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The Transformers (IDW)

2011-11-16T19:16:39Z

14.39.222.145: /* Collections */

{{disambig3|Transformers}}
[[Image:IDW_TF_vol1.jpg|thumb|250px|You know you love it!]]
'''''The Transformers''''' is an ongoing series published by [[IDW Publishing]], set in the main [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]. It is set three years after the events of the ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' miniseries.

Published monthly from November [[2009]], it went bi-weekly from July [[2011]] until December [[2011]], alternating between two stories as part of the '''CHAOS''' event. After that wraps up in issue #31, a one-shot (formerly labeled Issue #125) entitled ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]'' will be published, and then the title will be replaced by two new monthly ongoings, ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye|More Than Meets the Eye]]''.

Although it was not included within the main run when published as individual issues, the collected edition of the ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]'' is numbered as volume 4 in the Ongoing series.

''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]'' will also be collected in a volume of the ongoing, due to the cancellation of the Spotlight series. It was also originally intended to be included within the ongoing run, but was brought forward due to negative fan reaction to Prowl's characterisation in the first arc of the ongoing series.

{{chapters |style=3 |prev=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|next=|title=''The Transformers'' issues:|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">v1:</div>
* [[...For All Mankind|#1]]
* [[New Arrivals, Old Encounters|#2]]
* [[A Rude Awakening|#3]]
* [[Seasons in Flight|#4]]
* [[Enemies of the System|#5]]
* [[Earthworks|#6]]
 <div class="list-header">v2:</div>
* [[All His Engines‎|#7]]
* [[Scrapper (issue)|#8]]
* [[International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|#9]]
* [[International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|#10]]
* [[International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|#11]]
* [[International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|#12]]
 <div class="list-header">v3:</div>
* [[Heart Like a Wheel‎|#13]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man|#14]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|#15]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies‎|#16]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome‎|#17]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|#18]]
 <div class="list-header">v4:</div>
* see article: ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]''
 <div class="list-header">v5:</div>
* [[Space Opera Part 1: The Stars My Destination|#19]]
* [[Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|#20]]
* [[Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|#21]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 1|#22]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 2|#23]]
 <div class="list-header">v6:</div>
* [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|#24]]
* [[Chaos Part Two: Numbers|#26]]
* [[Chaos Part Three: Kings|#28]]
* [[Chaos Part Four|#30]]
* [[Chaos Epilogue|#31]]
 <div class="list-header">v7:</div>
* ''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]''
* [[Police Action: Part 1|#25]]
* [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|#27]]
* [[Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|#29]]
* ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]''
}}

{{quote|noquote=true|"It's been three years since the devastating events of ''All Hail Megatron''. The Earth has been rebuilt, the AUTOBOTS are in hiding, and the next great era in the Transformers saga is about to begin!"|'''IDW solicitation'''}}

==Overview==
{{ongoing}}
With their members running low on energon and slowly being captured by [[Skywatch]], tension is high amongst the [[Autobot]]s. After a rescue raid led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] results in [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s death, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] surrenders to Skywatch. Hot Rod takes the opportunity to try and leave the planet, and several others join him. Those who remain elect [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] as their new leader. Hot Rod's group is attacked by Decepticons who were left behind or who arrived on Earth after their main force left. However, they decide that fighting is senseless and agree to work together to try and escape from Earth. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrives to investigate the death of Ironhide and surrender of Optimus. More Autobots, fearing they will be arrested by Magnus, also go AWOL, but most of them are captured by Skywatch and used as a bargaining tool by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to force information out of Optimus Prime. Ultra Magnus decides to go after Hot Rod. [[Thundercracker (G1) |Thundercracker]], having been shot down by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|three years previously]], starts to develop admiration for Earth and its inhabitants. Meanwhile, Magnus arrives at Hot Rod's camp and attempts to capture [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], but is stopped by Hot Rod. He also fails in trying to get Hot Rod to disassemble the ship his party is building to get off Earth.

==Creative team==
The series is mainly written by [[Mike Costa]], who penned two of the stories in ''All Hail Megatron Coda''. Issues #22 and #23 will be written by [[James Roberts]], and 4-part "Chaos" arc (#24, #26, #28 and #30) will be co-credited to Costa and Roberts.

Line-art for the first 6-issue story-arc was provided by fan-favorite, [[Don Figueroa]], officially marking his return from Transformers hiatus. Don's art was modified somewhat to make the Transformers more technically complex (more like the [[live-action film series|movie 'bots]]) but still recognizable to their classic designs. [[James Brown]] provides colors. Alternate covers for issues 2–7 were by Transformers veteran [[Andrew Wildman]].

Volume 2 (issues 7–12) had a bit more variation. "-Ations" artist [[E. J. Su]] and [[Javier Saltares]] illustrated issues 7 and 8 respectively. ''All Hail Megatron'' artist [[Guido Guidi]] returned to draw the 4-part arc, ''International Incident'', running from issues 9–12.

Volume 3 started with [[Nick Roche]] drawing issue 13, while Figueroa returned, intending to illustrate the following arc, titled "Revenge of the Decepticons". Alternate covers for this were provided by Roche. However, Figueroa again stepped away from the comic due to a new job after #15, and was replaced by [[Alex Milne]] for the remainder of the arc (issues 16–18). Milne kept Don's designs, but tweaked them to his own style, and gave the faces a more traditional appearance.

Volumes 5 and 6 will also have a variety of artists. Issue 21 ("Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix") was drawn by Guido Guidi and [[Brendan Cahill]], while Milne will return for the 2-part "Chaos Theory" (issues 22 and 23). The 4-part "Chaos" (even-numbered issues 24–30) will be drawn by [[Livio Ramondelli]] and the 3-part "The Last Earth Story" (issues 25, 27 and 29) will by Brendan Cahill. "Chaos Epilogue" (issue 31) will be drawn by [[Casey Coller]] <ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=9451&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=135</ref>.

==Collections==
* ''The Transformers: Volume 1: For All Mankind'' ([[June 9]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600106846 / ISBN 978-1600106842
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from [[Don Figueroa]].

* ''The Transformers: Volume 2: International Incident'' ([[December 8]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600108040 / ISBN 978-1600108044
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from Don Figueroa.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 3: Revenge of the Decepticons'' ([[July 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1600109810 / ISBN 978-1600109812
:* Bonus material includes art from all covers, including design sketches from Don Figueroa and [[Marcelo Matere]].

* ''The Transformers: Volume 4: Heart of Darkness'' ([[September 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1613770510 / ISBN 978-1613770511
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 5: Chaos Theory'' ([[November 2]], [[2011]] ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613770901 / ISBN 978-1613770900
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 6: Police Action'' ([[February 21]], [[2012]], ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613771649 / ISBN 978-1613771648
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 7: Chaos'' ([[March 20]], [[2012]] ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613771401 / ISBN 978-1613771402
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

==Notes==
* In early November 2009, IDW released a three page preview of the first issue... from the ''end'' of the comic, instead of the front like they normally do. That's right, the company ''itself'' released major spoilers that blew the ending of the first issue. <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23587</ref> Head editor [[Andy Schmidt]] stated the reason for this was "we realized that we need to let people know why this book is important." <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23606</ref>

* ''The Transformers'' is constantly advertised as IDW's first ongoing ''Transformers'' comic series, which is weird considering that IDW stressed over and over after the release of [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]] that that was the start of an ongoing series and not just a miniseries.{{fact}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (IDW), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

Masters & Students

2011-11-15T14:30:38Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 6
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 5
|next=Scrapheap (episode)
|image=Masters&Students-SkyquakePrimefaceoff.jpg
|caption="One shall stand, one—" "Yeah yeah, 'one shall fall'. We've all heard it a million times now, Prime."
|title="Masters & Students"
|airdate=[[February 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[David Slack]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While Skyquake battles Optimus Prime, Starscream recovers the nearly dead Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Masters&Students-Nemesisbridgescreen.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Behold the functionality of our newest member: Jumbotron!"]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] reviews the footage of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s destruction and decides to make a rousing speech to the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troops. When one of the troops questions whether they have any chance of defeating the Autobots without Megatron, Starscream proclaims himself [[Emperor of Destruction]], but is disappointed with the less-than-enthusiastic response from his men. Starscream recalls that there is a [[Decepticon]] on the planet who is worthy to follow him.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] is unhappy about how their recent conflict turned out, as he had still hoped to convince Megatron that peace was possible. His conversation with [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] is interrupted by an explosion, but it's just [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]'s volcano—the kids are working on their science projects with the help of their guardian [[Autobot]]s. Ratchet's annoyed about the whole matter, but Optimus thinks it's a good opportunity to learn more about Earth.

Hanging out near a canyon in the desert, [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] detects one of the many warriors left on Earth aeons ago to protect the [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposits. He and Starscream head over to find the lost [[Decepticon]].

Raf and Bumblebee discuss 'Bee's lowly status in the Autobot army. Bumblebee aspires to become part of the warrior class, but Optimus says Bumblebee has much to learn before he can reach that rank. The base sensors detect the Decepticon activity in the desert, so Optimus decides to head out with Ratchet. Ratchet makes a quick excuse that he needs to help the kids with their projects, so Optimus takes Bumblebee instead.

[[Image:Masters&Students-Ratch-animator.jpg|thumb|right|250px|This is what happens when you give a giant alien robot sugar.]]
Starscream and Soundwave haul the warrior out of the ground and use an [[energon cube]] to revive him, revealing him to be none other than [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]. Skyquake announces he still serves Megatron, and he doesn't take kindly to Starscream declaring himself leader. They're interrupted by Optimus, who's familiar with Skyquake from the [[Battle of Technar]]. Optimus tries to talk peace, but Starscream will only agree to a truce if Optimus bows to him. Skyquake's patience has run out, and, knocking Starscream aside, he charges Optimus. Starscream retires to a nearby clifftop with Soundwave and muses that all Decepticons will follow him once Skyquake destroys Prime while under his command. Optimus and Skyquake trade fire, but Bumblebee decides to take the initiative and attacks Skyquake as well. Starscream orders Soundwave to record it all. Optimus observes that Skyquake hasn't yet taken on a [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]], so the two Autobots transform and fall back.

Meanwhile Ratchet is "helping" Raf build a volcano, in that's he's pretty much building it himself, and he intends to help Miko and Jack with their projects also.

Having lost sight of the combatants, Soundwave picks up a Decepticon signal from the location of the [[space bridge]] explosion. When he realizes that Soundwave means it's Megatron, Starscream tries to dismiss it as a false signal, but realizes he has to investigate it to keep up appearances. He leaves Soundwave, who surreptitiously dispatches the [[Deployer (Prime)|Minicon]] from his chest to follow his master.

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] investigates the communications coming from the area. He arrives on the scene just as Optimus and Bumblebee have managed to knock Skyquake down, and the Decepticon [[Scanning|scans]] his hi-tech jet. Taking to the air, Skyquake strafes the Autobots below, only for Fowler to attack him in turn. Skyquake fires some heat-seeking missiles at the human, who manages to evade them.

[[Image:Masters&Students-BeeQuake.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Well, look's like it's time to eject!" "Wait, what about me?!" "...bye!" *Skyquake crashes*]]

Starscream arrives at the space bridge debris and is disappointed to find Megatron floating in space. The Decepticon leader is barely sustained by a sliver of [[Dark Energon]], which Starscream rips from him. Starscream then spies Soundwave's drone and, realizing he's being watched, is forced to transport Megatron back to the sick bay on the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]''.

As the chase below continues, Bumblebee jumps onto Skyquake, who unsuccessfully tries to knock the Autobot off. Optimus asks for Fowler's help, as high above the desert, Bumblebee rips pieces out of Skyquake, sending the Decepticon into a crash dive. Fowler draws alongside so Bumblebee can jump aboard his jet before Skyquake crashes into the ground below. Optimus observes that had Skyquake chosen peace, they would not be burying him.

[[Image:Masters&Students-Megatronstasis.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Bendy straws slowly sucking the life out of him. Or bendy straws feeding him life. It's confusing.]]

Back at base, repairs on Bumblebee are complete, and Prime commends him on his performance. The kids arrive back with the news that Ratchet's science projects did not go down well; the Autobot Medic had built Miko a model of Cybertron rather then the solar system, Jack a flying saw, and Raf a volcano that blew a hole right through the school roof. Ratchet is disappointed.

On board the ''Nemesis'', the Decepticons have gotten Megatron into [[Stasis lock|stasis]], and Starscream ''sincerely'' hopes he gets better.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (4)
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)
*[[Science fair judge]] (16)

}}

==Quotes==
"If we failed to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?" 
"Ah, allow me to be crystal clear: I studied for millennia under our former master, thus I am ''equipped'' to lead you—I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream, [[Emperor of Destruction]]!" 
[''Vehicons murmur'']
:— The '''Vehicons''' find '''Starscream''' leaves a lot to be desired.

''[Holding up an exhaust pipe]'' "Maybe it needs one of these doohickeys..." 
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" 
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?"
:— '''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' attempt to build a motorcycle

"Well I'll be a bald eagle..."
:— '''Agent Fowler''', ever the patriot.

"Air superiority achieved!"
:— '''Skyquake''' does an impression of [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]].

"And this time...STAY DEAD!"
:— '''Starscream''' pulls off his most hardcore takeover attempt ever!

==Notes==
===Astronomical errors===
*The image displayed on Soundwave's monitor is presumably meant to be the [[Asteroid belt]], as the wreckage is too large to be that of the [[space bridge]]. However, the Asteroid belt lies outside [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], not Earth.

===Animation and technical errors===
* The copies of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]'' that Raf uses to make his paper mache volcano from are printed back-to-front, with the Sports section on the front and the masthead on the back. Since this happened again in "[[Deus ex Machina]]", maybe Jasper just really loves their sports?
[[Image:MastersandStudents-Skyquakeunderjet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Fowler's jet has this stuff too, but in gray.]]
*Fowler flies a jet without wearing a jumpsuit, helmet, or oxygen mask.
*Weirder still, Fowler's jet already has Skyquake's arms and legs attached as undercarriage. No wonder Skyquake wanted to scan it.
*Starscream finds Megatron in space because he hears Megatron gasping in pain. However, sound cannot travel in a vacuum. It could be excused as Megatron broadcasting via a radio transmission, but a short time later, Starscream is alerted to the presence of Soundwave's drone by the sound of it flying through space. Even more strange is that when Starscream talks in the explosion site, echoes can be heard.
*In the first shot when a Vehicon gets Starscream's attention during the latter's speech about the loss of Megatron, Starscream's image on the screen is seen turning in the opposite direction, as if giving his back to a camera. In the next sequence, the image on the screen is seen as if the camera were now at the same angle of the viewer.
* The close-up on Agent Fowler before Bumblebee jumps off his jet is the same used in the sequence where he says "I still got it", only mirrored.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus claims Skyquake can't transform because he hasn't scanned a vehicle mode yet, but why doesn't he still have a Cybertronian mode?
*Soundwave is on the ground when Skyquake awakens, but is suddenly on top of the canyon behind them when Starscream retreats.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream styles himself "[[Emperor of Destruction]]", the title used in the Japanese continuities for the leader of the Decepticons.
*As described in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'', Ratchet's model of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has [[Moonbase One|two]] [[Moonbase Two|moons]].
*This is not the [[Transport to Oblivion|first]] [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|time]] an incarnation of Megatron has survived a space bridge disaster.
*[[Furmanisms|"If Megatron could not conquer Earth, what chance do we have?"]]

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Meister und Schüler'''" ("Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 28|28 October]] [[2011]]
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seuseung gwa Jeja'''" (스승과 제자, "Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13|13 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masters&Students upcloseandpersonal.jpg|thumb|250px|Seriously, it's not like fans need encouragement at this point.]]
*Starscream is ''very'' touchy-feely with Megatron's body at the site of the explosion. The writers walked right into ''that'' slash plot.
*Skyquake is, up to this point, the only 'bot to have a hand-held gun, as everyone else has guns that are either equipped to their wrists or transformed from their hands.
*Fowler's first name is mentioned onscreen for the first time. It had previously been revealed in the credits for "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* This is the first episode in the series to use the full [[title sequence]].
*An Energon Cube appears in this episode

==Home video releases==
A DVD of "Masters & Students" will come with the entertainment pack containing figures of [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Masters and Students}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Rise, Part 1

2011-11-15T14:25:48Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 24
|prev=One Shall Fall
|next=One Shall Rise, Part 2
|image=OneShallRise1-UnicronstalksCybertron.jpg
|caption=
|title="One Shall Rise, Part 1"
|airdate=[[October 1]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]] and [[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''The Autobots discover that Dark Energon is responsible for an epidemic of natural disasters.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Dark Energon]] rains from the sky and [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] prepares to deliver a killing blow to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], a [[GroundBridge]] opens and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] tackles Megatron. While the big guy keeps Megatron busy, [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] pull Optimus through the GroundBridge. Arcee calls out to Bulkhead, who races back through the GroundBridge just before it closes. Megatron, left alone, realizes he now has all of the Dark Energon he needs.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Optimus is glad to see that [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is OK, but [[June Darby|June]] reminds him that Raf's lucky to be alive. The [[Autobot]]s discuss why so much Dark Energon is on [[Earth]], though Ratchet is skeptical that it's literally the blood of [[Unicron]]. Sick of the kids being endangered, June decides to take Raf to a real hospital, and announces she's taking the other kids as well, since they don't belong in the Autobots' war. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] refuses to go, and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] decides to stay too. June takes off in her car with Raf. No sooner has she left than [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] contacts the Autobots to report that earthquakes have occurred simultaneously worldwide, and other disasters are springing up as well.

[[Image:OneShallRise1-Bumblebeestorm.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Bumblebee keeps an eye out for flying cows.]]

As June drives away the base, lightning begins striking the ground near her car. She swerves to avoid it, and crashes into a power pole, though neither she nor Raf are hurt. The danger is not over, however, as a tornado begins bearing down on them. June tries to escape from it, but it begins to lift the car off the ground. Help arrives in the form of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]], who grabs the car's front end and prevents it from flying off into the storm, while Raf climbs onto him over the hood. There's a moment of alarm as the car is ripped away, but June manages to survive clinging to the hood which Bumblebee is still clutching. Bumblebee drives the relieved pair back to base.

Back at the volcano, the [[Decepticon]]s are busy gathering up Dark Energon and loading it aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]''. On the ship's bridge, Megatron is suddenly seized by a vision of the Earth exploding.

Bumblebee arrives back at base, and everyone's relieved to see Raf and June safe, though she grounds Jack. At roughly the same time, Fowler arrives to find out if the Autobots have made any progress in finding answers. Ratchet has traced the source of the earthquakes to the Earth's core, and when he plays the tiny tremors as sound, everyone present hears a heartbeat. Meanwhile, [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] plays the same sound to Megatron, who feels it resonating through his head.

Deep within the volcano, [[Unicron]] awakens.

Realizing that Unicron is at the Earth's core, Optimus explains to the humans present about the age-old war between [[Primus]] and Unicron, the creation of the [[Thirteen]], the [[Well of All Sparks]], and the defeat of Unicron. Fowler thinks they should find the hole Unicron crawled into the Earth through and fill it with explosives, but Optimus believes that the Earth formed around Unicron as he slept. Everyone wonders what will happen next.

[[Image:OneShallRise1-Unicronaudience.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Nobody summons Unicron!" "Then it pleases me to be the fir- [[The Transformers: The Movie|Oh, wait."]]]]

[[Airachnid]] reports that the ''Nemesis'' hold is full of Dark Energon. Megatron places her in command while he goes to talk to Unicron. As the ship moves away, Megatron flies down to the lip of the volcano and beseeches Unicron to speak to him. Unicron is unimpressed with Megatron and senses the taint of Primus. Unicron is shocked that the last of the Primes still lives and tells Megatron he'll deal with it himself.

Optimus scouts one of the locations where a quake has struck and confirms that, like the others, it's rich in metals. Ratchet warns him of an increase in spark activity, and a few moments later, Unicron himself appears to Optimus as a huge, stone being. Optimus asks Unicron to consider the many [[human]]s inhabiting Earth who rely on Unicron, but Unicron considers them parasites and opts to strike Optimus with lightning instead. Optimus retaliates, blasting Unicron until the stone golem falls and crumbles into the ground. Optimus has not won, however, as more Unicrons burst out of the ground all around him.

[[One Shall Rise, Part 2|To be continued...]]

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (6)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s (12)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Airachnid]] (14)
|c3=
*[[June Darby]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (10)
*[[William Fowler]] (11)
|c4=
*[[Unicron]] (15)
*[[Thirteen]] (16-28, flashback)
}}

==Quotes==
"The ‘Cons killed a [[unicorn]]?" ''(Awkward silence)'' "White horse with a horn on its head... prances around all sparkly?"
:—'''Miko''' makes the first canon Unicron/unicorn joke in twenty-five years.

"It deeply grieves me that I have failed. But I will do everything in my power to ensure that no harm comes to our human friends or any human ever again." 
"Optimus…they’re children. They do not belong in your world. They should be worrying about grades, prom dates, pimples—not their own survival!"
:—A spark-to-heart in which '''Optimus''' and '''June''' don't quite see eye-to-optic.

(To June) "You're not my mother." 
"Miko..." 
"Neither are you!"
:—'''Miko''', asserting her independence—again, and '''Bulkhead''', wondering why he got the difficult partner.

"Before the beginning...there was Primus. And there was Unicron. One, the incarnation of creation—the other...of destruction. For eons, Primus and Unicron battled, the balance of power shifting between them more times than could be counted. Only by creating the Thirteen—the original Primes who preceded me—was Primus finally able to defeat Unicron and cast him out. Primus became one with the very core of our planet, creating life through the Well of All Sparks, while Unicron was never to be heard from again...until now."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tells the tale.

"'''Silence, worm! I have no need of your lowly assistance.'''" 
"Please, my lord. I exist only to serve you." 
"'''What is this I sense? The taint of Primus? Here?!'''" 
"That is Optimus, the last of the Primes, our sworn enemy." 
"'''You profess loyalty to me, yet allow a disciple of Primus to live?!'''" 
"I will destroy him for you! His screams will be heard—" 
"'''I grow weary of your prattle. Surely if you had the power to destroy this Prime, you would have done so already. ''I'' will deal with him myself.'''"
:—Confronting '''Unicron''' himself, '''Megatron''' starts to feel a little like Starscream.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* A tornado with enough wind force to pull a car and the Autobot holding it should have sucked June and Raf in the second they exited the vehicle.

===Continuity notes===
* The blade that forms from Optimus's right arm remains broken in this episode, having been damaged by Megatron in "[[One Shall Fall]]".

===Transformers references===
[[Image:OneShallRise1-TheThirteen.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*[[Primus]] and his conflict with Unicron originated in [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]'s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Transformers comic]] way back in the 1980s.
*The Thirteen first came into Transformers lore in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]].
*The [[Well of All Sparks]], meanwhile, originated in Dreamwave's 2003 ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' miniseries.
*When the Decepticon miners harvest Dark Energon from the volcano, it appears that some of it has been cut into [[Energon cube|cubes]].
*This episode gives direct confirmation that the [[Core]] of Cybertron ''is'' Primus. Furthermore, the appearance of the Core shown in the episode is almost identical to its appearance in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]''.
* If you look hard enough, you can see [[Solus Prime|one]] of The Thirteen wielding [[Magnus Hammer|a familiar hammer]], [[Prima|one wielding]] [[Star Saber (Prima)|a huge sword]], one with [[Vector Prime|a dial on his chest]], [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|one with a familiar bearded face]], and one wearing [[Amalgamous Prime|a helmet with large horns]].
* Whilst pledging allegiance to him, Megatron proclaims himself as Unicron's "[[Herald of Unicron|Herald]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Yunikeuron ui Buhwal'''" (유니크론의 부활, "Return of Unicron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 15|15 November]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* This episode was initially intended to air on TeleToon on [[August 28]], 2011, but its broadcast was replaced at the last minute by a rerun of "[[Predatory]]". It aired in Singapore on [[September 29]], 2011.
* This episode's intro sequence is shorter than previous ones, skipping the shots of the kids with their respective partners.
* In a difference to the usual Primus/Unicron mythos, Unicron is shown physically stomping across Cybertron (and is later described as having shed his physical form completely) and Primus is said to have ''later'' become "one" with the planet as if it pre-exists him.
* The piece of music that plays during the scene with Jack's potential separation from Arcee is the one that can be heard back during the similar situations in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]" and "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".
* As the Autobots watch a news report of various catastrophes around the globe, the corner of the ticker running across the bottom of the screen displays mostly positive financial growth. Man, corporations ''are'' evil!
* As of this episode, June dubs Jack grounded until the age of twenty-five. Let's see how long that lasts.
*In his confrontation with Unicron, Optimus does not reveal his mask once. Perhaps he doesn't consider this a real battle for his life.
*We get to see twelve of the Thirteen. It's the first time we've seen this many of them assembled on television.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Fall

2011-11-15T14:24:54Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 23
|prev=Stronger, Faster
|next=One Shall Rise, Part 1
|image=OneShallFall-visionfulfilled.jpg
|caption=''Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword!''
|title="One Shall Fall"
|airdate=[[August 21]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''A prophecy predicts dark times ahead, which Megatron intends to see through.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OneShallFall-MegatronKnockOut.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Miiiight not be the best time to examine your manicure, Knock Out.]]

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] recites a passage from the [[Covenant of Primus]], foretelling that a perpetual conflict will culminate when the forty-seven spheres align. Despite the other [[Autobot]]s' lack of faith, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] realizes that the "world forged of chaos" referred to in the prophecy is [[Earth]]—and that the alignment will occur in a matter of days.

Aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] explains to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that he sought the [[Dark Energon|blood]] of [[Unicron]] so that he could conquer worlds with [[Terrorcon (Prime)|undead armies]]. Knock Out assures him that more Dark Energon awaits amongst the stars, but advises him not to push himself, since he was in stasis. Megatron then claims that he is the "rising darkness" of which the prophecy speaks.

[[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] find a picture of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] while searching a conspiracy website. Raf replaces the image with a dancing cat, which makes Ratchet laugh. Jack then invites Optimus to take a look, but is flatly denied. Ratchet then states that, before he became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Optimus behaved quite similarly to Jack. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] suddenly interrupts and reveals that the [[Decepticon]]s have been stealing components to build a second [[space bridge]]. Back aboard the ''Nemesis'', Knock Out and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] inform Megatron that the only item left on the list is an ample power source, which can be found in a heavily fortified human base. [[Airachnid]] could simply tunnel in, but Megatron rather angrily declares that the time for stealth is over, and he sends a massive squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to retrieve it. Optimus warns Fowler to have his troops evacuate, for fear of human casualties.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-BumblebeeRaf.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where is your BS&P now???]]

Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] arrive to fend off the Vehicons, and all goes well until Megatron himself heads out toward the battlefield. En route, he spots Bumblebee, who was taking Raf racing. Megatron opens fire, frying Bumblebee's systems and knocking Raf out cold. Megatron arrives at the base just as the Autobots disable the last of his drones, and he taunts Optimus as Bumblebee arrives whilst carrying a wounded Raf. Bulkhead restrains the enraged scout before Optimus orders Arcee to take him and Raf back to base. Megatron then ascends onto the ''Nemesis'' with the power source. Unbeknownst to Megatron, Optimus and Bulkhead climb aboard the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hull.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]], Ratchet panics that his tools are wrong for human examination, and Jack suggests that they call in [[June Darby|his mother]]. Meanwhile, Megatron has another vision in which he sees a [[Unicron|sinister face]] and a volcano. He then orders Knock Out and Airachnid to complete the space bridge, as there is something he must attend to. June arrives at the Autobot base and quickly unnerves Ratchet with the knowledge that Raf will die unless she can stabilize him immediately. Bumblebee vents his frustration on a nearby wall, but Arcee manages to calm him...a little. Ratchet regrets having not bothered to learn human science and medicine, despite accepting the children into their lives. He then states that he has grown to need Rafael, just as Raf needs him.

Bulkhead and Optimus storm the ''Nemesis'', and Optimus claims to have had a change of heart: He orders Bulkhead back to base with the power source, declaring that there is something he must do. He then muses grimly that he has realized that Autobots and Decepticons will never co-exist peacefully, and he vows to destroy Megatron.

As the planetary alignment nears, Megatron arrives at the volcano site, and Optimus uses a Vehicon comm link to challenge him. Optimus soon joins him at the base of the volcano, and the two exchange brief banter before engaging each other in fierce battle.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-PrimeMegatron.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Why throw away your life so recklessly?" "I keep [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|''trying'']] to, but Hasbro won't [[To sell toys|let me]] anymore!"]]

Meanwhile, Ratchet realizes that Raf has been infected with [[Dark Energon]] and theorizes that exposure to normal energon should cure him. He takes a sample from Bumblebee, placing Raf in a sealed chamber to test his theory as the others watch helplessly. Rafael soon opens his eyes, his pulse stabilizing.

Optimus appears to defeat Megatron and prepares to deal the final blow, but the Decepticon leader catches his sword with unusual strength as the volcano begins to erupt. Strange purple markings glow to life across his body, and he quickly overpowers Optimus. He realizes that the volcano is spewing forth Dark Energon, and he moves to kill Optimus, as he saw himself doing in a previous vision.

To be continued...

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (6)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (13)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Airachnid]] (12)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[William Fowler]] (10)
*[[June Darby]] (16)
|c4=
*[[Unicron]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"And it was written in the Covenant of Primus that 'when the 47 spheres align, a perpetual conflict will culminate upon a world forged from chaos. And the weak shall perish in the shadow of a rising darkness.'"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' recites a passage of ill tidings.

"Mars Cat says, 'Take me to your feeder!'"
:—'''Miko''' starts a new internet meme

"Um, Optimus! You wanna see something funny?" 
"No."
:—'''Jack''' learns of '''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s minimal sense of humor.

"Does he seem to be...'losing it'?" 
"A bit..."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Airachnid''' discuss Megatron's state of mind.

"I have been foolish not to see what history has proven over and over again...that Autobots and Decepticons will never mend their ways. If there can be no diplomatic solution to this perpetual conflict, then I must not allow more darkness to fall upon this or any planet. Megatron must be destroyed!"
:—It's about slaggin' time, '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your defeat was foreseen here by the ancients. What was it they wrote? 'The weak shall perish'?" 
"Do not believe everything you read."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''', unusually philosophical in the middle of a death match.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the flying Vehicons arrive to help retrieve the power source from the military base, the Vehicon ground units which stole it in the first place vanish.
* As Megatron extends his blade when Optimus leaps at him, the sound effect is that of his cannon firing.
* When Optimus tries to strike the finishing blow, he's standing on Megatron's chest. Once Megatron catches the blade, Optimus is standing much further back.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's jet-mode cannons score a direct hit on Bumblebee, yet do no apparent damage other than briefly stopping him. When Arcee was hit in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]", it nearly killed her. On a similar note, Bumblebee should have taken the brunt of the Dark Energon exposure, but only Raf shows any symptoms. Arcee was weakened by exposure to a few drops from [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s animated corpse in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]". However, Optimus tells Arcee to look after Raf AND Bumblebee; its likely that Bee's just being strong for his partner's sake.
*Bumblebee knows Raf is injured, so why does he drive nearly two miles (three clicks) to the battlefield instead of just calling for a [[GroundBridge]] immediately?
*Raf says he can't see without his glasses in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", but his first person shot is perfectly clear. This is a common thing for TV and movies, but still...

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron refers to his feeling by saying "it's as if" he can hear Unicron's thoughts, which he gibbered about back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
*The story revolves around the idea that Dark Energon is out in space, another "Darkness Rising" plot point. Turns out that it's not as far out as the characters think...
*Agent Fowler's men at first thought it was [[MECH]] who stole the phase conductor until they found the security image of Soundwave.
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] demonstrated that energon does not agree with human physiology in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]" and "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4|Part 4]]", which Ratchet confirms here. Apparently, Dark Energon has similar effects, but the two types cancel each other out (at least in a human).
*Arcee tells Bumblebee that she knows what it's like to see a partner <strike>killed</strike> harmed, referring to [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death at Airachnid's claws in "[[Predatory]]". Her general speech seems to call back to the lesson she learned at the end of "[[Partners]]". Ironically, Bumblebee was the one who prevented Arcee from giving into her desire for vengeance in that episode.
*Ratchet extracts energon from Bumblebee with the same device that he used to inject himself with synthetic energon in [[Stronger, Faster|the previous episode]].

===Transformers references===
[[Image:Tfprime23 unicron.jpg|right|thumb|Hey look, it's Unicron! Wait, why does he have Cyclonus's helmet horns?]]
* The [[Covenant of Primus]] first appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
* Megatron and Optimus punch each other in the style of the opening credits, only on opposite sides. This isn't [[Sick Mind|the first time]] the show has done this.
* Yeah, yeah, "[[The Transformers: The Movie|One shall stand, one shall fall]]." This is the third time in this series alone, following "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" and "[[Sick Mind]]", and that's not even including the title of THIS episode.
* Ratchet mentions that he has known Optimus for longer than any of the other Earth-stationed Autobots, even before he was a Prime. Taking the character's appearance in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' into account, this would be true, as Ratchet was under the direct command of Optimus prior to, and at the start of the game's storyline. In comparison, the first cutscene of the Autobot campaign showed Bumblebee's first meeting with Optimus, and whilst Arcee was in the game, she never personally interacted with Optimus during the story. Bulkhead was mentioned as having joined Optimus during a later period of time.
* Megatron refers to Optimus as "the last of the Primes". He was also called this by the head of the [[Autobot High Council]] in ''War for Cybertron'', upon his ascension to the rank of Prime. It is also a term used to refer to his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action film]] counterpart.
*Megatron breaks Prime's sword in the same way as in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]." Seriously, it's like they just reused the broken sword model or something. Except it got lodged in Prime's shoulder this time instead of flying off and sticking in the ground.

===Real-world references===
*The picture on the conspiracy website of a supposed alien looking through a window is a reference to the famed "Denver Alien" sighting where a man called Jeff Peckman claimed he filmed an extra-terrestrial outside of his home.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Godae ui Yeeon'''" (고대의 예언, "The Ancient Prophecy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 14|14 November]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* The episode was first broadcast on Canada's Teletoon channel. It later first aired in the United States on [[September 24]], [[2011]].
* At the beginning of the episode, as Megatron explains why he sought out the blood of Unicron, Knock Out totally checks out his "nails" in the background. How vain can you get?!
* Megatron laments that the only shard of Dark Energon he has is the one in his chest. It would seem that, despite his machinations being discovered, Starscream never gave Megatron's original shard back.
* Bulkhead states that he has never seen Optimus "laugh, cry or lose his cool". While it could just be an offhand expression, this inadvertently raises an interesting question as to whether Cybertronians actually have the ability to cry...[[Humanization#Crying|hmmmmmmmm]].
* Ratchet tells the kids that the title of Prime can only be earned, not inherited or born into. This is the inverse of what [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|a different Optimus]] told [[Megatron (Movie)|his archenemy]] in [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen|a different universe]].
* This is the first time in the series an Autobot weaponizes a part of their vehicle mode—in this case, Optimus's wheels on his legs.
*Ratchet actually LAUGHS in this episode, and at a cartoon space cat, of all things!

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Stronger, Faster

2011-11-15T14:23:48Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 22
|prev=T.M.I.
|next=One Shall Fall
|image=StrongerFaster-peekaboo.jpg
|caption=More alive.
|title="Stronger, Faster"
|airdate=[[August 14]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Mairghread Scott]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Ratchet 'finalizes' the synthetic energon formula and uses himself as a test subject, but it ends up having some negative side effects.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] checks out a sample of [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] he's created, watched by [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]. Approving the stability of the energon, Ratchet tries it on a test engine, and it works fine. Raf's keen to try it on [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]], but Ratchet says it'll require more testing first. Meanwhile, the base sensors pick up [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] movement, but before [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] gives the order to roll out, Ratchet warns him about the depleted state of their energon reserves. Once Prime's team departs, Ratchet has the idea to try the synthetic energon on himself. The injection causes him to lose consciousness, and Raf rouses him from lying on the floor shortly afterward. The synthetic energon appears to be a success, giving him more fuel efficiency and better motor functions.

[[Image:StrongerFaster-surrounded.jpg|left|thumb|300px|I need you to hurry up now, 'cause I can't wait much longer.]]

Meanwhile Prime's team chases [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] and [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] through an icy canyon. The Decepticons aren't in any hurry to bridge out, as they're trying to "help" the [[Autobot]]s run out of energon. Some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s flying overhead blast the sheer sides of canyon, causing a rock fall that blocks off the Autobots' path. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] manages to drive over it in her motorcycle mode, despite Prime's warnings, and races after the two Decepticons, only to be hit by missiles from the Vehicons. She is swiftly surrounded by Decepticons, and things look grim until Ratchet comes flying through the GroundBridge and begins laying into them with gusto. Knock Out and Breakdown assume that the Ratchet's a new Autobot, but are forced to retreat as Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and Bumblebee come into view, firing at them. Ratchet finishes off the last of the Vehicons, to stunned looks from his teammates.

Back at base, Ratchet reveals his secret to the other Autobots, but Optimus doesn't think it's a good idea to test the synthetic energon on Autobots, and he underlines the importance of Ratchet's job as medic. Some time later, Ratchet's retelling his fight to Bulkhead, and in demonstrating a move, manages to throw his fellow Autobot through a nearby wall. The other Autobots are startled at his new personality. Ratchet goes and injects more of the synthetic energon into himself. When the sensors light up once more, Prime prepares to roll out again, but Ratchet volunteers to go along.

[[Image:StrongerFaster-crouchbehindrock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Work it make it do it makes us.]]

As they head through a mountainous area, Ratchet moves ninja-style at the front of the team. They soon find some Vehicons and a [[Decepticon Miner|miner]] drilling into a rock face, and Ratchet immediately moves in. When the miner makes a run for it, Ratchet gives chase and knocks him down with a well-thrown rock. The other Autobots find Ratchet forcibly interrogating the miner with his blowtorch. Optimus stops him from finishing off the prisoner and begins to lecture him on doing harm where none is necessary, but Ratchet is agitated, believing they should be more proactive. As the argument heats up, Ratchet even manages to antagonize Arcee by bringing up [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]], and Prime decides to confine Ratchet to base. Though Ratchet appears to go calmly through the GroundBridge, moments later, he charges back out, flattening Bulkhead and racing off. Prime's team returns to base, but is unable to get a fix on Ratchet's signal.

In a Decepticon energon mine, Breakdown is chatting with a miner when Ratchet walks into the cavern. Elsewhere, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] shouts at Knock Out for not finding a new energon source, but they're interrupted by Ratchet dropping Breakdown on the floor. Megatron scoffs at the newcomer, until a punch from Ratchet sends him flying. However, Megatron is made of sterner stuff, and he gives Ratchet a savage injury, telling Knock Out to take a sample of the resultant leaking fluids so they can find out how Ratchet got so amped up.

[[Image:StrongerFaster-KnockOutMegatronRatchet.jpg|left|thumb|300px|That that that that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger.]]

On the bright side, as the synthetic energon drains out, Ratchet is rendered visible to the sensors in the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], and Optimus, Arcee and Bulkhead use the GroundBridge to attack the mine.

Knock Out completes taking his sample and moves in to finish Ratchet off with his circular saw. When the sound of approaching fighting distracts the Decepticon, Ratchet takes the opportunity to fight back, resulting in Knock Out's saw getting stuck in the wall. Ratchet promptly grabs the synthetic energon sample and smashes it. Knock Out is outraged, but once more has to retreat as the other Autobots arrive.

Ratchet is hooked up to a drip back at base, and he apologizes for his behavior. Optimus points out the new supply of energon they got from the mine, and Ratchet promises to do more testing on the synthetic stuff before using it on Autobots again. Optimus is just thankful they destroyed Knock Out's sample, unaware of the fact that back at the mine, Knock Out has found a single drop of synthetic energon.

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (8) (flashback)
|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (7)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (9)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (10)
*[[Decepticon Miner]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (12)
|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (2)

}}

==Quotes==

"HOOAAH!"
:—'''Ratchet''' gets a new catchphrase. He needed that.

'''Ratchet:''' (''clicks as he walks by'') How's it hummin'? 
'''Arcee:''' ... Did he just? 
'''Bulkhead:''' Stronger, faster, studlier.
:—Yeah, he did.

"It's all right! I'm an emergency vehicle!"
:—'''Ratchet''', engaging the Decepticons.

'''Optimus Prime:''' "A direct assault on the Decepticons would only provoke retaliation...and lead to incalculable losses. I will not endanger innocent human lives." 
'''Ratchet:''' "Yet you seem to have no problem endangering ours! Just ask Cliffjumper! Oh, I forgot! He couldn't be here today!" 
'''Arcee:''' "That's it!" (''Runs toward Ratchet, but Bulkhead holds her back.'') 
'''Ratchet:''' "You know your problem, Optimus? For such a big, strong 'Bot...you're soft. You didn't pound Megatron into scrap when you had the chance! Many chances, in fact!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Arcee''' quickly become victims of Ratchet's new personality.

'''Megatron:''' (''speaking to Knock Out'') That is your fearsome new adversary? (''Chuckles'') He's Optimus Prime's medic! 
'''Ratchet:''' (''speaking to Megatron'') Oh no, '''Megatron''', I am your doctor of doom! 
:—'''Ratchet''' capitalizes on his newly found badass-ness

"Yeah, she's kinda domineering and the extra arms are weird, but... I find myself intrigued by her."
:—'''Breakdown''' chats to a Vehicon about his crush on [[Airachnid]].

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*After Arcee continues to chase down Knock Out and Breakdown, air-support arrives. However, when they shoot Arcee, Knock Out and Breakdown have vanished from in front of her. Furthermore, when the other Autobots finally climb over the rock pile to help Arcee, she is only a few yards from the pile, whereas she should be several miles away.
*Bumblebee is shown returning with the other Autobots despite staying at base to operate the GroundBridge.
*The sample of synthetic energon Knock Out was holding was only about half full, but when Ratchet picked it up, it was completely full.
*Just before destroying the cylinder of synthetic energon, Ratchet's wound is not shown to be leaking. Mere moments after he's hit the ground, another puddle of energon has formed beneath him.
*Breakdown is knocked out by Ratchet just before he engages Megatron. When the Autobots show up at the end, however, Breakdown has vanished and he isn't shown fleeing with Knock Out.

===Other errors===
*Ratchet jumps onto and leaps off of a tree branch which seems totally capable of supporting all the weight of an SUV landing on top of it with all that force, then leaping off. Not so much as a wood chip or crack to be seen - though it does creak audibly.
*When Ratchet first injects himself, he drops the glass cylinder and it shatters on the ground. Later, when Knockout collects a sample of the synthetic energon in a nearly identical cylinder, and Ratchet kicks it out of his hands, the cylinder flies ''across the entire room'' and lands without breaking. Then Ratchet throws it against a rock wall in the same room and it breaks instantly.
*When Arcee is hurt, she obviously couldn't move her leg, but when she walks through the GroundBridge she is magically healed.

===Continuity notes===
* The synthetic energon created in the episode is derived from the formula transcribed by Bulkhead in [[T.M.I.|the previous episode]].
* Ratchet's description of the Autobots having fought numerous battles recently is accompanied by flashbacks to various battles from the "[[Darkness Rising]]" five-part pilot among others, including "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and "[[Partners]]".
* The engine Ratchet uses to test the synthetic energon is a larger version of the device Ratchet built for [[Jack Darby|Jack's]] science project in "[[Masters & Students]]".
* Knock Out confuses Ratchet for a "new" Autobot. Which makes sense, since he hasn't encountered him before. Ratchet was with the other Autobots when they charged in to rescue Bulkhead from Starscream and Breakdown in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]", but it's entirely possible that Breakdown simply didn't see him, since he was focused on escaping and missing an eye at the time.

===Real-world references===
* Given that the plot centres on the idea of artificial enhancement, this episode's title is almost certainly a reference to the opening of the 1974 ''[[wikipedia:The Six Million Dollar Man|Six Million Dollar Man]]'' series, which promised a cybernetic secret agent who was "Better, stronger, faster."
** That said, there's also the possibility it could be a reference to the original [[Action Master]]s [[commercial/Generation 1#1990|commercial]], in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] described the new breed of Transformer as "Stronger, faster, more alive!"
** And we guess we wouldn't ''totally'' rule out the notion that it refers to ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' director/producer [[Wikipedia:George Lucas|George Lucas]]'s desire for his actors to be "Stronger, faster— more intense!", or Daft Punk's 2009 [[Wikipedia:Grammy|Grammy]] winning song ''Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger''.
* It's also the same plot as about a billion after-school specials on the dangers of drugs.
* Ratchet referred to himself as Megatron's "[[Doctor Doom|Doctor of Doom]]." This goes without saying.
* Ratchet dabbling with a green liquid 'enhancement' is reminiscent of Jeffery Combs in ''Re-Animator''.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hapseong Eneojon'''" (합성 에너존, "Synthetic Energon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8|8 November]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*The episode was first broadcast on Canada's Teletoon channel. It later first aired in the United States on [[September 17]], [[2011]].
*You can just barely see it, but when Ratchet transforms to attack the Decepticon miners, his license plate is 443 EPQ.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

T.M.I.

2011-11-15T14:22:45Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 21
|prev=Partners
|next=Stronger, Faster
|image=TMI-Mikojogsmemories.jpg
|caption=
|title="T.M.I."
|airdate=[[August 7]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Bulkhead absorbs a data cylinder that greatly increases his intelligence, but is also destroying him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] are enjoying a monster truck rally on the [[television|TV]], much to [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]]'s annoyance. Ratchet thinks they shouldn't be watching it, and that Bulkhead would be better off helping [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]]'s mission to retrieve a [[Cybertronian data cylinder]]. He interrupts their monster truck footage to explain how the cylinders were created during [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Golden Age]] and hidden throughout the galaxy after the war broke out. Bulkhead and Miko are bored by it all, but Optimus contacts base to ask for backup, which is Bulkhead's cue to head for the field. Ratchet hands Miko a mop, and she's so enthusiastic about having to clean up that she drops it and runs through the [[GroundBridge]] after Bulkhead.

[[Image:TMI-datacylinder.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]

On the battlefield, she finds the 'Bots battling [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] and a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]. Immediately, she runs into trouble, as a Vehicon Bulkhead is punching staggers back towards her. She takes cover behind a pile of rock, before spotting the cylinder sitting nearby. While everyone fights, Miko runs over to the cylinder and phones Ratchet. Ratchet tries providing a GroundBridge, but Miko can't give him precise enough coordinates to grab the cylinder. She tries pushing the device towards the GroundBridge and even kicking it, but all that succeeds in doing is activating the cylinder. At that moment, Bulkhead spots her and runs over, only to trip and take the cylinder's charge in the forehead. With Bulkhead temporarily out, Knock Out grabs the cylinder and the Decepticons split. Moments later, Bulkhead is back on his feet, apparently none the worse for wear.

Bulkhead undergoes a medical check back at base, but insists he's fine. Ratchet tells him to help Miko tidy up. After announcing Ratchet is "null vector squared", Bulkhead wonders if they have any paint.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' in orbit, the Decepticons have discovered that the cylinder is empty. They quickly realize the energy from the device has ended up in Bulkhead.

Miko draws Ratchet's attention to what Bulkhead is painting, which Ratchet finds is a scientific formula. After another scan, Ratchet locates the cylinder's energy in Bulkhead's head. They determine that the device interpreted Miko's kick as an attack and ejected the data into Bulkhead, and the equations Bulkhead's been writing down are for synthetic [[energon (fuel)|energon]]. The Autobots are excited and collect the equations as Bulkhead writes them. Miko quickly becomes bored and wants to draw Bulkhead away from his work. Ratchet has grave news, however—the data is slowly consuming Bulkhead's mind, and by the time the formula is complete, Bulkhead's mind may be gone altogether. The other Autobots believe they might be able to get the data back into the cylinder. Miko gets out her guitar to try and distract Bulkhead, but when he doesn't recognize Ratchet's name, she figures something's up and goes to Ratchet to get the truth.

Knock Out reports that they've detected the cylinder's energy signature, and [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] decides to go himself to avoid any more failures. Rather than Bulkhead, he and the Vehicons find Optimus, [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]. Optimus has a deal for him: If Megatron gives them the cylinder, Optimus will return it to him restored with energy.

Miko talks to Bulkhead, but he's becoming increasingly unresponsive and fails to recall her name when she asks if he remembers it. Finally, she steals his mop brush and leads him through the GroundBridge.

Megatron is thinking on Optimus's proposal when he's contacted by Knock Out, who has detected Bulkhead's energy signature. Megatron orders him to retrieve the Autobot's head.

[[Image:TMI-KnockOutpainted.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]

At the monster truck race track, Miko attempts to jog Bulkhead's memory, but he's too busy painting the formula on the wall to take any notice of her. Her sorrow is interrupted by Knock Out and Breakdown, so she manages to persuade Bulkhead to follow her and hide among the monster trucks.

On hearing they've caught up with Bulkhead, Megatron sics the Vehicons on Optimus's team.

Miko tries to find somewhere outside the Decepticon jamming range so she can use [[Miko's phone|her phone]]. Knock Out and Breakdown search for Bulkhead, until Knock Out uses a tracking device to find the Autobot. Bulkhead transforms and scrawls a glyph on Knock Out's chest, but before the outraged Decepticon can do anything, Breakdown renders Bulkhead unconscious. Knock Out then prepares to remove Bulkhead's head.

The Autobots finish off the Vehicons, only for Megatron to simply crush the cylinder and fly off. Ratchet reports that Bulkhead and Miko have left the base.

Miko takes a swing at Knock Out with the mop, but misses and falls against Bulkhead. The cylinder energy promptly triggers, firing off into the sky. Knock Out checks Bulkhead and finds the energy is gone. Infuriated, he and Breakdown are ready to take some revenge, but are forced to retreat when the other Autobots GroundBridge in.

The Autobots return Bulkhead's comatose body back to base, where Miko tearfully blames herself for his condition. Ratchet suggests that it's too early to tell how long Bulkhead might remain like that and anything could trigger his awakening, and so Miko decides to try her guitar. After she strums a chord, Bulkhead stirs and wakes up, back to normal.

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (9)
|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (6)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (8)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)

}}

==Quotes==
'''Bulkhead''': Hey, Ratch, check out the monster truck rally Miko took me to last week. 
'''Miko''': I compiled some highlights with my cellphone. 
'''Ratchet''': Innocent vehicles battling for the entertainment of human spectators? (''shudders'') Bloodsport! 
'''Bulkhead''' and '''Miko''': Yeah!
:—Ratchet disapproves of Bulkhead and Miko's taste in sports.

"That's not art - It's SCIENCE!"
:—'''Ratchet''' approves of Bulkhead's (lack of) taste in art.

"Come to papa." 
(''Bulkhead knocks him away'') "Run to mommy!" 
(''Breakdown grabs Bulkhead from behind'') "Say uncle!" 
:—'''Knock Out''', '''Bulkhead''', and '''Breakdown''' continue with humorous mid-battle banter.

"How about our Sunday morning dune-bashings? Rocking out to [[Slash Monkey]]? Helping me with my homework? Trick question! You know I don't do homework...''don't you?''" 
:—'''Miko''' is at least more subtle in her remember-who-you are monologue [[Out of His Head|than Raf was.]]

"You...''painted'' my paint job! Prepare for ''surgery''!" 
:—'''Knock Out''' really needs to sort out his priorities.

"Because the energy took Bulkhead's mind with it. Heavenward. Lost to the stars. It's my fault you'll never know the rest of the formula, and it's my fault Bulkhead's gone forever."
:—'''Miko''' pulls an Optimus on us.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* The Vehicons that the Autobots are fighting in the beginning of the episode are clearly ground units, but magically become flying units when it comes time to retreat.

===Continuity notes===
* Miko recalls the story of [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] throwing a grenade into a Decepticon heat exchanger which Bulkhead told her back in "[[Con Job]]", and shows Bulkhead a picture of him with Wheeljack from the same episode.

===Continuity errors===

* Did Knock Out and Breakdown not already know Bulkhead's vehicle mode?
* If Megatron thought that the Autobots have Starscream in their custody at the end of "[[Partners]]", why didn't he question them about him?

===Transformers references===
* The Monster Truck announcer declares the trucks "the baddest [[Beast Machines (franchise)|beast machines]] on the planet."
* Bulkhead's method of painting to record the formula is a possible reference to ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]].
* Bulkhead's painting and rambling also seem to be a reference to [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]]'s similar behavior in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' after getting zapped by the [[AllSpark#Revenge of the Fallen film|AllSpark]] shard.
* During his rambling, Bulkhead mentions [[Perceptor (Prime)|Perceptor]].
*Optimus mentions the "no matter the cost" line, just like his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]].

===Real-world references===

* Bulkhead's technobabble is not gibberish. Much of it is real, present-day scientific and mathematical terms, though not arranged coherently.
* Amongst Bulkhead's babblings is "the differential of one-third r cubed is r-dr-r," a gag lifted right out of the classic ''[[Wikipedia:The Simpsons|Simpsons]]'' episode, "[[wikipedia:Bart the Genius|Bart the Genius]]". Har-de-har-har!
* Bulkhead also refers to "Clank's law", a Transformery take on [[wikipedia:Planck's law|Planck's law]] (a mathematical law relating to the energy emission of [[black body|black bodies]]).

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gieok Sangsil'''" (기억 상실, "Amnesia")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*The episode was first broadcast on [[Canada]]'s [http://www.teletoon.com Teletoon] channel. As none of the listings mentioned the episode title, and ''Prime'' episodes lack an on-screen title, the name of the episode was originally a mystery. Its name was revealed about a week later on [http://affiliate.zap2it.com/tv/transformers-prime-tmi/EP013408350023 Zap2it]'s website. It would air in the United States on [[September 10]], [[2011]].
*Miko once again charges into situations that get both her and Bulkhead in trouble. You'd think she'd have learned by now. Or that the Autobots would've put up a barrier to stop her from using the Bridge to her whims.

[[Category:Prime episodes|Tmi]]

Partners (Prime)

2011-11-15T14:21:55Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 20
|prev=Rock Bottom
|next=T.M.I.
|image=Partners-ScreamPrisoner.jpg
|caption="What do you mean, Frenzy isn't red?!"
|title="Partners"
|airdate=[[July 23]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Mike Johnson]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The team is surprised to learn that Starscream wants to become an Autobot.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Partners1_Airachnid_Megs.jpg|250px|thumb|left|"Airachnid, fetch me my [[Rubber Ducky|rubber ducky!]]"]]
Aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] confesses his sins before [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] and claims to have made peace with his position as second-in-command. He goes to the bridge where [[Airachnid]] is telling [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] about one of his indiscretions, a failure to disclose the location of the crash site of the ''[[Harbinger]]'', a Decepticon transport ship that crashed on Earth while containing an experimental weapon. Megatron orders him to lead Airachnid to the crash site to retrieve the weapon.

[[Image:Partners2_Arcee_talk_to_rock.jpg‎|250px|thumb|right|It's like talking to Soundwave.]]
[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] stands at [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s graveside and talks to her old partner, promising to find the Decepticon responsible for his death.

Starscream and Airachnid reach the ''Harbinger'' crash site, but Airachnid is deliberately cagey about what the weapon is they're looking for. She's impressed by the fact that Starscream was the one who terminated Cliffjumper, but reveals she knows about the fact that Megatron was planning to terminate him at the [[Stripped energon mine|energon mine]]. They burrow their way down to the buried wreck, and Airachnid accesses the ship computer to find the location of the cargo. Starscream warns that the signal might alert the Autobots.

Indeed, at that moment [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] alerts [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] that the base sensors have detected an ancient Decepticon signal.

Airachnid finds that corridor to the weapon ends in a stone wall. The ship broke in half before crashing, and the weapon is in the other half of the ship. Starscream won't tell her where the other half is, so she binds him in a web, and threatens him until he blabs. She leaves him there with the suggestion that she ''might'' come back, but runs into the Autobots in a corridor. Forced to double back, she drills her way through the ground, and is followed by Arcee, much to Optimus's concern. On the surface, Airachnid swiftly gets the better of Arcee, but Prime's arrival forces Airachnid to retreat in 'copter mode. Optimus reminds Arcee that trying to seek revenge for [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death isn't a good idea. [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] resurface with Starscream as a captive, and they're all surprised when the Decepticon says he wants to switch sides. Optimus, Arcee, and Bulkhead have a brief discussion and decide to take Starscream along, for now.
[[Image:Partners3_Starscream_Airachnid.jpg‎‎|250px|thumb|left|And the fangirls go wild.]]

Airachnid finds the other half of the ''Harbinger'' and pulls the experimental weapon, a staff, from its container.

The Autobots arrive at the stone arch. Optimus believes they should seriously consider letting Starscream join the team because allowing the Decepticons redemption will be important to establishing peace. He leaves Arcee guarding Starscream, and takes Bumblebee and Bulkhead to find the ship. As Prime's team approaches the ''Harbinger'', Airachnid begins opening fire with the staff, a weapon named the [[Immobilizer]], and freezes Bulkhead in place.

Starscream tries to convince Arcee that he's safe to let go, but inadvertently lets Arcee know that he was the one who killed Cliffjumper. He frantically attempts to convince her that is was a mercy killing, but Arcee doesn't buy it. She throws down the key to the cuffs so he can free himself and make it a fair fight, but he tricks her into getting close enough that he can wound her with his claws.

Optimus and Bumblebee take cover behind a rock, but Airachnid burrows underground, coming up behind them and zapping Prime. Bumblebee starts exchanging fire with the Decepticon.

As Arcee and Starscream fight, Starscream taunts her by asking if Tailgate was weak like Cliffjumper.

Airachnid gloats over her new trophies, but the dust kicked up by Airachnid's weapon strikes on a nearby rock gives Bumblebee an idea. He blasts the rock face some more, kicking up a thick cloud of dust. Airachnid sweeps the cloud with the Immobilizer, and when the cloud clears, Bumblebee stands motionless. While Airachnid goes back to talking to Prime, Bumblebee sneaks up behind her and sucker punches her. As the Immobilizer is thrown into the air, Bumblebee shoots it and it shatters. Airachnid flees under fire from Bumblebee.

Starscream gets the upper hand in his fight against Arcee, kicking her around brutally. As he moves in to finish her off, she reveals she's been playing possum, and delivers a series of blows that brings him down. Arcee has her blades at Starscream's throat, ready to kill him, when she realizes that they're being watched by Bumblebee. She lets Starscream limp away and collapses.
[[Image:Partners4_Arcee_Starscream_fight.jpg‎|250px|thumb|right|"You can trust this face, can't you?"]]

Back on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron is not happy at all with Airachnid, not because she failed to retrieve the Immobilizer, but because she left Starscream in the hands of the Autobots.

At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], Ratchet has repaired the Immobilizer and used it to unfreeze Optimus and Bulkhead. Arcee has also been repaired, but blames herself for chasing away Starscream.

Elsewhere, Starscream bashes his clamp bonds against a rock wall, shattering them. He realizes that he is now an independent, beholden to no one and flies off to consider his next move.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] (11, flashback)
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (12, flashback)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (3)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Airachnid]] (5)

|c3=

|c4=

}}

==Quotes==
"I have been a fool. Made mistakes. Monumental ones. I now realize I was never destined to be leader, or even an equal partner. And, I am at peace with that. I have gained a clear understanding of my place in the universe. Of who I am. Of who I was always meant to be. Starscream: second in command, humble servant to Lord Megatron. Thank you for listening, Soundwave."
:—'''Starscream''' speaks before Soundwave. Like talking to a brick wall.

"Hey partner, heck of a view you got up here. If there's even a small chance your spark is out there listening, well, we could really use you, Cliff. Seems like everyday another Decepticon arrives on the scene. We're outnumbered and outgunned. Yeah, I know what you'd say: 'Sounds like a fair fight.' And if that's the world we live in, so be it. I just want you to know I haven't given up. I'm going to find the Con who took you from us."
:—'''Arcee''' visiting Cliffjumper's grave and foreshadowing all at the same time. Multi-tasking.

"Oh you would do well to respect me, Airachnid. Before I joined Megatron, I was Air Commander of a squadron of Energon Seekers." 
"On Cybertron, and how many eons ago was that?"
:—'''Starscream''' tries to be hot, and gets burned by '''Airachnid'''

"Freeze!"
:—'''Airachnid''', a bug with a pun.

"Airachnid...what I wouldn't do to get my hands around her wretched throat." 
"So we can agree on one thing." 
"Oh, you have no idea. She showed up one day, and the next thing you know, she's acting like she runs the place. She whispered lies into Megatron's ear, maneuvered to remove me of my rightful place." 
"Well...she terminated my partner." 
"What?! She's taking credit for scrapping him now too?! That was my doing!" 
"What? You weren't there." 
"Uh, of course I wasn't. I don't know what I was thinking." 
"Who are you talking about?" 
"No one. Who are you talking about?" 
"Tailgate." 
"Who's Tailgate?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Arcee''' compare stories on Airachnid, only for Starscream to let slip about Cliffjumper.

"You left Starscream with the Autobots?! Do you have any notion of the consequences of your blunder?!" 
"But, my lordship! It was Starscream's incompetence that cost us the Immobilizer!" 
"I don't care about some trinket! My second-in-command is a prisoner of the enemy! Which means all Decepticon intelligence could be at the fingertips of the Autobots!"
:—'''Megatron''' rages while '''Airachnid''' watches her chances of being his new BFF vanish.

"It is the external wounds which heal the quickest." 
"I thought settling scores would allow me to move on.... Instead, I chased away our hope of winning this war anytime soon." 
"Wisdom cannot be granted, Arcee. It must be earned, sometimes at a cost."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Arcee''' on being the better 'bot.

"I have been a fool. Made mistakes. Monumental ones. But I have gained a clear understanding of my place in the universe. Of who I am. Starscream: aligned with no side, servant to no one."
:—'''Starscream''' goes rogue on us. [[Starscream (G1)|What]] [[Starscream_(Armada)|a]] [[Starscream (Animated)|shock]].

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Airachnid freezes Prime, his battle mask is drawn back. Next scene, he has it out again.
* When begging for mercy as Arcee pins him to the ground, Starscream's eyes (save for the pupils) are completely red (well, actually, just a bit pinkish, even). It does make him look even more scared, though. Until his next scene, when they're still like that.
* When Starscream and Airachnid are arguing in the crashed ship a piece of Starscreams shoulder goes through his chest.

===Continuity notes===
*Airachnid rejoined the Decepticons after the events of "[[Metal Attraction]]". Good thing that magnetism wore off.
*Starscream recalls how he did away with Cliffjumper in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]". And gloats about it too.
*Arcee confirms Megatron's attempt to kill Starscream from "[[Rock Bottom]]".
*Tailgate's death is brought up. His death was originally shown via flashback in "[[Predatory]]".
*Optimus has replaced the [[trailer]] blown up by [[MECH]] in "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]" with an identical looking one.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream claims his previous rank used to be the "[[Air Commander]]" of [[energon (fuel)|Energon]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. "Energon Seeker" is the [[Scientist (WFC)|Scientist]] chassis used by Starscream in the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' game.
*The [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]] is a weapon previously used by Decepticons, as well as the name for the [[The Immobilizer|episode]] it is featured in. Sadly, unlike the original Immobilizer, it was not invented by [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]].
*Bulkhead sarcastically refers to "lobbing with [[The Fallen]]". Lobbing was the game he played with Wheeljack during the latter's brief visit to Earth.

===Real-world references===
*In another example of Starscream using human expressions, after listing his grievances with the Decepticons, he offers to "rat them out".
*"Be still, my beating [[Spark]]" is a variation of the human phrase "Be still, my beating heart", which is most often recited after seeing one's romantic interest.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Alssi ui Boksu'''" (알씨의 복수, "Arcee's Revenge")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 1|1 November]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*This episode was dedicated to Captain H. L. "Larry" Cullen, [[Peter Cullen]]'s older brother, who served as a United States Marine in Vietnam and was the primary inspiration for Optimus Prime's voice. He died aged 70 on [[March 25]], 2011, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on July 21, two days before the episode's broadcast.<ref>[http://www.legacy.com/can-montreal/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=152438186 ''Montreal Gazette'' obituary for H. L. "Larry" Cullen.]</ref>
*This is the first episode to not feature, or even include, humans.
*This is the first time in this series—and one of very few instances in the entire history of the franchise—when a character's thoughts are heard out-loud.
*This episode also deals with something that is often not addressed throughout the franchise: Starscream, for all his weaknesses and flaws throughout his various incarnations, is a very important part of the Decepticon war machine. Megatron is more furious at Starscream's (believed) capture than he is at the loss of a powerful weapon like the Immobilizer (which he dismisses as 'some trinket').
*Ratchet gains yet another Decepticon weapon to study in this episode. Maybe he'll bring one into battle sometime soon?

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Rock Bottom

2011-11-15T14:20:29Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 19
|prev=Metal Attraction
|next=Partners
|image=RockBottom-energonmine.jpg‎
|caption=That's Rock Bottom.
|title="Rock Bottom"
|airdate=[[July 16]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Tim Jones]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots, Jack and Miko find themselves trapped inside a cave with Megatron and Starscream.'''

==Synopsis==
Waiting outside [[Stripped energon mine|a mine]] opening, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] complains loudly to [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that she'd rather be at the [[Slash Monkey]] metal concert she's been looking forward to. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] emerge from the entrance, confused that the mine seems to be stripped, yet there's an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] signal coming from inside. While they're still discussing the conundrum, Miko runs into the mine to take a look, resulting in Bulkhead chasing her in and Jack persuading Arcee to let him go in as well. Moments after they step inside, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] land at the mine entrance. Starscream is confused as to why have they come to an exhausted mine, but Megatron leads the way inside.

Bulkhead finds Miko testing the acoustics in a cavern. While she's whooping and yelling, Bulkhead's detector bleeps, and he attempts to contact Arcee. The comms, however, are useless due to interference from the rock surrounding them. Bulkhead decides to get a sample for [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and begins breaking pieces off the rock he's found.

[[Image:RockBottom-Starscreamprays.jpg‎|250px|thumb|left|When this life makes you mad enough to kill.]]

Megatron and Starscream find [[Decepticon]] mining equipment. Starscream tries to blame its presence on an error by [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]], but Megatron plucks a chunk of energon from the wall and explains that he's been keeping up with Starscream's many plottings, thanks to Soundwave's spying. He's let Starscream continue until now for his own amusement, but enough's enough. Starscream pleads for his life...and it's this scene that Jack and Arcee stumble on. Megatron begins firing on the two newcomers and Starscream sees his chance to try to escape. Enraged, Megatron fires after him. Arcee takes advantage of Megatron's distraction and fires, causing him to discharge his [[fusion cannon]] into the ceiling, which gives way. Massive rocks fall on Megatron, causing the floor to start caving in as well, and both Arcee and Jack fall into a swiftly widening hole.

[[Image:RockBottom-Bulkheadpassion.jpg‎|250px|thumb|When you want something bad enough to steal.]]

In the cavern, Bulkhead protects Miko from the falling rocks.

Starscream, speeding through the mine in his jet mode, is hit by rocks and can only cry out as the tunnel to the mine entrance collapses.

In the aftermath, Jack struggles up to find himself alone in the cave and goes searching for the others.

Miko likewise picks herself up to find Bulkhead holding up a huge chunk of the ceiling from caving in on them. They have no idea as to what caused the cave-in, but Miko starts trying to clear the rocks away so they can get out.

Starscream pulls himself free of the mine and into the open air. He experiences a brief moment of triumph before realizing that Megatron has survived worse and if he doesn't make some attempt to rescue his leader, the other Decepticons surely will, which will mean problems for Starscream in the long run. Besides, he can take the credit if he succeeds.

Still searching, Jack stumbles upon one of the Decepticon mining drills.

As night falls outside, Miko is tiring from her work. Bulkhead points out there's limited oxygen, and she's using it faster by exerting herself. Despite Miko saying she has to get Bulkhead out, he says he's fine, though his creaking servos tell a different story.

Jack gets the mining drill working and begins guiding it to find the others.

Bulkhead and Miko hear drilling. Miko yells out weakly, and Bulkhead tells her to hit his foot with a rock to make a noise.

[[Image:RockBottom-Megstrapped.jpg|thumb|250px|left|When you feel like you have had it up to here.]]

Elsewhere, Jack uses the drill to clear a path only to uncover Megatron's face, the rest of him still pinned by fallen rock. Megatron suggests that Jack use the drill to finish him, but Jack doesn't believe [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] would want Megatron finished that way and drills off in another direction.

[[Image:RockBottom-Mikocries.jpg‎|250px|thumb|'Cause you mad enough to scream but you sad enough to tear.]]

Miko continues banging Bulkhead's foot, but a noise stops her and Bulkhead has to admit that his arms are starting to fail. She hits him a couple more times before someone starts to break through the wall. Unfortunately, their joy is short-lived as it turns out to be Starscream. Bulkhead asks him to let Miko go, but Miko refuses to leave Bulkhead. Starscream menaces her until Bulkhead gives him a solid kick. Starscream recovers from that, only to be knocked down by Jack's drill as it comes through the wall. Miko is quickly persuaded to hop aboard the drill, which she does tearfully, and the two humans back out, leaving Bulkhead and Starscream alone. Jack and Miko start trying to dig their way out, but Jack suddenly stops the drill dead as a large foot comes down in front of them.

Starscream is pleased. Now not only will he be able to rescue Megatron, but he'll have Bulkhead as a gift. Unfortunately for him, Arcee appears with a gun pointed at his head and tells him to raise his hands.

The Autobots exit the mine with the kids and briefly discuss finishing off the Decepticons. When they decide that Optimus wouldn't do it, they go home instead.

Starscream strains to hold up the rock that Bulkhead had been supporting when he spots Megatron leaning through the nearby opening. Starscream is reduced to begging for mercy once more and the Decepticon leader responds with a menacing look.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)

}}

==Quotes==

"Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting to see Slash Monkey?" 
"Uhh—" 
"''Forever!'' And it's their only U.S. date!" 
"Well, there's a shock. I mean, who doesn't love obscure Bulgarian shriek metal?"
:—'''Miko''' and '''Jack''' discuss rock concerts.

"She went in. Unbelievable." 
"Really? Have you...met her?"
:—'''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' watch Miko run into the cave.

"Do not take me for a fool, Starscream! I have been wise to your transgressions from the beginning. Not only did you pluck the Dark Energon from my chest in a failed attempt to snuff my spark, but you tried to raise your own undead warrior with it. It's no secret that you lost an arm in the process, which you've since had replaced." 
"You know about that?!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' discuss the latter's endeavors.

"Roll out."
:—'''Jack''' being genre savvy as he activates some Decepticon mining equipment.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Think of the glory—seize the day! Optimus would." 
"No, he wouldn't. Not like this." 
"I will be sure to share the details of our little conversation with Optimus—the day I rip out his spark!"
:—A pinned '''Megatron''' is discovered by '''Jack''', who refuses to take advantage of the situation and kill him.

"Run Miko!" 
"Yes, run Miko! I would love to see you try! Really, I would!"
:-'''Starscream''' mocks '''Bulkhead''' before getting knocked down by a drill. Karma, baby.

"If you think I'm going to beg for mercy, Starscream, forget it!" 
"Er, yes, begging for mercy would be quite pathetic, wouldn't it?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' unintentionally insults '''Starscream'''.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the cave-in begins, Bulkhead gets down on his hands and knees to shield Miko from the collapsing ceiling. In the next scene, however, he's standing upright and holding up a far larger piece of rock than he had been previously covered with.

===Continuity errors===
* Bulkhead has Miko hit him with a rock to signal Jack. Either he's devoting ''all'' his energon to holding up the rock, or he's forgotten about his sound system.
* Not so much an error as a curiosity, but based on the day/night cycle shown outside the cave, at least 12 hours passed during the episode. In all that time, the other Autobots made no apparent effort to look for their lost comrades. Considering Miko's concert was supposed to happen two hours after the start of the episode, they should have noticed something was amiss when no one came back.
* Even though the sounds of robots stomping around and yelling should echo throughout the cave, Megatron and Starscream go completely unnoticed until Arcee and Jack stumble upon them by accident. Furthermore, Megatron and Starscream enter the cave mere minutes after Arcee and Jack, yet somehow manage to get ahead of them in the tunnels undetected.
*Bulkhead says that Autobots don't need to breathe. But when Starscream when he gets out of the cave, he coughs and gasps for air.

===Continuity notes===
* Megatron references the events of "[[Masters & Students]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]" while discussing Starscream's previous failed attempts at treachery.
* Starscream also refers to the events of "Masters & Students" when he remembers that Megatron has survived far worse than a simple cave-in.
* Miko loosely references the spacebridge battle from "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" when Bulkhead reminds her that Autobots don't need to breathe.

===Transformers references===
*As Jack starts up the mining drill, he quietly says, "[[Roll out]]."

===Real-world references===
*Bulkhead's "Did I do that?" line is almost certainly a reference to Steve Urkel's catchphrase from ''Family Matters''.
*Starscream says "Rust in peace!" as in "Rest in peace". It is [[Sick Mind|not the first time]] Starscream uses a common human phrase. He is also not the only [[Terrorsaur (BW)|bad guy]] [[Double Dinobot|to use this line.]] [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]] also quotes this in a cut scene during ''War for Cybertron'', as well as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] in "[[The Immobilizer]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gwangsan Maemol'''" (광산 매몰, "Buried in the Mine")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31|31 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Megatron seems awfully surprised that Starscream would run at the first opportunity. Did he think Starscream wouldn't care about his earlier death threat?
* Ratchet probably never got that rock sample. Too bad.
* This is the first episode where Jack meets Megatron face-to-face, though Raf beat him to being the first human to meet the Decepticon leader back in "[[Out of His Head]]".
* Starscream's wings folded up with alarm when he was overcome with fear.
* Miko exercises her right to charge into [[Darkness Rising, Part 3|situations]] that almost get her killed... [[Shadowzone|again]].

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scrapheap (episode)

2011-11-15T14:16:29Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the Generation 1 Junkion|Scrapheap (G1)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 7
|prev=Masters & Students
|next=Con Job
|image=PrimeScrapletsEp7.gif
|caption=Aw, look at the cute little—
|title="Scrapheap"
|airdate=[[February 18]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While Optimus and Arcee are trapped in the Arctic, the base is invaded by deadly Scraplets.'''

==Synopsis==
Trudging through the [[Arctic]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] locate a huge pod buried in the snow. They take it back to [[Autobot Central Command|base]], where their systems are checked over by [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]]. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] asks about the pod, but Ratchet says it can't be opened while it's still frozen. Even as it sits defrosting in another part of the base, the pod cracks open from the inside.

[[Image:Scrapheap-adorableScraplet.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Leprosy was never this adorable. As far as we know.]]

Optimus and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] prepare to travel to the Arctic to look for more clues regarding the pod's origins, and Ratchet gives them some temperature sensors so they can tell when their core temperatures drop to dangerous levels. The kids arrive in time to see them off, and [[Jack Darby|Jack]]'s initially keen on going with them, until he finds out where they're headed. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]'s still interested in seeing some snow, but Optimus says the conditions are too harsh. No sooner have Prime and Arcee stepped through the [[ground bridge]] than the ground bridge system goes down. While the Autobots start trying to repair it, Jack and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] start playing [[Generic racing game|video games]], and Raf wanders off. He's playing "being in the Arctic" in a corridor when he stumbles on a tiny, cute metal critter. He plays Fetch with it using a bolt...which it promptly eats. Happy with his new pet, he heads back to the control room, unaware that there's a sparking hole in the equipment behind him.

Ratchet's just dug out a damaged ground bridge component when Raf returns with his find. The Autobots react in terror to the tiny critter. The kids are surprised at the reaction to what the Autobots are calling a [[Scraplet]], but then the creature starts chowing down on Bumblebee, and Raf has to beat it to death with a crowbar. Ratchet's suspicions as to the Scraplet's origin are confirmed when they check the Arctic pod and find it's been broken open—thousands of Scraplets now infest the base.

In the Arctic, Optimus and Arcee find their core temperatures have dropped into the danger zone, but Optimus is unable to contact base to request use of the ground bridge.

[[Image:Scrapheap-Ratchetinfected.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[wikipedia:Botfly|Ro-botflies]]]]

Ratchet discovers that the Scraplets have broken the comm system. Bulkhead's in favor of bugging out, but doing that will mean certain doom for Optimus and Arcee. After hearing Bulkhead's detailed description of what Scraplets can do to a 'bot, the kids volunteer to help. Since the Scraplets aren't interested in eating them, they pair off with the three Autobots, Jack helping Ratchet repair the ground bridge while the others hunt for the Scraplets. Miko and Bulkhead explore the corridors where Raf saw the first Scraplet, and after an embarrassingly girly scream and an encounter with a bunch of overhead cables, Bulkhead is set upon by the little monsters. Elsewhere, Raf and Bumblebee likewise run into a group of the things. Ratchet has meanwhile finished repairing the ground bridge, but it still refuses to function. As he investigates further, a swarm of Scraplets enter the main control room via a vent and begin flying overhead. They attack Ratchet, but Jack uses a nearby fire extinguisher to freeze them off. There are more of the pests flying overhead, however, and as the others return from their search, the Scraplets attack and overwhelm the Autobots.

[[Image:Scrapheap-huddleforwarmth.jpg|left|thumb|300px|And not a tauntaun for miles.]]

While Arcee and Optimus try to keep themselves conscious and functional by talking, the kids manage to eliminate the Scraplets attacking their friends. However, from the sounds elsewhere in the base, it's clear there are many more lurking about. They come up with a plan to send the Scraplets to the Arctic by getting the ground bridge working, and Ratchet works out there must be an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] fuel line breach preventing the system from starting. The three kids take a tool kit and go to fix the breach. They're just finishing when the Scraplets decide it's time for lunch and break into the main control room.

Back in the Arctic, Arcee bemoans the frozen death that apparently awaits her and Optimus, especially after all they've survived so far. Optimus offers what words of philosophical comfort he can, and she says it's an honour to serve with him.

At the base, the kids rush back to the command room and let Ratchet know that the ground bridge is back online. He opens the bridge to the Arctic before collapsing, and Bulkhead acts as bait, leading the Scraplets through. He arrives in the Arctic to see Optimus and Arcee staggering towards the bridge, and the Scraplet horde bursts through behind him. Optimus braces for attack, but the Scraplets rapidly freeze in the air and bounce harmlessly off him.

Back at base, Ratchet supervises repairs on Bumblebee and Bulkhead. He and Optimus pay tribute to the strength of their human allies, but just then Miko spots a spider and runs away screaming.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (5)

|c3=
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
* [[Jack Darby]] (7)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (8)

|c4=
* [[Scraplet]]s (9)

}}

==Quotes==
"The Arctic? I've always wanted to see snow." 
"I would invite you to join, Rafael, but the conditions are much too extreme, even for we Autobots." 
"I understand..." 
"But, I will bring you back a snowball."
:—'''Raf''' is snow deprived and '''Optimus''' says things you would not expect a giant alien robot to say.

"If we don't eradicate these creatures immediately, they will reduce the entire base to a scrapheap." 
"Well, I say we bug outta here and let 'em keep it!" 
''(Bumblebee beeps in agreement)''
:—'''Bulkhead''' reminds '''Ratchet''' that there are times when you just run

"Bulkhead, you ''never'' run." 
"Miko, you haven't seen a swarm of these things devour a bot. I ''have''. They pick you apart from the inside out, going for the small juicy bits first, fuse by fuse, circuit by circuit, 'til there's nothing left, and I mean ''nothing''... not even your optics."
:—'''Miko''' gets some nightmare fuel from '''Bulkhead'''.

"I get to be your bodyguard for once. How cool is that?" 
"Raf found the first one here, right?" 
''(lights turn off for a second and Bulkhead screams loudly)'' 
"Did you just scream like a little girl?" 
"No! .... Maybe.... Can we talk about this later?"
:—'''Miko''' and '''Bulkhead''' searching, and a more hilarious reversal of roles cannot be found.

"What do you suggest...wait, how about a game? Let's play 'Who Screwed Things Up Back at Base'." 
"Our predicament could be the result of a simple malfunction." 
"Caused by Bulkhead."
:—'''Arcee''' and '''Optimus''' prove that when things go wrong, blame it on Bulkhead.

"Bulkhead may be...too large for this world. But his inner strength is without bounds. One should not be measured by size alone."
:—'''Optimus''' gives us a life lesson while finding a nice way to call Bulkhead fat.

"Ready for the main course? Come and get it!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', king of one-liners.

"I'd invite you in, but the place is a mess."
:—Seriously, give '''Bulkhead''' a crown.

"We're just fortunate that this infestation happened...on a Saturday."
:—'''Ratchet''' finds there's an upside to having human companions.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*When Jack, Miko and Raf reach the damaged energon fuel line, the breach on the duct is shown beneath, where the energon is seen dripping. When the kids seal the duct, they are shown doing so only on its side.

===Transformers references===
*To everyone's surprise, these Scraplets behave similar to their [[Scraplet|namesakes]], but are closer in appearance to [[Mecannibal]]s.
*At the episode's conclusion, Bumblebee is hooked up to an "electro-pulse" monitor, a feature of Transformer biology that got its first and only previous mention waaaay back in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] cartoon episode, "[[Divide and Conquer]]", when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] declared his to be fading.
*Arcee mentions Bulkhead running into power lines shortly after arriving on Earth, which recalls a different [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]'s [[Transformers (2007)|"tingly" encounter]].

===Real-world references===
* A [[wikipedia:dolly zoom|dolly zoom]] happens when Raf realizes the Scraplet is attacking Bumblebee.
* Ratchet remarks the Scraplet's bites on Bumblebee's are "[[Wikipedia:Black Knight (Monty Python)|just a mesh wound]]".
* The initial search for the scraplets is called a "[[Wikipedia:Aliens (film)|bug hunt]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Invasion der Scraplets'''" ("Invasion of the Scraplets")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 4|4 November]] [[2011]]
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gongpo ui Seukeurepeullit'''" (공포의 스크레플릿, "Scraplets of Terror")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 19|19 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*A sequence from this episode (from the start of Miko and Bulkhead exploring up to Bulkhead's arm thrusting into the air) was shown to the attendees of [[Toy Fair 2011]] prior to the episode's premiere.
*Miko's hair moves during this episode. When Bulkhead first screams, the shadow of her twin buns can be seen jumping up. After, when she screams thinking she saw a spider, the buns ''and'' her ponytail curl up.
*Raf never did get that snowball. Guess Optimus was too busy dying to scoop some up.
*This is the first, and so far only, episode which doesn't feature the [[Decepticon]]s.
*It is not an error that the Autobots can freeze in the [[Arctic]] but not in space. The idea that being in space will immediately freeze you up like a popsicle is a [http://www.universetoday.com/77070/how-cold-is-space/ lie perpetuated by bad science fiction]. This isn't the [[Fire in the Sky|first time]] [[Megatron (Movie)|it's happened]].
*Bulkhead [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|is not the only Autobot]] with a "girlish scream".
**When he screamed, his eyes briefly widened. You could see it clearly when the lights went out.
* The entire plot of this episode is very similar to an episode from Prime's fellow [[Hasbro]]-sponsored show, ''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship is Magic,'' namely the episode ''Swarm of the Century''. Both episodes revolved around a character bringing in an innocuous-looking creature that proceeded to rapidly multiply and cause havoc by devouring various things, and the characters themselves trying (and failing) to remove the threat. However, it should be noted that it takes more than a jaunty polka tune to stop Scraplets. [[Category:Prime episodes]]

List of Prime episodes

2011-10-29T10:13:32Z

14.39.222.145:

{{main|Transformers: Prime (cartoon)}}
==Season 1: 2010-2011==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto; width: 100%;"
|-
!#!!Title!!Writer!!Director!!Original airdate!!Production code
{{Episode list
|Title="[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]"
|EpisodeNumber=1
|OriginalAirDate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|Aux1=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|Aux2=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=After eliminating [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]], the [[Decepticon]]s target [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and three humans become involved in the Transformer war.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]"
|EpisodeNumber=2
|OriginalAirDate=November 26, 2010
|Aux1=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|Aux2=David Hartman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The [[Autobot]]s attempt to rescue Cliffjumper, whom they believe to be alive, only to discover that the Decepticons have been experimenting on him with [[Dark Energon]].
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]"
|EpisodeNumber=3
|OriginalAirDate=[[December 1]], 2010
|Aux1=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|Aux2=[[Todd Waterman]]
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] go and battle [[zombie]]s while [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] is abducted by the Decepticons.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]"
|EpisodeNumber=4
|OriginalAirDate=[[December 2]], 2010
|Aux1=[[Steven Melching]]
|Aux2=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots and the three kids rescue Fowler while Optimus and Ratchet continue fighting zombies.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]"
|EpisodeNumber=5
|OriginalAirDate=[[December 3]], 2010
|Aux1=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|Aux2=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=With [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s plan revealed, the Autobots attempt to stop him using the [[space bridge]] to send Dark Energon to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Masters & Students]]"
|EpisodeNumber=6
|OriginalAirDate=[[February 11]], [[2011]]
|Aux1=[[David Slack]]
|Aux2=Todd Waterman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=While [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] battles Optimus Prime, [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] recovers the nearly dead Megatron.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]"
|EpisodeNumber=7
|OriginalAirDate=[[February 18]], 2011
|Aux1=Marsha Griffin
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=While Optimus and Arcee are trapped in the [[Arctic]], the base is invaded by deadly [[Scraplet]]s.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Con Job]]"
|EpisodeNumber=8
|OriginalAirDate=[[February 25]], 2011
|Aux1=Steven Melching
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] awaits a visit from his buddy [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], but his arrival does not go as planned.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]"
|EpisodeNumber=9
|OriginalAirDate=[[March 4]], 2011
|Aux1=Joseph Kuhr
|Aux2=Todd Waterman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting the [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System|DNGS]].
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Deus ex Machina]]"
|EpisodeNumber=10
|OriginalAirDate=[[March 11]], 2011
|Aux1=Nicole Dubuc
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=When Bulkhead makes a discovery in [[Greece]], the race is on to recover an [[Energon Harvester]].
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Speed Metal]]"
|EpisodeNumber=11
|OriginalAirDate=[[April 9]], 2011
|Aux1=[[Dean Stefan]]
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=[[Jack Darby|Jack]] is drawn into the world of street racing to impress [[Sierra]], and is aided by [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]].
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Predatory]]"
|EpisodeNumber=12
|OriginalAirDate=[[April 16]], 2011
|Aux1=Marsha Griffin
|Aux2=Todd Waterman, [[Kirk Van Wormer]] (co-director)
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=When Arcee takes Jack on a routine mission, [[Airachnid]] turns up, putting him in danger
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Sick Mind]]"
|EpisodeNumber=13
|OriginalAirDate=[[April 30]], 2011
|Aux1=Steven Melching
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=When Optimus is infected by a Decepticon plague, Arcee and Bumblebee sneak aboard the ''Nemesis'' to find a cure.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Out of His Head]]"
|EpisodeNumber=14
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 7]], 2011
|Aux1=Nicole Dubuc
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=Megatron takes control of Bumblebee's mind.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]"
|EpisodeNumber=15
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 14]], 2011
|Aux1=Marsha Griffin
|Aux2=Todd Waterman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The kids are trapped in another dimension with Skyquake after the [[GroundBridge]] fails.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Operation: Breakdown]]"
|EpisodeNumber=16
|OriginalAirDate=[[June 18]], 2011
|Aux1=Steven Melching
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots must rescue [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] when he is captured by [[MECH]].
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Crisscross]]"
|EpisodeNumber=17
|OriginalAirDate=[[June 25]], 2011
|Aux1=Joseph Kuhr
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=Airachnid teams up with MECH to plot her revenge on Arcee and Jack.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Metal Attraction]]"
|EpisodeNumber=18
|OriginalAirDate=[[July 9]], 2011
|Aux1=Nicole Dubuc
|Aux2=Todd Waterman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots try to claim a magnetic weapon before the Decepticons get to it.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Rock Bottom]]"
|EpisodeNumber=19
|OriginalAirDate=[[July 16]], 2011
|Aux1=[[Tim Jones]]
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots, Jack and Miko find themselves trapped inside a cave with Megatron and Starscream.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Partners]]"
|EpisodeNumber=20
|OriginalAirDate=[[July 23]], 2011
|Aux1=[[Mike Johnson]]
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The team is surprised to learn that Starscream wants to become an Autobot.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[T.M.I.]]"
|EpisodeNumber=21
|OriginalAirDate=[[August 7]], 2011 (Canada) [[September 10]], 2011 (U.S.)
|Aux1=Joseph Kuhr
|Aux2=Todd Waterman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=Bulkhead is accidentally uploaded with the information from a data cylinder.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[Stronger, Faster]]"
|EpisodeNumber=22
|OriginalAirDate=[[August 14]], 2011 (Canada)
|Aux1=[[Mairghread Scott]]
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=Ratchet 'finalizes' the synthetic energon formula and uses himself as a test subject, but it ends up having some negative side effects.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[One Shall Fall]]"
|EpisodeNumber=23
|OriginalAirDate=[[August 21]], 2011 (Canada)
|Aux1=Joseph Kuhr and Duane Capizzi
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=A prophecy predicts dark times ahead, which Megatron intends to see through.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]"
|EpisodeNumber=24
|OriginalAirDate=[[October 1]], 2011
|Aux1=Nicole Dubuc and Duane Capizzi
|Aux2=Todd Waterman
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots discover that Dark Energon is responsible for an epidemic of natural disasters.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]"
|EpisodeNumber=25
|OriginalAirDate=[[October 8]], 2011
|Aux1=Marsha Griffin
|Aux2=Shaunt Nigoghossian
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=The Autobots team up with a surprising ally to save the Earth.
}}

{{Episode list
|Title="[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]"
|EpisodeNumber=26
|OriginalAirDate=[[October 15]], 2011
|Aux1=Steven Melching
|Aux2=Vinton Heuck
|ProdCode=
|ShortSummary=Jack learns more about Optimus's history on Cybertron while the Autobots continue their battle at the Earth's core.
}}
|}

[[Category:Prime episodes| ]]
[[Category:Episode lists|Prime]]

Talk:Crisscross (episode)

2011-10-29T10:10:53Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */ new section

WILL MAKE YOU JUMP JUMP [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 08:37, 29 April 2011 (EDT)

"Nurse June Darby doesn't wear scrubs while on break from the hospital" - aren't scrubs exactly what she's wearing? All the time? -[[User:LV|LV]] 14:38, 26 June 2011 (EDT)
:...yeah, they kind of are. People usually don't dress full-body in teal for their health. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 15:09, 26 June 2011 (EDT)
::My bad. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:23, 28 June 2011 (EDT)

== one line unclear ==

What did Jack say after saying "organic tofu"? {{unsigned|Foxyman|03:09, 27 June 2011 (EDT)}}
:"Hey, uh, car beats ten-speed. I'll be home soon!" --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:13, 27 June 2011 (EDT)

== The package ==

I wouldn't call this a continuity issue. It isn't "addressed" to jack in a postal sense just simply has his name on it and its never implied to have been in the mailbox at all anyway. There in't any real reference to time passage between the snatch and grab and jack coming home other than Arcee saying she had just bridged in but MECH coulda had time to drop the envelope off before she got there. I'm sure a group like them could bypass a low tech garage door without leaving evidence after all :) --[[User:The Krypt Angel|The Krypt Angel]] 11:34, 28 June 2011 (EDT)
:I agree. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:23, 28 June 2011 (EDT)
::And wouldn't all this make Arcee more suspicious than casual? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:43, 28 June 2011 (EDT)
:::The note says the package was in the mailbox, which it simply wasn't ever in the mailbox in the episode. There was no address or stamp, so there is no reason to presume it came from the mailbox. If there is an error, it doesn't have to do with how the package got from the mailbox to the garage. It would be how the package got in the garage. ''Prime'' has a very small on-screen cast, but couldn't Arcee have assumed a friend or relative of his left the package? It was very convenient to the story that the package was in the garage of all places but I don't think it was a continuity error. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 19:28, 28 June 2011 (EDT)
:::How well-versed is Arcee in the postal service anyway? I'm guessing "not a lot".

==Dinner==
I don't think that's necessarily a continuity error. She was planning on cooking dinner, but then she decided to not go ahead with cooking a nice meal for someone who just broke his grounding. Tough love. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:23, 28 June 2011 (EDT)

== Cement ==

Should it be noted in Animation/Technical errors that the amount of cement shown being poured on Airachnid isn't actually enough to cover her entire body? [[Special:Contributions/76.125.255.72|76.125.255.72]]

== Foreign localization ==

I want to add this between "Real-world references" and "Trivia" but edit is blocked.
<pre>
===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Geomi ui Boksu'''" (거미의 복수, "Spider's Revenge")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24|24 October]] [[2011]]
</pre>
[[Special:Contributions/14.39.222.145|14.39.222.145]] 06:10, 29 October 2011 (EDT)

Metal Attraction

2011-10-29T10:05:15Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 18
|prev=Crisscross
|next=Rock Bottom
|image=MetalAttraction-stuck.jpg
|caption= Sadly, they don't fuse into [[Tigerhawk|a powerful being.]]
|title="Metal Attraction"
|airdate=[[July 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots try to claim a magnetic weapon called a "polarity gauntlet" before the Decepticons get to it.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:MetalAttraction-JackJuneEep.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Jack discovers his mother's startling fetish.]]
[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] reports to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that there's an incoming vehicle, which they initially assume to be a [[Decepticon]], but they relax when it turns out to be [[June Darby]] in her car. Jack's less than enthusiastic that his mother's come to check up on him ''again'', but the mood changes when Ratchet detects an unusual magnetic flux.

[[Image:TFP_ep18_BD_optic_patch.jpg|thumb|right|300px|YOU ARE A PIRATE.]]
[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has also picked up the magnetic signature, which [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] recognizes as a Decepticon weapon. [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] volunteers to secure the invention. Megatron is skeptical of Breakdown's abilities following [[Operation: Breakdown|certain recent events]], but Breakdown insists.

[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] arrive back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], but their high spirits drop when they realize Jack's mom is there. Arcee and Jack prepare to go conduct a routine diagnostic, but June's questioning about how safe it will be makes Arcee irritated. Ratchet asks Bulkhead to go and investigate the magnetic disturbance, and when Miko announces she's going too, Bulkhead is obliged to tell her to stay at base. Finally, June's questions become too much for Arcee, and she opts to go with Bulkhead.

In a desert area, Breakdown breaks apart some rocks to find the device he's after. No sooner has he picked it up than [[Airachnid]] puts in an appearance, clouts him and grabs the weapon. Breakdown recovers quickly and begins fighting Airachnid, until she burrows up from beneath the earth and drags him down, leaving him buried. She picks up the device and is ready to leave, when Breakdown pulls himself free of the ground, and the pair charge at each other.

[[Image:TFP_ep18_tag_team.jpg‎|thumb|left|300px|"How many attraction jokes do you think we can come up with?" "A lot, Bulkhead."]]

Arcee and Bulkhead trudge through the rocks, discussing how Jack's mom is a killjoy, and Miko, who has quietly tagged along, asks if they can ban her from the base. Arcee calls for a [[GroundBridge]], but Miko talks her out of it, then requests Bulkhead play some rock music. Arcee tells him to shut it off, as it's not exactly stealthy, and they soon find Breakdown and Airachnid fighting. Leaving Miko a safe distance behind, the two Autobots leap into combat, surprising Airachnid, who has just gotten the upper hand. Bulkhead tosses Arcee into the air, and she shoots at the pair before charging at Breakdown, but Airachnid insists on facing Arcee herself. After a few minutes' fighting, Bulkhead and Arcee overcome their opponents, but Breakdown grabs the weapon and activates it. Warning him that it isn't a toy, Airachnid retreats underground, and Arcee and Bulkhead find themselves being dragged towards each other. The weapon hoists them into the air before slamming them back against some rocks. Satisfied, Breakdown transforms to return to the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]''. Miko finds [[Miko's phone|her phone]] stuck to Bulkhead's chest and Arcee stuck to Bulkhead's back.

Driving along a road, Breakdown is ambushed and entangled in a web.

Ratchet realizes that the weapon Breakdown has is a [[polarity gauntlet]] and says their best bet to get Arcee unstuck is to get the gauntlet back. Arcee insists on Miko returning to base, and Miko complains loudly that she sounds just like Jack's mom, which June naturally hears over the comm link.

[[Image:TFP_ep18_Airachnid_gauntlet.jpg‎ |thumb|right|300px|"Ooh, shiny."]]

At an old gas station, Airachnid tries on the gauntlet. Breakdown, securely webbed to the side of the building, suggests they could take it back to Megatron together, but she's not keen on rejoining the Decepticons and thinks the gauntlet will be perfect for keeping everyone else away. Bulkhead trudges up to the gas station to confront Airachnid, who tells him to put his hands up and turn around. He does so, and Arcee promptly opens fire, managing to shoot the gauntlet out of Airachnid's hand. The device activates and drags everything metal towards it, including Breakdown, who is pulled free of the webbing and shuts the gauntlet down. Bulkhead and Arcee begin awkwardly fighting Breakdown and Airachnid. Bulkhead manages to deck Breakdown and turns to face Arachnid, but then Breakdown uses the gauntlet to drop an oil derrick on the 'Bots.

Pinned under an unconscious Bulkhead, Arcee is menaced by Airachnid. Fortunately, Bulkhead comes around in time, and the pair stand up, now separated. Arcee attacks Breakdown, but Bulkhead finds himself no match for Airachnid, who grabs the gauntlet and uses it to draw Arcee to her. Bulkhead blasts Breakdown into another oil derrick, while Arcee and Airachnid fight. Arcee eventually gets possession of the gauntlet and uses it to polarize everyone so that they repel metal. Airachnid uses her webbing to snatch the gauntlet back and transforms to escape, but Bulkhead grabs onto her helicopter mode and throws her into Breakdown. With the gauntlet secured, Arcee and Bulkhead head back to base, where they give it to Ratchet, and June apologizes for being overprotective.

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron is unhappy when Breakdown returns apparently empty-handed, but Breakdown reveals he has Airachnid stuck to his back. Airachnid tells an amused Megatron that she is happy to return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (7)
*[[Airachnid]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (12)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (3)
*[[June Darby]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)

}}

==Quotes==
'''June''': So... where's Optimus? 
'''Ratchet''': On a scouting mission with Bumblebee. Sorry to disappoint. 
'''June''': And I wore heels and everything... 
'''Jack''': MOM!
:—June makes Ratchet and Jack uncomfortable with a few choice words.

"Allow me to redeem myself, master. What I have lost... is a constant reminder that I must never again fail you."
:—'''Breakdown''' rather darkly references his new eyepatch.

"A scout should be silent but deadly."
:—'''Arcee''' unwittingly makes Bulkhead and Miko's day.

"Still up for a truce, muscles?" 
"Only because I hate Bulkhead more than I hate you."
:—'''Airachnid''' and '''Breakdown''' decide to look at the bigger picture.

'''Megatron''': Breakdown, you dare to return empty-handed?! 
'''Breakdown''': No, Master. 
''[Turns around, revealing Airachnid magnetized to his back]'' 
'''Megatron''': Airachnid... it has been some time. 
'''Airachnid''': Lord Megatron... what can I say? It's good to be back.
:—The Decepticons get an unexpected addition... and an expected pun.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* Cellphones are primarily made of plastic, which is not attracted to magnetic objects. The gauntlet also took Miko's change, which is also not magnetic. Yet the gauntlet didn't attract Miko's belt buckle or earrings. Huh.
* A magnetic field that powerful should have wiped out Miko's phone.
* When Arcee is stuck to Bulkhead, she can still move her arms and legs. If the magnetic force were strong enough to hold her to him, her limbs would also have been stuck.

===Continuity errors===
* Mere moments after Bulkhead states that he is polarised and can’t touch metal, he grabs Airachnid out of the air and throws her at Breakdown. Is she not made of metal, or did the gauntlet's effects wear off that fast?
** To be fair Airachnid was not polarised.

===Continuity notes===
*Breakdown was bested by humans and lost his right optic in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".

===Transformers references===
*After Breakdown volunteers to retrieve the weapon, Megatron retorts, "If you can be bested by mere humans, [[Furmanism|what chance do you have]] against the Autobots?"
* At the end of the episode, Arcee gives Ratchet the magnet. If he uses it himself, he would not be [[Ratchet (Animated)|the first Ratchet to use a magnet as a weapon and tool.]]

===Real-world references===
* The episode title appears to be a belabored nod to the film ''[[wikipedia:Fatal Attraction|Fatal Attraction]]''.
* Bulkhead and Arcee appear to perform a [[wikipedia:Fastball Special|Fastball Special]] in combat. [[Along Came a Spider#Real-world references|This is not the first time a Bulkhead has used this move.]]
*The Gauntlet clearly draws inspiration form the Omni-Tool from Mass Effect.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jaseok Mugi'''" (자석 무기, "Magnetic Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 25|25 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] apparently didn't have any extra optics lying around to give Breakdown. [[Shadowzone (episode)|Sound familiar?]] Either that, or Megatron won't let him repair Breakdown as punishment for being captured by humans.
*Breakdown's new optic patch was hinted at during [[BotCon 2011]] when an artist from the series was requested to sketch Breakdown by [[Chris Ho|a certain Transformers fan]]: the artist asked what [[Operation: Breakdown|episode]] had just been screened, thought for a moment, and soon provided an image of Breakdown with an optic patch.<ref>Vangelus revealed this during the [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/wtf-tfw-transformers-podcast/422249-wtf-primetime-14-operation-breakdown-june-22-2011-a.html "Operation: Breakdown"] episode of TFW2005's "WTF Primetime" podcast</ref>
*During this episode's original airing, the [[commercial bumper]]s were backwards: "we now return" was played at the start of each break and "we'll be right back" was played at the end.
*As of this episode, we finally have a mention of Jack's father having left him and June.
*Also as of this episode, it seems that Arcee has been the only character that's been in every single episode so far, as Bumblebee does not appear for the first time.
*Apparently Miko [[Shadowzone (episode)|didn't learn her lesson]] as she followed Bulkhead and Arcee. Although this time, she only followed them to get away from Jack's mother, so otherwise, she probably would have stayed put.
*As shown in [[Scrapheap|a previous episode]], Miko is terrified of spiders, yet the sight of Airachnid doesn't seem to frighten her at all.

==External links==
<references />

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Operation: Breakdown

2011-10-29T10:03:58Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 16
|prev=Shadowzone (episode)
|next=Crisscross
|image=OperationBreakdown-Consdontbreak.jpg
|caption=Now all he needs is [[Metal Attraction|<strike>an eye patch and</strike>]] a bottle of scrumpy.
|title="Operation: Breakdown"
|airdate=[[June 18]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Breakdown is captured by MECH, and the only ones who can save him are... Team Prime.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is fighting [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] in a ghost town on the [[Kamchatka Peninsula]] in Eastern [[Russia]] after the two have a run-in while tracking an energon signature. Though Bulkhead fights valiantly, Breakdown lays him flat with a hammer blow. As Breakdown prepares to finish the unconscious Bulkhead off, he's zapped by a blast of energy from a helicopter, which lands and disgorges [[Silas]] and a pack of [[MECH]] troops. Silas instructs them to take Breakdown. Bulkhead comes around to find Breakdown missing and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] calling out to him on the comm. After he bridges back to base for repairs, everyone's confused about what happened to Breakdown. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] has an idea who might be behind it.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] relays news of Breakdown's capture to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]. Starscream is keen to hunt down the [[human]]s responsible, but Megatron intends to leave Breakdown to his fate for being captured by those weaker.

[[Image:OperationBreakdown-WeAreMECH.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"No, Mister Bot, I expect you to die."]]

Breakdown recovers to find himself firmly attached to a metal slab. Silas introduces himself to the captive, who announces that Megatron will never pay a ransom, but Silas reveals they're not after money, just the technology in Breakdown's body.

Fowler fills the Autobots in — his intel has reported MECH activity in the Kamchatka Peninsula. While the other Autobots are happy for MECH to have Breakdown, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides to mount a rescue mission. The others are surprised, and Bulkhead wonders if Optimus believes Breakdown will switch sides if the Autobots rescue him, but Optimus says while that's unlikely, they can't let MECH get Cybertronian technology.

Meanwhile, MECH have disengaged Breakdown's pain receptors in preparation for the operation. Silas thanks their captive in advance for the service he is about to do them, and the heavy machinery moves in to take the Decepticon apart.

Miko tries to talk Bulkhead into going on the mission, but he's not keen, and Optimus agrees he would not be an asset on the mission. Optimus departs with [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]], [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]]. Miko looks disappointed, and Bulkhead suggests they watch a movie instead. [[Image:TFPep16DoubleCreatureFeature.jpeg|right|thumb|300px|"I know what'll make you feel better - watching a rip-off of an old Japanese movie!"]]

Prime's team arrives in the ghost town, to find it deserted. Though Bumblebee spots some vehicle tracks, Ratchet reports he's got an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] trace, and they go to look for the source.

Fowler has already fallen asleep in front of ''[[Dinolizard vs. Five-Headed Ape]]''. Miko isn't watching the movie though, as she's disappointed that Bulkhead isn't getting to face down his own arch-enemy. Bulkhead still doesn't want to rescue the 'Con, but Miko points out that if he doesn't, he won't get to have a rematch. Bulkhead takes the [[GroundBridge]] to [[Russia]].

Prime's team finds the energon reading — it's Breakdown's eye, sitting in the open.

Bulkhead follows a MECH car to a railway tunnel and, weapons primed, ventures inside.

Ratchet hooks Breakdown's eye up to his scanner so they can retrieve the last images it saw, but it turns out that Silas has turned the eye into a two-way video feed. Silas is surprised to see the Autobots, but shows off the work they're doing on Breakdown and points out the bomb the Autobots are standing virtually on top of. Prime's team just manages to get clear before the bomb explodes.

Silas passes on the news to Breakdown that his would-be rescuers are Autobots, much to the captive's confusion. At this point, Bulkhead breaks through an outer door and fights his way through the MECH goons to find Breakdown. Freeing the startled Decepticon, Bulkhead leads the way to the exit, but once outside, they're confronted by the bulk of the MECH forces. Bulkhead calls for backup, and the pair start fighting in earnest. Silas's 'copter begins firing bursts of energy, and Breakdown, in an uncharacteristic act of altruism, knocks Bulkhead out of harm's way. The fight continues, but [[MECH Navigator|Silas's copilot]] reports incoming signals, resulting in Silas ordering a general retreat. Arriving, however, is not Optimus's team, but Starscream and a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s. Starscream orders Breakdown to destroy Bulkhead, and though Breakdown is initially reluctant, Starscream sways him, and he attacks his Autobot rescuer. Bulkhead soundly pummels Breakdown before smashing Starscream and taking out the Vehicons with Breakdown's body. The Decepticons are forced to retreat as Optimus's team finally shows up. Optimus is impressed that Bulkhead has risen above his petty rivalries to rescue Breakdown, but the moment is spoiled by Bulkhead asking if they all saw how he bashed the Decepticons.

Breakdown pauses short of the ''Nemesis'', where Starscream informs him that he will repay his debt one day... when he must choose between Megatron's leadership and Starscream's.

Silas records that the information they gained from Breakdown was enough for them to start [[Project Chimera]]...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (9)
|c2=
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (2)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (16)
|c3=
*[[Silas]] (3)
*[[MECH Commando]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (10)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (14)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"As much as I'll miss our little reunions...''hammer time''."
:—'''Breakdown''', before being captured by MECH

"Full disclosure: We intend to pull you apart. Break you down, if you will."
:—'''Silas''' tells Breakdown what's in store, while making a pun at the same time.

"You're making a very big mistake, little man. When I'm finished with you, they'll have to scrape you off the floor!"
:—'''Breakdown''' promises to make JaAm out of Silas

"It's a trap!" 
"Would this be a 'roll out' kind of trap?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' ackbars and '''Arcee''' continues to be genre savvy.

"'Marco!' You're supposed to say 'Polo!'"
:—'''Bulkhead''' plays with MECH.

"Never run when you can fight."
:—'''Breakdown'''

"One day, you will repay your debt to me, Breakdown... the day it comes time to choose sides." 
"Huh... between 'Bots and 'Cons?" 
"Between myself – and Megatron."
:—'''Starscream''' informs a confused '''Breakdown''' of his plans for the future.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*Breakdown is seen being held down in MECH's base by metal bars welded around his hands. However, in all shots of his lower body, nothing is shown to be holding it down. Did MECH use another method to restrain his legs?

===Continuity errors===
* Moments after calling Optimus Prime by name and stating that he was expecting Megatron, Silas tells Breakdown about his "would-be rescuers" without moving from the same location from which he had just been talking to them - yet Breakdown seems to have no idea that they were Autobots. How did he not hear the conversation?
* Silas has Breakdown's pain receptors shut off so he doesn't make a lot of noise while being operated on. If this is the first Cybertronian they've managed to capture, much less dissect, how would his scientists know how to do such a thing?

===Real-world references===
*Miko plays the game "Marco Polo" with Bulkhead. Bulkhead later plays the game with MECH.
*''Dinolizard vs Five-Headed Ape'' is a parody of ''[[Wikipedia:King Kong vs. Godzilla|King Kong vs. Godzilla]]''.
*Breakdown says "[[wikipedia:M.C. Hammer|Hammer Time]]". Yeah.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Saengche Lobot Haebu'''" (생체 로봇 해부, "Dissection of Living Robot")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 18|18 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* MECH can carve up Breakdown with ease with their surgical lasers, but the guns they give their foot soldiers are not particularly effective on Transformers without pouring on massive amounts of firepower. Clearly, MECH's soldiers should be equipped with surgical lasers instead.
*The episode was screened at [[BotCon 2011]] before its first airing on television.
*This is the first episode of the series that [[Jack Darby|Jack]] hasn't appeared in, leaving Arcee and Bumblebee the only characters at this point in the series to have appeared in every episode. Arcee, however, is the only one who appears ''in person'' in all episodes. (Bumblebee was only in a flashback sequence in "[[Predatory]]".)
*Starscream got a new arm. It's still not an upgrade.
*Miko seems to have [[Shadowzone (episode)|learned her lesson]]: She didn't follow Bulkhead this time.
*Human death ''must'' have occurred during Bulkhead and Breakdown's outdoor battle with MECH. Case in point: Breakdown throwing a car at a helicopter, causing a midair explosion.
*Despite being Breakdown's partner, Knock Out makes no appearance in this episode, leaving the audience to wonder if he didn't know about Breakdown's capture, or didn't care enough to bother rescuing him.
*The [[Wikipedia:Kamchatka Peninsula|Kamchatka Peninsula]] is an actual place, with heavy volcanic activity. But if the show is placed in 2011, there are no recorded evacuations in 1991 due to volcanic activity.
*In the close-up shots of Breakdown before MECH drills into his right eye, you can see it twitching along with the right corner of his mouth. Who knew Cybertronians had tics?

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Shadowzone (episode)

2011-10-29T10:02:35Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the episode|the dimension|Shadowzone (dimension)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 15
|prev=Out of His Head
|next=Operation: Breakdown
|image=Shadowzone-shadow.jpg
|caption=Who zones? The Shadow zones.
|title="Shadowzone"
|airdate=[[May 14]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''After a GroundBridge failure, the kids are flung into another dimension with a reanimated Skyquake.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Image:Shadowzone-MegsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Baby, I don't ''want'' to hurt you!"]]

[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] lies in the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> lab, having taken a severe pounding from [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]. His leader pays a visit, mostly to gloat over how their positions have changed. Once he leaves, Starscream rips himself free of the cables feeding him. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] is shocked to see Starscream up and about, but Starscream claims angrily that he feels fine and limps away. Starscream retrieves a shard of [[Dark Energon]]—the one he originally ripped from Megatron's body—from its hiding place and promises that his and Megatron's positions will be reversed.

At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] reports that he's detected a weak but rapidly moving Dark Energon signal, which the [[Autobot]]s assume is Megatron. [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] wonders if he plans to use it raise a new army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] ([[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] seems thrilled at the prospect of zombie-cons) and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] notes that it's possible, given the Dark Energon signal is moving to a familiar site.

[[Image:Shadowzone-purple.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"The Power Cosmic!"]]
Starscream arrives at the site of [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'s grave, announcing that this time the fallen warrior will be his servant. Breaking off a chunk of the Dark Energon and throwing it into the cairn, Starscream plunges the rest of it into himself and feels the power flowing through him.

Optimus Prime readies the Autobots to move out, though Ratchet's surprised that he's on the team. As Miko yells words of encouragement to [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] observe that she's obviously up to something, since she's acting disinterested in coming along. Indeed, as the Autobots head through the [[GroundBridge]], Miko makes a break for the opening, and Jack and Raf give chase. Jack manages to grab her on the threshold, but she shakes loose and runs through, though [[Miko's phone|her cell phone]] is knocked from her belt. The three kids arrive on site just behind the Autobots and scramble up a nearby outcropping to watch the anticipated battle. The Autobots are surprised to find Starscream instead of Megatron, and he takes advantage by shooting at them and proclaiming his invulnerability. Optimus responds by shooting one of Starscream's arms off. As the Autobots close in, Starscream takes cover and shouts at Skyquake to hurry up and rise before panicking and requesting an emergency GroundBridge. The Autobots finally spot the kids when Miko shouts at Jack for making her lose her phone, just in time for [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to call from base asking where the kids are. Optimus orders her to send a GroundBridge. Ratchet is surprised when ''two'' GroundBridge portals open, but orders the kids to go in. They do so, and Starscream likewise dives through the 'Con GroundBridge, but moments later, green energy begins swirling around everywhere. Bulkhead runs to save the kids, but is knocked back from the GroundBridge portal, which then explodes.

Starscream arrives back on the ''Nemesis'' and tells the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] operator to keep his mouth shut. After leaving the GroundBridge room, he removes the chunk of Dark Energon from his chest.

The kids pick themselves up, as do the Autobots, but the kids quickly discover that the Autobots can't see them, and to Miko's alarm, Bulkhead steps right through her. Unaware, the Autobots speculate on what happened to the kids. Raf works out that he, Jack and Miko are in a sort of alternate dimension he calls a [[Shadowzone (dimension)|shadowzone]]. Optimus observes that Skyquake's grave is empty and requests a GroundBridge from Arcee. The kids spot Skyquake—now a Dark Energon zombie—heading towards the Autobots. Their cries of warning go unheard, but Skyquake's strike passes right through Bulkhead. The kids rapidly realize that Skyquake is in the same dimension as they are, and they and run for it. Raf trips and is carried to safety by Jack, but has lost his glasses. Miko makes an ill-advised recovery of the spectacles, and they continue their flight.

The Autobots are at a loss to locate the kids until [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] suggests calling them. Bulkhead rings Miko, only to discover her lost cellphone sitting on the floor in the Autobot base. Arcee rings Jack, and in the shadowzone, his phone rings, but there's too much interference for him and Arcee to communicate. The kids hit on the idea of sending a text message to Miko's phone but are forced to run as Skyquake finds them. Miko is just realizing that they've gone in a circle when they literally run into Starscream's lost arm.

Knock Out examines Starscream, who covers for his lost arm by saying it just fell off. The medic tries unsuccessfully to interest him in a replacement upgrade arm.

[[Image:Shadowzone_HappymusPrime.jpg|left|thumb|300px|What? Optimus is ''smiling''?! No! We're ''still'' in another dimension!]]

Meanwhile, the kids use Starscream's arm to fire a missile at Skyquake. They manage to blast Skyquake's arm off, but it promptly animates and starts charging towards them at high speed. The kids start running once again.

At base, Bulkhead notices that Miko's phone is flashing, and the Autobots finally get the kids' message. Ratchet sets about trying to locate where they are.

Starscream's piece of Dark Energon starts pulsing, which he takes to mean that Skyquake has risen. He tells Knock Out, returning with a new arm, that he's going to go and retrieve his old arm.

Ratchet pinpoints the kids to the location of Skyquake's grave and starts working on a way to return them to the normal dimension.

The kids find themselves back at Starscream's arm and are confronted by Starscream himself, come to find Skyquake. Luckily, he can't see them, but they're forced to run toward him when Skyquake's arm appears. A GroundBridge portal opens in front of them, and they run through at the last moment. Starscream is startled by the three humans running past, but then Skyquake's arm follows them through the portal and grabs Starscream's head. He has barely shaken the thing loose when Optimus, Bulkhead and Arcee arrive, and he has to request another emergency GroundBridge.

[[Image:Shadowzone-alone.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Zombies have no respect for personal space!]]
Back at base, Miko takes responsibility for the whole venture, much to Jack's surprise, but the Autobots decide she's been through enough. Bulkhead regrets she didn't get to take any pictures, but Miko asserts that the mental image of zombie Skyquake will be enough.

Knock Out performs more repairs on Starscream and enquires whether he retrieved his arm. Back in the shadowzone, Skyquake briefly tries Starscream's arm on for size before tossing it away.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (6)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
|c2=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] (12)
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] (13)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"Miko, what were you thinking?!" 
"She wasn't."
:—'''Jack''' lets the role of deadpan wisecracker pass to '''Raf''' temporarily

"You cannot harm me while Dark Energon flows through my veins!"
:—'''Starscream''', seconds before Optimus blows off his arm.

"I can't see without my glasses!" 
"What are you, ninety?" 
"Not. Helping!"
:—A glasses-less '''Raf''', a jerky '''Miko''' and a frustrated '''Jack'''.

"How can a zombie arm move faster than the actual zombie?"
:—That's a very good question, '''Miko'''.

"Ratchet, can we triangulate the geographical position of the cell phone signal?" 
"''In a parallel dimensional plane?!'' ... Let's find out."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' poses a challenge for '''Ratchet'''.

"Look, if you're going to blame anybody, blame me." 
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that…a couple dozen times?"
:— '''Miko''' owns up, while '''Jack''' makes it clear he's still ticked off

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
* Skyquake's arm continues to function even after being blasted off. When Ratchet severs a zombie's arm in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", the arm is shown deactivating moments later. It is possible that this is due to Skyquake being somewhat 'fresher' than the zombies in Darkness Rising Part 4, the same way [[Cliffjumper (Prime)| Cliffjumper]] was still functional in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]" despite being cut in half.
* Jack [[Darkness Rising, Part 2|previously discovered]] that the Autobot base was shielded from cell-phone reception. This may have something to do with the "cell phone comlink patch" Raf mentions in "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]".
* In the final scene with Skyquake in the alternate dimension, it first shows Starscream's missing arm. However, Starscream is missing his right arm whereas this arm is a left. In the next cut where Skyquake tries to attach the arm to himself, it becomes the proper missing right arm.

===Continuity notes===
* Starscream attempts to raise Skyquake as a zombie the way Megatron raised an undead army in "[[Darkness Rising]]" parts [[Darkness Rising, Part 4|4]] and [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|5]]. He even quotes Megatron's exact line about symbiosis.
* Starscream stole the Dark Energon shard he uses from Megatron way back in "[[Masters & Students]]". Likewise, Skyquake made his previous appearance in the same episode, and the action in this episode happens around his burial site.

===Transformers references===
* This episode finally has the Autobots refer to the ''Nemesis'' by name. The name was previously given to the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] from [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] in "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
* When suggesting alternative arm weapons for Starscream, Knock Out makes a few references to past [[Starscream (disambiguation)|Starscreams]]: While he recommends a [[null-ray]], as sported by [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 Starscream]], he also proposes a "[[sonic cannon]]", in an apparent reference to [[Starscream (Animated)|''Animated'' Starscream]], whose arm cannons were referred to as sonic weapons in various places (though never the ''Animated'' show itself).

===Real-world references===
* Ratchet fears that the GroundBridges may have "crossed streams". [[Wikipedia:Ghostbusters|This is generally a very bad thing]]. The reference was [[Marsha Griffin]]'s idea.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-botcon-2011-transformers-prime-interview-with-executive-producer-jeff-kline/15863/news.html TFormers BotCon 2011 interview with Kline]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''4(sa)chawon Gonggan'''" (4차원 공간, "Four-dimensional Space")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 17|17 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* The voice cast performed a script reading of the episode at [[BotCon 2011]]. [[Sean Long]] stood in for [[Frank Welker]], while [[Ernie Hudson]] filled in for [[Daran Norris]]. A deleted scene where [[William Fowler|Fowler]] contacts [[June Darby]] (and pretends to be something called a "Ghostbuster") was reincorporated.
* Starscream is apparently obsolete in terms of equipment and systems. Stubborn refusal to upgrade is not unheard of among [[Spotlight: Kup|Transformers]].
* Despite Megatron being pretty ticked off at Starscream in the previous episode, Starscream is still alive (albeit heavily injured). Just like old times!
* [[Jeff Kline]] claimed that when they kill a character, the character stays killed. He wasn't exactly lying: Skyquake reappears, but only as a shambling zombie. He doesn't even get lines, except for groans and moans.
* So Starscream launches the missiles on his arms by flexing his index finger.
* Miko claims to have learned her lesson. [[Metal Attraction|It]] [[Rock Bottom|doesn't]] [[T.M.I.|last]].
* This is the first time since "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" that we've seen Ratchet in his vehicle mode.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==External link==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyatPyA-mpQ&feature=channel_video_title Excepts of live script reading]

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

The Transformers (IDW)

2011-10-29T09:51:12Z

14.39.222.145: /* Collections */

{{disambig3|Transformers}}
[[Image:IDW_TF_vol1.jpg|thumb|250px|You know you love it!]]
'''''The Transformers''''' is an ongoing series published by [[IDW Publishing]], set in the main [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]. It is set three years after the events of the ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' miniseries.

Published monthly from November [[2009]], it went bi-weekly from July [[2011]] until December [[2011]], alternating between two stories as part of the '''CHAOS''' event. After that wraps up in issue #31, a one-shot (formerly labeled Issue #125) entitled ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]'' will be published, and then the title will be replaced by two new monthly ongoings, ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye|More Than Meets the Eye]]''.

Although it was not included within the main run when published as individual issues, the collected edition of the ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]'' is numbered as volume 4 in the Ongoing series.

''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]'' will also be collected in a volume of the ongoing, due to the cancellation of the Spotlight series. It was also originally intended to be included within the ongoing run, but was brought forward due to negative fan reaction to Prowl's characterisation in the first arc of the ongoing series.

{{chapters |style=3 |prev=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|next=|title=''The Transformers'' issues:|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">v1:</div>
* [[...For All Mankind|#1]]
* [[New Arrivals, Old Encounters|#2]]
* [[A Rude Awakening|#3]]
* [[Seasons in Flight|#4]]
* [[Enemies of the System|#5]]
* [[Earthworks|#6]]
 <div class="list-header">v2:</div>
* [[All His Engines‎|#7]]
* [[Scrapper (issue)|#8]]
* [[International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|#9]]
* [[International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|#10]]
* [[International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|#11]]
* [[International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|#12]]
 <div class="list-header">v3:</div>
* [[Heart Like a Wheel‎|#13]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man|#14]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|#15]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies‎|#16]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome‎|#17]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|#18]]
 <div class="list-header">v4:</div>
* see article: ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]''
 <div class="list-header">v5:</div>
* [[Space Opera Part 1: The Stars My Destination|#19]]
* [[Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|#20]]
* [[Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|#21]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 1|#22]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 2|#23]]
 <div class="list-header">v6:</div>
* [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|#24]]
* [[Chaos Part Two: Numbers|#26]]
* [[Chaos Part Three: Kings|#28]]
* [[Chaos Part Four|#30]]
* [[Chaos Epilogue|#31]]
 <div class="list-header">v7:</div>
* ''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]''
* [[Police Action: Part 1|#25]]
* [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|#27]]
* [[Police Action Part 3|#29]]
* ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]''
}}

{{quote|noquote=true|"It's been three years since the devastating events of ''All Hail Megatron''. The Earth has been rebuilt, the AUTOBOTS are in hiding, and the next great era in the Transformers saga is about to begin!"|'''IDW solicitation'''}}

==Overview==
{{ongoing}}
With their members running low on energon and slowly being captured by [[Skywatch]], tension is high amongst the [[Autobot]]s. After a rescue raid led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] results in [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s death, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] surrenders to Skywatch. Hot Rod takes the opportunity to try and leave the planet, and several others join him. Those who remain elect [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] as their new leader. Hot Rod's group is attacked by Decepticons who were left behind or who arrived on Earth after their main force left. However, they decide that fighting is senseless and agree to work together to try and escape from Earth. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrives to investigate the death of Ironhide and surrender of Optimus. More Autobots, fearing they will be arrested by Magnus, also go AWOL, but most of them are captured by Skywatch and used as a bargaining tool by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to force information out of Optimus Prime. Ultra Magnus decides to go after Hot Rod. [[Thundercracker (G1) |Thundercracker]], having been shot down by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|three years previously]], starts to develop admiration for Earth and its inhabitants. Meanwhile, Magnus arrives at Hot Rod's camp and attempts to capture [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], but is stopped by Hot Rod. He also fails in trying to get Hot Rod to disassemble the ship his party is building to get off Earth.

==Creative team==
The series is mainly written by [[Mike Costa]], who penned two of the stories in ''All Hail Megatron Coda''. Issues #22 and #23 will be written by [[James Roberts]], and 4-part "Chaos" arc (#24, #26, #28 and #30) will be co-credited to Costa and Roberts.

Line-art for the first 6-issue story-arc was provided by fan-favorite, [[Don Figueroa]], officially marking his return from Transformers hiatus. Don's art was modified somewhat to make the Transformers more technically complex (more like the [[live-action film series|movie 'bots]]) but still recognizable to their classic designs. [[James Brown]] provides colors. Alternate covers for issues 2–7 were by Transformers veteran [[Andrew Wildman]].

Volume 2 (issues 7–12) had a bit more variation. "-Ations" artist [[E. J. Su]] and [[Javier Saltares]] illustrated issues 7 and 8 respectively. ''All Hail Megatron'' artist [[Guido Guidi]] returned to draw the 4-part arc, ''International Incident'', running from issues 9–12.

Volume 3 started with [[Nick Roche]] drawing issue 13, while Figueroa returned, intending to illustrate the following arc, titled "Revenge of the Decepticons". Alternate covers for this were provided by Roche. However, Figueroa again stepped away from the comic due to a new job after #15, and was replaced by [[Alex Milne]] for the remainder of the arc (issues 16–18). Milne kept Don's designs, but tweaked them to his own style, and gave the faces a more traditional appearance.

Volumes 5 and 6 will also have a variety of artists. Issue 21 ("Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix") was drawn by Guido Guidi and [[Brendan Cahill]], while Milne will return for the 2-part "Chaos Theory" (issues 22 and 23). The 4-part "Chaos" (even-numbered issues 24–30) will be drawn by [[Livio Ramondelli]] and the 3-part "The Last Earth Story" (issues 25, 27 and 29) will by Brendan Cahill. "Chaos Epilogue" (issue 31) will be drawn by [[Casey Coller]] <ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=9451&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=135</ref>.

==Collections==
* ''The Transformers: Volume 1: For All Mankind'' ([[June 9]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600106846 / ISBN 978-1600106842
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from [[Don Figueroa]].

* ''The Transformers: Volume 2: International Incident'' ([[December 8]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600108040 / ISBN 978-1600108044
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from Don Figueroa.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 3: Revenge of the Decepticons'' ([[July 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1600109810 / ISBN 978-1600109812
:* Bonus material includes art from all covers and ???

* ''The Transformers: Volume 4: Heart of Darkness'' ([[September 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1613770510 / ISBN 978-1613770511
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 5: Chaos Theory'' ([[November 2]], [[2011]] ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613770901 / ISBN 978-1613770900
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 6: Police Action'' ([[February 21]], [[2012]], ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613771649 / ISBN 978-1613771648
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 7: Chaos'' ([[March 20]], [[2012]] ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613771401 / ISBN 978-1613771402
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

==Notes==
* In early November 2009, IDW released a three page preview of the first issue... from the ''end'' of the comic, instead of the front like they normally do. That's right, the company ''itself'' released major spoilers that blew the ending of the first issue. <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23587</ref> Head editor [[Andy Schmidt]] stated the reason for this was "we realized that we need to let people know why this book is important." <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23606</ref>

* ''The Transformers'' is constantly advertised as IDW's first ongoing ''Transformers'' comic series, which is weird considering that IDW stressed over and over after the release of [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]] that that was the start of an ongoing series and not just a miniseries.{{fact}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (IDW), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

The Transformers (IDW)

2011-10-27T07:33:49Z

14.39.222.145: /* Collections */

{{disambig3|Transformers}}
[[Image:IDW_TF_vol1.jpg|thumb|250px|You know you love it!]]
'''''The Transformers''''' is an ongoing series published by [[IDW Publishing]], set in the main [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]. It is set three years after the events of the ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' miniseries.

Published monthly from November [[2009]], it went bi-weekly from July [[2011]] until December [[2011]], alternating between two stories as part of the '''CHAOS''' event. After that wraps up in issue #31, a one-shot (formerly labeled Issue #125) entitled ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]'' will be published, and then the title will be replaced by two new monthly ongoings, ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye|More Than Meets the Eye]]''.

Although it was not included within the main run when published as individual issues, the collected edition of the ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]'' is numbered as volume 4 in the Ongoing series.

''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]'' will also be collected in a volume of the ongoing, due to the cancellation of the Spotlight series. It was also originally intended to be included within the ongoing run, but was brought forward due to negative fan reaction to Prowl's characterisation in the first arc of the ongoing series.

{{chapters |style=3 |prev=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|next=|title=''The Transformers'' issues:|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">v1:</div>
* [[...For All Mankind|#1]]
* [[New Arrivals, Old Encounters|#2]]
* [[A Rude Awakening|#3]]
* [[Seasons in Flight|#4]]
* [[Enemies of the System|#5]]
* [[Earthworks|#6]]
 <div class="list-header">v2:</div>
* [[All His Engines‎|#7]]
* [[Scrapper (issue)|#8]]
* [[International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|#9]]
* [[International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|#10]]
* [[International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|#11]]
* [[International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|#12]]
 <div class="list-header">v3:</div>
* [[Heart Like a Wheel‎|#13]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man|#14]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|#15]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies‎|#16]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome‎|#17]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|#18]]
 <div class="list-header">v4:</div>
* see article: ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]''
 <div class="list-header">v5:</div>
* [[Space Opera Part 1: The Stars My Destination|#19]]
* [[Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|#20]]
* [[Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|#21]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 1|#22]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 2|#23]]
 <div class="list-header">v6:</div>
* [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|#24]]
* [[Chaos Part Two: Numbers|#26]]
* [[Chaos Part Three: Kings|#28]]
* [[Chaos Part Four|#30]]
* [[Chaos Epilogue|#31]]
 <div class="list-header">v7:</div>
* ''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]''
* [[Police Action: Part 1|#25]]
* [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|#27]]
* [[Police Action Part 3|#29]]
* ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]''
}}

{{quote|noquote=true|"It's been three years since the devastating events of ''All Hail Megatron''. The Earth has been rebuilt, the AUTOBOTS are in hiding, and the next great era in the Transformers saga is about to begin!"|'''IDW solicitation'''}}

==Overview==
{{ongoing}}
With their members running low on energon and slowly being captured by [[Skywatch]], tension is high amongst the [[Autobot]]s. After a rescue raid led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] results in [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s death, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] surrenders to Skywatch. Hot Rod takes the opportunity to try and leave the planet, and several others join him. Those who remain elect [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] as their new leader. Hot Rod's group is attacked by Decepticons who were left behind or who arrived on Earth after their main force left. However, they decide that fighting is senseless and agree to work together to try and escape from Earth. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrives to investigate the death of Ironhide and surrender of Optimus. More Autobots, fearing they will be arrested by Magnus, also go AWOL, but most of them are captured by Skywatch and used as a bargaining tool by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to force information out of Optimus Prime. Ultra Magnus decides to go after Hot Rod. [[Thundercracker (G1) |Thundercracker]], having been shot down by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|three years previously]], starts to develop admiration for Earth and its inhabitants. Meanwhile, Magnus arrives at Hot Rod's camp and attempts to capture [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], but is stopped by Hot Rod. He also fails in trying to get Hot Rod to disassemble the ship his party is building to get off Earth.

==Creative team==
The series is mainly written by [[Mike Costa]], who penned two of the stories in ''All Hail Megatron Coda''. Issues #22 and #23 will be written by [[James Roberts]], and 4-part "Chaos" arc (#24, #26, #28 and #30) will be co-credited to Costa and Roberts.

Line-art for the first 6-issue story-arc was provided by fan-favorite, [[Don Figueroa]], officially marking his return from Transformers hiatus. Don's art was modified somewhat to make the Transformers more technically complex (more like the [[live-action film series|movie 'bots]]) but still recognizable to their classic designs. [[James Brown]] provides colors. Alternate covers for issues 2–7 were by Transformers veteran [[Andrew Wildman]].

Volume 2 (issues 7–12) had a bit more variation. "-Ations" artist [[E. J. Su]] and [[Javier Saltares]] illustrated issues 7 and 8 respectively. ''All Hail Megatron'' artist [[Guido Guidi]] returned to draw the 4-part arc, ''International Incident'', running from issues 9–12.

Volume 3 started with [[Nick Roche]] drawing issue 13, while Figueroa returned, intending to illustrate the following arc, titled "Revenge of the Decepticons". Alternate covers for this were provided by Roche. However, Figueroa again stepped away from the comic due to a new job after #15, and was replaced by [[Alex Milne]] for the remainder of the arc (issues 16–18). Milne kept Don's designs, but tweaked them to his own style, and gave the faces a more traditional appearance.

Volumes 5 and 6 will also have a variety of artists. Issue 21 ("Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix") was drawn by Guido Guidi and [[Brendan Cahill]], while Milne will return for the 2-part "Chaos Theory" (issues 22 and 23). The 4-part "Chaos" (even-numbered issues 24–30) will be drawn by [[Livio Ramondelli]] and the 3-part "The Last Earth Story" (issues 25, 27 and 29) will by Brendan Cahill. "Chaos Epilogue" (issue 31) will be drawn by [[Casey Coller]] <ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=9451&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=135</ref>.

==Collections==
* ''The Transformers: Volume 1: For All Mankind'' ([[June 9]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600106846 / ISBN 978-1600106842
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from [[Don Figueroa]].

* ''The Transformers: Volume 2: International Incident'' ([[December 8]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600108040 / ISBN 978-1600108044
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from Don Figueroa.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 3: Revenge of the Decepticons'' ([[July 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1600109810 / ISBN 978-1600109812
:* Bonus material includes art from all covers and ???

* ''The Transformers: Volume 4: Heart of Darkness'' ([[September 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1613770510 / ISBN 978-1613770511
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 5: Chaos Theory'' ([[November 2]], [[2011]] ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613770901 / ISBN 978-1613770900
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

==Notes==
* In early November 2009, IDW released a three page preview of the first issue... from the ''end'' of the comic, instead of the front like they normally do. That's right, the company ''itself'' released major spoilers that blew the ending of the first issue. <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23587</ref> Head editor [[Andy Schmidt]] stated the reason for this was "we realized that we need to let people know why this book is important." <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23606</ref>

* ''The Transformers'' is constantly advertised as IDW's first ongoing ''Transformers'' comic series, which is weird considering that IDW stressed over and over after the release of [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]] that that was the start of an ongoing series and not just a miniseries.{{fact}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (IDW), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

Slipstream (Animated)

2011-10-26T07:58:40Z

14.39.222.145: /* Animated cartoon */ wrong information

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Slipstream}}
[[Image:AnimatedSlipstreamModel.jpg|thumb|250px|You say "bitch" like it's a ''bad'' thing!]]

:''Slipstream is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]]''.

'''Slipstream''', the '''Female Starscream''', is the [[Starscream clone (Animated)|Starscream clone]] that raises the most questions. She possesses considerable strategic thinking, a biting sense of humor, and a short temper. Like all of the clones, she represents an aspect of the [[Starscream (Animated)|original Starscream's]] personality... though which aspect that is, he's better off not asking (or so she says).

Practically everything she ever says to the original Starscream is an insult of some form. Really makes you wonder about Starscream, doesn't it?

{{quote|''Any'' leader has to be an improvement over you!|Slipstream offers an opinion on her template|"[[A Bridge Too Close, Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Tara Strong]] (English), [[Atsuko Tanaka]] (Japanese), [[Silvia Mißbach]] (German), [[Daniele Demma]] (Italian), [[Samira Fernandes]] (Portuguese), [[Jessica Toledo]] (Latin American Spanish)

[[Image:TFA ABTC1 Screamer Clones Argue.jpg|thumb|left|thumb|Humph. Men.]]

When his clones were brought online, Starscream was confronted with various personality issues. The female clone revealed that each one represented an aspect of his personality: [[Thundercracker (Animated)|megalomania]], [[Skywarp (Animated)|cowardice]], [[Sunstorm (Animated)|bootlicking]], and [[Ramjet (Animated)|deception]]. When Starscream asked where she came from, Slipstream informed him that he was better off not knowing. Once they were ready to depart, Thundercracker pushed Starscream aside, and the original realized that he really ''was'' a pain in the gearshaft. Slipstream bitingly noted that he'd finally "arrived at the party", then childishly claimed that she wasn't starting anything. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Slipstream proved to be a capable fighter, managing to get a pair of stasis cuffs on the massive [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]]. After the original Starscream was decapitated by [[Isaac Sumdac]] piloting a [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] unit, Slipstream promptly declared that she was better off being led by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. When [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] joined the battle, she and the other Decepticons were blasted away. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

Slipstream apparently decided to lay low on Earth after the space bridge battle, managing to evade capture unlike her fellow clones (and several non-clone Decepticons). However, when she spotted a [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|red figure flying through the sky]], she mistook it for Starscream and chased after it in a rage. She shot at him, causing him to fall in a river. Seeing it wasn't Starscream, she promptly fled the scene. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

===''The Cool'' comic===
[[Image:SlipstreamTheCoolMegatron01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"I do ''not'' think you're dreamy! That's an entirely different [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|purple female Decepticon]]."]]

As the Autobots and Decepticons fought over the [[space bridge#Animated cartoon|Space Bridge]], [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] chose that moment as the most opportune time to unleash his [[Starscream clone (Animated)|Clone Army]] on both factions. Slipstream was among them and seemed to fare best, as the other clones were being easily swatted by the joint efforts of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. Slipstream managed to get a clear shot at Megatron and, after screaming an insult at him, sent a powerful energy blast headed his way. Megatron saw the attack coming, however, and quickly used Optimus as a living shield. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 7}}

Defeated, Slipstream was forced to follow Megatron's orders and attack the oncoming [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]]. She and the other clones were greatly outmatched and taken out by a single blast from Omega's arm cannon.{{storylink|The Cool Episode 8}}
{{-}}

==Notes==

* Where Slipstream got her colors from was debated within the fandom, with the most frequent guess being ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Ramjet (G1)#Generation 2 2|Ramjet]]. However, when contacted about it, [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] revealed that her color scheme was actually "loosely inspired" by the [[Godmaster]] [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]. Unexpected! Still, half of Overlord ''was'' [[Mega|technically female]].

* As her colors weren't closely based on any of the pre-existing [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s, fans didn't have much of a clue what to call her, and created a lot of different nicknames. No official name had been created for her, either (she was just referred to as "Female Starscream" in the show's credits), a situation that writer [[Jim Sorenson]] sought to rectify for her entry in ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac]]''. Sorenson proposed "Slipstream" to [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] and [[Marty Isenberg]], who both liked it, and Sorenson subsequently included the name in the first draft of the ''Almanac''.<ref>[http://boltax.blogspot.com/2009/05/dont-cross-slipstream.html Disciples of Boltax: Don't cross the Slipstream.]</ref> Hasbro raised no objection to the idea, and publicly announced the name for the first time during the Hasbro panel at [[BotCon 2009]].

* While the Transformers [[fandom]] has long mused upon the possibility of female "Seekers" (and produced countless [[Wikipedia:Mary Sue|self-insertion characters]] that are variants on the theme), this is the first canonical female character to share a body template with Starscream. This is either great or horrible, depending on your perspective.

* The whole gag about Slipstream is that '''''we are not supposed to know''''' what aspect of Starscream's personality she represents. This, however, has not stopped fans from repeatedly asking Derrick J. Wyatt about it over Twitter and Formspring, despite his early attempt at light-heartedly brushing the question off by saying "I try not to think about that one!"<ref>[http://community.livejournal.com/tf_animated/271043.html Derrick J. Wyatt Q&A... answers!]</ref> At this point, Wyatt has, in fact, gotten so tired of this question that he now automatically agrees with whatever theory is put forward to him, no matter how absurd.<ref>[http://www.formspring.me/DerrickJWyatt/q/770787093 Does Slipstream represent the sorrow Starscream feels when reflecting on the plight of the Native Americans as both their land and buffalo were violently taken from them during westward expansion?]</ref>

* In the Italian dubbing of ''Transformers Animated'', the voice of Slipstream was provided by Daniele Demma, the same male voice actor that does Starscream and the other clones. This resulted in a more exaggerated representation of the character.

* In the Latin American Spanish dub of the third season, she is ''probably'' still a female. However, due to her voice being ''extremely'' grave, it's still unclear if she is either male or female.

* The ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' version of [[Slipstream (WFC)|Slipstream]] is designed in homage of this one.

* Slipstream was originally intended to appear in "[[Endgame, Part II]]", in which she would revive Starscream after the Autobots left Earth, but the scene was cut for time.<ref>''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]''</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Slipstream''' (スリップストリーム ''Surippusutorīmu'')

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Fiction-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Starscream clones]]

Wreckers

2011-10-17T14:40:38Z

14.39.222.145: /* Aligned continuity */

{{factions|autobot|wreckers}}
{{featured}}
{{disambig3|Wrecker}}
[[Image:Wreckers symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|Wreck & Rule]]
The '''Wreckers''' are a special task force, generally composed of the best and the toughest die-hard fighters around. Its ranks comprise a who's-who of the obscure; mechs you've never heard much about, mostly because the Wreckers are often called in to fight when the odds of success are slim. Bluntly, they tend to burn through their roster at a frightening rate. The Wreckers are a close-knit group that's more concerned with bursting in, guns-blazing, and doing their Thing, than they are concerned with, say, strategy. Despite their disregard for planning and the bodycount their team mounts, the Wreckers are amazingly successful. If it's a lost cause, the Wreckers will be there, winning the day with sheer guts and determination.

Perhaps the most celebrated leader of the Wreckers is [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], though the memory of his former leader, [[Impactor]], hangs over his head. The team also has vague ties to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and its roster often includes the other [[Triple Changer]]s, the [[Jumpstarter]]s and the [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s. The roster of the Wreckers, as noted, is always in flux, and the future will bring leaders such as [[Apelinq]] and members outside the usual pool of [[Autobot]]s, including [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], and even former [[Decepticon]]s. But those were [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|pretty weird times]].

{{bigquote|Never a dull moment when you're a Wrecker.|[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]|[[Stormbringer issue 4|''Stormbringer'' #4]]}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel UK Generation 1 comics===
[[Image:Wreckersoriginallineup.jpg|right|300px|thumb|They always smile after a nice massacre.]]
The initial roster of the Wreckers consisted of Impactor (the leader), Roadbuster, Whirl, Twin-Twist, Topspin and Rack'n'Ruin. They were later joined by Broadside, Sandstorm and Springer (who became the team's leader after Impactor's death). The team were set to be at the business end of [[Operation: Volcano]], killing ten of the most deadly Decepticons as they converged on a staged conference. However, when [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] called off the Decepticons' advance (truth be told, he didn't seem to know or care about it), the Wreckers' plans were also cancelled. As was Impactor's life, as one of the Decepticons, [[Macabre]], had stayed behind to kill [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]], and Impactor took the 'bullet' for him. Impactor named Springer his successor as he lay dying. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

Later, the team and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] were misled into trying to kill [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] upon his return to Cybertron. Decepticons had planted misinformation that Prime was in fact a Decepticon made up to ''look'' like Prime. Fortunately for the Wreckers' record, Magnus and Xaaron uncovered the truth before anyone could kill the Autobots' Greatest Leader. {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}} During his stay on Cybertron, Optimus Prime led the Wrecks on a number of fruitful raids on [[Decepticon fuel store]]s. {{storylink|Resurrection!}}

Both Roadbuster and Whirl appear to be absent from the team later on. Roadbuster reappears amongst the Wreckers eventually, but Whirl is never seen again. {{storylink|Time Wars}} Inferno is later affiliated with the team. {{storylink|Firebug!}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Impactor]] (original leader, offline)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin]] (offline)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (offline)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (offline)
* [[Twin Twist]] (offline)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (leader after Impactor's death)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (offline)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]

After the team takes major casualties during the Time Wars, the few survivors (Springer, Broadside and Inferno) joined together with other "outsiders"—both Autobot and Decepticon—to form the (aptly named) [[Survivors]].

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
[[Image:Wreckers3hlineup.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Now taking applications for: [[Cyclonus (G1)|Traitors]], [[Arcee (G1)|Girls]], [[Fractyl|Wimps]], and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|People Who Shouldn't Be Here]].]]
After the end of the war, the [[Maximal High Council]] called the Wreckers back into service to protect the fragile peace that existed between [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]. The war veteran and gifted engineer Apelinq was assigned to be a squad commander of this new iteration of the legendary Autobot strike force, and several of his former comrades were also drafted. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Major]] was also added to the ranks of the Wreckers in a commanding role. {{storylink|Disclosure|Apelinq's extended profile}}

All but Rodimus and Apelinq were lost to [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon forces]] and its [[transformation virus]], but their depleted ranks were filled with other survivors, some rescued by Apelinq from the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. In this troubled time, even [[Decepticon]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] were accepted into their ranks. {{storylink|Universe (2003 comic)|Transformers Universe: Featuring The Wreckers}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Apelinq]]
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]
* [[CatSCAN]]
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (traitor)
* [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]]
* [[Dillo]] (offline)
* [[Fractyl]]
* [[Mol]] (offline)
* [[Packrat]] (offline)
* [[Primal Prime]]
* [[Ramulus]]
* [[Rav (BM)|Rav]] (offline)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] (offline)
* [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]]
* [[Sentinel Maximus]]
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
* [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]] (offline)
* [[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]] (offline)
* [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]]
* [[Tigatron]]

===Dreamwave Generation 1 comics===
[[Image:Wreckersdw.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Wreckers: Featuring Ultra Magnus' Crotch.]]
The Wreckers split from the Autobot forces after the disappearance of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in a [[space bridge]] explosion. Led by Springer, they clashed with [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon|Ultracons]] in the [[Tagan Heights]] for a time {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}} before reuniting with the Autobots and the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]] immediately prior to the Age of Internment. {{storylink|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (leader)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]
* [[Twin Twist]]
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]

Later on, during Shockwave's reign on Cybertron, the Wreckers whittled down to small but elite task force of Autobots dedicated to keeping the peace wherever (and however) necessary. The [[Triple Changer]]s left the group and Ultra Magnus stepped in to lead.

'''Known members:'''
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (leader)
* Topspin
* Twin Twist
* Roadbuster
* Whirl

When the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] were released from imprisonment in Cybertron's [[Detention Banks]], the Wreckers responded in kind. This, however, was after [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] had already wiped out the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]] and defeated [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. In the battle, both Whirl and Roadbuster were apparently killed before Ultra Magnus took charge and brought Menasor down. {{storylink|War and Peace}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
{{ongoing}}
{{quote|What do you '''mean''', it's a lost cause? Of '''course''' it's a lost cause. That's why we're '''here!'''|[[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2]]}}

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers4-triumphoverevil.jpg|left|thumb|300px|This roster feels familiar.]]

The Wreckers are the Autobots who get called in when the odds of success are nonexistent, but the job needs to be done anyway. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} They've been fighting for a long time, first under [[Impactor]] {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}}, with many grand exploits. They've gained a few fan-boys along the way, mainly "Fisitron" who writes the ''[[Wreckers: Declassified]]'' datalogs {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} and the odd [[Ladybird Books|stories for children]]. They even had their own Decepticon counterparts, the dreaded [[Squadron X]]! {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} The original leader was [[Impactor]], until he did some ''minor'' thing to be incarcerated for. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} Other leaders have included [[Crest]] and [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]]. {{storylink|Bullets}}

The Wreckers are an inspiration to the Autobots, heroes of daring exploits who never leave each other behind and always save the day... or so ''Wreckers: Declassified'' and the official line would tell them. What only a handful know is the dark reality... like how Impactor was really locked up for murdering a helpless, chained-down Squadron X. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

Assigned to [[Varas Centralus]] after the Decepticon infiltration on that planet went to [[Infiltration protocol|Phase Six]], they were pulled out and sent back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] at the order of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] when the Autobot leader suspected that [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] might have been behind the disappearance of the [[Calabi-Yau]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}}

[[Image:Wreckersstormbringer.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Wreckers are so hardcore they don't even need a spaceship. Except for when they [[Xantium (G1)|do]].]]

The Wreckers arrived just in time to save [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] and [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]. They then proceeded to take [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s team apart without breaking a sweat. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3|Stormbringer #3}} Thunderwing was ''slightly'' more challenging, but the Wreckers suffered no apparent casualties. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer #4}}

When Thunderwing popped up again guarding a cave on [[Corata-Vaz]], Optimus Prime sent for the team once again. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} While they did not succeed in stopping Thunderwing themselves, they managed to survive until he was rendered inert by [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Sometime later, some of the Wreckers were captured by the Decepticons. They were rescued by the remaining Wreckers, now led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], who was acting independently. After this, Kup decided to form a new team that included Wreckers [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

After the great push by Megatron, Kup and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] were made into Wreckers, with Ultra Magnus and [[Verity Carlo]] providing them with transport. A few years later, Wrecker reservists [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]], [[Pyro]], [[Rotorstorm]] and [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] were added to the team. Springer was becoming weary of assembling these teams, only to see them blown apart.

The first mission by the new team was to travel to [[Garrus-9]] and bring it back under Autobot control. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} After the arrival of a battered Impactor, however, they discovered that the sociopathic [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] had seized control of the facility and the whole place had gone mental. A report from Prowl also stated they needed to find "[[Aequitas]]". Splitting into two teams, the Wreckers made planetfall {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} and soon became separated from each other. Perceptor's team were tasked to find Aequitas, but Springer abruptly changed strategy and split his group into two: one to find the prisoners, the other to "get help" from a maximum security cell. Perceptor's team succeeded—albeit with the loss of Rotorstorm to Overlord—but Springer, Impactor and Twin Twist were captured. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

Topspin willingly sacrificed himself to activate Aequitas, simultaneously killing Twin Twist due to their branched spark. Kup and Guzzle failed to find the help they were looking for, but managed to save Springer and Impactor from death by torture. As Springer's team faced down Overlord himself, the other Wreckers finished their mission by downloading Aequitas's data into Ironfist. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} Perceptor's group then went to aid the others in the battle against Overlord, with Pyro sacrificing himself in the process. Overlord effortlessly defeated most of the remaining Wreckers, but was eventually taken down thanks to Ironfist's connection to Aequitas. Garrus-9 was liberated, and miraculously, no further Wreckers had been killed in the fight with Overlord... though Springer was in a critical condition and Ironfist succumbed to a workplace injury and died on the way home. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers1-newrecruits.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"What's your name, soldier?" "Parts, sir! Private Parts!"]]
'''Known members:'''
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (leader)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Verity Carlo]] (stowaway), the only non-Cybertronian member.
* [[Crest]] (former leader)
* [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]]
* [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]] (former leader)
* [[Impactor]] (former leader)
* [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (offline)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
* [[Pyro]] (offline)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin]] (offline)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]
* [[Rotorstorm]] (offline)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
* [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (offline)
* [[Twin Twist]] (offline)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]
{{-}}
{{note|Their starship, the ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'', appears able to transform into a robot and thus may also constitute a member of the team.}}

===Shattered Glass===
The Wreckers were a band of mercenaries led by [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]], who spent their time looting and pillaging the countryside. They approved of [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus]]'s campaign of conquest, but initially preferred to remain autonomous.

That is, until one fateful day when Optimus hired the Wreckers to fight alongside his Autobots at the battle of [[Praxus-Delta]]. The battle was brutal and resulted in every Wrecker except Rodimus meeting the fate of most Wreckers across the [[multiverse]] at the hands of the Decepticons. Rodimus impressed Optimus by remaining in the fight regardless, in order to fulfill the contract. Thanks to his efforts the Autobots escaped without further losses, and Optimus was so impressed that he offered Rodimus leadership of the [[Seeker (SG)|Seekers]], which the former Wrecker accepted. {{storylink|Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus's toy bio}}

After the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]] had successfully turned back one of the Autobots' raids, [[Side Burn (SG)|Side Burn]] reminded Prime that he ''had'' recommended reforming the Wreckers as their best counter to the Squad.

Later, when trying to convince [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] to leave the Decepticons and join up with one of his power-grabbing schemes, Rodimus hearkened back to what was likely the Wreckers' old motto, when he told them that they'd have "a whole planet ready to ''wreck-and-ruin''!" {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

===''Transformers Animated''===
During the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], the Wreckers were a major problem for the Decepticons, operating behind their lines as a commando unit. They are noted for interrupting supply lines, destroying the mainframe on [[Bk'n]], and demolishing the shipyards of [[Salvvatan VI]]. They operated from the [[Omega Sentinel (Animated)|Omega Sentinel]] ship ''[[Zeta Supreme|Xantium]]'', which was bonded to [[Impactor Major]], apparently the leader of the team. Megatron created the [[Decepticon Heavy Brigade]] specifically to hunt down the Wreckers. When they finally met in battle, [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]] was the only survivor on either side. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===Aligned continuity===
The Wreckers were [[Autobot High Council|Council Guardians]] led by [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] during the siege of the [[Hydrax Plateau]]. Afterwards, they were all that stood between [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] and the [[Tagan Heights]] before [[Defensor (WFC)|Defensor]] arrived. They guarded the [[Well of All Sparks]] when [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] descended through it to free the [[core]] of its suffocation by [[Dark Energon]]. Ultra Magnus, [[Springer (WFC)|Springer]] and others team members opted to remain behind to distract [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] when the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'' launched, gaining invaluable allies in [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]], [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]] and [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] were also members, though early on in the war Bulkhead left to join [[Team Prime]]. {{storylink|Con Job}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (former member)
* [[Springer (WFC)|Springer]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (leader)
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]

===''Dark of the Moon''===

{{bigquote|We don't let them off the base much 'cause they're assholes.|[[Charlotte Mearing]]|''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''}}

[[Image:DOTM-Leadfoot-Topspin.jpg|thumb|250px|right|How am I gonna stop some big, mean Mother Hubbard from tearing me a structurally superfluous new behind? The answer, use a gun. And if that don't work? Use more gun.]]

The Wreckers, [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], were a trio of engineering geniuses who came to Earth aboard the Autobot spaceship ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''. The Wreckers rarely left the secret Autobot launch facility at Cape Canaveral, partially because caring for the ship dominated their time, and partially because they were assholes. The Wreckers helped engineer the Autobots' feigned exile from Earth and assassination by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and later participated in the battle for [[Chicago]]. They proved effective, if vicious, fighters, dismantling their fair share of Decepticons, challenging [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and rescuing [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] from an embarrassing situation. All three of them would continue fighting and would be among the surviving Autobots, accepting Earth as their true home.{{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Wreckers''' (レッカーズ ''Rekkāzu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Rontók''' ("Ruiners", ''Dark of the Moon'')

[[Category:Animated subgroups]]
[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Prime subgroups]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass]]
[[Category:Subgroups]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Wreckers| ]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

The Transformers (IDW)

2011-10-14T17:00:28Z

14.39.222.145: /* Collections */

{{disambig3|Transformers}}
[[Image:IDW_TF_vol1.jpg|thumb|250px|You know you love it!]]
'''''The Transformers''''' is an ongoing series published by [[IDW Publishing]], set in the main [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]. It is set three years after the events of the ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' miniseries.

Published monthly from November [[2009]], it went bi-weekly from July [[2011]] until December [[2011]], alternating between two stories as part of the '''CHAOS''' event. After that wraps up in issue #31, a one-shot (formerly labeled Issue #125) entitled ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]'' will be published, and then the title will be replaced by two new monthly ongoings, ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye|More Than Meets the Eye]]''.

Although it was not included within the main run when published as individual issues, the collected edition of the ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]'' is numbered as volume 4 in the Ongoing series.

''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]'' will also be collected in a volume of the ongoing, due to the cancellation of the Spotlight series. It was also originally intended to be included within the ongoing run, but was brought forward due to negative fan reaction to Prowl's characterisation in the first arc of the ongoing series.

{{chapters |style=3 |prev=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|next=|title=''The Transformers'' issues:|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">v1:</div>
* [[...For All Mankind|#1]]
* [[New Arrivals, Old Encounters|#2]]
* [[A Rude Awakening|#3]]
* [[Seasons in Flight|#4]]
* [[Enemies of the System|#5]]
* [[Earthworks|#6]]
 <div class="list-header">v2:</div>
* [[All His Engines‎|#7]]
* [[Scrapper (issue)|#8]]
* [[International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|#9]]
* [[International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|#10]]
* [[International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|#11]]
* [[International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|#12]]
 <div class="list-header">v3:</div>
* [[Heart Like a Wheel‎|#13]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man|#14]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|#15]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies‎|#16]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome‎|#17]]
* [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|#18]]
 <div class="list-header">v4:</div>
* see article: ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]''
 <div class="list-header">v5:</div>
* [[Space Opera Part 1: The Stars My Destination|#19]]
* [[Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|#20]]
* [[Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|#21]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 1|#22]]
* [[Chaos Theory Part 2|#23]]
 <div class="list-header">v6:</div>
* [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|#24]]
* [[Chaos Part Two: Numbers|#26]]
* [[Chaos Part Three|#28]]
* [[Chaos Part Four|#30]]
* [[Chaos Epilogue|#31]]
 <div class="list-header">v7:</div>
* ''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]''
* [[Police Action: Part 1|#25]]
* [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|#27]]
* [[Police Action Part 3|#29]]
* ''[[The Death of Optimus Prime]]''
}}

{{quote|noquote=true|"It's been three years since the devastating events of ''All Hail Megatron''. The Earth has been rebuilt, the AUTOBOTS are in hiding, and the next great era in the Transformers saga is about to begin!"|'''IDW solicitation'''}}

==Overview==
{{ongoing}}
With their members running low on energon and slowly being captured by [[Skywatch]], tension is high amongst the [[Autobot]]s. After a rescue raid led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] results in [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s death, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] surrenders to Skywatch. Hot Rod takes the opportunity to try and leave the planet, and several others join him. Those who remain elect [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] as their new leader. Hot Rod's group is attacked by Decepticons who were left behind or who arrived on Earth after their main force left. However, they decide that fighting is senseless and agree to work together to try and escape from Earth. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrives to investigate the death of Ironhide and surrender of Optimus. More Autobots, fearing they will be arrested by Magnus, also go AWOL, but most of them are captured by Skywatch and used as a bargaining tool by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to force information out of Optimus Prime. Ultra Magnus decides to go after Hot Rod. [[Thundercracker (G1) |Thundercracker]], having been shot down by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|three years previously]], starts to develop admiration for Earth and its inhabitants. Meanwhile, Magnus arrives at Hot Rod's camp and attempts to capture [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], but is stopped by Hot Rod. He also fails in trying to get Hot Rod to disassemble the ship his party is building to get off Earth.

==Creative team==
The series is mainly written by [[Mike Costa]], who penned two of the stories in ''All Hail Megatron Coda''. Issues #22 and #23 will be written by [[James Roberts]], and 4-part "Chaos" arc (#24, #26, #28 and #30) will be co-credited to Costa and Roberts.

Line-art for the first 6-issue story-arc was provided by fan-favorite, [[Don Figueroa]], officially marking his return from Transformers hiatus. Don's art was modified somewhat to make the Transformers more technically complex (more like the [[live-action film series|movie 'bots]]) but still recognizable to their classic designs. [[James Brown]] provides colors. Alternate covers for issues 2–7 were by Transformers veteran [[Andrew Wildman]].

Volume 2 (issues 7–12) had a bit more variation. "-Ations" artist [[E. J. Su]] and [[Javier Saltares]] illustrated issues 7 and 8 respectively. ''All Hail Megatron'' artist [[Guido Guidi]] returned to draw the 4-part arc, ''International Incident'', running from issues 9–12.

Volume 3 started with [[Nick Roche]] drawing issue 13, while Figueroa returned, intending to illustrate the following arc, titled "Revenge of the Decepticons". Alternate covers for this were provided by Roche. However, Figueroa again stepped away from the comic due to a new job after #15, and was replaced by [[Alex Milne]] for the remainder of the arc (issues 16–18). Milne kept Don's designs, but tweaked them to his own style, and gave the faces a more traditional appearance.

Volumes 5 and 6 will also have a variety of artists. Issue 21 ("Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix") was drawn by Guido Guidi and [[Brendan Cahill]], while Milne will return for the 2-part "Chaos Theory" (issues 22 and 23). The 4-part "Chaos" (even-numbered issues 24–30) will be drawn by [[Livio Ramondelli]] and the 3-part "The Last Earth Story" (issues 25, 27 and 29) will by Brendan Cahill. "Chaos Epilogue" (issue 31) will be drawn by [[Casey Coller]] <ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=9451&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=135</ref>.

==Collections==
* ''The Transformers: Volume 1: For All Mankind'' ([[June 9]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600106846 / ISBN 978-1600106842
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from [[Don Figueroa]].

* ''The Transformers: Volume 2: International Incident'' ([[December 8]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600108040 / ISBN 978-1600108044
:* Bonus material includes: art from all covers, including design sketches from Don Figueroa.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 3: Revenge of the Decepticons'' ([[July 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1600109810 / ISBN 978-1600109812
:* Bonus material includes art from all covers and ???

* ''The Transformers: Volume 4: Heart of Darkness'' ([[September 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1613770510 / ISBN 978-1613770511
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

* ''The Transformers: Volume 5: Chaos Theory'' (November ??, [[2011]] ''Scheduled'') ISBN 1613770901 / ISBN 978-1613770900
**Included extras are unknown at this time.

==Notes==
* In early November 2009, IDW released a three page preview of the first issue... from the ''end'' of the comic, instead of the front like they normally do. That's right, the company ''itself'' released major spoilers that blew the ending of the first issue. <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23587</ref> Head editor [[Andy Schmidt]] stated the reason for this was "we realized that we need to let people know why this book is important." <ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23606</ref>

* ''The Transformers'' is constantly advertised as IDW's first ongoing ''Transformers'' comic series, which is weird considering that IDW stressed over and over after the release of [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]] that that was the start of an ongoing series and not just a miniseries.{{fact}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (IDW), The}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

The Transformers: Heart of Darkness

2011-10-14T17:00:11Z

14.39.222.145: /* Collections */

{{disambigr|Heart of Darkness|the mysterious energy from Generation 1|Darkness (G1)}}
{{picsneeded}}
'''''The Transformers: Heart of Darkness''''' is a 4-issue limited series published by [[IDW Publishing]] in [[2011]] set in the main [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]].

It follows [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s mission before/after the events of ''[[Infestation (IDW)|Infestation]]''.

{{chapters |style=3 |prev=Infestation (IDW)|next=The Transformers (IDW)|title=''The Transformers: Heart of Darkness'' issues:|content=
* [[Heart of Darkness issue 1|#1]]
* [[Heart of Darkness issue 2|#2]]
* [[Heart of Darkness issue 3|#3]]
* [[Heart of Darkness issue 4|#4]]
}}

==Overview==
{{stub}}

==Creative team==
[[Dan Abnett]] and [[Andy Lanning]], fresh off the ''[[Infestation (IDW)|Infestation]]'' series, teamed up once again to pen ''Heart of Darkness''. Art is by [[Ulises Farinas]], coloring by [[Andrew Crossley]] and lettering by [[Shawn Lee]].

===Notes===
* Apparently, this story is of such importance to IDW, that they are selling the TPB as volume 4 of the main ''Transformers'' series (see below).

==Collections==
* ''The Transformers: Volume 4: Heart of Darkness'' ([[September 27]], [[2011]]) ISBN 1613770510 / ISBN 978-1613770511
**Included extras are the cover art of all individual issues.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* TBD

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heart of Darkness}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

Out of His Head

2011-10-11T16:21:24Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 14
|prev=Sick Mind
|next=Shadowzone (episode)
|image=OutOfHisHead-evileye.jpg
|caption=If looks could kill.
|title="Out of His Head"
|airdate=[[May 7]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Megatron attempts to resurrect himself using Dark Energon by controlling Bumblebee's mind.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OutOfHisHead-basketball.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. ]]
[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] concludes his tests on [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] and gives their leader a clean bill of health. Optimus thanks Ratchet and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]], while [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] is unsure whether she managed to successfully end [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s life during their mission on the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]]. In truth and unknown to any of the others, Megatron's psyche still dwells in Bumblebee's processor, and he's determined to reclaim his own body.

[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] referees a basketball game between Bumblebee and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. Bulkhead easily sinks the first basket, but as Bumblebee goes to shoot, he suddenly flashes back to the [[space bridge]] explosion. When Bulkhead interrupts the vision, he gets the ball thrown at his head. Bumblebee apologizes and they play on. Later on, Bumblebee freezes as Megatron takes control. Megatron wonders how he escaped the destruction of the space bridge, and he recalls [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] pulling the sliver of [[Dark Energon]] from his chest. Now knowing what he needs to restore his body, Megatron vows to take revenge upon his subordinate.

On the Decepticon warship, [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] taunts Megatron's body with the Dark Energon sliver, announcing that he has come up with a new, epic plan that will convince the other Decepticons that he's worthy of leadership. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] arrives in time to hear the tail end of the speech.

Waiting outside his house, [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] calls [[Jack Darby|Jack]], who is already in class, to complain that Bumblebee hasn't picked him up for school. Bumblebee is at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], being puppeted by Megatron to crush a piece of equipment. Ratchet is irritated by the destruction, and Bumblebee explains his visions of Megatron. Ratchet induces a power-down to allow Bumblebee's mind time to rest. While he's explaining this to Optimus and Raf, they get a call from [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]], who says that [[Decepticon]]s have broken into the [[Kauai Naval Observatory]] in [[Hawaii]] and stolen the [[Heuck Nigoghossian telescope]]'s primary lens. Fortunately, the lens has a tracking device, and the Autobots trace it to the [[Arctic]], where there's a massive, unmineable [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposit—unmineable unless the glacier it's in is melted, something that would devastate coastal cities.

Indeed, the Decepticons have already created a heat ray with the lens, and Starscream begins melting the glacier in question.

[[Image:OutOfHisHead-vigil.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''While You Were Beeping'', starring Sandra Bullock.]]

Raf chats with the shut-down Bumblebee, despite Ratchet pointing out that Bumblebee can't hear him. Raf asserts that Bumblebee is family and shows off a photo of his parents and siblings.

Optimus, Arcee and Bulkhead walk through the Arctic and locate the Decepticon warship, which is warming things up with its heat ray.

Ratchet leaves Raf and Bumblebee to find parts to repair the equipment Bumblebee damaged. While he's gone, Bumblebee suddenly powers up and heads to the main control room, where he activates the [[GroundBridge]]. Ratchet and Raf are surprised to find him departing through the GroundBridge and wonder where the diminutive [[Autobot]] is going. Bumblebee arrives at the battlefield where Optimus and Ratchet once fought Megatron's army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]], in search of the Dark Energon shard Megatron used to raise the dead. Ratchet attempts to use the GroundBridge to follow Bumblebee, but once he activates it, Bumblebee promptly steps back through, carrying the Dark Energon, and decks the medic. Having placed Raf out of the way, Bumblebee runs back through the GroundBridge. Ratchet realizes that Megatron's mind has taken over Bumblebee, and he tracks the scout to coordinates in the Arctic. Raf insists on going too.

Atop the Decepticon warship, Starscream spots Bulkhead and Arcee. Knock Out orders [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] to deal with the two Autobots, and the big 'Con starts laying into them. Meanwhile, the unseen Optimus scales a nearby cliff.

Ratchet and Raf arrive in the Decepticon ship to find disabled [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s everywhere. They reach the lab, where Bumblebee has hooked himself up to Megatron's body, but when Ratchet attacks Bumblebee, he's knocked across the room. Raf manages to encourage Bumblebee to retake control, but it's only a brief respite. Ratchet yanks the life support cable from Megatron, only to again be tossed across the room. Despite a last-ditch attempt by Raf to stop Bumblebee, the scout plunges the Dark Energon shard into Megatron's body, and Megatron awakens. A group of Vehicons arrives to find Megatron has risen from the dead, and he orders them to terminate the Autobots, as he has his own "extermination to perform". Under fire from the Vehicons, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Raf retreat.

[[Image:OutOfHisHead-grabby.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Exit, stage lef—GURRK!"]]

Optimus reaches the top of his cliff and takes a flying leap onto the Decepticon ship. On the ground, Arcee and Bulkhead continue to battle Breakdown. Starscream and Knock Out spot Optimus coming towards them across the hull of the ship, and Starscream turns the heat ray on the Autobot leader. Undeterred, Optimus drives all the way up to the heat ray and slices it with his sword, causing the whole thing to explode. Optimus is thrown to the ground, only to face the rage of Starscream, who begins diving towards him, missiles at the ready. Starscream is intercepted halfway through the dive by Megatron, who takes his disloyal lieutenant back to the Decepticon warship. Faced with his old leader, Starscream attempts to flee in his vehicle mode, only for Megatron to grab him by the tail and toss him against the ship. Even the promise of nearby Autobots to destroy isn't enough to distract Megatron, who begins dragging Starscream away by the head.

Watching the still-blazing ship depart, Optimus radios Ratchet for a bridge, but Ratchet, Bumblebee and Raf appear nearby.

Later at base, Ratchet finishes checking over Bumblebee, who thanks Raf for helping to rescue him.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[William Fowler]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==


"Lucky for us Megatron was still alive. 
''<Bumblebee says something>'' 
"Yeah, I actually said that."
:—'''Arcee''' surprising us all.

"Prime! You spot any Decepticons wearing hula skirts lately?!" 
"No, Special Agent Fowler, ''why''?
:—'''Agent Fowler''' says something that makes sense in context that '''Optimus Prime''' hasn't received yet.

"Hm, hm. Yes, very nice."
:—'''Ratchet''' is unimpressed with Raf's picture of his family.

"Yes! I love when a plan comes together!"
:—'''Starscream''', fan of the A-Team.

"Decepticons! Your rightful lord and master has returned!"
:—'''Megatron''' reawakens.

"Megatron's greatest mistake was ever allowing you to live, Prime!"
:—'''Starscream''', a few seconds before Megatron shows up.

"Lord Megatron? You are...you're healed! Praise the Allspark! It is a miracle!" 
"Oh, it will be a miracle alright, Starscream...if you survive what I have planned for you!
:—'''Starscream''' discovers that '''Megatron''' [[Megatron Rising - Part 2|doesn't]] [[Mission Accomplished|tolerate]] [[A Fistful of Energon|traitors]] [[Endgame, Part I|anymore.]]

"But the Autobots! Optimus! Right there, waiting for you!" 
"My greatest mistake? I've made a few. But there is one I do not intend to make again!"
:—A desperate '''Starscream''' and a surprisingly self-aware '''Megatron'''.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*One has to wonder how Raf and the Autobots make it back to their base, seeing as how no-one was there and Jack and Miko are unable to get to the base by themselves. Maybe they called Agent Fowler for a favor?
**In [[Darkness Rising, Part 4]], during the battle against Megatron's Terrorcons, Optimus Prime initially orders Ratchet to "bridge himself" back to base. It's more than likely Ratchet has remote access to his own ground bridge, no matter where he is.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Starscream's eye is misaligned when he spots Arcee and Bulkhead approaching.
*Starscream's thruster is not producing any flames or exhaust when Megatron grabs him as he tries to fly away.
*When Ratchet rips away the life support tube from Megatron's chest, we see the buckled hole left from his wounds during the space bridge accident. However, after the Dark Energon shard restores Megatron to life, we see his chest armor completely fixed and sporting a snazzy fresh Decepticon [[insignia|sigil]]. Looks like Dark Energon can be used not only to power evil Decepticon tyrants, but as a super polish as well.

===Continuity notes===
* Arcee hasn't forgotten her trip to the Arctic in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
* It seems that Megatron was conscious (and able to perfectly remember) when Starscream extracted the fragment of Dark Energon from his chest in "[[Masters & Students]]".
* The fight with the Dark Energon zombies took place in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]".
* Bulkhead and Bumblebee play with a hollowed-out version of the ball he used for lobbing with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] in "[[Con Job]]".
* Raf doesn't know how he understands Bumblebee, as stated in his [[Raf's Notes|notebook]].

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime recalls their "end run on [[Polyhex]]."
* An enraged Megatron carrying away Starscream to inflict horrible punishment? Just like old [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|times]]!
* Starscream announces the beginning of "[[The Reign of Starscream|the reign of Lord Starscream]]".

===Real-world references===
*The Heuck Nigoghossian telescope is named for ''Prime'' directors Vinton Heuck and [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]].
*Starscream [[Wikipedia:The A-Team|loves it when a plan comes together.]]

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Du Eolgul ui Beombeulbi'''" (두 얼굴의 범블비, "Bumblebee with Two Faces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* In the real world, large telescopes use mirrors, not lenses.
* Raf apparently has seven people in his family, including himself. He also has at least two sisters.
* Sierra's friend sits in front of Jack in at least one class (or perhaps homeroom). And yet she is still unnamed.
* Even Raf doesn't know how he understands Bumblebee. [[Sari Sumdac|He's a robot]], isn't he?
* Jack's ringtone is the same as in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]".
* Raf is the first of the humans to see Megatron face to face.
* Raf finally gets to see snow. But does Optimus remember the snowball [[Scrapheap (episode)|he promised to give him]]?
* In the final scene, while Ratchet is talking, Optimus has his battle mask on, despite normally only wearing it when going out on a mission.
* Starscream states that his Dark Energon shard is the only chunk of Dark Energon on Earth. [[One Shall Rise, Part 1| This would prove wrong later]].

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Talk:Predatory

2011-10-10T12:24:30Z

14.39.222.145: /* Edit Blocked */ new section

This episode only features three voice actors. Would this be some kind of record? [[Special:Contributions/82.15.246.28|82.15.246.28]] 21:33, 16 April 2011 (EDT)

Does anyone else think a fair bit of this episode was a homage to the Proving Grounds episode of Beast Wars? It centred heavily on Black Arachnia stalking and being stalked by Dinobot through a similar forest setting.
: I don't think Blackarachnia was in this episode. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:23, 17 April 2011 (EDT)
::While I don't think it's necessarily worth mentioning on the page (yet), I got a "Blackarachnia crossed with Maleficent" vibe off her design.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 01:32, 17 April 2011 (EDT)

I'm not saying Black Arachnia was in this episode... Just that this was very similar to the episode featuring her from Beast Wars. --[[Special:Contributions/82.33.98.221|82.33.98.221]] 11:26, 17 April 2011 (EDT)

Personally I question if people understand what a reference is. A similar situation is NOT a reference. For example, Jack hiding under a log is NOT a reference to Lord of the Rings. Also, the slow down fight in Darkness Rising Part IV is NOT a reference to Saving Private Ryan. A reference is an intentional nod towards previously existing stories. "The first rule of robot fight club is you don't talk about robot fight club" IS a reference.

== Arcee and the "spider web" thingy ==

In this episode we see Arcee pinned on a rock wall by Airachnid's "spider web" at least twice. 
The first time she succeeded to free an arm -thanks to her blade- and fire off a shot to her opponent. Why couldn't she do the same thing the second time? 
Should this be mentioned in the section "trivia" as well? [[User:Sharky857|Sharky857]] 14:55, 17 April 2011 (EDT)

If you look carefully, the first time Arcee gets stuck, the webbing is right in front of her arm, allowing her reach to cut. The second time she is stuck, it is her HAND that is trapped. There is in fact no webbing in front of her arm, meaning she had no way of actually cutting it.
:Yeah, eventually I noticed that too. I watched again the episode the last night, and I could see that. Thanks for pointing it out anyway. [[User:Sharky857|Sharky857]] 07:12, 19 April 2011 (EDT)

==Jacks helmet==

Jacks helmet just kinda… showing up might not be an animation error, per se. Given that she technically doesn't need gas, Arcees "gas tank" may instead be a storage compartment, much like the one on say, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aprilia_Mana_850 Aprilia Mana 850], which has enough room for a full face helmet. Of course, this is just pure, rampant speculation from a motorcycle junkie, but it might be worth mentioning. [[User:CelticNinja|CelticNinja]] 22:17, 17 April 2011 (EDT)
:She has two helmets stashed in there somewhere. Sierra used one last episode. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 22:24, 17 April 2011 (EDT)
::They come from the same place that 80% of her body does when she transforms to robot mode. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:32, 17 April 2011 (EDT)

== what does Arcee say about the sniper at the artillery depot ==

I'm a Chinese fan of tf, and using on line resources have been following the new series. but the lines said by Arcee running in the ruined buildings were lost to me, I can't make them out. so i was wondering if i may get some help from here?
i really appreciate if any one could help me out here. Thank you

:Arcee: "Arcee to Delta Team, requesting coordinates, do you copy?"
:Tailgate: "Arcee, you lost again? Your sense of direction could use some improvement."
:Arcee: "So could your aim, Tailgate. If you'd tagged that sniper back at the artillery depot, I wouldn't have had to break rank and engage the enemy hand-to-hand."
:Tailgate: "From the sound of things, I'm guessing you came out ahead?"
:Arcee: "Try waiting up for me this time, and I'll give you the blow-by-blow. What's your position?"
:Tailgate: "About half a click from the depot, due north. Think you can find it, partner?"
:Arcee: "Trust me, Tailgate. My navigational abilities are--"
--[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 03:20, 18 April 2011 (EDT)

Deeply obliged. i owe you one zillion ^_^ Thank you
__ from asker.

== Edit Blocked ==

I want to add information about foreign localization, but I cannot edit this page.
Would anybody add this between "Real-world references" and "Trivia" section?
<pre>
===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Geomi ui Sanyang'''" (거미의 사냥, "Spider's Hunt")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4|4 October]] [[2011]]
</pre>
[[Special:Contributions/14.39.222.145|14.39.222.145]] 08:24, 10 October 2011 (EDT)

Sick Mind

2011-10-10T12:17:29Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 13
|prev=Predatory
|next=Out of His Head
|image=SickMind-OPinfected.jpg
|caption=Psychonautobots!
|title="Sick Mind"
|airdate=[[April 30]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Optimus is infected by a Decepticon plague, Arcee and Bumblebee sneak aboard the ''Nemesis'' to find a cure.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Cybonicplague.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Day one-thousand and one. We came in close contact with a hive today...]]
[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] reports that his scans have located the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon warship]] while experimenting with different frequencies. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] thinks they should strike now, but Ratchet says he's also detected an [[Autobot]] emergency beacon, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides they should check that out first. He and Ratchet arrive at a centuries-old crashed Autobot ship and venture inside. Though they expect there may be survivors, they find the crew already dead. Ratchet's scans reveal that the crew didn't die in the crash, but had succumbed to [[cybonic plague]]. As the ship shifts, a deceased Autobot hanging from the ceiling drips plague-imbued [[energon (fuel)|energon]] onto Optimus.

Later at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Optimus lays stricken while the others discuss the situation. The plague was developed as part of the Decepticons' [[Decepticon Biological Warfare Program|Biological Warfare Program]], specifically by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] himself, and Ratchet thinks they might be able to find information in the Decepticon databases. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] [[GroundBridge]] onto the Decepticon ship and, narrowly hiding from [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], enter the ship's laboratory. Inside, Arcee scours the database, but fails to find a cure for the plague. While she's doing so, Bumblebee stumbles on something just as important—the comatose body of Megatron! Arcee is ready to finish Megatron off then and there, but Ratchet has a better idea—enter Megatron's brain and retrieve the plague cure. Ratchet knows of a procedure to create a [[cortical psychic patch]]. Though such procedures have been banned by the Autobots for years, it will get them into Megatron's brain, and Bumblebee is willing to try it.

On the ship's bridge, [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] complains that the ship's electromagnetic shielding has not been fixed, and directs the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s to hurry up and do so before the Autobots detect them. Afterwards Starscream has a private word with Knock Out, suggesting that the Decepticons deserve a leader who is conscious, and the pair come to an understanding whereby Knock Out will be Starscream's new [[second-in-command]].

[[Image:Megatron_WHY_IN_MY_HEAD.jpg|thumb|250px|right|He ''does'' [[Transform and Roll Out!|eat Autobot protoforms for breakfast]].]]
Arcee plugs Bumblebee into Megatron, and Bumblebee finds himself in a simulation of [[Kaon]]. Ratchet creates a communications downlink, so they can monitor what Bumblebee is doing. Bumblebee wanders though Kaon until he finds what appears to be Optimus, but is just a figment of Megaton's imagination. Megatron appears and slays the false Optimus, who dissolves into smoke. Another Optimus appears, and as Megatron fires his [[fusion cannon]], Bumblebee jumps in the path of the blast, only to find it passes right through him to slay the imaginary Optimus. Megatron, however, has seen Bumblebee and attempts to strike him, but his blows pass clean through the Autobot scout. While Megatron is trying to work out what's going on, Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and another Bumblebee appear, all figments of his imagination. Megatron destroys them, but begins to realize that he's in his own subconscious.

Arcee becomes anxious when Starscream, Knock Out and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] enter the lab, though the two Autobots are hidden well enough that the Decepticons don't see them. Starscream is determined to put on a show for Soundwave, to convince his fellow Decepticon that Megatron is beyond saving. He and Knock Out attempt to persuade Soundwave that putting Megatron out of his misery is the best thing. Arcee and Ratchet overhear their conversation, and Ratchet says terminating Megatron will permanently separate Bumblebee's mind and body.

In the dream world, Megatron ponders what has happened to him, and finds out from Bumblebee about the [[space bridge]] explosion. Short on time, Bumblebee relays the news about Optimus's cybonic plague infection. Megatron is amused that after all this time Optimus will be felled by a virus, but Bumblebee plays on his desire to finish Optimus himself.

Starscream is about to pull the plug on Megatron when Soundwave points out the psychic patch cable. Starscream begins following it, as Arcee observes from her hiding place.

[[Image:SickMind-take me.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"The dream's collapsing!" Braaaahm. Braaahm.]]

Megatron briefly shows Bumblebee the formula for the virus cure, but will only share it if Bumblebee can release him from his mental prison. Unknown to Megatron, Ratchet can still see everything Bumblebee sees. Having ganked the formula, Ratchet tells Arcee to cut the link. Megatron's dream world begins to disintegrate and the Decepticon leader launches himself at the disappearing Bumblebee.

Bumblebee comes around as Starscream finds the two hidden Autobots, and, as they escape through the GroundBridge, Arcee blasts one of the cables attached to Megatron. Starscream is actually pleased that Megatron has flatlined as a result, but at Soundwave's insistence has Knock Out reconnect the cable.

[[Image:SickMind-I'm out.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Hmm... A [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] that gets [[Spark of Darkness|trapped inside]] a [[Diagnostic Drone|weaker bot]] after he was [[Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|presumed deceased]]. That sounds familiar.]]
A newly-cured Optimus stands up and the Autobots celebrate, but Optimus insists the celebration should be for Ratchet and Bumblebee. On the Decepticon ship, Knock Out observes that Megatron is no longer exhibiting any brainwave activity — there's no one home. Unbeknownst to anyone, Megatron now resides in Bumblebee's head...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Autobot plague victims]] (9)

|c2=*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (10)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (12)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)

}}

==Quotes==

"Spiking hard, his sick mind still at work."
:—'''Arcee''' namedrops the title.

"I will NOT allow Optimus to pass knowing that Megatron will outlive him!"
:—'''Ratchet''', increasingly desperate to save Optimus.

"An inglorious fate that he should remain in this vegetative state..."
:—'''Starscream''' composes poetry about Megatron. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sound]] [[Wheelie (G1)|familiar]]?

"You scratch my back, I scratch yours."
:—'''Starscream''' to Knock-Out, who evidently doesn't remember what happened [[Speed Metal|the last time Starscream's claws got close to him]].

"If this is my subconscious... ''WHAT ARE YOU DOING INSIDE MY HEAD?!''"
:—'''Megatron''' unintentionally makes us laugh.

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
:—'''Starscream''' to Soundwave as the former is about to take Megatron off life support. And Soundwave STILL won't say a word.

"I'm out... or should I say ''in''?"
:—'''Megatron''' cackles as he awakes in Bumblebee's body.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===

*The spot where the downed Autobot ship was shown on Rachet's map is in a temperate climate. Meaning it should have been in a forest or grassland, not a desert.
*When Knock Out says that there is no brainwave activity, one of the monitors next to Starscream shows brainwave activity in Megatron.

===Continuity errors===

*Since Megatron's dream was, presumably, taking place ''before'' the cortical psychic patch, why is it destroyed once the patch is broken? Shouldn't Bumblebee be the only thing in it to disappear?

===Transformers references===
*[[Kaon]], the Decepticon capital on Cybertron, was first mentioned in the Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics.
*"One shall stand, one shall fall" is used for the [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|second time]] in this series.
*Megatron asks whether or not he "still functions".
*Megatron refuses handing over the formula for the cure to the plague unless Bumblebee helps him escape, or he will let Optimus [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime#The Transformers: The Movie| "fade to gunmetal grey."]]
*The first showdown between Megatron and an Optimus illusion is reminiscent of the [[title sequence]].

===Real-world references===
*[[Cybonic plague]] is a reference to [[wikipedia:bubonic plague|bubonic plague]].
*Bulkhead says that Megatron is "pushing up lugnuts." This is a modification of the human phrase, "pushing up daisies," although it doesn't make much literal sense.
*Oddly enough, Starscream uses two common human phrases, both quoted above. Perhaps Soundwave gets cable?

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Yukche wa Jeongsin'''" (육체와 정신, "Body and Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 10|10 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*The two offline Autobots on the plague ship were reminiscent of [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Ironhide (G1) |Ironhide]].
*This episode was available to watch prior to its intended airdate on some cable providers' Video On Demand services.
*This episode marks Megatron's first speaking role since the end of the ''[[Darkness Rising]]'' mini-series.
*This is also the first episode to show Megatron using his [[fusion cannon]] outside of the opening titles sequence.
*"I'm inside your mind!" is a common fictional trope that ''Transformers'' fiction has explored in the past:
**In the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' episode]] "[[Other Voices, Part 2]]", [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] uplinks herself into [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s mind and wanders through his inwardly-imagined world before confronting his own psychic avatar. Tarantulas also manages to install himself into her mind as Megatron has done here.
**And from a less metaphysical perspective, the Autobots literally shrank themselves into microscopic size in order to walk around inside [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s brain in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 episode]] "[[Microbots]]".
*Starscream totally bitch-slaps a Vehicon.
*Megatron moves rather quickly in his dreams. After destroying the dream Optimus, Bulkhead and Bumblebee, and realizing its his subconscious, he takes barely a second to move from his position a few feet away to looming over Bumblebee.
*Megatron's voice has a surprisingly compassionate sound to it when he asks if "someone besides [him]self is unwell"... It's rather disturbing.
*Nobody transforms once in this episode.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Speed Metal

2011-10-04T02:48:49Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 11
|prev=Deus ex Machina
|next=Predatory
|image=SpeedMetal-startyourengines.jpg
|caption=Temptation, thy name is woman!
|title="Speed Metal"
|airdate=[[April 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Dean Stefan]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Knock Out and Jack are both drawn into the world of street racing.'''

==Synopsis==
Cruising along a road at night, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] listens to a news report about illegal street racing. Switching it off, he pulls up alongside three other cars waiting to race. The [[Fast Willy|driver of one]] decides to put a long scratch in Knock Out's paintwork, rousing the [[Decepticon]]'s ire. After the race starts, Knock Out runs the other driver off the mountain road, informing the stunned human, "You scratch my paint, I scratch yours," before racing off.

[[Image:SpeedMetal-whispering.jpg|left|thumb|250px|There are so many captions for this, all of them dirty.]]

Outside the high school, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] encounters school bully [[Vince]], who mocks [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]]'s vehicle mode. Jack and Arcee leave, but while stopped at a traffic light, Jack's called out to by [[Sierra]], who's keen on a ride. Before Jack can answer, Vince pulls up and challenges him to a race. Jack's still thinking about it when the light changes and Arcee takes off, reminding Jack of the rules about abusing their power. Vince catches up with them at the next light and insults Arcee's motorcycle mode, goading her to suspend the rules, just this once. The pair let Vince know they're ready for the race, and Sierra and [[Sierra's friend|her friend]] turn out at an old dirt road to spectate. Arcee's driving abilities far outstrip Vince's, and they win easily, but Arcee turns down Jack's suggestion that they should offer Sierra a lift.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] is buffing the comatose [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] wanders in to check on the patient and wonders aloud where Knock Out's got to. The 'Con himself walks in a few moments later, complaining about the scratch some "skinjob" put in his finish. Starscream is most disapproving that Knock Out's been street racing again, though what ''really'' annoys him is Knock Out's failure—and glib refusal—to refer to Starscream as "Lord".

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Arcee reminds Jack not to tell anyone about the race, but it turns out [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] already know, having heard about it at school. Jack swears them to secrecy.

At school, Sierra tells Jack she was impressed with the outcome of the race, but Vince challenges Jack to race again, this time at the circuit. Jack's compelled to agree, but Arcee flatly refuses to race.

Knock Out is out cruising a road somewhere near [[Jasper]], when a speeding street racer car gets his attention, and he heads toward the town.

Jack asks Raf if he can borrow [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] so he can go street racing. Raf isn't so sure (much to Bumblebee's dismay), but Miko and Jack talk him into it. Jack and Bumblebee haul up at the race track, as does Knock Out. As the race begins and Bumblebee and Vince jostle for lead position, Knock Out recognizes Bumblebee and begins chasing the Autobot while firing. Jack finds he has problems overcoming the communications barrier with 'Bee.

Back at base, Miko and Raf are playing a [[Generic racing game|video game]] when Arcee asks them if they've seen Jack. They attempt to cover for their friend, but Arcee immediately works out what's up, and a short time later, Bumblebee's distress call comes though.

Bumblebee dumps some oil to slow Knock Out down, then ducks under a bridge. At first, it seems they've lost the Decepticon, but Vince hauls in to confront Jack and demand he finish the race. Jack tries to warn Vince of the danger, but Vince's headlights have attracted Knock Out, who grabs the boy, renders him unconscious, drives off. Knock Out contacts Breakdown to announce he's captured Bumblebee's human "friend". Arcee and Bulkhead join Bumblebee, but before Arcee can start a lecture, Jack tells her about Vince, and they head off to mount a rescue.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] walks into the base and wonders where everyone else is. Raf and Miko give him the least convincing replies ever.

[[Image:PrimeScreamer'sFingerOfDoom.JPG|right|thumb|250px|"Not the gumdrop buttons!"]]

The three Autobots track Knock Out to a warehouse area, and Bulkhead and Bumblebee stroll in while Arcee scales a nearby water tower. Bulkhead and Bumblebee are ambushed by Breakdown. Just as Knock Out is wondering where Arcee is, she jumps on top of him. Knock Out decides to bail, but at least has the courtesy to radio Breakdown and let him know. Unfortunately, the call distracts Breakdown long enough for Bulkhead to deck him with a street lamp. Knock Out streaks down a road with Arcee in pursuit, but is suddenly sideswiped by Optimus, who knocks him onto the embankment. With the 'Con unable to flee, Optimus rips his door off and retrieves the unconscious Vince. Knock Out is outraged at the damage done to him, but retreats when the rest of the Autobots arrive. Vince finally recovers in Bumblebee on the way back to his car, and Jack spins a story to cover the whole thing.

Starscream is ''very'' upset with Knock Out's antics. Knock Out assures Starscream that he's learned his lesson and paid the price. Unfortunately for Knock Out, he once again addresses Starscream as "Commander" instead of "Lord", so Starscream gives him some more scratches as punishment.

At school again, Sierra asks Jack for a ride, but he turns her down. Arcee, however, is feeling more accommodating—just this once—and soon Jack and Sierra are zooming through town.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (8)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Fast Willy]] (2)
*[[Jack Darby]] (3)
*[[Vince]] (5)
*[[Sierra]] (6)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (7)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (12)
}}

==Quotes==
"Uh, Jack? A lady's vital stats are her own business."
:—'''Arcee''' doesn't want Jack bragging about the different aspects of her body.

"Winning isn't enough, Jack. You want to make him ''cry''."
:—'''Arcee''' explains her method of getting even.

"No worries, ''herr commandant''." 
"It is 'Lord' to you." 
"Only if Megatron takes a nosedive." 
"''Hhhnnn.'' The day our master emerges from stasis, I will graciously relinquish the title. But I believe that outcome is unlikely. Something to do with the quality of medical care around here. So continue ''buffing''. We do want Megatron looking his best for the memorial." 
(''Starscream leaves the room.'') 
"Buff ''this''."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' don't exactly see eye-to-eye.

'''Arcee''': Have you guys seen Jack? 
'''Miko''': ...not since we last saw him. 
'''Arcee''': They're racing, aren't they? 
'''Raf''': Just this once. 
'''Arcee''': Did you know about this? 
'''Bulkhead''': NO. Maybe. A little.
:—No one on [[Team Prime]] can lie.

"'Bee, do not engage. Your first priority is to keep Jack safe. [''murmurs''] Until I get my hands on him."
:—'''Arcee''' is a scary guardian.

[[Image:SpeedMetal-OptimusEyebrow.jpg|thumb|250px|Highly [[Leonard Nimoy|illogical]].]]

'''Raf''': We should just tell Optimus the truth. 
'''Miko''': Absolutely not! We made a deal. Just act completely normal. 
'''Optimus''': Raf, Miko, do either of you know where the others have gone? 
'''Miko''': Why, no, sir. We do not know. 
'''Raf''': ''(stiffly)'' Miko is correct. We do not know. 
'''Miko''': Why would we know? 
'''Optimus''': Hmm.
:—Seriously, it's a minor miracle the kids haven't blown their cover with their parents yet.

"Do you know how hard that is to replace?!"
:—'''Knock Out''' loses a door to Optimus Prime.

"Knock Out! Was I not clear? You have defied my orders yet again!" 
"My mistake, Commander Starscream. But, I've learned my lesson... and paid the price. 
"It. Is. '''LORD'''! And you have paid when I say you have paid! ''[extends a sharpened finger]'' Do not worry, your punishment shall be merely... cosmetic." 
"No, not the finish! Anything but the finish! ''[the "cosmetic punishment" begins offscreen]'' NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
:—<s>Commander</s> '''LORD Starscream''' reminds '''Knock Out''' where he stands.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*Sierra and her friend hold their books back-to-front. This is not [[The Jasper Daily|uncommon]].
*When Jack and Arcee stop at the second traffic light, Arcee's front wheel is shown not moving at all, as if it were sliding on the asphalt instead of spinning.
*When Arcee and Jack drive along the street (while debating Jack's decision to accept Vince's second challenge), all the traffic lights are shown as if they were upside down; red lights are in the place of green lights and vice versa.
* Like in the [[Deus ex Machina|previous episode]], the clear parts of Arcee's chest are pink.
*While Knock Out drives away (after kidnapping Vince), and Jack turns to talk to Bumblebee, the former's rear-lights are white instead of red.

===Continuity errors===
*Vince challenges Jack to a race on a "dirt road", but the road they race on is sealed and marked.

===Real-world references===
*Knock Out calls Fast Willy a "skinjob," a derogatory slang term used to refer to the human-like [[Wikipedia:Cylon (reimagining)|Cylons]] in the 2004 re-imagining of ''[[Wikipedia:Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'', itself an homage to ''[[Wikipedia:Blade Runner|Blade Runner]]''.
*Vince refers to Jack as "Ponch", a motorcycle-based reference to Erik Estrada's cycle-riding cop character from ''[[Wikipedia:CHiPs|CHiPs]]''.
*Knock Out calls Starscream "Herr Kommandant", a reference to ''[[Wikipedia:Hogan's Heroes|Hogan's Heroes]]''.
* "Drucker's Ranch" is presumably a reference to [[Steve Drucker]], longtime [[Hasbro]] creative person.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jilju Bonneung'''" (질주 본능, "Instinct for Speed")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3|3 October]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode to premiere on a Saturday.
* This is the first episode not to include [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]].
* Several of the other street racing cars in this episode are simply recolored variations of Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s alternate modes (sans horns in the case of the latter). Hello, easy [[redeco]]es!
* At least two of said cars never actually leave the starting line once the race begins.
* Bulkhead once again decides to forgo saving someone out of simple dislike. What a jerk!
* Sierra's friend continues to remain nameless, despite having appeared in more episodes than Sierra herself at this point. This girl really needs to introduce herself!
* Bumblebee's [[license plate]] is 936 SOH.
*How Many Rule 'No. #1's can the Autobots ''have''?

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Deus ex Machina

2011-10-04T02:47:35Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 10
|prev=Convoy (episode)
|next=Speed Metal
|image=DeusExMachina-Screamer grins.jpg
|caption="With this map, I shall find all of the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet K]]— wait. Wrong franchise."
|title="Deus ex Machina"
|airdate=[[March 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Bulkhead makes a discovery in Greece, the race is on to recover an Energon Harvester.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] is failing to enjoy some detention when Bulkhead hauls up outside the school, blaring loud music. She takes advantage of an inattentive teacher to sneak out and join her Autobot buddy, who's obliged to act as her getaway car when a teacher approaches. They head for [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] while Bulkhead tries to explain to Miko that she'll never get into college if she flunks out. Ratchet reports he's found an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] pulse in [[Greece]].

Meanwhile, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] has finally arrived on the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', which took some time as he had to drive (something [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] disdains). Knock Out assumes he's been brought to provide [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] with a laboratory assist, when Starscream takes him to the [[Decepticon leader]]'s sick bed.

Bulkhead and Miko arrive at an excavation site in Greece, but to her disappointment, he's intending her to research her history report. Bulkhead says the humans have hit an energon vein, but then he spots something Cybertronian in an ancient fresco among the ruins.

[[Image:TFPrime_KnockOutDrill.JPG|left|thumb|300px|Ha HA! Phallic symbolism.]]

Starscream explains Megatron's condition to Knock Out. While Starscream was content to let nature take its course with Megatron, the crew of the ''Nemesis'' took a vote and decided to bring in a specialist. Knock Out says things would be easier with his assistant, but [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] is on the trail of some energon.

Bulkhead identifies the object in the fresco as an [[Energon Harvester]], but as Miko snaps a picture, they're interrupted by the arrival of Breakdown. Wondering if Bulkhead's new pet plays fetch, Breakdown throws a pillar at Miko. Bulkhead intercepts the pillar and is tackled by Breakdown, who slams him into the fresco, shattering it. The Decepticon races off, but Miko shows Bulkhead the image she snapped of the fresco.

Back at base, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] confirms that the depicted device is an Energon Harvester. The Autobots are relieved that the fresco was broken, as they think it means the Decepticons won't be able to find the Harvester, but [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] points out that there are photos of the thing online, as the actual Harvester is held in a museum. The Autobots try to contact [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] for help, but he's away on a training retreat. Optimus says they'll have to obtain the Harvester themselves, and Miko volunteers the kids to help.

[[Image:DeusExMachina-fourcons.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Would you say this episode has a...''plethora'' of named Decepticons?]]

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has found the same photo using Breakdown's description of the Harvester, and Starscream says Megatron's revival will have to wait.

The Autobots move into position around the museum before the kids move in via [[GroundBridge]] on a motorized scissor lift. Miko deals with a security camera by taking a picture of the Harvester and balancing [[Miko's phone|her phone]] on top of the camera. While they move towards the statue holding the Harvester, Optimus has an encounter outside with Knock Out and Breakdown, the latter of whom fires a missile at the museum. Optimus manages to catch the missile, but Knock Out shocks him with an energon staff. Breakdown barrels towards the museum entrance, with [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] failing to stop him. Bulkhead joins the fight as well, but the disturbance sets off the museum's alarms, alerting the security guard. The kids finally manage to get the Harvester onto their lift platform and head for the exit. Miko, scouting ahead on foot, is caught by the security guard, who whisks her away. Raf and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] run toward a half-open loading ramp door, expecting Arcee, but instead it's Soundwave, who grabs the Harvester and departs. Knock Out and Breakdown spot him leaving and make their getaway as well. Meanwhile, Miko attempts to spin a yarn to the security guard about how she got locked in the museum while researching her history report.

Believing that Starscream will attempt to use the Harvester to gather energon as quickly as possible, Optimus, Bumblebee and Arcee go out attempting to intercept them. [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] works on a replica Harvester to return to the museum in place of the stolen one, while Bulkhead realizes that the Decepticons might be intending to go after the energon seam in Greece.

Indeed, Starscream, Knock Out and Breakdown are at the excavation site. When the other two Decepticons attempt to correct him on who's to thank for the Harvester, Starscream demonstrates the device's effectiveness on a hapless [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]], and the pair are suddenly a lot more submissive. While Starscream starts tapping the energon seam, Bulkhead attempts to sneak up behind the Decepticons but clumsily lets them know he's there. He manages to deal with Knock Out and Breakdown until Starscream turns the Harvester on him. Struggling to stay upright, Bulkhead reaches Starscream, smashes the 'Con in the face, and breaks the Harvester. He throws the device into the sky, where it explodes. The Decepticons are about to move in and finish the weakened Bulkhead when the rest of the Autobots arrive and chase them off.

Miko is starting to run out of Greek history to bore the museum security guard with, when Fowler turns up to collect her. The guard is surprised when Fowler points out the replica Harvester in place on the statue. Outside, Miko is reunited with Bulkhead and tells him all about how she's going to write her report on how the Autobots interacted with ancient Greece.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (8)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (2)
*[[Miko's teacher]] (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Museum security guard]] (17)
*[[William Fowler]] (18)

}}

==Quotes==
"Miko, listen. If you fail high school, you can't go to—uh...uni...kesa...colls...w-wait, what's that word again?" 
"Uh, 'college'?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' tries to give '''Miko''' a lecture on academia.

"Look Miko, before I became a warrior I was a laborer—construction. I can build stuff, I can break stuff, and that's it." 
"I love breaking stuff! I wanna be just like you, Bulk." 
"Aaargh...why would you wanna be like me, when you can be a medic like Ratchet?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' fails to convince '''Miko''' regarding the benefits of education.

"It's about time, Knock Out. I do not enjoy being kept waiting!" 
"Ah, it was a long drive, Starscream. I'm still picking bugs out of my grille." 
"Yes, right, you're one of ''those''." 
"Come again?" 
"Never understood why any self-respecting Decepticon would choose 'automobile' as his vehicle mode when he could have [[flight]]!" 
"I like the way I look in steel-belted radials."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Knock Out''' discuss an infraction of [[Autobot Cars|the]] [[Decepticon Planes|norm]].

"We have a history." 
"''(chuckles)'' And you have a [[Miko Nakadai|pet]]. Does it play catch?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Breakdown'''

"You've reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an ''intensive training retreat'' and unavailable until Tuesday." 
"I hate talking to machines."
:—'''Agent Fowler''''s answering machine and '''Ratchet''' pull off their own version of a [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] gag.

"[wolf whistles] Sweet rims, 24 gauge... You're ''reeeeeeal'' heavy-duty! Just like my [[Breakdown (Prime)|friend]] here!"
:—[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]'s got red cars, '''Knock Out''''s got [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|red trucks]].

"We're already trespassers and thieves. Why not add forgery to the list?"
:—'''Jack''' sarcastically comments on the crimes.

"Wait! What are you doing?!" 
"What I do best: ''(grabs Energon Harvester)'' Breaking things!" ''(punches Starscream)''
:—'''Starscream''' is no match for '''Bulkhead''''s sheer awesomeness.

"He's a glutton for punishment." 
''(Autobots arrive)'' 
"Fight?" 
"Mmm, drive."
:—'''Knockout''' and '''Breakdown''' are prevented from killing Bulkhead.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Optimus, Arcee and Bumblebee find Bulkhead lying on the ground, Arcee and Bumblebee's optics are dim, while Optimus's and Bulkhead's are not.
*Miko's teacher is reading a copy of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]''. It is once again printed with the "Sports" page on the left instead of the right. The security guard at the museum is reading the same issue, despite the museum being located in a big city that is obviously not [[Jasper]]. It's also the same issue of the publication (with the same reverse page order) that Raf was using to make his papier-mâché volcano in "[[Masters & Students]]", despite being a daily.
* The two pages in Miko's open textbook are mirror images of each other.
* It looks like so far animators have not decided yet if Bumblebee's optic sensors should have a central part or not, for they are shown changing their shape through the episode (has also happened [[Convoy (episode)|at least once]] previously).
* The normally clear bits of Arcee's chest are pink in this episode.
*When Knock Out stands on top of Optimus, and signals to Breakdown with his headlights, the sound of his Energon Prod is still going, despite there being no glow to signify its still on.

===Continuity errors===
*The police have the worst response time imaginable. The guard presumably called them right after the Harvester was stolen, yet they never show up. Even accounting for the fact that Fowler would have called them off eventually, it should have only taken them minutes to get there.

===Transformers references===
*The term "Energon Harvester" is similar to the "[[Star Harvester|Star [or Solar] Harvester]]" from the [[live-action film series]], and the "harvesting" is indeed comparable: energy is pulled into both devices over a distance. But the Energon Harvester is ''much'' smaller and weaker, and true to its name, it is limited to extracting energon.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:DeusexMachina-godfresco.jpg|thumb|250px|"Nothing is true, everything is permitted."]]

*A ''[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina|deus ex machina]]'', meaning "god from the machine", is a plot device in which a major conflict is instantly resolved by the uncanny, often unexpected appearance of a character, object, or other form of deliverance. Miko explains this to the museum security guard just before Fowler suddenly walks in and saves her from her predicament. While this is obviously intended to be a ''deus ex machina'' itself, there ''had'' been plenty of foreshadowing, with Optimus even declaring earlier that Fowler was Miko's best hope.
*The god depicted on the fresco is presumably [[Wikipedia:Poseidon|Poseidon]], because he bears his symbolic trident. The soldiers appear to be [[wikipedia:Sparta|Spartan]]s, as their shields bear the [[Wikipedia:Lambda|Lambda]]—which is odd, as their patron god was [[Wikipedia:Ares|Ares]].
*An ancient golden orb that is actually alien technology rather than a magical device of gods? Someone at [[Hasbro Studios]] must've played ''[[Wikipedia:Assassin's Creed|Assassin's Creed]]''—which casts the Spartan shield symbol and Poseidon's staff in a whole new light...

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Eneojon Chuchulgi'''" (에너존 추출기, "The Energon Harvestor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 27|27 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*The Vehicons "took a vote" to bring in a specialist to help Megatron... against the wishes of their own commander. Starscream has a slippy grip on power.
*Starscream's contempt for Knock Out choosing a non-flight alternate mode is strange, as most of the Vehicons are cars. Did they ''not'' get to choose?
*Some fans have interpreted Starscream's "you're one of ''those"'' line, Knock Out's wolf-whistling appraisal of Optimus's truck mode, the vanity about his appearance, and [[Daran Norris]]'s somewhat campy performance to be clues that Knock Out is [[Transformer romance|gay]]. Moreover, the term "knockout" is commonly used to describe an attractive ''woman,'' and the character's vanity suggests that that correlation is intentional. Make of all this what you will; very little [[Humanization#Sexuality|robotic sexuality]] of any kind has been evident in ''Prime'' so far, outside of a lightly-implied connection between [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] and Arcee.
*There is a painting of [[Big Rocks National Park]] in the security guard's office, as well as a calendar set to March, which handily matches the month this episode first aired. Although on that calendar, March started on a Sunday instead of a Tuesday.
*Knock Out is clobbered accidentally by his partner Breakdown ''twice''. They need to work on their coordination.
*Knock Out is the first ''Prime'' Decepticon to debut after the pilot miniseries and survive the experience. Breakdown might be considered to share that distinction, but technically he debuted ''before'' the cartoon, as he appeared in the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|''War for Cybertron'' video games]] and the [[Transformers: Prime (comic)|''Prime'' comic]] first.
*When Miko takes a picture and puts the cellphone display in front of the security camera, the picture comes out flawless on the guard's screen. In real life, it would look blurry.
*Soundwave must have some very...[[Female Transformer|feminine]] legs if Jack mistook him for Arcee from the knees down.
*Knowledge of Megatron's condition appears to have been confined to the crew of the ''Nemesis''.
*Initial descriptions of this episode, as well as the one on HubWorld.com's episode-viewing page,<ref name="hubworld">[http://www.hubworld.com/transformers/shows/prime/videos/tfp-deus-ex-machina "Deus ex Machina" viewable on HubWorld.com]</ref> say that "Miko and Bulkhead head to Greece on a field trip to bring back an Energon Harvester." Miko and Bulkhead do indeed go on what Bulkhead calls a "field trip" to Greece, but the Harvester is in an American museum at that point. By the time Bulkhead actually ''does'' go back to Greece to get the stolen Harvester, Miko is stuck in said museum.
*Twice in promotional blurbs for the episode, it was mentioned [[Lugnut (WFC)|Lugnut]] would be in the episode,<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31247 Comic Book Resources sneak-peek article]</ref><ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/8582/20/ Allspark.com episode blurb]</ref> an error repeated on HubWorld.com's episode-viewing page.<ref name="hubworld" /> At [[BotCon 2011]] it was revealed that Lugnut was a pre-production name for [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that was ultimately changed for not being "sexy" enough.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Convoy (episode)

2011-10-04T02:47:29Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the Japanese name and rank|Convoy (rank)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. His plane's been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] says that using the [[ground bridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega-1|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in vehicle mode. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[Image:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (Prime)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[Image:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|250px|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them "textbook drivers"."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Si, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—'''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimal force. That was the minimal force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimal force". During the short battle, they run two cars off the road (causing both to flip over) and blow up a third. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
* NOT AN ERROR: Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode. There's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The car in front of Bumblebee disappears after the Autobots begin applying force. There is nothing to show whether Bumblebee took care of the car in the front or if it was forgotten in the writing of the episode.
{{-}}

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck|trailer]].

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive_Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of ''Con Job''. What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
*As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
[[Image:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|200px|So I married an axe murderer.]]
*On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a fire extinguisher, like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
*When Jack and Miko grab respectively, the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
*Fowler's badassery (already displayed in several previous episodes) is again shown when he climbs out of Optimus's cab to dislodge one of MECH's goons, then proceeds to manhandle the minion one-handed, and then climbs back into the cab. Oh, and he puts his seat belt back on. Safety first, kids.
*This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jack's arm.
*Evidently, whoever developed the episode's Macguffin shares [[Isaac Sumdac]]'s taste in questionably named devices. *snrk* ''Dingus''... seriously?
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.
*This episode is the first to feature a human enemy to the Cybertronians (both Autobots and Decepticons). However, they do not meet the leader, Silas, until much later whereas the Autobots only hear him speak this episode.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 1

2011-09-23T21:50:10Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|image=DarknessRising1-Cliffjumperface.jpg

|caption=Hey look, it's a major character!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 1"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate the return of the Decepticons while being forced to account for a group of young humans who have unwittingly become involved in their centuries-old conflict.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarknessRising1-Starscreamsneer.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Please allow me to introduce myself! I'm a man of wealth and taste...]]

[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] is on the open road, boasting to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] over the comm about how he's been messing with the [[human]]s, when he detects a large amount of energon nearby. As he goes to investigate, a [[Decepticon]] ship appears over the crater and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon troopers]] drop down to attack him. Arcee alerts the rest of the [[Autobot]]s, who head back to base. Cliffjumper fights on, destroying several of the Decepticons, but their blasts detonate the energon, causing a huge explosion. They drag his defeated form back to the ship, where [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is upset about the loss of the energon. Cliffjumper is defiant, but Starscream executes him. The Autobots arrive at the crater via [[ground bridge]], only to find the aftermath of the fight. Arcee picks up a horn Cliffjumper lost during the battle, and Ratchet reports that Cliffjumper's life signal has terminated.

Back on the Decepticon ship, Soundwave replays a recording of Arcee's comms talk, and Starscream decides she will be their next target.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] reminds the other Autobots that they must continue to survive in order to honor the memory of their fallen comrade. Arcee refuses to dwell on it and drives off. In [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]], [[Jack Darby]] is working at the [[KO Burger]] drive-thru. Arcee finds herself being chased by a couple of Decepticons, and she ducks into the KO Burger parking lot, where Jack mistakes her for a real motorcycle and, fantasizing about one day having a motorcycle of his own, hops on.

[[Image:DarknessRising1-thisisjasper.jpg|thumb|300px|But can he make out with his girlfriend on the hood of it?]]

[[Sierra]] and a friend catch him apparently talking to the motorcycle, but while Jack has an awkward moment, the Decepticons spot Arcee. She takes off with a startled Jack still on board. After a short chase, she attempts to let Jack go, sending him down a side alley with a warning not to tell anyone what he's seen. As she speeds off, she spots one of the Decepticons heading after Jack and is forced to double back and pick him up. The chase moves onto the freeway, where [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] arrives to help them out.

[[Image:Bumblebee Bulkhead Arcee Darkness Rising 1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]
In a nearby drainage canal, [[Rafael Esquivel]] is playing with a remote-controlled car when Arcee and Jack literally drop in. The Decepticons drop in as well, and first Arcee, then Bumblebee is blasted to the ground. Raf draws the 'cons' attention, which unfortunately works too well, and the two kids are forced to flee into a drain. While they make their escape, Bumblebee and Arcee stand defiant against the Decepticons and, as [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] joins the fight, and the two Decepticons flee.

At Autobot headquarters, Optimus Prime informs the Autobots that since the Decepticons have seen the boys, the two humans may be targeted. At high school, Jack and Raf meet up again, and Bumblebee and Arcee come to take them to HQ. Though Raf roars off in Bumblebee, Jack walks away. [[Miko Nakadai]], sitting outside the school, draws Arcee, but when the motorcycle disappears, she peeks around the corner and spots Arcee in robot mode arguing with Jack. She takes both kids and catches up to Bumblebee. They drive to the Autobots' HQ, concealed in a mountain, where the three kids marvel at the rest of the Autobots and Optimus Prime gives them some exposition regarding the Transformers' war. Optimus fears the imminent return of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

Soundwave detects a transmission from deep space, and Starscream orders the [[space bridge]] activated. As it opens, Megatron emerges, announcing his return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Sierra]] (11)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Scream, it's been a while. Where's your master?"
:—'''Cliffjumper's''' last words

"Clean that up."
:—'''Starscream''' after killing Cliff and not washing his servos

"Scrap!"
:—'''Arcee''' showing her fluency with Cybertronian expletives

"Friend of yours?" 
"[[Relatives|Family]]."
:—'''Jack''' and '''Arcee''' on Bumblebee's arrival

"What are they?" 
"Talking cars that turn into robots. Or the other way around."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Jack'''

"Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with!"
:—'''Miko''' says what the audience is thinking.

"So, if you guys are robots, who made you...?" 
"Ugh! Puh-''leez''..."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Ratchet'''

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' likes to [[Transformers (2007)|repeat the same introduction over and over again]].

"Decepticons! I have ''returned''."
:—'''Megatron''' announces his grand return.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Ratchet attempts to scan for Cliffjumper's life signal, only five Autobots are shown on his screen, despite there being a total of six Autobots in the range of his scan (including the soon-to-be-dead Cliffjumper). This might be explained as being because Ratchet's own life signal doesn't appear on his own scanner.
*During the scene where Arcee attempts to talk to Jack in the alleyway, her rear end clips a bin.
*Upon this episode's original airing, the [[insignia]] on the floor of the Autobot base was the [[insignia#Live-action_movie_franchise|live-action movie Autobot insignia]], rather than the standard Autobot insignia used on the characters themselves. This however was swiftly changed upon the re-airing weeks later, suggesting the rendering team either originally took note in time to effect the change, or they REALLY DO read everything on this Wiki to make the show better. This is us waving at you! *waves* {{fact}}
*In the credits, Cliffjumper's name is parsed "Cliff Jumper".

===Continuity errors===
* ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' is the basis of the ''Prime'' continuity's backstory, according to [[Hasbro]]. However, ''Exodus'' has the split between Optimus and Megatron causing the war, whereas this episode says it happened ''during'' the war. But it's just not a proper Transformers continuity without early continuity divergences!

===Transformers references===
*Bumblebee and Bulkhead are big walking references to the [[Bumblebee (Movie)|movie Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Animated Bulkhead]] respectively, looking near-identical and (in the former's case) sharing the same speech impediment.
*Lots of references to "three years ago" as the last time the Decepticons and Megatron were seen. Three years ago was the year that ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' came out in the cinema, by ''Prime'' showrunners [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]].
*Cybertron has been rendered uninhabitable by the war. This is not just established by ''Exodus'' and the ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' games, but was also part of the [[live-action film series]] canon and [[IDW]]'s earlier Generation 1 comics.
*The image of Cybertron from space that appears during Optimus's exposition reuses the model from ''War for Cybertron''.
*In this series, Energon is represented as a naturally growing blue crystal. This is [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|not the first time]] it has been represented in this way.
*The Decepticon "drones" are extremely similar to the Decepticon troops in the Autobot campaign of ''War for Cybertron.''

===Real-world references===
* Jack's statement "The first rule of robot fight club is that you don't talk about robot fight club" is a reference to, well, ''[[Wikipedia:Fight Club|Fight Club]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 1'''" (The Dark Force Rises, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 23|23 September]] [[2011]]
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 1'''" (악의 부활 1, "Return of the Evil, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 29|29 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper was presented as a key Autobot in the publicity material, and a big deal was made of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] being his voice actor. That made him the ''last'' character you'd expect to be killed off in the first few minutes of his first episode (to the extent some fans thought he'd turn out to be fine in episode 2). ''Prime'''s sister show, ''G.I. Joe: Renegades'', pulled the same tactic with the hero Ripcord although in his case it would have been revealed that he turned out fine (albeit having the ability to "transform" into a Bio-Viper.)

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 1

2011-09-23T21:49:41Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign localization */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|image=DarknessRising1-Cliffjumperface.jpg

|caption=Hey look, it's a major character!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 1"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate the return of the Decepticons while being forced to account for a group of young humans who have unwittingly become involved in their centuries-old conflict.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarknessRising1-Starscreamsneer.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Please allow me to introduce myself! I'm a man of wealth and taste...]]

[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] is on the open road, boasting to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] over the comm about how he's been messing with the [[human]]s, when he detects a large amount of energon nearby. As he goes to investigate, a [[Decepticon]] ship appears over the crater and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon troopers]] drop down to attack him. Arcee alerts the rest of the [[Autobot]]s, who head back to base. Cliffjumper fights on, destroying several of the Decepticons, but their blasts detonate the energon, causing a huge explosion. They drag his defeated form back to the ship, where [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is upset about the loss of the energon. Cliffjumper is defiant, but Starscream executes him. The Autobots arrive at the crater via [[ground bridge]], only to find the aftermath of the fight. Arcee picks up a horn Cliffjumper lost during the battle, and Ratchet reports that Cliffjumper's life signal has terminated.

Back on the Decepticon ship, Soundwave replays a recording of Arcee's comms talk, and Starscream decides she will be their next target.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] reminds the other Autobots that they must continue to survive in order to honor the memory of their fallen comrade. Arcee refuses to dwell on it and drives off. In [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]], [[Jack Darby]] is working at the [[KO Burger]] drive-thru. Arcee finds herself being chased by a couple of Decepticons, and she ducks into the KO Burger parking lot, where Jack mistakes her for a real motorcycle and, fantasizing about one day having a motorcycle of his own, hops on.

[[Image:DarknessRising1-thisisjasper.jpg|thumb|300px|But can he make out with his girlfriend on the hood of it?]]

[[Sierra]] and a friend catch him apparently talking to the motorcycle, but while Jack has an awkward moment, the Decepticons spot Arcee. She takes off with a startled Jack still on board. After a short chase, she attempts to let Jack go, sending him down a side alley with a warning not to tell anyone what he's seen. As she speeds off, she spots one of the Decepticons heading after Jack and is forced to double back and pick him up. The chase moves onto the freeway, where [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] arrives to help them out.

[[Image:Bumblebee Bulkhead Arcee Darkness Rising 1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]
In a nearby drainage canal, [[Rafael Esquivel]] is playing with a remote-controlled car when Arcee and Jack literally drop in. The Decepticons drop in as well, and first Arcee, then Bumblebee is blasted to the ground. Raf draws the 'cons' attention, which unfortunately works too well, and the two kids are forced to flee into a drain. While they make their escape, Bumblebee and Arcee stand defiant against the Decepticons and, as [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] joins the fight, and the two Decepticons flee.

At Autobot headquarters, Optimus Prime informs the Autobots that since the Decepticons have seen the boys, the two humans may be targeted. At high school, Jack and Raf meet up again, and Bumblebee and Arcee come to take them to HQ. Though Raf roars off in Bumblebee, Jack walks away. [[Miko Nakadai]], sitting outside the school, draws Arcee, but when the motorcycle disappears, she peeks around the corner and spots Arcee in robot mode arguing with Jack. She takes both kids and catches up to Bumblebee. They drive to the Autobots' HQ, concealed in a mountain, where the three kids marvel at the rest of the Autobots and Optimus Prime gives them some exposition regarding the Transformers' war. Optimus fears the imminent return of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

Soundwave detects a transmission from deep space, and Starscream orders the [[space bridge]] activated. As it opens, Megatron emerges, announcing his return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Sierra]] (11)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Scream, it's been a while. Where's your master?"
:—'''Cliffjumper's''' last words

"Clean that up."
:—'''Starscream''' after killing Cliff and not washing his servos

"Scrap!"
:—'''Arcee''' showing her fluency with Cybertronian expletives

"Friend of yours?" 
"[[Relatives|Family]]."
:—'''Jack''' and '''Arcee''' on Bumblebee's arrival

"What are they?" 
"Talking cars that turn into robots. Or the other way around."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Jack'''

"Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with!"
:—'''Miko''' says what the audience is thinking.

"So, if you guys are robots, who made you...?" 
"Ugh! Puh-''leez''..."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Ratchet'''

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' likes to [[Transformers (2007)|repeat the same introduction over and over again]].

"Decepticons! I have ''returned''."
:—'''Megatron''' announces his grand return.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Ratchet attempts to scan for Cliffjumper's life signal, only five Autobots are shown on his screen, despite there being a total of six Autobots in the range of his scan (including the soon-to-be-dead Cliffjumper). This might be explained as being because Ratchet's own life signal doesn't appear on his own scanner.
*During the scene where Arcee attempts to talk to Jack in the alleyway, her rear end clips a bin.
*Upon this episode's original airing, the [[insignia]] on the floor of the Autobot base was the [[insignia#Live-action_movie_franchise|live-action movie Autobot insignia]], rather than the standard Autobot insignia used on the characters themselves. This however was swiftly changed upon the re-airing weeks later, suggesting the rendering team either originally took note in time to effect the change, or they REALLY DO read everything on this Wiki to make the show better. This is us waving at you! *waves* {{fact}}
*In the credits, Cliffjumper's name is parsed "Cliff Jumper".

===Continuity errors===
* ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' is the basis of the ''Prime'' continuity's backstory, according to [[Hasbro]]. However, ''Exodus'' has the split between Optimus and Megatron causing the war, whereas this episode says it happened ''during'' the war. But it's just not a proper Transformers continuity without early continuity divergences!

===Transformers references===
*Bumblebee and Bulkhead are big walking references to the [[Bumblebee (Movie)|movie Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Animated Bulkhead]] respectively, looking near-identical and (in the former's case) sharing the same speech impediment.
*Lots of references to "three years ago" as the last time the Decepticons and Megatron were seen. Three years ago was the year that ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' came out in the cinema, by ''Prime'' showrunners [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]].
*Cybertron has been rendered uninhabitable by the war. This is not just established by ''Exodus'' and the ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' games, but was also part of the [[live-action film series]] canon and [[IDW]]'s earlier Generation 1 comics.
*The image of Cybertron from space that appears during Optimus's exposition reuses the model from ''War for Cybertron''.
*In this series, Energon is represented as a naturally growing blue crystal. This is [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|not the first time]] it has been represented in this way.
*The Decepticon "drones" are extremely similar to the Decepticon troops in the Autobot campaign of ''War for Cybertron.''

===Real-world references===
* Jack's statement "The first rule of robot fight club is that you don't talk about robot fight club" is a reference to, well, ''[[Wikipedia:Fight Club|Fight Club]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 1'''" (The Dark Force Rises, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 23|23 September]] [[2011]]\
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 1'''" (악의 부활 1, "Return of the Evil, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 29|29 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper was presented as a key Autobot in the publicity material, and a big deal was made of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] being his voice actor. That made him the ''last'' character you'd expect to be killed off in the first few minutes of his first episode (to the extent some fans thought he'd turn out to be fine in episode 2). ''Prime'''s sister show, ''G.I. Joe: Renegades'', pulled the same tactic with the hero Ripcord although in his case it would have been revealed that he turned out fine (albeit having the ability to "transform" into a Bio-Viper.)

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Deus ex Machina

2011-09-23T19:54:26Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 10
|prev=Convoy (episode)
|next=Speed Metal
|image=DeusExMachina-Screamer grins.jpg
|caption="With this map, I shall find all of the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet K]]— wait. Wrong franchise."
|title="Deus ex Machina"
|airdate=[[March 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Bulkhead makes a discovery in Greece, the race is on to recover an Energon Harvester.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] is failing to enjoy some detention when Bulkhead hauls up outside the school, blaring loud music. She takes advantage of an inattentive teacher to sneak out and join her Autobot buddy, who's obliged to act as her getaway car when a teacher approaches. They head for [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] while Bulkhead tries to explain to Miko that she'll never get into college if she flunks out. Ratchet reports he's found an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] pulse in [[Greece]].

Meanwhile, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] has finally arrived on the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', which took some time as he had to drive (something [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] disdains). Knock Out assumes he's been brought to provide [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] with a laboratory assist, when Starscream takes him to the [[Decepticon leader]]'s sick bed.

Bulkhead and Miko arrive at an excavation site in Greece, but to her disappointment, he's intending her to research her history report. Bulkhead says the humans have hit an energon vein, but then he spots something Cybertronian in an ancient fresco among the ruins.

[[Image:TFPrime_KnockOutDrill.JPG|left|thumb|300px|Ha HA! Phallic symbolism.]]

Starscream explains Megatron's condition to Knock Out. While Starscream was content to let nature take its course with Megatron, the crew of the ''Nemesis'' took a vote and decided to bring in a specialist. Knock Out says things would be easier with his assistant, but [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] is on the trail of some energon.

Bulkhead identifies the object in the fresco as an [[Energon Harvester]], but as Miko snaps a picture, they're interrupted by the arrival of Breakdown. Wondering if Bulkhead's new pet plays fetch, Breakdown throws a pillar at Miko. Bulkhead intercepts the pillar and is tackled by Breakdown, who slams him into the fresco, shattering it. The Decepticon races off, but Miko shows Bulkhead the image she snapped of the fresco.

Back at base, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] confirms that the depicted device is an Energon Harvester. The Autobots are relieved that the fresco was broken, as they think it means the Decepticons won't be able to find the Harvester, but [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] points out that there are photos of the thing online, as the actual Harvester is held in a museum. The Autobots try to contact [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] for help, but he's away on a training retreat. Optimus says they'll have to obtain the Harvester themselves, and Miko volunteers the kids to help.

[[Image:DeusExMachina-fourcons.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Would you say this episode has a...''plethora'' of named Decepticons?]]

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has found the same photo using Breakdown's description of the Harvester, and Starscream says Megatron's revival will have to wait.

The Autobots move into position around the museum before the kids move in via [[GroundBridge]] on a motorized scissor lift. Miko deals with a security camera by taking a picture of the Harvester and balancing [[Miko's phone|her phone]] on top of the camera. While they move towards the statue holding the Harvester, Optimus has an encounter outside with Knock Out and Breakdown, the latter of whom fires a missile at the museum. Optimus manages to catch the missile, but Knock Out shocks him with an energon staff. Breakdown barrels towards the museum entrance, with [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] failing to stop him. Bulkhead joins the fight as well, but the disturbance sets off the museum's alarms, alerting the security guard. The kids finally manage to get the Harvester onto their lift platform and head for the exit. Miko, scouting ahead on foot, is caught by the security guard, who whisks her away. Raf and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] run toward a half-open loading ramp door, expecting Arcee, but instead it's Soundwave, who grabs the Harvester and departs. Knock Out and Breakdown spot him leaving and make their getaway as well. Meanwhile, Miko attempts to spin a yarn to the security guard about how she got locked in the museum while researching her history report.

Believing that Starscream will attempt to use the Harvester to gather energon as quickly as possible, Optimus, Bumblebee and Arcee go out attempting to intercept them. [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] works on a replica Harvester to return to the museum in place of the stolen one, while Bulkhead realizes that the Decepticons might be intending to go after the energon seam in Greece.

Indeed, Starscream, Knock Out and Breakdown are at the excavation site. When the other two Decepticons attempt to correct him on who's to thank for the Harvester, Starscream demonstrates the device's effectiveness on a hapless [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]], and the pair are suddenly a lot more submissive. While Starscream starts tapping the energon seam, Bulkhead attempts to sneak up behind the Decepticons but clumsily lets them know he's there. He manages to deal with Knock Out and Breakdown until Starscream turns the Harvester on him. Struggling to stay upright, Bulkhead reaches Starscream, smashes the 'Con in the face, and breaks the Harvester. He throws the device into the sky, where it explodes. The Decepticons are about to move in and finish the weakened Bulkhead when the rest of the Autobots arrive and chase them off.

Miko is starting to run out of Greek history to bore the museum security guard with, when Fowler turns up to collect her. The guard is surprised when Fowler points out the replica Harvester in place on the statue. Outside, Miko is reunited with Bulkhead and tells him all about how she's going to write her report on how the Autobots interacted with ancient Greece.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (8)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (2)
*[[Miko's teacher]] (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Museum security guard]] (17)
*[[William Fowler]] (18)

}}

==Quotes==
"Miko, listen. If you fail high school, you can't go to—uh...uni...kesa...colls...w-wait, what's that word again?" 
"Uh, 'college'?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' tries to give '''Miko''' a lecture on academia.

"Look Miko, before I became a warrior I was a laborer—construction. I can build stuff, I can break stuff, and that's it." 
"I love breaking stuff! I wanna be just like you, Bulk." 
"Aaargh...why would you wanna be like me, when you can be a medic like Ratchet?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' fails to convince '''Miko''' regarding the benefits of education.

"It's about time, Knock Out. I do not enjoy being kept waiting!" 
"Ah, it was a long drive, Starscream. I'm still picking bugs out of my grille." 
"Yes, right, you're one of ''those''." 
"Come again?" 
"Never understood why any self-respecting Decepticon would choose 'automobile' as his vehicle mode when he could have [[flight]]!" 
"I like the way I look in steel-belted radials."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Knock Out''' discuss an infraction of [[Autobot Cars|the]] [[Decepticon Planes|norm]].

"We have a history." 
"''(chuckles)'' And you have a [[Miko Nakadai|pet]]. Does it play catch?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Breakdown'''

"You've reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an ''intensive training retreat'' and unavailable until Tuesday." 
"I hate talking to machines."
:—'''Agent Fowler''''s answering machine and '''Ratchet''' pull off their own version of a [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] gag.

"[wolf whistles] Sweet rims, 24 gauge... You're ''reeeeeeal'' heavy-duty! Just like my [[Breakdown (Prime)|friend]] here!"
:—[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]'s got red cars, '''Knock Out''''s got [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|red trucks]].

"We're already trespassers and thieves. Why not add forgery to the list?"
:—'''Jack''' sarcastically comments on the crimes.

"Wait! What are you doing?!" 
"What I do best: ''(grabs Energon Harvester)'' Breaking things!" ''(punches Starscream)''
:—'''Starscream''' is no match for '''Bulkhead''''s sheer awesomeness.

"He's a glutton for punishment." 
''(Autobots arrive)'' 
"Fight?" 
"Mmm, drive."
:—'''Knockout''' and '''Breakdown''' are prevented from killing Bulkhead.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Optimus, Arcee and Bumblebee find Bulkhead lying on the ground, Arcee and Bumblebee's optics are dim, while Optimus's and Bulkhead's are not.
*Miko's teacher is reading a copy of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]''. It is once again printed with the "Sports" page on the left instead of the right. The security guard at the museum is reading the same issue, despite the museum being located in a big city that is obviously not [[Jasper]]. It's also the same issue of the publication (with the same reverse page order) that Raf was using to make his papier-mâché volcano in "[[Masters & Students]]", despite being a daily.
* The two pages in Miko's open textbook are mirror images of each other.
* It looks like so far animators have not decided yet if Bumblebee's optic sensors should have a central part or not, for they are shown changing their shape through the episode (has also happened [[Convoy (episode)|at least once]] previously).
* The normally clear bits of Arcee's chest are pink in this episode.
*When Knock Out stands on top of Optimus, and signals to Breakdown with his headlights, the sound of his Energon Prod is still going, despite there being no glow to signify its still on.

===Continuity errors===
*The police have the worst response time imaginable. The guard presumably called them right after the Harvester was stolen, yet they never show up. Even accounting for the fact that Fowler would have called them off eventually, it should have only taken them minutes to get there.

===Transformers references===
*The term "Energon Harvester" is similar to the "[[Star Harvester|Star [or Solar] Harvester]]" from the [[live-action film series]], and the "harvesting" is indeed comparable: energy is pulled into both devices over a distance. But the Energon Harvester is ''much'' smaller and weaker, and true to its name, it is limited to extracting energon.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:DeusexMachina-godfresco.jpg|thumb|250px|"Nothing is true, everything is permitted."]]

*A ''[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina|deus ex machina]]'', meaning "god from the machine", is a plot device in which a major conflict is instantly resolved by the uncanny, often unexpected appearance of a character, object, or other form of deliverance. Miko explains this to the museum security guard just before Fowler suddenly walks in and saves her from her predicament. While this is obviously intended to be a ''deus ex machina'' itself, there ''had'' been plenty of foreshadowing, with Optimus even declaring earlier that Fowler was Miko's best hope.
*The god depicted on the fresco is presumably [[Wikipedia:Poseidon|Poseidon]], because he bears his symbolic trident. The soldiers appear to be [[wikipedia:Sparta|Spartan]]s, as their shields bear the [[Wikipedia:Lambda|Lambda]]—which is odd, as their patron god was [[Wikipedia:Ares|Ares]].
*An ancient golden orb that is actually alien technology rather than a magical device of gods? Someone at [[Hasbro Studios]] must've played ''[[Wikipedia:Assassin's Creed|Assassin's Creed]]''—which casts the Spartan shield symbol and Poseidon's staff in a whole new light...

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Eneojon Chuchulgi'''" (에너존 추출기, "The Energon Harvestor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 27|27 September]] [[2011]] (scheduled)

===Trivia===
*The Vehicons "took a vote" to bring in a specialist to help Megatron... against the wishes of their own commander. Starscream has a slippy grip on power.
*Starscream's contempt for Knock Out choosing a non-flight alternate mode is strange, as most of the Vehicons are cars. Did they ''not'' get to choose?
*Some fans have interpreted Starscream's "you're one of ''those"'' line, Knock Out's wolf-whistling appraisal of Optimus's truck mode, the vanity about his appearance, and [[Daran Norris]]'s somewhat campy performance to be clues that Knock Out is [[Transformer romance|gay]]. Moreover, the term "knockout" is commonly used to describe an attractive ''woman,'' and the character's vanity suggests that that correlation is intentional. Make of all this what you will; very little [[Humanization#Sexuality|robotic sexuality]] of any kind has been evident in ''Prime'' so far, outside of a lightly-implied connection between [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] and Arcee.
*There is a painting of [[Big Rocks National Park]] in the security guard's office, as well as a calendar set to March, which handily matches the month this episode first aired. Although on that calendar, March started on a Sunday instead of a Tuesday.
*Knock Out is clobbered accidentally by his partner Breakdown ''twice''. They need to work on their coordination.
*Knock Out is the first ''Prime'' Decepticon to debut after the pilot miniseries and survive the experience. Breakdown might be considered to share that distinction, but technically he debuted ''before'' the cartoon, as he appeared in the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|''War for Cybertron'' video games]] and the [[Transformers: Prime (comic)|''Prime'' comic]] first.
*When Miko takes a picture and puts the cellphone display in front of the security camera, the picture comes out flawless on the guard's screen. In real life, it would look blurry.
*Soundwave must have some very...[[Female Transformer|feminine]] legs if Jack mistook him for Arcee from the knees down.
*Knowledge of Megatron's condition appears to have been confined to the crew of the ''Nemesis''.
*Initial descriptions of this episode, as well as the one on HubWorld.com's episode-viewing page,<ref name="hubworld">[http://www.hubworld.com/transformers/shows/prime/videos/tfp-deus-ex-machina "Deus ex Machina" viewable on HubWorld.com]</ref> say that "Miko and Bulkhead head to Greece on a field trip to bring back an Energon Harvester." Miko and Bulkhead do indeed go on what Bulkhead calls a "field trip" to Greece, but the Harvester is in an American museum at that point. By the time Bulkhead actually ''does'' go back to Greece to get the stolen Harvester, Miko is stuck in said museum.
*Twice in promotional blurbs for the episode, it was mentioned [[Lugnut (WFC)|Lugnut]] would be in the episode,<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31247 Comic Book Resources sneak-peek article]</ref><ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/8582/20/ Allspark.com episode blurb]</ref> an error repeated on HubWorld.com's episode-viewing page.<ref name="hubworld" /> At [[BotCon 2011]] it was revealed that Lugnut was a pre-production name for [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that was ultimately changed for not being "sexy" enough.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Convoy (episode)

2011-09-23T19:54:22Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the Japanese name and rank|Convoy (rank)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. His plane's been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] says that using the [[ground bridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega-1|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in vehicle mode. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[Image:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (Prime)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[Image:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|250px|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them "textbook drivers"."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Si, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—'''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimal force. That was the minimal force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimal force". During the short battle, they run two cars off the road (causing both to flip over) and blow up a third. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
* NOT AN ERROR: Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode. There's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The car in front of Bumblebee disappears after the Autobots begin applying force.
{{-}}

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck|trailer]].

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive_Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]] (scheduled)

===Trivia===
*The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of ''Con Job''. What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
*As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
[[Image:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|200px|So I married an axe murderer.]]
*On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a fire extinguisher, like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
*When Jack and Miko grab respectively, the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
*Fowler's badassery (already displayed in several previous episodes) is again shown when he climbs out of Optimus's cab to dislodge one of MECH's goons, then proceeds to manhandle the minion one-handed, and then climbs back into the cab. Oh, and he puts his seat belt back on. Safety first, kids.
*This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jack's arm.
*Evidently, whoever developed the episode's Macguffin shares [[Isaac Sumdac]]'s taste in questionably named devices. *snrk* ''Dingus''... seriously?
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Con Job

2011-09-23T19:49:53Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 8
|prev=Scrapheap (episode)
|next=Convoy (episode)
|image=ConJob-getthispartystarted.jpg
|caption=Quick! They must [[A Prime Problem|have a race!]] Or [[Where Is Thy Sting?|play video games!]]
|title="Con Job"
|airdate=[[February 25]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Bulkhead awaits the arrival of his friend Wheeljack—what could go wrong?'''

==Synopsis==
With their chores done, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] is looking forward to "dune bashing" with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], but he'd rather check out the monster truck rally in [[Jasper|town]]. Their plans are interrupted when [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] receives a signal from a starship headed for [[Earth]]. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] wonders if it might be a [[Decepticon]] trap, but Bulkhead identifies the incoming [[Autobot]] as his old friend and [[Wrecker]] pal, [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] sends landing coordinates for Wheeljack's landing the next day, and Bulkhead is excited to see his old friend.

On the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]], [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has monitored the conversation and it gives [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] the chance he needs. He orders [[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]] to prepare for a mission.

The kids are excited to be getting to meet a new Autobot. Ratchet has problems getting the [[ground bridge]] working, due to the damage sustained during the [[Scraplet]] infestation. Their instruments pick up Decepticon signals closing on [[Wheeljack's ship]]. Indeed, the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] manage to shoot down the ship, but Wheeljack emerges from the wreckage and starts smashing the tar out of them. Ratchet finally gets the ground bridge operational, and Bulkhead, Arcee and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] storm through to find Wheeljack finishing off the last of the 'cons. Bulkhead greets his old friend with a massive bear hug, and the four Autobots return to base. Wheeljack hits it off with Miko right away, and checks in with Optimus. Ratchet's not as enthusiastic as the others with Bulkhead's friend, as he senses impending destruction.

Starscream discusses their success in getting a spy into the Autobot base as he and Soundwave pay a visit to their prisoner — the real Wheeljack. Now he's inside the Autobot base, Makeshift will be able to activate the ground bridge and reveal the base's location so Starscream can send the troops in. Wheeljack mocks Starscream, who's prevented from killing the prisoner by Soundwave since Wheeljack may yet be of use.

The Autobots and kids celebrate Wheeljack's arrival, Miko by breaking out her electric guitar and Bulkhead and "Wheeljack" by engaging in some [[Cybertronian_sport#Lobbing| Lobbing]]. After some encouragement by Miko, [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] busts some dance moves by doing The Robot, and Bumblebee joins in. Makeshift takes some time to fish for info on the ground bridge from Ratchet, who says it's in the middle of defragging and can't be used for a few hours.

Starscream wonders why Makeshift is taking so long to get the ground bridge activated, since he won't be able to keep the Autobots fooled for long.

Bulkhead tells the kids about a battle he and Wheeljack took part in, and Makeshift barely covers for his lack of knowledge. Bulkhead observes that his old friend seems different, but Makeshift writes this off as jet lag, and asks Miko to show him around the base. However Bulkhead's suspicions have been raised, and Arcee's suggestions don't allay them.

On the Decepticon ship, Wheeljack manages to kill his guard and get free from his bonds.

[[Image:ConJob-Makeshifthostage.jpg|right|thumb|300px|They're not dolls, they're action figures!]]

Miko wanders the base with Makeshift, and the 'con manages to get the location of the Autobot base out of her. Miko promises to show him the way out, and they return to the control center, where Bulkhead asks his "friend" to tell the story of the [[Battle of Darkmount Pass]]. Makeshift tells the story, but manages to get one crucial detail wrong — Bulkhead wasn't part of the battle. Realizing that his cover's blown, Makeshift takes Miko hostage.

Starscream and Soundwave hang out on top of the Decepticon ship with a bunch of Vehicons, waiting for Makeshift to open the ground bridge. They're confronted by Wheeljack, who fights his way through a bunch of Vehicons and pounces on Starscream. As more 'cons rush towards Wheeljack, the ground bridge activates, courtesy of Makeshift. Makeshift's ready to enter the ground bridge at the Autobot end, when Wheeljack comes flying through it and lands on him. Ratchet shuts down the ground bridge before any Decepticons come through. The two Wheeljacks draw their swords and fight at length while the Autobots fail to keep track of who's who. Wheeljack, of course, triumphs.

Starscream is pleased when the ground bridge opens again and orders the Vehicons through, however it's only been reopened so Bulkhead can throw Makeshift through. The 'con lands on Starscream, who asks if Makeshift has obtained the location of the Autobot base. Makeshift's in the process of telling him when Starscream realizes that the grenade Makeshift is wearing has been primed and is about to explode, and he and Soundwave retreat, leaving Makeshift a number of Vehicons to be caught in the ensuing explosion.

The Autobots have another party, to Ratchet's pain. Bulkhead suggests they pick out a vehicle mode for Wheeljack, but Wheeljack says he's not staying now that his ship's fixed. The next morning, he offers to take Bulkhead with him, but Bulkhead's too attached to Earth and Miko to leave. Miko snaps a picture of the two Autobots with [[Miko's phone|her cell phone]] before Wheeljack leaves.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (5)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (8)
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (9)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (10)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (11)
* [[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]] (12)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (13)

|c3=
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (2)
* [[Jack Darby]] (6)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (7)

}}

==Quotes==
"Do you not see that you are vastly outnumbered?" 
"I see fellas who might vastly enjoy watching me pound some dents into you."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Wheeljack'''

"I'm still picking shrapnel out of my backside!"
 "I'm not surprised, given the size of your backside."
:—'''Bulkhead''' reminisces, '''Arcee''' zings.

"If anything happens to my favourite Wrecker, I'm coming after you!"
:—'''Wheeljack''' tells Miko to take good care of his best bud for him.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the camera angle moves to show Optimus saying that he knows Wheeljack by reputation only, the shadow of Miko's heel looks lightly separated from it, as if her leg were hovering over Bulkhead's armour plate.
* Apparently, huge, alien robots can leave their tracks in the snow (see Bumblebee and Bulkhead at the beginning of the [[Scrapheap (episode)|previous episode]]), but it looks like they cannot leave any in the sand.

===Continuity errors===
* When the alarm goes off, the monitor shows five bogies (Vehicons) approaching Wheeljack's ship. But in the next scene, when Wheeljack's ship is being attacked, there are six Vehicons.

===Continuity notes===
* The Autobots refer to their base as "[[Autobot Outpost Omega One]]."
* Ratchet mentions that the equipment's been kind of buggy since "[[Scrapheap (episode)|the infestation]]."

===Transformers references===
* Wheeljack and Bulkhead are former members of the [[Wrecker]]s. This is the team's first mention in a TV series.
* Wheeljack had fought in [[Darkmount]] near the [[smelting pool|smelting pit]]s.

===Real-world references===
* Wheeljack's ship crashlands near a [[Egypt|trio of pyramids]].
* Raf and Bumblebee perform a dance called "The Robot", a street dance style popularized by the Jackson Five.
* Bumblebee can briefly be seen dancing like John Travolta in ''Saturday Night Fever''.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seupai'''" (스파이, "The Spy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 20|20 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Just like with [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], Wheeljack's robot mode clearly has Earth vehicle kibble, even though it's stated that he doesn't yet have a local [[alternate mode|altmode]].
*This is the third time [[Makeshift (Prime)|a character]] has been introduced only to be [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|killed]] [[Skyquake (Prime)|off]] before the episode's over. Wheeljack's the first Cybertronian (and currently the only Autobot) who is not part of the main cast to survive his own debut episode.
* During the fight with the Vehicons, Wheeljack jumps behind one, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|rips off its arm]] and then proceeds to [[Starscream (Movie)|beat another with it]].
* Starscream once again attempts to kill a prisoner (Wheeljack) the moment they insinuate he isn't in charge. Only this time, he is stopped by Soundwave.
* This is the first episode where Starscream uses one of the missiles attached to his forearms.
* Bulkhead mentions that Wheeljack has a public service record. Presumably, this is true for all Autobots in the military.
* While [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] was the first character shown with a hand-held gun, Wheeljack is the first one shown with a pair of hand-held melee weapons (in this case, two swords).
* Wheeljack beats up Starscream to the point where he [[humanization|coughs up Energon]]. ''Hard core!''
** When Makeshift, still disguised as Wheeljack, gets ready to fight the real Wheeljack, he puts his mask on, but if you look quickly before that, you can see that he's coughed up Energon as well.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scrapheap (episode)

2011-09-23T19:49:04Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the Generation 1 Junkion|Scrapheap (G1)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 7
|prev=Masters & Students
|next=Con Job
|image=PrimeScrapletsEp7.gif
|caption=Aw, look at the cute little—
|title="Scrapheap"
|airdate=[[February 18]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While Optimus and Arcee are trapped in the Arctic, the base is invaded by deadly Scraplets.'''

==Synopsis==
Trudging through the [[Arctic]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] locate a huge pod buried in the snow. They take it back to [[Autobot Central Command|base]], where their systems are checked over by [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]]. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] asks about the pod, but Ratchet says it can't be opened while it's still frozen. Even as it sits defrosting in another part of the base, the pod cracks open from the inside.

[[Image:Scrapheap-adorableScraplet.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Leprosy was never this adorable. As far as we know.]]

Optimus and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] prepare to travel to the Arctic to look for more clues regarding the pod's origins, and Ratchet gives them some temperature sensors so they can tell when their core temperatures drop to dangerous levels. The kids arrive in time to see them off, and [[Jack Darby|Jack]]'s initially keen on going with them, until he finds out where they're headed. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]'s still interested in seeing some snow, but Optimus says the conditions are too harsh. No sooner have Prime and Arcee stepped through the [[ground bridge]] than the ground bridge system goes down. While the Autobots start trying to repair it, Jack and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] start playing [[Generic racing game|video games]], and Raf wanders off. He's playing "being in the Arctic" in a corridor when he stumbles on a tiny, cute metal critter. He plays Fetch with it using a bolt...which it promptly eats. Happy with his new pet, he heads back to the control room, unaware that there's a sparking hole in the equipment behind him.

Ratchet's just dug out a damaged ground bridge component when Raf returns with his find. The Autobots react in terror to the tiny critter. The kids are surprised at the reaction to what the Autobots are calling a [[Scraplet]], but then the creature starts chowing down on Bumblebee, and Raf has to beat it to death with a crowbar. Ratchet's suspicions as to the Scraplet's origin are confirmed when they check the Arctic pod and find it's been broken open—thousands of Scraplets now infest the base.

In the Arctic, Optimus and Arcee find their core temperatures have dropped into the danger zone, but Optimus is unable to contact base to request use of the ground bridge.

[[Image:Scrapheap-Ratchetinfected.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[wikipedia:Botfly|Ro-botflies]]]]

Ratchet discovers that the Scraplets have broken the comm system. Bulkhead's in favor of bugging out, but doing that will mean certain doom for Optimus and Arcee. After hearing Bulkhead's detailed description of what Scraplets can do to a 'bot, the kids volunteer to help. Since the Scraplets aren't interested in eating them, they pair off with the three Autobots, Jack helping Ratchet repair the ground bridge while the others hunt for the Scraplets. Miko and Bulkhead explore the corridors where Raf saw the first Scraplet, and after an embarrassingly girly scream and an encounter with a bunch of overhead cables, Bulkhead is set upon by the little monsters. Elsewhere, Raf and Bumblebee likewise run into a group of the things. Ratchet has meanwhile finished repairing the ground bridge, but it still refuses to function. As he investigates further, a swarm of Scraplets enter the main control room via a vent and begin flying overhead. They attack Ratchet, but Jack uses a nearby fire extinguisher to freeze them off. There are more of the pests flying overhead, however, and as the others return from their search, the Scraplets attack and overwhelm the Autobots.

[[Image:Scrapheap-huddleforwarmth.jpg|left|thumb|300px|And not a tauntaun for miles.]]

While Arcee and Optimus try to keep themselves conscious and functional by talking, the kids manage to eliminate the Scraplets attacking their friends. However, from the sounds elsewhere in the base, it's clear there are many more lurking about. They come up with a plan to send the Scraplets to the Arctic by getting the ground bridge working, and Ratchet works out there must be an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] fuel line breach preventing the system from starting. The three kids take a tool kit and go to fix the breach. They're just finishing when the Scraplets decide it's time for lunch and break into the main control room.

Back in the Arctic, Arcee bemoans the frozen death that apparently awaits her and Optimus, especially after all they've survived so far. Optimus offers what words of philosophical comfort he can, and she says it's an honour to serve with him.

At the base, the kids rush back to the command room and let Ratchet know that the ground bridge is back online. He opens the bridge to the Arctic before collapsing, and Bulkhead acts as bait, leading the Scraplets through. He arrives in the Arctic to see Optimus and Arcee staggering towards the bridge, and the Scraplet horde bursts through behind him. Optimus braces for attack, but the Scraplets rapidly freeze in the air and bounce harmlessly off him.

Back at base, Ratchet supervises repairs on Bumblebee and Bulkhead. He and Optimus pay tribute to the strength of their human allies, but just then Miko spots a spider and runs away screaming.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (5)

|c3=
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
* [[Jack Darby]] (7)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (8)

|c4=
* [[Scraplet]]s (9)

}}

==Quotes==
"The Arctic? I've always wanted to see snow." 
"I would invite you to join, Rafael, but the conditions are much too extreme, even for we Autobots." 
"I understand..." 
"But, I will bring you back a snowball."
:—'''Raf''' is snow deprived and '''Optimus''' says things you would not expect a giant alien robot to say.

"If we don't eradicate these creatures immediately, they will reduce the entire base to a scrapheap." 
"Well, I say we bug outta here and let 'em keep it!" 
''(Bumblebee beeps in agreement)''
:—'''Bulkhead''' reminds '''Ratchet''' that there are times when you just run

"Bulkhead, you ''never'' run." 
"Miko, you haven't seen a swarm of these things devour a bot. I ''have''. They pick you apart from the inside out, going for the small juicy bits first, fuse by fuse, circuit by circuit, 'til there's nothing left, and I mean ''nothing''... not even your optics."
:—'''Miko''' gets some nightmare fuel from '''Bulkhead'''.

"I get to be your bodyguard for once. How cool is that?" 
"Raf found the first one here, right?" 
''(lights turn off for a second and Bulkhead screams loudly)'' 
"Did you just scream like a little girl?" 
"No! .... Maybe.... Can we talk about this later?"
:—'''Miko''' and '''Bulkhead''' searching, and a more hilarious reversal of roles cannot be found.

"What do you suggest...wait, how about a game? Let's play 'Who Screwed Things Up Back at Base'." 
"Our predicament could be the result of a simple malfunction." 
"Caused by Bulkhead."
:—'''Arcee''' and '''Optimus''' prove that when things go wrong, blame it on Bulkhead.

"Bulkhead may be...too large for this world. But his inner strength is without bounds. One should not be measured by size alone."
:—'''Optimus''' gives us a life lesson while finding a nice way to call Bulkhead fat.

"Ready for the main course? Come and get it!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', king of one-liners.

"I'd invite you in, but the place is a mess."
:—Seriously, give '''Bulkhead''' a crown.

"We're just fortunate that this infestation happened...on a Saturday."
:—'''Ratchet''' finds there's an upside to having human companions.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*When Jack, Miko and Raf reach the damaged energon fuel line, the breach on the duct is shown beneath, where the energon is seen dripping. When the kids seal the duct, they are shown doing so only on its side.

===Transformers references===
*To everyone's surprise, these Scraplets behave similar to their [[Scraplet|namesakes]], but are closer in appearance to [[Mecannibal]]s.
*At the episode's conclusion, Bumblebee is hooked up to an "electro-pulse" monitor, a feature of Transformer biology that got its first and only previous mention waaaay back in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] cartoon episode, "[[Divide and Conquer]]", when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] declared his to be fading.
*Arcee mentions Bulkhead running into power lines shortly after arriving on Earth, which recalls a different [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]'s [[Transformers (2007)|"tingly" encounter]].

===Real-world references===
* A [[wikipedia:dolly zoom|dolly zoom]] happens when Raf realizes the Scraplet is attacking Bumblebee.
* Ratchet remarks the Scraplet's bites on Bumblebee's are "[[Wikipedia:Black Knight (Monty Python)|just a mesh wound]]".
* The initial search for the scraplets is called a "[[Wikipedia:Aliens (film)|bug hunt]]".

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seukeurepeullit ui Gongpo'''" (스크레플릿의 공포, "Manace of the Scraplets")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 19|19 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*A sequence from this episode (from the start of Miko and Bulkhead exploring up to Bulkhead's arm thrusting into the air) was shown to the attendees of [[Toy Fair 2011]] prior to the episode's premiere.
*Miko's hair moves during this episode. When Bulkhead first screams, the shadow of her twin buns can be seen jumping up. After, when she screams thinking she saw a spider, the buns ''and'' her ponytail curl up.
*Raf never did get that snowball. Guess Optimus was too busy dying to scoop some up.
*This is the first, and so far only, episode which doesn't feature the [[Decepticon]]s.
*It is not an error that the Autobots can freeze in the [[Arctic]] but not in space. The idea that being in space will immediately freeze you up like a popsicle is a [http://www.universetoday.com/77070/how-cold-is-space/ lie perpetuated by bad science fiction]. This isn't the [[Fire in the Sky|first time]] [[Megatron (Movie)|it's happened]].
*Bulkhead [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|is not the only Autobot]] with a "girlish scream".
**When he screamed, his eyes briefly widened. You could see it clearly when the lights went out.
* The entire plot of this episode is very similar to an episode from Prime's fellow [[Hasbro]]-sponsored show, ''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship is Magic,'' namely the episode ''Swarm of the Century''. Both episodes revolved around a character bringing in an innocuous-looking creature that proceeded to rapidly multiply and cause havoc by devouring various things, and the characters themselves trying (and failing) to remove the threat. However, it should be noted that it takes more than a jaunty polka tune to stop Scraplets. [[Category:Prime episodes]]

Masters & Students

2011-09-23T19:46:30Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 6
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 5
|next=Scrapheap (episode)
|image=Masters&Students-SkyquakePrimefaceoff.jpg
|caption="One shall stand, one—" "Yeah yeah, 'one shall fall'. We've all heard it a million times now, Prime."
|title="Masters & Students"
|airdate=[[February 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[David Slack]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While Skyquake battles Optimus Prime, Starscream recovers the nearly dead Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Masters&Students-Nemesisbridgescreen.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Behold the functionality of our newest member: Jumbotron!"]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] reviews the footage of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s destruction and decides to make a rousing speech to the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troops. When one of the troops questions whether they have any chance of defeating the Autobots without Megatron, Starscream proclaims himself [[Emperor of Destruction]], but is disappointed with the less-than-enthusiastic response from his men. Starscream recalls that there is a [[Decepticon]] on the planet who is worthy to follow him.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] is unhappy about how their recent conflict turned out, as he had still hoped to convince Megatron that peace was possible. His conversation with [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] is interrupted by an explosion, but it's just [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]'s volcano—the kids are working on their science projects with the help of their guardian [[Autobot]]s. Ratchet's annoyed about the whole matter, but Optimus thinks it's a good opportunity to learn more about Earth.

Hanging out near a canyon in the desert, [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] detects one of the many warriors left on Earth aeons ago to protect the [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposits. He and Starscream head over to find the lost [[Decepticon]].

Raf and Bumblebee discuss 'Bee's lowly status in the Autobot army. Bumblebee aspires to become part of the warrior class, but Optimus says Bumblebee has much to learn before he can reach that rank. The base sensors detect the Decepticon activity in the desert, so Optimus decides to head out with Ratchet. Ratchet makes a quick excuse that he needs to help the kids with their projects, so Optimus takes Bumblebee instead.

[[Image:Masters&Students-Ratch-animator.jpg|thumb|right|250px|This is what happens when you give a giant alien robot sugar.]]
Starscream and Soundwave haul the warrior out of the ground and use an [[energon cube]] to revive him, revealing him to be none other than [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]. Skyquake announces he still serves Megatron, and he doesn't take kindly to Starscream declaring himself leader. They're interrupted by Optimus, who's familiar with Skyquake from the [[Battle of Technar]]. Optimus tries to talk peace, but Starscream will only agree to a truce if Optimus bows to him. Skyquake's patience has run out, and, knocking Starscream aside, he charges Optimus. Starscream retires to a nearby clifftop with Soundwave and muses that all Decepticons will follow him once Skyquake destroys Prime while under his command. Optimus and Skyquake trade fire, but Bumblebee decides to take the initiative and attacks Skyquake as well. Starscream orders Soundwave to record it all. Optimus observes that Skyquake hasn't yet taken on a [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]], so the two Autobots transform and fall back.

Meanwhile Ratchet is "helping" Raf build a volcano, in that's he's pretty much building it himself, and he intends to help Miko and Jack with their projects also.

Having lost sight of the combatants, Soundwave picks up a Decepticon signal from the location of the [[space bridge]] explosion. When he realizes that Soundwave means it's Megatron, Starscream tries to dismiss it as a false signal, but realizes he has to investigate it to keep up appearances. He leaves Soundwave, who surreptitiously dispatches the [[Deployer (Prime)|Minicon]] from his chest to follow his master.

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] investigates the communications coming from the area. He arrives on the scene just as Optimus and Bumblebee have managed to knock Skyquake down, and the Decepticon [[Scanning|scans]] his hi-tech jet. Taking to the air, Skyquake strafes the Autobots below, only for Fowler to attack him in turn. Skyquake fires some heat-seeking missiles at the human, who manages to evade them.

[[Image:Masters&Students-BeeQuake.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Well, look's like it's time to eject!" "Wait, what about me?!" "...bye!" *Skyquake crashes*]]

Starscream arrives at the space bridge debris and is disappointed to find Megatron floating in space. The Decepticon leader is barely sustained by a sliver of [[Dark Energon]], which Starscream rips from him. Starscream then spies Soundwave's drone and, realizing he's being watched, is forced to transport Megatron back to the sick bay on the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]''.

As the chase below continues, Bumblebee jumps onto Skyquake, who unsuccessfully tries to knock the Autobot off. Optimus asks for Fowler's help, as high above the desert, Bumblebee rips pieces out of Skyquake, sending the Decepticon into a crash dive. Fowler draws alongside so Bumblebee can jump aboard his jet before Skyquake crashes into the ground below. Optimus observes that had Skyquake chosen peace, they would not be burying him.

[[Image:Masters&Students-Megatronstasis.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Bendy straws slowly sucking the life out of him. Or bendy straws feeding him life. It's confusing.]]

Back at base, repairs on Bumblebee are complete, and Prime commends him on his performance. The kids arrive back with the news that Ratchet's science projects did not go down well; the Autobot Medic had built Miko a model of Cybertron rather then the solar system, Jack a flying saw, and Raf a volcano that blew a hole right through the school roof. Ratchet is disappointed.

On board the ''Nemesis'', the Decepticons have gotten Megatron into [[Stasis lock|stasis]], and Starscream ''sincerely'' hopes he gets better.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (4)
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)
*[[Science fair judge]] (16)

}}

==Quotes==
"If we failed to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?" 
"Ah, allow me to be crystal clear: I studied for millennia under our former master, thus I am ''equipped'' to lead you—I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream, [[Emperor of Destruction]]!" 
[''Vehicons murmur'']
:— The '''Vehicons''' find '''Starscream''' leaves a lot to be desired.

''[Holding up an exhaust pipe]'' "Maybe it needs one of these doohickeys..." 
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" 
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?"
:— '''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' attempt to build a motorcycle

"Well I'll be a bald eagle..."
:- '''Agent Fowler''', ever the patriot.

"Air superiority achieved!"
:— '''Skyquake''' does an impression of [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]].

"And this time...STAY DEAD!"
:— '''Starscream''' pulls off his most hardcore takeover attempt ever!

==Notes==
===Astronomical errors===
*The image displayed on Soundwave's monitor is presumably meant to be the [[Asteroid belt]], as the wreckage is too large to be that of the [[space bridge]]. However, the Asteroid belt lies outside [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], not Earth.

===Animation and technical errors===
* The copies of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]'' that Raf uses to make his paper mache volcano from are printed back-to-front, with the Sports section on the front and the masthead on the back. Since this happened again in "[[Deus ex Machina]]", maybe Jasper just really loves their sports?
[[Image:MastersandStudents-Skyquakeunderjet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Fowler's jet has this stuff too, but in gray.]]
*Fowler flies a jet without wearing a jumpsuit, helmet, or oxygen mask.
*Weirder still, Fowler's jet already has Skyquake's arms and legs attached as undercarriage. No wonder Skyquake wanted to scan it.
*Starscream finds Megatron in space because he hears Megatron gasping in pain. However, sound cannot travel in a vacuum. It could be excused as Megatron broadcasting via a radio transmission, but a short time later, Starscream is alerted to the presence of Soundwave's drone by the sound of it flying through space. Even more strange is that when Starscream talks in the explosion site, echoes can be heard.
*Bumblebee's optic sensors look different from the previous episodes, as if they are missing their central part.
*In the first shot when a Vehicon gets Starscream's attention during the latter's speech about the loss of Megatron, Starscream's image on the screen is seen turning in the opposite direction, as if giving his back to a camera. In the next sequence, the image on the screen is seen as if the camera were now at the same angle of the viewer.
* The close-up on Agent Fowler before Bumblebee jumps off his jet is the same used in the sequence where he says "I still got it", only mirrored.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus claims Skyquake can't transform because he hasn't scanned a vehicle mode yet, but why doesn't he still have a Cybertronian mode?
*Soundwave is on the ground when Skyquake awakens, but is suddenly on top of the canyon behind them when Starscream retreats.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream styles himself "[[Emperor of Destruction]]", the title used in the Japanese continuities for the leader of the Decepticons.
*As described in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'', Ratchet's model of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has [[Moonbase One|two]] [[Moonbase Two|moons]].
*This is not the [[Transport to Oblivion|first]] [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|time]] an incarnation of Megatron has survived a space bridge disaster.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seseung gwa Jeja'''" (스승과 제자, "Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13|13 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masters&Students upcloseandpersonal.jpg|thumb|250px|Seriously, it's not like fans need encouragement at this point.]]
*Starscream is ''very'' touchy-feely with Megatron's body at the site of the explosion. The writers walked right into ''that'' slash plot.
*Skyquake is, up to this point, the only 'bot to have a hand-held gun, as everyone else has guns that are either equipped to their wrists or transformed from their hands.
*Fowler's first name is mentioned onscreen for the first time. It had previously been revealed in the credits for "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* This is the first episode in the series to use the full [[title sequence]].
*An Energon Cube appears in this episode

==Home video releases==
A DVD of "Masters & Students" will come with the entertainment pack containing figures of [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Masters and Students}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 3

2011-09-23T19:45:10Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign dubbing */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 3
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 4
|image=DarknessRising3-interrogateFowler.jpg
|caption="D'awwww, lookit the cute ickle human! Coochie coochie cooo!"
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 3"
|airdate=[[December 1]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus and Ratchet head out to investigate Megatron's activities and Arcee and Bumblebee go on patrol, leaving Bulkhead in charge. But things start getting messy when Fowler is abducted.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarkEnergonbug.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Scalpel]], is that you?]]
The three kids and their Autobot guardians head back to [[Autobot Central Command|the Autobot base]], where [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] is being attacked by a piece of animated equipment. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] deals with it, but now suspects that both it and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] were vivified by [[Dark Energon]].

Megatron, now powered up by the Dark Energon, has decided his next move and leaves the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]] in [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]]'s hands. Starscream thinks Megatron's gone a bit loopy, and he orders [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] to increase surveillance.

Optimus has realized Megatron's plan to create an undead army. As the rest of the Autobots arrive, Optimus announces he's going on a mission with Ratchet, who doesn't take kindly to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]]'s suggestion he may be a little rusty. Leaving Arcee in charge, the pair [[ground bridge|bridge]] out. Arcee immediately puts [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] in charge and goes out on patrol with [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] attempts to organize an impromptu band practice, but while she's belting out an electric guitar solo, the proximity alert goes off. The kids hide behind Bulkhead as [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] walks in to complain about the energon mine explosion. Unfortunately, Miko's guitar gives them away, and Fowler announces he's taking them into federal custody, but Bulkhead puts his foot down, and Fowler storms out.

In a remote region, Prime explains to Ratchet that they're looking for the remains of an old Transformer battlefield, from the period in the war when energon started being hidden on other planets.

[[Image:DarknessRising3-disgust.jpg|right|thumb|160px|Ratchet, turn on the ''Evil Dead'' theme. We'll need all the charisma we can get.]]
As Fowler flies from the Autobot base in his copter, he radios in a report, which is intercepted by Soundwave. Starscream orders Fowler captured, so Soundwave sends out [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]]. The Deployer catches up with Fowler, who engages in some deft maneuvers to try and avoid it, and even gets some shots off before it slices the tail off his copter and abducts him.

Fowler's distress call is picked up at the Autobot base. Though Bulkhead is reluctant to help, the others point out Fowler knows the location of the base. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] sets about hacking into a federal computer so they can locate Fowler. Bulkhead leaves [[Jack Darby|Jack]] in charge and heads out. Bulkhead finds himself near the Decepticon ship, but is surprised when Miko pops up next to him. After dealing with a Decepticon sentry, he contacts Arcee. Back at base, Jack and Raf have realized Miko is gone, and they use the ground bridge to follow. Unfortunately, this leaves the base unmanned when Arcee rings in to get use of the ground bridge. Jack and Raf arrive at Bulkhead's location and immediately manage to attract the attention of the Decepticon drones on guard.

Starscream interrogates Fowler without much success, so he resorts to getting out the [[energon prod]].

Meanwhile, Optimus and Ratchet reach the Transformer graveyard they've been seeeking. Unfortunately, so does Megatron, who uses a chunk of Dark Energon to raise an army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]].
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (13)
* [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (1)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (4)
* [[Raf Esquivel|Rafael Esquivel]] (6)
* [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"I NEEDED THAT!"
:—'''Ratchet''''s tools suffer further abuse... from one of his already abused tools.

"I fear that when our master reached for the stars, he came down with a touch of... space madness."
:—'''Starscream''', ever ready to undermine Megatron.

"Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since the war." 
"My pistons may be rusty, but my hearing is sharp as ever!"
:—'''Arcee''', on '''Ratchet''''s current military qualifications.

"Do I look like I do country? Just cover yourself in fake blood and jump around screaming."
:—'''Miko''' doesn't appreciate Jack's harmonica skills.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Megatron turns around and orders Starscream to await his command, his fusion cannon disappears.
*The speakers for Miko's band practice appear spontaneously without any indication of their existence.

===Transformers references===
* Ratchet's comment that his hearing is still good even though his pistons are rusty is possibly a reference to the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], who made a similar comment when [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] made a joke about his age.
* Bulkhead has a compartment similar to his ''Animated'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|incarnation]], but higher up on his chest. Objects inside his vehicle mode end up there when he transforms.
* Soundwave's drone resembles [[Ratbat]], but the show's creators have stated it's a homage to [[Laserbeak]]. At [[BotCon 2011]], Hasbro went one step further and stated it actually ''is'' Laserbeak.
* The concepts of the Transformers seeding energon on Earth and having had wars there in the distant past before have turned up in recent fiction, [[IDW]]'s comics and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The latter was also in [[Ladybird Books|an '80s Ladybird Book]], "[[Galvatron's Air Attack]]".

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 3'''" (악의 부활 3, "Return of the Evil, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5|5 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* This episode tries to resolve some of the continuity issues with Dark Energon the previous episode causes. Both Optimus and Ratchet know of its existence and even the rumor that it brings the dead back to life. Supplies of it were just so scarce as to be non-existent, hence their inexperience with it.
* In an amusing show of cultural differences, Bulkhead tries to order Miko to look away before tearing out a Vehicon's internals (presumably to spare her the sight of the carnage). Miko has no problem with it, only seeing a hunk of metal and a bunch of wires.
* No, really, Bulkhead was going to leave Fowler in Decepticon hands because he didn't like him. What a jerk!
* Twelve-year-old Raf can hack into the United States government's computer network and track down federal agents. What national security?
* Check out where Starscream sticks Fowler with the energon prod. Ouch!
* The area that Fowler's helicopter goes down in looks a lot like the area [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] would later be discovered in [[Masters and Students]].

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 2

2011-09-23T19:45:08Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign dubbing */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 2
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 3
|image=DarknessRising2-letsgetyouhome.jpg
|caption=Ohh, Dark Energon brings back the dead, so ''that's'' how they're getting out of killiOH GOD ARRRRGGG!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 2"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots try to get Cliffjumper back, unaware of what the Decepticons have done to him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] shows off the massive [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposit that the [[Decepticon]]s have located. After [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] reminds his subordinate who's boss, he shows off what ''he's'' found — [[Dark Energon]], the blood of [[Unicron]], which Starscream claims is said to have the power to resurrect the dead. Megatron inquires if Starscream is willing to volunteer to try it out, but it turns out they still have [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse handy.

[[Image:DarknessRising2-Fowler.jpg|left|thumb|200px|He's not taking the words of a group of unaccountable aliens with their own agenda as gospel. ''Bastards!'']]
At Autobot HQ, Optimus Prime tells the kids that the Autobots will have to protect them, as the Decepticons will likely be interested in the Autobots' new allies. A proximity alert lets the Autobots know that Agent [[William Fowler|Fowler]], their liaison with the US government, is paying them a visit. Fowler is not happy with the Autobots' antics during the recent freeway chase, but [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] points out no humans were hurt. After Prime's assurances that the Autobots will take care of things, Fowler leaves.

Megatron uses the Dark Energon on Cliffjumper, who revives as a snarling, savage beast and immediately attacks a couple of Decepticon soldiers. The thing that was Cliffjumper then turns on Megatron, who slices him in two and announces that the Dark Energon is the key to a vast, indestructible army.

[[Image:Autobots Battle Darkness Rising 2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Starscream, this is the police! We have you surrounded!" "Oh crud!"]]

Ratchet reports that he's detected Cliffjumper's signal, and the chance that Cliffjumper's alive is too much for the Autobots to resist. Leaving the kids with Ratchet, they take the [[ground bridge]] out. Ratchet explains the ground bridge to the amazed kids and threatens to send them to Tokyo. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots arrive in the energon mine and start fighting Decepticon drones. Starscream alerts Megatron, who feels he needs more time to prepare to face Optimus and orders the ship made ready for departure. He also orders Starscream to blow up the mine. As the battle rages, [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] spots Cliffjumper. The other Autobots cover her, and she reaches her fellow Autobot, or what's left of him, only to discover what the Decepticons have done. Starscream stops by to drop off a bomb before making a rapid exit. The Autobots race through the mine ahead of the explosion, back to their entry point, as Optimus radios Ratchet to order the opening of the ground bridge.

[[Image:DarknessRising2-girltrouble.jpg|thumb|250px|left|"That ''better'' not be Barry Manilow you're playing, Jack."]]

After the team arrives back at base, Arcee tells the others what she saw. She becomes dizzy, and Ratchet scans her and finds contamination on her wrist. While Arcee goes and gets cleaned up, the kids explain to Optimus that they really need to get home, or their relatives will send the cops out looking for them. Prime assigns Bulkhead to take [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] home, [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] to take care of [[Rafael Esquivel|Raf]], and Arcee to [[Jack Darby|Jack]]. Arcee and Jack arrive home shortly before [[June Darby|Jack's mother]] hauls up in her car. Mom's less than impressed that Jack appears to have bought a motorcycle, but Jack talks her around. The next morning, despite Jack's protests that it's a Saturday, Arcee insists that they need to get to HQ.

On the Decepticon ship, Megatron is skeptical that Optimus perished in the destruction of the energon mine. Starscream is concerned that Megatron is being affected by too much exposure to the Dark Energon, but Megatron responds by taking a sliver of the substance and plunging it into his own spark.

Ratchet's analysis of the Dark Energon sample he retrieved from Arcee is incomplete due to his lack of the necessary technology. As he moves the sample to another part of the lab, some of it drips on the manipulator arm Bulkhead broke earlier. Unseen by Ratchet, the arm twitches into life, turning into a one-eyed, spider-like creature.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (10)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (12)
*[[William Fowler]] (13)
*[[June Darby]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Then, as your humble servant, shall I ready the space bridge to bring forth the Decepticon army you have surely gathered during your three years in space?"
:—'''Starscream''' drips with sarcasm.

"They have no protective shell! If they get underfoot, they will go...squish."
:—'''Ratchet''' on humans.

"Team Prime knows ''when'' to use force, and how ''much'' to use!" 
"Bulkhead, I ''NEEDED THAT''!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' destroys '''Ratchet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s medical claw and starts a running gag.

"[[Maximum overdrive|MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE!]]"
:—'''Optimus''' utters a soon-to-be infamous phrase.

"Blood of Unicron, how I might fathom the depths of your mystery, become worthy of wielding your astonishing power!"
:—'''Megatron''' in a private moment with his prize.

"Robots who get dizzy?" 
"Robots with emotions." 
"Robots who can [[death|die]]."
:—'''Miko''', '''Raf''' and '''Jack''' recognize the lasting appeal of Transformers.

"Well, if I don't call my mom, like, now, I'm pretty sure the cops will be out looking for me." 
"Have you broken a law?"
:—'''Jack''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"You can watch cartoons back at base with Bumblebee." 
"Cartoons? I'm sixteen."
:—'''Arcee'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s suggestion of weekend entertainment meets '''Jack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s disapproval.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* The Autobots have no shadows when they walk into the main mine.
* When Arcee first stumbles, Bumblebee doesn't have the middle piece of his optics. However, when the scene changes to Optimus pairing off a 'bot with a kid, he has them.

===Transformers references===
*Dark Energon is a central MacGuffin for Megatron in this continuity, first being used in the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron|War for Cybertron]]'' games, as well as in the ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' novel. Megatron and Starscream's introductory conversation about the substance is ''very'' expository for the benefit of viewers who haven't read the book or played the game, to the extent that it sounds like neither of them has encountered it before, and neither Arcee nor Ratchet is indicated to have any familiarity with the substance, despite having seen it first-hand back during the war. And yet, Arcee does compare Decepticon experiments during the war on Cybertron to the substance's effect on Cliffjumper, without explicitly naming the stuff (though previously it didn't make anyone crazed zombies.... On the other hand, it was never used on a dead guy before (that we know of) - in fact, it always left deceased users and sought for living ones, which is kinda weird for a substance which could merely rise the user from the dead. Sorry, Cliff, them's the breaks). It's all a bit wobbly; while the cartoon almost certainly seems to have been written as if it is the characters' first encounter with Dark Energon, the dialogue does have enough wiggle room if you're obstinate, like us!
*The purple goo shares the property of changing ordinary machines into Transformers with the [[AllSpark]].

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 2'''" (악의 부활 2, "Return of the Evil, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 30|30 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* The energon mine is in Nebraska as Fowler will point out in the next episode.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 1

2011-09-23T19:45:06Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign dubbing */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|image=DarknessRising1-Cliffjumperface.jpg

|caption=Hey look, it's a major character!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 1"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate the return of the Decepticons while being forced to account for a group of young humans who have unwittingly become involved in their centuries-old conflict.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarknessRising1-Starscreamsneer.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Please allow me to introduce myself! I'm a man of wealth and taste...]]

[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] is on the open road, boasting to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] over the comm about how he's been messing with the [[human]]s, when he detects a large amount of energon nearby. As he goes to investigate, a [[Decepticon]] ship appears over the crater and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon troopers]] drop down to attack him. Arcee alerts the rest of the [[Autobot]]s, who head back to base. Cliffjumper fights on, destroying several of the Decepticons, but their blasts detonate the energon, causing a huge explosion. They drag his defeated form back to the ship, where [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is upset about the loss of the energon. Cliffjumper is defiant, but Starscream executes him. The Autobots arrive at the crater via [[ground bridge]], only to find the aftermath of the fight. Arcee picks up a horn Cliffjumper lost during the battle, and Ratchet reports that Cliffjumper's life signal has terminated.

Back on the Decepticon ship, Soundwave replays a recording of Arcee's comms talk, and Starscream decides she will be their next target.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] reminds the other Autobots that they must continue to survive in order to honor the memory of their fallen comrade. Arcee refuses to dwell on it and drives off. In [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]], [[Jack Darby]] is working at the [[KO Burger]] drive-thru. Arcee finds herself being chased by a couple of Decepticons, and she ducks into the KO Burger parking lot, where Jack mistakes her for a real motorcycle and, fantasizing about one day having a motorcycle of his own, hops on.

[[Image:DarknessRising1-thisisjasper.jpg|thumb|300px|But can he make out with his girlfriend on the hood of it?]]

[[Sierra]] and a friend catch him apparently talking to the motorcycle, but while Jack has an awkward moment, the Decepticons spot Arcee. She takes off with a startled Jack still on board. After a short chase, she attempts to let Jack go, sending him down a side alley with a warning not to tell anyone what he's seen. As she speeds off, she spots one of the Decepticons heading after Jack and is forced to double back and pick him up. The chase moves onto the freeway, where [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] arrives to help them out.

[[Image:Bumblebee Bulkhead Arcee Darkness Rising 1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]
In a nearby drainage canal, [[Rafael Esquivel]] is playing with a remote-controlled car when Arcee and Jack literally drop in. The Decepticons drop in as well, and first Arcee, then Bumblebee is blasted to the ground. Raf draws the 'cons' attention, which unfortunately works too well, and the two kids are forced to flee into a drain. While they make their escape, Bumblebee and Arcee stand defiant against the Decepticons and, as [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] joins the fight, and the two Decepticons flee.

At Autobot headquarters, Optimus Prime informs the Autobots that since the Decepticons have seen the boys, the two humans may be targeted. At high school, Jack and Raf meet up again, and Bumblebee and Arcee come to take them to HQ. Though Raf roars off in Bumblebee, Jack walks away. [[Miko Nakadai]], sitting outside the school, draws Arcee, but when the motorcycle disappears, she peeks around the corner and spots Arcee in robot mode arguing with Jack. She takes both kids and catches up to Bumblebee. They drive to the Autobots' HQ, concealed in a mountain, where the three kids marvel at the rest of the Autobots and Optimus Prime gives them some exposition regarding the Transformers' war. Optimus fears the imminent return of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

Soundwave detects a transmission from deep space, and Starscream orders the [[space bridge]] activated. As it opens, Megatron emerges, announcing his return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Sierra]] (11)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Scream, it's been a while. Where's your master?"
:—'''Cliffjumper's''' last words

"Clean that up."
:—'''Starscream''' after killing Cliff and not washing his servos

"Scrap!"
:—'''Arcee''' showing her fluency with Cybertronian expletives

"Friend of yours?" 
"[[Relatives|Family]]."
:—'''Jack''' and '''Arcee''' on Bumblebee's arrival

"What are they?" 
"Talking cars that turn into robots. Or the other way around."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Jack'''

"Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with!"
:—'''Miko''' says what the audience is thinking.

"So, if you guys are robots, who made you...?" 
"Ugh! Puh-''leez''..."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Ratchet'''

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' likes to [[Transformers (2007)|repeat the same introduction over and over again]].

"Decepticons! I have ''returned''."
:—'''Megatron''' announces his grand return.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Ratchet attempts to scan for Cliffjumper's life signal, only five Autobots are shown on his screen, despite there being a total of six Autobots in the range of his scan (including the soon-to-be-dead Cliffjumper). This might be explained as being because Ratchet's own life signal doesn't appear on his own scanner.
*During the scene where Arcee attempts to talk to Jack in the alleyway, her rear end clips a bin.
*Upon this episode's original airing, the [[insignia]] on the floor of the Autobot base was the [[insignia#Live-action_movie_franchise|live-action movie Autobot insignia]], rather than the standard Autobot insignia used on the characters themselves. This however was swiftly changed upon the re-airing weeks later, suggesting the rendering team either originally took note in time to effect the change, or they REALLY DO read everything on this Wiki to make the show better. This is us waving at you! *waves* {{fact}}
*In the credits, Cliffjumper's name is parsed "Cliff Jumper".

===Continuity errors===
* ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' is the basis of the ''Prime'' continuity's backstory, according to [[Hasbro]]. However, ''Exodus'' has the split between Optimus and Megatron causing the war, whereas this episode says it happened ''during'' the war. But it's just not a proper Transformers continuity without early continuity divergences!

===Transformers references===
*Bumblebee and Bulkhead are big walking references to the [[Bumblebee (Movie)|movie Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Animated Bulkhead]] respectively, looking near-identical and (in the former's case) sharing the same speech impediment.
*Lots of references to "three years ago" as the last time the Decepticons and Megatron were seen. Three years ago was the year that ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' came out in the cinema, by ''Prime'' showrunners [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]].
*Cybertron has been rendered uninhabitable by the war. This is not just established by ''Exodus'' and the ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' games, but was also part of the [[live-action film series]] canon and [[IDW]]'s earlier Generation 1 comics.
*The image of Cybertron from space that appears during Optimus's exposition reuses the model from ''War for Cybertron''.
*In this series, Energon is represented as a naturally growing blue crystal. This is [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|not the first time]] it has been represented in this way.
*The Decepticon "drones" are extremely similar to the Decepticon troops in the Autobot campaign of ''War for Cybertron.''

===Real-world references===
* Jack's statement "The first rule of robot fight club is that you don't talk about robot fight club" is a reference to, well, ''[[Wikipedia:Fight Club|Fight Club]]''.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 1'''" (The Dark Force Rises, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 23|23 September]] [[2011]]
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 1'''" (악의 부활 1, "Return of the Evil, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 29|29 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper was presented as a key Autobot in the publicity material, and a big deal was made of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] being his voice actor. That made him the ''last'' character you'd expect to be killed off in the first few minutes of his first episode (to the extent some fans thought he'd turn out to be fine in episode 2). ''Prime'''s sister show, ''G.I. Joe: Renegades'', pulled the same tactic with the hero Ripcord although in his case it would have been revealed that he turned out fine (albeit having the ability to "transform" into a Bio-Viper.)

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 5

2011-09-23T19:44:15Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 5
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 4
|next=Masters & Students
|image=DarknessRising5-OptimusStand.jpg
|caption=Spoilers: the good guys win.
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 5"
|airdate=[[December 3]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots race to stop Megatron from raising an undead army on Cybertron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] imagines in dread what will happen if [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] uses the [[Dark Energon]] to raise an army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and brings them to conquer [[Earth]].

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] arrives at [[KO Burger]] and encounters [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]], who muses that her recent loss of a [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|friend]] makes it hard for her to say goodbye to him. The Autobots have pinpointed Megatron's [[space bridge]] in Earth orbit and must use the [[ground bridge]] to reach it, despite the risks this poses. Arcee and Jack arrive back in time for Arcee to join the mission, and Optimus leads the team (minus [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]]) through the bridge. They land on the space bridge terminal and look up to see the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]] moving into position. Megatron observes their presence, but [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] says that [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] is locking on to Cybertron's coordinates.

As the Autobots assume attack positions, Arcee notes that the Decepticons haven't done anything. Optimus scans the ship, and learns that Bulkhead damaged its interstellar navigation dish during [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]]'s rescue. Since a target as far as Cybertron needs pinpoint accuracy, the Decepticons will be unable to use it to aim the space bridge without an alternate targeting system. Raf reasons that the Decepticons may be using a radio dish array in [[Texas]], but Fowler is still too out of it to alert the array staff to the danger. [[Rafael Esquivel|Raf]] attempts to hack in, but the array's firewalls are too good. Jack thinks they should go on site, and they talk Optimus into letting them do it.

Meanwhile, Megatron sends out the Decepticon forces to attack the Autobots. Battle commences.

The kids ground-bridge to the array and sneak in. In a small, unused room, Raf finds a computer and determines that the Decepticons have also hacked in, but takes the opportunity to download their space bridge plans onto his flash drive. Little do the kids know that [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] is in the very next room, plugged into the computer system as well. He aligns the array, which sets the space bridge ready to use, but Raf promptly realigns it. Responding to Starscream's requests to know what's going on, Soundwave taps into the installation's security systems and locates the three kids. While the kids are discussing what the Decepticons could do, Soundwave's tentacle slithers into the room behind them and attacks. As it goes after Raf, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] grabs an axe and strikes at it. She hits the tentacle with a clang, but the tentacle then strikes her backward before picking up the axe itself. Though the kids believe it's about to attack them with the weapon, the tentacle withdraws. The kids run to the next room, where they found Soundwave has realigned the dishes and used the axe to cut the hard line, making it impossible to undo his work. Miko then takes a [[Miko's phone|cell phone]] photo of Soundwave. Before Soundwave leaves, he takes a photo of them.

Starscream activates the space bridge, and Megatron physically throws a huge chunk of Dark Energon through. The Dark Energon strikes Cybertron, swiftly covering the planet and turning millions of dead Transformers into millions of Terrorcons. Optimus realizes that the only course of action left to them is to destroy the space bridge. Raf supplies the specs he downloaded earlier, and Ratchet sets about working out a way to do so with Raf's help. As Optimus faces Megatron, Bulkhead, Arcee and Bumblebee go to implement some sabotage.

[[Image:DarknessRising5-Megatronsword.jpg|right|thumb|220px|He can do the ''ultimate'' bird flip.]]

Megatron manages to defeat Prime, but as he raises his sword, Starscream alerts him to the actions of the other Autobots. Optimus takes advantage of the momentary distraction to block Megatron's killing blow, and blast him away, but the Decepticon leader transforms and flies off to find Prime's team. Arcee's team has succeeded in rigging the space bridge to blow when Megatron attacks and blasts her off into space. The Autobots jump into the ground bridge, Bumblebee collecting Arcee on the way. Seeing the potential damage the exploding space bridge would cause Starscream decides to pull the ship back, imploring Megatron to do the same. Overcome with regret over the loss of his army of Terrorcons as they begin to come through, the space bridge explodes in Megatron's face.

A short distance away in the ship, Starscream notes that Megatron's spark is now extinguished and all will hail him.
The Autobots make it back to their base. Though Arcee's in bad shape, she makes it out alright. Optimus announces that there's totally no way Megatron could have survived the space bridge explosion. Fowler thanks the Autobots for saving him, then leaves. Optimus gives a big speech and sends a signal into space to let the galaxy know that Earth is defended by the Autobots.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (3)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (6)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (11)
* [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (13)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (1)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
* [[Rafael Esquivel]] (8)
* [[William Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Optimus, if you leave me stranded on a planet teeming with humans, I will never forgive you."
:—'''Ratchet'''

"Optimus Prime never disappoints. Unlike YOU, Starscream!"
:—'''Megatron''', burning a disappointing '''Starscream'''

"Surely, Lord Megatron, the Autobots are up to something." 
"Really, Starscream?"
:—'''Starscream''' observes the Autobots and '''Megatron''' lays on the sarcasm.

"I hold no illusions about engaging your army, Megatron. But I might derail its objective...[[Decapitation|by removing its head.]]"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|solution to most problems]].

"One shall stand, one shall fall." 
:-'''Optimus Prime''' brings an old line back into style.

"Starscream! Where is my ship?!" 
"We would never make it, Lord Megatron! Don't be a fool! Take flight and ''retreat''!"
:—Showing remarkable amounts of common sense, '''Starscream''' urgently yet fruitlessly tries to get '''Megatron''' to flee the detonating space bridge.

"Decepticons, it is with deep sorrow that I note for the log...Megatron's spark...has been extinguished. All. Hail. Starscream."
:—'''Starscream''' praises himself as leader.

"Without a means of leaving this world, we Autobots take strength in the bonds we have forged with our three young friends - true warriors. If not in body, then in spirit. My name is Optimus Prime, and I send this message. Though we did not choose to be of Earth, it would seem that we are here to stay. If you approach this planet with hostile intent, know this: We will defend ourselves. We will defend humanity. We will defend... our home."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
* The Terrorcons are able to leave Cybertron and pass through the space bridge despite the fact that it's in space. Even accounting for the fact that Decepticon corpses might have flight capabilities, it seems unlikely that every Terrorcon would.
* Despite Megatron being able to ''cut off half of Prime's blade'' earlier in their battle, when Optimus resisted, the other blade was nearly as resistant as Megatron's own blade.

===Astronomical errors===
* The Autobots somehow jump from the detonating space bridge straight into the waiting ground bridge vortex, which is positioned below the space bridge, even though there ''is no gravity in space!'' (Though a possible explanation for this is that the ground bridge creates its own gravity.)

===Transformers references===
* There are two references which are directly related to [[The Transformers: The Movie|the 1986 animated movie]]. First Ratchet says, "Then by all means, let us light our [[darkest hour]]." Later, Optimus exchanges with Megatron: "One shall stand, one shall fall."
* Optimus's Energon blade and Megatron's hidden fusion cannon blade are references to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)| their movie]] [[Megatron (Movie)|counterparts]].
* Optimus's speech at the end is similar to the ones Movie Optimus gives at the end of the three movies.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:DarknessRising5-Michelangelo.jpg|thumb|250px|Or it could be another [[Steven Spielberg|Spielberg]] reference.]]
* Miko tries to use an axe on [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s tentacle, which is the same tactic Tom Cruise's character tries on the Tripod tentacle in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s ''War of the Worlds''. Of course, both attempts fail.
* Miko refers to space as "the final frontier". "Space. The final frontier" is the first line of the opening credits of several ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek|Star Trek]]'' TV shows. ''Prime'' show developers [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]] are also the screenwriters of the current ''Star Trek'' movies.
* Megatron, when he rises out of the Decepticon ship with the boulder of Dark Energon on his back, is clearly meant to evoke the classic [[Wikipedia:Atlas|Atlas]] pose.
* The shot of Megatron reaching out to a Terrorcon before the space bridge implosion is reminiscent of [[Wikipedia:Michelangelo|Michelangelo]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:The Creation of Adam|The Creation of Adam]]''.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 5'''" (악의 부활 5, "Return of the Evil, Part 5")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 12|12 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Winged versions of the Vehicons make their appearance here.
* The Decepticons are unable to simply warp to Cybertron thanks to Bulkhead ripping off a vital piece of equipment in the previous episode.
* While it's unlikely anything from ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' applies to the cartoon, a number of Autobots, including [[Ultra Magnus (Prime)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Omega Supreme (Prime)|Omega Supreme]] and the [[Wrecker]]s, were left behind on Cybertron at the end of that book. Sure hope they weren't around when the Terrorcons came crawling. In a similar vein, [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] is also still on Cybertron at the end of the novel. Granted, it's established fact that the war had continued on other worlds after Cybertron's shutdown, though (as stated by [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[Transformers: Prime (comic)|prequel comic]]) it's probable that all of them have since moved on to less hostile locales in the intervening years.
* When the kids arrive at the radio array, they note that the place seems deserted. A brief shadowy glimpse of a human slumped against the wall suggests that, like [[Blackout (Movie)| Blackout]], Soundwave isn't keen on leaving survivors or witnesses.
* When Starscream tries to convince Megatron to retreat, there is a surprising tone of concern in his voice. Either that, or he's a much better actor than certain other [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscreams]].
* It ''seems'' to take a lot longer for the Terrorcon army to come from Cybertron across the space bridge than it took for the Dark Energon to get there in the first place. [[Wikipedia:Doomsday (Doctor Who)|Must've been the sheer mass of all of them]].
* A short video showing a rehearsal or an earlier take of the confrontation between Optimus Prime and Megatron was screened at both [[BotCon 2010]] and San Diego Comic-Con 2010.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvW4nsr3ZDo#t=2m53s "Transformers: Prime" panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2010]</ref> The dialogue was somewhat different, with Optimus referring to battle on an alien world when ordering the Autobots away, and lacking the "One shall stand, one shall fall" exchange. Instead, it had Megatron shouting Optimus's name in a rather exaggerated manner.
*The space battle was an idea [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] had for the [[live-action film series]] but couldn't incorporate.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*For some reason, Optimus only uses one of his hand blades when fighting Megatron rather than using both of them.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 4

2011-09-23T19:44:11Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 4
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 3
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 5
|image=DarknessRising4-beholddarkenergon!.jpg
|caption=Decepticons, transform and rise up!...Well, if you still ''can''.
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 4"
|airdate=[[December 2]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''While Optimus and Ratchet battle Megatron's Terrorcon horde, the others attempt to rescue Agent Fowler.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s army of [[Dark Energon]]-powered [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] march, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] are horrified at the desecration. The Dark Energon flowing through Megatron gives him control over this new army, and he directs them to destroy the two Autobots. When the Terrorcons keep getting up as fast as Optimus can blast them down, Ratchet discovers that dismemberment is a more effective way of dealing with them.

[[Image:darkrising4_botgroup.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Pretty sure war zones don't count for Bring Your <s>Daughter</s> Partner to Work Day, Bulky.]]

At the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] rescues [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Rafael Esquivel|Raf]], who are under fire from the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon sentries]]. They explain they were worried about [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]], who pops up from Bulkhead's back seat. Bulkhead drops everyone off behind some cover before driving under the Decepticon ship, scaling a nearby cliff, and jumping on board. After dealing with a bunch of Decepticons, Bulkhead realizes that Miko's not with the other kids, and she pops out of his chest, having stowed away. Miko finds herself in the middle of the fight between Bulkhead and the cons, which the Autobot swiftly terminates with the help of a piece of deck plating. While the pair move into the ship, problems are occurring outside; Jack and Raf are captured by the Decepticons and taken on board the ship, where [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] abruptly appear and rescue them. The two parties run into each other in a corridor, and Jack and Raf let Arcee know where [[William Fowler|Fowler]] is, having heard their guard talking.

[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]]'s interrogation of Fowler is finally beginning to bear fruit, when the distant sound of gunfire can be heard, and Fowler stops being helpful. Starscream gives him a jolt with the [[Energon prod]], stunning him into unconsciousness, and sends the two guards to find out what's going on.

Back at the Terrorcon battle, Ratchet notes that exposure to the Dark Energon is sapping their strength. The fight on, but first Optimus, then Ratchet disappear under piles of Terrorcons. Megatron laughs...but with a cry, Optimus breaks free and helps Ratchet up.

[[Image:Optimus Prime Ratchet Zombies Darkness Rising 4.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Megatron has desecrated our ancestors, and ''I'' wanted to do that!"]]

The Autobots clear out a room on the Decepticon ship for the kids to hide in. Miko and Jack immediately begin arguing over their situation, which upsets Raf. Jack and Miko try to reassure him, before Jack notices a huge computer display. Raf thinks it has important information on it.

Fowler's interrogation is complicated by the man's now-dazed state. It's further complicated when Bulkhead and Bumblebee appear in the doorway. They aim their guns at Starscream, who aims his at Fowler, only to feel a tap on the head. He looks up to find Arcee is balanced in a shaft right above him, aiming her gun downwards.

The kids know they've found important information, but are at a loss as to how to get it back to Optimus. As Raf's contemplating using a flash drive, a Decepticon walks in. The kids dive for cover, but Raf goes back for his backpack and is spotted by the Decepticon.

The Mexican standoff in the brig is broken when Fowler distracts Starscream, and the Autobots start firing. Starscream decides discretion is called for, and he flies off down the nearest corridor.

The Decepticon starts firing on Raf. Jack heroically runs out and tackles Raf behind one of the Decepticon corpses, before instructing Miko to take a picture. She snaps a picture of the Decepticon, before Jack redirects her at the computer screen. The kids leg it from the room, followed by the Decepticon, who is promptly taken out by Bulkhead. Reunited, the kids and Autobots make their escape.

Optimus and Ratchet finish off the Terrorcon horde, and Optimus starts climbing up to Megatron. Megatron compliments Optimus on his performance, but boasts that the battle was simply a prelude to the main event and flies off. Ratchet wonders ominously what Megatron has in store for them.

[[Image:darkrising4_phonesnap.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Kay th-enx bay-eye?"]]

Back at base, Ratchet's damaged arm is tended to, and Optimus tells off Bulkhead for letting the kids accompany him into battle. Miko defends Bulkhead and tries to claim they were doing "recon" by showing the snapped schematics, but Jack's upset about the fact they were all almost killed and decides he wants out of the whole affair. After some sad farewells (except from Ratchet), they send him home by [[ground bridge]].

[[Image:Tfprimestarscreamsteppedon.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Just like [[The Transformers (cartoon)|old times!]]]]
Back on the Decepticon ship in orbit, Megatron abuses Starscream for disobeying his orders, which has resulted in damage to the ship, which threatens to delay Megatron's plans. Starscream manages to quell his master's anger by announcing he has a way to get their plans back on course.

Miko pays Jack a visit and tries to talk him into returning to the Autobots, but he's content to go back to his normal life.

Ratchet, meanwhile, is checking out the data Miko photographed, and he realizes that it's the specs for a [[space bridge]] part. Bulkhead thinks it's great that Megatron's thinking of leaving, but Optimus points out that he's probably intending to bring an army to [[Earth]] with it, and there's only one place he can find enough Transformer corpses to build a new army: [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (2)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (10)
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (11)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (4)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drone]]s (5)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (6)
* [[Rafael Esquivel]] (7)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
* [[William Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (1)

}}

==Quotes==
"Megatron has desecrated the resting place of our fallen ancestors... and his own!" 
"Not even the dead are free from his war-mongering."
:—'''Ratchet''' states the obvious in a slightly novel way while '''Optimus''' rues the depth of Megatron's evil.

[[Image:DarknessRising4-BulkheadandMiko.jpg|thumb|250px|[http://youtu.be/CjLS2X-l_UU That's disturbing...]]]
"I heaved on your floor mats. Sorry!"
:—'''Miko'''

"Wake up, you pathetic lump of flesh!" 
"Grandma? Is it cookie time?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Fowler'''

"I wouldn't." 
"Oh, but I MIGHT..."
:—'''Arcee''' threatens '''Starscream''', who doesn't feel very threatened.

"I like pie. Can we stop for pie?" 
"You found Fowler! ROCK ON!"
:—'''Fowler''' and '''Miko'''

"No point in long good-byes. Here's the door."
:—'''Ratchet''' showing he doesn't give a damn

"I've been raised to be responsible. To my schoolwork, to my mom, my job."
:—The Spectacular '''Jack''' Darby

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*Did Optimus forget that Arcee was supposed to be in charge? He tells Bulkhead off, but Bulkhead wasn't supposed to be in charge in the first place. Of course, Optimus could simply have been referring to the fact Bulkhead got the kids in danger (which, admittedly, was in part his fault).
**Then again it's mostly Miko's fault: SHE snuck along with Bulkhead without him even knowing, after which Jack and Raf went to find her. So don't blame it all on Bulkie.

===Transformers references===
*As in part 1, Cybertron appears with the same model as that used in ''War for Cybertron''.
*Optimus's guns and swords look very similar to another [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]]'s.
*Optimus's response to Jack wanting to leave is very similar to the response Optimus Prime gave to [[Theodore Galloway]] in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 4'''" (악의 부활 4, "Return of the Evil, Part 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*While not the first time [[Flame (Marvel)|someone]] has used zombies as soldiers, Megatron seems intent on making them the bulk of his forces.
*The Terrorcons Optimus and Ratchet fight do not seem to be as tough as Cliffjumper's was (seeing as how he was still functioning despite being cut in half), but that could be chalked up to Cliff's corpse being "fresh".
*This episode shows one of the few times a Transformer has switched to robot mode while carrying a human passenger. This has happened previously in "[[The Human Element]]" and "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]," but in both those cases the passenger was ejected during transformation. It will also happen later in [[Convoy (episode)|"Convoy"]], in which Agent Fowler somehow ends up in Prime's hand.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 3

2011-09-23T19:42:30Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 3
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 4
|image=DarknessRising3-interrogateFowler.jpg
|caption="D'awwww, lookit the cute ickle human! Coochie coochie cooo!"
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 3"
|airdate=[[December 1]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus and Ratchet head out to investigate Megatron's activities and Arcee and Bumblebee go on patrol, leaving Bulkhead in charge. But things start getting messy when Fowler is abducted.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarkEnergonbug.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Scalpel]], is that you?]]
The three kids and their Autobot guardians head back to [[Autobot Central Command|the Autobot base]], where [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] is being attacked by a piece of animated equipment. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] deals with it, but now suspects that both it and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] were vivified by [[Dark Energon]].

Megatron, now powered up by the Dark Energon, has decided his next move and leaves the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]] in [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]]'s hands. Starscream thinks Megatron's gone a bit loopy, and he orders [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] to increase surveillance.

Optimus has realized Megatron's plan to create an undead army. As the rest of the Autobots arrive, Optimus announces he's going on a mission with Ratchet, who doesn't take kindly to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]]'s suggestion he may be a little rusty. Leaving Arcee in charge, the pair [[ground bridge|bridge]] out. Arcee immediately puts [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] in charge and goes out on patrol with [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]]. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] attempts to organize an impromptu band practice, but while she's belting out an electric guitar solo, the proximity alert goes off. The kids hide behind Bulkhead as [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] walks in to complain about the energon mine explosion. Unfortunately, Miko's guitar gives them away, and Fowler announces he's taking them into federal custody, but Bulkhead puts his foot down, and Fowler storms out.

In a remote region, Prime explains to Ratchet that they're looking for the remains of an old Transformer battlefield, from the period in the war when energon started being hidden on other planets.

[[Image:DarknessRising3-disgust.jpg|right|thumb|160px|Ratchet, turn on the ''Evil Dead'' theme. We'll need all the charisma we can get.]]
As Fowler flies from the Autobot base in his copter, he radios in a report, which is intercepted by Soundwave. Starscream orders Fowler captured, so Soundwave sends out [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]]. The Deployer catches up with Fowler, who engages in some deft maneuvers to try and avoid it, and even gets some shots off before it slices the tail off his copter and abducts him.

Fowler's distress call is picked up at the Autobot base. Though Bulkhead is reluctant to help, the others point out Fowler knows the location of the base. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] sets about hacking into a federal computer so they can locate Fowler. Bulkhead leaves [[Jack Darby|Jack]] in charge and heads out. Bulkhead finds himself near the Decepticon ship, but is surprised when Miko pops up next to him. After dealing with a Decepticon sentry, he contacts Arcee. Back at base, Jack and Raf have realized Miko is gone, and they use the ground bridge to follow. Unfortunately, this leaves the base unmanned when Arcee rings in to get use of the ground bridge. Jack and Raf arrive at Bulkhead's location and immediately manage to attract the attention of the Decepticon drones on guard.

Starscream interrogates Fowler without much success, so he resorts to getting out the [[energon prod]].

Meanwhile, Optimus and Ratchet reach the Transformer graveyard they've been seeeking. Unfortunately, so does Megatron, who uses a chunk of Dark Energon to raise an army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]].
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (13)
* [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (1)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (4)
* [[Raf Esquivel|Rafael Esquivel]] (6)
* [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"I NEEDED THAT!"
:—'''Ratchet''''s tools suffer further abuse... from one of his already abused tools.

"I fear that when our master reached for the stars, he came down with a touch of... space madness."
:—'''Starscream''', ever ready to undermine Megatron.

"Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since the war." 
"My pistons may be rusty, but my hearing is sharp as ever!"
:—'''Arcee''', on '''Ratchet''''s current military qualifications.

"Do I look like I do country? Just cover yourself in fake blood and jump around screaming."
:—'''Miko''' doesn't appreciate Jack's harmonica skills.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Megatron turns around and orders Starscream to await his command, his fusion cannon disappears.
*The speakers for Miko's band practice appear spontaneously without any indication of their existence.

===Transformers references===
* Ratchet's comment that his hearing is still good even though his pistons are rusty is possibly a reference to the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], who made a similar comment when [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] made a joke about his age.
* Bulkhead has a compartment similar to his ''Animated'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|incarnation]], but higher up on his chest. Objects inside his vehicle mode end up there when he transforms.
* Soundwave's drone resembles [[Ratbat]], but the show's creators have stated it's a homage to [[Laserbeak]]. At [[BotCon 2011]], Hasbro went one step further and stated it actually ''is'' Laserbeak.
* The concepts of the Transformers seeding energon on Earth and having had wars there in the distant past before have turned up in recent fiction, [[IDW]]'s comics and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The latter was also in [[Ladybird Books|an '80s Ladybird Book]], "[[Galvatron's Air Attack]]".

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak eui Buhwal 3'''" (악의 부활 3, "Return of the Evil, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5|5 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* This episode tries to resolve some of the continuity issues with Dark Energon the previous episode causes. Both Optimus and Ratchet know of its existence and even the rumor that it brings the dead back to life. Supplies of it were just so scarce as to be non-existent, hence their inexperience with it.
* In an amusing show of cultural differences, Bulkhead tries to order Miko to look away before tearing out a Vehicon's internals (presumably to spare her the sight of the carnage). Miko has no problem with it, only seeing a hunk of metal and a bunch of wires.
* No, really, Bulkhead was going to leave Fowler in Decepticon hands because he didn't like him. What a jerk!
* Twelve-year-old Raf can hack into the United States government's computer network and track down federal agents. What national security?
* Check out where Starscream sticks Fowler with the energon prod. Ouch!
* The area that Fowler's helicopter goes down in looks a lot like the area [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] would later be discovered in [[Masters and Students]].

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 2

2011-09-23T19:41:44Z

14.39.222.145: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 2
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 3
|image=DarknessRising2-letsgetyouhome.jpg
|caption=Ohh, Dark Energon brings back the dead, so ''that's'' how they're getting out of killiOH GOD ARRRRGGG!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 2"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots try to get Cliffjumper back, unaware of what the Decepticons have done to him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] shows off the massive [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposit that the [[Decepticon]]s have located. After [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] reminds his subordinate who's boss, he shows off what ''he's'' found — [[Dark Energon]], the blood of [[Unicron]], which Starscream claims is said to have the power to resurrect the dead. Megatron inquires if Starscream is willing to volunteer to try it out, but it turns out they still have [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse handy.

[[Image:DarknessRising2-Fowler.jpg|left|thumb|200px|He's not taking the words of a group of unaccountable aliens with their own agenda as gospel. ''Bastards!'']]
At Autobot HQ, Optimus Prime tells the kids that the Autobots will have to protect them, as the Decepticons will likely be interested in the Autobots' new allies. A proximity alert lets the Autobots know that Agent [[William Fowler|Fowler]], their liaison with the US government, is paying them a visit. Fowler is not happy with the Autobots' antics during the recent freeway chase, but [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] points out no humans were hurt. After Prime's assurances that the Autobots will take care of things, Fowler leaves.

Megatron uses the Dark Energon on Cliffjumper, who revives as a snarling, savage beast and immediately attacks a couple of Decepticon soldiers. The thing that was Cliffjumper then turns on Megatron, who slices him in two and announces that the Dark Energon is the key to a vast, indestructible army.

[[Image:Autobots Battle Darkness Rising 2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Starscream, this is the police! We have you surrounded!" "Oh crud!"]]

Ratchet reports that he's detected Cliffjumper's signal, and the chance that Cliffjumper's alive is too much for the Autobots to resist. Leaving the kids with Ratchet, they take the [[ground bridge]] out. Ratchet explains the ground bridge to the amazed kids and threatens to send them to Tokyo. Meanwhile, the rest of the Autobots arrive in the energon mine and start fighting Decepticon drones. Starscream alerts Megatron, who feels he needs more time to prepare to face Optimus and orders the ship made ready for departure. He also orders Starscream to blow up the mine. As the battle rages, [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] spots Cliffjumper. The other Autobots cover her, and she reaches her fellow Autobot, or what's left of him, only to discover what the Decepticons have done. Starscream stops by to drop off a bomb before making a rapid exit. The Autobots race through the mine ahead of the explosion, back to their entry point, as Optimus radios Ratchet to order the opening of the ground bridge.

[[Image:DarknessRising2-girltrouble.jpg|thumb|250px|left|"That ''better'' not be Barry Manilow you're playing, Jack."]]

After the team arrives back at base, Arcee tells the others what she saw. She becomes dizzy, and Ratchet scans her and finds contamination on her wrist. While Arcee goes and gets cleaned up, the kids explain to Optimus that they really need to get home, or their relatives will send the cops out looking for them. Prime assigns Bulkhead to take [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] home, [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] to take care of [[Rafael Esquivel|Raf]], and Arcee to [[Jack Darby|Jack]]. Arcee and Jack arrive home shortly before [[June Darby|Jack's mother]] hauls up in her car. Mom's less than impressed that Jack appears to have bought a motorcycle, but Jack talks her around. The next morning, despite Jack's protests that it's a Saturday, Arcee insists that they need to get to HQ.

On the Decepticon ship, Megatron is skeptical that Optimus perished in the destruction of the energon mine. Starscream is concerned that Megatron is being affected by too much exposure to the Dark Energon, but Megatron responds by taking a sliver of the substance and plunging it into his own spark.

Ratchet's analysis of the Dark Energon sample he retrieved from Arcee is incomplete due to his lack of the necessary technology. As he moves the sample to another part of the lab, some of it drips on the manipulator arm Bulkhead broke earlier. Unseen by Ratchet, the arm twitches into life, turning into a one-eyed, spider-like creature.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (10)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (12)
*[[William Fowler]] (13)
*[[June Darby]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Then, as your humble servant, shall I ready the space bridge to bring forth the Decepticon army you have surely gathered during your three years in space?"
:—'''Starscream''' drips with sarcasm.

"They have no protective shell! If they get underfoot, they will go...squish."
:—'''Ratchet''' on humans.

"Team Prime knows ''when'' to use force, and how ''much'' to use!" 
"Bulkhead, I ''NEEDED THAT''!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' destroys '''Ratchet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s medical claw and starts a running gag.

"[[Maximum overdrive|MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE!]]"
:—'''Optimus''' utters a soon-to-be infamous phrase.

"Blood of Unicron, how I might fathom the depths of your mystery, become worthy of wielding your astonishing power!"
:—'''Megatron''' in a private moment with his prize.

"Robots who get dizzy?" 
"Robots with emotions." 
"Robots who can [[death|die]]."
:—'''Miko''', '''Raf''' and '''Jack''' recognize the lasting appeal of Transformers.

"Well, if I don't call my mom, like, now, I'm pretty sure the cops will be out looking for me." 
"Have you broken a law?"
:—'''Jack''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"You can watch cartoons back at base with Bumblebee." 
"Cartoons? I'm sixteen."
:—'''Arcee'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s suggestion of weekend entertainment meets '''Jack'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s disapproval.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* The Autobots have no shadows when they walk into the main mine.
* When Arcee first stumbles, Bumblebee doesn't have the middle piece of his optics. However, when the scene changes to Optimus pairing off a 'bot with a kid, he has them.

===Transformers references===
*Dark Energon is a central MacGuffin for Megatron in this continuity, first being used in the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron|War for Cybertron]]'' games, as well as in the ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' novel. Megatron and Starscream's introductory conversation about the substance is ''very'' expository for the benefit of viewers who haven't read the book or played the game, to the extent that it sounds like neither of them has encountered it before, and neither Arcee nor Ratchet is indicated to have any familiarity with the substance, despite having seen it first-hand back during the war. And yet, Arcee does compare Decepticon experiments during the war on Cybertron to the substance's effect on Cliffjumper, without explicitly naming the stuff (though previously it didn't make anyone crazed zombies.... On the other hand, it was never used on a dead guy before (that we know of) - in fact, it always left deceased users and sought for living ones, which is kinda weird for a substance which could merely rise the user from the dead. Sorry, Cliff, them's the breaks). It's all a bit wobbly; while the cartoon almost certainly seems to have been written as if it is the characters' first encounter with Dark Energon, the dialogue does have enough wiggle room if you're obstinate, like us!
*The purple goo shares the property of changing ordinary machines into Transformers with the [[AllSpark]].

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak eui Buhwal 2'''" (악의 부활 2, "Return of the Evil, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 30|30 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* The energon mine is in Nebraska as Fowler will point out in the next episode.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 1

2011-09-23T19:40:27Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign dubbing */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|image=DarknessRising1-Cliffjumperface.jpg

|caption=Hey look, it's a major character!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 1"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate the return of the Decepticons while being forced to account for a group of young humans who have unwittingly become involved in their centuries-old conflict.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarknessRising1-Starscreamsneer.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Please allow me to introduce myself! I'm a man of wealth and taste...]]

[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] is on the open road, boasting to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] over the comm about how he's been messing with the [[human]]s, when he detects a large amount of energon nearby. As he goes to investigate, a [[Decepticon]] ship appears over the crater and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon troopers]] drop down to attack him. Arcee alerts the rest of the [[Autobot]]s, who head back to base. Cliffjumper fights on, destroying several of the Decepticons, but their blasts detonate the energon, causing a huge explosion. They drag his defeated form back to the ship, where [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is upset about the loss of the energon. Cliffjumper is defiant, but Starscream executes him. The Autobots arrive at the crater via [[ground bridge]], only to find the aftermath of the fight. Arcee picks up a horn Cliffjumper lost during the battle, and Ratchet reports that Cliffjumper's life signal has terminated.

Back on the Decepticon ship, Soundwave replays a recording of Arcee's comms talk, and Starscream decides she will be their next target.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] reminds the other Autobots that they must continue to survive in order to honor the memory of their fallen comrade. Arcee refuses to dwell on it and drives off. In [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]], [[Jack Darby]] is working at the [[KO Burger]] drive-thru. Arcee finds herself being chased by a couple of Decepticons, and she ducks into the KO Burger parking lot, where Jack mistakes her for a real motorcycle and, fantasizing about one day having a motorcycle of his own, hops on.

[[Image:DarknessRising1-thisisjasper.jpg|thumb|300px|But can he make out with his girlfriend on the hood of it?]]

[[Sierra]] and a friend catch him apparently talking to the motorcycle, but while Jack has an awkward moment, the Decepticons spot Arcee. She takes off with a startled Jack still on board. After a short chase, she attempts to let Jack go, sending him down a side alley with a warning not to tell anyone what he's seen. As she speeds off, she spots one of the Decepticons heading after Jack and is forced to double back and pick him up. The chase moves onto the freeway, where [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] arrives to help them out.

[[Image:Bumblebee Bulkhead Arcee Darkness Rising 1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]
In a nearby drainage canal, [[Rafael Esquivel]] is playing with a remote-controlled car when Arcee and Jack literally drop in. The Decepticons drop in as well, and first Arcee, then Bumblebee is blasted to the ground. Raf draws the 'cons' attention, which unfortunately works too well, and the two kids are forced to flee into a drain. While they make their escape, Bumblebee and Arcee stand defiant against the Decepticons and, as [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] joins the fight, and the two Decepticons flee.

At Autobot headquarters, Optimus Prime informs the Autobots that since the Decepticons have seen the boys, the two humans may be targeted. At high school, Jack and Raf meet up again, and Bumblebee and Arcee come to take them to HQ. Though Raf roars off in Bumblebee, Jack walks away. [[Miko Nakadai]], sitting outside the school, draws Arcee, but when the motorcycle disappears, she peeks around the corner and spots Arcee in robot mode arguing with Jack. She takes both kids and catches up to Bumblebee. They drive to the Autobots' HQ, concealed in a mountain, where the three kids marvel at the rest of the Autobots and Optimus Prime gives them some exposition regarding the Transformers' war. Optimus fears the imminent return of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

Soundwave detects a transmission from deep space, and Starscream orders the [[space bridge]] activated. As it opens, Megatron emerges, announcing his return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Sierra]] (11)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Scream, it's been a while. Where's your master?"
:—'''Cliffjumper's''' last words

"Clean that up."
:—'''Starscream''' after killing Cliff and not washing his servos

"Scrap!"
:—'''Arcee''' showing her fluency with Cybertronian expletives

"Friend of yours?" 
"[[Relatives|Family]]."
:—'''Jack''' and '''Arcee''' on Bumblebee's arrival

"What are they?" 
"Talking cars that turn into robots. Or the other way around."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Jack'''

"Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with!"
:—'''Miko''' says what the audience is thinking.

"So, if you guys are robots, who made you...?" 
"Ugh! Puh-''leez''..."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Ratchet'''

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' likes to [[Transformers (2007)|repeat the same introduction over and over again]].

"Decepticons! I have ''returned''."
:—'''Megatron''' announces his grand return.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Ratchet attempts to scan for Cliffjumper's life signal, only five Autobots are shown on his screen, despite there being a total of six Autobots in the range of his scan (including the soon-to-be-dead Cliffjumper). This might be explained as being because Ratchet's own life signal doesn't appear on his own scanner.
*During the scene where Arcee attempts to talk to Jack in the alleyway, her rear end clips a bin.
*Upon this episode's original airing, the [[insignia]] on the floor of the Autobot base was the [[insignia#Live-action_movie_franchise|live-action movie Autobot insignia]], rather than the standard Autobot insignia used on the characters themselves. This however was swiftly changed upon the re-airing weeks later, suggesting the rendering team either originally took note in time to effect the change, or they REALLY DO read everything on this Wiki to make the show better. This is us waving at you! *waves* {{fact}}
*In the credits, Cliffjumper's name is parsed "Cliff Jumper".

===Continuity errors===
* ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' is the basis of the ''Prime'' continuity's backstory, according to [[Hasbro]]. However, ''Exodus'' has the split between Optimus and Megatron causing the war, whereas this episode says it happened ''during'' the war. But it's just not a proper Transformers continuity without early continuity divergences!

===Transformers references===
*Bumblebee and Bulkhead are big walking references to the [[Bumblebee (Movie)|movie Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Animated Bulkhead]] respectively, looking near-identical and (in the former's case) sharing the same speech impediment.
*Lots of references to "three years ago" as the last time the Decepticons and Megatron were seen. Three years ago was the year that ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' came out in the cinema, by ''Prime'' showrunners [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]].
*Cybertron has been rendered uninhabitable by the war. This is not just established by ''Exodus'' and the ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' games, but was also part of the [[live-action film series]] canon and [[IDW]]'s earlier Generation 1 comics.
*The image of Cybertron from space that appears during Optimus's exposition reuses the model from ''War for Cybertron''.
*In this series, Energon is represented as a naturally growing blue crystal. This is [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|not the first time]] it has been represented in this way.
*The Decepticon "drones" are extremely similar to the Decepticon troops in the Autobot campaign of ''War for Cybertron.''

===Real-world references===
* Jack's statement "The first rule of robot fight club is that you don't talk about robot fight club" is a reference to, well, ''[[Wikipedia:Fight Club|Fight Club]]''.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 1'''" (The Dark Force Rises, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 23|23 September]] [[2011]]
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak eui Buhwal 1'''" (악의 부활 1, "Return of the Evil, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 29|29 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper was presented as a key Autobot in the publicity material, and a big deal was made of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] being his voice actor. That made him the ''last'' character you'd expect to be killed off in the first few minutes of his first episode (to the extent some fans thought he'd turn out to be fine in episode 2). ''Prime'''s sister show, ''G.I. Joe: Renegades'', pulled the same tactic with the hero Ripcord although in his case it would have been revealed that he turned out fine (albeit having the ability to "transform" into a Bio-Viper.)

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 1

2011-09-23T19:35:47Z

14.39.222.145: /* Foreign dubbing */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 1
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|image=DarknessRising1-Cliffjumperface.jpg

|caption=Hey look, it's a major character!
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 1"
|airdate=[[November 26]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Dave Hartman|David Hartman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate the return of the Decepticons while being forced to account for a group of young humans who have unwittingly become involved in their centuries-old conflict.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarknessRising1-Starscreamsneer.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Please allow me to introduce myself! I'm a man of wealth and taste...]]

[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] is on the open road, boasting to [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] over the comm about how he's been messing with the [[human]]s, when he detects a large amount of energon nearby. As he goes to investigate, a [[Decepticon]] ship appears over the crater and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon troopers]] drop down to attack him. Arcee alerts the rest of the [[Autobot]]s, who head back to base. Cliffjumper fights on, destroying several of the Decepticons, but their blasts detonate the energon, causing a huge explosion. They drag his defeated form back to the ship, where [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is upset about the loss of the energon. Cliffjumper is defiant, but Starscream executes him. The Autobots arrive at the crater via [[ground bridge]], only to find the aftermath of the fight. Arcee picks up a horn Cliffjumper lost during the battle, and Ratchet reports that Cliffjumper's life signal has terminated.

Back on the Decepticon ship, Soundwave replays a recording of Arcee's comms talk, and Starscream decides she will be their next target.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] reminds the other Autobots that they must continue to survive in order to honor the memory of their fallen comrade. Arcee refuses to dwell on it and drives off. In [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]], [[Jack Darby]] is working at the [[KO Burger]] drive-thru. Arcee finds herself being chased by a couple of Decepticons, and she ducks into the KO Burger parking lot, where Jack mistakes her for a real motorcycle and, fantasizing about one day having a motorcycle of his own, hops on.

[[Image:DarknessRising1-thisisjasper.jpg|thumb|300px|But can he make out with his girlfriend on the hood of it?]]

[[Sierra]] and a friend catch him apparently talking to the motorcycle, but while Jack has an awkward moment, the Decepticons spot Arcee. She takes off with a startled Jack still on board. After a short chase, she attempts to let Jack go, sending him down a side alley with a warning not to tell anyone what he's seen. As she speeds off, she spots one of the Decepticons heading after Jack and is forced to double back and pick him up. The chase moves onto the freeway, where [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] arrives to help them out.

[[Image:Bumblebee Bulkhead Arcee Darkness Rising 1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]
In a nearby drainage canal, [[Rafael Esquivel]] is playing with a remote-controlled car when Arcee and Jack literally drop in. The Decepticons drop in as well, and first Arcee, then Bumblebee is blasted to the ground. Raf draws the 'cons' attention, which unfortunately works too well, and the two kids are forced to flee into a drain. While they make their escape, Bumblebee and Arcee stand defiant against the Decepticons and, as [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] joins the fight, and the two Decepticons flee.

At Autobot headquarters, Optimus Prime informs the Autobots that since the Decepticons have seen the boys, the two humans may be targeted. At high school, Jack and Raf meet up again, and Bumblebee and Arcee come to take them to HQ. Though Raf roars off in Bumblebee, Jack walks away. [[Miko Nakadai]], sitting outside the school, draws Arcee, but when the motorcycle disappears, she peeks around the corner and spots Arcee in robot mode arguing with Jack. She takes both kids and catches up to Bumblebee. They drive to the Autobots' HQ, concealed in a mountain, where the three kids marvel at the rest of the Autobots and Optimus Prime gives them some exposition regarding the Transformers' war. Optimus fears the imminent return of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

Soundwave detects a transmission from deep space, and Starscream orders the [[space bridge]] activated. As it opens, Megatron emerges, announcing his return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Sierra]] (11)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[Rafael Esquivel]] (13)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Scream, it's been a while. Where's your master?"
:—'''Cliffjumper's''' last words

"Clean that up."
:—'''Starscream''' after killing Cliff and not washing his servos

"Scrap!"
:—'''Arcee''' showing her fluency with Cybertronian expletives

"Friend of yours?" 
"[[Relatives|Family]]."
:—'''Jack''' and '''Arcee''' on Bumblebee's arrival

"What are they?" 
"Talking cars that turn into robots. Or the other way around."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Jack'''

"Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with!"
:—'''Miko''' says what the audience is thinking.

"So, if you guys are robots, who made you...?" 
"Ugh! Puh-''leez''..."
:—'''Rafael''' and '''Ratchet'''

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' likes to [[Transformers (2007)|repeat the same introduction over and over again]].

"Decepticons! I have ''returned''."
:—'''Megatron''' announces his grand return.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*When Ratchet attempts to scan for Cliffjumper's life signal, only five Autobots are shown on his screen, despite there being a total of six Autobots in the range of his scan (including the soon-to-be-dead Cliffjumper). This might be explained as being because Ratchet's own life signal doesn't appear on his own scanner.
*During the scene where Arcee attempts to talk to Jack in the alleyway, her rear end clips a bin.
*Upon this episode's original airing, the [[insignia]] on the floor of the Autobot base was the [[insignia#Live-action_movie_franchise|live-action movie Autobot insignia]], rather than the standard Autobot insignia used on the characters themselves. This however was swiftly changed upon the re-airing weeks later, suggesting the rendering team either originally took note in time to effect the change, or they REALLY DO read everything on this Wiki to make the show better. This is us waving at you! *waves* {{fact}}
*In the credits, Cliffjumper's name is parsed "Cliff Jumper".

===Continuity errors===
* ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' is the basis of the ''Prime'' continuity's backstory, according to [[Hasbro]]. However, ''Exodus'' has the split between Optimus and Megatron causing the war, whereas this episode says it happened ''during'' the war. But it's just not a proper Transformers continuity without early continuity divergences!

===Transformers references===
*Bumblebee and Bulkhead are big walking references to the [[Bumblebee (Movie)|movie Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Animated Bulkhead]] respectively, looking near-identical and (in the former's case) sharing the same speech impediment.
*Lots of references to "three years ago" as the last time the Decepticons and Megatron were seen. Three years ago was the year that ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' came out in the cinema, by ''Prime'' showrunners [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]].
*Cybertron has been rendered uninhabitable by the war. This is not just established by ''Exodus'' and the ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' games, but was also part of the [[live-action film series]] canon and [[IDW]]'s earlier Generation 1 comics.
*The image of Cybertron from space that appears during Optimus's exposition reuses the model from ''War for Cybertron''.
*In this series, Energon is represented as a naturally growing blue crystal. This is [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|not the first time]] it has been represented in this way.
*The Decepticon "drones" are extremely similar to the Decepticon troops in the Autobot campaign of ''War for Cybertron.''

===Real-world references===
* Jack's statement "The first rule of robot fight club is that you don't talk about robot fight club" is a reference to, well, ''[[Wikipedia:Fight Club|Fight Club]]''.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 1'''" (The Dark Force Rises, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 23|23 September]] [[2011]]
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''악의 부활 1'''" (Return of the Evil, part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 29|29 August]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper was presented as a key Autobot in the publicity material, and a big deal was made of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] being his voice actor. That made him the ''last'' character you'd expect to be killed off in the first few minutes of his first episode (to the extent some fans thought he'd turn out to be fine in episode 2). ''Prime'''s sister show, ''G.I. Joe: Renegades'', pulled the same tactic with the hero Ripcord although in his case it would have been revealed that he turned out fine (albeit having the ability to "transform" into a Bio-Viper.)

[[Category:Prime episodes]]