he took of Jack, Miko, and Raf back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".

===Transformers references===
* This isn't the [[Autobot Spike|first time]] a human mind was placed in a robot body to preserve it.
* Nor is this the [[Novo|first MECH operative]] who would control a mechanical body.
* Nor is it the [[Attack from Outer Space|first time]] the Decepticons attempted to target Autobots from space.

===Real-world references===
* The surging electricity and twitching hand during Silas' revival reflects toward the animation of [[Frankenstein's monster]].
* The missing-eye appearance on Breakdown's face resembles that of the ''Terminator''.
* Cylas' request of "take me to your leader" is a stereotypical phrase used in early sci-fi movies involving aliens arriving to Earth from another world.
* The satellite's name, Damocles, refers to the ancient anecdote referred to as "[[wikipedia:Damocles|the Sword of Damocles]]".

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode of a non-Japanese ''Transformers'' cartoon to depict the killing of a human. There was a heavily ''implied'' death back in "Darkness Rising, Part 5", but here... well, even though we didn't directly witness it... it's pretty aggressively obvious that Cylas is murdering his old crew. In addition, considering the wreckage seen when Knock Out and the Vehicons arrive at the Damocles storage base and the fact there wasn't even time to alert the Autobots, things don't look good for the soldiers on that base.
* Aww, Knock Out is willing to avenge Breakdown.
* We learn Raf's full name in this episode.
* One of Silas' biological eyes appears to be permanently dilated. Not only does it match Breakdown's missing-eye look, a permanently dilated pupil can also be a sign of serious cranial injury.
* It's ironic that someone like Silas, who has spent most of his time and activity dissecting Autobots and Decepticons just to see how they tick, ends up becoming someone else's experiment instead! Especially since it's Knock Out who's doing the operating!
* Silas renaming himself Cylas ("Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis") is reflected in the end credits.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Human Factor}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

The Human Factor

2012-09-17T19:39:16Z

137.99.174.24: /* Quotes */

{{disambig2|the episode of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''|the story originally published in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (Marvel US)]] #68|The Human Factor!}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 45
|prev=New Recruit
|next=Legacy
|image=TheHumanFactor Cylas and Megatron.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Human Factor"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Silas is given a new lease on life and approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[MECH]] base, a small team of surgeons and technicians hook [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'s reassembled remains up to their computer and infuse them with electricity and Energon. Breakdown awakens, only it's not Breakdown—MECH has implanted [[Silas]] within the Decepticon's corpse. Silas is impressed with their ingenuity, but decides that, as he is no longer human, he no longer needs their services, and slaughters them.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorCylas.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Some time later, Silas drives up to the entrance to a military facility, stopping at the gate to introduce himself. Meanwhile in the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are trying to encourage [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to keep up his recuperation, despite the Wrecker's belief that he is being replaced. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] suggests he uses the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] for extra strength and power, but Bulkhead sees it as a crutch and knocks it aside, causing it to damage the computer system. As Ratchet grumbles over the negative atmosphere, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] talks with [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] on the phone and is surprised to learn that Raf's been grounded for his slipping grades.

The Decepticons on the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', namely [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], are likewise surprised when Breakdown's signal shows up on their scanners. Knock Out and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are sent to investigate and find the military base wrecked. Moments after they arrive, what appears to be Breakdown strides out of the smoke. In response to the Decepticons' reaction to his marred appearance, "Breakdown" asks in Silas's voice to be taken to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] briefs the Autobots on the theft of the [[Project Damocles]] satellite apparently by Breakdown assisted by a human whom Fowler believes is Silas. Ratchet strongly dismisses the idea of Decepticons and humans pairing together, rebuffed only by Jack's reasoning of the alliance working for the Autobots. Aboard the warship, Megatron is introduced to the Breakdown/Silas combo, now calling himself Cylas: "Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis". Though Megatron is disgusted by such an abomination and Knock Out is keen to dissect Cylas as revenge for Breakdown, the MECH commander wants to strike a deal with the Decepticons and offers the Damocles weapon as a token of friendship. As Fowler's briefing in the Autobot base ends, the Autobots realize they must protect the satellite's interface codes, currently stored on servers in [[Colorado]].

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has already gotten to the Colorado base, clearing it using a recording of Fowler's voice, and by the time the Autobots get there, the place is already heavily guarded by Decepticons. Cylas points out to Megatron that since Soundwave is now connected to the mainframe, he can operate the satellite. The Damocles satellite is duly launched from the ''Nemesis'', and Soundwave starts targeting the Autobots on the ground. His first shot narrowly misses Smokescreen, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] contacts base for backup. Bulkhead is ready to go but Ratchet stops him as Optimus is actually after ''technical'' help to disable the satellite. Ratchet decides Raf is required for this mission and so Raf gets unexpected visitors in the form of Fowler, Miko and Jack.

While the Autobots try to keep Soundwave distracted, Bulkhead attempts to talk Ratchet into sending him to help. Ratchet finally concedes, but has his own ideas. While Raf works on a way to crash the satellite and Fowler tries to work out a way to get to the toilet without Raf's mom seeing, the Decepticons detect Raf's hacking attempt. When they track the source to [[Jasper]], Megatron sends Cylas to deal with the matter, despite Cylas's chagrin. Cylas soon hauls up outside Raf's house and takes aim, only for Bulkhead to come barreling down the street and slam him into a nearby drainage canal. After a tense reintroduction, Bulkhead realizes his opponent is not Breakdown—and is shocked to find that it is actually Silas/Cylas operating the Con's body. The pair start fighting, but Bulkhead's weakness quickly begins to show.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorProjectDamocles.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Ratchet contacts Optimus who is still running from the Damocles beam, to report that Bulkhead needs backup. Indeed, the Wrecker is still not operating fully and not doing well against Cylas, but the addition of Smokescreen to the fight helps. Megatron, impatient at Cylas's failure, orders Soundwave to target the source of the hack. The Autobots take advantage of the cessation of the Damocles attack to try to storm the command center. The kids, meanwhile, see that the satellite has moved and is now aiming at them. Raf manages to get the satellite's thrusters under his control, and the shot does little more than knock the corner off the [[KO Burger]] sign before the satellite starts reentry. Their celebration is interrupted by Raf's mom, but luckily they break out the "study group" defense. Meanwhile, the Autobots break into the command center in time to see Soundwave leaving. Elsewhere, Cylas begins to lose his fight and is called back to the ''Nemesis''. Bulkhead and Smokescreen see the satellite's reentry and congratulate each other.

Back on the ship, Megatron announces that Cylas has earned his place at the table—Knock Out's dissection table, that is—explaining that the MECH commander was correct about the human factor tipping the war's scales, but in the Autobots' favor. Cylas is then zapped from behind and dragged away for "study", much to his fearful displeasure and Knock Out's delight.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[MECH Commando]]s (1)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Raf's mom]] (10)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)

|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==

"Thank you all for your dedication and a life time of service. But I now seem more suited to keep the exclusive company... of titans"
:—'''"Cylas"''' before killing his own men. Cold.

"Bulkhead! I ''needed'' that!"
:—'''Ratchet''' ''still'' hasn't learned that saying that phrase won't change anything.

'''Jack''': You've got to be kidding, Raf! You of all people, grounded? 
'''Raf''': Big time. I misplaced some homework and blew a couple of tests. 
'''Miko''': Translation, A- instead of A.
:—'''Miko''' thinks '''Raf''' is Mr. Perfect when it comes to school, unlike herself.

"This is the human who dissected Breakdown!" 
''*Knock Out activates his circular saw*'' 
"Please, my liege, allow me to return the favor."
:—'''Knock Out''', finally confirming the fans' belief that he ''does'' care about his former partner.

"Megatron, relax." 
''*Megatron glares at Cylas*'' 
"''Lord'' Megatron."
:—'''Cylas''' learns that Megatron doesn't want to be his friend.

"What? No! If my mom sees you..." 
"Relax, I trained in covert ops." 
"I don't care if you were trained by ninja! My mom has eyes in the back of ''your'' head."
:—'''Raf''' tells '''Agent Fowler''' why he can't use the restroom.

'''Megatron''': Cylas, you have earned your place at the table. 
'''Cylas''': Lord Megatron, I am honored. 
'''Megatron''': Knock Out's dissection table! 
'''Knock Out''': Breakdown would be tickled.
:—Well, '''Knock Out''' finally got ''his'' wish.

"He will be a fascinating case for study." 
"I will leave no fiber or ''fiber optic'' unexamined."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Knock Out''' get a new science project.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Knock Out detects Breakdown's signal, the image of Breakdown on the screen is shows his current appearance, when logically the last image they should have had on file would be one with his optic patch. However, this may not be a mistake, since it is unclear how such images are obtained in the first place. Cybertronian self-portraits may well update themselves, much like real life technology is capable of similar things.
* On the same screen as Breakdown's image, the map of the United States shows the state of Louisiana inside Texas, with an empty spot where it's supposed to be. The same map error reappears when Soundwave begins operating the Damocles satellite.
* When Cylas targets the window of Raf's room, his zoomed-in view is from the wrong angle. To be able to see Jack and the others within, he would have to be firing from the opposite side.
* The final shot of the satellite fires parallel to Raf's house. To do this, the satellite would have to be in position below the equator. When it fires, it is shown to be above North America, and burns up in the skies above Jasper not long after. In addition, the beam is constant, even though it should be changing position with the satellite.
* Cylas can talk after being zapped with the energon prod, a phenomenon that didn't appear on other robots such as Optimus Prime. This may not be an error, as the human 'Silas' inside 'Breakdown' might not have been electrocuted.

===Continuity notes===
* The base in which Silas is revived is the same one used in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* The place in which Cylas, Bulkhead and Smokescreen fight is the same place Arcee and Bumblebee engaged the Vehicons back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]".
* MECH was preparing to save Silas using Breakdown's corpse at the end of "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Silas refers to his merger with Breakdown's corpse as "the perfect meld of man and machine", the same line he used to describe [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] in its eponymous episode.
* Smokescreen offers Bulkhead the use of the Apex Armor, which he took from Starscream in the [[New Recruit|previous episode]]. Bulkhead's resentment of the newbie also started in that episode, but he seems to have resolved it by this one's end.
* Bulkhead uses the [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball from "[[Con Job]]" as a medicine ball.
* After taking crippling injuries in "[[Toxicity]]", Bulkhead is finally well enough to go out in the field. He's far from 100%, but he can put up a fight.
* Knock Out references the events of "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and wants vengeance for it.
* Project Damocles, and Silas' role in it, was first mentioned in "[[Grill]]".
* Before fighting Bulkhead, Cylas states that the former will never again interfere with his operations, which references "Operation: Breakdown".
* Soundwave displays the picture he took of Jack, Miko, and Raf back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".

===Transformers references===
* This isn't the [[Autobot Spike|first time]] a human mind was placed in a robot body to preserve it.
* Nor is this the [[Novo|first MECH operative]] who would control a mechanical body.
* Nor is it the [[Attack from Outer Space|first time]] the Decepticons attempted to target Autobots from space.

===Real-world references===
* The surging electricity and twitching hand during Silas' revival reflects toward the animation of [[Frankenstein's monster]].
* The missing-eye appearance on Breakdown's face resembles that of the ''Terminator''.
* Cylas' request of "take me to your leader" is a stereotypical phrase used in early sci-fi movies involving aliens arriving to Earth from another world.

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode of a non-Japanese ''Transformers'' cartoon to depict the killing of a human. There was a heavily ''implied'' death back in "Darkness Rising, Part 5", but here... well, even though we didn't directly witness it... it's pretty aggressively obvious that Cylas is murdering his old crew. In addition, considering the wreckage seen when Knock Out and the Vehicons arrive at the Damocles storage base and the fact there wasn't even time to alert the Autobots, things don't look good for the soldiers on that base.
* Aww, Knock Out is willing to avenge Breakdown.
* We learn Raf's full name in this episode.
* The satellite's name, Damocles, refers to the ancient anecdote referred to as "[[wikipedia:Damocles|the Sword of Damocles]]".
* One of Silas' biological eyes appears to be permanently dilated. Not only does it match Breakdown's missing-eye look, a permanently dilated pupil can also be a sign of serious cranial injury.

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[[Category:Prime episodes]]