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Armada (episode)

2012-04-22T15:51:06Z

165.132.50.185:

{{disambig3|Armada}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 36
|prev=Grill
|next=Flying Mind
|image=
|caption=
|title="Armada"
|airdate=[[April 21]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Matt Wayne]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Bulkhead is trapped on the Decepticon Warship amid dual attempts on Megatron's life.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] recovers consciousness, and realizes he's on the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]''. Unable to contact base, he begins to explore, but while hiding from [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], he runs into [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]]. Starscream is reluctant to help, and strikes at Bulkhead, so Bulkhead returns the favor by jumping on Starscream and beating the life out of him. Reflecting that Starscream left him no choice, Bulkhead returns to his exploration.

Some 24 hours before, Starscream reaches the wreck of the ''[[Harbinger]]'' in his search for [[energon]]. Instead he finds a laboratory containing five [[protoform]]s. Elsewhere, Bulkhead picks up an energon reading. Starscream finds information in the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> computer on cloning and fires up the lab equipment. Soon, five [[Starscream clone (Prime)|duplicates of himself]] stand before him. Meanwhile Bulkhead, clambering into a hole he's found, realizes there's boxed energon at the bottom of it, and that the ''Nemesis'' is overhead ready to pick it up. As he struggles, he falls among the energon and, losing consciousness, is transported up to the Decepticon ship with it.

Starscream discovers that his clones are complete duplicates of himself, personality and all. As the ''Harbinger'' is able to track where the ''Nemesis'' is, he sends his clones to eliminate [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] once and for all. The five clones board the ''Nemesis'' and split up, one of them running into Bulkhead, who terminates the clone. The original Starscream is surprised to find that he feels everything his clones feel. Bulkhead locates a comm unit and attempts to use it to contact base, only instead to set off an alarm and bring Vehicons running. As he escapes, the Vehicons are distracted by another Starscream clone, but unknown to anyone, Bulkhead has inadvertently started a Decepticon beacon.

The beacon is detected by [[Airachnid]], who calls out her [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] army to go terminate Megatron. The activity is detected by the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] [[GroundBridge]] to the location to investigate, discovering Airachnid in the middle of sending her troops. She sets some of the Insecticons after the trio, but Arcee bursts through the explosions and begins pursuing her. Optimus and Bumblebee begin mowing down Insecticons.

Bulkhead crawls through a Nemesis duct, and spots Megatron. Megatron starts heading for the bridge in response to reports that Starscream's there.

Arcee continues her pursuit of Airachnid, despite having to contend with two Insecticons. After the Insecticons are taken out, Airachnid disappears underground, and Arcee follows.

On the ''Nemesis'' bridge, Megatron finds himself face-to-faces with the four remaining Starscream clones. He offers to make them all [[second-in-command]] if they terminate Starscream for him, but the clones are stable enough to keep to the mission, but before they can open fire, the ship is attacked by Insecticons. The distraction is all Megatron needs, and he starts taking out clones. The last of the clones manages to escape as the Insecticon attack intensifies, and Megatron finally checks on what's going on outside.

Optimus and Bumblebee finish off the last of the Insecticons that were attacking them, and start looking for Arcee. Their comrade is currently deep underground hunting Airachnid. Arcee exchanges fire with her foe, and manages to maneuver Airachnid onto one of the open Insecticon pods, which promptly closes and puts the rogue Decepticon into stasis. The Insecticons attacking the ''Nemesis'' all immediately stop their attack, drop on to the ship's hull, and proclaim their loyalty to Megatron.

Within the ''Nemesis'', Bulkhead finds the ship's power core, and hits it very hard, causing it to explode. The ship slowly begins its descent. As he runs to the exit, Bulkhead encounters the Starscream clone, who promptly takes off. Bulkhead is puzzled at the fact that Starscream is alive and can transform. Once the ''Nemesis'' has crashed to earth, Bulkhead is able to drive off and speed away. He soon reaches base, where the Autobots are inspecting the stasis-locked Airachnid.

The last Starscream clone returns to the ''Harbinger'' and lets the original Starscream know the mission failed. He's about to shoot his progenitor, when Starscream turns and blasts him.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (10)
|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (11)
|c4=
*[[Starscream clone (Prime)|Starscream clones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Airachnid]] (5)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is for [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]! For Bumblebee! For ''everything''."
:—'''Bulkhead''' delivers some much-deserved payback unto Starscream. Well, actually his clone, but what's the difference?

"You left me no choice."
:—'''Bulkhead''' pulling an [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]]

"My genetic code provides my clones with T-Cogs I no longer possess and all I get is their agony?!"
:-'''Starscream''' laments over the side-effects of cloning.

"When you extinguish my spark, make it hurt. You know I would extend that courtesy to you."
:—'''Airachnid''', creepy to the last.

'''Bulkhead''' (rushing inside the Autobot's base)''':''' Guys, you are not gonna believe that day I had! 
Bulkhead spots Airachnid in stasis, then looks at Ratchet and Arcee... 
'''Bulkhead:''' You too, huh?

"Scrap! That hurt!"
:—'''Starscream''' after killing the last clone.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* The Insecticons magically disappear from the top of the ''Nemesis'' after Bulkhead destroyed the Power Station.

===Continuity notes===
* Starscream returns to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', first seen in "[[Partners]]", the episode in which he defected.
* Starscream references sneaking on board the ''Nemesis'' and meeting Optimus Prime in "[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]".
* Starscream mentions [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and [[Crossfire|sparing Arcee's life]].
* Bulkhead pounds Starscream for killing Cliffjumper and damaging Bumblebee's T-cog in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* Airachnid loses [[Crossfire|another limb]].

===Transformers references===
*[[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream]] [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]].
*Starscream's clones are mentally linked to him via [[binary bonding]].

===Real-world references===

===Trivia===
* The Insecticons speak for the first time. They're still vermin, though.

{{epstub}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Crossfire (Prime)

2012-04-02T12:04:32Z

165.132.50.185:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 33
|prev=Loose Cannons
|next=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|image=
|caption=
|title="Crossfire"
|airdate=[[March 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Airachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior.'''

==Synopsis==
Airachnid muses to Megatron about Soundwave's inevitable decryption of the [[Project Iacon|Iacon files,]] and requests for her tracking abilities to be enlisted in the search for the resulting coordinates. Megatron dismisses her, and Soundwave replays the audio of her suggestion to leave Megatron [[One Shall Rise, Part 2|earlier]]. He contacts Dreadwing, who replies with an oath of loyalty. The leader orders him to perform a task he normally performs [[Rock Bottom|himself]], but now leaves to his first officer. The Seeker is confused, as Airachnid holds that position, but his mission becomes clear—he is to dispose of the treacherous spider.

Breakdown, Dreadwing, and Airachnid follow the trail of an unconfirmed energon deposit. Airachnid is amused at the heavy backup, and takes the opportunity to grill Breakdown on his lack of skill, and lack of eye. Dreadwing attempts to calm him, but another insult puts him into a frenzy. He jumps at the spider, but is webbed in the face. Dreadwing joins the fray, but is pinned to a tree by Airachnid's webbing, but not before he lets off a blast which collapses a tree on Airachnid. She finds one of her legs damaged, and retreats. Breakdown gives chase, and finds her collapsed in a ravine. As he raises his hammer to finish her, webs immobilize it in the air. Airachnid raises a leg to slice him through.

A contingent of MECH soldiers come upon Breakdown's remains.

In a cave, Starscream pities his lot in life as he jumps for a meager scrap of energon. He is interrupted by a nearby rumbling that surprises him—it is an Insecticon, unearthing a large chunk of energon. He orders the brute to hand it over, but it attacks him, forcing him to hide. He witnesses the Insecticon bowing to another surprise—Airachnid. He makes himself known, and she makes her rogue status known, giving Starscream the idea to propose an alliance to overthrow Megatron with the help of her oversized herald. She proposes an alternative—she overthrows Megatron, and orders the Insecticon to destroy Starscream.

At base, Ratchet recieves another [[Orion Pax, Part 2|high frequency signal with an embedded message,]] again from Starscream, who promises valuable intel in exchange for medical aid. His intel proves none-too-relevant until he mentions the Insecticon, and provides Airachnid's location. Back at base, Arcee berates Ratchet and Bulkhead for letting him go again, but Optimus is confident in sparing helpless lifeforms, regardless of personal vendettas.

Airachnid contacts Megatron and proposes a challenge. He accepts, and forbids Dreadwing to follow him.

Megatron arrives at the mine, and is beset upon by the Insecticon, who ignores Megatron's orders to stand down and begins to beat him down. Before long, however, the former gladiator is on equal footing with the beast. The Autobots bridge in, and Arcee goes for Airachnid. Below, Megatron gains the upper hand, removing the Insecticon's limbs and finally decapitating it. Megatron announces his superiority, before falling. The Autobots surround him, and Optimus Prime prepares to execute him. Laser blasts fill the air, and Dreadwing, accompanied by a large detachment of Vehicons, surrounds them. They agree to trade their lives for Megatron's. As Dreadwing and Megatron fly off, Megatron shows his appreciation for Dreadwing's disregard of orders.

Arcee follows Airachnid, but finds herself suddenly stuck in a trap. As her rival prepares to finish her, a missile streaks through the air and pushes the spider off Arcee. She escapes as Starscream—intent on payback—continues to fire. Now alone with Arcee, the Seeker recalls her decision to spare him earlier, and cuts her down to settle his debt.

Underground, even as she swears her vengeance, Airachnid comes upon the source of her warrior—an entire nest of Insecticons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (11)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (4)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)
|c3=
*[[MECH|MECH soldiers]] (6)
*[[MECH Commando]] (7)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==

"I know we've never seen ''eyes-to-eye'', but that doesn't mean we can't ''patch'' things up."
:—'''Airachnid''' baits Breakdown with extra-strength puns.

"Easy prey."
:—'''Breakdown''' on the crippled Airachnid

"You and your beast would do well to remember—''I honed my skills in the pits of [[Kaon]]!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reminds all that he is not so easily beaten.

"It would seem Starscream orchestrated this convergence in the hope that all his enemies would destroy each other on his behalf."
:—'''Optimus''' sums up Starscream for the fans. Even Starscream doesn't know he's behind this master plan.

"Never trust a 'Con. Kick Buckethead's bucket!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' on Megatron's physical appearance

"You disobeyed my orders in following me here. You will make a fine first lieutenant."
:—'''Megatron''' might have finally made a good choice for second-in-command.

"You dare turn your back on a superior life form? I am Commander Starscream!"
:—'''Starscream''' using his former position to get others to do what he wants... ''again''.

==Notes==
=== Animation and technical errors ===
*When Bulkhead jumps out of the GroundBridge with Ratchet following behind, the wrecking ball on his left arm somehow transforms silently and invisibly back to his hand.
*When the Insecticon throws Megatron into the air and slashes at him with its horn, it injures him and Energon/mech fluid is splattered from the wound, on his left shoulder. When Megatron recovers, there's a mere 'scratch' on his 'neck'.

===Continuity errors===
*Soundwave's trace of Airachnid's signal appears to locate her around about Bolivia, while the Autobot trace of the same signal places it on the north coast of South America, in Guyana or Suriname.
*Starscream's missiles reappear on his arms after he fires them.

===Continuity notes===
*Arcee reminds the team yet again of how Airachnid took [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] away from her.
*Starscream hasn't forgotten how Arcee let him live after their last encounter from "[[Partners]]".
*Soundwave plays dialogue from "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" to remind Megatron what Airachnid thinks of him.
*MECH comes across the dismembered remains of Breakdown, and cites it as a "[[Operation: Breakdown|familiar face]]".
*Starscream contacts Ratchet the same way he did back in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]", and meets him and Bulkhead in what appears to be the same place. Both he and Bulkhead even reference the events of that episode.
*The events of the two-part episode "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1|Operation Bumblebee]]" are brought up while Starscream begs for treatment.
*The "task" Megatron normally performs himself—the disposal of treacherous soldiers—previously occurred in "[[Rock Bottom]]", where Starscream was the recipient.
*Megatron refers to his skills and training as a Kaon gladiator.

===Transformers references===

===Real-world references===

===Trivia===
*Starscream's arm-mounted missiles still work even with his T-Cog missing, since there's no transformation involved in firing them.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Orion Pax, Part 3

2012-03-27T16:56:39Z

165.132.50.185: blade connected to RIGHT arm on the LEFT side of a foot. Seeing as blade is pointing straight down, it should be on the right side of right foot or Megatron's doing yoga.

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 29
|prev=Orion Pax, Part 2
|next=Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
|image=OrionPax3 Optimus Decepticon insignia.jpg
|caption=Man, that must have been some party last night!
|title="Orion Pax, Part 3"
|airdate=[[March 3]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Jack and Arcee undertake a dangerous mission on Cybertron to access Vector Sigma, while Orion begins to rebel against Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OrionPax3 Jack and Arcee find entrance.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Speak Friend And Enter]]
[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] walk through [[Kaon]], guided by the light of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]. They come upon a circular clearing, and the key glows intensely, indicating that they must be close. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and cracks appear in the surface. The duo watch in awe as a passageway rises from the ground, its door illuminated the same as the Key. It opens, but just as the two are about to enter, an enormous creature rears up from atop the passage. Arcee's [[Autobot]] symbol catches its eye, and it charges her, Arcee's minute strength doing nothing to injure it. She is quickly incapacitated, and the creature notices Jack, giving temporary pursuit until distracted by Arcee. Jack radios [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and is told that the creature is an [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]], one of many sentries left to guard the dead [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Arcee tells Jack to go, to his surprise, but he realizes the necessity. As he enters, the door closes behind him.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] inquires as to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Orion]]'s progress on [[Project Iacon]]. Orion says it's tough work, but Megatron says otherwise, revealing to him that all of his unsanctioned research has been recorded. Orion takes the opportunity to ask about his reported affiliation with the Autobots, but Megatron merely tells him to get back to work. Orion decides that enough is enough, and erases his progress in the archives. Megatron laughs, and shows the clerk that he has been recorded and documented in his pursuits. [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] intrudes, to show Megatron that one of their sentries came online on Cybertron. Orion asks how anything is alive on the planet, but Megatron tells him to continue his work-or be terminated.

[[Image:OrionPax3 Megatron threatens Orion.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Back on Cybertron, Arcee tangles with the enormous bug, but is no match for its brute strength. Finished with her, the Insecticon turns its attention to the fleshling, and breaks its way into the tunnel.

In the depths of the tunnel, Jack hears a [[Scraplet|familiar noise]], and uproots a metal bar for protection.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron reviews the reports with Soundwave. He learns of the [[space bridge]]'s activation, its endpoint, and the fact that it is still active. He quickly deduces the Autobots' plan.

In Cybertron's gullet, Jack arrives at the chamber of [[Vector Sigma]]. He proceeds to the center of a circular platform, where he places the Key. The entire chamber begins to transform and glow with the Key's energy, and the enormous supercomputer reveals itself, and begins to transfer its energy to the Key.

On the ''Nemesis'', Orion is hassled by the guards. He appeals to their "good nature", saying that he believes Megatron will use the information he is agglomerating for nefarious purposes. Good-old fashioned police brutality ensues as the helpless clerk is kicked and punched by his guards.

[[Image:OrionPax3 Jack watches download.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
In the chamber, Jack is antsy about the speed of his download. His problems lie beyond his dial-up, however, because behind him, a horde of Scraplets has just taken notice of the ''very'' alive metal before him in the form of the Key to Vector Sigma. Jack is helpless to fend them off, and they begin to snack on the download port. He reports frantically on his position to ground control

In the space bridge chamber, however, the Autobots have bigger fish to fry as Megatron steps out of a [[GroundBridge]] to them. Ratchet vows to protect their charges, and the battle begins, Megatron easily flooring every Autobot, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] twice.

On Cybertron, Arcee awakes to find a Scraplet chewing on her foot. She blasts it off, and notices the opened passage—and the absent Insecticon. Transforming, she speeds into the passageway.

Jack valiantly smashes the Scraplets as they feed, but is unable to stop their progress towards the Matrix. Another problem presents itself behind him in the form of the Insecticon. It charges towards him, but stops in its tracks, staring at the key. Jack realizes why, and the Scraplets suddenly become a blessing. He formulates an idea, pulling a Scraplet off the Key and pointing it at the aggressor. The Insecticon turns tail as it realizes what's happening, but the Scraplets give chase and latch on, quickly chewing through the giant insect as it falls to its doom, limbs disconnected. The download completes, and Jack retrieves the key. Arcee finally arrives, and the two depart.

The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] guards continue to beat down Orion, and one of them lets slip that it's a privilege to beat the former leader of the Autobots. Orion pleads with them to stop, and in his defense, he accidentally transforms his arms into blasters. Realizing they're in trouble, the guards fire on Pax, but he quickly dispatches them both.

[[Image:OrionPax3 the Matrix reloaded.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Arcee and Jack arrive at the space bridge portal, and radio Ratchet about their position. Total silence on the comm tip them off that something is wrong, and, undetected on the other end of the portal, Megatron waits to end the lineage of the Primes. However, he is surprised by the sudden arrival of Orion Pax, who vows that, no matter what his heritage might be, his spark is aligned with the Autobots. He deploys his blades, and charges for Megatron, but is quickly defeated. Megatron says that he has much to learn, and prepares to kill him, but Arcee speeds through the bridge and collides with him, sending them both flying. In the light of the bridge, Jack presents the Key to Orion, who hesitates, but accepts his destiny.

The Key begins to upload the Matrix to its host. Megatron, preoccupied with fighting Arcee, notices this, and desperately runs at him. However, Orion Pax—now ''Optimus Prime'' once again—isn't ready to go down again, and trounces his enemy. A GroundBridge portal opens up, and the Autobots retreat.

At base, the Autobots and humans rejoice at their reunion. Noticing his Decepticon symbol, Optimus asks Ratchet what had happened. He replies that it was their darkest hour, but at every point along the way, Optimus was truly an Autobot at spark.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (15)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime/Orion Pax]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (3)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (9)
*"[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Orion Pax]]" (10)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (1)
*[[June Darby]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (6)
*[[William Fowler]] (7)

|c4=
*[[Scraplet]]s (12)
*[[Vector Sigma]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"Why does history portray me siding with the Autobot aggressors? And why did Starscream call me a Prime? I must know...who ''am'' I?" 
"You are my clerk."
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' questions his identity, while '''Megatron''' responds with a firm establishment of the pecking order.

"That may be true, or yet another deception, but this much I do know: my sympathies lie with the Autobots, and you are ''not'' one of us!"
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' to Megatron, realizing the truth.

"Are you...certain I am worthy?" 
"You have no idea."
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' and '''Jack'''.

"Megatron—''be gone!''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', before delivering the most awesome series of punches in the entire series.

"Optimus, it has truly been our darkest hour, but know this: from every indication your spark never ceased being that of an Autobot."
:—'''Ratchet'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
*As Megatron notices Jack recharging Optimus's Matrix and lets go of Arcee, he's shoulder armour goes through the wall.
*As Megatron tells Orion he has much to learn, his blade is shown LEFT of his foot, while it's on his RIGHT arm. That would mean he's either 1. turning his back to Orion, 2. twisting his right arm in awkward way, 3. or the blade just moved onto his left arm.

===Continuity errors===
*As Optimus jumps through the Autobot GroundBridge, he is suddenly sporting Autobot insignias.

===Continuity notes===
*The scraplets seem a ''lot'' nastier in this episode, chewing so fast as to render a hulking robot limbless in a matter of seconds. This is ''not'' an error, as many factors could contribute, such as the scraplets' inability to find living metal on the barren Cybertron and the ancient state of the Insecticon.
*Optimus still has the broken sword from waaaaay back in "[[One Shall Fall]]". It would seem that the Decepticons neglected to repair it. Or rather, neglected to mention that he had weapons in the first place.
*The Insecticon is the first cybertronian in the Prime cartoon to have a Beast [[alternate mode]].

===Transformers references===
[[Image:OrionPax3 Vector Sigma in scraplet-vision.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
* Ratchet references ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' by referring to an event as "our darkest hour", as he did before in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".
* Bulkhead calls Megatron a "bucket head", a reference to [[Megatron (G1)|the original Megatron]].
* The Insecticon's insect mode resembles a large rhinoceros beetle, [[Bombshell (G1)|like]] [[Salvo|several]] [[Barrage (Insecticon)|other]] [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]].
* From the Scraplets' point-of-view, the sphere of Vector Sigma is seen in its faceted orb appearance common to many continuities.

===Real-world references===
*Bulkhead's line bemoaning the Scraplets on Cybertron is a paraphrase of the oft-referenced "Why did it have to be snakes?" line from ''Raiders of the Lost Ark''.

===Trivia===
*Look closely at the arena in Kaon: it's the same arena as seen in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]". Ironic that the entrance to Vector Sigma lay beneath Megatron's feet at that moment.
*When Jack coaxes the Scraplets into attacking the Insecticon, he calls it "the main course", echoing what Bulkhead said while using himself as bait in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
*The way Optimus catches Megatron's sword just after he regains his memory is the exact same as when Megatron catches Optimus' sword when he's trying to exterminate him in "[[One Shall Fall]]". It even makes the same thundering noise.
*Jack never picked up a souvenir for Raf, which Raf asked for in the previous episode.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Orion Pax, Part 3

2012-03-19T14:17:29Z

165.132.50.185:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 29
|prev=Orion Pax, Part 2
|next=Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
|image=OrionPax3 Optimus Decepticon insignia.jpg
|caption=Man, that must have been some party last night!
|title="Orion Pax, Part 3"
|airdate=[[March 3]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Jack and Arcee undertake a dangerous mission on Cybertron to access Vector Sigma, while Orion begins to rebel against Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OrionPax3 Jack and Arcee find entrance.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Speak Friend And Enter]]
[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] walk through [[Kaon]], guided by the light of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]. They come upon a circular clearing, and the key glows intensely, indicating that they must be close. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and cracks appear in the surface. The duo watch in awe as a passageway rises from the ground, its door illuminated the same as the Key. It opens, but just as the two are about to enter, an enormous creature rears up from atop the passage. Arcee's [[Autobot]] symbol catches its eye, and it charges her, Arcee's minute strength doing nothing to injure it. She is quickly incapacitated, and the creature notices Jack, giving temporary pursuit until distracted by Arcee. Jack radios [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and is told that the creature is an [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]], one of many sentries left to guard the dead [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Arcee tells Jack to go, to his surprise, but he realizes the necessity. As he enters, the door closes behind him.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] inquires as to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Orion]]'s progress on [[Project Iacon]]. Orion says it's tough work, but Megatron says otherwise, revealing to him that all of his unsanctioned research has been recorded. Orion takes the opportunity to ask about his reported affiliation with the Autobots, but Megatron merely tells him to get back to work. Orion decides that enough is enough, and erases his progress in the archives. Megatron laughs, and shows the clerk that he has been recorded and documented in his pursuits. [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] intrudes, to show Megatron that one of their sentries came online on Cybertron. Orion asks how anything is alive on the planet, but Megatron tells him to continue his work-or be terminated.

[[Image:OrionPax3 Megatron threatens Orion.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Back on Cybertron, Arcee tangles with the enormous bug, but is no match for its brute strength. Finished with her, the Insecticon turns its attention to the fleshling, and breaks its way into the tunnel.

In the depths of the tunnel, Jack hears a [[Scraplet|familiar noise]], and uproots a metal bar for protection.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron reviews the reports with Soundwave. He learns of the [[space bridge]]'s activation, its endpoint, and the fact that it is still active. He quickly deduces the Autobots' plan.

In Cybertron's gullet, Jack arrives at the chamber of [[Vector Sigma]]. He proceeds to the center of a circular platform, where he places the Key. The entire chamber begins to transform and glow with the Key's energy, and the enormous supercomputer reveals itself, and begins to transfer its energy to the Key.

On the ''Nemesis'', Orion is hassled by the guards. He appeals to their "good nature", saying that he believes Megatron will use the information he is agglomerating for nefarious purposes. Good-old fashioned police brutality ensues as the helpless clerk is kicked and punched by his guards.

[[Image:OrionPax3 Jack watches download.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
In the chamber, Jack is antsy about the speed of his download. His problems lie beyond his dial-up, however, because behind him, a horde of Scraplets has just taken notice of the ''very'' alive metal before him in the form of the Key to Vector Sigma. Jack is helpless to fend them off, and they begin to snack on the download port. He reports frantically on his position to ground control

In the space bridge chamber, however, the Autobots have bigger fish to fry as Megatron steps out of a [[GroundBridge]] to them. Ratchet vows to protect their charges, and the battle begins, Megatron easily flooring every Autobot, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] twice.

On Cybertron, Arcee awakes to find a Scraplet chewing on her foot. She blasts it off, and notices the opened passage—and the absent Insecticon. Transforming, she speeds into the passageway.

Jack valiantly smashes the Scraplets as they feed, but is unable to stop their progress towards the Matrix. Another problem presents itself behind him in the form of the Insecticon. It charges towards him, but stops in its tracks, staring at the key. Jack realizes why, and the Scraplets suddenly become a blessing. He formulates an idea, pulling a Scraplet off the Key and pointing it at the aggressor. The Insecticon turns tail as it realizes what's happening, but the Scraplets give chase and latch on, quickly chewing through the giant insect as it falls to its doom, limbs disconnected. The download completes, and Jack retrieves the key. Arcee finally arrives, and the two depart.

The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] guards continue to beat down Orion, and one of them lets slip that it's a privilege to beat the former leader of the Autobots. Orion pleads with them to stop, and in his defense, he accidentally transforms his arms into blasters. Realizing they're in trouble, the guards fire on Pax, but he quickly dispatches them both.

[[Image:OrionPax3 the Matrix reloaded.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Arcee and Jack arrive at the space bridge portal, and radio Ratchet about their position. Total silence on the comm tip them off that something is wrong, and, undetected on the other end of the portal, Megatron waits to end the lineage of the Primes. However, he is surprised by the sudden arrival of Orion Pax, who vows that, no matter what his heritage might be, his spark is aligned with the Autobots. He deploys his blades, and charges for Megatron, but is quickly defeated. Megatron says that he has much to learn, and prepares to kill him, but Arcee speeds through the bridge and collides with him, sending them both flying. In the light of the bridge, Jack presents the Key to Orion, who hesitates, but accepts his destiny.

The Key begins to upload the Matrix to its host. Megatron, preoccupied with fighting Arcee, notices this, and desperately runs at him. However, Orion Pax—now ''Optimus Prime'' once again—isn't ready to go down again, and trounces his enemy. A GroundBridge portal opens up, and the Autobots retreat.

At base, the Autobots and humans rejoice at their reunion. Noticing his Decepticon symbol, Optimus asks Ratchet what had happened. He replies that it was their darkest hour, but at every point along the way, Optimus was truly an Autobot at spark.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (15)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (3)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (9)
*"[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Orion Pax]]" (10)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (1)
*[[June Darby]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (6)
*[[William Fowler]] (7)

|c4=
*[[Scraplet]]s (12)
*[[Vector Sigma]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"Why does history portray me siding with the Autobot aggressors? And why did Starscream call me a Prime? I must know...who ''am'' I?" 
"You are my clerk."
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' questions his identity, while '''Megatron''' responds with a firm establishment of the pecking order.

"That may be true, or yet another deception, but this much I do know: my sympathies lie with the Autobots, and you are ''not'' one of us!"
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' to Megatron, realizing the truth.

"Are you...certain I am worthy?" 
"You have no idea."
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' and '''Jack'''.

"Megatron—''be gone!''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', before delivering the most awesome series of punches in the entire series.

"Optimus, it has truly been our darkest hour, but know this: from every indication your spark never ceased being that of an Autobot."
:—'''Ratchet'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
*When Megatron is telling Orion that he has much to learn, his sword is attached to his left arm, not his right.

===Continuity errors===
*As Optimus jumps through the Autobot GroundBridge, he is suddenly sporting Autobot insignias.

===Continuity notes===
*The scraplets seem a ''lot'' nastier in this episode, chewing so fast as to render a hulking robot limbless in a matter of seconds. This is ''not'' an error, as many factors could contribute, such as the scraplets' inability to find living metal on the barren Cybertron and the ancient state of the Insecticon.
*Optimus still has the broken sword from waaaaay back in "[[One Shall Fall]]". It would seem that the Decepticons neglected to repair it. Or rather, neglected to mention that he had weapons in the first place.
*The Insecticon is the first cybertronian in the Prime cartoon to have a Beast [[alternate mode]].

===Transformers references===
[[Image:OrionPax3 Vector Sigma in scraplet-vision.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
* Ratchet references ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' by referring to an event as "our darkest hour", as he did before in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".
* Bulkhead calls Megatron a "bucket head", a reference to [[Megatron (G1)|the original Megatron]].
* The Insecticon's insect mode resembles a large rhinoceros beetle, [[Bombshell (G1)|like]] [[Salvo|several]] [[Barrage (Insecticon)|other]] [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]].
* From the Scraplets' point-of-view, the sphere of Vector Sigma is seen in its faceted orb appearance common to many continuities.

===Real-world references===
*Bulkhead's line bemoaning the Scraplets on Cybertron is a paraphrase of the oft-referenced "Why did it have to be snakes?" line from ''Raiders of the Lost Ark''.

===Trivia===
*Look closely at the arena in Kaon: it's the same arena as seen in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]". Ironic that the entrance to Vector Sigma lay beneath Megatron's feet at that moment.
*When Jack coaxes the Scraplets into attacking the Insecticon, he calls it "the main course", echoing what Bulkhead said while using himself as bait in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
*The way Optimus catches Megatron's sword just after he regains his memory is the exact same as when Megatron catches Optimus' sword when he's trying to exterminate him in "[[One Shall Fall]]". It even makes the same thundering noise.
*Jack never picked up a souvenir for Raf, which Raf asked for in the previous episode.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Operation Bumblebee, Part 1

2012-03-17T03:09:50Z

165.132.50.185:

{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 30
|prev=Orion Pax, Part 3
|next=Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
|image=
|caption=
|title="Operation Bumblebee, Part 1"
|airdate=[[March 10]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Bumblebee questions his worthiness to his team after he is compromised.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] stake out a [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] mining operation overseen by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]. Optimus isn't about to let Megatron have whatever gave off the signal that led him and Ratchet here, and he confronts Megatron just as the Vehicons break earth and hand the package to him. Megatron advises Optimus to stow his weapons; the device they've unearthed is a deadly [[spark extractor]], capable of sapping the spark from the body of every Cybertronian in its radius. He takes the opportunity to gloat about how Optimus—ahem, ''Orion''—led him to it before stepping through the [[GroundBridge]], and ordering the Vehicons to hold Ratchet and Optimus off. Close by, [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] speeds over a cliff and through the attacking Vehicons, before driving into the GroundBridge. He transforms and grabs the package from Megatron's hand, before turning around and bolting. Megatron runs after him, but upon arriving outside the vortex, finds his troops destroyed and all three Autobots gone.

Back at base, Bumblebee brags about his vehicular acrobatics. Ratchet informs Optimus of the reason for the Autobot homing beacon on the device—it was sealed away in Iacon during the war, but was jettisoned offworld when the Decepticons raided the city. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] asks if Optimus remembers if he transcribed any other coordinates, but Optimus regrets that he does not. Ratchet posits that Megatron said he decrypted multiple targets to play havoc with Optimus' psyche.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron laments over the loss of the spark extractor, and regrets that he did no more than destroy Bumblebee's voicebox back on Cybertron. [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] reminds Megatron that there are still two contacts on Earth to investigate.

On the road, Bumblebee sounds off to [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to rendezvous with him at the coordinates of the new distress beacon. Upon arriving, however, the only device present is an upright beacon. Suddenly, Bumblebee is stunned by a large electrical blast, and he falls unconscious. [[Silas]] and a [[MECH]] team emerge from the shadows, including a [[MECH Surgeon]] who starts work on Bumblebee. Unseen by the troops below, Starscream arrives and transforms on an overlooking cliff. As MECH spots Bulkhead incoming, the surgeon finishes his work, and the team departs in a helicopter. Bulkhead arrives and asks Bumblebee who did it, but Bumblebee doesn't recall. Bulkhead advises pursuit, and transforms to roll—but Bumblebee doesn't. Antsy at the hold-up, Bulkhead asks Bumblebee why he's not transforming, and Bumblebee replies that he can't.

Back at base, Ratchet scans Bumblebee and discovers that his [[transformation cog|T-cog]] is missing. The Autobots quickly work out MECH is behind it, and Optimus tells Bumblebee he's going to have to rely on his friends for a while. Bumblebee is very depressed. Optimus is worried about what Megatron might unearth next.

MECH install Bumblebee's T-cog into the robot they've built, but when they power it up and have it scan a helicopter, the robot is unable to transform. Starscream, who has been spying on them, reveals himself and proposes an alliance. He explains the T-cog requires [[energon]] to work. He intends to supply MECH with information on energon so they can work out a way to find energon deposits.

Bumblebee is making a pain of himself bugging Ratchet, who asks [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] to keep him busy. Unfortunately all of their entertainment reminds Bumblebee of his missing vehicle mode. Raf makes another attempt to make Bumblebee feel better, but is undermined by Arcee and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] racing into the base at high speed. Ratchet has to stop Bumblebee from going out for a walk, but feels guilty at his inability to fix his fellow Autobot.

Some time later, Ratchet picks Raf up outside school, much to the boy's discomfort.

On monitoring duty, Bulkhead detects a signal, and Bumblebee insists on going with him to investigate.

Raf asks how Bumblebee's voice box was damaged, and Ratchet tells how Bumblebee was captured at [[Tyger Pax]] and given a working over by the Decepticons. Though a [[Ratchet (Prime)|field medic]] saved the scout, it wasn't enough to save his voice box.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee track the signal to a cave. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] soon comes barreling out, closely followed by [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]. While Bulkhead tackles the latter, Bumblebee attempts to chase Knock Out on foot. He soon finds he can't even transform his arms to deploy his guns, and is forced to continue the pursuit by using an old truck as an impromptu go-kart. Unfortunately it loses a wheel, and as Knock Out speeds off with the pilfered device, Bumblebee is sent flying off a cliff.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (9)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (17)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (18)
|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (6)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (12)
*[[Sierra]] (14)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (15)
*[[Vince]] (16)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"The new Urbana 500. It won't just rock your world. It will transform it."
:—The '''commercial narrator''' hates Bumblebee.

"You want to ride with the siren on?" 
"No, thank you."
:—'''Ratchet''' attempts to cheer up '''Raf'''.

"Still don't know how you talked me into this. You're worse than Miko."
:—'''Bulkhead''' on Bumblebee's persuasiveness.

"Bumblebee, where's your famous horsepower? Show me some ''speed''!"
:—'''Knock Out''', unintentionally striking a nerve.

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

*The producers apparently can't make a decision on Starscream's eyes. They are yet again completely red, unlike the [[Orion Pax, Part 3|previous episode]] he appeared in.

===Continuity notes===
*This marks the first mention of Megatron being responsible for destroying Bumblebee's capacity to speak at [[Tyger Pax]], having been established in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' for the Aligned continuity.
*Megatron calls Optimus by his pre-Prime name "Orion Pax" from the previous episodes. The three sets of coordinates the Decepticons are investigating here are likewise the fruits of [[Project Iacon]].
*We first heard about [[Project Chimera]] in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]", the events of which Starscream makes mention of. Here we finally see what the project is—an attempt to create a MECH-designed Transformer.
*The old pickup truck Bumblebee uses to chase Knock Out was first seen in "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]", and again in "[[Metal Attraction]]".
*MECH's attacks on Breakdown and Arcee are brought up, which happened in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and "[[Crisscross]]", respectively.
*Starscream compares facial scars with Silas, having gotten his from Arcee in "[[Partners]]".

===Transformers references===
*The ''device dú jour'' today is the spark extractor, courtesy of ancient Decepticons. However, unlike the [[spark extractor|original]], this one seems to be more of a bomb-like device, sapping the sparks of everyone in its radius. It might not be a coincidence that the device showed up in an episode written by [[Marty Isenberg]], given that he was one of the two showrunners of the [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|series]] it originated from.
*The T-cog is a reference to the [[transformation cog]] of G1 lore. It was first referred to in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]", in which the lack of a transformation cog meant that [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] was stuck in city mode.
*Ratchet also has to explain to Bumblebee that the Autobots are "Robots In Disguise", which is why he can't leave the base while his T-Cog is missing.
* The reason behind the loss of Bumblebee's voice is near identical to the explanation given for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|another Bumblebee]].

===Real-world references===
*Megatron uses the term "mutually assured destruction", a longtime slogan for the effect of nuclear war.
*Knock Out references Rent-A-Car, a real-world car rental service.

===Trivia===
*In a first for the series, Bumblebee's car mode is revealed as the [[Urbana 500]].
*This is the first time a fight has happened ''inside'' the GroundBridge. Seeing as it's quite long, changes in GroundBridge entry order and exit order may be explained.
*Bumblebee, Ratchet and Starscream's Cybertronian modes, again, have Earth vehicle kibble.
*The title is a nod to a Season 1 episode "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".
*It was revealed that several artifacts were jettisoned into space during the war, explaining why [[Energon Harvester|earlier]] [[polarity gauntlet|devices]] were found there.
*Bumblebee's door wings move with his emotions just like with Starscream.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]