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Transformers: Energon (cartoon)

2008-05-22T00:07:49Z

150.253.91.68: /* Episodes */ Ditto

{{picsneeded|Title screen}}
{{nav-energon}}

[[Image:TransEnergonTitle.JPG|Right|thumb|250px|Bringing you pain for far too long.]]

The '''Energon''' animated series aired in the US from January 2004 to June 2005 for 52 episodes, in support of the toyline of the same name. It is a direct sequel to ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' and forms the second part of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]".

The show takes place ten years after the finale of ''Armada'', opening in an age of peace on Cybertron and Earth which is destined not to last long. ''Energon'' pits the Autobots against an array of villains: the reborn [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], the barely functional [[Unicron]], and the mysterious [[Alpha-Q]] and his [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] minions.

''Energon'', like ''Armada'', was written and animated in Japan and dubbed for US consumption. The series introduced to Transformers cartoons the technique of combining cel-shaded [[CGI|computer animation]] with 2D cel-animation, creating a fusion between the CGI of ''[[Beast Wars]]''/''[[Beast Machines|Machines]]'' and traditionally animated series such as ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]''.

:''Preceded by: [[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]''
:''Followed by: [[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Energon episodes}}
{{collist|4|
#[[Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City]]
#[[Energon Stars]]
#[[Scorpinok]]
#[[Megatron's Sword (episode)|Megatron's Sword]]
#[[The New Cybertron City]]
#[[Megatron Resurrected]]
#[[Megatron Raid]]
#[[Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary]]
#[[Battle of the Asteroid Belt]]
#[[Energon Tower (episode)|Energon Tower]]
#[[The Legend of Rodimus]]
#[[Crisis in Jungle City]]
#[[Kicker Beware!]]
#[[Energon Grid]]
#[[Rodimus: Friend or Foe?]]
#[[Go for Unicron!]]
#[[The Return of Demolishor]]
#[[A Tale of Two Heros]]
#[[Battle Stations]]
#[[Alpha Q: Identity]]
#[[Shockblast: Rampage]]
#[[Survival Instincts]]
#[[Each One Fights...]]
#[[Unicron Unleashed]]
#[[Open Fire!]]
#[[Ripped Up Space]]
#[[Team Optimus Prime]]
#[[Protection]]
#[[Improsoned Inferno]]
#[[Jungle Planet (episode)|Jungle Planet]]
#[[Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead]]
#[[Farewell Inferno]]<br>[[Return! Our Scorponok]]
#[[Crash Course]]
#[[Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme]]
#[[A Heroic Battle]]
#[[The Power]]
#[[Optimus Supreme]]
#[[Unicron Perishes]]
#[[Ambition]]
#[[Wishes]]
#[[Galvatron (episode)|Galvatron]]
#[[Breakthrough!]]
#[[Distribution]]
#[[The Omega Train]]
#[[Decepticon Army]]
#[[Ironhide Team]]
#[[Formidable]]
#[[Galvatron Terror]]
#[[Destructive Power]]
#[[Spark (episode)|Spark]]
#[[The Sun (episode)|The Sun]]
}}

"Return! Our Scorponok" was to be "Scorponok's Scars", but it never aired and was probably never dubbed. It is not considered to exist in the English version of the series.

==Criticisms==

{{quote|Something cool ''finally'' happened!|[[Alpha Q]] announces that the series is over.<ref>No, really! In every preview for ''Super Link'', Alpha Q promised the audience that "Something cool might happen" in the next episode. When the series ended, he finally declared that the promised coolness had, at last, come to pass. He might be crazy, but he's not ''entirely'' wrong in the head. </ref>}}

The [[Unicron Trilogy]] was a franchise that got off to a poor start, fictionally speaking. ''Armada'' (the predecessor to ''Energon'') suffered from a bad beginning that, in the eyes of many, condemned the entire show. Although it improved as it went along (with the "Unicron Battles" story arc regarded as fairly good in comparison), the sub-par start left it laboring under a bad reputation that it never escaped. Many fans had hopes that ''Energon'' would be a return to glory.

It was quite the proverbial [[brick]] to the testicles, then, that ''Energon'', the televisual representation of Transformers for its 20th anniversary year, turned out to be just the opposite {{m-}} a series with a strong beginning, which slowly but surely degenerated into what is widely considered the worst Transformers cartoon broadcast in the U.S. In retrospect, the fan's positive initial reaction may have been simply because it "wasn't ''Armada.''"

===Conceptual and storytelling flaws===
====Plotting====
It is generally held that the primary flaw of the ''Energon'' series is that it simply does not have enough plot to fill 52 episodes. The first half of the series moves at a respectable pace, and at the halfway point, the villains achieve their objective {{m-}} the restoration of Unicron. However, because there are another 26 episodes to fill, an attack by the Autobots and their allies deactivates Unicron. The storyline is then essentially ''repeated'' for thirteen more episodes, until Unicron is reactivated ''again'' and destroyed ''again''. But even then, there are ''still'' thirteen more episodes to go, and with the ''driving aspect of the plot'' destroyed, viewers are served up a virtually pointless storyline full of [[To sell toys|repaints and combiners]], which added nothing to what had already taken place.

Individual episodes are likewise padded out with time-killing scenes such as [[stock footage]] sequences, generally a minimum of three per episode. An ''incredible'' amount of time is consumed in communication and report scenes, in which the characters stand around in front of video screens and tell one another things that the viewers already know.

====Character de-evolution====
The series takes a ''very'' dismissive attitude towards characters and their development. With the exception of [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (who survives the series and resolves his long-running feud with [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]), the writers seemed unable to carry personal sub-plots and conflicts through to any conclusion. Instead, they would either quietly drop these opportunities for character development, or (much more gallingly) the characters would die and/or get mindwiped, so the stories would not ''have'' to be resolved. Examples:
* Demolishor's uncertainty in the Decepticon cause? "Resolved" by having him sacrifice himself to save Megatron, then having Megatron resurrect him with no memories.
* Inferno's struggle against Megatron's Decepticon programming? Brought to an end by having him kill himself, then be resurrected, only to do ''absolutely nothing'' for the rest of the series.
* Kicker's hatred of Transformers? Vanishes with no explanation after roughly two episodes, save for the occasional kick to Ironhide.
* Rodimus and Optimus Prime's ideological feud over whether Unicron should be destroyed? Rodimus puts himself under Optimus's command for the mission to defeat Galvatron, and the argument never comes up again.
* Wing Saber's dedication to capturing Shockblast? Well, he captures him . . . but when Shockblast escapes again, Wing Saber doesn't say a word.
Many similar examples exist.

====Promoting toys====

Of course, any Transformers series exists [[to sell toys]], but in promoting the abilities and gimmicks of its toyline, ''Energon'' frequently ignored common sense to the most amazing degree in order to shoehorn these concepts into a setting and story where they didn't make sense.

[[Image:Carsinspace.jpg|right|thumb|Their wheels spin and everything.]]
In choosing to set most of its action in the void of space, ''Energon'' foolishly robbed the Transformers of any real reason to ''transform.'' They can all happily fly in robot mode (in space, on planets, anywhere), inviting the question of why transformation is necessary. But, to promote the fact that the toys transform, characters would routinely change to vehicle mode anyway, even in outer space. Cue innumerable scenes of cars, trucks, and snowmobiles ''driving through space.'' Characters would even transform to vehicle mode on the ground, and then ''drive away into the air''. Everyone could control their flight with no problem in either form, completely invalidating the need for any variety in [[alternate mode]].

Whereas the English version of the series takes its name from the central plot element (the collection of Energon) the Japanese version, ''Super Link,'' takes its name from the main thematic concept/[[gimmick]]: Autobots [[powerlinx]]ing. The Japanese version of the show contained a lot of waffling about the symbolic nature of this ("Even when one heart is weak, together, we are strong!"). Unfortunately, the fact remains that, almost without exception, these combinations are used in straight firefights, where combining two soldiers into one means ''fewer guns to fire at the enemy.'' Further, the resulting combined soldier rarely shows any sign of enhanced firepower.

Further failing to advertise the combining gimmick are the "Maximus" combiner teams. For about 99% of their screen time, the three giants are seen in ''only'' their combined super robot modes, virtually ''never'' splitting into individual vehicles, and ''never ever'' seen as individual robots. The show doesn't even acknowledge that the limbs could ''be'' individuals.

===Production flaws===
====Art and animation====
[[Image:Scorponok_blacklines.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rescale ''what'' now?]]

''Energon'' introduced a new concept to Transformers cartoons: the blending of CGI with traditional cel animation. The animators rendered the Transformer characters in cel-shaded CGI, while animating humans and other aspects of the show through traditional means. On the plus side, this allowed for a consistently high level of cel animation quality (especially enjoyable after the often truly wretched artwork of ''Armada''). In particular, the show uses the CGI to show many characters in motion at once, often with a high frame rate that gives them a very fluid appearance (for example, the many charges of the [[Battle Ravage]] Terrorcon drones, replete with numerous stamping legs and bobbing heads and tails.)

On the other hand, the CGI animation was positively primitive. Characters possessed no sense of weight and could not move in any manner but the most basic. Even ''walking'' was a challenge for characters with bulky models, like Ironhide, who would often be reduced to swinging his arms and legs back and forth while sliding along a predetermined path. The black-line outlines of character models were often not rescaled for different shots, resulting in the characters sometimes appearing as indecipherable masses of heavy black lines.

[[Image:GuessIronhidesEmotion.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The above images feature: A horrified Ironhide witnessing Demolishor's death; a surprised Ironhide asking a question; a determined Ironhide charging into battle; and a fighting-mad Ironhide striking a decisive blow. Can ''you'' figure out which is which?]]

Additionally, "emotion" was nonexistent; the blank-faced CGI models could not easily display any [[dull surprise|facial expressions beyond "mouth open" and "mouth closed."]] Some characters didn't even move their mouths at all to speak, most notably Alpha Q, who has ''no facial animation at all''. In some cases, when it was necessary for a character to emote visibly (Megatron's pronounced yawning, Inferno's tortured screaming), or to do something visually dynamic (acrobatic transformation), the CGI would actually be ''replaced'' with cel animation, because it just ''looked more impressive''. Does that seem ''right'' to you?

In addition, the show's CGI compares very poorly with ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines,'' both of which came out ''years'' previously, both of which were ''fully'' CGI (without the crutch of cel animation to fall back on), and both of which had characters who boasted complex, nuanced facial expressions and fluid, constant body language {{m-}} even [[Diagnostic Drone|the ones with utterly inhuman faces and bodies]]. The only way to spare the animators' reputation is to assume that Energon's budget was minuscule in comparison.

Even within the limits of the animation, many bad editing, design, and lighting choices make the series difficult to follow visually. Unicron's body -- primarily black, to match his ''Energon'' redeco toy -- is frequently lost against the blackness of space. When Alpha Q energizes Unicron's head, it becomes a glowing red orb, with no visual indication as to what it used to be. Scenes set underground or within Unicron's body are commonly underlit, to the point that the characters can't even be distinguished. Strange elements such as the [[rift (Energon)|rift in space]] are inconsistently animated and described by the characters, making it difficult to figure out what they are.

====Editing====
At times, ''Energon'' tends to flow like a single feature-length film... a film that has been mercilessly chopped up into 22 minute segments. Thus, confusing, unclear elements like the [[rift (Energon)|rift in space]] and [[Unicron]]'s dark, partially re-energized body are routinely shown in closeup without any introductory establishing shots, making it extraordinarily unclear what's happening or where for the viewer who's just watching one particular episode by itself. To be a ''little'' bit fairer, this "chopped-up film" sensation is not exactly uncommon in Japanese animated series with a defined length, but ''Energon'' is a good example of the method at its very worst.

The show's scene editing also tends to be very abrupt and choppy. Battle animation in particular routinely cuts between numerous, very short scenes, showing several simultaneous but unrelated events as if the viewer must be kept up to date on ''all'' of them in real time. This makes it difficult to grasp the significance of ''any'' of the events shown. When boiled down, this editing style often serves to mask the fact that not much is actually happening.

====Scripting and dubbing====
The original Japanese version of the show is, in short, sluggish and confusing... but at least the conversations make sense. Even that got lost when the show was ported for North American consumption.

The dub of ''Energon'' seems even ''more'' rushed than ''Armada,'' which was already known for being so hurried that dubbers were working with unfinished animation, got names wrong, and had moments of dialogue that didn't jibe with the action. ''Energon'' [[Battle of the Asteroid Belt|generally]] got completed animation, and ''usually'' got names right{{m-}}though [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] gets three different names during the course of the show, and [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] are constantly confused.

The rushed dub script is full of mistranslations. Though some elements obviously needed to be altered to suit a Western audience, many aspects of the dub were never checked see if they made logical sense. As a result, the script is stilted, perfunctory, and repetitive, constantly throwing in cliche, time-killing phrases like "We've gotta [repeat the plot which everyone already knows]", "Let's do it!", and "It's time to [perform some action that's already patently obvious]". There is arbitrary new dialogue (that seems to exist purely due to writers' carelessness) which ''does not match what is occurring onscreen''. The final result is a show with some bizarre non-sequiturs and more than a few moments of ''genuine nonsense.''

To cite just one example: at the start of "[[Team Optimus Prime]]", Dr. Jones says, in a frustrated tone, "I ''can't'' get back the energon I sent to Kicker. That's ''impossible!''" The entire notion of "getting it back" is absurd on the surface; saying that not getting it back is ''impossible'' is even more ridiculous; and further, the original dialog is a passive lament, more along the lines of "It's not like that energon I sent is ever coming back." Similar examples exist in nearly every single episode of the show.

Outside of these accidents, there are also some strange ''deliberate'' changes, chief among them the tendency for [[Primus]] to be intermittently ignored. In one episode, Primus would be dubbed accurately, talking with other characters normally, while in the next, he would be deliberately edited out, with his lines erased or given to other characters, and references to him replaced with "the core". Other odd instances include Terrorcon drones having spoken lines randomly inserted in some scenes, never attributed to any one Terrorcon.

Given all of this, the quality of voice acting frequently suffers throughout the show. This can be a common result of the antiseptic [[Wikipedia:Dubbing (filmmaking)|ADR]] (automated dialog replacement) environment, where actors perform solo, with no one to play off. But ''Energon'' is particularly bad in this regard. Lead talents such as [[Gary Chalk]] and [[David Kaye]] still turn in strong performances, but actors for many of the secondary characters clearly struggle to make something of the material they're given, often sounding flat and uninspired, or just confused. There are many times when ''all'' the actors clearly have no idea what their lines mean in the greater scheme of things, nor any idea of what they're really talking about; the Dr. Jones quote cited above is also an example of this problem.

There's also a pronounced amount of "filling dead air," with characters talking from offscreen simply to make noise where there was none originally. Take a drink every time someone goes "Uhh?" to break the silence, and you'll be hammered by the first commercial break.

Also? Kicker is ''incredibly annoying.''

==Foonotes==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Television series]]
[[Category:Energon| ]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Return of Demolishor

2008-05-22T00:06:00Z

150.253.91.68: re-pointing next ep to moved page.

{{picsneeded}}

{{episodenav|energon|17|prev=Go for Unicron!|next=A Tale of Two Heros}}

''' .'''
: '''Japanese title:''' A Rain of Dinobots!

==Summary==

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' 30 April 2004 (Japan); 3 July 2004 (North America)

'''Written by:'''

===Featured characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''

'''Guests'''

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |

|}

==Quotes==
""<br>
: {{m-}} ''' '''

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===

===Animation and/or technical glitches===

===Continuity errors===

===Miscellaneous notes===

===Keywords===

{{epstub}}

[[Category:Energon episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Autobot Spike

2008-05-22T00:04:16Z

150.253.91.68: fighting Monaco's Javascript has drained me of my strength. Someone else can update the rest.

[[Image:Autobot Spike title shot.JPG|thumb|right|250px|That kid's gonna need a lot of therapy.]]

{{episodenav|g1|season=2|1|prev=Heavy Metal War|next=Changing Gears
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=11
|prev2=Heavy Metal War
|next2=Changing Gears
}}

'''A wounded Spike is turned into an Autobot Frankenstein's monster to save his life.'''

'''Japanese title:''' "Frankenstein Spike"

==Detailed synopsis==
The Autobots gather around [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]'s worktable in [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]] for a demonstration. Using spare parts and human ingenuity, Sparkplug has cobbled together a large robot he has dubbed [[Autobot X]], and with a flip of a switch sets him loose. He immediately runs amok -- groaning, growling and smashing everything in sight. It takes Trailblazer, Prowl and Ironhide to bring him down. Sparkplug apologizes to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] for the mess and recommends Autobot X be put in storage.

Before this can be done, the party is interrupted by an alarm. Decepticons are attacking the new Air Force rocket base. The Autobots roll out to the base and engage the Decepticons. During the battle, the rockets and their fuel are inadvertently destroyed, and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] orders a retreat.

To cover their escape, Megatron creates a diversion for the Autobots; he blasts [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] while [[Spike Witwicky]] is riding in him. The attack leaves Bumblebee damaged and Spike comatose. Spike is taken to Metro Hospital, where the doctors suggest that if Spike's mind could be transferred somewhere else, they would be able to operate on his fragile body.

[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Sparkplug transfer Spike's mind into Autobot X's body, hence the name Autobot Spike. However, as a side effect of the transferral process, Spike's mind is in an extremely unstable state. Angry and confused about his new body, Autobot Spike rampages, destroying several computers and machines in Wheeljack's shop.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] is able to subdue Autobot Spike without damaging his mind. To keep Spike calm, Wheeljack tunes [[Teletraan I]] to a television station, where cruel Fate just happens to have scheduled an airing of the movie ''Frankenstein''. Spike is roused to anger, convinced he is a "monster," and begins to rampage again throughout the Ark, and then he escapes.

Alone in the wilderness, Spike suffers from the conflict between his own mind and what there is of Autobot X. Will he use his new body and powers to help the world like Optimus Prime, or conquer all Humanity?

[[Image:Autobotspike.gif|right|thumb|At least he's not a [[Cerebros (G1)|Headmaster.]]]]

[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] informs Megatron of Spike's new Autobot body and unstable mind, and Megatron forms a plan to trick Autobot Spike into destroying the Autobots. Megatron soon finds Spike with [[Reflector]]'s help. Autobot Spike attacks, but Megatron has other plans. Spike's unstable mind makes it hard for him to think, and he is easily twisted by Megatron to side with him against the Autobots.

Bumblebee brings the Autobots to Spike's location, but they are unable to fight against the vengeful being for fear of destroying Spike's mind. Only after Autobot Spike shoots his father off the edge of a cliff does he realize what he has done. At once, he saves his father and turns on the [[Decepticon]]s.

Finally, Spike's mind is returned to his [[human]] body after the surgical operation is successfully completed.

Spike will never be placed in a robot's body again. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Never?]]

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' ???

'''Written by:''' [[Donald F. Glut]]

===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Brawn]]

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Reflector]]
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
*[[Spike Witwicky]]
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]]

'''Guests'''
*

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |

|}

==Notable quotes==

"He's not supposed to do that!" <br>
:–'''Sparkplug''' referring to Autobot X destroying Autobot Headquarters.

"So you Decepticreeps like to fly, eh? Well, take off!" <br>
:–'''Brawn''' after kicking Soundwave.

"Since last we met, you've certainly improved your appearance!" <br>
:–'''Megatron''', upon meeting Spike in Autobot form.

"He wants a battle--let's give him one!" <br>
:–'''Starscream''', referring to the now-mechanized Spike.

==Other notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
*

===Continuity errors===
*

===Transformers references===
* References

===Real-world references===
* Autobot Spike watches the movie ''Frankenstein''.

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* When Optimus Prime tries to subdue Autobot X/Spike, he fires his ion blaster from his shoulder, like an RPG launcher.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/autobot_spike.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]
{{epstub}}<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Changing Gears

2008-05-22T00:01:18Z

150.253.91.68:

{{episodenav|g1|season=2|2|prev=Autobot Spike|next=City of Steel
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=12
|prev2=Autobot Spike
|next2=Traitor
}}

[[image:Changing Gears title shot.JPG|thumb|350px|Not starring Vin Diesel]]
'''In a plot to drain the sun for power, the Decepticons capture and alter the grumpy Autobot Gears.'''

'''Japanese title:''' "Steal the Solar Energy!"

==Detailed synopsis==
[[image:Changegearsskywarp.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Photograph taken immediately post-stair-pushing.]]
The Decepticons attack humans working in a gold mine (literally) and take them prisoner. Just as Starscream is about to blast a human calling for help on a radio, Megatron backhands him, saying that he wants the human to bring the Autobots.

At the Ark, Optimus Prime orders the Autobots to assemble at once, which they do with lots of hustle. The only exception is Gears who complains the whole way. Prime orders his troops to head out to the mine to engage their enemies.

When they arrive a battle ensues, but Megatron lets the miners get in the way. Unwilling to endanger humans, Prime orders the Autobots to hold their fire. Megatron uses this chance to get the drop on the Autobots, then takes Gears captive for purposes unknown and retreats.
[[image:Changegearsinahole.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Decepticons|Team Rocket]] traps Gears in a hole in order to steal his Pikachu]]
In Africa, Megatron has Starscream zap Gears with the null-ray, then takes out a special circuit from Gears’ body. The Decepticon leader explains that this circuit is the final component he needs for his energy absorbing [[Solar Needle]], a solar collector which his Decepticons have constructed to harness energy from the heart of the sun. With the circuit in place in the needle, the device activates and causes world-wide earthquakes. Unbeknownst to Megatron, the Solar Needle is flawed, causing a dangerous instability within the core of the sun.
[[image:Changegearstakeitout.jpg|thumb|left|200px|KALI MA! KALI MA!]]
The effect on Gears is profound as well. The removal of this component from Gears corrupts his personality, turning him from a surly grump into a happy-go-lucky, ultra-polite guy who'll do absolutely anything for anyone. This allows Megatron to manipulate and control him. Mentally, Gears still knows the Decepticons are evil and doesn't want to help them, but he's been rendered so "nice" that he can't refuse any request.

The Autobots blast through the jungle and start firing at the Solar Needle, but it’s protected by a forcefield. Prime concocts a dangerous plan to circumvent the field by jumping through the hole at the top where the sun’s energy is coming through. Ratchet and Ironhide say it’s too dangerous, but Cliffjumper drives past them, makes the attempt and shatters the forcefield.
[[image:Changegearsmegatrontriumphs.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Let there be light!"]]
The ‘bots battle. Megatron gets the drop on Prime and orders the Autobots to surrender or he’ll shoot their leader. Prime orders them to fight on, but the Autobots capitulate. Prime asks for one last request, which Megatron allows. The chief Autobot turns and asks Gears to do him a favor now. Gears obliges and shoots a component of the needle. Inspired by his change of heart, the Autobots fight back against the ‘Cons, who retreat.
[[image:Changinggearsautogroup.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"You heard Jeff Probst, now get off the island."]]
Prime orders Wheeljack and Ratchet to deactivate the device, but they argue over the correct solution. Out of time and with the sun about to explode, Optimus just grabs at a wire inside the device and pulls. The needle shuts down and the sun returns to normal.

Prime removes Gears’ circuit card from the needle and hands it back to him, but Trailbreaker interrupts, saying that the rest of the Autobots like the new Gears over the old. Gears isn’t too happy about that, so Optimus returns the card and the surly, cranky hypochondriac is back. The Autobots roll on back to HQ leaving Gears to complain to himself.

{{-}}

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' October 1, 1985

'''Production number:''' 700-17

'''Written by:''' [[Larry Parr]]

===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (9)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (10)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (13)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (15)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (18)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (19)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (20)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (21)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (22)

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (5)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (7)

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
*

'''Guests'''
*

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |

|}

==Notable quotes==
"Megatron is behind this. I’d bet my titanium torsion bars on it."
:–That's probably a safe bet, '''Optimus Prime'''

"Go ding your diodes and get defunct Megatron. I’m not helping you do zilch."
:–Cranky, gutsy '''Gears'''

"I should be very angry with you Megatron. You ''are'' an evil son of a [[retrorat]], but for some reason, I just can't get too upset."
:—Cheery, nice '''Gears'''

"How can I help you, Megatron, heh heh, you rotten hunk of scrap."
:—'''Gears''', piling on the flattery.

"What did you do to Gears, you monster? You turned him...nice!"
:—'''Ironhide''', at Gear's sudden change in personality.

"All right, now let's blast that Solar Needle and roll out."<br>
"I suppose you want me to do that."<br>
"Be my guest."<br>
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Gears''', grumpy once again.

==Other notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
*When Starscream says the line "Oh, no, you don't. Your circuits stay right here," the voice saying the line is Thundercracker's.
*When the Autobots show up at the quarry to rescue the humans, Megatron "energizes" a number of boulders at the top of a cliff. The Autobots have their backs to the cliff, meaning the boulders should hit them from behind or land on top of them. The boulders actually hit the Autobots from all directions, including Sunstreaker, who is hit by a boulder traveling in the ''opposite direction'' of where it should have come from.
*In the sequence where the Autobots are running down the hallway, Sunstreaker runs past Gears twice. He's ''fast!''

===Continuity errors===
*The Autobots somehow '''drove''' from their base in the Western United States to the '''"geographic center of Africa"''' in '''"slightly less than 2 Earth hours"'''. After traveling through at least eight time zones, it appears to be roughly the '''same time of day''' as when the Autobots left their base.
*Throughout the latter half of the episode, Optimus Prime and Megatron argue that the Solar Needle may/may not destroy the universe. While the sun's exploding would obliterate our solar system, it couldn't destroy the universe in its entirety, unless the Solar Needle is some of the most advanced technology ever wielded by the Decepticons.

===Transformers references===
* Gears' change in personality is brought on by the absence of his personality component as well as Starscream's null ray. This may imply that Starscream has the ability to nullify specific electronics/processes of his choosing, or that Gears' personality is a major part of his ability to function.

===Real-world references===
* References

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*Gears's special circuit board looks like an audio cassette tape. Whether it can [[Mini-Cassette|transform]] is not yet known.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/changing_gears.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{epstub}}

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

City of Steel (episode)

2008-05-21T23:58:01Z

150.253.91.68:

[[Image:AutobotsNYC.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Start spreading the news...]]

{{episodenav|g1|season=2|3|prev=Changing Gears|next=Attack of the Autobots
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=23
|prev2=A Prime Problem
|next2=Auto Berserk
}}

'''The Decepticons invade New York City.'''

*'''Japanese title:''' "Steel City"

==Detailed synopsis==
[[Image:CityofSteel ESB sinking.JPG|thumb|left|150px|Where will you be... the Day after Tommorow.]]
Over New York City, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies into the [[Decepticon]]s' underground base. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s are digging a hole in the ceiling and the Autobots don't have a clue. After hours of digging, the Constructicons manage to sink the Empire State building underground.
The [[Autobot]]s finally get wind of this and head to the city. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] plan to meet the rest of the Autobots at Central Park. However, Laserbeak spots them and reports back to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. He plans to give the Autobots a surprising welcome.

At Central Park, the Autobots are ambushed by Soundwave and his crew whilst underground the Constructicons inform Megatron that they're underneath Optimus Prime. Megatron orders them to dig while Optimus Prime is fighting [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Taken by surprise, Prime falls into the Decepticons' underground base where Megatron severs his motor relays, making him powerless. Megatron then threatens the remaining Autobots that unless they leave he will melt the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] down to scrap. He also shows them his master plan, which is to rebuild New York into New Cybertron. The Constructicons raise the Empire State building back up, but now it looks like a Cybertronian fortress. Forced to leave the city, the Autobots are gloomy until [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]] comes up with a plan to get into the city undetected.

[[Image:CityofSteel Prime head.JPG|thumb|150px|Aquaman to all sea creatures.]]
Seemingly victorious, Megatron gloats over Prime's still body. However, Megatron is still worried that Optimus Prime might try something and orders [[Hook]] to disassemble him, which he does with a handy <strike>[[starwars:Lightsaber|ligthsaber]]</strike> energy blade. After Optimus is turned into a pile of parts, Megatron picks up his head and reactives Optimus so he can gloat. Prime responds that even though he's in pieces he will still fight. Prime then activates his arms and trips up Megatron. Megatron orders the Constructicons to dispose of Prime's body, but he gets to keep the head.

Meanwhile Spike, Bumblebee, Ratchet, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] enter the City through the sewers in the hope of rescuing Prime undetected. The scene then changes to the Constructicons who are very pleased with themselves for what they did with Prime's left over body parts. They have special plans for his right arm and weapon.

[[Image:Alligatorprime.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Crikey!]]
While scanning for Prime, Hound is confused because his scans show Prime was behind them when before he was ahead. Mirage then spots a giant robot alligator (dubbed the Alligatorcon) and the Autobots run away. They trap it in a train and send it and the train packing. When they reach the underground base they find Prime's head and reattach his circuits so he can speak. Prime then activates his legs remotely to come to him and the rest of the Autobots figure out that the [[Alligatorcon]] was made up of Prime's parts. After capturing it, Ratchet reassembles Prime, minus the right arm. Now that Optimus is safe the Autobots attack. The Decepticons have turned half of New York city into New Cybertron, complete with killer [[Battle Taxi|taxis]], and they're using Prime's arm as a weapon on top of their fortress. The taxis go for Bumblebee, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], and [[Sunstreaker]], but Prime runs them down.
[[Image:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Of course you do...]]
After breaking through the Decepticon defenses, Optimus Prime, Ironhide and Ratchet plan to scale the fortress to reclaim Prime's arm. Bumblebee and Spike plan to help by distracting Megatron and Soundwave. Megatron orders an air strike, but when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is downed, the Constructicons become [[Devastator]] and he follows Prime's team up the building. Meanwhile, Spike and Bumblebee manage to sneak in and annoy Megatron, by calling him Megaklutz, and tricking him into destroying the device that controlled Prime's arm. Outside Devastator captures Prime and knocks Ironhide and Ratchet into the fortress. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] then comments that the whole thing reminded him of King Kong as he tried to assist with his remote controlled helicopters. Spike then informs Prime that his arm is no longer controlled by Megatron in which Prime uses this opportunity to use against Devastator. After Devastator gets hit Prime falls but is saved by Ironhide and Ratchet and as usual the Decepticons retreat.

Now the city is saved, Prime is back together and Bumblebee got a souvenir (a 'I heart NY' bumper sticker). The Autobots [[roll out]] and return home.

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' ???

'''Written by:''' ???

===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (18)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (21)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (23)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (30)

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (4)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (5)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (7)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (26)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (27)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (29)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (31)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (32)

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
*[[Spike Witwicky|Spike]] (15)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] (16)

'''Guests'''
*

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |
*Alligatorcon (28)

|}

==Notable quotes==
"I didn't join this outfit to be a dump truck!"
:{{m-}}'''Long Haul,''' commenting on his alternate mode.

"It sickens me to say it, Reflector, but this one time I have to hand it to Megatron. The place is starting to feel like home."
:{{m-}}'''Starscream''' agrees with one of Megatron's plans, which heralds the coming of [[Unicron|the apocalypse]].

"I feel like I'm in some messy swamp, not underneath the largest city in North America."
:{{m-}}'''Ratchet''', trudging through the sewers of New York.

"YYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"
:{{m-}}'''Spike Witwicky''' while he flees from the '''Alligatorcon'''.

"O-hoo-hoo-hoo, here they come! Auto-Auto-Autobots!"
:{{m-}}'''Mix-Mix-Mixmaster!'''

"I may not have a weapon, but I can still transform and roll!"
:{{m-}}'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to crush the battle taxis.

"You'll never catch us, Megaklutz!"<br>
"Megaklutz! You dare to insult me in my own command post?!"
:{{m-}}'''Spike Witwicky''' daring to insult '''Megatron''' in his own command post.

"Say 'uncle' or I'll shove your nose in your afterburner!"<br>
"Uncle, UNCLE!"
:{{m-}}'''Sideswipe''' lovingly deals with '''Starscream'''. He's obviously been practicing his [[Jet judo]].

"It will take more than your puny arm to stop Devastator!"<br>
"Right. Which is why it's lucky that the hand on the end of that arm... is holding a gun!"
:{{m-}}'''Devastator''' reels as '''Optimus Prime''' points out the single flaw in the gestalt's otherwise brilliant tower-climbing plan.

==Other notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* In a long-shot of the Autobot/Decepticon battle in Central Park, Bumblebee is inexplicably grappling with Bluestreak while Ratchet fights Reflector.
* When Scavenger is beating the bucket of his vehicle mode against the ceiling below Central Park, a misplaced cel means the cracks that are supposed to be forming in the ceiling appear ''in front'' of his arm instead.
* In the Central Park sequence, Scavenger's vehicle mode is ''huge'', towering over Megatron and with a bucket significantly larger than Optimus.
* When Megatron is looking at Optimus through the monitor, Prime has both arms. The camera switches to Megatron and then back to Optimus, who now has only one arm.
* The scene freezes for several seconds as the rebuilt Empire State Building is about to be raised above ground, complete with non-moving clouds of dust and smoke.
* The Empire State Building is depicted as ''far'' too small in relation to the Transformers in several scenes.
* At one point, Megatron's helmet appears in white rather than grey giving the impression that he is wearing a white wig. Earlier in the episode his face and helmet are both coloured in the same shade of dark grey.
* Why didn't the Constructicons find the Matrix when they took apart Prime?
* Prime "activating" his legs consists of somehow making them come magically tumbling through the air to him.
* There's an odd moment when Mirage and Ratchet say, in perfect synch, "This alligator is big and heavy!" Prime then responds with the sage observation: "From the looks of it, I'd say a little of both." The scene appears to be the result of an editing and directorial snafu. Prime should be responding to the Autobots' previous lines: "Now we've got him!" "Or should I say, we've got ''you''?" And the combined Ratchet and Mirage line was likely intended to be a series of ad libs as the Autobots struggle with the Aligaticon, rather than a straight line.
* Let's not even get into the plausibility of lowering a thousand-foot building into the ground, rebuilding it for beings several times the size of a human, and then rebuilding it ''again'' into its original form.
[[Image:Devastatorkingkong.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Giant: check. Empire State Building: check. But no [[Female Transformers|beauty]].]]
*When Frenzy tries to ram Hound and Prowl in the subway with a train, it first shows him as blue, it then cuts to another angle of him being red. Then again, it could be Rumble who was driving the train. [[FIRRIB|Who knows.]]

===Real-world references===
* [[Devastator]] climbs the Decepticons' "improved" version of the Empire State Building, very similarly to King Kong, as Wheeljack points out.
* The alligatorcon is likely an allusion to the persistent rumors of alligators living in New York City's sewers.

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* Along with "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", this episode is one of a trio featuring distinctively bright and "cartoonish" art and animation, a somewhat more juvenile plot and script than normal, and a common set of animation model oddities, such as [[Chip Chase]]'s blue jacket and Optimus Prime's white backpack.
* Though it is widely regarded in the fandom as his normal way of speaking, this is in fact the only time Mixmaster's speech oddity ever shows up.
* The final shot in this episode shows Bumblebee with an "I [heart] NY" bumper sticker.
* This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 2000]].

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category: MSTF]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Traitor (episode)

2008-05-21T23:54:52Z

150.253.91.68:

{{episodenav|g1|season=2|5|prev=Attack of the Autobots|next=The Immobilizer
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=13
|prev2=Changing Gears
|next2=Birth of the Transformers!
}}

[[Image:Traitor title shot.JPG|thumb|350px|Ironically, this isn't about [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]].]]
'''Could Mirage have betrayed the Autobots?'''

:'''Japanese title:''' "Ligier's Betrayal"

==Detailed synopsis==
At the [[Experimental Energy Research Laboratories]], two scientists are working on the new [[electro-cell]]s that will hopefully solve [[Earth]]'s energy problems. Unfortunately, the, cells won't be viable until they've been stabilized, which could result in a massive explosion. At that moment, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] tear through the roof and take the cells. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] arrives to remove the cells carefully, as an explosion could be quite destructive, and the [[Seeker]]s are not known for being gentle. Having taken the cells, Megatron [[Transformation|transforms]] and has Starscream fire away, destroying the lab to prevent any more from being created.

Meanwhile, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] is tearing toward the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. Heading into the control room, he informs [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that he's found where the [[Decepticon]]s have placed the electro-cells—in the same place Mirage patrolled yesterday. Mirage is shocked that he didn't get a reading on them, and Cliffjumper says that maybe Mirage ''did''. Before any formal accusations are made, Optimus Prime politely tells Cliffjumper to shut up. The [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] then leads a team to recover the cells.

At a canyon, the Decepticons have hooked up a buffer device to the cells. Starscream uses it as a chance to call Megatron a coward for not turning on the cells and filling [[Energon cube]]s, then he activates it. The cells fill the cubes rather quickly, but just as quickly drain the cubes and explode. Megatron walks over to show Screamer the business end of his [[fusion cannon]]. As he does so, the Autobots arrive, but are spotted by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who tells [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Megatron orders Soundwave to call in the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s, with the promise of a special reward. A battle ensues, during which Mirage is injured by Skywarp, though he manages to tear off the Decepticon's [[insignia]]. The Insecticons then arrive, turning the tide of battle, but a stray shot by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] hits the buffer, risking an explosion. The Autobots take the Decepticons' distraction as a chance to retreat.

At the base, Mirage is repaired, while Cliffjumper continues his accusations of treason. Mirage defends himself, and Optimus orders Cliffjumper on recon, with instructions to inform them if Megatron tries to move the cells. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] tells Mirage to rest, but Mirage doesn't need rest. Leaving the base, he heads to the Insecticons' hideout, where they are discussing their "special reward"...two energon cubes. Going invisible and sneaking into the base, Mirage swipes the cubes while the Insecticons aren't looking, leaving the Decepticon insignia in their place, then drives to the valley. However, Cliffjumper spots him. Naturally assuming that Mirage is a Decepticon, Cliffjumper prepares to fire, only for the Insecticons to arrive. As Mirage slips away, Starscream discovers Cliffjumper, but the little guy is able to escape. Megatron comes to investigate, and they spot Mirage. They fire, but it appears that the Decepticons are firing on the Insecticons. The Bugs and the Cons throw down, but Mirage is caught in the crossfire. [[Bombshell]] implants a [[cerebro-shell]] into Mirage and has him fire on the Decepticons as well. Megatron sees Mirage, puts two and two together, and convinces the Insecticons to stop fighting the Decepticons. Megatron also plans to use Mirage for a little trap of his own.

Heading back to the base, Cliffjumper tells Prime what he saw. Optimus, Ratchet, and Cliffjumper head to the valley, where Mirage greets them and explains his original plan, saying that the Insecticons fled from the battle and the Decepticons chased after them. Despite Cliffjumper's warnings, the Autobots head to retrieve the cells, only for the Decepticons to ambush them, with Mirage joining in on the fire. Cliffjumper attacks Mirage, throwing him some distance, which apparently deactivates him. Bombshell commands Mirage to continue, but gives up. Ratchet then investigates and notices the cerebro-shell. Removing it allows Mirage to regain control, and he rejoins the fight—on the side of the Autobots. Prime makes a run for the cells, but Megatron concludes that if he can't have them, no one can. Firing randomly, he explodes the buffer device, sending the Decepticons everywhere possible as the Insecticons and Autobots retreat. Emerging from the wreckage, Megatron laments his hasty action.

As Prime informs the scientists of what happened, Ratchet works to repair Mirage, while Cliffjumper admits that he may need some repairs as well...for having doubted his friend. Awwww...

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' September 27, 1985

'''Written by:''' George Hampton and Mike Moore

===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak]] (9)
*[[Sunstreaker]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (15)

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] ((3)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (14)
*[[Rumble]] (16)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (17)
*[[Kickback]] (18)
*[[Bombshell]] (19)
*[[Reflector]] (20)

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
*

'''Guests'''
*

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |

|}

==Notable quotes==
"I just love opening presents." <br>
:—'''Skywarp''' as he breaks through the roof of a human research institute

"Where's the courage that your leadership demands, Megatron? To discover if something works, you must dare to...test it!" <br>
:—'''Starscream''' activating the electro-cells

"You fool! You'll destroy us all!" <br>
"Destroy us all, oh brave Megatron? Perhaps the Decepticons should look elsewhere for direction. Someone prepared to make command decisions!"<br>
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' argue over who is a better leader...again.

"This time, you have dared too much, Starscream. You must pay the price for your insolence!"<br>
:—'''Megatron''' threatens to terminate Starscream...again.

"There, Prime. In that valley, where Mirage found ''nothing.''" <br>
:—'''Cliffjumper''' highlighting Mirage's failure to find the Decepticon base in a place he patrolled.

'''Cliffjumper:''' "Try and remember which side you're on, Mirage."<br>
'''Optimus:''' "Keep your mind on the Decepticons, Cliffjumper."' <br>
'''Cliffjumper:''' "That's just what I'm doing!" <br>
:—'''Optimus Prime''' reprimands '''Cliffjumper''' for his suspicions.

"An electro-cell! Come to papa!"<br>
"Not so fast, papa."<br>
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''' with witty banter

'''Skywarp:''' "I didn't feel a thing!"<br>
'''Mirage:''' "Then let's try...AGAIN!" <br>
(Mirage takes a swing at Skywarp, but misses. Skywarp then grabs his arms in a locking hold)<br>
'''Skywarp:''' "Too fast for you, huh, Autobum?" <br>
:—'''Skywarp''' fighting against '''Mirage'''.

"Release the electro-cells, Megatron. They don't belong to you." <br>
"I possess them, therefore I own them! You've lost, Optimus Prime. Your destruction is at hand! Neither you nor your Autobot simpletons will prevent me from ruling the universe."<br>
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' discuss the finer points of legal ownership, just before Kickback supports Megatron's point by blasting Prime

"Uh-oh. Sounds like I'm not alone."<br>
"You're not! And this is one of those times when you really need a friend!"<br>
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''''s witty banter, part two!

"HAHAHAHAH! Time for me to disappear." <br>
:—'''Mirage''' after tricking the Insecticons and the Decepticons into fighting one another.

"You missed again!" <br>
"We both missed. Don't worry about the Autobots and worry about them!" <br>
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' cut short this round of the Blame Game to deal with attacking Insecticons.

"Those greedy little Insecticons are trying to steal my electro-cells. I will squash them like the bugs they are! Decepticons, attack!"
:—'''Megatron''' shows a preference for bombing bugs instead of using bug-bombs.

"You wouldn't cheat us. You need us to get rid of the Autobots. Maybe after that, you'll rob us blind. But not now!"<br>
:—'''Bombshell''' after hearing Megatron's explanation of Mirage's trickery

"My...my electro-cells! They...they were meant for me! They were meann...argh!"
:—'''Megatron''', damaged and in the ruins of the storage base which he destroyed

==Other notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
*When Megatron is rushing to put out the fire on the electro-cells, there are two Starscreams beside him.
*When the Decepticons accidentally fire on the Insecticons who believe Megatron has betrayed them, Shrapnel's voice is completely different.

===Continuity errors===
* Despite being a scientist, Starscream doesn't believe that any experimentation is needed with the cells. Then again, considering his delusions of grandeur, Starscream doesn't have a very good grip on reality.
* Cliffjumper is very quick to accuse Mirage of treachery, despite never showing any signs of mistrusting him before—e.g., "[[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]". Then again, Cliffjumper is a jerk.

===Transformers references===
*Shrapnel makes use of his grenade launcher that fires spikes all around the target. It's nasty... as Mirage can attest.

===Real-world references===
* References

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* Poor [[Reflector]]. He (they?) appear(s?) just to be thrown back by the explosion of the electro-cells.

==External links==
*

==Keywords==
[[Electro-cell]], [[Cybro polygraph]]

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Immobilizer

2008-05-21T23:47:19Z

150.253.91.68:

{{picsneeded|Title card screengrab}}

[[Image:Immobilizerep6.jpg|right|thumb|350px|"See? We can shoot him right in the nads!"<BR>"[[Television]] doesn't work that way, you doofus."]]

{{episodenav|g1|season=2|6|prev=Traitor|next=The Autobot Run
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=15
|prev2=Birth of the Transformers!
|next2=Atlantis, Arise!
}}

'''The Decepticons steal Wheeljack's latest invention, which immobilizes stuff, and Ironhide attempts to retrieve it.'''

'''Japanese title:''' "Immobilizer"

==Detailed synopsis==
At Autobot headquarters, Wheeljack gathers everyone around for a demonstration of his newest invention, the Immobilizer. Walking in late, Ironhide sees Hound’s hologram of Laserbeak and, thinking it’s real, fires wildly at it, scattering the Autobots and nearly bringing down the roof. As Ironhide apologizes, Wheeljack reveals that the Immobilizer was damaged and needs a replacement polarizer. Bumblebee and Spike volunteer to go into town to retrieve it.

[[Image:Immbolizerep4.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Before DDR, there was...Robot Resource.]]

While on their mission, ‘Bee and Spike stop for a few rounds of “Robot Resource” at the [[Robots Video Arcade|local arcade]]. A young woman named Carly introduces herself to the pair and admits her fondness for the “cute Autobot.” A somewhat jealous and awkward Spike reminds Bumblebee that they need to leave, and the pair take off, only to be stopped a few moments later by a sarcastic policeman. As they are being busted for speeding, Ravage attacks Bumblebee and secretly plants a miniature video camera on the Autobot. Spike electrocutes Ravage with jumper cables, and the Decepticon retreats. The officer lets the pair go with a warning.

With the Immobilizer repaired, Wheeljack starts the demonstration again, unaware his every word is being caught by the microbug camera on Bumblebee and relayed to Starscream and Megatron. The Decepticons aren’t too keen on the idea of being permanently immobilized by the invention, and Megatron promises to steal it.

[[Image:Ladybreakeandfatjazzr.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Fat Jazz, Ladybreaker, and two guys enjoy the big breads.]]

Optimus Prime decides to move the test outdoors for safety. As the Autobots approach the location, Prime directs Ironhide to guard the perimeter. The rest proceed toward a fast-moving river, which Wheeljack immobilizes with the device. In the commotion caused by the success of the test, Spike messes with the Immobilizer and is almost zapped, but Wheeljack throws him out of the way, takes the blast himself, and winds up stiff as a board.

Still patrolling the perimeter, Ironhide catches a glimpse of a shadowy figure and fires his weapon. He discovers that the figure was Carly, whom he scolds for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The distant sound of gunfire cuts their conversation short, and Ironhide rushes off. He reaches the clearing to find the Decepticons have the Autobots at gunpoint, and blames the ambush on himself.

Megatron demands that Prime hand over the Immobilizer, and a battle ensues. The device gets knocked about and winds up in Megatron’s hands, but just as he starts issuing another threat, the river, on which he and the Decepticons are now standing, re-mobilizes and sweeps them downstream.

[[Image:Immobilizerep7.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Ratchet puts the finishing touches on his resin-cast Wheeljack model.]]

While undergoing repairs back at headquarters, Ironhide criticizes his performance in the field. Concluding that he’s too old to be of use, he resigns from active service, and nothing Ratchet or Prime says dissuades him. Carly blames herself for Ironhide’s attitude and tries to convince him not to quit. Ironhide gives her a tour of the base, and she pockets a grenade when they visit the armory.

Some time later, Wheeljack unfreezes, and Spike notices that Carly is missing. Suspecting she’s emotional and going to do something rash (‘cuz she ''is'' a girl), Spike and Bumblebee set out to look for her. Turns out he’s right. Carly has driven a boat out into the ocean and, using SCUBA gear, swims down to Decepticon headquarters to plant the stolen grenade on their outer wall. However, she’s detected by Soundwave, kidnapped by Laserbeak, and brought into the base to face Megatron’s judgment.

Luckily for Carly, her abduction was caught by the [[Sky Spy]]. Ironhide rushes off to find Spike and Bumblebee and start a rescue mission.

Back under the ocean, the grenade Carly planted earlier goes off, and seawater starts rushing into Decepticon headquarters. They manage to fix the damage and contain the water, except in the cell where Carly is being held. With disturbing glee, Megatron and the others watch Carly struggle as water fills the cell to the ceiling. Assuming she’s dead, they leave the cell unguarded. This lets Ironhide swim through the hole in the wall, grab the girl and bring her back to the surface.

[[Image:Immobilizerep8.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You hit me! Kong never hit me!]]

After thanking Ironhide for the rescue, Carly rides off with Spike and Bumblebee, but when Ironhide doesn’t follow, they realize that he’s been immobilized. The Decepticons and Autobots square off, with Rumble in control of the Immobilizer and freezing most of the Autobot forces. Following a plan of Carly’s design, Brawn tunnels under the ground with her and Spike so they come up near the Immobilizer’s position. As Jazz distracts the Decepticons, Carly crosses some wires in the device and the trio escapes. When Rumble tries to immobilize Optimus Prime, the device starts to re-mobilize the frozen Autobots instead. Ironhide grabs the Immobilizer from Laserbeak, and when all the Autobots are unfrozen, he smashes the device. With his toy in pieces, Megatron swears to return, and the Decepticons retreat.

[[Image:Immobilizerep1.jpg|left|thumb|200px|This early version of ''Thelma and Louise'' never took off.]]

Back at headquarters, Ironhide asks to return to active duty, and Optimus heartily welcomes him back. Carly explains how she switched around the wires in the Immobilizer, since she does have a science scholarship at MIT. Confronted by both brains and beauty, Spike has no choice but to ask Carly on a date. Sparkplug watches them drive off and smiles in approval, despite the fact that his son is going out with a college student while he's too young to have a driver’s license.
{{-}}

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' September 24, 1985

'''Written by:''' [[Earl Kress]]

{{cleanup|February 2008|}}

===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
*[[Trailbreaker]]
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
*[[Carly]]
*[[Spike]]
*[[Sparkplug]]

'''Guests'''
*

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |

|}

==Notable quotes==

"Give me the device now, Optimus Prime."<br>
"Try and take it, Mega-turkey!"
:—'''Megatron''' and the oh-so-witty '''Trailbreaker'''

"My telemeter has—ugh!—been damaged. Aah! I can’t steer!"
:—'''Starscream''' bumps into trees as he tries to gain control of himself

"You’re losing your warriors, Megatron.”<br>
"Warriors are expendable. The most important thing is I get what I deserve, and I always do."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gets '''Megatron''' to set up the ironic line for this episode.

"You deserve ''that'', all right, Mega-jerk. Rust in peace!"
:—More wit from '''Trailbreaker''' as the Decepticons are swept downriver

"Someone ''should'' pacify those Decepticons...''and'' their underwater headquarters."
:—'''Carly''', a girl after Ironhide’s own heart

"The show’s over. Back to work."
:—A leering '''Megatron''' takes glee in Carly’s apparent drowning.

==Other notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* [[:Image:ladybreakeandfatjazzr.jpg|Trailbreaker's got a nice ass. Who knew?]]

*When Carly runs off after talking to Ironhide, Spike and Bumblebee go out to find her. They drive off, but then it cuts to Optimus Prime saying the usual obvious "What we need to do speech" with the autobots around him listening. This includes Bumblebee, even though he left the base like 15 seconds ago.

===Continuity errors===
*

===Transformers references===
* This episode is Carly's introduction to the series.

===Real-world references===
* References

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* If this episode's dialogue is taken seriously, it would mean that Spike is at least 13-15 years old (depending on particular state). Of course, this raises several disturbing questions about why Sparkplug allows his son to date a women who's either finished/still in college. Then again Sparkplug had Spike working on a remote oil platform in the middle of the ocean, so family dynamics within the Witwickys is certainly...interesting.

===Keywords===
(''separate by commas and link each one so a page can be created for it if it does not already exist'')

==External links==
*

{{epstub}}

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes|Immobilizer]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Autobot Run

2008-05-21T23:45:29Z

150.253.91.68:

{{picsneeded}}
{{episodenav|g1|season=2|7|prev=The Immobilizer|next=Atlantis, Arise!
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=65
|prev2=A Plague of Insecticons
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:The Autobot Run title shot.JPG|thumb|350px|thumb|See Autobot. See Autobot run. Run, Autobot, run!]]

'''When the Autobots perform a race for charity, the Decepticons take the opportunity to trap them in their vehicle modes.'''

*'''Japanese title:''' "Stop the Transform!"

==Detailed synopsis==
While watching a car race, [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]] comment on how cool it would be to see the Autobots perform in a race as well.

[[Image:Transfixatron.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A collection of [[character model]]s gathers around the Decepticons' new weapon.]]
Meanwhile, in an old west ghost town, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s have completed the [[Transfixatron]], a new device that will lock a [[Transformer]] in the mode they currently occupy (usually vehicle mode). [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] arrives, informing the Decepticons about the Autobot race. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] complains that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is wasting time with the device instead of leading an attack. In response, Megatron tests the device on his whiny subordinate, and it's a success. Starscream is stuck in jet mode and begs to be released, saying he'll do whatever Megatron wants and he's too valuable to the Decepticon cause. Megatron gets bored of Starscream's pleas and frees him. Satisfied with the test, Megatron orders the Constructicons to start working on a second device whose purpose will be revealed later.

Chip and Spike suggest their race idea to the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] agrees, as long as it's for charity. [[Huffer]] complains that it's a waste of time and a bad idea (as usual), but the Autobots decide to do it. Huffer, [[Brawn]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] remain to guard the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

The Autobots arrive at the track and wait at the starting line in robot mode before they compete "in the greatest automobile race in history." Some numbskull in the audience wonders aloud where their cars are. The Autobots transform, and the race is on with a whole lot of trash talk. [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Sunstreaker and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] rush ahead of the slower vehicles like Trailbreaker and Ironhide.

During the race, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] teleports to a position over the track and uses the Transfixatron on the Autobots, who don't notice. The Autobots near the finish line, but they're kicking up so much dust its impossible to tell who won. "The real winners are us, folks!" says the announcer.

Next up, the Autobots line up to do some stunts and make "Evel Knievel look like a kiddie car driver," according to Spike. But Sunstreaker's attempt to jump the other Autobots falls short and he has to be saved by [[Windcharger]]'s magnetic powers.

Before they can do anything else, the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots attempt to [[Transformation|transform]], only to find that they are all stuck in vehicle mode. Optimus orders the Autobots to ram the Decepticons, but they simply shoot out the Autobots' tires, fire rays to make their engines overheat and disable their radios. Helpless, the Autobots are herded away by the 'Cons.

[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] takes Spike and Chip back to the base, hoping Ratchet and Wheeljack can figure a fix for the Transfixatron ray. As usual, Huffer complains, but a massive bearhug from Brawn gets him to shut up, while Ratchet and Wheeljack get to work.

At the ghost town, Megatron forces Optimus Prime to watch his soldiers die one by one in the Constructicons' second device, a horrific crushing machine, starting with [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. The [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] dispatches [[Roller]] to distract Megatron, allowing Prime to ram the crusher, which frees Ironhide. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] manages to send a signal to [[Teletraan I]], just as Ratchet and Wheeljack finish working on a device which will allow the Autobots to transform...a grenade. (Real good thinking there, guys.)

Spike and the other Autobots arrive to save their comrades, but [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] to deal with them. After a game of keep-away with the grenade, Chip manages to get it close enough to release its energy, allowing the Autobots to transform to robot mode. The Constructicons form [[Devastator]], but [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and Wheeljack fire the Transfixatron at giant Decepticon, causing the [[Combiner]] to separate. The Decepticons retreat, and the Autobots destroy the Transfixatron.

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' October 31, 1985

'''Written by:''' [[Donald F. Glut]]

==Notable quotes==
"Well, guys, what's next? I'm for anything except demolition derbyin'."
:—'''Jazz'''

"I can't change back to my normal, handsome self!"
:—Modest and humble '''Sunstreaker'''

"I just knew the race would be a bad idea, but would anyone listen to me? Oh, noooo!"<br>
"Stifle it, Huffer, or I'll put my footio in your audio!!"
:—'''Huffer''' being an ass and '''Brawn''' looking to kick some.

"Later, guys. It's been really great knowin' ya."
:—Headed for the crushing device, '''Ironhide''' accepts his fate.

"What is that?"<br>
"I call it a TARGET!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' spotting Roller

"I'm transforming! I see my true beauty emerging!"
:—'''Sunstreaker'''

==Other notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] appears twice in this episode: first when Megatron is gloating about the Transfixatron, then when the Decepticons arrive at the race. Of course, it's ''possible'' that Shockwave came to [[Earth]] during this episode, but the idea of him just popping up and hanging around in the background seriously goes against the established notion that he always stays on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as its full-time guardian.
* When the Autobots are un-transfixed and transform into robot modes, Gears is colored like Brawn.

===Continuity errors===
* References

===Transformers references===
* This is Roller's third and final appearance.
* This is the first episode where the Transformers formally refer to themselves as ''Transformers''.

===Real-world references===
* References

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* This is one of three episodes from Season Two which were animated by [[AKOM]] (the others being "[[The Core]]" and "[[City of Steel]]"). They share similar art and animation styles, as well as some character model oddities.
* Megatron can shoot laser beams from his eyes, especially when he wants to scare away earth germs.
* Wheeljack states that the [[Transfixatron]] will "cancel Devastator's robot mode", though one would really expect it to just transfix Devastator ''as'' Devastator.
* The idea of a [[Transfixatron|device to keep a Tranformer frozen in one mode]] would be revisited over the years in other fictions, with [[Tarantulas]]'s [[transformation lock lens]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[transformation lock virus]], and [[Spotlight: Soundwave|an experimental weapon]] created by Shockwave.

===Keywords===
(''separate by commas and link each one so a page can be created for it if it does not already exist'')

==External links==
*

{{epstub}}

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes|Autobot Run]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Atlantis, Arise!

2008-05-21T23:16:28Z

150.253.91.68:

{{episodenav|g1|season=2|8|prev=The Autobot Run|next=Day of the Machines
|series2=SRLFtoon
|episode2=16
|prev2=The Immobilizer
|next2=Enter the Nightbird
}}

[[image:SubAtlantica_Undersea.jpg|right|thumb|300px|There's fire burning...underwater...don't ask.]]
'''The Decepticons ally with the undersea realm of Sub-Atlantica. But they may be more treacherous than Megatron expected.'''

==Summary==
[[Image:Atlantis Arise Sub-Atlanticans Decepticons.JPG|thumb|left|150px|And when you see Aquaman, tell him his superpower sucks.]]
[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] summons [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to the control room, saying that [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] have detected massive energy readings underwater. The Decepticons investigate and encounter the [[Sub-Atlantica]]ns, a race who hope to conquer the surface world one day. Megatron negotiates a deal with [[Nergill]], King of Sub-Atlantica, offering Decepticon military technology in exchange for access to their [[geothermal]] storehouses. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] distrusts the Sub-Atlanticans, who communicate with each other telepathically.

[[Image:Atlantis Arise Autobots football.JPG|thumb|150px|R U READY 4 SUM FOOTBALL?]]
Near the [[Autobot]] [[Ark (G1)|base]], [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] are playing a game of [[football]] with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] arrives before the Dinobots accidentally kill anyone, telling them there is a massive energy reading emanating from near the [[Decepticon space cruiser|Decepticon base]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] dispatches Bumblebee, [[Brawn]], Hound, and Wheeljack to investigate, with Spike tagging along. The Decepticons and Sub-Atlanticans attack and take Wheeljack prisoner. After raising the city from the bottom of the ocean, the Decepticons and Sub-Atlanticans prepare to attack [[Washington, D.C.]] as a sign of their new alliance. Nergill communicates with his soldiers, telling Megatron that they will imprison Wheeljack in his dungeons. However, at Starscream's orders, Soundwave unscrambles the message and learns that Wheeljack is to be taken to their laboratory.

The Autobots head for Washington, hoping to stop the Decepticons and Sub-Atlanticans. Prime has Spike and Bumblebee head for Sub-Atlantica, hoping to rescue Wheeljack, while the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] takes the others to Washington. The Sub-Atlanticans raise a [[force field]] over Washington, trapping the Autobots inside. In Sub-Atlantica, Nergill is developing a disruptor which will shut down [[Transformer]]s. Starscream discovers this and is shot by Nergill, who learns that it is less effective on Decepticons. As Nergill leaves, Starscream attempts to drain power from Wheeljack, but Bumblebee and Spike stop the [[Air Commander]].

[[Image:Atlantis Arise Megs Lincoln memorial.JPG|thumb|left|150px|Four score and seven million years ago, I founded a [[Decepticon Empire|new nation]]...]]
Heading for Washington, Nergill uses the disruptor to defeat the Autobots, but holds back on the Decepticons. As the Sub-Atlanticans secure the Capitol building, his soldiers ask when to move against the Decepticons, but Nergill decides to wait a little while longer. Meanwhile, Megatron (sitting at the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]) tells [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] that they will deal with the Sub-Atlanticans soon enough.

Wheeljack calls in the Dinobots, who manage to penetrate the force field but come to blows with the Cons. Megatron and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] fight, and Nergill tries to shoot them both, but Starscream causes Nergill to miss. Grimlock grabs the disruptor and destroys it, causing the Autobots to revive. The Decepticons and Sub-Atlanticans retreat back to their own city, with the Autobots in pursuit.

[[image:SubAtlantica_Asplode.jpg|right|thumb|150px|But the others chose to stay, sitting in their porches with their shotguns, and eventually evolved into mermaids. And they would sing and dance, and ring in the new...]]
Back at Sub-Atlantica, Megatron demands an answer to Starscream's treason charge against Nergill, but Nergill informs him that the Autobots are coming. They invade the city, and the Dinobots begin smashing everything in sight.

Nergill decides to destroy the city, hoping to destroy the Transformers as well. Spike, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee follow, hoping to stop Nergill, with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage]] in pursuit. The two [[Mini-Cassette]]s realize Nergill's intentions, and Rumble tries to bury him in rubble, but it's too late. Nergill throws a device into his energy containers, which starts a chain reaction that destroys the city. The Autobots and Decepticons manage to retreat, while the Sub-Atlanticans and their home disappear under the waves. Prime says they probably won't see Nergill again for a long time.

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' October 3, 1985

'''Production number:''' 700-23

'''Written by:''' [[Douglas Booth]]

===Featured characters===

(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.'')
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]

! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
* [[Bumblebee]] (8)
* [[Grimlock]] (9)
* [[Hound]] (10)
* [[Swoop]] (11)
* [[Snarl]] (12)
* [[Slag]] (13)
* [[Wheeljack]] (14)
* [[Optimus Prime]] (15)
* [[Jazz]] (15)
* [[Windcharger]] (16)
* [[Trailbreaker]] (17)
* [[Brawn]] (18)
* [[Ironhide]] (19)
* [[Prowl]] (20)
* [[Sludge]] (21)
| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (1)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (2)
* [[Megatron]] (3)
* [[Soundwave]] (4)
* [[Starscream]] (5)
* [[Skywarp]] (6)
* [[Thundercracker]] (7)
* [[Rumble]] (22)
* [[Ravage]] (23)
| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
*[[Spike Witwicky]]

'''Guests'''

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |
*[[Nergill]]
*Sub-Atlantican General
|}

==Notable quotes==
"Are you sure humans do this for fun?"<br>
:—'''Hound''', after playing a game of football with the Dinobots

"There. This throne was made for me!"<br>
:—'''Megatron''', sitting on the throne at the Lincoln Memorial.

"Me Grimlock here again, Optimus Prime, to pull your diodes out of laser fire."
:—'''Grimlock, lecturing Optimus Prime

"Okay, Grimlock. Time for you and the Dinobots to act prehistoric!"<br>
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"You don't frighten me, you mechanical throwbacks!"<br>
"Good, Megatron! We love stupid enemies!"<br>
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Grimlock'''

"Ruining Autobots is my life!"
:—'''Starscream''' finds his true calling.

==Notes==

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
[[Image:Optimus prime doppelgaenger.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Prime uses [[budding]] to hold up the Washington monument.]]
*As the Washington Monument starts to fall, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] stands for a second, another Optimus Prime pops out of him.
*When the Dinobots break through the force field, Starscream is among the group fighting them off, even though he was last seen in Sub-Atlantica.

===Continutity errors===
* Spike is obviously some sort of super human. He can survive in the "deepest part of the Atlantic ocean" wearing only a bathing suit and using a simple oxygen tank and googles. Amazing that he isn't crushed under the weight of the ocean or freezes to death.

===Transformers references===
* In [[Transformers: The Game]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] also takes the Lincoln Memorial throne as his own. This is only in the Decepticon campaign, however.

*While it mostly comes off as arrogance, Grimlock has a point when he lectures Optimus Prime about the Autobots depending on the Dinobots to save them. When the Dinobots are becoming aware of the fact that they're just a ''deus ex machina'', you know that it's time to add a little more depth to your stories.

===Real-world references===
* References

===Miscellaneous trivia===
[[Image:Atlantis Arise Hound roof.JPG|thumb|150px|woops! can't get my fancy cushions wet!]]
* Megatron refers to Laserbeak and Buzzsaw as "vultures". They're supposed to be condors.
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] has a folding sunroof. That is awesome. His toy did not. That is not awesome.
* The Lincoln Memorial is strangely [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]-[[scale|sized]].
* They have in fact seen the last of Nergil.
* Watch out for the hilarious irony of Starscream shouting "TRAITOR!" and stopping Nergil from shooting Megatron in the back.

===Keywords===

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/atlantis_arise.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{epstub}}

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Atlantis

2008-05-21T22:38:41Z

150.253.91.68: /* American animated series */

'''Atlantis''' is known on [[Earth]] as a legendary continent or city which vanished cataclysmically into the sea ages ago. But legends are funny things...

==Generation 1==

===American animated series===

It is suggested that the undersea city of [[Sub-Atlantica]], populated by mer-men, was the inspiration for the legend of Atlantis.{{Storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

===Victory animated series===

The existence of Atlantis itself would be proven in the future, during [[Deathsaurus]]'s campaign against Earth. With its location identified by [[Hellbat]], the city was raised by the [[Decepticons]], and its vast supply of energy pillaged to re-energize Deathsaurus's space fortress. The massive tidal waves created by the rising of Atlantis kept the [[Autobots]] occupied protecting coastal cities that were devastated, and the Decepticons escaped with the energy. The [[Dinoforce]], however, were abandoned on Atlantis by Deathsaurus, and were swept away as the city fell back beneath the waves.

==Unicron Trilogy==

===Armada animated series===

When an ancient Earth civilisation seized control of the power of the [[Mini-Con]] [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the forces they unleashed in war with another nation wound up sinking their city into the ocean. The stasis panel of one of the Saber's components remained in the ruins, where it activated in 2010, alerting the Autobots on Earth to its presence. Autobot ally [[Carlos Lopez]] was smitten by a self-aware hologram of one of the city's former inhabitants, but was forced to accept that she was not truly real as a battle with the Decepticons destroyed what was left of the ruins.

Although [[Rad White]] compared the ruined city to Atlantis, further discoveries several decades later would make it clear that it was not the actual place.

===Cybertron===
[[Image:Atlantis-Starship-ep51.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Way down, below the ocean, where I wanna be...]]

The Earth legend of Atlantis was revealed to have been inspired by an ancient Cybertronian starship that went by that name - one of four dispatched from the planet eons in the past, with the intention of creating a universe-wide [[space bridge]] network. The Atlantis headed for Earth, containing a [[Cyber Planet Key]] and the [[Omega Lock]]. It hovered in the sky above the planet for a time, until a malfunction caused it to crash into the ocean, laying down the basis for the stories that would be passed down through the ages by human kind.

The symbol of the Omega Lock was emblazoned upon the Atlantis, and that symbol went hand in hand with the legend, becoming a piece of popular culture to the extent that, by 2030, it was being featured on album covers and T-shirts. When [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots returned to Earth in that year, the ancient Transformer [[Vector Prime]] recognised the symbol, setting both Autobot and Decepticons off in a search for the Omega Lock itself. An Autobot civilian in the guise of a submarine eventually discovered the Atlantis buried at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean; when the Autobots entered the craft, it's warp engines activated and teleported the ship to the dark side of the [[moon]]. With the aid of the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] and the Autobots three human allies, Vector Prime was able to locate and secure the Omega Lock before the Decepticons.

The Atlantis was left floating by the moon until [[Sideways]] teleported the injured [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] there to recuperate. When Sideways later kidnapped the Mini-Cons, the kids followed him through his warp gate and emerged on the Atlantis. Although [[Coby]], [[Lori]] and [[Six-Speed]] were later able to escape, but [[Bud]], [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] and [[Reverb]] were left stranded on the Atlantis as the ship warped away. The ship later passed through the spatial rift leading the [[Gigantion]], the Giant Planet, after which Bud and the Mini-Cons were able to escape and reunite with the Autobots.

When Starscream was defeated in battle with [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]], the Atlantis fell back into Autobot hands, and was used to return to Cybertron, where it was merged with the other three ancient starships to create the [[Ark (Cybertron)|Ark]], through which Primus channeled his power and sealed the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]].

With the threat of the black hole and Galvatron dispatched, dispatched, a new space bridge program was introduced, and the four starships again departed for the far reaches of the galaxy. Known members of the crew of the Atlantis on this voyage include Optimus Prime, [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]], [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]], [[Leobreaker]] and [[Scattorshot]].

==External links==
*[[wikipedia:Atlantis|The (sorta) real Atlantis]]

[[Category: Armada]]
[[Category: Cybertron]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category: Starships]]
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