MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

User talk:184.56.148.244

2010-11-24T03:11:48Z

184.56.148.244: /* Come on, I worked all day on that */

== Please stop ==

We organize the characters by order of appearance, split by faction. Your grouping of subgroups messes up the format. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:21, 20 November 2010 (EST)

== Come on, I worked all day on that ==

I think factions are more important, besides they still have numbers.
Thanks a lot.):
:Could we have discussed this before you changed everything in the first place? The featured characters box lists characters in order of appearance, with the characters split by faction. The number should increase as you go down each column. The order of appearance is the reason such a box exists. The community here is agreed on that. If you want to change it, it is up to you to convince us first. Also, "Dinobot", "Insecticon", etc. aren't factions. They are subgroups. I don't see how they are any more relevant than "Autobot Cars" would be. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:49, 20 November 2010 (EST)

::Yes, before spending a day on changing an established format to one you just made up, you should really discuss it to avoid people reverting your changes. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:52, 20 November 2010 (EST)

discuss with who, and isn't it free to everyone

User talk:184.56.148.244

2010-11-20T21:45:20Z

184.56.148.244: /* Please stop */

User talk:184.56.148.244

2010-11-20T21:44:50Z

184.56.148.244: /* Come on, I worked all day on that */ new section

== Please stop ==

We organize the characters by order of appearance, split by faction. Your grouping of subgroups messes up the format. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:21, 20 November 2010 (EST)

Could we have consulted this before you changed everything back.
All of the numbers were still there, and I think faction is more important that order.

== Come on, I worked all day on that ==

I think factions are more important, besides they still have numbers.
Thanks a lot.):

User talk:184.56.148.244

2010-11-20T21:42:11Z

184.56.148.244: /* Please stop */

== Please stop ==

We organize the characters by order of appearance, split by faction. Your grouping of subgroups messes up the format. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:21, 20 November 2010 (EST)

Could we have consulted this before you changed everything back.
All of the numbers were still there, and I think faction is more important that order.

Starscream's Brigade

2010-11-20T21:36:02Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Starscreams_brigade_5_letsgo.jpg
|caption=Surely, this will be his moment to shine...or not.
|series=G1toon
|ep=62
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=53
|prev2=Auto-Bop
|next2=The Revenge of Bruticus
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=19
|prev3=Triple Takeover
|next3=The Revenge of Bruticus
|title="Starscream's Brigade"
|written by=[[Michael Charles Hill]]
|production code=700-61
|airdate=[[January 7]], 1986
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After his latest attempt to overthrow Megatron's rule of the Decepticons, Starscream is banished from HQ, but this time, he hatches a plan...'''

:''Japanese title:'' スタースクリーム軍団 (''Starscream Gundan'', "Starscream's Brigade")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Starscreams großer Kampf'''" ("Starscreams big Fight")
:''Russian title:'' "'''Otryad Skandalista'''" (''Отряд Скандалиста'', "Starscream's Brigade")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Starscreamsbrigade1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be a little less shocked to be in this position by now.]]

In [[1943]], at the height of [[World War II]], [[human]]s waged war on one another on the island of [[Guadalcanal]] in the south Pacific. Their wrecked and useless vehicles lay there untouched through the decades, until the present time—[[1985]].

Within [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon headquarters]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] are having a spat over the fact Megatron favors [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Predictably, it ends with Starscream shooting Megatron in the back and proclaiming himself the new leader. Megatron recovers after a few seconds, knocking Starscream to the ground. The rest of the Decepticons refuse to obey Starscream's order to kill Megatron, so he attempts to flee, only to be shot down by Megatron. At the Decepticon leader's order, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] carries Starscream away and dumps him on Guadalcanal.

Humiliated and infuriated, Starscream stumbles upon the remnants of some old World War II vehicles, which inspire him to create an army of his own. He forces his way past [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], who are guarding the [[space bridge]], and travels to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. There he breaks into a [[Decepticon Detention Center]] and liberates the [[personality component]]s of five [[Renegade Decepticon]]s. Returning to Guadalcanal, he installs them into the wrecked vehicles, which transform into the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. The quarrelsome warriors are not happy with their new bodies and threaten simply to beat Starscream to a pulp, until he reveals that their new bodies do not contain [[energy absorber]]s, without which they cannot refuel: "No energy, no life." In exchange for the needed equipment, the Combaticons agree to obey Starscream's orders for the moment.

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It was a whirlwind romance.]]

[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] are making a public appearance at the unveiling of the [[Optimus Prime memorials|Optimus Prime Memorial]] when Starscream and the Combaticons attack. The two [[Autobot]]s are badly outnumbered. The statue is soon in ruins, and pair are abducted in [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]'s cargo bay. The Decepticons return to Guadalcanal, where Starscream celebrates triumphantly and the Combaticons squabble over who was responsible for the victory. He tells them to settle down and informs them that until they obtain five energy absorbers, no one is getting one.

[[Image:Starscreamsbrigade2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"We all lost weight on the Subway diet!"]]

At the Decepticon base, Shockwave informs Megatron that the Combaticons' personality components are missing. Assuming the Autobots are responsible, Megatron launches an attack on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. The Autobots, meanwhile, have learned of the attack on the memorial and the abduction of Jazz and Cliffjumper, and they have assumed Megatron is responsible. When the Decepticon forces attack, the Autobots are confused by Megatron's demand for the personality components, and Optimus Prime's demand to turn over Jazz and Cliffjumper causes Megatron to suspect Starscream. Before he can complete his thought, a hit from Optimus knocks him to the ground and, realising that he and his men are low on energy, he orders a retreat. The Autobots consult [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] again for the scoop on the personality components.

Starscream and the Combaticons attack the Decepticons while they're attempting to refuel. With the refueling incomplete, Megatron and his forces are compelled to retreat, allowing Starscream to capture Dirge and Ramjet as well. The energy absorber count is now four, and Starscream and his men retire to a power plant to recharge.

[[Image:Starscreams brigade 7 SSrideshoulder.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Aren't I supposed to have an evil ''and'' a good angel?"]]

Megatron, meanwhile, rallies his troops (except the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], who are "busy"), and moves against Starscream and his army. In the ensuing battle, Megatron pulls out his trump card: Devastator. Unfortunately for him, Starscream pulls out ''his'' trump card when he reveals that the Combaticons can likewise combine into a single titan: [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]! Bruticus makes short work of Devastator, laying out the combined [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The massive combiner then scoops up Megatron in one hand and forces him to acknowledge Starscream as the new Decepticon leader.

The Autobots use the battle's distraction to rescue Jazz and Cliffjumper; meanwhile, the late-arriving Stunticons look over the situation and decide that Starscream is too likely to continue his rampage. Merging into Menasor, they defeat the unsuspecting Bruticus with one massive punch.

From the resultant crater, Megatron emerges; grabbing Starscream by the throat, he decrees that Starscream and his army are banished from Earth. The usurpers are hauled away by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and left stranded on a distant asteroid in deep space... from which Starscream swears vengeance.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (18)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (24)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (25)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (27)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (38)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (39)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (40)
*[[Grapple]] (43)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (44)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (5)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (6)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (7)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (8)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (9)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]
**[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (12)
**[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (13)
**[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (14)
**[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (15)
**[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (16)
**[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (42)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (26)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (28)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (29)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (30)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (31)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (32)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (33)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (34)
**[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)
*[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
**[[Drag Strip]] (35)
**[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (36
**[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (37)
**[[Wildrider]] (45)
**[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (46)
**[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (47)

|c3=
*World War II soldiers (1)
*[[Marty Minkler]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"NOBODY TURNS HIS BACK ON ME!"
:—'''Starscream''', as Megatron turns his back on him.

"I have with me two members of the Autobot team: Jazz and Cliffjump." 
"That's 'Cliffjumper'."
:—'''Marty Minkler''' and '''Cliffjumper'''.

"I see incompetence breeds even more incompetence. HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Megatron''' to Starscream, after the latter fails in his attempt to destroy the Decepticon leader.

"Now, Megatron: who is the new Decepticon leader?" 
"Enough! Uhm...you are." 
"I can't hear you!" 
"You are!" 
"I am now the leader of all Decepticons!"
:—'''Megatron''' in the grip of Bruticus (literally), and '''Starscream'''.

'''Motormaster''': Megatron's in trouble. 
'''Dead End''': Who cares? 
'''Wildrider''': It looks like Starscream's defeated him. 
'''Dead End''': So? 
'''Motormaster''': So, you think Starscream's going to stop here? 
'''Dead End''': Good point. He never knows when to quit. 
'''Motormaster''': Stunticons, unite to form Menasor!
:—The Stunticons survey Starscream's victory.

"Bruticus?" 
"No, Starscream, ''not'' Bruticus. It's Megatron—your ''leader''!" 
"Megatron, don't, please!" 
"This time, it really is 'goodbye', Starscream! Astrotrain, get him and his giant ally off this planet! They are banished from Earth...forever!" 
"You'll regret that you did not destroy me, Megatron! I shall have my revenge!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' after the Decepticon leader survives Starscream's latest mutiny.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Soundwave eyes.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Maybe Megatron isn't the one Starscream should be worried about...]]
*During the first scene in Decepticon headquarters, right before and immediately after Starscream shoots Megatron in the back (about a minute and a half into the episode), Soundwave's visor is absent. He appears to have two separate, red optics instead, which, when compared to his usually emotionless expression, is actually kind of scary. In addition, his tape door has the wrong shape.
*Early in the episode, the animators can't seem to decide which way up to have Starscream's Decepticon [[insignia]].
*At several points in the episode, such as when Starscream approaches the Space Bridge, his eye colour changes from red to blue.
*Megatron's head seems a little small when he's chatting to Shockwave over the comm.
*When Megatron is attacking the Autobot headquarters, a black Thrust can be seen standing to his left. The camera cuts to Prime and then back to Megatron, who now has a properly decoed Thrust standing to his right.
*When Starscream says, "Don't think that it hasn't been fun," when he confronts Megatron, his wings are missing. Briefly afterwards, when Megatron says, "I see incompetence breeds even more incompetence!", Starscream's wings appear slightly bigger than they're supposed to be.
*When Megatron rallies the Decepticons before going after Starscream, Shockwave is seen among the group, even though he had been shown to be still on Cybertron. Dirge is also seen in the group, despite the fact that he's supposed to be a prisoner of the Combaticons at that point. (Maybe it's Thrust miscolored.)
*When Powerglide flies over the Decepticons, his plane mode is not only white, but a different model. Or, [[Bad Boy|could it be...?]]
*As usual, Devastator's transformation sequence is all kinds of screwy. This time, Hook transforms not only into his own portion of Devastator, but also most of Long Haul's and much of Bonecrusher and Scavenger's as well. A second later, Bonecrusher and Scavenger transform into their usual Devastator components—including the parts that Hook already formed!
* Devastator repeatedly switches between having separate eyes and his usual eyeband.
* Devastator's voice is missing its usual reverb.
* During their demolition derby the stunticons duck under the cars for a split second and then go back up and reverse.
* While confronting the Combaticons Starscream's mouth disappeared once.

===Continuity errors===
* Starscream maintains control of the Combaticons by not installing [[energy absorber]]s into them, thereby preventing them from re-energising, and a repeated point is made that they must capture five Transformers in order to take their energy absorbers for the Combaticons. Yet the Combaticons are somehow able to recharge after capturing only four Transformers.
* After the Autobots figure out what's happening with Starscream and Megatron, Optimus dramatically orders his troops to "Transform and [[roll out]]!" But it seems they forgot to figure out where they were going; they're never shown arriving anywhere! The next time we see the Autobots, Optimus and Powerglide are once again standing in front of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], and Optimus orders Powerglide to search for Starscream. Who says Prime doesn't learn from his mistakes?
* This episode was aired ''after'' "[[Aerial Assault]]", which also featured the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]].
* So Astrotrain, in his space shuttle mode, can transport Starscream and the Combaticons to an asteroid in deep space, but Blast Off, a space shuttle himself, can't fly them back to Earth?

===Continuity notes===
* Earth builds a [[Optimus Prime Memorial|memorial]] to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] before he's even dead...[[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous]].
* '''[[Triple Takeover|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron said so! Well, hard to argue with that, huh? '''[[The Revenge of Bruticus|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*Elements of World War II are shown in the episode with the abandoned military vehicles.

===Trivia===
* According to the Generation 1 [[production bible]], this episode was titled "30 Seconds over Megatron" before broadcast. [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage88.html]
* The WWII element of the Combaticons' origin is a strange choice, since none of their toys are actually WWII-era vehicles. The shooting script dictates specific, historically-accurate vehicles for each one, and then it describes them as their modern, toy-based forms, but no explanation or even description is given for the transition. It ended up being animated as part of their transformation to robot mode, and it remains a unique phenomenon.
* Number of times that somebody says "Jazz and Cliffjumper": 7
* The Japanese dub of the episode (poorly) super-imposes Japanese translations of the captions during the World War II recap, which shows the Combaticons' origins.
* Devastator got his tail kicked. Can you tell he's no longer a new toy, folks?
* Amazingly, a single shot from Optimus Prime's laser blaster square to Megatron's chest was somehow enough to disable the Decepticon leader's primary weapon. When Megatron attempts to return the favor by blasting Prime, his fusion cannon fires a refreshing gust of pink wind, which prompts him to stare down its barrel in disbelief. This could only have been more hilarious if a little flag with "BANG!" on it had popped out.
* The plot of this episode is reused in a simplified form in [[The Special Teams]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — The Action Adventure Collection ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Starscream's Brigade (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1993 — The Biggest Ever Saturday Morning Heroes (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 8 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Starscream's Brigade

2010-11-20T21:32:28Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Starscreams_brigade_5_letsgo.jpg
|caption=Surely, this will be his moment to shine...or not.
|series=G1toon
|ep=62
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=53
|prev2=Auto-Bop
|next2=The Revenge of Bruticus
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=19
|prev3=Triple Takeover
|next3=The Revenge of Bruticus
|title="Starscream's Brigade"
|written by=[[Michael Charles Hill]]
|production code=700-61
|airdate=[[January 7]], 1986
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After his latest attempt to overthrow Megatron's rule of the Decepticons, Starscream is banished from HQ, but this time, he hatches a plan...'''

:''Japanese title:'' スタースクリーム軍団 (''Starscream Gundan'', "Starscream's Brigade")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Starscreams großer Kampf'''" ("Starscreams big Fight")
:''Russian title:'' "'''Otryad Skandalista'''" (''Отряд Скандалиста'', "Starscream's Brigade")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Starscreamsbrigade1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be a little less shocked to be in this position by now.]]

In [[1943]], at the height of [[World War II]], [[human]]s waged war on one another on the island of [[Guadalcanal]] in the south Pacific. Their wrecked and useless vehicles lay there untouched through the decades, until the present time—[[1985]].

Within [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon headquarters]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] are having a spat over the fact Megatron favors [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Predictably, it ends with Starscream shooting Megatron in the back and proclaiming himself the new leader. Megatron recovers after a few seconds, knocking Starscream to the ground. The rest of the Decepticons refuse to obey Starscream's order to kill Megatron, so he attempts to flee, only to be shot down by Megatron. At the Decepticon leader's order, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] carries Starscream away and dumps him on Guadalcanal.

Humiliated and infuriated, Starscream stumbles upon the remnants of some old World War II vehicles, which inspire him to create an army of his own. He forces his way past [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], who are guarding the [[space bridge]], and travels to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. There he breaks into a [[Decepticon Detention Center]] and liberates the [[personality component]]s of five [[Renegade Decepticon]]s. Returning to Guadalcanal, he installs them into the wrecked vehicles, which transform into the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. The quarrelsome warriors are not happy with their new bodies and threaten simply to beat Starscream to a pulp, until he reveals that their new bodies do not contain [[energy absorber]]s, without which they cannot refuel: "No energy, no life." In exchange for the needed equipment, the Combaticons agree to obey Starscream's orders for the moment.

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It was a whirlwind romance.]]

[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] are making a public appearance at the unveiling of the [[Optimus Prime memorials|Optimus Prime Memorial]] when Starscream and the Combaticons attack. The two [[Autobot]]s are badly outnumbered. The statue is soon in ruins, and pair are abducted in [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]'s cargo bay. The Decepticons return to Guadalcanal, where Starscream celebrates triumphantly and the Combaticons squabble over who was responsible for the victory. He tells them to settle down and informs them that until they obtain five energy absorbers, no one is getting one.

[[Image:Starscreamsbrigade2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"We all lost weight on the Subway diet!"]]

At the Decepticon base, Shockwave informs Megatron that the Combaticons' personality components are missing. Assuming the Autobots are responsible, Megatron launches an attack on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. The Autobots, meanwhile, have learned of the attack on the memorial and the abduction of Jazz and Cliffjumper, and they have assumed Megatron is responsible. When the Decepticon forces attack, the Autobots are confused by Megatron's demand for the personality components, and Optimus Prime's demand to turn over Jazz and Cliffjumper causes Megatron to suspect Starscream. Before he can complete his thought, a hit from Optimus knocks him to the ground and, realising that he and his men are low on energy, he orders a retreat. The Autobots consult [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] again for the scoop on the personality components.

Starscream and the Combaticons attack the Decepticons while they're attempting to refuel. With the refueling incomplete, Megatron and his forces are compelled to retreat, allowing Starscream to capture Dirge and Ramjet as well. The energy absorber count is now four, and Starscream and his men retire to a power plant to recharge.

[[Image:Starscreams brigade 7 SSrideshoulder.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Aren't I supposed to have an evil ''and'' a good angel?"]]

Megatron, meanwhile, rallies his troops (except the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], who are "busy"), and moves against Starscream and his army. In the ensuing battle, Megatron pulls out his trump card: Devastator. Unfortunately for him, Starscream pulls out ''his'' trump card when he reveals that the Combaticons can likewise combine into a single titan: [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]! Bruticus makes short work of Devastator, laying out the combined [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The massive combiner then scoops up Megatron in one hand and forces him to acknowledge Starscream as the new Decepticon leader.

The Autobots use the battle's distraction to rescue Jazz and Cliffjumper; meanwhile, the late-arriving Stunticons look over the situation and decide that Starscream is too likely to continue his rampage. Merging into Menasor, they defeat the unsuspecting Bruticus with one massive punch.

From the resultant crater, Megatron emerges; grabbing Starscream by the throat, he decrees that Starscream and his army are banished from Earth. The usurpers are hauled away by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and left stranded on a distant asteroid in deep space... from which Starscream swears vengeance.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (18)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (24)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (25)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (27)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (38)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (39)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (40)
*[[Grapple]] (43)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (44)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (5)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (6)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (7)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (8)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (9)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]
**[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (12)
**[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (13)
**[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (14)
**[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (15)
**[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (16)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (26)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (28)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (29)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (30)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (31)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (32)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (33)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (34)
*[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
**[[Drag Strip]] (35)
**[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (36
**[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (37)
**[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)
**[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (42)
*[[Wildrider]] (45)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (46)
*[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (47)

|c3=
*World War II soldiers (1)
*[[Marty Minkler]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"NOBODY TURNS HIS BACK ON ME!"
:—'''Starscream''', as Megatron turns his back on him.

"I have with me two members of the Autobot team: Jazz and Cliffjump." 
"That's 'Cliffjumper'."
:—'''Marty Minkler''' and '''Cliffjumper'''.

"I see incompetence breeds even more incompetence. HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Megatron''' to Starscream, after the latter fails in his attempt to destroy the Decepticon leader.

"Now, Megatron: who is the new Decepticon leader?" 
"Enough! Uhm...you are." 
"I can't hear you!" 
"You are!" 
"I am now the leader of all Decepticons!"
:—'''Megatron''' in the grip of Bruticus (literally), and '''Starscream'''.

'''Motormaster''': Megatron's in trouble. 
'''Dead End''': Who cares? 
'''Wildrider''': It looks like Starscream's defeated him. 
'''Dead End''': So? 
'''Motormaster''': So, you think Starscream's going to stop here? 
'''Dead End''': Good point. He never knows when to quit. 
'''Motormaster''': Stunticons, unite to form Menasor!
:—The Stunticons survey Starscream's victory.

"Bruticus?" 
"No, Starscream, ''not'' Bruticus. It's Megatron—your ''leader''!" 
"Megatron, don't, please!" 
"This time, it really is 'goodbye', Starscream! Astrotrain, get him and his giant ally off this planet! They are banished from Earth...forever!" 
"You'll regret that you did not destroy me, Megatron! I shall have my revenge!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' after the Decepticon leader survives Starscream's latest mutiny.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Soundwave eyes.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Maybe Megatron isn't the one Starscream should be worried about...]]
*During the first scene in Decepticon headquarters, right before and immediately after Starscream shoots Megatron in the back (about a minute and a half into the episode), Soundwave's visor is absent. He appears to have two separate, red optics instead, which, when compared to his usually emotionless expression, is actually kind of scary. In addition, his tape door has the wrong shape.
*Early in the episode, the animators can't seem to decide which way up to have Starscream's Decepticon [[insignia]].
*At several points in the episode, such as when Starscream approaches the Space Bridge, his eye colour changes from red to blue.
*Megatron's head seems a little small when he's chatting to Shockwave over the comm.
*When Megatron is attacking the Autobot headquarters, a black Thrust can be seen standing to his left. The camera cuts to Prime and then back to Megatron, who now has a properly decoed Thrust standing to his right.
*When Starscream says, "Don't think that it hasn't been fun," when he confronts Megatron, his wings are missing. Briefly afterwards, when Megatron says, "I see incompetence breeds even more incompetence!", Starscream's wings appear slightly bigger than they're supposed to be.
*When Megatron rallies the Decepticons before going after Starscream, Shockwave is seen among the group, even though he had been shown to be still on Cybertron. Dirge is also seen in the group, despite the fact that he's supposed to be a prisoner of the Combaticons at that point. (Maybe it's Thrust miscolored.)
*When Powerglide flies over the Decepticons, his plane mode is not only white, but a different model. Or, [[Bad Boy|could it be...?]]
*As usual, Devastator's transformation sequence is all kinds of screwy. This time, Hook transforms not only into his own portion of Devastator, but also most of Long Haul's and much of Bonecrusher and Scavenger's as well. A second later, Bonecrusher and Scavenger transform into their usual Devastator components—including the parts that Hook already formed!
* Devastator repeatedly switches between having separate eyes and his usual eyeband.
* Devastator's voice is missing its usual reverb.
* During their demolition derby the stunticons duck under the cars for a split second and then go back up and reverse.
* While confronting the Combaticons Starscream's mouth disappeared once.

===Continuity errors===
* Starscream maintains control of the Combaticons by not installing [[energy absorber]]s into them, thereby preventing them from re-energising, and a repeated point is made that they must capture five Transformers in order to take their energy absorbers for the Combaticons. Yet the Combaticons are somehow able to recharge after capturing only four Transformers.
* After the Autobots figure out what's happening with Starscream and Megatron, Optimus dramatically orders his troops to "Transform and [[roll out]]!" But it seems they forgot to figure out where they were going; they're never shown arriving anywhere! The next time we see the Autobots, Optimus and Powerglide are once again standing in front of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], and Optimus orders Powerglide to search for Starscream. Who says Prime doesn't learn from his mistakes?
* This episode was aired ''after'' "[[Aerial Assault]]", which also featured the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]].
* So Astrotrain, in his space shuttle mode, can transport Starscream and the Combaticons to an asteroid in deep space, but Blast Off, a space shuttle himself, can't fly them back to Earth?

===Continuity notes===
* Earth builds a [[Optimus Prime Memorial|memorial]] to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] before he's even dead...[[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous]].
* '''[[Triple Takeover|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron said so! Well, hard to argue with that, huh? '''[[The Revenge of Bruticus|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*Elements of World War II are shown in the episode with the abandoned military vehicles.

===Trivia===
* According to the Generation 1 [[production bible]], this episode was titled "30 Seconds over Megatron" before broadcast. [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage88.html]
* The WWII element of the Combaticons' origin is a strange choice, since none of their toys are actually WWII-era vehicles. The shooting script dictates specific, historically-accurate vehicles for each one, and then it describes them as their modern, toy-based forms, but no explanation or even description is given for the transition. It ended up being animated as part of their transformation to robot mode, and it remains a unique phenomenon.
* Number of times that somebody says "Jazz and Cliffjumper": 7
* The Japanese dub of the episode (poorly) super-imposes Japanese translations of the captions during the World War II recap, which shows the Combaticons' origins.
* Devastator got his tail kicked. Can you tell he's no longer a new toy, folks?
* Amazingly, a single shot from Optimus Prime's laser blaster square to Megatron's chest was somehow enough to disable the Decepticon leader's primary weapon. When Megatron attempts to return the favor by blasting Prime, his fusion cannon fires a refreshing gust of pink wind, which prompts him to stare down its barrel in disbelief. This could only have been more hilarious if a little flag with "BANG!" on it had popped out.
* The plot of this episode is reused in a simplified form in [[The Special Teams]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — The Action Adventure Collection ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Starscream's Brigade (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1993 — The Biggest Ever Saturday Morning Heroes (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 8 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Cosmic Rust (episode)

2010-11-20T21:27:24Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the episode in which Cosmic Rust appears|the titular term of the episode|Cosmic Rust (disease)}}
{{episode
|image=Rusted megatron.jpg
|caption=Don't ask, dude... Don't ask.
|series=G1toon
|ep=61
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=48
|prev2=Trans-Europe Express
|next2=The Core
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=46
|prev3=Aerial Assault
|next3=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|title="Cosmic Rust"
|written by=[[Paul Davids]]
|production code=700-60
|airdate=[[December 26]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After finding a new weapon, Megatron becomes infected with a strange disease... one he intends to use against the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 恐怖のコスミックルスト! (''Kyōfu no Cosmic Rust!'', "The Terrifying Cosmic Rust!")
:''Russian title:'' '''Cosmicheskaya rzhavchina''' (''Космическая ржавчина'', "Cosmic Rust")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Cosmic Rust Megatron infected.JPG|left|150px|thumb|WhY mY sHoUlDeRs hURt?]]

While flying through space in [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] discover a planet with the Autobot [[Insignia|symbol]] visible from orbit. Heading to investigate, they find a deserted city and a pillar inscribed with [[Cybertronian languages|Ancient Autobot]]. Activating a recorded message, they are warned to leave, or never return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]... all in rhyme. Disregarding the warnings, the [[Decepticon]]s discover a [[Lightning Bug]]. While attempting to move it, they set it off, causing the ceiling above them to be destroyed. Megatron is pleased—the Autobots have created a weapon that will allow him to destroy them. While leaving the planet, an asteroid follows Astrotrain (look, just go with the flow) and Megatron destroys it. Bad idea, as the debris penetrates Astrotrain, with one piece hitting Megatron in the shoulder. Heading for their [[Victory (G1)|base]], Starscream removes the rock, only to discover that Megatron's shoulder is covered in ruuusttt.

In [[New York City]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] is being awarded for his creation of [[corrostop]], a new solution which prevents rust and corrosion. The Autobots plan to spray all the world's monuments with it, but for the moment, they only have enough to spray the [[Statue of Liberty]]. Meanwhile, Megatron's health is deteriorating rapidly, and he orders the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to bring him Perceptor. Heading for Liberty Island, the Decepticons capture Perceptor and load him into [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] in pursuit. The Autobot jets follow the kidnappers all the way to the Decepticon base, but the [[Conehead]]s use the Lightning Bug to drive them off.

Taken within their base, Perceptor is horrified to discover that Megatron is covered in rust. The Decepticon leader offers Perceptor a chance to end the [[Great War (G1)|war]] in exchange for curing him. As Perceptor analyzes the Decepticon, he discovers that Megatron is infected with a metallic plague and that the lightning bug is exacerbating the condition. Perceptor offers Megatron corrostop, which manages to wash the rust away. Megatron declares that the Decepticons are about to be cured.

[[Image:Kentucky fried aerialbot.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Kentucky Fried Aerialbot.]]

At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Aerialbots are explaining what happened to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], when Megatron contacts the Autobot leader. Megatron says that Prime has until noon to reach Perceptor, or sunlight focused through his lens will ignite the fuse on a bomb and blow him to pieces. Despite knowing it's a trap, Prime takes all the Autobots with him to rescue Perceptor. As the Autobots arrive, Perceptor warns them to keep away, but Prime pulls Perceptor away once the bomb ignites and explodes, only for Perceptor to reveal that he is infected with [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]].

[[Image:Cosmic Rust Perceptor kick.JPG|left|150px|thumb|Fonzie would be proud.]]

Returning to the base, the Autobots query [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], who tells them of the fate of [[Antilla]], the world the Decepticons visited. Then, the Autobots notice that they're infected with Cosmic Rust as well. Worse, Megatron is using the Lightning Bug to make the plague spread. Their only hope is corrostop, but [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] have discovered that [[Ingredient X]], an important ingredient for making corrostop, is gone. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] suspects that they can use the matter duplicator to make more, if he and Perceptor can fix it. Meanwhile, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] does his best to stem the tide, but they're fading fast. Megatron is watching via [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], loving every minute of it, only to learn that the matter duplicator now works, thanks to <s>kicking</s> a unique solution provided by Perceptor. All they need is some corrostop from the Statue of Liberty to replicate.

[[Image:Cosmic Rust Autobots Statue of Liberty.JPG|right|150px|thumb|"You maniacs! You blew it up!"]]

Heading to the Statue of Liberty, Megatron orders the Stunticons to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and use the Lightning Bug to destroy the statue. However, the Autobots are already there, and the Aerialbots form [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. The Autobot [[combiner]] is able to defeat [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and destroy the Lightning Bug. Megatron, out of ideas, orders a retreat. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] is quite pleased: they not only saved themselves, but also Lady Liberty.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* Ancient rhyming Autobot (5)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (7)
* [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (11)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (13)
** [[Slingshot]] (14)
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (15)
** [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (50)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (20)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (21)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (23)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (34)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (35)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (36)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (37)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (38)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (39)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (40)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (41)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (42)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (43)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (44)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (45)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (46)

|c2=
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (1)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (2)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (25)
** [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (26)
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (27)
** [[Wildrider]] (29)
** [[Drag Strip]] (30)
** [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (49)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (31)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (32)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (33)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (47)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (48)

|c3=
* [[National Scientific Achievement]] meeting emcee (6)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
* [[Carly]] (9)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (10)
* Female television reporter (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"Starscream! Keep your grubby fingers off that. It could be a booby trap!" 
"What trap? This is a prehistoric communication device, you uneducated dolt!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''', doing what they do best.

"Where there's a curse on the door, there's treasure on the other side."
:—'''Starscream''', who has never seen an Indiana Jones movie.

"If that's a lightning bug, I'd sure hate to meet up with a dragonfly."
:—'''Astrotrain''' hates big bugs (nearly his size) and he cannot lie.

"Unfortunately, the operation is successful."
:—'''Starscream''' bemoans removing an infected meteor fragment from Megatron.

"It's some weird kind of heat ray—and it ''works''!"
:—'''Air Raid''' expresses not-unjustified amazement at the efficiency of the Decepticons' weapon-of-the-day.

"Somebody's gotta get us back to Cybertron, Prime. I never thought the end would come like this."
:—'''Bumblebee''', dying from Cosmic Rust and apparently wanting to destroy his home planet.

"The Cosmic Rust has infiltrated your logic circuits." 
"Maybe so, but I'll bet it hasn't affected my aim."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* In the shot that pans over the Autobots spraying down the Statue of Liberty, Gears is colored in Rumble's blue and purple.
* Apparently, Blitzwing is large enough in [[Alternate mode|flight mode]] to carry the Stunticons and Perceptor.
* When Megatron's left arm falls to pieces from the rust infection, his fusion cannon is attached to his upper arm instead of its usual place on his forearm.
* After arriving at Fox Creek Canyon to rescue Perceptor, Optimus transforms to robot mode, but he has ''no feet''!
* More of a sound editing mistake: when Menasor is attacked by the firepower of the Aerialbots at the Statue of Liberty, parts of Astrotrain's voice (going back to when he is badly damaged by the asteroids en route to Earth with the heat ray) are used instead of Menasor's normal speech.

===Continuity errors===
* Astrotrain, who got damaged a lot more by the infectious meteor than Megatron, is never shown to be infected. Starscream should likewise be infected, having pulled out the asteroid fragment from Megatron, but again this is never shown. Megatron's statement that "Decepticons—'''we''' are about to be cured!" implies that he's not the only victim, though the story focus in general implies that he is.
* Couldn't Prime have moved the explosives away from the infected and very contagious Perceptor, rather than vice versa? Though the Cosmic Rust seems capable of spreading through the air, Prime could at least ''try'' not to get infected.
* According to Teletraan I, the "Lost Legion" of Autobots had already colonized Antilla ''at [[MSTF|the dawn of time]]''. That's a pretty ambitious timetable!
* Apparently, the Decepticons' entire hope of victory relied on Menasor being able to destroy the Statue of Liberty with the Lightning Bug, and not Menasor's own tendency to smash everything he looks at.
* Perceptor didn't keep a ''single drop'' of corrostop? Not even a laboratory sample? Not even inside the tanks of the spray hoses used to coat the Statue of Liberty?
* Despite its seemingly great potential for all sorts of useful purposes (or mischief, as the Decepticons are well aware of its existence), the Matter Duplicator is never seen again.
* In this episode, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] is able to determine for certain that there is no more [[Ingredient X]] in the universe. Yet throughout seasons 2 and 3, it is determined that the Transformers are unable to tell whether and where other rare and important chemicals exist, [[The Golden Lagoon|even when they are on earth]], and that they are constantly discovering [[Paradron|new planets]] which they had [[Quintessa|never]] [[Junk|seen]] [[Unicron|before]].

===Real-world references===
* Teletraan I calls the fallen Autobot civilization the "13th Legion—the Lost Legion". This could be a reference to [[Wikipedia:Ten Lost Tribes|the Lost Tribe of Israel]], which was also the 13th Tribe.
* Writer Paul Davids mentioned that the idea of a plague spreading amongst the Transformers was inspired in part by the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

===Trivia===
* This episode was originally going to be the Generation 1 cartoon's first attempt to introduce the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] into its continuity, ''before'' ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''! In the finished episode, Starscream merely laments that none of the Decepticons can read "[[Cybertronian_languages|Ancient Autobot]]". In the script, however, Megatron ''can'' read the language, and translates it, discovering that the Thirteenth Legion came to Antilla during "the first millennium after the creation of the Autobot Matrix". Starscream dates this to five hundred thousand years before they left for Earth (which is to say, 4.5 million years ago). This, of course, would conflict greatly with what we would go on to learn of the Matrix when it was properly introduced, and, indeed, is not even internally consistent with the rest of the script itself, which claims (pretty stupidly) that the legion has been on Antilla since the "dawn of time".
* Megatron coughs while infected with Cosmic Rust, despite [[Humanization|not having lungs]].
* One wonders if the reason that the Decepticons haven't yet won the war is that Megatron himself is an enormous pansy. One little chunk of asteroid embedded in his shoulder has him throwing a fit about how terribly wounded he is. Not to mention when his Lightning Bug gets ruined, he orders a retreat despite the Autobots currently being weakened by Cosmic Rust.
* For some reason, Megatron would rather trust Starscream to give him medical attention than, say, ''[[Hook (G1)|anyone]] [[Bombshell (G1)|else]] [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|on]] [[Constructicon (G1)|base]]''.
* Blitzwing is used as a means to transport Decepticons in a way that Astrotrain is usually used. He even mass shifts to become large enough to fit lots of Decepticons the way that Astrotrain does. It does make sense to use Blitzwing since Astrotrain is injured and so this is not an animation mistake, Blitzwing was meant to be used this way.
* Fox Creek Canyon said to be "just three miles from [Autobot] headquarters". The real Fox Creek Canyon is in Idaho near the Wyoming border. This would seem to contradict the Autobot HQ being in Oregon or at Mt. St. Helens. Or maybe Megatron lied about the distance.
* A UK VHS video release (paired with the episode "[[Masquerade]]") mis-spelled the title as "Comic Rust". Comic indeed.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Cosmic Rust / Masquerade ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — Headmasters / The Return of Optimus Prime / Cosmic Rust (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Trans-Europe Express

2010-11-20T21:23:09Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=TransEuropeExpress riding Wildrider.jpg
|caption=Wir fahr'n fahr'n fahr'n auf der Stunticon
|series=G1toon
|ep=60
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=47
|prev2=Aerial Assault
|next2=Cosmic Rust (episode)
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=51
|prev3=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next3=City of Steel
|title="Trans-Europe Express"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-59
|airdate=[[December 23]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In a plot to obtain a Cybertronian weather-controlling device, the Decepticons stage a fake race across Europe.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ヨーロッパ横断特急 (''Yōroppa Ōdan Tokkyū'', "Trans-Europe Express")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Trans-Europe Express race begins.JPG|left|200px|thumb|This has got to be the widest track ever.]]

[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is looking for the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]], and goes on a rampage through [[Istanbul]] to find the one person who knows where it is. After interrogating the sage [[Abdul Ben Faisal]], whom Megatron finds in Istanbul, and kidnapping archeologist [[Professor Teranova|Professor Terranova]], Megatron finally zeros in on the location in the Galata Valley and has the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] digging to retrieve it.

Meanwhile, the [[Europa 2000]] is underway, and among the drivers in the race are the [[Autobot]]s: [[Bluestreak]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. They are hoping to win the million dollar grand prize to give to charity. Also in the competition is [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]], America's top driver, whose car is a custom design from [[Symultech Industries]]. The engine is made of a new energy-resistant alloy, and the Autobots have been instructed to keep an eye on Auggie, as his car may be a target for the [[Decepticon]]s. This is easier said than done, as Auggie's personality and driving style are both a bit uncouth, and it's not long before he's rubbing everyone the wrong way. At one point, Bumblebee literally has to yank him out of his car to criticize his behavior.

[[Image:Trans-Europe Express Bumblebee road rage.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Some say that he is roughed up by giant robots three times before breakfast.]]

Aware of their proximity to the finish line, Megatron sends the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to take out the Autobots and steal Auggie's car. [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and his group successfully put everyone but Bluestreak, Bumblebee, and Tracks out of commission and make off with the vehicle. While trying to evade the Stunticons, Bluestreak stumbles across Professor Terranova, who snuck away from the Decepticon camp and now explains to him what Megatron is up to. The Pearl of Bahoudin is a powerful jewel that can cause "worldwide disaster". The three remaining Autobots regroup along with Auggie, who insists on going with them to get his car back. They speed through the finish line, winning the race, and keep going to the Decepticon camp.

[[Image:TransEuropeExpress Bumblebee snatching pearl.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Bumblebee! Hump that arm!"]]

Tracks, Bumblebee, and Bluestreak locate the Decepticons as Megatron finds the Pearl of Bahoudin. Megatron reveals to the Autobots that the content of the Pearl is, in fact, the power core of a weather satellite from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] that crashed on Earth millions of years ago. Unearthed and exposed to the atmosphere in the 14th century, its power caused terrible storms that threatened to destroy the land until a Persian seer encased it in a golden, bejeweled shell. Using the parts from Auggie's car, Megatron plans to build a device that will utilize the jewel's power to control the elements and rain destruction down on anyone who stands in his way.

[[Image:BumblebeePearl.JPG|right|200px|thumb|By the power of Greyskull!]]

The Autobots are attacked, though Bumblebee snatches the Pearl from Megatron. Seeing that they are outnumbered and outgunned, Bumblebee opens the Pearl, releasing its power and causing a massive twister that scatters everyone. The Pearl core itself is sucked up and lost in the storm. Megatron orders a retreat, saying that they can watch from the safety of their home base while the Earth is destroyed from the core's power. They leave behind [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], who proves to be more than a match for the three smaller Autobots. Auggie jumps in his car and takes off, seemingly to run away, but really to drive his car off a nearby cliff and into Menasor's head, delivering a crippling blow and knocking out the giant. Bumblebee has himself sucked up into the twister so that he can catch up with the Pearl. He finally scores a successful shot and destroys the jewel.

After things calm down, the Autobots conclude that Megatron must have set up the race from the beginning to snag Auggie's car, meaning that there's no prize money for anyone. Auggie remarks that he should take the gold casing of the jewel as payment for his destroyed car, but instead gives it to the Autobots to sell for charity.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (8)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (9)
* [[Bluestreak]] (10)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (11)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (12)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (15)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (16)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (2)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (6)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
** [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (18)
** [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (19)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (20)
** [[Drag Strip]] (21)
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (22)
** [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (23)
** [[Wildrider]] (24)
** [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (26)

|c3=
* Turk No.1 (3)
* Turk No.2 (4)
* [[Abdul Ben Faisal]] (5)
* Announcer (7)
* [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]] (13)
* Race official (14)
* [[Professor Teranova|Professor Terranova]] (17)
* Race commentator (25)
}}

==Quotes==
''[Megatron and Soundwave smash their way into the sage's home]'' 
'''Abdul Ben Faisal''': So, you've come at last. 
'''Megatron''': You have five seconds to tell me the location of— 
'''Abdul Ben Faisal''': The Pearl of Bahoudin? I know. 
'''Megatron''': If you know so much, then you know it would be unwise to refuse me. 
'''Abdul Ben Faisal''': You have caused enough damage in Istanbul for one day. The legends say the Pearl is buried in the [[Galata Valley]], near the [[Alibey River]]. 
'''Megatron''': You have been wise to oblige me. 
'''Abdul Ben Faisal''': Perhaps. But...once you have dug up the Pearl, you may not find it so easy to put back...
:—Warning [[Masquerade|duly noted, Abdul. And IGNORED.]]

"There's only one charity I care about: ME! I want that million bucks!"
:—'''Auggie Cahnay''', born to win

''[Bumblebee yanks Auggie right out of his fancy car and holds him aloft.]'' 
'''Bumblebee''': Listen, you! Didn't anybody ever tell you about fair play? 
'''Auggie Cahnay''': "I'm gonna win that million bucks! 
'''Bluestreak''': Keep driving like that, and you won't live long enough to win it. Not that that would be any great tragedy, but some decent people might get hurt! 
''[Bumblebee drops Auggie onto the ground.]'' 
'''Auggie Cahnay''': I got a race to win! 
''[Auggie jumps into his car and drives off.]'' 
'''Bumblebee''': What a creep.
:—Bumblebee and Bluestreak totally road-rage the asshole Auggie Cahnay.

"So help me, if one more of those metal maniacs gets in my way..." ''[Motormaster blocks Auggie's way, and Dead End pulls the human out of his car.]'' "That does it, and I'm not takin' it anymore!" 
"That's right, 'cause ''we're'' taking your car."
:—'''Auggie Cahnay''' is car-jacked by '''Dead End'''.

==Notes==
* This episode has the final appearances of Bluestreak, Smokescreen and Sunstreaker with spoken dialogue. From here on, all of their appearances are as silent cameos.

===Animation or technical glitches===
* Near the beginning of the episode, when Tracks reacts to Auggie Cahnay's objection, he is coloured vaguely like Menasor.
* When Wheeljack scans Auggie's car, the engine is located in the back. However, when the Decepticons try to remove the engine, all the work is being done in the car's front.
* As Bumblebee catches up to Wheeljack and the camera angle changes to an overhead shot, the crookedly drawn background of the road continually edges close to Wheeljack, then pulls back as the animation loops, creating the impression that the image is jerking back and forth.
* After running Bumblebee off the road, Auggie can be seen driving through a pack of cars that has the sheer cliff face on the right side of the screen, despite having just driven on a road that had the cliff edge on the left side. Additionally, Wildrider is visible in the pack of human-driven cars.
* The reversed cel and background problems continue as Auggie pulls away from the rest of the drivers, but are fixed as Bumblebee and Bluestreak catch up to Auggie.

[[Image:Europa 2000.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not to Scale.]]

* The map of Europe is, erm, very inaccurate.
* Reversed cel problems continue during Wheeljack and Motormaster's chase scene. When Wheeljack initially appears on the location, the Black Sea is on the left side of the screen as he drives up the road, but as the chase progresses, the sea is now on the right side of the screen, as if they had turned around during the chase or were driving on the opposite coastline.
* After Drag Strip pushes Auggie's car into Motormaster's trailer, as the trailer door closes, Drag Strip's Decepticon sigil turns into a purple blob.
* When Scavenger picks up the Pearl's energy readings, Megatron's Decepticon sigil is coloured red.
* When Bluestreak picks up Auggie from the side of the road, Professor Terranova is not present inside the Autobot. Yet when the Autobots arrive at the site of the Pearl's excavation, Terranova can be seen exiting Bluestreak along with Auggie.
* As Bluestreak jumps to avoid Breakdown, his chest is almost entirely black. Breakdown's Decepticon sigil is coloured red.
* When Breakdown hits the cliff after missing Bluestreak, despite an explosion being animated, no sound is heard.
* Tracks' onscreen display of the Stunticons labels them "Deadend", "Break Down", "Drag Strip", and "Wird Rider". Points for trying.
* Megatron's mouth doesn't move when Bumblebee grabs the Pearl right out of his hand. Of course, he doesn't try to stop Bumblebee from grabbing the Pearl, either.
* As Megatron and the other Decepticons chase after Bumblebee, Megatron's feet are coloured grey like the front of his legs.
* When Menasor initially combines and faces the Autobots, Prowl's animation model is used for Bluestreak. This continues to occur randomly throughout the battle against Menasor.
* After Menasor smashes the ground to stop Bumblebee from escaping with the Pearl, a large crack forms in the earth, yet it vanishes when Bumblebee reacts to the Pearl rolling away.
* When the Autobots react to Auggie's apparent escape, Bluestreak is animated while Tracks's voice is heard.
* When Auggie jumps from his car, he is not wearing his helmet, but it reappears after Menasor is defeated.

===Continuity errors===
* Auggie Cahnay is reputed to be the best driver in the US, and the implication is he's also one of the best drivers in the race, yet twice in the episode, he is seen having to barge his way through the pack from behind.
* Smokescreen and Tracks are able to recognise the Stunticons instantly for who they are, yet earlier, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker could not tell until Dead End transformed and fired on them.
* Despite Megatron claiming the Pearl of Bahoudin is the core of a Cybertronian weather-controlling machine, the flashback footage during his exposition shows a Decepticon starship similar to his own flagship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Somehow, Megatron knows much of the human history and legend surrounding the Pearl, yet still needs to speak to Abdul Ben Faisal to know where it is hidden.
* When Bumblebee falls over from Menasor's earthquake-like attack while carrying the Pearl, he can be seen tossing Professor Terranova, who lands ahead of the large crack in the earth. However, Terranova is not seen again for the rest of the episode.
* The tornado that the Pearl and Bumblebee are sucked into is blowing over the Galata Valley while it is active, but when Bumblebee destroys the Pearl, it is suddenly over a huge forest, where he is eventually found in a tree.

===Real-world references===
* According to writer [[David Wise]],<ref>http://therealmtoys.com/wordpressorg/5708/vintage-interview-david-wise/</ref> the title of this episode was directly taken from a [[wikipedia:Kraftwerk|Kraftwerk]] album of the same name.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Trans-Europe Express Bumblebee road rage.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Lesson of the day: Never call Bumblebee short.]]
* Bumblebee totally loses his cool and assaults Auggie Cahnay when the latter cuts him off during an early part of the race. Road rage!
* Auggie Cahnay's car has automatic transmission, which is unusual in a race car.
* Symultech Industries, the company that custom-built Auggie's car, would later be mentioned in [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s ''[[Binaltech]]'' story. According to Dead End's system description, Symultech was responsible for building the body that was originally intended for Sunstreaker, but ended up getting hijacked by the Decepticons to create ''Binaltech'' Dead End.
* Auggie Cahnay is mentioned in the American dub of the ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' episode "[[Skid Z's Choice]]". There, he is stated as having been deceased, and [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] is seemingly possessed by his spirit. Likewise, that episode features a race called the [[Europa 400]], supposedly named after the [[Europa 2000]] from this episode.
* This episode is one of three prior to the 1986 movie in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] does not appear.
*David Wise, infamous for recycling ideas from old stories for his later work (but in an awesome way), reused the weather-control device climax of this episode for his ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' story, "Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension-X".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

War Dawn (episode)

2010-11-20T21:20:38Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=WarDawn title.jpg
|caption=''Masterpiece'' Megatron and ''Smallest'' Optimus Prime face off.
|series=G1toon
|ep=59
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=60
|prev2=B.O.T. (episode)
|next2=Masquerade
|title="War Dawn"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-58
|airdate=[[December 25]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Trapped in Cybertron's past, the Aerialbots learn the truth about Megatron and the rise of Optimus Prime.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ひきおこされた戦争 (''Hikiokosa re ta Sensō'', "Caused War")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:WarDawn Silverboltairways.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Do yourself a favor; don't fly coach on Autobot Airways.]]

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] are racing through the skies with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] in hot pursuit. They have kidnapped human dignitaries for unknown, but certainly nefarious, purposes. The Aerialbots are debating amongst themselves in pretty stark terms if humans are worth saving. After they outmaneuver the Decepticons, Starscream dumps the hostages in mid-air. He and the others escape as the Aerialbots break off to save the humans.

Back at Autobot headquarters, the Aerialbots talk amongst themselves about their admiration of the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], to the ire of the other Autobots. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] breaks in before the argument gets out of hand and alerts [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] to strange energy readings emanating from Cybertron. They board [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and head into the stratosphere to investigate.

Under the ocean, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] gripes about the Aerialbots and losing air supremacy. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] reports in that the Autobots have left earth, and Megatron goes after them across the [[space bridge]]. On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Megatron explains that he has a time machine called a [[Kronosphere]] that he planned on using to steal energy from the past. Now, he wants to set a trap for the Aerialbots and send them back into the past.

[[Image:Slingshot war dawn 1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As tradition dictates, Slingshot and Starscream greet one another by pulling each other's finger.]]

The Autobots arrive on a dark and dingy Cybertron, and are attacked by Starscream and the others. [[Slingshot]] tries to get the Decepticons to stop attacking and talk to them. Starscream and the others drop down for a chat while [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] frets. After gaining their trust, Screamer leads them right onto Megatron's Kronosphere. Silverbolt tries to warn them that it's a trap but it's too late. Megatron activates the device, intending to send them back to the beginning of time. The Aerialbots are encased in a purple bubble and disappear.

Seconds later, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots ram through the wall of the building and attack. Prime shoots the machine in order to stop it from trapping the Aerialbots in the past. The Decepticons retreat and Optimus orders the machine repaired. He estimates it has sent the Aerialbots 9 million years into the past to Cybertron's [[Golden Age]].

[[Image:OrionPax Ariel.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Hi, I'm Machobot... who are you?"]]

The bubble bursts and the five planes reappear on Cybertron, but it's a different world than the one they left. This Cybertron is bright and alive. The Aerialbots admire the scenery and argue about whose fault it was that the planet was trashed. Slingshot isn't ready to blame the Decepticons and says they are misunderstood. They are interrupted by a small 'bot who introduces himself as [[Orion Pax (G1)|Orion Pax]]. He works at [[storage yard 67|the docks]] unloading energy shipments. Orion's friend [[Dion]] and girlfriend [[Ariel]] introduce themselves too. Dion alerts them to come outside and see the new type of flying robot that everyone is talking about. The Aerialbots go out and see Megatron, Soundwave and Shockwave flying overheard. Orion and Dion admire the flying robots, and Silverbolt warns them away from their hero worship. But does anybody listen to him? Nooooo.

After Orion goes back to work unloading ships, he is approached by a visitor who introduces himself as Megatron. Orion shows him around but when they reach the energy storehouse Megatron orders [[Transport drone|the Decepticons concealed outside]] to attack. When Orion tries to stop him, Megatron mercilessly shoots him and his two friends. The Aerialbots arrive after the battle to find the three Autobots inoperative.

Back in the present, Megatron is planning a counterattack to regain the Kronosphere. In nearby wreckage, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] spots the body of a [[Guardian Robot]], sans head, and Megatron plans to reactivate it. Meanwhile, Optimus, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] are still trying to repair the device.

[[Image:WarDawn Prime killingmachine.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hot lead is the right of all sentient beings!]]

In the past, the Aerialbots are carrying Orion's lifeless body to someone who can help. Slingshot is singing a very different tune now; he swears revenge on Megatron. A [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mustached figure]] from a doorway calls to them and suggests they go someplace else for help. Decepticon attacks have caused severe casualties among the Autobots. After the Aerialbots ask again, he agrees to fix Orion. After an unknown amount of time, the stranger emerges with a rebuilt Orion Pax, now going by the name Optimus Prime. Prime and the Aerialbots rush off to join the battle, while the stranger muses about rebuilding Ariel into a female warrior named [[Elita One]].

Just as the tide of battle is turning in the Decepticons' favor, Megatron is confronted by Optimus Prime, who takes out the entire Decepticon front line by himself. Meanwhile, the Aerialbots have returned to the docks to find the Decepticons raiding the energy stores.

Flashing to the present, the time machine has been fixed, but Megatron and the Decepticons attack. To further complicate things, they let loose the Guardian Robot against the Autobots.

Back in the past, the Aerialbots set [[energy pack]] charges to blow up the storehouse in order to keep the energy out of Megatron's hands. Unfortunately, they are trapped inside because Decepticon warriors are blocking the exits. Silverbolt orders Slingshot to blow up the storehouse anyway. Just as the charges go off, the Kronosphere scoops them up and brings them back to the present. They merge into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and take out the Guardian Robot. Megatron retreats and an enraged Slingshot yells after him.

As they head back to Omega Supreme, Silverbolt describes their adventures in the past, and Optimus finally recognizes the Aerialbots as the ones who saved him. Ratchet demands to know what's going on and Optimus starts to tell the tale.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (4)
** [[Slingshot]] (5)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (6)
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (7)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (8)
** [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (21)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (9)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime/Orion Pax]] (11)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (13)
* [[Dion]] (16)
* [[Elita One|Ariel]] (17)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (20)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (2)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (19)
* [[Transport drone|Transport drones & warrirors]] (18)

}}

==Quotes==
"There's only one way to get those Aerialbots off our tails and that's to dump the chumps.”
:—'''Starscream''' right before he dumps the chumps, er, humans.

"Are those guys crazy?" 
"Crazy, or even dumber than I suspected."
:—'''Skywarp''' and '''Starscream''' talking about the Aerialbots who stopped fighting and want to "talk" to the Seekers.

'''Starscream''': Okay ''buddies'', we'll talk. What do you want to know? 
'''Slingshot''': I want to know why Optimus Prime thinks you're evil. 
'''Starscream''': That old rust bucket doesn't know a thing about Decepticons. Stick with me. I'll teach you some things about the Decepticons, all right. 
'''Silverbolt''': I don't believe this!
:—'''Starscream''' prepares to school the Aerialbots.

"Those little twerps. They're tryin' to switch sides!"
:—'''Ironhide''' comments on the dubious loyalty of the Aerialbots.

"A warrior doesn't need a head, just a good strong body."
:—'''Megatron''', commenting on the damaged Guardian robot that is about to be reprogrammed to serve the Decepticons.

"You may not recognize him. He is no longer Orion Pax. He is the first of our new defenders... Optimus Prime." 
"I was wrong, my friends. I admired Megatron merely because he was powerful. I failed to see how he used that power."
:—'''Alpha Trion''' introducing '''Optimus Prime'''.

'''Optimus Prime''': You've caused enough destruction for one day, Megatron! 
'''Megatron''': I haven't even ''started!'' 
''[Megatron fires several shots at Optimus Prime, all of which bounce off harmlessly]'' 
'''Megatron''': ''[shocked]'' You, who are you?!" 
'''Optimus Prime''': Your worst nightmare!
:—Megatron and Optimus Prime confront each other for the first time.

"It all began about nine million years ago..." 
"Oh, great! It's gonna be one of those ''long'' stories!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ratchet''', after the latter demands to know what's going on.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
*The air battle at the beginning of the episode is filled with errors: Firstly, Slingshot is coloured like Air Raid when Skywarp is bearing down upon him. Moments later, Skydive fires purple lasers at Skywarp. Moments after ''that'', black panels on Thundercracker's hull are mis-aligned. Finally, Slingshot's cockpit is unpainted, as is Starscream's chest.
*While Megatron berates the Seekers for allowing the Aerialbots to defeat them, Starscream's lower right arm is coloured red.
*Omega Supreme disappears in a couple of frames during his transformation sequence.
*When Ariel is shot by Megatron, her cel is not properly aligned with the background, so one of her legs floats over the energon cubes.
*Ariel is shown with the Aerialbots running to find her own body.
*Air Raid explains to Fireflight why Megatron wouldn't recognize them 9 million years in the past, and Fireflight says, “Huh?” but the scene cuts to a close up of Air Raid so it looks like he's saying it instead. Huh?
*When Orion and the Aerialbots enter the loading bay for the first time, we see a vehicle that shares Dion's vehicle mode and colors unloading cargo. Right after that, Dion drives into the hangar from outside.
*In one aerial shot of Megatron's transport drones entering the docks, they disappear before reaching the doorway.
*The original broadcast version of the episode had the entirety of act two's soundtrack incorrectly played back at too slow a speed, noticeably pitching down the dialogue and music. This was corrected for the [[Kid Rhino]] DVDs, but when [[Shout! Factory]] went back to the broadcast masters for their original audio tracks, this error was re-introduced to their DVD of the episode in order to restore it to its original broadcast version.

===Continuity errors===
* The humans the Seekers dump at the beginning of the episode somehow don't die after plummeting several hundred feet and landing on the metal bodies of the Aerialbots.
* It is unclear why the Aerialbots (bar Silverbolt) are so impressed by the Seekers considering the ease with which the Decepticons were defeated.
*Optimus Prime somehow knows exactly what the Kronosphere is doing despite the fact he was out of earshot when Megatron said it.
* In "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]", Optimus Prime had no idea that Alpha Trion was his creator, despite the fact he has a direct interaction with him here.
* Flashbacks in this episode depict the Autobots on Cybertron nine million years ago using [[energon cube]]s, despite the pre-movie cartoon's otherwise-consistent presentation of the cubes as the province of Decepticons alone, about which the Autobots knew nothing before 1984. The actual term "energon" is never used to refer to the cubes in this episode, however, so it may be an error on the animation level, rather than the scripting level

===Transformers references===
*This takes place "a few weeks" after "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]", according to Optimus Prime.
*The events of the minicomic "[[64 Cybertron Urban Defense Robot GADEP]]" take place around this time period, showing Megatron raiding more energon storage facilities.

===Trivia===
*This episode introduces a lot of major mythological elements from the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, including the origin of Optimus Prime and [[Elita One]] and showing the start of the [[Great War (G1)|Third Great War]].

*In an interview on the [[Kid Rhino]] DVD set, writer David Wise says that the meeting between Orion Pax and Megatron happened differently in the original version of the script. Megatron was to blast Orion's arm off and then use it to decapitate him. Sunbow, fearing the scene was too violent, had it changed.

*For whatever reason, voice actor [[John Stephenson]] wasn't in this episode and thus Thundercracker and Alpha Trion had different voices; Alpha Trion's voice was [[Corey Burton]]'s, and Thundercracker's was that of voice director [[Wally Burr]]. Burr also filled in as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in "[[Kremzeek!]]" and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in "[[Masquerade]]".

*Dion's fate is never revealed. Fans have speculated that he was also rebuilt and reformatted by Alpha Trion into a familiar character, with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] being the two most popular suspects. Of course, it's entirely possible he simply died.

*This episode is one of the two episodes before the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] featuring a genuine [[female Transformer]].

*Footage from this episode was used to represent a historical video in "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the opening movie for ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]''. Most notably, a shot of Dion shielding his eyes with his hand was used out of context to represent an Autobot saluting.

*Later, Dion's profile in ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' #4, "[[Wings of Honor]]", gave a name to the specific area of the docks which Orion and the others worked. [[Storage yard 67]] was named for [[e-Hobby]] Orion Pax and Dion's [[Japanese ID number list|Japanese identification number]].

*In case you couldn't tell, the headless guardian robot reactivated by Megatron and co. is totally the same one Megatron decapitated in the past, and the ruined building housing the Kronosphere is the very same warehouse the Aerialbots destroyed.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 5: Return to Cybertron ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Aerial Assault

2010-11-20T21:17:11Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Giantpurplegriffon.jpg
|caption=Megatron really should have listened to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s instinctive declaration that it wouldn't work.
|series=G1toon
|ep=58
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=46
|prev2=Hoist Goes Hollywood
|next2=Trans-Europe Express
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=45
|prev3=B.O.T. (episode)
|next3=Cosmic Rust (episode)
|title="Aerial Assault"
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production code=700-57
|airdate=[[December 10]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Slingshot and Skydive go undercover to discover who is responsible for the theft of planes in the Middle East.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 突撃エアーボット (''Totsugeki Airbot'', "Charge, Airbots")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Aerialassault.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hey, look, no arms!]]

In an unnamed Middle Eastern country, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] are searching for clues to a group that is stealing planes. After flying over a bazaar (in which is a [[Swindle (G1)|hauntingly familiar jeep]] being driven by a suspicious man loading equipment), the Aerialbots receive a distress call. Heading into a nearby canyon, they are attacked by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Slingshot]] ends up being buried within a cave by [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] arrive and drive off the [[Decepticon]]s. After unearthing Slingshot, the [[Autobot]]s return to a nearby air base for repairs. Slingshot is fixed, but his weapons systems have been damaged, and he needs a new console from the [[Ark (G1)|base]]. [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] gets the idea to let himself serve as bait, which [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], in his infinite wisdom, believes is a good idea, and Slingshot decides to join as well. As night comes, the two Aerialbots are soon stolen by the plane-nappers, but they are disassembled and their [[radio transmitter]]s are disabled.

[[Image:AerialAssault Slightshot newchest.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Retooling gone badly wrong.]]

Transporting their ill-gotten planes in laundry trucks, the plane-nappers manage to get past security, but are followed by a young boy named [[Prince Jumal|Hassan]]. Getting into the truck carrying the Aerialbots' nose cones, he meets up with them and identifies the man heading this operation as [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]]. As it turns out, Ali has deposed Prince Jumal, the young ruler of the country, and has allied with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to create both [[plane drone]]s for conquering the oil fields of the [[Middle East]], and a...[[Giant Purple Griffin]] that will...do...stuff. As the convoy reaches the Palace, the Decepticons begin reassembling the planes, but the Aerialbots cause themselves to short-circuit, leaving their parts free to be reassembled. They manage to get everything except Slingshot's chest plate, but Hassan manages to borrow the front grill assembly from a car that Prince Jumal owned.

[[Image:AerialAssault Onslaughtheadinsand.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Onslaught's head in the sand serves subtly as a scathing rebuke of isolationism as foreign policy.]]

As the Decepticons prepare to mobilize, Skydive and Slingshot manage to contact the other Aerialbots, who come to help. Meanwhile, Hassan has slipped aboard the...fortress to steal a new weapons console for Slingshot. As the Aerialbots arrive, Blast Off, [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] take control of the drone forces. The Aerialbots are able to dispatch the drones and their commanders, so [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] decides to off them himself, only to be stopped by Slingshot. Blast Off orders the Combaticons to [[Transformation|transform]] into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. Slingshot bravely tries to prevent the merge, as [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]'s absence prevents his own team from merging into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. Eventually, Bruticus forms after Slingshot is thrown into the head of the now mobile...fortress. Hassan gets a weapon console to Slingshot, frees them, then heads to attack Bruticus. Fireflight finally arrives, and the Aerialbots form Superion and damage the...fortress, causing it to crash into an oil field. Superion separates into his Aerialbot components, causing the diving Bruticus to fall into the oil field. The Aerialbots then set fire to the field, forcing the Decepticons to retreat.

At the palace, the Aerialbots are trying to figure out what to do with Ali and what he did with Prince Jumal, only to discover that Hassan ''is'' Prince Jumal. He explains that Slingshot may keep the new chest plate as a gift, as Jumal's hobby is fixing old junk cars. Slingshot feels honored...till he thinks that Jumal is calling him a piece of junk.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (6)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (7)
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (8)
** [[Slingshot]] (9)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (10)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (25)

|c2=
* [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]
** [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (4)
** [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (11)
** [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (12)
** [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (13)
** [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (15)
** [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (24)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (21)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (22)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (23)

|c3=
* Auto parts merchant (1)
* [[Prince Jumal|Hassan/Prince Jumal]] (2)
* [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]] (3)
* Ali's henchmen (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"About time too. That high altitude was making me dizzy."
:–Thankful for a reason to land, '''Silverbolt''' reveals he's still afraid of heights.

"On my way to a turkey shoot. Isn’t that right, turkeys?"
:–'''Blast Off'''

"Megatron, you promised me world domination!” 
"You’ll be lucky if I let you live, fool!"
:–'''Ali''' pushes his luck with '''Megatron'''

"Hey. Did you just call me a... junker?" 
"Don't worry, Slingshot. No matter what you're made of, you'll always be a Rolls Royce to me!"
:—'''Slingshot''' and '''Jumal'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Slingshot undercover.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hmm let's see... Autobot symbol... nope, nothing suspicious to see here!]]
* Slingshot flips his new Rolls Royce grill chest plate over, and its backside matches his original chest design, but colored gray. After this scene, however, his chest has its normal coloration.
* When Megatron is ordering Blast Off, Ramjet, and Vortex to attack Silverbolt and Air Raid, Onslaught transforms into a very small anti-aircraft truck.
* An odd sound editing error clips the end off of Blast Off's line "So I can blast him into oblivion!" and the start of Onslaught's following line, "Combaticons unite!"
* During the final scene, when Slingshot and Prince Jumal are discussing the Rolls Royce grille Slingshot was using as a chest plate, the front of the grille appears and disappears into thin air several times, without being flipped over.
* When Fireflight finally arrives to help the rest of the Aerialbots against Bruticus, he is colored entirely black.
* Ramjet has Dirge's color scheme in the scene just after the griffin starts firing on the Aerialbots.

===Continuity errors===
* This episode was produced and aired well out of sequence. Most visibly, the Combaticons appear, placing the episode chronologically after "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]". It also presumably occurs after "[[War Dawn]]", because the Aerialbots have no problem fighting Decepticons ''and'' aren't jerks towards humans.
* We never learn the reason for Fireflight's protracted absence.

===Trivia===
* Deleted scenes in this episode include Hassan reconstructing Slingshot and Skydive to disguise them as refrigerators to get them past the border guards; the trucks transporting the jet parts breaking down in the desert and some camels being stolen to tow them when Swindle refuses to do so; and Swindle discovering the Aerialbots, being knocked out and having his memory banks wiped so he forgets they were there.
* The Giant Purple Griffin has become one of the most mocked creations in Trans[[fandom]].
* In this episode, [[Ed Gilbert]] takes over the role of Superion from [[Frank Welker]], who voiced him briefly in "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1

2010-11-20T21:14:07Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Stunticons.jpg
|caption=Megatron's latest addition of troops. He's really going to regret this.
|series=G1toon
|ep=56
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=42
|prev2=The Search for Alpha Trion
|next2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2
|title="The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-55
|airdate=[[November 25]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After being beaten by the Autobots once again, Megatron hatches a plan to create a team of Decepticons that will give him supremacy over the roads.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ベクターシグマの鍵 PART I (''Vector Sigma no Kagi PART I'', "The Key of Vector Sigma PART I")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Rumble carjack.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Rumble makes a good carjacker. Why are we not surprised?]]

The [[Autobot]]s are escorting a convoy of tankers which carry a new [[superfuel]] which the government has given to the Autobots. Things have been quiet so far, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is wary. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] thinks that the [[Decepticon]]s are unaware of the superfuel, when they take that moment to attack. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] sends the [[Conehead]]s to attack, but they are unable to follow them into the tunnels and canyons on the road. Megatron himself decides to destroy the superfuel, but [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] manages to distract him, while Optimus and Prowl drive Megatron off.

Megatron is furious that the Autobots beat them, and decides to rectify the situation. [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] is sent to steal cars of various models, and [[Possum Brown]]'s truck, all of which Megatron alters with Decepticon technology, such as anti-gravity boosters and automatic [[force field]]s. Using a remote control, Megatron tests the cars' abilities. Rumble is amazed with their stunt driving, and Megatron decides that it's a good name. Bringing them about, he has them [[Transformation|transform]] into robot mode, and dubs them the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Alpha wall.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"I'm not quite dead."]]

Learning that the Decepticons are making new soldiers, Prime realizes they'll need Cybernetic personalities to truly live, and there is only one way to do that. [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] takes a group of Autobots to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where Megatron is informed by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] that he has located [[Vector Sigma]], the megacomputer that gave the [[Transformer]]s life. But they will require the [[Key to Vector Sigma|circuit key]] to activate it. The Key is in the possession of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], and the Decepticons head for his lab. After a brief struggle, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] locates the Key and gives it to Megatron.

Arriving on Cybertron, the Autobots hurry to Alpha Trion's lab, only to find a dying Alpha Trion. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] are able to save his life, and he explains to Optimus what Megatron intends to do. The Autobots head into the tunnels for Vector Sigma.

[[Image:Centurions.jpg|left|200px|thumb|We came, we saw, we kicked some ass.]]

In the tunnels, the Decepticons encounter [[Centurion droid]]s, which Megatron discovers he can control with the Key, and instructs them to attack the Autobots. The Autobots encounter the drones and, unable to destroy their attackers, retreat to a derelict hanger. Heading to Vector Sigma, Megatron activates the super computer, which gives [[Spark|life]] to the Stunticons: [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Drag Strip]], and [[Wildrider]]. The Decepticons return to Earth, where the Stunticons are set loose on human roads.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Wildrider fly.JPG|right|200px|thumb|This isn't gonna end good.]]
In the hanger, Ratchet and Wheeljack set about repairing the damaged [[maintenance drone]]s which are scattered around, sending them out to fight the Centurions, with little success. Finally a column of maintenance drones marches off a cliff, and the Centurion drones blindly follow them. The Autobots reach Vector Sigma, learning that it already gave the Stunticons life. Optimus plans to use a series of ancient rockets and have them rebuilt as Earth style jets, planning to fight the Decepticons in the air.

At a human base, the Stunticons arrive attempting to make another attempt to steal the superfuel, and the soldiers believe they're being attacked by the Autobots.

[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (19)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (21)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (15)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (3)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (2)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)

|c2=
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (8)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (6)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (20)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (9)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (14)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
** [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]
** [[Drag Strip]]
** [[Wildrider]]

|c4=
* [[Centurion droid]]s (22)
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (13)
* [[Vector Sigma]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Vector sigma.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The early concept of the disco mirror ball, which the humans stole, millions of years later.]]

"So much for your security, Prowl."
:—'''Smokescreen''', as the Decepticons attack

"I knew I'd never make it."
:—'''Dirge''', accepting his lot in life.

"No, Megatron, you'll have to blow us all up, and frankly, I don't think you have the guts."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' goads Megatron to shoot at the super fuel.

"Annnnd Mueller takes it! What in the world?" 
"You mean ''Rumble'' takes it!"
:—'''Race track announcer''' and '''Rumble''', who proceeds quite literally to take it

"Incredible! Not even the Autobots can do that kind of stunt driving." 
"Stunt driving...yes! Behold—the ''Stunticons!''"
:—'''Rumble''' gives '''Megatron''' an inspiration.

"This can't be the way those Deceptigoons came." 
"On the contrary, it definitely is." 
"What makes you so sure?" 
"Because who else would have sent ''them'' to kill us?"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Alpha Trion''' as the Centurion droids approach

"I am Vector Sigma. Before Cybertron was, I was! Who reactivates me?"
:—'''Vector Sigma'''

'''Megatron''': I am Megatron, your leader. Declare yourselves to me. 
'''Motormaster''': I am Motormaster. I swear loyalty to you! 
'''Dead End''': I am Dead End. I guess I'll have to do what you say. 
'''Breakdown''': I'm... I'm Breakdown. I'll obey too. 
'''Drag Strip''': I am Drag Strip. I ''live'' to obey! 
'''Wildrider''': I'm Wildrider! And I wanna bust something up!
:—The '''Stunticons''' speak their first words.

"Big ''and'' stupid."
:—'''Blaster''' on the Centurion droids who, in their zealousness, ran off a cliff to chase the maintenance robots.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
*Megatron's left arm is white instead of grey when he gripes about the Autobots after the first attempt to steal the superfuel.
*Rumble's visor is the same color as his face when he steals the F1 car which will become Drag Strip. Oddly enough, it's red when the Autobots review the same sequence on Teletraan I later on!
*In the scene with the coneheads, when Thrust transforms, it's actually Ramjet's animation model with Thrust's deco.
*In one shot of the Autobots walking through a corridor, Blaster's mouth is jumping up and down independently of his face.
*When the Decepticons are chatting with Shockwave on Cybertron, Rumble's head disappears for a brief moment.

===Continuity errors===
* The central premise of this episode—that bringing new Transformers to life requires the supercomputer Vector Sigma—has already been contradicted by the creation of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], and possibly the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] as well (though that's [[Constructicon (G1)|a whole can of worms]] in itself.) Later episodes would likewise contradict it, showing [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s being brought to life without Vector Sigma. Optimus *sort of* explains most of this by saying "There's no place on Earth to give them Cybernetic personalities like we have", the "like we have" part insinuating that personalities from Earth would end up with low intelligence. For Trypticon and the Dinobots at least, this appears to be correct.
* Wheeljack comes out with the other autobots when Omega lands on Cybertron. After he delivers his next lines of dialog though, and the Autobots go into Trion's lab, he seems to be deemed useless for the rest of the episode. As a matter of fact, he doesn't do *any* repairs at all in the two-parter - including the maintenance droids, and the repair of Alpha Trion.
* Alpha Trion's lab looks significantly different than from his debut episode, and a lot messier (maybe he went on a drunken bender at some point). Also, if his lab was established as being so hard to find in that episode, how does Megatron instantly know where it is?

===Transformers references===
* Soundwave actually uses that gun on his shoulder while fighting the Centurion drones.
* Apparently, Vector Sigma isn't supposed to give personalities to robots created on other planets. Note how Megatron ensures Vector Sigma that the Stunticons are "Cybernetic Creations" like themselves, not machines created on Earth.

===Trivia===
* According to episode writer [[David Wise]] at various conventions (such as [[BotCon 2009]]), he was instructed to include Vector Sigma when writing this episode as part of the [[Hasbro]] episode mandates. Not knowing what Vector Sigma was, he pressed story editor [[Bryce Malek]], who in turn had to go to Hasbro to learn that Vector Sigma was "the computer that gave all the Transformers personalities". This caused Malek to respond: "Well, it didn't do a very good job, did it!"
*At the script stage, this episode had the uninspired sub-title "Creation of the Stunticons".
*The shooting scripts for both installments of this two-parter contain several "deleted scenes" which expand greatly upon some of the more significant events in the story. In this episode:
**"That blast" mentioned by Prime in the finished episode actually happens.
**While the other Autobots are busy down in the tunnels, Omega Supreme battles Shockwave on the planet's surface throughout the second act of the episode. Shockwave refers to Omega as his "old enemy," and is on the losing end of the fight until he gets his hands on a "cyberbomb," which he uses to defeat Omega, leaving him very badly damaged. There is a vestigial reference to this battle in Part 2, and further scenes relating to its consequences are removed from that episode, altering the nature of its turning point quite a bit.
*In the scene where the Autobots walk through a chamber with lots of destroyed Transformers in it, there are two [[generic]]s in the foreground. The same character models previously appeared during the "historic footage" segment in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]". The green and yellow generic retained his color scheme, whereas the blue one is now one solid shade of blue. The model will appear again in "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]", again in different colors.
* The tank vehicles seen at the army base are the M.O.B.A.T. and the Armadillo from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' animated series.
* Rumble is shown capturing a Tyrrell P34 during a Formula 1 race, the year presumably being 1986. In actuality, the six-wheeler Tyrrell P34 was retired after the 1977 season, and did not appear again on any race circuit until 1999.
* Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust all crash into the mountain. Yet Ramjet is the only one being knocked out by the hit despite being the one who likes to crash into things on purpose. Should be not be more resistant to this kind of damage? According to Dirge and Thrust he even needs repairs though that could be simply an excuse for them to flee. (You know, with them both being cowards.)

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_key_to_vector_sigma_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2

2010-11-20T21:10:46Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Aerialbots group.jpg
|caption=Optimus, remind us why this is a good idea again?
|series=G1toon
|ep=57
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=43
|prev2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1
|next2=Sea Change
|title="The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-56
|airdate=[[November 26]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''To counter the new Stunticons, the Autobots create the Aerialbots, but the new team members aren't so sure about the Autobot cause.'''

:''Japanese name:'' ベクターシグマの鍵 PART II (''Vector Sigma no Kagi PART II'', "The Key of Vector Sigma PART II")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:KeyVectorSigma Alpha merge.JPG|left|200px|thumb|It's not a mystical experience, you morons! My hand's stuck! HELP! GET ME DOWN FROM HERE!]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Autobots are busy converting old drone rockets into [[Earth]] planes. Once their redesigns are complete, they take the ships to [[Vector Sigma]]. However, without the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which is in the possession of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], they cannot activate the supercomputer and give Cybertronic personalities to the new bots. [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], however, intends to activate it by merging his lifeforce with the computer. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tries to stop him, but Alpha Trion merges with the supercomputer. It gives life to the new Aerialbots: [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Slingshot]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], and [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Omega boom.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Vulnerability to plot: disturbing.]]

The Autobots and Aerialbots prepare to leave, but Alpha Trion gives Optimus a warning: the Key to Vector Sigma will have different properties on Earth, which could destroy the planet. However, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] overhears this. Heading back to the surface, the Autobots and Aerialbots encounter more [[Centurion droid]]s, but the Aerialbots are able to get them to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega returns them to Earth, but suddenly explodes.

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] begin working to restore Omega, while the Autobots and Aerialbots head toward the base with the [[superfuel]]. Shockwave contacts Megatron, informing him of the recent developments on Cybertron, and the Key's power, so Megatron decides to run some tests. At the base, the [[human]]s believe that the Autobots attacked them, and open fire. Slingshot is pissed, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] reminds them that they are simply confused. Suddenly, they detect high speed movement. Optimus initially believes that it's [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|jets]], but it's the Stunticons, who quickly overwhelm the Autobots, forcing the Aerialbots to take to the air. Slingshot is attacked by [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Silverbolt goes to save him, but suddenly panics. Megatron, still testing the Key, orders the Stunticons to return to base.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 key metal.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Turns everything it touches into lifeless metal. Just like Nickelback.]]

However, during the tests, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] trips and drops the Key, causing it to discharge its energy... turning the ground below it into metal. Megatron realizes that the Key can not only give life to machines, but also turn organic matter into metal. He now has a new plan—convert Earth into a new Cybertron.

Back at the base, the Aerialbots are unimpressed with the Autobots and disgusted with the humans they are supposed to defend. Optimus confronts Silverbolt about his panic, and learns that Silverbolt is afraid of heights. In a questionable command decision, Optimus appoints Silverbolt to be Aerialbot leader, hoping it will give him something to focus on other than fear. Soon, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detects the energy emissions from the Key, and its result. The [[Decepticon]]s are heading toward [[Seattle]], and the Autobots roll out. Meanwhile, Silverbolt attempts to convince the Aerialbots to return to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], saying that if they're the best, they should run the place. He shows them that the Decepticons will destroy them, showing how bad they are. He also shows the humans' capacity for compassion, letting them see how Sparkplug continues to work on Omega while Ratchet goes to recharge. Convinced, the Aerialbots move out.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Superion Menasor.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Say hello to my little friend.]]

Near Seattle, the Stunticons are overwhelming the Autobots, with Optimus Prime about to be crushed to death, when the Aerialbots arrive and save the Autobot leader. Megatron and Optimus reveal their last aces in the hole, ordering the Stunticons and Aerialbots to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], respectively. Menasor has the strength advantage, but Omega Supreme arrives, and turns the tide. The Decepticons retreat with the Key, but Silverbolt races after Megatron, knocking the Key from his hand and switching to robot mode to destroy it. Silverbolt believes he's about to go splat, but Slingshot manages to save him. The Aerialbots are convinced to join the Autobots, while Optimus appears convinced that Alpha Trion made the right choice.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (2)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (3)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (4)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (5)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (6)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (7)
* [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (9)
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (10)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (11)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
** [[Slingshot]] (13)
** [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (30)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (24)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (26)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (27)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (15)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (16)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (17)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (18)
** [[Wildrider]] (19)
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (20)
** [[Drag Strip]] (21)
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (22)
** [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (29)

|c3=
* Army General (24)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (25)

|c4=
* [[Vector Sigma]] (8)
* [[Centurion droid]]s (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Omega cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Did you bring me any souvenirs?]]
"He gave himself up just so we could have some jets? That's nuts!" 
"No. ''One'' Autobot gave his life so that ''six'' could be born. He made a choice...the kind of choice I hope they'll be able to make when the time's right."
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the sacrifice of Alpha Trion to create the Aerialbots. Prime approves of the kamikaze concept, apparently.

"And we're sworn to protect these bird brains?"
:—'''Slingshot''', on humans

"Somebody ought to revoke those dudes' driver licenses." 
"Those guys are out of their cotton picking heads!"
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Ironhide''' after their first encounter with the Stunticons.

"He's afraid of heights, can you believe it? And you call yourself a jet."
:—'''Slingshot''' figures out Silverbolt's phobia

Skydive: "The robot ran out of power ..." 
Air Raid: "...but the human is still working! Where does he get his energy?" 
Silverbolt: "From his wellspring of concern for an Autobot. Are you ''getting the point yet?'' We owe the ''Autobots'' our ''liiivvees!''"
:—'''Silverbolt''' sets the Aerialbots straight about a couple of things.

"Aerialbots, show 'em what you've got!" 
"NO! It can't be!" 
"Surprise, Megatron! Meet Superion!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' introduces the shocked '''Megatron''' to the first Autobot combiner.

"So long, cruel world!"
:—'''Silverbolt''' after destroying the Key to Vector Sigma

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Vector Sigma clearly has the key stuck in the side of it when it creates the Aerialbots.
* Fireflight is entirely blocked by Optimus Prime's head during his introduction line. Down in front!
* In the scene where Shockwave contacts Megatron in-flight, Breakdown is colored as Silverbolt.
* As the Aerialbots leave the Ark, Silverbolt is missing his right arm.
* Blaster appears to deliver Ironhide's "Those guys are out of their cotton-pickin' heads" line.
* When Ironhide argues with Slingshot about the Decepticons retreating, his waist looks somewhat like a...skirt...until Optimus intercedes, at which point it returns to its normal design mid-shot.
* When Teletran 1 gives the Decepticons location, Teletran says they are around Seattle, Tacoma, which is two cities, instead of the Seattle, Washington. Also the state of Washington isn't in Teletran's screen during the explanation.
* Slingshot appears to deliver Silverbolt's line about responsibility, and then Silverbolt continues gesticulating randomly while Slingshot delivers a lengthy retort.
* On the [[Kid Rhino]] version of this episode that uses the original pre-broadcast film elements, once the key is destroyed towards the end, the forest is shown turning into metal, rather than returning to normal. This shot was corrected on broadcast, and the [[Shout! Factory]] version restores the corrected shot from the broadcast master.

===Continuity errors===
* The Autobots are in a rush to rebuild Omega Supreme, correct? So why in the world does Optimus Prime have Wheeljack - a fix-it man - come with him to visit the Earth naval base? Shouldn't Wheeljack be at headquarters, trying to help to rebuild Omega? He can be briefly seen helping Ratchet after the fight with the Stunticons.
* Megatron said that the Key To Vector Sigma "de-energizes matter, turning it into metal". If that's the case, wouldn't turning the whole planet into metal wipe out all the energy on it, making this "New Cybertron" less valuable than the legitimate Cybertron? We know Megatron is a maniacal leader, but he's acting a bit too much like Galvatron here.

===Transformers references===
* This is [[The Key|not the last]] you'll hear of the Key to Vector Sigma. The Key, and, in particular, its ability to transform organic material into techno-matter play a key role in the events of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''.

===Trivia===
*The tank vehicles seen at the army base are the M.O.B.A.T. and the Armadillo from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' animated series.
*The Aerialbots conclude that humans are worthless after watching [[television]]. Should this tell us something?
*During the script stage, this episode had the sub-title "Fury of the Aerialbots".
*In this episode, Superion and Menasor are voiced by [[Frank Welker]] and [[Roger C. Carmel]] respectively, but from their next appearances onwards, the characters were both recast with new voices ([[Ed Gilbert]] and [[Regis Cordic]], again respectively).
*The shooting scripts for both installments of this two-parter contain several "deleted scenes" which expand greatly upon some of the more significant events in the story. In this episode:
**Omega Supreme repairs himself after his battle with Shockwave (deleted from Part 1, although this episode contains a vestigial reference to it, when Ironhide says remarks: "Now all we've gotta do is hope that Shockwave didn't get the better of Omega Supreme!"), but is only able to do a rudimentary job, noting that his personal survival is "highly improbable." It is ''this'' which causes Omega to explode upon his return to Earth—he willingly puts himself in danger to bring the Autobots back so they can stop the Stunticons.
**Later in the episode, when the Aerialbots watch as Sparkplug works to repair Omega, Sparkplug turns on the young punks, explaining what caused Omega to explode, making them realise what he did for them, and what they owe the Autobots. This is very much in contrast to the complete non-sequitur of the finished episode, in which the fact that Sparkplug can continue working when Ratchet can't, and then Silverbolt makes the Aerialbots somehow realise that they owe the Autobots their lives.
**Additionally, there are some extended scenes of the Prime reaffirming that there are six Aerialbots, to squash the subtlety of the hint at Superion, and the Aerialbots watching more television.
* This is the last appearance of Sparkplug Witwicky.
* This is one of the very few episodes where Megatron insults Soundwave. Even then, the reason for it here leads to what Megatron believes to be an amazing discovery. There's gratitude for you!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_key_to_vector_sigma_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Aerial Assault

2010-11-20T21:07:35Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Giantpurplegriffon.jpg
|caption=Megatron really should have listened to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s instinctive declaration that it wouldn't work.
|series=G1toon
|ep=58
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=46
|prev2=Hoist Goes Hollywood
|next2=Trans-Europe Express
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=45
|prev3=B.O.T. (episode)
|next3=Cosmic Rust (episode)
|title="Aerial Assault"
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production code=700-57
|airdate=[[December 10]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Slingshot and Skydive go undercover to discover who is responsible for the theft of planes in the Middle East.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 突撃エアーボット (''Totsugeki Airbot'', "Charge, Airbots")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Aerialassault.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hey, look, no arms!]]

In an unnamed Middle Eastern country, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] are searching for clues to a group that is stealing planes. After flying over a bazaar (in which is a [[Swindle (G1)|hauntingly familiar jeep]] being driven by a suspicious man loading equipment), the Aerialbots receive a distress call. Heading into a nearby canyon, they are attacked by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Slingshot]] ends up being buried within a cave by [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] arrive and drive off the [[Decepticon]]s. After unearthing Slingshot, the [[Autobot]]s return to a nearby air base for repairs. Slingshot is fixed, but his weapons systems have been damaged, and he needs a new console from the [[Ark (G1)|base]]. [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] gets the idea to let himself serve as bait, which [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], in his infinite wisdom, believes is a good idea, and Slingshot decides to join as well. As night comes, the two Aerialbots are soon stolen by the plane-nappers, but they are disassembled and their [[radio transmitter]]s are disabled.

[[Image:AerialAssault Slightshot newchest.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Retooling gone badly wrong.]]

Transporting their ill-gotten planes in laundry trucks, the plane-nappers manage to get past security, but are followed by a young boy named [[Prince Jumal|Hassan]]. Getting into the truck carrying the Aerialbots' nose cones, he meets up with them and identifies the man heading this operation as [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]]. As it turns out, Ali has deposed Prince Jumal, the young ruler of the country, and has allied with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to create both [[plane drone]]s for conquering the oil fields of the [[Middle East]], and a...[[Giant Purple Griffin]] that will...do...stuff. As the convoy reaches the Palace, the Decepticons begin reassembling the planes, but the Aerialbots cause themselves to short-circuit, leaving their parts free to be reassembled. They manage to get everything except Slingshot's chest plate, but Hassan manages to borrow the front grill assembly from a car that Prince Jumal owned.

[[Image:AerialAssault Onslaughtheadinsand.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Onslaught's head in the sand serves subtly as a scathing rebuke of isolationism as foreign policy.]]

As the Decepticons prepare to mobilize, Skydive and Slingshot manage to contact the other Aerialbots, who come to help. Meanwhile, Hassan has slipped aboard the...fortress to steal a new weapons console for Slingshot. As the Aerialbots arrive, Blast Off, [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] take control of the drone forces. The Aerialbots are able to dispatch the drones and their commanders, so [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] decides to off them himself, only to be stopped by Slingshot. Blast Off orders the Combaticons to [[Transformation|transform]] into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. Slingshot bravely tries to prevent the merge, as [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]'s absence prevents his own team from merging into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. Eventually, Bruticus forms after Slingshot is thrown into the head of the now mobile...fortress. Hassan gets a weapon console to Slingshot, frees them, then heads to attack Bruticus. Fireflight finally arrives, and the Aerialbots form Superion and damage the...fortress, causing it to crash into an oil field. Superion separates into his Aerialbot components, causing the diving Bruticus to fall into the oil field. The Aerialbots then set fire to the field, forcing the Decepticons to retreat.

At the palace, the Aerialbots are trying to figure out what to do with Ali and what he did with Prince Jumal, only to discover that Hassan ''is'' Prince Jumal. He explains that Slingshot may keep the new chest plate as a gift, as Jumal's hobby is fixing old junk cars. Slingshot feels honored...till he thinks that Jumal is calling him a piece of junk.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (6)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (7)
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (8)
** [[Slingshot]] (9)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (10)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (25)

|c2=
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (4)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (11)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (12)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (13)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (14)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (15)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (21)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (22)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (23)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (24)

|c3=
* Auto parts merchant (1)
* [[Prince Jumal|Hassan/Prince Jumal]] (2)
* [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]] (3)
* Ali's henchmen (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"About time too. That high altitude was making me dizzy."
:–Thankful for a reason to land, '''Silverbolt''' reveals he's still afraid of heights.

"On my way to a turkey shoot. Isn’t that right, turkeys?"
:–'''Blast Off'''

"Megatron, you promised me world domination!” 
"You’ll be lucky if I let you live, fool!"
:–'''Ali''' pushes his luck with '''Megatron'''

"Hey. Did you just call me a... junker?" 
"Don't worry, Slingshot. No matter what you're made of, you'll always be a Rolls Royce to me!"
:—'''Slingshot''' and '''Jumal'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Slingshot undercover.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hmm let's see... Autobot symbol... nope, nothing suspicious to see here!]]
* Slingshot flips his new Rolls Royce grill chest plate over, and its backside matches his original chest design, but colored gray. After this scene, however, his chest has its normal coloration.
* When Megatron is ordering Blast Off, Ramjet, and Vortex to attack Silverbolt and Air Raid, Onslaught transforms into a very small anti-aircraft truck.
* An odd sound editing error clips the end off of Blast Off's line "So I can blast him into oblivion!" and the start of Onslaught's following line, "Combaticons unite!"
* During the final scene, when Slingshot and Prince Jumal are discussing the Rolls Royce grille Slingshot was using as a chest plate, the front of the grille appears and disappears into thin air several times, without being flipped over.
* When Fireflight finally arrives to help the rest of the Aerialbots against Bruticus, he is colored entirely black.
* Ramjet has Dirge's color scheme in the scene just after the griffin starts firing on the Aerialbots.

===Continuity errors===
* This episode was produced and aired well out of sequence. Most visibly, the Combaticons appear, placing the episode chronologically after "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]". It also presumably occurs after "[[War Dawn]]", because the Aerialbots have no problem fighting Decepticons ''and'' aren't jerks towards humans.
* We never learn the reason for Fireflight's protracted absence.

===Trivia===
* Deleted scenes in this episode include Hassan reconstructing Slingshot and Skydive to disguise them as refrigerators to get them past the border guards; the trucks transporting the jet parts breaking down in the desert and some camels being stolen to tow them when Swindle refuses to do so; and Swindle discovering the Aerialbots, being knocked out and having his memory banks wiped so he forgets they were there.
* The Giant Purple Griffin has become one of the most mocked creations in Trans[[fandom]].
* In this episode, [[Ed Gilbert]] takes over the role of Superion from [[Frank Welker]], who voiced him briefly in "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Aerial Assault

2010-11-20T21:03:58Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Giantpurplegriffon.jpg
|caption=Megatron really should have listened to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s instinctive declaration that it wouldn't work.
|series=G1toon
|ep=58
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=46
|prev2=Hoist Goes Hollywood
|next2=Trans-Europe Express
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=45
|prev3=B.O.T. (episode)
|next3=Cosmic Rust (episode)
|title="Aerial Assault"
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production code=700-57
|airdate=[[December 10]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Slingshot and Skydive go undercover to discover who is responsible for the theft of planes in the Middle East.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 突撃エアーボット (''Totsugeki Airbot'', "Charge, Airbots")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Aerialassault.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hey, look, no arms!]]

In an unnamed Middle Eastern country, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] are searching for clues to a group that is stealing planes. After flying over a bazaar (in which is a [[Swindle (G1)|hauntingly familiar jeep]] being driven by a suspicious man loading equipment), the Aerialbots receive a distress call. Heading into a nearby canyon, they are attacked by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Slingshot]] ends up being buried within a cave by [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] arrive and drive off the [[Decepticon]]s. After unearthing Slingshot, the [[Autobot]]s return to a nearby air base for repairs. Slingshot is fixed, but his weapons systems have been damaged, and he needs a new console from the [[Ark (G1)|base]]. [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] gets the idea to let himself serve as bait, which [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], in his infinite wisdom, believes is a good idea, and Slingshot decides to join as well. As night comes, the two Aerialbots are soon stolen by the plane-nappers, but they are disassembled and their [[radio transmitter]]s are disabled.

[[Image:AerialAssault Slightshot newchest.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Retooling gone badly wrong.]]

Transporting their ill-gotten planes in laundry trucks, the plane-nappers manage to get past security, but are followed by a young boy named [[Prince Jumal|Hassan]]. Getting into the truck carrying the Aerialbots' nose cones, he meets up with them and identifies the man heading this operation as [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]]. As it turns out, Ali has deposed Prince Jumal, the young ruler of the country, and has allied with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to create both [[plane drone]]s for conquering the oil fields of the [[Middle East]], and a...[[Giant Purple Griffin]] that will...do...stuff. As the convoy reaches the Palace, the Decepticons begin reassembling the planes, but the Aerialbots cause themselves to short-circuit, leaving their parts free to be reassembled. They manage to get everything except Slingshot's chest plate, but Hassan manages to borrow the front grill assembly from a car that Prince Jumal owned.

[[Image:AerialAssault Onslaughtheadinsand.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Onslaught's head in the sand serves subtly as a scathing rebuke of isolationism as foreign policy.]]

As the Decepticons prepare to mobilize, Skydive and Slingshot manage to contact the other Aerialbots, who come to help. Meanwhile, Hassan has slipped aboard the...fortress to steal a new weapons console for Slingshot. As the Aerialbots arrive, Blast Off, [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] take control of the drone forces. The Aerialbots are able to dispatch the drones and their commanders, so [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] decides to off them himself, only to be stopped by Slingshot. Blast Off orders the Combaticons to [[Transformation|transform]] into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. Slingshot bravely tries to prevent the merge, as [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]'s absence prevents his own team from merging into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. Eventually, Bruticus forms after Slingshot is thrown into the head of the now mobile...fortress. Hassan gets a weapon console to Slingshot, frees them, then heads to attack Bruticus. Fireflight finally arrives, and the Aerialbots form Superion and damage the...fortress, causing it to crash into an oil field. Superion separates into his Aerialbot components, causing the diving Bruticus to fall into the oil field. The Aerialbots then set fire to the field, forcing the Decepticons to retreat.

At the palace, the Aerialbots are trying to figure out what to do with Ali and what he did with Prince Jumal, only to discover that Hassan ''is'' Prince Jumal. He explains that Slingshot may keep the new chest plate as a gift, as Jumal's hobby is fixing old junk cars. Slingshot feels honored...till he thinks that Jumal is calling him a piece of junk.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (6)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (7)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (8)
* [[Slingshot]] (9)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (10)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (25)

|c2=
* [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]
** [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (4)
** [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (11)
** [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (12)
** [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (13)
** [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (15)
** [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (24)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (21)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (22)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (23)

|c3=
* Auto parts merchant (1)
* [[Prince Jumal|Hassan/Prince Jumal]] (2)
* [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]] (3)
* Ali's henchmen (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"About time too. That high altitude was making me dizzy."
:–Thankful for a reason to land, '''Silverbolt''' reveals he's still afraid of heights.

"On my way to a turkey shoot. Isn’t that right, turkeys?"
:–'''Blast Off'''

"Megatron, you promised me world domination!” 
"You’ll be lucky if I let you live, fool!"
:–'''Ali''' pushes his luck with '''Megatron'''

"Hey. Did you just call me a... junker?" 
"Don't worry, Slingshot. No matter what you're made of, you'll always be a Rolls Royce to me!"
:—'''Slingshot''' and '''Jumal'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Slingshot undercover.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hmm let's see... Autobot symbol... nope, nothing suspicious to see here!]]
* Slingshot flips his new Rolls Royce grill chest plate over, and its backside matches his original chest design, but colored gray. After this scene, however, his chest has its normal coloration.
* When Megatron is ordering Blast Off, Ramjet, and Vortex to attack Silverbolt and Air Raid, Onslaught transforms into a very small anti-aircraft truck.
* An odd sound editing error clips the end off of Blast Off's line "So I can blast him into oblivion!" and the start of Onslaught's following line, "Combaticons unite!"
* During the final scene, when Slingshot and Prince Jumal are discussing the Rolls Royce grille Slingshot was using as a chest plate, the front of the grille appears and disappears into thin air several times, without being flipped over.
* When Fireflight finally arrives to help the rest of the Aerialbots against Bruticus, he is colored entirely black.
* Ramjet has Dirge's color scheme in the scene just after the griffin starts firing on the Aerialbots.

===Continuity errors===
* This episode was produced and aired well out of sequence. Most visibly, the Combaticons appear, placing the episode chronologically after "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]". It also presumably occurs after "[[War Dawn]]", because the Aerialbots have no problem fighting Decepticons ''and'' aren't jerks towards humans.
* We never learn the reason for Fireflight's protracted absence.

===Trivia===
* Deleted scenes in this episode include Hassan reconstructing Slingshot and Skydive to disguise them as refrigerators to get them past the border guards; the trucks transporting the jet parts breaking down in the desert and some camels being stolen to tow them when Swindle refuses to do so; and Swindle discovering the Aerialbots, being knocked out and having his memory banks wiped so he forgets they were there.
* The Giant Purple Griffin has become one of the most mocked creations in Trans[[fandom]].
* In this episode, [[Ed Gilbert]] takes over the role of Superion from [[Frank Welker]], who voiced him briefly in "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2

2010-11-20T21:00:07Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Aerialbots group.jpg
|caption=Optimus, remind us why this is a good idea again?
|series=G1toon
|ep=57
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=43
|prev2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1
|next2=Sea Change
|title="The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-56
|airdate=[[November 26]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''To counter the new Stunticons, the Autobots create the Aerialbots, but the new team members aren't so sure about the Autobot cause.'''

:''Japanese name:'' ベクターシグマの鍵 PART II (''Vector Sigma no Kagi PART II'', "The Key of Vector Sigma PART II")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:KeyVectorSigma Alpha merge.JPG|left|200px|thumb|It's not a mystical experience, you morons! My hand's stuck! HELP! GET ME DOWN FROM HERE!]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Autobots are busy converting old drone rockets into [[Earth]] planes. Once their redesigns are complete, they take the ships to [[Vector Sigma]]. However, without the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which is in the possession of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], they cannot activate the supercomputer and give Cybertronic personalities to the new bots. [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], however, intends to activate it by merging his lifeforce with the computer. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tries to stop him, but Alpha Trion merges with the supercomputer. It gives life to the new Aerialbots: [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Slingshot]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], and [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Omega boom.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Vulnerability to plot: disturbing.]]

The Autobots and Aerialbots prepare to leave, but Alpha Trion gives Optimus a warning: the Key to Vector Sigma will have different properties on Earth, which could destroy the planet. However, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] overhears this. Heading back to the surface, the Autobots and Aerialbots encounter more [[Centurion droid]]s, but the Aerialbots are able to get them to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega returns them to Earth, but suddenly explodes.

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] begin working to restore Omega, while the Autobots and Aerialbots head toward the base with the [[superfuel]]. Shockwave contacts Megatron, informing him of the recent developments on Cybertron, and the Key's power, so Megatron decides to run some tests. At the base, the [[human]]s believe that the Autobots attacked them, and open fire. Slingshot is pissed, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] reminds them that they are simply confused. Suddenly, they detect high speed movement. Optimus initially believes that it's [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|jets]], but it's the Stunticons, who quickly overwhelm the Autobots, forcing the Aerialbots to take to the air. Slingshot is attacked by [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Silverbolt goes to save him, but suddenly panics. Megatron, still testing the Key, orders the Stunticons to return to base.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 key metal.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Turns everything it touches into lifeless metal. Just like Nickelback.]]

However, during the tests, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] trips and drops the Key, causing it to discharge its energy... turning the ground below it into metal. Megatron realizes that the Key can not only give life to machines, but also turn organic matter into metal. He now has a new plan—convert Earth into a new Cybertron.

Back at the base, the Aerialbots are unimpressed with the Autobots and disgusted with the humans they are supposed to defend. Optimus confronts Silverbolt about his panic, and learns that Silverbolt is afraid of heights. In a questionable command decision, Optimus appoints Silverbolt to be Aerialbot leader, hoping it will give him something to focus on other than fear. Soon, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detects the energy emissions from the Key, and its result. The [[Decepticon]]s are heading toward [[Seattle]], and the Autobots roll out. Meanwhile, Silverbolt attempts to convince the Aerialbots to return to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], saying that if they're the best, they should run the place. He shows them that the Decepticons will destroy them, showing how bad they are. He also shows the humans' capacity for compassion, letting them see how Sparkplug continues to work on Omega while Ratchet goes to recharge. Convinced, the Aerialbots move out.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Superion Menasor.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Say hello to my little friend.]]

Near Seattle, the Stunticons are overwhelming the Autobots, with Optimus Prime about to be crushed to death, when the Aerialbots arrive and save the Autobot leader. Megatron and Optimus reveal their last aces in the hole, ordering the Stunticons and Aerialbots to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], respectively. Menasor has the strength advantage, but Omega Supreme arrives, and turns the tide. The Decepticons retreat with the Key, but Silverbolt races after Megatron, knocking the Key from his hand and switching to robot mode to destroy it. Silverbolt believes he's about to go splat, but Slingshot manages to save him. The Aerialbots are convinced to join the Autobots, while Optimus appears convinced that Alpha Trion made the right choice.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (2)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (3)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (4)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (5)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (6)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (7)
* [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (9)
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (10)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (11)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
** [[Slingshot]] (13)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (24)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (26)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (27)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (30)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (15)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (16)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (17)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (18)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Wildrider]] (19)
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (20)
** [[Drag Strip]] (21)
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (22)
** [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (29)

|c3=
* Army General (24)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (25)

|c4=
* [[Vector Sigma]] (8)
* [[Centurion droid]]s (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Omega cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Did you bring me any souvenirs?]]
"He gave himself up just so we could have some jets? That's nuts!" 
"No. ''One'' Autobot gave his life so that ''six'' could be born. He made a choice...the kind of choice I hope they'll be able to make when the time's right."
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the sacrifice of Alpha Trion to create the Aerialbots. Prime approves of the kamikaze concept, apparently.

"And we're sworn to protect these bird brains?"
:—'''Slingshot''', on humans

"Somebody ought to revoke those dudes' driver licenses." 
"Those guys are out of their cotton picking heads!"
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Ironhide''' after their first encounter with the Stunticons.

"He's afraid of heights, can you believe it? And you call yourself a jet."
:—'''Slingshot''' figures out Silverbolt's phobia

Skydive: "The robot ran out of power ..." 
Air Raid: "...but the human is still working! Where does he get his energy?" 
Silverbolt: "From his wellspring of concern for an Autobot. Are you ''getting the point yet?'' We owe the ''Autobots'' our ''liiivvees!''"
:—'''Silverbolt''' sets the Aerialbots straight about a couple of things.

"Aerialbots, show 'em what you've got!" 
"NO! It can't be!" 
"Surprise, Megatron! Meet Superion!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' introduces the shocked '''Megatron''' to the first Autobot combiner.

"So long, cruel world!"
:—'''Silverbolt''' after destroying the Key to Vector Sigma

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Vector Sigma clearly has the key stuck in the side of it when it creates the Aerialbots.
* Fireflight is entirely blocked by Optimus Prime's head during his introduction line. Down in front!
* In the scene where Shockwave contacts Megatron in-flight, Breakdown is colored as Silverbolt.
* As the Aerialbots leave the Ark, Silverbolt is missing his right arm.
* Blaster appears to deliver Ironhide's "Those guys are out of their cotton-pickin' heads" line.
* When Ironhide argues with Slingshot about the Decepticons retreating, his waist looks somewhat like a...skirt...until Optimus intercedes, at which point it returns to its normal design mid-shot.
* When Teletran 1 gives the Decepticons location, Teletran says they are around Seattle, Tacoma, which is two cities, instead of the Seattle, Washington. Also the state of Washington isn't in Teletran's screen during the explanation.
* Slingshot appears to deliver Silverbolt's line about responsibility, and then Silverbolt continues gesticulating randomly while Slingshot delivers a lengthy retort.
* On the [[Kid Rhino]] version of this episode that uses the original pre-broadcast film elements, once the key is destroyed towards the end, the forest is shown turning into metal, rather than returning to normal. This shot was corrected on broadcast, and the [[Shout! Factory]] version restores the corrected shot from the broadcast master.

===Continuity errors===
* The Autobots are in a rush to rebuild Omega Supreme, correct? So why in the world does Optimus Prime have Wheeljack - a fix-it man - come with him to visit the Earth naval base? Shouldn't Wheeljack be at headquarters, trying to help to rebuild Omega? He can be briefly seen helping Ratchet after the fight with the Stunticons.
* Megatron said that the Key To Vector Sigma "de-energizes matter, turning it into metal". If that's the case, wouldn't turning the whole planet into metal wipe out all the energy on it, making this "New Cybertron" less valuable than the legitimate Cybertron? We know Megatron is a maniacal leader, but he's acting a bit too much like Galvatron here.

===Transformers references===
* This is [[The Key|not the last]] you'll hear of the Key to Vector Sigma. The Key, and, in particular, its ability to transform organic material into techno-matter play a key role in the events of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''.

===Trivia===
*The tank vehicles seen at the army base are the M.O.B.A.T. and the Armadillo from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' animated series.
*The Aerialbots conclude that humans are worthless after watching [[television]]. Should this tell us something?
*During the script stage, this episode had the sub-title "Fury of the Aerialbots".
*In this episode, Superion and Menasor are voiced by [[Frank Welker]] and [[Roger C. Carmel]] respectively, but from their next appearances onwards, the characters were both recast with new voices ([[Ed Gilbert]] and [[Regis Cordic]], again respectively).
*The shooting scripts for both installments of this two-parter contain several "deleted scenes" which expand greatly upon some of the more significant events in the story. In this episode:
**Omega Supreme repairs himself after his battle with Shockwave (deleted from Part 1, although this episode contains a vestigial reference to it, when Ironhide says remarks: "Now all we've gotta do is hope that Shockwave didn't get the better of Omega Supreme!"), but is only able to do a rudimentary job, noting that his personal survival is "highly improbable." It is ''this'' which causes Omega to explode upon his return to Earth—he willingly puts himself in danger to bring the Autobots back so they can stop the Stunticons.
**Later in the episode, when the Aerialbots watch as Sparkplug works to repair Omega, Sparkplug turns on the young punks, explaining what caused Omega to explode, making them realise what he did for them, and what they owe the Autobots. This is very much in contrast to the complete non-sequitur of the finished episode, in which the fact that Sparkplug can continue working when Ratchet can't, and then Silverbolt makes the Aerialbots somehow realise that they owe the Autobots their lives.
**Additionally, there are some extended scenes of the Prime reaffirming that there are six Aerialbots, to squash the subtlety of the hint at Superion, and the Aerialbots watching more television.
* This is the last appearance of Sparkplug Witwicky.
* This is one of the very few episodes where Megatron insults Soundwave. Even then, the reason for it here leads to what Megatron believes to be an amazing discovery. There's gratitude for you!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_key_to_vector_sigma_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2

2010-11-20T20:59:35Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Aerialbots group.jpg
|caption=Optimus, remind us why this is a good idea again?
|series=G1toon
|ep=57
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=43
|prev2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1
|next2=Sea Change
|title="The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-56
|airdate=[[November 26]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''To counter the new Stunticons, the Autobots create the Aerialbots, but the new team members aren't so sure about the Autobot cause.'''

:''Japanese name:'' ベクターシグマの鍵 PART II (''Vector Sigma no Kagi PART II'', "The Key of Vector Sigma PART II")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:KeyVectorSigma Alpha merge.JPG|left|200px|thumb|It's not a mystical experience, you morons! My hand's stuck! HELP! GET ME DOWN FROM HERE!]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Autobots are busy converting old drone rockets into [[Earth]] planes. Once their redesigns are complete, they take the ships to [[Vector Sigma]]. However, without the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which is in the possession of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], they cannot activate the supercomputer and give Cybertronic personalities to the new bots. [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], however, intends to activate it by merging his lifeforce with the computer. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tries to stop him, but Alpha Trion merges with the supercomputer. It gives life to the new Aerialbots: [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Slingshot]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], and [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Omega boom.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Vulnerability to plot: disturbing.]]

The Autobots and Aerialbots prepare to leave, but Alpha Trion gives Optimus a warning: the Key to Vector Sigma will have different properties on Earth, which could destroy the planet. However, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] overhears this. Heading back to the surface, the Autobots and Aerialbots encounter more [[Centurion droid]]s, but the Aerialbots are able to get them to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega returns them to Earth, but suddenly explodes.

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] begin working to restore Omega, while the Autobots and Aerialbots head toward the base with the [[superfuel]]. Shockwave contacts Megatron, informing him of the recent developments on Cybertron, and the Key's power, so Megatron decides to run some tests. At the base, the [[human]]s believe that the Autobots attacked them, and open fire. Slingshot is pissed, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] reminds them that they are simply confused. Suddenly, they detect high speed movement. Optimus initially believes that it's [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|jets]], but it's the Stunticons, who quickly overwhelm the Autobots, forcing the Aerialbots to take to the air. Slingshot is attacked by [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Silverbolt goes to save him, but suddenly panics. Megatron, still testing the Key, orders the Stunticons to return to base.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 key metal.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Turns everything it touches into lifeless metal. Just like Nickelback.]]

However, during the tests, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] trips and drops the Key, causing it to discharge its energy... turning the ground below it into metal. Megatron realizes that the Key can not only give life to machines, but also turn organic matter into metal. He now has a new plan—convert Earth into a new Cybertron.

Back at the base, the Aerialbots are unimpressed with the Autobots and disgusted with the humans they are supposed to defend. Optimus confronts Silverbolt about his panic, and learns that Silverbolt is afraid of heights. In a questionable command decision, Optimus appoints Silverbolt to be Aerialbot leader, hoping it will give him something to focus on other than fear. Soon, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detects the energy emissions from the Key, and its result. The [[Decepticon]]s are heading toward [[Seattle]], and the Autobots roll out. Meanwhile, Silverbolt attempts to convince the Aerialbots to return to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], saying that if they're the best, they should run the place. He shows them that the Decepticons will destroy them, showing how bad they are. He also shows the humans' capacity for compassion, letting them see how Sparkplug continues to work on Omega while Ratchet goes to recharge. Convinced, the Aerialbots move out.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Superion Menasor.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Say hello to my little friend.]]

Near Seattle, the Stunticons are overwhelming the Autobots, with Optimus Prime about to be crushed to death, when the Aerialbots arrive and save the Autobot leader. Megatron and Optimus reveal their last aces in the hole, ordering the Stunticons and Aerialbots to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], respectively. Menasor has the strength advantage, but Omega Supreme arrives, and turns the tide. The Decepticons retreat with the Key, but Silverbolt races after Megatron, knocking the Key from his hand and switching to robot mode to destroy it. Silverbolt believes he's about to go splat, but Slingshot manages to save him. The Aerialbots are convinced to join the Autobots, while Optimus appears convinced that Alpha Trion made the right choice.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (2)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (3)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (4)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (5)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (6)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (7)
* [[Aerilbot (G1)|Aerilbots]]
** [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (9)
** [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (10)
** [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (11)
** [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
** [[Slingshot]] (13)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (24)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (26)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (27)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (30)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (15)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (16)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (17)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (18)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Wildrider]] (19)
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (20)
** [[Drag Strip]] (21)
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (22)
** [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (29)

|c3=
* Army General (24)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (25)

|c4=
* [[Vector Sigma]] (8)
* [[Centurion droid]]s (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Omega cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Did you bring me any souvenirs?]]
"He gave himself up just so we could have some jets? That's nuts!" 
"No. ''One'' Autobot gave his life so that ''six'' could be born. He made a choice...the kind of choice I hope they'll be able to make when the time's right."
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the sacrifice of Alpha Trion to create the Aerialbots. Prime approves of the kamikaze concept, apparently.

"And we're sworn to protect these bird brains?"
:—'''Slingshot''', on humans

"Somebody ought to revoke those dudes' driver licenses." 
"Those guys are out of their cotton picking heads!"
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Ironhide''' after their first encounter with the Stunticons.

"He's afraid of heights, can you believe it? And you call yourself a jet."
:—'''Slingshot''' figures out Silverbolt's phobia

Skydive: "The robot ran out of power ..." 
Air Raid: "...but the human is still working! Where does he get his energy?" 
Silverbolt: "From his wellspring of concern for an Autobot. Are you ''getting the point yet?'' We owe the ''Autobots'' our ''liiivvees!''"
:—'''Silverbolt''' sets the Aerialbots straight about a couple of things.

"Aerialbots, show 'em what you've got!" 
"NO! It can't be!" 
"Surprise, Megatron! Meet Superion!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' introduces the shocked '''Megatron''' to the first Autobot combiner.

"So long, cruel world!"
:—'''Silverbolt''' after destroying the Key to Vector Sigma

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Vector Sigma clearly has the key stuck in the side of it when it creates the Aerialbots.
* Fireflight is entirely blocked by Optimus Prime's head during his introduction line. Down in front!
* In the scene where Shockwave contacts Megatron in-flight, Breakdown is colored as Silverbolt.
* As the Aerialbots leave the Ark, Silverbolt is missing his right arm.
* Blaster appears to deliver Ironhide's "Those guys are out of their cotton-pickin' heads" line.
* When Ironhide argues with Slingshot about the Decepticons retreating, his waist looks somewhat like a...skirt...until Optimus intercedes, at which point it returns to its normal design mid-shot.
* When Teletran 1 gives the Decepticons location, Teletran says they are around Seattle, Tacoma, which is two cities, instead of the Seattle, Washington. Also the state of Washington isn't in Teletran's screen during the explanation.
* Slingshot appears to deliver Silverbolt's line about responsibility, and then Silverbolt continues gesticulating randomly while Slingshot delivers a lengthy retort.
* On the [[Kid Rhino]] version of this episode that uses the original pre-broadcast film elements, once the key is destroyed towards the end, the forest is shown turning into metal, rather than returning to normal. This shot was corrected on broadcast, and the [[Shout! Factory]] version restores the corrected shot from the broadcast master.

===Continuity errors===
* The Autobots are in a rush to rebuild Omega Supreme, correct? So why in the world does Optimus Prime have Wheeljack - a fix-it man - come with him to visit the Earth naval base? Shouldn't Wheeljack be at headquarters, trying to help to rebuild Omega? He can be briefly seen helping Ratchet after the fight with the Stunticons.
* Megatron said that the Key To Vector Sigma "de-energizes matter, turning it into metal". If that's the case, wouldn't turning the whole planet into metal wipe out all the energy on it, making this "New Cybertron" less valuable than the legitimate Cybertron? We know Megatron is a maniacal leader, but he's acting a bit too much like Galvatron here.

===Transformers references===
* This is [[The Key|not the last]] you'll hear of the Key to Vector Sigma. The Key, and, in particular, its ability to transform organic material into techno-matter play a key role in the events of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''.

===Trivia===
*The tank vehicles seen at the army base are the M.O.B.A.T. and the Armadillo from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' animated series.
*The Aerialbots conclude that humans are worthless after watching [[television]]. Should this tell us something?
*During the script stage, this episode had the sub-title "Fury of the Aerialbots".
*In this episode, Superion and Menasor are voiced by [[Frank Welker]] and [[Roger C. Carmel]] respectively, but from their next appearances onwards, the characters were both recast with new voices ([[Ed Gilbert]] and [[Regis Cordic]], again respectively).
*The shooting scripts for both installments of this two-parter contain several "deleted scenes" which expand greatly upon some of the more significant events in the story. In this episode:
**Omega Supreme repairs himself after his battle with Shockwave (deleted from Part 1, although this episode contains a vestigial reference to it, when Ironhide says remarks: "Now all we've gotta do is hope that Shockwave didn't get the better of Omega Supreme!"), but is only able to do a rudimentary job, noting that his personal survival is "highly improbable." It is ''this'' which causes Omega to explode upon his return to Earth—he willingly puts himself in danger to bring the Autobots back so they can stop the Stunticons.
**Later in the episode, when the Aerialbots watch as Sparkplug works to repair Omega, Sparkplug turns on the young punks, explaining what caused Omega to explode, making them realise what he did for them, and what they owe the Autobots. This is very much in contrast to the complete non-sequitur of the finished episode, in which the fact that Sparkplug can continue working when Ratchet can't, and then Silverbolt makes the Aerialbots somehow realise that they owe the Autobots their lives.
**Additionally, there are some extended scenes of the Prime reaffirming that there are six Aerialbots, to squash the subtlety of the hint at Superion, and the Aerialbots watching more television.
* This is the last appearance of Sparkplug Witwicky.
* This is one of the very few episodes where Megatron insults Soundwave. Even then, the reason for it here leads to what Megatron believes to be an amazing discovery. There's gratitude for you!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_key_to_vector_sigma_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2

2010-11-20T20:57:14Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Aerialbots group.jpg
|caption=Optimus, remind us why this is a good idea again?
|series=G1toon
|ep=57
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=43
|prev2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1
|next2=Sea Change
|title="The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-56
|airdate=[[November 26]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''To counter the new Stunticons, the Autobots create the Aerialbots, but the new team members aren't so sure about the Autobot cause.'''

:''Japanese name:'' ベクターシグマの鍵 PART II (''Vector Sigma no Kagi PART II'', "The Key of Vector Sigma PART II")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:KeyVectorSigma Alpha merge.JPG|left|200px|thumb|It's not a mystical experience, you morons! My hand's stuck! HELP! GET ME DOWN FROM HERE!]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Autobots are busy converting old drone rockets into [[Earth]] planes. Once their redesigns are complete, they take the ships to [[Vector Sigma]]. However, without the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which is in the possession of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], they cannot activate the supercomputer and give Cybertronic personalities to the new bots. [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], however, intends to activate it by merging his lifeforce with the computer. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tries to stop him, but Alpha Trion merges with the supercomputer. It gives life to the new Aerialbots: [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Slingshot]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], and [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Omega boom.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Vulnerability to plot: disturbing.]]

The Autobots and Aerialbots prepare to leave, but Alpha Trion gives Optimus a warning: the Key to Vector Sigma will have different properties on Earth, which could destroy the planet. However, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] overhears this. Heading back to the surface, the Autobots and Aerialbots encounter more [[Centurion droid]]s, but the Aerialbots are able to get them to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega returns them to Earth, but suddenly explodes.

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] begin working to restore Omega, while the Autobots and Aerialbots head toward the base with the [[superfuel]]. Shockwave contacts Megatron, informing him of the recent developments on Cybertron, and the Key's power, so Megatron decides to run some tests. At the base, the [[human]]s believe that the Autobots attacked them, and open fire. Slingshot is pissed, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] reminds them that they are simply confused. Suddenly, they detect high speed movement. Optimus initially believes that it's [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|jets]], but it's the Stunticons, who quickly overwhelm the Autobots, forcing the Aerialbots to take to the air. Slingshot is attacked by [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Silverbolt goes to save him, but suddenly panics. Megatron, still testing the Key, orders the Stunticons to return to base.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 key metal.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Turns everything it touches into lifeless metal. Just like Nickelback.]]

However, during the tests, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] trips and drops the Key, causing it to discharge its energy... turning the ground below it into metal. Megatron realizes that the Key can not only give life to machines, but also turn organic matter into metal. He now has a new plan—convert Earth into a new Cybertron.

Back at the base, the Aerialbots are unimpressed with the Autobots and disgusted with the humans they are supposed to defend. Optimus confronts Silverbolt about his panic, and learns that Silverbolt is afraid of heights. In a questionable command decision, Optimus appoints Silverbolt to be Aerialbot leader, hoping it will give him something to focus on other than fear. Soon, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detects the energy emissions from the Key, and its result. The [[Decepticon]]s are heading toward [[Seattle]], and the Autobots roll out. Meanwhile, Silverbolt attempts to convince the Aerialbots to return to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], saying that if they're the best, they should run the place. He shows them that the Decepticons will destroy them, showing how bad they are. He also shows the humans' capacity for compassion, letting them see how Sparkplug continues to work on Omega while Ratchet goes to recharge. Convinced, the Aerialbots move out.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma2 Superion Menasor.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Say hello to my little friend.]]

Near Seattle, the Stunticons are overwhelming the Autobots, with Optimus Prime about to be crushed to death, when the Aerialbots arrive and save the Autobot leader. Megatron and Optimus reveal their last aces in the hole, ordering the Stunticons and Aerialbots to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], respectively. Menasor has the strength advantage, but Omega Supreme arrives, and turns the tide. The Decepticons retreat with the Key, but Silverbolt races after Megatron, knocking the Key from his hand and switching to robot mode to destroy it. Silverbolt believes he's about to go splat, but Slingshot manages to save him. The Aerialbots are convinced to join the Autobots, while Optimus appears convinced that Alpha Trion made the right choice.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (2)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (3)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (4)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (5)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (6)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (7)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (9)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (10)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (11)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
* [[Slingshot]] (13)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (24)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (26)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (27)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (30)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (15)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (16)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (17)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (18)
* [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]
** [[Wildrider]] (19)
** [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (20)
** [[Drag Strip]] (21)
** [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (22)
** [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (29)

|c3=
* Army General (24)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (25)

|c4=
* [[Vector Sigma]] (8)
* [[Centurion droid]]s (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Omega cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Did you bring me any souvenirs?]]
"He gave himself up just so we could have some jets? That's nuts!" 
"No. ''One'' Autobot gave his life so that ''six'' could be born. He made a choice...the kind of choice I hope they'll be able to make when the time's right."
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the sacrifice of Alpha Trion to create the Aerialbots. Prime approves of the kamikaze concept, apparently.

"And we're sworn to protect these bird brains?"
:—'''Slingshot''', on humans

"Somebody ought to revoke those dudes' driver licenses." 
"Those guys are out of their cotton picking heads!"
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Ironhide''' after their first encounter with the Stunticons.

"He's afraid of heights, can you believe it? And you call yourself a jet."
:—'''Slingshot''' figures out Silverbolt's phobia

Skydive: "The robot ran out of power ..." 
Air Raid: "...but the human is still working! Where does he get his energy?" 
Silverbolt: "From his wellspring of concern for an Autobot. Are you ''getting the point yet?'' We owe the ''Autobots'' our ''liiivvees!''"
:—'''Silverbolt''' sets the Aerialbots straight about a couple of things.

"Aerialbots, show 'em what you've got!" 
"NO! It can't be!" 
"Surprise, Megatron! Meet Superion!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' introduces the shocked '''Megatron''' to the first Autobot combiner.

"So long, cruel world!"
:—'''Silverbolt''' after destroying the Key to Vector Sigma

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Vector Sigma clearly has the key stuck in the side of it when it creates the Aerialbots.
* Fireflight is entirely blocked by Optimus Prime's head during his introduction line. Down in front!
* In the scene where Shockwave contacts Megatron in-flight, Breakdown is colored as Silverbolt.
* As the Aerialbots leave the Ark, Silverbolt is missing his right arm.
* Blaster appears to deliver Ironhide's "Those guys are out of their cotton-pickin' heads" line.
* When Ironhide argues with Slingshot about the Decepticons retreating, his waist looks somewhat like a...skirt...until Optimus intercedes, at which point it returns to its normal design mid-shot.
* When Teletran 1 gives the Decepticons location, Teletran says they are around Seattle, Tacoma, which is two cities, instead of the Seattle, Washington. Also the state of Washington isn't in Teletran's screen during the explanation.
* Slingshot appears to deliver Silverbolt's line about responsibility, and then Silverbolt continues gesticulating randomly while Slingshot delivers a lengthy retort.
* On the [[Kid Rhino]] version of this episode that uses the original pre-broadcast film elements, once the key is destroyed towards the end, the forest is shown turning into metal, rather than returning to normal. This shot was corrected on broadcast, and the [[Shout! Factory]] version restores the corrected shot from the broadcast master.

===Continuity errors===
* The Autobots are in a rush to rebuild Omega Supreme, correct? So why in the world does Optimus Prime have Wheeljack - a fix-it man - come with him to visit the Earth naval base? Shouldn't Wheeljack be at headquarters, trying to help to rebuild Omega? He can be briefly seen helping Ratchet after the fight with the Stunticons.
* Megatron said that the Key To Vector Sigma "de-energizes matter, turning it into metal". If that's the case, wouldn't turning the whole planet into metal wipe out all the energy on it, making this "New Cybertron" less valuable than the legitimate Cybertron? We know Megatron is a maniacal leader, but he's acting a bit too much like Galvatron here.

===Transformers references===
* This is [[The Key|not the last]] you'll hear of the Key to Vector Sigma. The Key, and, in particular, its ability to transform organic material into techno-matter play a key role in the events of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''.

===Trivia===
*The tank vehicles seen at the army base are the M.O.B.A.T. and the Armadillo from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' animated series.
*The Aerialbots conclude that humans are worthless after watching [[television]]. Should this tell us something?
*During the script stage, this episode had the sub-title "Fury of the Aerialbots".
*In this episode, Superion and Menasor are voiced by [[Frank Welker]] and [[Roger C. Carmel]] respectively, but from their next appearances onwards, the characters were both recast with new voices ([[Ed Gilbert]] and [[Regis Cordic]], again respectively).
*The shooting scripts for both installments of this two-parter contain several "deleted scenes" which expand greatly upon some of the more significant events in the story. In this episode:
**Omega Supreme repairs himself after his battle with Shockwave (deleted from Part 1, although this episode contains a vestigial reference to it, when Ironhide says remarks: "Now all we've gotta do is hope that Shockwave didn't get the better of Omega Supreme!"), but is only able to do a rudimentary job, noting that his personal survival is "highly improbable." It is ''this'' which causes Omega to explode upon his return to Earth—he willingly puts himself in danger to bring the Autobots back so they can stop the Stunticons.
**Later in the episode, when the Aerialbots watch as Sparkplug works to repair Omega, Sparkplug turns on the young punks, explaining what caused Omega to explode, making them realise what he did for them, and what they owe the Autobots. This is very much in contrast to the complete non-sequitur of the finished episode, in which the fact that Sparkplug can continue working when Ratchet can't, and then Silverbolt makes the Aerialbots somehow realise that they owe the Autobots their lives.
**Additionally, there are some extended scenes of the Prime reaffirming that there are six Aerialbots, to squash the subtlety of the hint at Superion, and the Aerialbots watching more television.
* This is the last appearance of Sparkplug Witwicky.
* This is one of the very few episodes where Megatron insults Soundwave. Even then, the reason for it here leads to what Megatron believes to be an amazing discovery. There's gratitude for you!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_key_to_vector_sigma_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1

2010-11-20T20:49:43Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

Triple Takeover

2010-11-20T20:45:24Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=TripleTakeover Blitzwing Astrotrain stadium.jpg
|caption=In which we learn exactly why Megatron is in charge of the Decepticons.
|series=G1toon
|ep=50
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=39
|prev2=Kremzeek!
|next2=Child's Play (episode)
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=18
|prev3=Kremzeek!
|next3=Starscream's Brigade
|title="Triple Takeover"
|written by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|production code=700-49
|airdate=[[November 19]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Astrotrain and Blitzwing depose Megatron and Starscream, then proceed to wreak havoc.'''

:''Japanese title:'' トリプル・チェンジャーの反乱 (''Triple Changer no Hanran'', "The Rebellion of the Triple Changers")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Revolution")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:TripleTakeover Mount Deceptimore.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Admit it. That is pretty cool.]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] are using their weapons to carve their faces along with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s into a mountainside. They agree one of the faces doesn't belong, then decide to band together and overthrow Megatron. Flying back to base, Blitzwing and Astrotrain decide who should lead Megatron into the trap, one of them suggesting Starscream while the other counters how the [[Air Commander]] has constantly been attempting to become leader of the [[Decepticon]]s and failed. Starscream retorts as usual and says he will do it, and the other two gloat about manipulating him.

Starscream leads Megatron into the sewers, stating that a secret [[Autobot]] energy base is present there, but the doors close around them. Megatron recognizes it's a trap but gets frozen. Starscream gloats and tries to escape through a hatch but finds out that it's been locked by his "allies". This leaves Astrotrain and Blitzwing as joint Decepticon leaders.

[[Image:Tripletakeoverblitzwingcoach.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Coach rivals Prowl, Jazz, and Ultra Magnus as "Best Sub-Commander ever".]]
Heading for a stadium, Blitzwing, in a display of great intelligence, drafts a football coach to be his [[second-in-command]] and demands tactical advice from him, keeping him stuffed in a locker when not needed. Blitzwing misinterprets the coach's suggestions of "zone defense" and "long bomb" and has the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] build a massive highway maze, then begins firing "long bombs" from the stadium into the surrounding city. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] leads a group of Autobots to investigate, but they end up crashing into each other in the Constructicons' maze and getting mashed flat by Blitzwing in tank mode. Meanwhile, Astrotrain heads to a train station, where he "conscripts" the [[Astroforce]], human trains which are to be his army. He sends them into a tunnel to collect energy lines and convert them into [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. It actually goes quite well for Astrotrain. The Astroforce? Not so much.

[[Image:TripleTakeover Astrotrain trashedroforce.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"You're embarrassing me in front of the guys!"]]
Meanwhile, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] flies over the maze, where [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] has built himself a throne... made of Prowl, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], and [[Bluestreak]]. Guided by Powerglide from the air, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] manage to rescue the Autobots, causing Blitzwing and Scrapper to crash into each other. At the train station, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] come to see how Astrotrain is doing. To his credit, he has gotten a lot of [[energon cube]]s, but his Astroforce has somehow gotten off their tracks and into a knot. Astrotrain urges one of the trains to gather some energy from a gas main, but it turns out to be a water main, which floods the tunnel. Worse, it heads into the tunnel in which Megatron and Starscream are trapped. Online again, Megatron accuses Starscream of another attempt at treason and begins the customary throttling. Starscream maintains that he was tricked. The pair go in search of the two traitorous triple-changers.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] see the two Decepticons, only to be distracted by the water main flooding the city. Optimus rescues Spike after the boy is washed away, handing him off to Powerglide to take to safety. [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] uses his [[force field]] to push back the water, while Optimus and Ironhide seal the main. Heading for the station, Megatron and Starscream encounter Prime, who claims that he's looking for the real leaders of the Decepticons, implying it isn't the two of them. This really angers Megatron, who tries to kill the Autobot leader, but Prime escapes. Megatron leaves to put Astrotrain and Blitzwing in their place, while the Seekers watch and place bets on who will win. Optimus, however, is content to sit back and wait for the outcome.

At the stadium, the Constructicons demand a share of the power Blitzwing promised, but he refuses and tells them to go jump off a bridge. Bad idea, for the Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The flood from the water main finally dies out at the stadium, depositing Astrotrain, who decides to scrap Blitzwing as well.

[[Image:Tripletakeoverautobotthrone.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Unfortunately, the "Seatmaster" line never really took off...]]

Megatron and Starscream arrive, and Megatron beats his would-be usurpers senseless, but Devastator knocks out Megatron, then turns his sights on the Air Commander. Starscream manages to dodge Devastator, then Megatron slams the giant. Megatron, Blitzwing, Astrotrain, Starscream, and Devastator then engage in a battle royale which sees Megatron emerge victorious. He decides to spare the traitors, saying the Decepticon cause is too important, but warns them never to betray him again.

As the Autobots look on, they're impressed that Prime knew that Megatron would handle the Decepticons for them. The previously injured Autobots form a throne for their commander to sit on, but Optimus Prime declares that he'd rather [[Roll out|roll]].

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (14)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (15)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (16)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (17)
*[[Bluestreak]] (18)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (19)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (25)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (26)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (1)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (8)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (9)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
**[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (29)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (21)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (23)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (24)

|c3=
*Football coach/second in command (5)
*Football players (6)
*Train conductor (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
"No planet ever lost its orbit underestimating the stupidity of Starscream."
:—'''Astrotrain'''

"Coach, it's a tank! What do I do?" 
"GIVE HIM THE BALL!"
:—A hapless '''football player''' and his '''coach''' meet Blitzwing.

"Tell me what's on your mind, or I'll splatter it on the wall and see for myself!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' to <s>the football coach</s> his second-in-command.

"Scrapper calling Blitzwing. What is the purpose of this highway maze you ordered us to build?" 
"It's a ''zone defense'', you ignorant fool!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' explains the perfectly obvious to '''Scrapper'''

"Scrapper, how big is our zone defense?" 
"Can't tell. All the others are lost in it! All I know is, it's ''big!''"
:—Decepticon "leader" '''Blitzwing''' and '''Scrapper'''

"Astrotrain couldn't lead rats to a garbage can."
''(Other Decepticons snicker)''
:—Astrotrain gets no respect from '''Thrust'''.

"''You'' led me into this trap!!" 
"I was tricked! The Triple Changers! They told me it was a power station!" 
"You are either lying, or you're ''stupid!''" 
"I'm stupid! I'm stupid!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' cut straight to the chase

''(Constructicons drive through scoreboard)'' 
'''Scrapper''': Victory is ours! 
'''Blitzwing''': What do you mean, ''ours''? You broke my scoreboard! 
'''Scrapper''': We built your maze. Now you keep your part of the bargain. 
'''Blitzwing''': What bargain? 
'''Scrapper''': You promised us a partnership in leading the Decepticons. 
'''Blitzwing''': Tell you what, guys. Why don't you go build a bridge...and ''jump off it''! 
'''Scrapper''': Constructicons... transform into Devastator! 
''(Constructicons form Devastator and advances menacingly on Blitzwing)'' 
'''Blitzwing''': Hey! No offense, big guy!
:—Blitzwing learns an important lesson: never shortchange the Decepticon team that can combine into a giant robot mode.

"Don't waste your time, Megatron. Incinerating you is of no interest to me. I'm looking for the leaders of the Decepticons." 
"''I'' am the Decepticon leader!" 
"You and Starscream are just a nuisance. A couple of metallic mosquitoes." 
"Mosquitoes?! Then feel my BITE!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' brilliantly manipulates '''Megatron'''.

'''Thundercracker''': I say Megatron will prevail! 
'''Thrust''': Three energon cubes says you're wrong! 
'''Thundercracker''': Make it four! 
'''Ramjet''': My money is on Devastator.
:—Who becomes new leader of the Decepticons? PLACE BETS NOW!

"Get this straight: ''I'' am Decepticon Leader. YOU are recyclable!"
:—'''Megatron''' disses Blitzwing and Astrotrain

"Megatron is a wimp!" 
"So is ''Starscream''!" 
:—'''Starscream''' finds that kissing up doesn't work so well on '''Devastator'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* The conspiracists' laser-sculpting is not very credible. Several shots in a row produce no effect, and then Megatron's face appears in the rock after one additional shot. The three Decepticons aren't even moving their arms as they shoot. They also keep firing after the four faces are already complete.
* Starscream has only one wing emblem as he and Megatron walk through the sewer, and it's on right side up instead of the usual upside down.
* Starscream's eyes are blue as Megatron yells at him for failing.
* When Blitzwing plows through the goal at the football stadium, the debris left behind vanishes in the next frame.
* Blitzwing's tank barrel is purple as he aims at the football player with the ball.
* Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow as the transforms after hitting the scoreboard.
* When Blitzwing grabs the football coach, the coach is yelling, "Okay! Okay....commander!", but ''Blitzwing'' is the one mouthing the words!
* The camera shot during whole conversation between Blitzwing and the Coach is strangely cropped, so that Blitzwing's head is cut off above the mouth.
* The train conductor makes the bizarre deduction that Astrotrain has no driver. Couldn't the driver just be on the other side of the cab, out of sight? Hard to tell, since Astrotrain's forward-facing windows are missing in the shot.
* Astrotrain rather flagrantly changes from all-purple to all-gray as he transforms.
* In the station, strange shot cropping again, as Astrotrain's head gets cut off for part of the shot.
* Astrotrain is missing his tail fin as he walks up to the trains. The trains have changed positions from where they were in the previous shot, when they were visible through the hole in the station wall.
* A line of Astrotrain's appears to have been cut between "Even soldiers need brains" and "Astrotrain can fix that". This was presumably an assessment that the trains have no brains.
* When Astrotrain wrests down a computer component to start work on his train army, the component vanishes as he rips out the engine. For a brief moment afterwards, it appears as if Astrotrain picks up thin air with his hands.
* The lockers that Blitzwing kicks open to stuff his "second in command" into are [[Scale|extremely huge]]. If one compares the size of the coach to one of those lockers, he would need to ''jump'' just to reach one of the handles.
* On that note, how ''exactly'' does Blitzwing kick the locker door open? By all rights, it should be a lump of scrap metal on the floor.
* Scrapper is seen scooping a load of dirt when he appears, but as he transforms, not only is the dirt gone, but he appears in an entirely different location.
* After the first commercial break, Blitzwing's cannon shots randomly change from having the Decepticon laser noise to Optimus Prime's rifle noise.
* As Blitzwing first runs over Prowl and Skids, the two Autobots have switched positions from where they were in the previous shot. Perhaps in an attempt by the colorists to fix this, their color schemes are switched.
* Blitzwing runs over Prowl and Skids twice from the same direction. The second time he runs over them with ''no'' sense of vertical motion, as if they were flat as paper. He couldn't possibly have crushed them ''that'' flat.
* For some reason, Astrotrain gets a red glowing effect as he transforms out of train mode in the tunnels.
* Despite Astrotrain's orders to do various things, the train just keeps doing the exact same thing over and over, courtesy of recycled animation.
* As the train backs up to bump into the pipe again, the glow effects of its headlights are floating in front of the headlights themselves.
* The Autobot throne changes quite a bit between shots. When we first see it, it's a lumpy pile of beat-up Autobots. When Hoist lassos it, it's mostly just Prowl and Skids, sitting back to back, undamaged. Prowl is even holding his gun!
* The side of Blitzwing's eyeband is white instead of red as Scrapper yells for help.
* Thrust is shown during Thundercracker's "Leader?! How do you figure that?" line.
* Thundercracker is colored as Starscream when the jets transform and land in the tunnel; not only is Starscream not part of the group, he is still frozen underground at this point.
* Two successive musical cues overlap for a second or two as the water comes bursting out of the tunnel.
[[Image:Tripletakeover megatron frozen.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
* When the water bursts in and frees Megatron and Starscream, Starscream is standing upright. When he froze, he was crouching by the exit hatch. In the same shot, Megatron is missing his Decepticon insignia.
* After they unfreeze, Megatron floats past the camera three times in a row.
* The depth of the water varies all over the place. In one shot, Trailbreaker drives it away from a building, revealing several floors that were completely inundated; in another shot, it's almost to the top of a streetlamp. In other shots, it's shallow enough for the Autobots to wade through. In one scene, Optimus is wading through water up to his shoulders, yet when he transforms, it only comes up to his fenders.
* A huge pipe is shown breaking when Optimus first tries to fix the broken water main. The pipe that he and Ironhide repair later, however, just has a tiny little crack in it, nowhere near enough to flood a tunnel, let alone a whole city.
* Blitzwing's head is purple again (instead of yellow) as he chastises the Constructicons for breaking his scoreboard.
* Blitzwing is doing a strange little boogie before the Constructions smash his scoreboard, with electrical effects around his hand. It's not really clear what this is meant to be. Is it his endzone victory dance?
* Scrapper's cab roof is misdrawn during Blitzwing's "What bargain?" line.
* Megatron reaches off-screen during his confrontation with Optimus, and something electrical lights up; we never do see what it is, though.
* Megatron gets the standard Decepticon laser sound for his fusion cannon, layered on top of its normal sound effect.
* Someone mistook Prime's blinding headlights for a laser attack, and inserted his standard rifle sound effect a couple of times.
* Megatron's helmet is a shade lighter than the rest of him as he tells Starscream to shut up. It changes back to normal as they start walking off.
* Megatron is shown with foot thrusters as he and Starscream take off.
* Among the Decepticon jets following Prime to the stadium is an off-model Seeker (or maybe an off-model Blitzwing) colored like Astrotrain; this should be Thundercracker. The jets are flying extremely low; Thrust can't be more than 10 feet above the road.
* During the "Three energon cubes says you're wrong" profile shot, Thrust and Ramjet's color schemes are switched.
* As they fly toward Blitzwing's position, Ramjet and Thrust are flying alongside.... Blitzwing.
* As the Autobots stand on the building roof, the water lapping at the building's edge is drawn as though it were surf coming in on a flat beach; parts of it just drift right over the building parapet.
* The same scene is supposed to show Trailbreaker using his forcefield to push Astrotrain toward the stadium, but it's so badly drawn and edited that it's very easy to miss.
* Devastator and Blitzwing are almost the same size as they grapple.
* While Astrotrain and Blitzwing are grappling, Devastator stomps Astrotrain's train mode underfoot, crushing it flat. As Astrotrain is still grappling with Blitzwing in the next shot, it's not clear what this was supposed to be.
* Megatron's helmet is ''darker'' than the rest of his body as he says "Why not?" It changes to normal as Devastator picks him up.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:TripleTakeover Astroforce.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Astrotrain visits the railroad museum!]]
* Astrotrain reads the temperature in the trap room as "470 degrees below zero", but actual absolute zero is only 459 below zero (at least on the Fahrenheit scale, Astrotrain could conceivably be using some Cybertronian scale).
* A digital scoreboard wouldn't just add two points because it was hit by a flaming football.
*The coach is introduced commanding the team with the same colors as his own clothing, but by the time the game gets interrupted by Blitzwing, he's commanding the ''other'' team. Eh? It ''could'' be a scrimmage, which would explain the ''totally empty stadium'', but then why does the other team have its own uniforms with their own letter?
* The locomotives that Astrotrain recruits don't look like any locomotive that were operating in North America in 1985. They appear to be based on some of the experimental streamliner diesels from the 1930s, such as the [[:wikipedia: M-10000|Union Pacific's M-10000]] and the [[:wikipedia:Pioneer Zephyr|Burlington's ''Pioneer Zephyr'']]... all of which were scrapped or retired decades before. The only locomotive that was in use at the time resembles the [[:wikipedia: Pendolino|Italian ETR 401]].
* As Blitzwing is firing "long bombs" all over the place, isn't he the ''least'' bit concerned that he'll accidentally blow up the "zone defense" he's having the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] build?
* The bridge that Hoist repairs is clearly blown in half, yet once Hoist leaps into the river to shore up its supports, traffic keeps rolling across it.
* There's really no reason the Autobots couldn't have simply gone ''around'' the highway maze.
* The four Autobots are pretty much destroyed by Blitzwing. Bluestreak explodes, and chunks of him (and three of his tires) go flying in different directions. Prowl, Skids, and Tracks all crash explosively and are all crushed under Blitzwing's tank treads. Unsurprisingly, none of them are nearly so damaged when they show up again later.
* Scrapper doesn't react ''at all'' to two Autobots driving into his throne room; he just continues sitting there on the Autobot throne, chilling out.
* He does react to Smokescreen's smoke cloud, however...by breaking out into a coughing fit! It's not [[Roll for It|the first time]] that robots have been shown [[humanizing|to cough]].
* Why would a water main be positioned so low that a train could hit it? Why would it be exposed in a tunnel at all?
* Whatever the reason, it's the most amazing water main in the whole history of forever. Within minutes, it floods a good deal of a city, at some points the water being as high as a multi-story building.
* Trailbreaker is just sitting there on the roof of a building, not doing anything, until Powerglide suggests doing something about the water.
* We never find out what this random building is that Megatron and Optimus both wander into, or why they're there. It kinda resembles an art museum, but there's no art. Whatever it is, it's built to the same huge scale as the football locker room; the Transformers have no trouble standing upright, and Optimus is last seen ''driving'' out the door.
* Despite what he says, Astrotrain doesn't ''have'' any score to settle with Blitzwing.
* Where the hell is [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] while this coup attempt is going on?

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:TripleTakeover Skids.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Blink and you'll miss him! Unless you're Prowl, in which case you'll smash right into him.]]

* By this point in the series, Starscream's voice had gotten rather high-pitched, and this is one of the most notable instances.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Hoist unfolds an incredibly long length of telescoping crane to save a driver whose car ran into the river. No wonder they call him "Hoist"!
** Ironhide fires "supercool nitrogen" from his hand gun to patch the broken water main. It's a blue laser beam that solidifies as a dark blue substance.
** Trailbreaker's forcefields are rainbow-coloured. Pretty! He fires them from his gun arm [[Dinobot Island, Part 1|again]].
* This is the second and last time that Skids shows up in the Generation 1 cartoon. He has a completely different voice than he did in "[[Quest for Survival]]".
* Where's the trailer go?
** Prime's trailer rolls in from off-screen when he transforms during the flood, and rolls away again when he returns to robot mode.
** The trailer follows him ''everywhere''! Even when he transforms inside a random human building, the trailer comes rolling in!
* Scrapper making a throne from the trashed Autobots is based on his bio, which says he incorporates defeated Autobots into his works.
* Devastator makes his first willing attempt at usurping control of the Decepticons from Megatron and actually attacking his former leader, something that goes against previous character portrayals, in which he was shown as a loyal follower (particularly notable in "[[The Core]]". Also, how Megatron was able to defeat him is unknown, since the battle ended off-screen. (Earlier in the fight, Megatron's fusion cannon shots just bounced off him, so it's a big mystery.)
* '''[[Dinobot Island, Part 2|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's gotten himself frozen! Unfortunately, so has Starscream. '''[[Starscream's Brigade|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* The weirdly improbable face carving is, of course, an homage to [[:wikipedia:Mount Rushmore|Mount Rushmore]].
* Astrotrain's line about "No planet ever lost its orbit underestimating the stupidity of Starscream" is a paraphrase of a famous quotation by early 20th Century satirist and journalist [[:wikipedia:H. L. Mencken|H. L. Mencken]].
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Some ''Millennium Falcon'' engine rumble as the Seekers fly into the subway tunnel.
** The sliding door sound effect from the Death Star is used for the trains venting steam.
** More ''Falcon'' noise as Megatron and Starscream take off to attack Blitzwing.
** X-Wings diving, and faint TIE Fighter roar, as Megatron takes off from the stadium.

===Trivia===
[[Image:TripleTakeover Blitzwing coach.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Blitzwing's takeover of a football stadium is nothing short of hilarious. First, he blasts right through the wall, and everybody continues on as if nothing happened. Then, when one of the football players ''finally'' notices a big tank turret aimed at his face, the coach's first order of action is to...tell him to give Blitzwing the ball. Wait....'''''WHAT?!'''''
* In contrast, the conductor who appears when Astrotrain takes over the train station knows full well to hightail it and run when the latter reveals himself. Seeing as how everybody else just ''stood there'' despite him yelling for them to run for their lives, this officially makes him the only [[human]] in this entire ''episode'' with half a brain.
* For something that was extrapolated from a football coach's vague, irrelevant musings by a guy basically depicted as a moron throughout the episode, Blitzwing's strategy is surprisingly effective.
* Signs in the city: STAR Daster, Hotel, Kend.
* Final score: Visitors 0; Blitzwing 1,569!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)

2010-11-20T20:42:30Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=Secret of Omega Supreme title shot.JPG
|caption=His real name is Ralph.
|series=G1toon
|ep=46
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=35
|prev2=Quest for Survival
|next2=The Gambler
|title="Quest for Survival"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-45
|airdate=[[November 6]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''When the Constructicons begin mining on a distant asteroid, Optimus Prime calls on Omega Supreme for assistance, only for a long-standing enmity between Omega and the villains to come to light.'''

:''Japanese name:'' オメガ・スプリームの秘密 (''Omega Supreme no Himitsu'', "The Secret of Omega Supreme")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Secretomegachatinwoods.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Paradise: visited. Self: Never visited."]]

A rocket ship bursts out of the ocean and travels into space. Guided by an unknown force, the rocket lands on an asteroid and then directs that hunk of rock into Earth orbit. A door on the rocket opens, revealing the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who step out and signal [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] of their success. The Decepticon leader intends to mine the asteroid for the energy-rich ore inside.

During his own orbit of the Earth, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] catches sight of the operation and reports in to Autobot headquarters. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] contacts [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] for help. During a one-on-one chat, Optimus senses that Omega is holding a grudge against the Constructicons and demands an explanation. Omega complies in normal speech.

[[Image:Omegadefendscrystalcity.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A rare instance of seeing his tank.]]

''On Cybertron, Omega Supreme is a good-natured, friendly [[Guardian Robots|Guardian Robot]]. One of his assignments is guarding the [[Crystal City]], the creation of his friends, the Constructicons. Unfortunately, they are altered by Megatron's [[Robo-Smasher]] and permanently changed into Decepticons. The Constructicons then trick Omega into leaving his post, and during his absence, they destroy the city. After losing his friends, his job and his city all in the same day, Omega swears he will first help his friends recover and then will get vengeance on Megatron.''

[[Image:Robo-Smasher and Omega Supreme.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Devastator and Robo-Smasher vs Omega. The 'Cons are doomed.]]

''For weeks, Omega tracks the Constructicons, until he captures them and tries to reprogram them. At first, it appears that they have been restored, but on their way home, the Robo-Smasher corners them. The Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and wrestle Omega into the Robo-Smasher's clutches. The machine goes to work at reprogramming Omega; he is able to pull away in the middle of the process, but the experience leaves him scarred and emotionally barren except for his desire for vengeance against his former friends. He chases after them for millions of years and finally finds them on Earth.''

Knowing that Omega's judgement might be clouded fighting the Constructicons, Optimus orders him to remain on Earth unless Prime himself gives the order to head to the asteroid. Omega acknowledges Prime's order.

[[Image:Secretomegafightscons.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sure, fire at the rocket whose top half is a cannon.]]

In space, Cosmos gets a sample of the ore from the asteroid and brings it back to headquarters. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] determines that the ore is organic in nature. Prime has just ordered Omega to destroy the asteroid, and now he regrets that decision. His further attempts to contact Omega fail because the huge Autobot is bent on revenge.

Once on the asteroid, the vengeful Omega immediately attacks his enemies, wildly smashing open a huge fissure. The entire asteroid breaks in two like an egg, hatching an [[Asteroid bird alien|alien creature]], which flies toward Earth. (Although it appears somewhat robotic, Teletraan I's claims that the asteroid was organic in nature imply that the creature is, in fact, biological.)

The creature heads straight toward Earth and begins to destroy [[San Francisco]]. Powerglide, Ironhide, Smokescreen, Tracks and Beachcomber move to stop it, but fail after several attempts.

[[Image:Omegasupreme%26creature.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Objective: Catch them all."]]

Omega is still attacking the Constructicons, their battle having moved from the asteroid to the Earth, when Prime tracks him down. He demands that Omega stop his attack and instead clean up the mess he created by releasing the creature. Prime tells Omega that only he can save Earth by luring the monster back to its food supply on the asteroid. When the Constructicons escape, Omega threatens Optimus, but the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] refuses to back down and reminds Omega of his past.

[[Image:Omega Supreme tears up.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Optical leak: imminent. Tissue: desired.]]

Finally, Omega concedes to Prime's authority and heads off. He confronts the creature and leads it back to the asteroid, where it eats its fill and then flies off into space, never to be seen again.

In the meantime, Prime uncovers Megatron's ore-processing facility and singlehandedly destroys it.

At the end of the day, Optimus thanks Omega for fulfilling his duty. Both Optimus and Omega express hope that he might one day regain some of the feelings that he lost.{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (8)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (13)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (18)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (22)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (1)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (2)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (3)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (6)
**[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (17)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (24)

|c4=
*"Doc" (Cybertron doctor robot) (15)
*Robo-Smasher victim (16)
*[[Asteroid bird alien|Asteroid beast]] (19)
}}

==Notable quotes==
"Where are you going?" 
"To talk to the only other Autobot who can fly into outer space." 
"Omega Supreme! Sounds like a barrel of laughs."
:—'''Powerglide''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"That asteroid may be new fuel for Megatron. The Constructicons are mining—" 
"Constructicons?! Constructicons: Enemies. Enemies die!" 
"This is a military mission, not a vendetta, Omega." 
"Results: Same!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Omega Supreme'''

"Quit squirming! This is for your own good! HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!"
:—'''Devastator''' parrots Omega's words back at him while holding him down for the Robo-Smasher to reprogram him.

"Megatron failed. I lived...but changed. Since then, I feel only hate for the Constructicons."
:—'''Omega Supreme''' reveals the results of his betrayal to Prime.

"Revenge: soon. Anticipation: high. Vengeance: GOOD!"
:—'''Omega Supreme''' after being ordered to remove the Constructicons from the asteroid in orbit of the planet.

"Keep San Francisco clean—leave!"
:—'''Tracks''' to the monster.

"What—eh—if we all just split up—" 
"Then he'd hunt us down one at a time." 
"Then I say we ''unite!''"
:—'''Hook''', '''Scrapper''' and '''Bonecrusher''' debate how to deal with Omega Supreme.

"Relax, man. Remember, we're all one with the universe." 
"We're about to become one with the pavement! Duck!"
:—'''Beachcomber''' and '''Tracks''', as the creature is attacking.

"Perhaps someday, you'll see that there are more important things in life than revenge." 
"Possibility: Growing."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Omega Supreme''' see a little hope for future therapy.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Near the beginning of the episode, when Hook is talking to Megatron, Sideswipe (an Autobot) is standing to his right. When the camera angle switches, he is replaced by Soundwave.
* The Constructicons wear Decepticon insignias from the beginning, when they were still Omega Supreme's friends.
* Also, why do the Constructicons have Earth forms in the flashback?
*After the Constructicons get Robo-Smashed, there is a shot of Omega Supreme in front of the Crystal City, then a short panning shot of the Constructicons approaching the Crystal City without Omega Supreme in front of it.
*The animation and backgrounds make it a bit unclear how far away Omega Supreme went from the Crystal City. It looks like he just went down the street and back, and he could have seen whether there was an attack from right where he was.
* When Omega Supreme is talking about Megatron giving the Constructicons a "new form", the sky behind him is the sky of Cybertron at the time.
* When Omega Supreme is removing the Robo-smasher from his head, his left forearm is disconnected from his upper arm.

===Continuity errors===
*"The Secret of Omega Supreme" established an important (and contentious) second origin story for the Constructicons. According to Omega Supreme, millions of years ago, when he was the guardian of Crystal City on Cybertron, he befriended the then-benevolent Constructicons. Megatron subsequently rewrote the Constructicons' brainwaves, turning them into a combining force for evil. This story contradicts Megatron's assertion (in "[[Heavy Metal War]]") that the Constructicons were built "recently" on Earth. However, he might have been referring to their current bodies, akin to what happened with the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], so this account of their origin isn't entirely invalid. Regardless, the Constructicons' origin is complicated by a flashback in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" in which the Constructicons are shown creating Megatron, which contradicts both previous origin stories. These different origins for the Constructicons have become notorious as one of the biggest continuity errors in the series.

*Optimus Prime refers to Omega Supreme as the only other Autobot capable of spaceflight, yet in season one, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] made at least two interplanetary flights to Cybertron—one when it was in Earth's orbit, {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} and one millions of years previously, when it was very far away. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}} Oh, and Cosmos is like, right there.

*According to both Omega Supreme and Optimus Prime, the reprogramming effects of Megatron's Robo-Smasher can never be reversed, but in "[[The Core]]", [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Chip Chase]] were able to sway the Constructicons to the Autobots' side with [[dominator disc]]s. This may have been yet another brainwash/override of previous programming rather than a "reversal", as such.

*Optimus Prime's surprise at Omega Supreme's post and function (MOS) back on Cybertron doesn't make sense, considering he had been given the Matrix and thus the rank of Autobot Commander about three million years before Omega's encounter with the Robo-Smasher.

*Optimus Prime knows that Megatron used the Robo-Smasher to "swell the ranks of the Decepticons," yet doesn't seem terribly concerned that the Decepticons he's been shooting at for millions of years may very well be mind-controlled slaves. If freedom is truly the right of all sentient beings, shouldn't he be trying to free them rather than kill them?

*By the same token, "the evil forces of the Decepticons" described in the theme doesn't seem much like a given if the forces are brainwashed.

===Trivia===

*The uncharacteristic eloquence displayed by Omega Supreme in this episode was actually the result of an error by writer David Wise, who was unaware of Omega's normal speech pattern and scripted the episode with normal dialogue. Dialogue editors were forced to insert Optimus Prime's request for Omega to "talk like a normal Autobot" to make the script work.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Secret of Omega Supreme}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Quest for Survival

2010-11-20T20:40:49Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=QuestForSurvival Blaster repels morphobots.jpg
|caption=The Morphobots raise the roof.
|series=G1toon
|ep=45
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=34
|prev2=Make Tracks
|next2=The Secret of Omega Supreme
|title="Quest for Survival"
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]]/[[Peter Salas]]
|production code=700-44
|airdate=[[November 5]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Autobots find themselves outnumbered when facing an Insecticon Clone Army and look to find a robotic insecticide to destroy them. However, their problems are just going to get bigger when spores from alien plants on Cosmos begin to grow rapidly...'''

:''Japanese title:'' サバイバル作戦 (''Survival Sakusen'', "Operation: Survival")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:QuestForSurvival Insecticon swarm incoming.jpg|left|200px|thumb|''Here we come to eat the haaaay The Insecticons are on their way'']]
The [[Decepticon]]s have turned the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]' cloning ability to new heights, to be an unstoppable force that will devour Earth's food resources and convert it into [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Like a horde of mechanical locusts, they will devour Earth's crops and cause the human race to starve to death. The Autobots make an attempt to stop the Insecticons, but they are too many in number, and are forced to retreat. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots explain what happened to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], when [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] contact Prime, saying that they found some [[robotic insecticide]] on [[Floron III]]. As they leave, however, something grabs hold of Cosmos, and he is barely able to escape.

Returing to the [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon base]], the Insecticons convert the food they've eaten into energon, but only get one [[energon cube]] each. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] claims that this is because of the costly energy conversion process, but in another room, the Decepticons are busily converting massive amounts of energy into energon. Megatron muses that the Insecticons would be deadly if they weren't so stupid.

[[Image:QuestForSurvival Spike surveys damage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I ''told'' you not to pick up those hitchhikers.]]

On his reapproach to Earth, Cosmos discovers that spores from whatever attacked him are growing across his hull, and he is losing control of his systems. Bumblebee and Spike manage to abandon ship before Cosmos crashes, and go to get help. Arriving back at the base, Bumblebee discovers that spores are attached to his body, but [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] manages to get them off. Prime attempts to contact Cosmos, only to discover that the valley he crashed in has been overtaken by the plant-like machines. As the Autobot leader leads a rescue mission, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] learns of the insecticide, and reports it to [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. Megatron takes a team to retrieve it before the Autobots can...and in case he might need the insecticide himself.

At the base, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] discover that the spores are [[Morphobot]]s, a plant-like species that the [[Transformer]]s believed was extinct. They contact Prime, warning him that the Morphobots are particularly fond of robotic lifeforms. Elsewhere, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] is overseeing the Insecticons, when Megatron orders him to warn the Insecticons to stay away from the valley. The Insecticons suspect that Megatron is hiding something, and attack Thrust, after which they take the entire clone army to the valley.

[[Image:Primequestforsurvival.jpg|left|200px|thumb|LA LA LA LA, NOT LISTENING!]]

At the valley, the Decepticons arrive first, only to discover the Morphobots. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] fires first, only to have the blast from his [[null-ray]] deflected right back at him. Before Megatron can <s>choke a bitch</s> properly admonish Starscream, Soundwave detects the Autobots. Megatron decides to let Prime do the work of getting the insecticide for him. [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] fires a blast, but gets nowhere; [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s liquid nitrogen only freezes them momentarily. [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] begins broadcasting, which causes the Morphobots to recoil. Bumblebee, Ironhide, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and Blaster take Cosmos out of the field.

[[Image:G1 QuestforSurvival Morphobot eats Bombshell.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The venus fly trap from outer space.]]

Once they're out, Megatron and the Decepticons attack, destroying the insecticide. However, the Morphobots also attack the Decepticons. As things get bad, the Insecticons arrive. Megatron believes the noble creatures are coming to save them. Obviously his [[Circuits|logic circuits]] fail to tell him just how many things are wrong with his idea. Believing them to be food, the Insecticon clones fly straight into the field, and the Morphobots consume all the clones. The original Insecticons manage to escape, and the Decepticons follow.

At their base, the Autobots have loaded the Morphobots into a shuttle, intended to take them to a world with a large robotic insect population. However, Perceptor requests that a second shuttle be prepared as soon as possible, as the Morphobots he has been studying have become a little too friendly for his tastes.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (6)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (7)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (9)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (10)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Grapple]] (13)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (25)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (26)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (27)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (30)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (34)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (35)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (2)
*[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
**[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (3)
**[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (4)
**[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (5)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (21)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (23)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (24)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (28)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (29)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (31)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (32)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (33)

|c3=
*Farmers (1)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (17)

|c4=
*[[Morphobot]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Robotic Insecticide?"
:—'''Skids''' makes his debut by asking what everyone else is thinking.

"Muahah. If the Insecticons had ''brains'', they'd be ''dangerous!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reflects on the Insecticons' gullibility.

"Hmm. Very interesting." 
"What is it?" 
"Hmm? What is what?"
:—'''Perceptor''' and '''Prowl''', a typical conversation with a scientist.

"Who says plants aren't intelligent? The Morphobots are repelled by your music."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', being a little ungrateful to Blaster, who is repelling the Morphobots

"Just don't stand there with your cockpits open, you fools!"
:—'''Megatron''', being dragged along the ground by a Morphobot.

"The Insecticons! Those noble creatures have come to save us, despite the danger to their own lives."
:—'''Megatron''', seriously overestimating his allies.

"Our friend Megatron is in trouble." 
"If I wasn't so ''hungry'', I'd stop to help him out. HAHAHAHAHAH!"
:—'''Kickback''' and '''Bombshell''' both showing how an 'ally' should act.

"You didn't tell us they'd bite back!"
:—'''Kickback''', realizing that plants do bite back.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* After the Insecticons step out of the energon extractor, Bombshell's chest is completely gray.
* The edge of Ironhide's helmet is the same color as his face in a couple of shots, notably when he reacts to the Morphobots shrugging off his nitrogen.
* When Megatron transforms to shoot the insecticide, he doesn't make the transformation noise (nor does he when he transforms back, for that matter).
* A couple of times when Transformers are shaking, such as when Perceptor is struggling with the Morphobots at the end, their mouths aren't quaking with the rest of their bodies.

===Continuity errors===
* The two vehicle-driving farmers switch places at the start. The fellow in blue overalls is driving the tractor, but is shown running from the combine harvester, trading vehicles with his pal.
* Beachcomber and Ratchet are in the group of Autobots who set out for the crash site, but when the group gets there, Ironhide and Hoist are there instead.
* Blaster doesn't appear at all, until after Ironhide and Warpath have tried to destroy the Morphobots.
* If the Morphobots can't be harmed by explosives and laser fire, and they can hogtie Megatron in a matter of seconds and sling him around like a bag of bolts, how did the Autobots manage to round them up and put them inside the rocket ship?
* In "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]", Kickback declares that there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. And yet, robotic insecticide...

===Trivia===
* This episode marks one of only two instances in which Soundwave laughs (the other being "[[Auto-Bop]]"). He chuckles along with Megatron when Starscream is knocked on his can, and again after Megatron destroys the insecticide.
* First appearance of [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (out of only [[Triple Takeover|two in the whole cartoon!]]).
* Blaster repulses the Morphobots with an instrumental version of the song "[[Cold Slither]]" played in the ''G.I. Joe'' episode of the same name.
* Blaster transforms into a halfway form between his cassette player form and his robot mode.
* Where did the Autobots get the video footage of the Decepticon energon facility anyway?
* To get rid of the Morphobots, the Autobots wreck the ecology of another planet. That's real nice of them.
* Okay, seriously...robotic insecticide?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Make Tracks

2010-11-20T20:38:28Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 cartoon episode|the Marvel UK comic story with a similar title|Makin' Tracks!}}
{{episode
|image=Maketracksraoul.jpg
|caption="I really think we should exchange insurance." "Nah, nah man, it's fine. You can totally fix that easily."
|series=G1toon
|ep=43
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=33
|prev2=The God Gambit
|next2=Quest for Survival
|title="Make Tracks"
|airdate=[[October 30]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=#700-42
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Transformers go to New York, and Tracks makes a friend.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 戦士トラックス (''Senshi Tracks'', "Tracks the Warrior")
:''Russian title:'' '''Nastoyashchaya droozhba''' (''Настоящая дружба'', "The Real Friendship")
==Synopsis==
In [[New York City]], two thugs carjack a familiar looking car, which also has a stereo sitting in the front seat. Heading to a chop shop, the punks try to sell the car...at which point the car turns into [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and the stereo turns into [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. The chop shop head, [[Winston]], tries to run, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrives. Winston vainly tries to shoot Optimus as the actual police arrive and arrest him.

The [[Autobot]]s are helping the NYPD in a crime busting program, but their [[Great War (G1)|never ending war]] is also on Prime's mind. The Autobot leader is convinced that the [[Decepticon]]s are nearby, plotting mischief, as they are prone to do, but the Autobots just can't find them. Heading back to [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s garage, Tracks is enjoying the city so he decides to go for a drive, while [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] go out on patrol.

[[Image:G1MakeTracks TracksRaoul.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

Tracks has a run-in with some more punks and scares them off, but one of the punks shoots a tire out, causing Tracks to crash. Unable to [[Transformation|transform]] or call the garage, he is found by young [[Raoul]], who drags him to an alley and plans to sell him to the [[Geddis brothers]]. Once he learns that Tracks is alive, he decides to fix him up, but he's still planning on selling him. Raoul accidentally cuts a wire that connects Tracks' computer to his body and silences the Autobot, but reconnects it. (That's one important wire.)

On patrol, Seaspray is disgusted with what the humans have dumped in the East River (aren't we all). Cosmos swoops down to inspect an accident, which Huffer and Hoist help clear up. They update Prime, who is getting worried about Tracks.

Back at the alley, Raoul is done, and is having second thoughts about selling Tracks. The Geddis brothers arrive and start to rough up Raoul, only for Tracks to transform and "ask" them to stop. The Geddis brothers flee, mentioning how shocked they are that a Transformer is attacking them. Tracks and Raoul follow, Tracks having deduced that they must be dealing with the Decepticons. They lose the Geddis brothers, but Raoul knows their main garage is down by the wharf. Heading there, Tracks and Raoul follow the legion of stolen cars.

[[Image:Maketracksstarscreammall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Starscream knows the best way to avoid lines on [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]: rob the store on Thanksgiving.]]

Above them, Powerglide spots [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and follows him. Powerglide and Cosmos chase the [[Air Commander]] into a human mall, only for Starscream to threaten the civilians and escape. Prime calculates that Starscream is heading for the [[Pine Barrens]] in [[New Jersey (Earth)|New Jersey]], and the Autobots roll out.

Somewhere in the Pine Barrens, the Geddis brothers are working with the Decepticons to provide them with 500 stolen cars. The Geddis brothers demand their million dollar payment. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] shows them the business end of the [[fusion cannon]], and one of the brothers fires off a few shots at Megatron. A single blast from Megatron sends the Geddis brothers running. Tracks tries to contact Prime, but his radio is still damaged, so he decides to get up close and personal, seeing what Megatron intends. When he discovers that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are intending to dismantle the cars, Tracks attempts to flee, only for the wire connecting his computer to sever again. Tracks is placed on the conveyor belt with the other cars ready for demolition.

[[Image:Maketracksprimewatches.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime defeated Megatron, Starscream, Shockwave, and death itself...but the traffic of New York horrified him more than anything.]]

Realizing Tracks is in danger, Raoul reveals himself to the Decepticons and says he placed a bomb in his car. Megatron allows him to disarm it, but instead Raoul reconnects the wire that reactivates Tracks and the pair bail. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] sends [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to hunt and kill, and Tracks is running out of power. He tells Raoul to run, but [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] arrive and drive [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|the two cassettes]] off.

Back at the garage, Tracks and Raoul fill the Autobots in on what's happening, just as the Autobots discover first-hand that the rebuilt cars are heading into New York. Prime, Blaster, and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] defend the Washington Bridge, as Tracks, Bumblebee, [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], and Sideswipe defend the Chrysler Building, while [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], Huffer, and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] defend another part of the city. Just when the Autobots believe they have the upper hand, the cars transform into gun-wielding drones, presenting a severe tactical deficiency.

[[Image:Maketracksspraymegatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Uh, I came in for a dental appointment, not surgery."]]

Ratchet realizes that the drones are being remotely controlled, and that the Jersey base is the source. Blaster jams the control frequency, allowing the Autobots time to break off to attack the Decepticon base. Raoul tries to take a crow bar to the controls of the car drone factory. However, Megatron captures Raoul, and orders the Autobots to surrender. Raoul opens a panel on Megatron's chest, and uses a spray paint can to short circuit the Decepticon leader. Rumble orders a retreat back to the [[Victory (G1)|base]] before Starscream can declare himself the new leader. The Autobots destroy the factory, causing the drone army to shut down.

At Sparkplug's garage, the poor fleshling predicts that it will take weeks to restore the cars to their original configuration, even with Ratchet, Hoist, and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s help. Raoul takes that as his cue to leave, only for Tracks to "volunteer" Raoul for repair duty.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (1)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (8)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (10)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (11)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (12)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (13)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (24)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (25)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (26)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (27)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (28)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (29)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
** [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (18)
** [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (21)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (20)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (22)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (30)

|c3=
* Car Thief 1 (2)
* Car Thief 2 (3)
* [[Winston]] (5)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Raoul]] (14)
* [[Geddis brothers]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well, nobody seems to want you, so that makes you mine."
:—'''Raoul''' demonstrating a very lax understanding of property law as he steals Tracks.

"Look, I've been shot at, smashed up, and stolen three times tonight, and I'm in a most foul humor."
:—'''Tracks'''. Some days, it just doesn't pay to be an ambiguously gay car.

"That car... talks!" 
"You've got a mind like a steel trap."
:—'''Raoul''' and '''Tracks'''

"First time in my life I try to steal a car, and I get one with a big mouth."
:—'''Raoul''' discovers karma.

"How do you do, Starscream? Not very well, I hope!"
:—'''Cosmos''' introduces himself with laser blasts.

"I have no desire to be carved up into Auto-sushi!"
:—'''Tracks'''

"They don't look all that smart to me. Ha! Their aim's not too good either." 
"Maybe, but they've got us outnumbered. Fire!"
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the drones.

"Let us stomp out these cheap imitations!"
:—'''Tracks''' disapproves of [[knockoff]]s.

"I'll teach you to mess with the [[Chrysler Building]]!"
:—'''Tracks''' to the drones.

"Throw down your weapon, Prime!"
:—'''Megatron''', about to experience his most humiliating defeat yet.

==Other notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* When Hoist hauls the damaged '4WD' (which is actually a sedan car) away, he drives floating mid-air into the background.
* Starscream, Powerglide, and Cosmos have no trouble fitting in a shopping mall.
* All of the Decepticon drones look the same, despite transforming from cars of wildly different makes and colors.
* Sideswipe is colored as Soundwave twice — once in an overhead shot at the Autobot base, and again when the Autobots charge towards Megatron's building.
* The animations for muzzle flashes and lasers in this episode are very different and of a much lower quality than in most of the previous episodes. The sound effects are different also, including Ironhide's weapon sounding like a chain gun among other things.

===Continuity errors===
* The Geddis brothers rough up Raoul at midnight. Some time later, Powerglide and Cosmos harass Starscream in a shopping mall that's doing a pretty decent amount of business. Even in New York City, the malls don't stay open ''that'' late.
[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|right|150px|thumb|???!]]
* In one infamous scene, Hoist is seen driving Huffer.
*All the advanced technology at the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]' disposal, technical know how to build transforming drones...and [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] is using a ''sword'' to slice the cars in half?

===Continuity notes===
* Raoul would appear again in "[[Auto-Bop]]".
*Megatron can be disabled by a ''can of spray-paint''.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:Maketracks tftm.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
* Tracks comments on the cliche of loving New York, which is a reference to the [[wikipedia:I_Love_New_York|famous New York advertising campaign]]. This ad was also seen earlier in the season in "[[City of Steel]]".
*In two different scenes (basically using the same background), a movie theater can be shown advertising ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*If you don't blink, you can see "Astoria" on one of the skyscrapers Powerglide flies by when he is reporting in to Prime. While presumably done to reference the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Astoria is also, coincidentally enough, the name of the girl who'll fall for Powerglide in "[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]".
*After Tracks says "More than you need a friend?" The buildings say 'Banana' 'Victoria' 'New York Holidays' 'Astoria Hotel' 'Crown' 'Automat' and 'Lido'

===Trivia===
* The [[New York City]] of this episode, while still a cartoon, is a lot more grimy and grungy than [[City of Steel|the last time we saw it]] (some might say more true to life.) It's got stolen cars, gangs, punks, a river full of garbage, traffic jams, and an overall darkness that fits with the 1980s perception of the city.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Golden Lagoon (episode)

2010-11-20T20:34:56Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|image=GoldenLagoon Beachcomber in lagoon.jpg
|caption=Beachcomber is into watersports.
|series=G1toon
|ep=41
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=31
|prev2=A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court
|next2=The God Gambit
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=12
|prev3=A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court
|next3=Prime Target
|title="The Golden Lagoon"
|airdate=[[November 4]], 1985
|written by=[[Dennis Marks]]
|production code=#700-40
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Beachcomber finds a pool of golden liquid that renders his hand invulnerable. Unfortunately, the Decepticons do too, and decide to take a dip.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ゴールデンラグーンの秘密 (''Golden Lagoon no Himitsu'', "Secret of the Golden Lagoon")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "Die goldene Lagune" ("The Golden Lagoon")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Lagoa Dourada'''
:''Russian title:'' '''Золотая лагуна''' (''Zolotaya lagoona'', "The Golden Lagoon")
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Goldenlagoonbeachcomber1.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Friend of all God's creatures.]]

[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] are taking a walk along the beach when they are attacked by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. In the middle of the battle, pacifist Beachcomber takes cover and finds a secluded glen full of flora and fauna right out of a Disney cartoon. In the middle of enjoying this impromptu petting zoo, the glint of gold catches his eye. In the middle of the glen is a pool of golden liquid he dips his hand into and identifies as "[[electrum]]". A rockslide sends him back to where he came from, just as Thrust flies over the glen and makes the same discovery. Thrust jumps into the pool and comes out completely covered in the gold liquid.

Beachcomber arrives back at the battle as the tide is turning against the Decepticons. Just then, Thrust appears and survives a powerful Autobot barrage without sustaining a scratch, thanks to his electrum coating. Warpath shoots an opening into the cliff face that he, Powerglide and Beachcomber hide in, while Thrust kidnaps Perceptor and Seaspray.

At Decepticon headquarters, the Autobots are imprisoned while Thrust notifies [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] of the electrum pool. They hurry off to the glen and Megatron orders [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] to jump in. When he emerges, Megatron shoots him, but the blast bounces off. The rest of the Decepticons jump into the pool and emerge, then have fun shooting each other. Megatron declares the Autobots are finished as the glen around them burns and the animals cower.

[[Image:Goldenlagoonstarscreamjump.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Normally Skywarp would be the one to kick Starscream into the giant pool of urine]]

Powerglide, Beachcomber, Warpath, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] regroup and prepare to go after the Decepticons again. Beachcomber hasn’t told anyone about his discovery yet. The group rushes off and meets up with the electrum-plated Decepticons, and are quickly dispatched because their weapons have no effect. More Autobots join the battle, but their weapons are useless. Beachcomber realizes that they’ve found the electrum and drives off.

The Decepticons return to headquarters and Starscream forces Seaspray and Perceptor to fight each other. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] rushes off to tell Megatron as Starscream gives the Autobots weapons.

Smokescreen, damaged from the battle, asks [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to help and the giant Autobot declares (a bit prematurely) that failure is impossible.

[[Image:GoldenlagoonOSdown.jpg|left|215px|thumb|Gulliver's Travels on acid]]

Meanwhile, Beachcomber arrives back at the glen and finds the Decepticons have burnt it nearly to the ground. He is captured by Blitzwing while Soundwave tattles on Starscream. Megatron orders everyone to fight Omega Supreme. When they attack Omega fires, but even his weapons have no effect and he falls under enemy fire. Megatron sets his sights on [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] next.

At Autobot headquarters, Mirage reports on Omega’s defeat and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] can hardly believe it. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] reports a single word to them—electrum. Prime recognizes its significance and sends out teams to try to find it.

Powerglide discreetly follows the Decepticons and sees them swimming in the electrum. He flies off to report the discovery to Optimus.

Megatron gives the task of dispatching Beachcomber, Perceptor and Seaspray to Starscream. When [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] come to take the prisoners to Starscream, Beachcomber forgoes his pacifist ways and overcomes both of them. He frees Perceptor and Seaspray and they swim back to the surface and head toward the golden lagoon. With Dirge left alone as guard while all of the others head to the fight, the trio takes him out, just as Prime and the rest of the Autobots arrive. Beachcomber invites them to jump into the electrum with him.

[[Image:Goldenlagoonautobotline.jpg|right|215px|thumb|Lucky Draw Roll Call!]]

Back at Autobot headquarters, Megatron and company attack but they discover the base is empty. Megatron orders everyone back to the lagoon, where the electrum-coated Autobots are waiting for them, including Omega Supreme. The two sides fight, but since their weapons are useless the blasts bounce off and destroy the countryside around them. As the battle continues, the electrum on the Decepticons wears off. His advantage lost and seriously out-gunned, Megatron destroys the lagoon and orders a retreat. The Autobots cheer their victory, but Beachcomber laments the destruction of the glen.

"...We won..."
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (1)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (2)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (3)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (4)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (5)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (8)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (9)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (10)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (14)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (15)
* [[Bluestreak]] (16)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (17)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (18)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (19)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (24)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (25)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (26)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (27)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
* [[Windcharger (G1) |Windcharger]] (29)
|c2=
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (1)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (2)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (3)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (4)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (5)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
* [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (12)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (13)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (20)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
** [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"Thrust, my man, you are about to become number-one Decepticon."
:—'''Thrust''', anticipating a promotion

"Personally, I need proof!" 
"''Personally'', I don't care ''what'' you need!"
:—'''Megatron''' putting '''Starscream''' in his place... again.

[[Image:Laserrave.gif|right|324px|thumb|You're right Megatron, this IS enjoyable.]]

"I will enjoy this."
:—'''Megatron''' shoots Starscream point-blank to see if the electrum makes him invulnerable.

"Sunstreaker, our weapons don't seem to have any effect on them." 
"I'll blast a few big D's for ya, and you’ll see what a difference a pro makes."
:—'''Mirage''' and '''Sunstreaker'''

"Show no mercy!" 
"Did we ever?"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream'''

"Results: disappointing."
:—'''Omega Supreme''' after three rounds of fire have no effect on the Decepticons.

'''Megatron''': Victory over the Autobots is here." 
'''Starscream''': Cut the oration Megatron. We already heard it." 
'''Skywarp''': Yeah, let’s talk about victory after we’ve got it."
:—Skywarp and Starscream sass back to Megatron now that they're invulnerable.

"We won..."
:—'''Beachcomber'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bitter statement as he surveys the wreckage of the lagoon.

==Notes==
*In Japan, this episode was only aired in the Kansai region and never given a proper nationwide broadcast. Due to this, official episode guides, including those printed in ''[[Transformers Generations]]'', offer no airdate for the episode. It is, however, listed between February 7th and 14th, 1986.
* This episode was never broadcast in Italy in the '80s and, as such, it only got dubbed in Italian with the 2008 full G1 redubbing.

===Continuity errors===
* Though the ending is supposed to be sad, somewhat upbeat music is used for the scene.
* For some reason, no one seems to notice that the Decepticons are gold and invincible - nor do any of the Autobots seems to notice Beachcomber's golden hand. Yet when they discover the pond full of electrum, the Autobots know exactly what the chemical is and what it does.
* Megatron and the Decepticons are all rather surprised when the electrum coating wears off, but if they didn't know it was temporary, why were they bothering to stockpile it?

===Real-world references===
* At the beginning of the episode, Perceptor stops to examine a rock on the beach with "traces of gold and silver". It's not just a random aside, but foreshadowing: in the real world, electrum is an alloy of gold and silver.

* When Warpath voices his excitement about KAZOWYing Decepticons, Powerglide reminds him that it's a rescue mission and not "the [[Wikipedia:Charge of the Light Brigade|Charge of the Light Brigade]]", a catastrophic cavalry charge during the Crimean War.

===Trivia===
* When Starscream dives into the pool of electrum, he holds his nose.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Golden Lagoon}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2

2010-11-20T20:32:29Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=38
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=29
|prev2=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1
|next2=A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=40
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|image=Desertion of the Dinobots 2 title shot.JPG
|caption=''Dessert of the Dinobots'', tonight on Food Network.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2"
|production code=#700-37
|airdate=[[October 22]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''With the Dinobots having deserted the dying Autobots, Spike and Carly must find them and save the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART II (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART II'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART II")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''A Deserção dos Dinobots Parte 2'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DesertionDinobots2 Shockwave humans.JPG|left|200px|thumb|The sign on my house said "no humans or solicitors"!]]

The [[space bridge]] doors open, and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Carly]] find themselves facing the business end of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s gun arm! He fires a ray that vaporizes Carly's car right out from under them. Fleeing through [[Decepticon Headquarters (Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]], the two humans manage to take refuge inside a small hole in a computer, a space where Shockwave won't fire after them for fear of damaging the equipment. Carly attempts to work the machine, but is hit by a surge of electricity and falls into a nearby pit, damaging the computer, but also twisting her ankle in the process. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] contacts Shockwave and orders him to send [[Cybertonium]] before the [[Decepticon]]s die, but Carly's tinkering has left the Space Bridge non-functional.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots2 Swoop humans.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Humans collect Transformers. Me Swoop collects humans!]]

Using Wheeljack's thumb radio, Spike makes contact with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]], who is pretty much the only person standing at Autobot Headquarters, as the Autobots are all shut down. Sparkplug uses [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to guide them out of the computer and toward [[Wheeljack's workshop|Wheeljack's old lab]]. Carly gets them through the door, but before they can start looking for Wheeljack's stash of Cybertonium, someone or something starts pounding on the roof. Spike finds a rifle and blasts the intruder, who is revealed to be... [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]!

The errant Dinobot explains that the Dinobots were captured by the Decepticons after a fight in Decepticon Headquarters, and taken to the [[Cybertonium Pit]]. The three are guided by Sparkplug to the [[Mass Transit System]]. Unfortunately, the tube carrying their car is damaged, and they can no longer communicate with Sparkplug. Deep underground, the three are nearly killed when they activate old defense systems. Swoop saves the day, but his wings are damaged.

Reaching the surface, they find an abandoned city, which has clearly seen better days. Carly discovers a records room, with a datatrack which explains the history of the [[Great War (G1)|terrible war between the Autobots and Decepticons]]. Swoop says that he never knew the war had gone on for so long, but they are soon captured by a [[Sentinel (G1)|Sentinel]].

[[Image:DesertionDinobots2 Grimlock kill drones.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Taste like chicken.]]

Taken to the Cybertonium Pit, they discover that Shockwave altered the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]' [[memory circuit]]s, making them think they're loyal to the Decepticons. Carly is able to repair their memory circuits, and the Dinobots thank Carly and Spike for rescuing them (except [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], of course). Now that the Dinobots are themselves, Spike comes up with an escape plan. He and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] start arguing, so the Sentinel decides to remove the humans. When the force field surrounding them comes down, the Dinobots destroy the drones. The Dinobots take the kids to an access tube, and Grimlock carries them up.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots2 Dinobots Cybertonium.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Me Grimlock always have room for Jell-o!"]]

Meanwhile, Sparkplug sends a message to Cybertron, saying that he has managed to direct the space bridge to land outside the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. Shockwave contacts Megatron, saying that he has sufficient Cybertonium, and the Space Bridge is repaired, but that he has lost control of the destination site. Having overheard this, the Dinobots overwhelm Shockwave, and although Shockwave is able to hit Swoop, the Dinobots and humans manage to escape back to Earth with a shipment of Cybertonium.

At the Autobot base, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] awards Spike and Carly with medals, making them "[[Honorary Autobot]]s". Grimlock decides to follow the Autobot leader's orders, and the Dinobots rejoin the [[Autobot]]s...until Grimlock no longer feels like following Prime's orders.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (6)
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (7)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (8)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (9)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (10)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (2)
*[[Carly]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)

|c4=
*[[Sentinel (G1)|Sentinel robots]]
}}

==Quotes==
"That was my car, not an Autobot. Decepticreep!" 
"I don't think he cares, Carly."
:—'''Carly''' and '''Spike''' after Shockwave destroys Carly's car

"The more I see of this planet, the more I like it." 
"The more I see of it, the more tired I get."
:—'''Carly''' as she marvels at Cybertron while '''Spike''' despairs over the huge stairs

[[Image:DesertionDinobots2 Mass transit junction.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
'''Spike'''/'''Carly''': WHOA! 
'''Swoop''': Why you make ''that'' noise? 
'''Spike''': Because we just left our stomachs back up there. Hoh-oh!" 
'''Swoop''': Me glad me not have stomach to leave. 
:—Spike and Carly get a tiny bit of motion sickness sympathy from Swoop.

"Metal of good old days not so good!"
:—'''Swoop''' doesn't think much of the traps in the tunnels. He's going to think even less of the [[Quintesson|guys who built them]].

"Almost forgot — me Swoop can transform!"
:—In standard Dinobot fashion, '''Swoop''' hits on a solution for getting around with a damaged ''Pterodactyl'' wing.

"Millions of years ago, Cybertron was a planet of peace...until the Decepticons, lusting for power, began a terrible war. Not designed for combat, the Autobots were overwhelmed and subjugated by their evil opponents. While many Autobots fled Cybertron, a few valiant survivors devised new tactics and launched a counter-offensive on their arch-foes. And thus began a terrible series of wars. Many times, both sides have claimed victory, but this has been short-lived, for the Autobots have overthrown Decepticon tyrants, and, likewise, Decepticon treachery has toppled many a peaceful Autobot ruler. And to this day, the war rages on."
:— A '''computer''' telling the history of the Autobot-Decepticon conflict

[[Image:Grimlock01.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock say YOU PREGNANT.]]
"No! Me hate you!" 
"Well, I'm not nuts about you, either!" 
"Me not do what you say!" 
"You lunky bag of bolts, you can't do anything!"
:—'''Grimlock''' and '''Spike''' fake a fight within the Cybertonium Pit.

'''Slag''': Even though Dinobots not like it... 
'''Snarl''': ...We take orders from you now... 
'''Grimlock''': ...Until ''next time'' me Grimlock no '''''feel''''' like it. 
:—A warm fuzzy moment, Dinobot style.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* An establishing shot shows us a pile of nonfunctional Autobots. Among them is Jazz, now back in his complete robot mode after being stuck as a half-car, half-robot last episode. In the same shot, Prowl's head crest is white instead of red, Jazz's tires are white, Bumblebee's groin is gray instead of yellow, and Brawn's gauntlets are yellow instead of gray.

*One of Teletraan I's displays labels Spike and Carly's location as "DECEPTKON COMPUTER BRAIN".

* Where's Spike been carrying that rather largish [[photon light]] he pulls out? It's way too big to fit in a pocket.

* Carly's "oop!" happens before she actually stumbles. She's calmly saying "Let me lean on your shoulder" while nearly pitching face-first into the ground.

*Predictably, the entrance to Wheeljack's lab looks completely different than when we saw it in "Divide and Conquer". So does the access panel for the door. Neither of those looked like the entrance seen in "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3", but that seems to have been a back door.

* As is common in the cartoon universe, the metal ceiling of Wheeljack's lab cracks and crumbles like rock.

* Swoop's wing damage is missing in the very next shot of him after it happens ("Must've triggered switch!").

* After he's shot by the Decepticon guard, Swoop falls over with a very organic-sounding thump.

* The Dinobots are all busily loading, loading, loading while they declare that they don't want to leave the Cybertonium pits. But when Carly decides to check Snarl's circuits, he's just standing there doing nothing.

* Would anybody recognize Slag if they colored his face ''right''?
** The front of Slag's checkguard is white instead of red as Carly fixes him.
** His whole face is white as the energy fence deactivates, and again as he returns to robot mode and escapes from the pit.
** The "side panels" of his head are white as Optimus Prime starts to address the Dinobots (his eyes are also colored red, and next to him, Sludge has empty white voids instead of eyes.)
** White cheekguard-fronts again as Slag speaks his final line. His chest plate is also gray instead of white.

* During the "history of Cybertron" segment, there is a purple [[generic]] with spikes on his shoulders who is among the Decepticons when they round up a group of Autobots who surrender. He is seen again shortly afterwards... among a group of (if the narration is something to go by) ''Autobots'' who show off their newly-acquired transformation abilities.

* After their escape, the Dinobots stop to figure out which way to go; in this shot, Grimlock's head is light gray, and Slag's dino head is light gray instead of yellow.

*During the final scene, Swoop can be seen being repaired (presumably having his blown-up wing replaced, since he only has one), but his intact wing is the same color as the bed he's lying on, and his beak is red. And Ratchet, standing at the foot of the bed, is red and gray.

===Continuity errors===
* Victor Caroli's voiceover recap incorrectly describes the Autobots as "energy depleted"; in actuality, they're suffering mechanical breakdowns.

*At the end of Part 1, Shockwave fires (with two guns!) into the opening Space Bridge elevator door, triggering a huge explosion (which the "in our last episode" recap is kind enough to replay for us at the episode's start.) At the opening of this episode, however, he's just standing there when the elevator doors open, aiming his gun arm; his hand-held pistol is gone. After a second, he fires a ray that vaporizes Carly's car out from under its two human passengers, but doesn't cause any human-eviscerating explosions. It's not the first time that ''The Transformers'' has solved an unsolvable problem by just ignoring it, but it's one of the most flagrant.

*Incidentally, the ability to vaporize an entire automobile's worth of mass would seem to be a pretty useful power for an evil robot, but it's never seen outside of this episode's opening sequence.

*Also incidentally, Shockwave sure does stand there for an awfully long time, letting the clearly-still-alive humans run off into his headquarters.

[[Image:Dotdinos2 teletraan simulation.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Most of the monitor imagery in this episode is simulated pictures constructed by Teletraan-1 to keep Sparkplug abreast of Spike and Carly's progress. All well and good, but it does seem to rule out any possibility that all those other unlikely camera views in all those other episodes were super-realistic computer simulations.
** Is Megatron collapsed against the video monitor console... or do the Decepticons have a camera on the floor?

*Spike and Carly happen upon a stack of energon cubes, and the script makes a point of having Spike wonder aloud where they came from, since Cybertron is supposed to be out of energy. Does nobody remember that whole [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|sending energon]] [[Divide and Conquer|to Cybertron]] thing the Decepticons had going on?

* Superhuman Spike:
** Spike manages to hold back an approximately 20+ foot tall metal door weighing several tons from crushing him and Carly.
** He also lifts a metal gun that's bigger than he is!
** Both he and Carly manage to hang on to Swoop's giant metal claws through a gut-wrenching series of aerial maneuvers. They're both fine when he drops them before crashing.

*When Carly and Spike reach Wheeljack's lab, Carly opens the door without ever knowing the pass code. It's not impossible that she got the code from [[Chip Chase]], who systematically guessed the code in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", but it does seem a bit on the unlikely side. Wheeljack also has a Decepticon symbol on his doorway, presumably put there by the Decepticons who sealed the entrance... but it wasn't there either of the last two times we saw the lab.

* It's a cartoon convention that a missile can't harm you unless it physically hits you, no matter how close it gets, so we can cut ''The Transformers'' a little slack in this regard. However, the absurdity of it is a bit flagrant as Swoop dodges missiles in the extremely tight confines of a hallway, where the missiles have several chances to explode basically right next to him.

*Sparkplug says he's altered the space bridge destination by tapping into the Decepticons' computers. He never mentions how he managed to build an entire space bridge receiver ring right outside Autobot Headquarters. There has also been some previous indication that the space bridge appears at random, uncontrolled locations. Perhaps the receiver ring is part of the deal?

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** As mentioned above, Shockwave can ''vaporize'' things with a ray from his gun arm. What things? Cars, robots, machinery, just about anything, it would seem. How have the Decepticons not won the war with this guy on their side??
** Swoop can launch a couple of stubby little missiles out of his upper chest.
** The Dinobots' memory circuits can be bypassed via something or other in their chests. It sounds bizarre, but Bumblebee apparently had memory chips in his chest in "Transport to Oblivion", and Brainstorm later declares that he and his compatriots all have "auxiliary memory circuits" in their chests.
* Swoop and the humans wander into what appears to be an abandoned underground city on Cybertron. The notion of Cybertron cities being built one atop the next would be revisited in the ''Beast Machines'' cartoon, many years later.
* This episode gives us a rare glimpse into Cybertron's past via a sort of mini-documentary:
** The footage features a ''ton'' of totally made-up robot and vehicle designs.
** The ships used by fleeing Autobots in the datatracks are the [[Vanguard-class Deep Space Interceptor|same type]] as the Ark.
** The documentary suggests that the Autobots created the art of transforming, something that the "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1|Five Faces of Darkness]]" also corroborates.
** This was the first episode where a Transformer that isn't a hologram or a clone is shown to be destroyed.
* For the most part, this is the last time the Dinobots would be shown as rebellious, intimidating warriors in the original animated continuity, as by their next appearance in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' they are happy to work with other Autobots, and by [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|Season 3]], are generally used as comedic foils.
* Since Cybertron clearly sucked up a bunch of Earth's atmosphere in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", we can forgive Carly and Spike's ability to breathe there. (Of course, Cybertron was human-inhabitable even before that incident, as demonstrated by Chip's visit in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".) Awful handy of it to have human-compatible gravity (which it would need anyway to actually hold on to that atmosphere.)

===Real-world references===
[[Image:DisertionDinobots2 humans medals.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"I got shot through space, my car was disintegrated, I got lost and injured on an alien planet, captured by giant evil robots and made to act as slave mining labor, all to save your lives, and all I get is this lousy medal? That's it, I want a new car. And it better not be one of the Autobots acting like a car."]]

* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Spike's laser shot hits Swoop with the sound of Ben Kenobi and Darth Vader cutting through some machinery on the Death Star.
** The same sound is used as part of the heat-seeking missiles' engines.
** ''Falcon'' engine rumble as Swoop starts his "fancy flying", then ''Falcon'' engine burst, then Death Star superlaser, the TIE Fighter engine as he finally crashes.

===Trivia===
*Carly doesn't appear entirely thrilled with the whole "honorary Autobots" thing. Not surprising, considering everything that happened to her in this episode.

*"Photon Light" sounds redundant.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Channel 5]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots 3-D (Channel 5) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 4 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/desertion_of_the_dinobots_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

2010-11-20T20:31:10Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=37
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=28
|prev2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next2=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=39
|prev3=The Girl Who Loved Powerglide
|next3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|image=DesertionDinobots1 resignation.JPG
|caption=Like nobody saw this coming miles away.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"
|production code=#700-36
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Dinobots abandon the Autobots as both the Autobots and Decepticons begin to suffer malfunctions'''

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART I (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART I'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART I")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''A Deserção dos Dinobots Parte 1'''

==Synopsis==
At a laboratory, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s are being shown [[Ultra Plane|a new drone fighter]] by a human professor. However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is out to steal the fighter's blueprints from the laboratory. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who are inside [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], provide a distraction, while [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] destroys the drone. Prime orders the Autobots to inspect the wreckage for any clues. Shortly after this, the [[Decepticon]]s attack the lab, but the Autobots arrive and are able to send them packing.

[[Image:G1 Grimlock Megs bite.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock want to munch Megatron!]]

After some fun at the [[Fun A Rama Park]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], [[Carly]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] go to pick [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] up at the airport. While there, they discover a Decepticon base in an [[Hanger|airplane hangar]]. Bumblebee calls Prime for reinforcements, but the Autobots with Prime are too far away. Contacting the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] sends the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to assist. The Dinobots quickly trash the Decepticons. In retaliation, Megatron orders the Decepticons to blast the planes, causing a massive explosion that damages the Dinobots and allows the Decepticons to retreat. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] arrive to put out the fires and take the Dinobots back to base. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack begin repairs on the Dinobots, while the other Autobots rebuild the airport.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Rumble Megs.JPG|right|200px|thumb|What is it, little buddy? Are you lost? Timmy fell down the well?]]

Meanwhile, the Decepticons are flying through the air back to their [[Decepticon Headquarters|base]]. All of a sudden, Ravage ejects from Soundwave, transforms and lands on the ground below. Megatron demands an explanation, but Soundwave says that Ravage initiated the ejection without a reason. Soon, however, the Decepticons fall from the sky, and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] begins attacking Megatron, though he doesn't know why and he can't stop himself. Megatron flicks him away and concludes that they are suffering from bad [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. The group heads off to get some new [[Energon cube|cubes]] from a powerplant to refuel themselves.

At the Autobot base, the Dinobots are repaired, and Prime, still rebuilding the airport, tries to send them to stop the Decepticons. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] angrily refuses, saying he's tired of taking the Autobot leader's orders and saving the Autobots whenever they need help. The Dinobots leave the base, intending to fight whenever they want to. At the power plant, the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons, but both factions begin to suffer from debilitating malfunctions. After an indecisive battle, Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Autobots tired.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Cybertonium chairs seemed like a good idea at the time, but now...]]

Back at the base, the Autobots are suffering power failures now, as well as other problems (Wheeljack can't move, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s legs are stuck in [[alternate mode]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is holding his own severed head!). [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] concludes that they are suffering from [[Cybertonium]] depletion. However, Cybertonium only exists on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Fortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] is sending a shipment over the [[space bridge]], but the Autobots are in no condition to retrieve it themselves. Sparkplug, Spike, and Carly decide to track down the Dinobots.

As the three look for the Dinobots, they find that they have been discovered by the Dinobots. Grimlock is less than pleased to have been followed by the humans, and decides to crush them. Sparkplug lays it on thick when he says they need the Dinobots' "brilliant help." [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], however, saves the humans from getting smushed because he wants to hear about the "brilliant" part. Sparkplug explains the situation, but Grimlock doesn't care. However, when Spike mentions Cybertonium, Grimlock realizes the Cybertron connection, and decides to help (despite [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s refusal and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]'s confusion). The Dinobots attack the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who are retrieving the Cybertonium, but the Dinobots simply get into the space bridge and head for Cybertron. Shockwave attempts to stop them. Guess what happens.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 car fly.JPG|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEE!]]

At the Autobot base, Sparkplug contacts Grimlock, who refuses to return and help the "bossy Autobots". Carly resolves that she and Spike must head for Cybertron themselves. Prime attempts to stop them, but finally succumbs to the effects of Cybertonium depletion. Sparkplug stays to man [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to help the kids. Spike and Carly manage to drive past [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] using Carly's car, but Shockwave is waiting for the two humans on the other side.

[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (19)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (23)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (27)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (28)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (29)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (30)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (31)
*[[Grapple]] (32)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (17)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (26)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (34)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (35)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (36)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (37)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (38)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (39)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (41)

|c3=
*[[Professor Greene]] (5)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Carly]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Wheeljack''': Dinobots, we got a job for you. 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock no like orders. 
'''Slag''': Me Slag no like ''anything''. 
'''Wheeljack''': We really need your help. Why won't you give us a hand? 
'''Grimlock''': Me don't know why not. So we help. This time. 
'''Wheeljack''': I've ''got'' to work on their personality circuits. 
:—Wheeljack learns that even the Dinobots don't know why they have a bad attitude.

"So much for your secret hideout, Megatron; even the moronic Dinobots found it!"
:—'''Starscream''' as the Dinobots attack the Decepticons' airbase.

"Decepticons, CHARGE!"
:—'''Megatron''' decides to try a new tactic when losing.

"I warned you guys there was trouble!" 
"You always say there's trouble, Red."
:—'''Red Alert''' and '''Hoist'''

"It's the Aurobrroughs... THE AURRROOBBRRURURRUGHRRR!!!!"
:—'''Megatron''' after the effects of Cybertonium depletion busted his vocal circuits

"Hey, I'm stuck! I can't transform! [''Ironhide kicks him; Jazz transforms''] OW! Thanks...I think."
:—'''Jazz'''

'''Sparkplug''': The Autobots are dying, and only you can save them. 
'''Grimlock''': No care about Autobots! Me Grimlock Dinobot! 
'''Spike''': If you don't help, the Decepticons will get all the Cybertonium they need. 
'''Grimlock''': Cybertonium? Cybertron! Okay, us do it! 
'''Slag''': No! Us no want to. 
'''Sludge''': What he say? 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock. Me leader! Me say us do it!
:—Grimlock's unassailable logic convince the Dinobots

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Shockwave Dinobots.JPG|right|150px|thumb|You Shockwave not so tough without black sticky stuff.]]
"Stowaways?! Stand back!" 
"WE NO STAND BACK!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Grimlock''', right before the Dinobots kick Shockwave's [[Diode|diodes]].

"It's...too...risky! Ohh..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' warns Spike and Carly of the danger of traveling to Cybertron alone, right before he nearly crushes them while passing out.

"I feel kinda stupid talking into my thumb."
: —'''Spike''' in agreement with the audience for the first and last time.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* Despite the variety of engine sound effects, the experimental plane is just flying in a straight line in the first shot.
* Blaster's forehead is red (like the rest of his helmet) instead of white as Optimus gives the order to [[roll out]].
* Starscream's face is white instead of medium gray as he enters the lab facility.
* The scientist that Starscream tosses aside gets up and runs away, despite having been ''thrown'' a good 15 or 20 feet to the floor.
* Blaster's arm phases through Mirage's box-of-turning-invisible. While not physically impossible, he appears to be standing far enough in front of Mirage that the box should be behind him.
* After grabbing Megatron's cannon, Mirage reappears without his customary energy sound effect.
*The merry-go-round at the fair features horses that are suspended from the roof, rather than attached to floor-to-ceiling posts like a real carousel.
* The outside of the airport, where Bumblebee discharges his passengers and transforms, is ''completely deserted''. They seem to have wandered into the loading docks or something.
* Slag's face and head are gray instead of red as he says his "no like anything" line.
* The top of Starscream's cockpit cowling is yellow instead of gray as he scolds Megatron for retreating.
* Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow just before he transforms to attack Bumblebee.
** And again after he falls out of the sky.
*** And again as Soundwave ejects Ravage at the power plant.
**** And ''again'' as the Decepticons try to retreat from the power plant. Was this an alternate color scheme or something?

* Megatron's audio appears to drop out for a second or two as he tosses Rumble aside; he says "Get... ...fool!" with timing that would be just right for the more explicable "Get off me, fool!"
*Thundercracker is miscolored as Starscream when Swoop attacks him.
* Spike, Carly and Sparkplug are inside the terminal when Megatron gets thrown into it. A second later, they're back on the flightline with the Dinobots.
* The sound crew missed the part where Hoist is ''towing'' the derelict airliner carrying the Dinobots; they applied what sounds like an idling jet engine noise over the scene.
* The building that Powerglide and Ironhide construct changes shape between shots, and doesn't appear to have any doors or windows. There's also a parked airplane practically on top of the foundation before they start laying bricks. Ironhide's method of brick-laying fails to put any mortar into the vertical brick joints. The bricks also go from regular bricks to concrete blocks between shots.
* Megatron's Decepticon symbol is missing after he bashes Rumble aside in the desert.
* Slag's head guards are white instead of red as he agrees with Grimlock's refusal of orders. (Should they be white? Yes, yes, no!)
* The energon cubes at the power plant are semi-glowing in a strange purple color, rather than the usual bright pink.
* Prime clips through the concrete fence at the power plant as the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons.
*Jazz is colored as Red Alert when the Autobots transform at the power station.
* The first half of Blitzwing's line after blasting Jazz is garbled to incomprehensibility, whether due to an audio failure, bad delivery, or just having been written that way: "Uh - err - uht - shift or be smashed!"
*Megatron's gun mode is entirely white when Starscream is about to shoot Optimus.
[[Image:Dotd1 sparkplug repairs wheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Just one little vertical line. Supposed to be over there on the right.]]
* Wheeljack is missing the little windshield line on the top/side of his chest as Prime answers Ironhide's question about what is happening to them. It's missing again as Sparkplug repairs him in the next scene.
* Red Alert has white tires on his shoulders in the first pan of the disabled Autobots at Autobot Headquarters.
* As Wheeljack says that Cybertonium is only found on Cybertron, his whole helmet is light gray instead of dark gray, rather than just his three "fins".
* Scrapper's vehicle mode ''bends'' like rubber as he backs away from the Dinobots.
* Scrapper has two eyes instead of his usual single visor as he turns to track Swoop.
* Long Haul's portion of Devastator is shown plopping into place... long after both he and Hook (who forms the part that comes ''after'' Long Haul) have already driven up and transformed.
*When the Dinobots first appear on Cybertron, Shockwave has both his hands. In the next scene, however, his left hand blaster is there. He was last seen with two hands back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I kindly provides Sparkplug with a view of Grimlock ''inside Decepticon Headquarters on Cybertron''!
* So... the sound guys have never seen a car before? They don't know what a car does? 'Cause they put in a flight sound effect as Carly's car vaults over Devastator's foot and into the space bridge ring.
* The animation of Shockwave reacting to and turning toward the space bridge elevator is recycled when Spike and Carly arrive. Not an explicit error by itself, but it creates a continuity disjoint with the next shot, as Shockwave abruptly goes from empty-handed to holding a blaster.
* There's nothing in the space bridge elevator when Shockwave blasts it.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Dotd1 sneakiest soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, Blaster doesn't recognize this guy by now?]]
[[Image:DesertionDinos1 BlastergrabsRavage.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And yet he doesn't seem surprised at all when this happens.]]
* The opening scene is bizarre. Soundwave is sitting in Ironhide's cargo compartment. Ironhide somehow failed to notice Soundwave climbing into him, and continues to fail to notice him sitting there. Blaster somehow fails to notice Soundwave sitting ''right in front of him''. Of particular note, in "[[Heavy Metal War]]" Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I.
*Considering the ultra plane was in full view of the Autobots and Dr. Green the whole time, how did none of them see Starscream flying over the fighter and dropping a bomb on top of it?
* We never do find out where Sparkplug is coming home from or what he was doing there in his snazzy blue suit.
* Bumblebee and Spike apparently just wander onto the airport's flightline, unquestioned, to investigate the Decepticon hangar.
* Superhuman Spike:
**Neither Spike nor Carly and Sparkplug are harmed by Megatron flying through a huge plate glass window right in front of them. (As noted above, they shouldn't even be there.)
* On a related note, though Bumblebee and the three humans are standing right next to the Dinobots, none of them are harmed by the planes exploding, while the Dinobots get blown to kingdom come.
* For some reason, Blitzwing blasting Jazz in the side causes a huge crevasse to open up beneath Jazz.
* The space bridge must have been seriously fine-tuned since its first appearance. The Dinobots make the trip just fine, despite appearing to flail about randomly as they make the trip. Even an Earthen automobile makes it through (and its human passengers survive, which means the space bridge portal has a pressurized atmosphere.) Previously, an unpiloted test vehicle vanished into the ether because it lacked guidance.
* Shockwave blasts the elevator door as Spike and Carly arrive on Cybertron, creating a huge explosion. They are only saved by power of retcon, as the next episode decides that the immediate firing and huge explosion simply didn't happen.

===Kid Rhino release===
*On the [[Kid Rhino]] DVDs, the visuals drop out completely for a second or so, replaced by a black screen, after Blaster's fight with Ravage. This error is also on the Madman Region 4 DVD.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode throws some confusion on the origin of the newer second-season characters such as Perceptor, Blaster, Blitzwing, etc. Previously it could be assumed they had simply arrived from Cybertron or some other planet. But the fact that their Cybertonium deteriorates in exact sync with the earlier characters suggests that they were also aboard the Ark and went through the same four million year slumber as the 1984 characters. Why we didn't see any of them for the first year is therefore a bit of a mystery within the context of the stories.
* The Dinobots' discontent was previously hinted at in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]" and "[[Day of the Machines]]". They seemed much happier in the later two-parter "[[Dinobot Island]]".
* Apparently the Dinobots just stand around in their own little cubby hole in the Ark, waiting patiently for someone to open the door and talk to them. Which is strangely placid of them.
[[Image:Dotd1 malfunctioning ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|200px|You've got the touch! ]]
[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Powerglide no head.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Some parts are made to detach if excessive force is applied. ]]
[[Image:G1Cartoon37 Generic.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A [[generic]] Transformer from Mirage's flashback. Perhaps one of his [[Mirage's friends|friends]]?]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** To prepare the viewer for the forthcoming mechanical failures of the Autobots, several of them use their stock powers, such as Jazz's [[sound and light show]] and Mirage's invisibility.
** To inspect the vault door, Soundwave retracts his hand and brings forth a three-pronged wirey sensor thing. It's only [[Soundwave (ROTF)|slightly creepy]].
** Carly switches off Bumblebee's equilibrium circuits by pressing a button inside his chest armor (which sure pops open easily. Bee had better hope the Decepticons don't find out about that feature.)
** Bumblebee uses a wrist communicator to radio Optimus. Though a common device for both sides, this one looks different than the more rectangular ones Bumblebee has used in the past—spheroid and with a little antenna on top.
** Inferno fires [[fire-retardant foam]] (or something like it) from a nozzle that emerges from a hatch on his cab (even though Inferno already sports several ''visible'' nozzles designed to serve the same purpose.)
** The deterioration of the Transformers' [[cybertonium]] leads to a series of mechanical failures:
*** Grapple apparently loses his fine motor control.
*** Soundwave spontaneously ejects Ravage.
*** The Decepticons lose their flight abilities.
*** Rumble can't stop himself from attacking Megatron.
*** Jazz can't transform, and later winds up half-car, half-robot.
*** Ironhide's hand won't retract to fire his liquid nitrogen.
*** Mirage only becomes semi-transparent instead of invisible.
*** Ravage spontaneously returns to cassette mode in mid-battle.
*** Jazz's sound and light show fails to activate.
*** Blitzwing can't stop his own forward motion in tank mode.
*** Powerglide's head... falls off??
*The Constructicons appear to be functioning perfectly well in this episode. What this says about their origin controversy is unknown.
* We get treated to the one-time appearance of a uniquely designed Transformer on Cybertron. He's medium brown and appears to have Snarl's dinosaur tail halves on his back; he transforms to a purple flying saucer-like thing.
[[Image:ShockwaveDesertionOfTheDinobots1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It is not logical to not have a blaster when you turn into that model of blaster.]]
*In the final scene, Shockwave fires a gun that looks exactly like his own [[alternate mode]]. (Presumably, the animators mistook his weapon mode for a hand-held weapon.) He also is shown with two hands in one shot, just like his very first appearance. Can he retract one and replace it with his familiar gun arm? Or is it just an animation screwup? You be the judge!
*This episode establishes that the Dinobots are better-armored in their beast modes.
* '''[[Dinobot Island, Part 2|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's blown his vocal components! '''[[Triple Takeover|> >]]'''

===Real world references===
* EJK, the facility where all the information on the Ultraplane is stored, is named for episode writer Earl J. Kress.
* This episode contains enough ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects to make you think you're watching events in a galaxy far, far away:
** The opening shots of the experimental jet are soundtracked with diving X-Wings and the TIE Fighter engine roar.
** After exiting Ironhide's cargo compartment, Soundwave launches with the ''Millennium Falcon'' engine burst.
** Some ''Falcon'' ambient engine noise (flying over the surface of Yavin IV) is heard as Starscream flies toward the ultra plane.
** The ultra plane explosion is soundtracked with the Death Star firing sequence noise.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Megatron retreats from the lab.
** Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding again, as Thundercracker and Thrust take off to attack the Dinobots, followed by more X-Wings diving.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst again as the Transformer on Cybertron that Mirage watches on a monitor takes off.
** ''Falcon'' engine roar as Swoop dives to snatch Carly's car out from under Grimlock's foot.

===Trivia===
* The hangar that the Decepticons are hiding in is labeled "hangar" in huge white letters. This is so you know that it is, indeed, a hangar and not a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|well hidden Decepticon base]].
* Mirage totally goes toe-to-toe with Megatron and manages to hold his own for a bit. Impressive!
* Slag sounds strangely ''upbeat'' when he says "Me Slag no like anything."
* When the Dinobots leave the Autobot base, Sludge and Snarl appear much shorter than the others. If the Dinobots were at all consistent with the dinosaurs they are based on, Sludge should be much larger than the others.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Channel 5]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots 3-D (Channel 5) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 4 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/desertion_of_the_dinobots_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

2010-11-20T20:29:50Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=37
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=28
|prev2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next2=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=39
|prev3=The Girl Who Loved Powerglide
|next3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|image=DesertionDinobots1 resignation.JPG
|caption=Like nobody saw this coming miles away.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"
|production code=#700-36
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Dinobots abandon the Autobots as both the Autobots and Decepticons begin to suffer malfunctions'''

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART I (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART I'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART I")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''A Deserção dos Dinobots Parte 1'''

==Synopsis==
At a laboratory, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s are being shown [[Ultra Plane|a new drone fighter]] by a human professor. However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is out to steal the fighter's blueprints from the laboratory. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who are inside [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], provide a distraction, while [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] destroys the drone. Prime orders the Autobots to inspect the wreckage for any clues. Shortly after this, the [[Decepticon]]s attack the lab, but the Autobots arrive and are able to send them packing.

[[Image:G1 Grimlock Megs bite.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock want to munch Megatron!]]

After some fun at the [[Fun A Rama Park]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], [[Carly]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] go to pick [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] up at the airport. While there, they discover a Decepticon base in an [[Hanger|airplane hangar]]. Bumblebee calls Prime for reinforcements, but the Autobots with Prime are too far away. Contacting the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] sends the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to assist. The Dinobots quickly trash the Decepticons. In retaliation, Megatron orders the Decepticons to blast the planes, causing a massive explosion that damages the Dinobots and allows the Decepticons to retreat. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] arrive to put out the fires and take the Dinobots back to base. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack begin repairs on the Dinobots, while the other Autobots rebuild the airport.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Rumble Megs.JPG|right|200px|thumb|What is it, little buddy? Are you lost? Timmy fell down the well?]]

Meanwhile, the Decepticons are flying through the air back to their [[Decepticon Headquarters|base]]. All of a sudden, Ravage ejects from Soundwave, transforms and lands on the ground below. Megatron demands an explanation, but Soundwave says that Ravage initiated the ejection without a reason. Soon, however, the Decepticons fall from the sky, and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] begins attacking Megatron, though he doesn't know why and he can't stop himself. Megatron flicks him away and concludes that they are suffering from bad [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. The group heads off to get some new [[Energon cube|cubes]] from a powerplant to refuel themselves.

At the Autobot base, the Dinobots are repaired, and Prime, still rebuilding the airport, tries to send them to stop the Decepticons. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] angrily refuses, saying he's tired of taking the Autobot leader's orders and saving the Autobots whenever they need help. The Dinobots leave the base, intending to fight whenever they want to. At the power plant, the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons, but both factions begin to suffer from debilitating malfunctions. After an indecisive battle, Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Autobots tired.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Cybertonium chairs seemed like a good idea at the time, but now...]]

Back at the base, the Autobots are suffering power failures now, as well as other problems (Wheeljack can't move, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s legs are stuck in [[alternate mode]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is holding his own severed head!). [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] concludes that they are suffering from [[Cybertonium]] depletion. However, Cybertonium only exists on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Fortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] is sending a shipment over the [[space bridge]], but the Autobots are in no condition to retrieve it themselves. Sparkplug, Spike, and Carly decide to track down the Dinobots.

As the three look for the Dinobots, they find that they have been discovered by the Dinobots. Grimlock is less than pleased to have been followed by the humans, and decides to crush them. Sparkplug lays it on thick when he says they need the Dinobots' "brilliant help." [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], however, saves the humans from getting smushed because he wants to hear about the "brilliant" part. Sparkplug explains the situation, but Grimlock doesn't care. However, when Spike mentions Cybertonium, Grimlock realizes the Cybertron connection, and decides to help (despite [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s refusal and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]'s confusion). The Dinobots attack the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who are retrieving the Cybertonium, but the Dinobots simply get into the space bridge and head for Cybertron. Shockwave attempts to stop them. Guess what happens.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 car fly.JPG|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEE!]]

At the Autobot base, Sparkplug contacts Grimlock, who refuses to return and help the "bossy Autobots". Carly resolves that she and Spike must head for Cybertron themselves. Prime attempts to stop them, but finally succumbs to the effects of Cybertonium depletion. Sparkplug stays to man [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to help the kids. Spike and Carly manage to drive past [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] using Carly's car, but Shockwave is waiting for the two humans on the other side.

[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (19)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (23)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (27)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (28)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (29)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (30)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (31)
*[[Grapple]] (32)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (17)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (26)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (34)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (35)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (36)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (37)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (38)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (39)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (41)

|c3=
*[[Professor Greene]] (5)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Carly]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Wheeljack''': Dinobots, we got a job for you. 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock no like orders. 
'''Slag''': Me Slag no like ''anything''. 
'''Wheeljack''': We really need your help. Why won't you give us a hand? 
'''Grimlock''': Me don't know why not. So we help. This time. 
'''Wheeljack''': I've ''got'' to work on their personality circuits. 
:—Wheeljack learns that even the Dinobots don't know why they have a bad attitude.

"So much for your secret hideout, Megatron; even the moronic Dinobots found it!"
:—'''Starscream''' as the Dinobots attack the Decepticons' airbase.

"Decepticons, CHARGE!"
:—'''Megatron''' decides to try a new tactic when losing.

"I warned you guys there was trouble!" 
"You always say there's trouble, Red."
:—'''Red Alert''' and '''Hoist'''

"It's the Aurobrroughs... THE AURRROOBBRRURURRUGHRRR!!!!"
:—'''Megatron''' after the effects of Cybertonium depletion busted his vocal circuits

"Hey, I'm stuck! I can't transform! [''Ironhide kicks him; Jazz transforms''] OW! Thanks...I think."
:—'''Jazz'''

'''Sparkplug''': The Autobots are dying, and only you can save them. 
'''Grimlock''': No care about Autobots! Me Grimlock Dinobot! 
'''Spike''': If you don't help, the Decepticons will get all the Cybertonium they need. 
'''Grimlock''': Cybertonium? Cybertron! Okay, us do it! 
'''Slag''': No! Us no want to. 
'''Sludge''': What he say? 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock. Me leader! Me say us do it!
:—Grimlock's unassailable logic convince the Dinobots

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Shockwave Dinobots.JPG|right|150px|thumb|You Shockwave not so tough without black sticky stuff.]]
"Stowaways?! Stand back!" 
"WE NO STAND BACK!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Grimlock''', right before the Dinobots kick Shockwave's [[Diode|diodes]].

"It's...too...risky! Ohh..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' warns Spike and Carly of the danger of traveling to Cybertron alone, right before he nearly crushes them while passing out.

"I feel kinda stupid talking into my thumb."
: —'''Spike''' in agreement with the audience for the first and last time.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* Despite the variety of engine sound effects, the experimental plane is just flying in a straight line in the first shot.
* Blaster's forehead is red (like the rest of his helmet) instead of white as Optimus gives the order to [[roll out]].
* Starscream's face is white instead of medium gray as he enters the lab facility.
* The scientist that Starscream tosses aside gets up and runs away, despite having been ''thrown'' a good 15 or 20 feet to the floor.
* Blaster's arm phases through Mirage's box-of-turning-invisible. While not physically impossible, he appears to be standing far enough in front of Mirage that the box should be behind him.
* After grabbing Megatron's cannon, Mirage reappears without his customary energy sound effect.
*The merry-go-round at the fair features horses that are suspended from the roof, rather than attached to floor-to-ceiling posts like a real carousel.
* The outside of the airport, where Bumblebee discharges his passengers and transforms, is ''completely deserted''. They seem to have wandered into the loading docks or something.
* Slag's face and head are gray instead of red as he says his "no like anything" line.
* The top of Starscream's cockpit cowling is yellow instead of gray as he scolds Megatron for retreating.
* Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow just before he transforms to attack Bumblebee.
** And again after he falls out of the sky.
*** And again as Soundwave ejects Ravage at the power plant.
**** And ''again'' as the Decepticons try to retreat from the power plant. Was this an alternate color scheme or something?

* Megatron's audio appears to drop out for a second or two as he tosses Rumble aside; he says "Get... ...fool!" with timing that would be just right for the more explicable "Get off me, fool!"
*Thundercracker is miscolored as Starscream when Swoop attacks him.
* Spike, Carly and Sparkplug are inside the terminal when Megatron gets thrown into it. A second later, they're back on the flightline with the Dinobots.
* The sound crew missed the part where Hoist is ''towing'' the derelict airliner carrying the Dinobots; they applied what sounds like an idling jet engine noise over the scene.
* The building that Powerglide and Ironhide construct changes shape between shots, and doesn't appear to have any doors or windows. There's also a parked airplane practically on top of the foundation before they start laying bricks. Ironhide's method of brick-laying fails to put any mortar into the vertical brick joints. The bricks also go from regular bricks to concrete blocks between shots.
* Megatron's Decepticon symbol is missing after he bashes Rumble aside in the desert.
* Slag's head guards are white instead of red as he agrees with Grimlock's refusal of orders. (Should they be white? Yes, yes, no!)
* The energon cubes at the power plant are semi-glowing in a strange purple color, rather than the usual bright pink.
* Prime clips through the concrete fence at the power plant as the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons.
*Jazz is colored as Red Alert when the Autobots transform at the power station.
* The first half of Blitzwing's line after blasting Jazz is garbled to incomprehensibility, whether due to an audio failure, bad delivery, or just having been written that way: "Uh - err - uht - shift or be smashed!"
*Megatron's gun mode is entirely white when Starscream is about to shoot Optimus.
[[Image:Dotd1 sparkplug repairs wheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Just one little vertical line. Supposed to be over there on the right.]]
* Wheeljack is missing the little windshield line on the top/side of his chest as Prime answers Ironhide's question about what is happening to them. It's missing again as Sparkplug repairs him in the next scene.
* Red Alert has white tires on his shoulders in the first pan of the disabled Autobots at Autobot Headquarters.
* As Wheeljack says that Cybertonium is only found on Cybertron, his whole helmet is light gray instead of dark gray, rather than just his three "fins".
* Scrapper's vehicle mode ''bends'' like rubber as he backs away from the Dinobots.
* Scrapper has two eyes instead of his usual single visor as he turns to track Swoop.
* Long Haul's portion of Devastator is shown plopping into place... long after both he and Hook (who forms the part that comes ''after'' Long Haul) have already driven up and transformed.
*When the Dinobots first appear on Cybertron, Shockwave has both his hands. In the next scene, however, his left hand blaster is there. He was last seen with two hands back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I kindly provides Sparkplug with a view of Grimlock ''inside Decepticon Headquarters on Cybertron''!
* So... the sound guys have never seen a car before? They don't know what a car does? 'Cause they put in a flight sound effect as Carly's car vaults over Devastator's foot and into the space bridge ring.
* The animation of Shockwave reacting to and turning toward the space bridge elevator is recycled when Spike and Carly arrive. Not an explicit error by itself, but it creates a continuity disjoint with the next shot, as Shockwave abruptly goes from empty-handed to holding a blaster.
* There's nothing in the space bridge elevator when Shockwave blasts it.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Dotd1 sneakiest soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, Blaster doesn't recognize this guy by now?]]
[[Image:DesertionDinos1 BlastergrabsRavage.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And yet he doesn't seem surprised at all when this happens.]]
* The opening scene is bizarre. Soundwave is sitting in Ironhide's cargo compartment. Ironhide somehow failed to notice Soundwave climbing into him, and continues to fail to notice him sitting there. Blaster somehow fails to notice Soundwave sitting ''right in front of him''. Of particular note, in "[[Heavy Metal War]]" Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I.
*Considering the ultra plane was in full view of the Autobots and Dr. Green the whole time, how did none of them see Starscream flying over the fighter and dropping a bomb on top of it?
* We never do find out where Sparkplug is coming home from or what he was doing there in his snazzy blue suit.
* Bumblebee and Spike apparently just wander onto the airport's flightline, unquestioned, to investigate the Decepticon hangar.
* Superhuman Spike:
**Neither Spike nor Carly and Sparkplug are harmed by Megatron flying through a huge plate glass window right in front of them. (As noted above, they shouldn't even be there.)
* On a related note, though Bumblebee and the three humans are standing right next to the Dinobots, none of them are harmed by the planes exploding, while the Dinobots get blown to kingdom come.
* For some reason, Blitzwing blasting Jazz in the side causes a huge crevasse to open up beneath Jazz.
* The space bridge must have been seriously fine-tuned since its first appearance. The Dinobots make the trip just fine, despite appearing to flail about randomly as they make the trip. Even an Earthen automobile makes it through (and its human passengers survive, which means the space bridge portal has a pressurized atmosphere.) Previously, an unpiloted test vehicle vanished into the ether because it lacked guidance.
* Shockwave blasts the elevator door as Spike and Carly arrive on Cybertron, creating a huge explosion. They are only saved by power of retcon, as the next episode decides that the immediate firing and huge explosion simply didn't happen.

===Kid Rhino release===
*On the [[Kid Rhino]] DVDs, the visuals drop out completely for a second or so, replaced by a black screen, after Blaster's fight with Ravage. This error is also on the Madman Region 4 DVD.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode throws some confusion on the origin of the newer second-season characters such as Perceptor, Blaster, Blitzwing, etc. Previously it could be assumed they had simply arrived from Cybertron or some other planet. But the fact that their Cybertonium deteriorates in exact sync with the earlier characters suggests that they were also aboard the Ark and went through the same four million year slumber as the 1984 characters. Why we didn't see any of them for the first year is therefore a bit of a mystery within the context of the stories.
* The Dinobots' discontent was previously hinted at in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]" and "[[Day of the Machines]]". They seemed much happier in the later two-parter "[[Dinobot Island]]".
* Apparently the Dinobots just stand around in their own little cubby hole in the Ark, waiting patiently for someone to open the door and talk to them. Which is strangely placid of them.
[[Image:Dotd1 malfunctioning ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|200px|You've got the touch! ]]
[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Powerglide no head.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Some parts are made to detach if excessive force is applied. ]]
[[Image:G1Cartoon37 Generic.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A [[generic]] Transformer from Mirage's flashback. Perhaps one of his [[Mirage's friends|friends]]?]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** To prepare the viewer for the forthcoming mechanical failures of the Autobots, several of them use their stock powers, such as Jazz's [[sound and light show]] and Mirage's invisibility.
** To inspect the vault door, Soundwave retracts his hand and brings forth a three-pronged wirey sensor thing. It's only [[Soundwave (ROTF)|slightly creepy]].
** Carly switches off Bumblebee's equilibrium circuits by pressing a button inside his chest armor (which sure pops open easily. Bee had better hope the Decepticons don't find out about that feature.)
** Bumblebee uses a wrist communicator to radio Optimus. Though a common device for both sides, this one looks different than the more rectangular ones Bumblebee has used in the past—spheroid and with a little antenna on top.
** Inferno fires [[fire-retardant foam]] (or something like it) from a nozzle that emerges from a hatch on his cab (even though Inferno already sports several ''visible'' nozzles designed to serve the same purpose.)
** The deterioration of the Transformers' [[cybertonium]] leads to a series of mechanical failures:
*** Grapple apparently loses his fine motor control.
*** Soundwave spontaneously ejects Ravage.
*** The Decepticons lose their flight abilities.
*** Rumble can't stop himself from attacking Megatron.
*** Jazz can't transform, and later winds up half-car, half-robot.
*** Ironhide's hand won't retract to fire his liquid nitrogen.
*** Mirage only becomes semi-transparent instead of invisible.
*** Ravage spontaneously returns to cassette mode in mid-battle.
*** Jazz's sound and light show fails to activate.
*** Blitzwing can't stop his own forward motion in tank mode.
*** Powerglide's head... falls off??
*The Constructicons appear to be functioning perfectly well in this episode. What this says about their origin controversy is unknown.
* We get treated to the one-time appearance of a uniquely designed Transformer on Cybertron. He's medium brown and appears to have Snarl's dinosaur tail halves on his back; he transforms to a purple flying saucer-like thing.
[[Image:ShockwaveDesertionOfTheDinobots1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It is not logical to not have a blaster when you turn into that model of blaster.]]
*In the final scene, Shockwave fires a gun that looks exactly like his own [[alternate mode]]. (Presumably, the animators mistook his weapon mode for a hand-held weapon.) He also is shown with two hands in one shot, just like his very first appearance. Can he retract one and replace it with his familiar gun arm? Or is it just an animation screwup? You be the judge!
*This episode establishes that the Dinobots are better-armored in their beast modes.
* '''[[Dinobot Island, Part 2|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's blown his vocal components! '''[[Triple Takeover|> >]]'''

===Real world references===
* EJK, the facility where all the information on the Ultraplane is stored, is named for episode writer Earl J. Kress.
* This episode contains enough ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects to make you think you're watching events in a galaxy far, far away:
** The opening shots of the experimental jet are soundtracked with diving X-Wings and the TIE Fighter engine roar.
** After exiting Ironhide's cargo compartment, Soundwave launches with the ''Millennium Falcon'' engine burst.
** Some ''Falcon'' ambient engine noise (flying over the surface of Yavin IV) is heard as Starscream flies toward the ultra plane.
** The ultra plane explosion is soundtracked with the Death Star firing sequence noise.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Megatron retreats from the lab.
** Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding again, as Thundercracker and Thrust take off to attack the Dinobots, followed by more X-Wings diving.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst again as the Transformer on Cybertron that Mirage watches on a monitor takes off.
** ''Falcon'' engine roar as Swoop dives to snatch Carly's car out from under Grimlock's foot.

===Trivia===
* The hangar that the Decepticons are hiding in is labeled "hangar" in huge white letters. This is so you know that it is, indeed, a hangar and not a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|well hidden Decepticon base]].
* Mirage totally goes toe-to-toe with Megatron and manages to hold his own for a bit. Impressive!
* Slag sounds strangely ''upbeat'' when he says "Me Slag no like anything."
* When the Dinobots leave the Autobot base, Sludge and Snarl appear much shorter than the others. If the Dinobots were at all consistent with the dinosaurs they are based on, Sludge should be much larger than the others.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Channel 5]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots 3-D (Channel 5) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 4 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/desertion_of_the_dinobots_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

2010-11-20T20:29:16Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=37
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=28
|prev2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next2=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=39
|prev3=The Girl Who Loved Powerglide
|next3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|image=DesertionDinobots1 resignation.JPG
|caption=Like nobody saw this coming miles away.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"
|production code=#700-36
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Dinobots abandon the Autobots as both the Autobots and Decepticons begin to suffer malfunctions'''

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART I (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART I'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART I")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''A Deserção dos Dinobots Parte 1'''

==Synopsis==
At a laboratory, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s are being shown [[Ultra Plane|a new drone fighter]] by a human professor. However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is out to steal the fighter's blueprints from the laboratory. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who are inside [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], provide a distraction, while [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] destroys the drone. Prime orders the Autobots to inspect the wreckage for any clues. Shortly after this, the [[Decepticon]]s attack the lab, but the Autobots arrive and are able to send them packing.

[[Image:G1 Grimlock Megs bite.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock want to munch Megatron!]]

After some fun at the [[Fun A Rama Park]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], [[Carly]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] go to pick [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] up at the airport. While there, they discover a Decepticon base in an [[Hanger|airplane hangar]]. Bumblebee calls Prime for reinforcements, but the Autobots with Prime are too far away. Contacting the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] sends the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to assist. The Dinobots quickly trash the Decepticons. In retaliation, Megatron orders the Decepticons to blast the planes, causing a massive explosion that damages the Dinobots and allows the Decepticons to retreat. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] arrive to put out the fires and take the Dinobots back to base. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack begin repairs on the Dinobots, while the other Autobots rebuild the airport.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Rumble Megs.JPG|right|200px|thumb|What is it, little buddy? Are you lost? Timmy fell down the well?]]

Meanwhile, the Decepticons are flying through the air back to their [[Decepticon Headquarters|base]]. All of a sudden, Ravage ejects from Soundwave, transforms and lands on the ground below. Megatron demands an explanation, but Soundwave says that Ravage initiated the ejection without a reason. Soon, however, the Decepticons fall from the sky, and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] begins attacking Megatron, though he doesn't know why and he can't stop himself. Megatron flicks him away and concludes that they are suffering from bad [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. The group heads off to get some new [[Energon cube|cubes]] from a powerplant to refuel themselves.

At the Autobot base, the Dinobots are repaired, and Prime, still rebuilding the airport, tries to send them to stop the Decepticons. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] angrily refuses, saying he's tired of taking the Autobot leader's orders and saving the Autobots whenever they need help. The Dinobots leave the base, intending to fight whenever they want to. At the power plant, the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons, but both factions begin to suffer from debilitating malfunctions. After an indecisive battle, Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Autobots tired.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Cybertonium chairs seemed like a good idea at the time, but now...]]

Back at the base, the Autobots are suffering power failures now, as well as other problems (Wheeljack can't move, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s legs are stuck in [[alternate mode]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is holding his own severed head!). [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] concludes that they are suffering from [[Cybertonium]] depletion. However, Cybertonium only exists on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Fortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] is sending a shipment over the [[space bridge]], but the Autobots are in no condition to retrieve it themselves. Sparkplug, Spike, and Carly decide to track down the Dinobots.

As the three look for the Dinobots, they find that they have been discovered by the Dinobots. Grimlock is less than pleased to have been followed by the humans, and decides to crush them. Sparkplug lays it on thick when he says they need the Dinobots' "brilliant help." [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], however, saves the humans from getting smushed because he wants to hear about the "brilliant" part. Sparkplug explains the situation, but Grimlock doesn't care. However, when Spike mentions Cybertonium, Grimlock realizes the Cybertron connection, and decides to help (despite [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s refusal and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]'s confusion). The Dinobots attack the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who are retrieving the Cybertonium, but the Dinobots simply get into the space bridge and head for Cybertron. Shockwave attempts to stop them. Guess what happens.

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 car fly.JPG|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEE!]]

At the Autobot base, Sparkplug contacts Grimlock, who refuses to return and help the "bossy Autobots". Carly resolves that she and Spike must head for Cybertron themselves. Prime attempts to stop them, but finally succumbs to the effects of Cybertonium depletion. Sparkplug stays to man [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to help the kids. Spike and Carly manage to drive past [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] using Carly's car, but Shockwave is waiting for the two humans on the other side.

[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (19)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (23)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (27)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (28)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (29)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (30)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (31)
*[[Grapple]] (32)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (17)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (26)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (34)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (35)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (36)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (37)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (38)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (39)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (41)

|c3=
*[[Professor Greene]] (5)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Carly]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Wheeljack''': Dinobots, we got a job for you. 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock no like orders. 
'''Slag''': Me Slag no like ''anything''. 
'''Wheeljack''': We really need your help. Why won't you give us a hand? 
'''Grimlock''': Me don't know why not. So we help. This time. 
'''Wheeljack''': I've ''got'' to work on their personality circuits. 
:—Wheeljack learns that even the Dinobots don't know why they have a bad attitude.

"So much for your secret hideout, Megatron; even the moronic Dinobots found it!"
:—'''Starscream''' as the Dinobots attack the Decepticons' airbase.

"Decepticons, CHARGE!"
:—'''Megatron''' decides to try a new tactic when losing.

"I warned you guys there was trouble!" 
"You always say there's trouble, Red."
:—'''Red Alert''' and '''Hoist'''

"It's the Aurobrroughs... THE AURRROOBBRRURURRUGHRRR!!!!"
:—'''Megatron''' after the effects of Cybertonium depletion busted his vocal circuits

"Hey, I'm stuck! I can't transform! [''Ironhide kicks him; Jazz transforms''] OW! Thanks...I think."
:—'''Jazz'''

'''Sparkplug''': The Autobots are dying, and only you can save them. 
'''Grimlock''': No care about Autobots! Me Grimlock Dinobot! 
'''Spike''': If you don't help, the Decepticons will get all the Cybertonium they need. 
'''Grimlock''': Cybertonium? Cybertron! Okay, us do it! 
'''Slag''': No! Us no want to. 
'''Sludge''': What he say? 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock. Me leader! Me say us do it!
:—Grimlock's unassailable logic convince the Dinobots

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Shockwave Dinobots.JPG|right|150px|thumb|You Shockwave not so tough without black sticky stuff.]]
"Stowaways?! Stand back!" 
"WE NO STAND BACK!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Grimlock''', right before the Dinobots kick Shockwave's [[Diode|diodes]].

"It's...too...risky! Ohh..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' warns Spike and Carly of the danger of traveling to Cybertron alone, right before he nearly crushes them while passing out.

"I feel kinda stupid talking into my thumb."
: —'''Spike''' in agreement with the audience for the first and last time.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* Despite the variety of engine sound effects, the experimental plane is just flying in a straight line in the first shot.
* Blaster's forehead is red (like the rest of his helmet) instead of white as Optimus gives the order to [[roll out]].
* Starscream's face is white instead of medium gray as he enters the lab facility.
* The scientist that Starscream tosses aside gets up and runs away, despite having been ''thrown'' a good 15 or 20 feet to the floor.
* Blaster's arm phases through Mirage's box-of-turning-invisible. While not physically impossible, he appears to be standing far enough in front of Mirage that the box should be behind him.
* After grabbing Megatron's cannon, Mirage reappears without his customary energy sound effect.
*The merry-go-round at the fair features horses that are suspended from the roof, rather than attached to floor-to-ceiling posts like a real carousel.
* The outside of the airport, where Bumblebee discharges his passengers and transforms, is ''completely deserted''. They seem to have wandered into the loading docks or something.
* Slag's face and head are gray instead of red as he says his "no like anything" line.
* The top of Starscream's cockpit cowling is yellow instead of gray as he scolds Megatron for retreating.
* Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow just before he transforms to attack Bumblebee.
** And again after he falls out of the sky.
*** And again as Soundwave ejects Ravage at the power plant.
**** And ''again'' as the Decepticons try to retreat from the power plant. Was this an alternate color scheme or something?

* Megatron's audio appears to drop out for a second or two as he tosses Rumble aside; he says "Get... ...fool!" with timing that would be just right for the more explicable "Get off me, fool!"
*Thundercracker is miscolored as Starscream when Swoop attacks him.
* Spike, Carly and Sparkplug are inside the terminal when Megatron gets thrown into it. A second later, they're back on the flightline with the Dinobots.
* The sound crew missed the part where Hoist is ''towing'' the derelict airliner carrying the Dinobots; they applied what sounds like an idling jet engine noise over the scene.
* The building that Powerglide and Ironhide construct changes shape between shots, and doesn't appear to have any doors or windows. There's also a parked airplane practically on top of the foundation before they start laying bricks. Ironhide's method of brick-laying fails to put any mortar into the vertical brick joints. The bricks also go from regular bricks to concrete blocks between shots.
* Megatron's Decepticon symbol is missing after he bashes Rumble aside in the desert.
* Slag's head guards are white instead of red as he agrees with Grimlock's refusal of orders. (Should they be white? Yes, yes, no!)
* The energon cubes at the power plant are semi-glowing in a strange purple color, rather than the usual bright pink.
* Prime clips through the concrete fence at the power plant as the Autobots arrive to stop the Decepticons.
*Jazz is colored as Red Alert when the Autobots transform at the power station.
* The first half of Blitzwing's line after blasting Jazz is garbled to incomprehensibility, whether due to an audio failure, bad delivery, or just having been written that way: "Uh - err - uht - shift or be smashed!"
*Megatron's gun mode is entirely white when Starscream is about to shoot Optimus.
[[Image:Dotd1 sparkplug repairs wheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Just one little vertical line. Supposed to be over there on the right.]]
* Wheeljack is missing the little windshield line on the top/side of his chest as Prime answers Ironhide's question about what is happening to them. It's missing again as Sparkplug repairs him in the next scene.
* Red Alert has white tires on his shoulders in the first pan of the disabled Autobots at Autobot Headquarters.
* As Wheeljack says that Cybertonium is only found on Cybertron, his whole helmet is light gray instead of dark gray, rather than just his three "fins".
* Scrapper's vehicle mode ''bends'' like rubber as he backs away from the Dinobots.
* Scrapper has two eyes instead of his usual single visor as he turns to track Swoop.
* Long Haul's portion of Devastator is shown plopping into place... long after both he and Hook (who forms the part that comes ''after'' Long Haul) have already driven up and transformed.
*When the Dinobots first appear on Cybertron, Shockwave has both his hands. In the next scene, however, his left hand blaster is there. He was last seen with two hands back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I kindly provides Sparkplug with a view of Grimlock ''inside Decepticon Headquarters on Cybertron''!
* So... the sound guys have never seen a car before? They don't know what a car does? 'Cause they put in a flight sound effect as Carly's car vaults over Devastator's foot and into the space bridge ring.
* The animation of Shockwave reacting to and turning toward the space bridge elevator is recycled when Spike and Carly arrive. Not an explicit error by itself, but it creates a continuity disjoint with the next shot, as Shockwave abruptly goes from empty-handed to holding a blaster.
* There's nothing in the space bridge elevator when Shockwave blasts it.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Dotd1 sneakiest soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, Blaster doesn't recognize this guy by now?]]
[[Image:DesertionDinos1 BlastergrabsRavage.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And yet he doesn't seem surprised at all when this happens.]]
* The opening scene is bizarre. Soundwave is sitting in Ironhide's cargo compartment. Ironhide somehow failed to notice Soundwave climbing into him, and continues to fail to notice him sitting there. Blaster somehow fails to notice Soundwave sitting ''right in front of him''. Of particular note, in "[[Heavy Metal War]]" Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I.
*Considering the ultra plane was in full view of the Autobots and Dr. Green the whole time, how did none of them see Starscream flying over the fighter and dropping a bomb on top of it?
* We never do find out where Sparkplug is coming home from or what he was doing there in his snazzy blue suit.
* Bumblebee and Spike apparently just wander onto the airport's flightline, unquestioned, to investigate the Decepticon hangar.
* Superhuman Spike:
**Neither Spike nor Carly and Sparkplug are harmed by Megatron flying through a huge plate glass window right in front of them. (As noted above, they shouldn't even be there.)
* On a related note, though Bumblebee and the three humans are standing right next to the Dinobots, none of them are harmed by the planes exploding, while the Dinobots get blown to kingdom come.
* For some reason, Blitzwing blasting Jazz in the side causes a huge crevasse to open up beneath Jazz.
* The space bridge must have been seriously fine-tuned since its first appearance. The Dinobots make the trip just fine, despite appearing to flail about randomly as they make the trip. Even an Earthen automobile makes it through (and its human passengers survive, which means the space bridge portal has a pressurized atmosphere.) Previously, an unpiloted test vehicle vanished into the ether because it lacked guidance.
* Shockwave blasts the elevator door as Spike and Carly arrive on Cybertron, creating a huge explosion. They are only saved by power of retcon, as the next episode decides that the immediate firing and huge explosion simply didn't happen.

===Kid Rhino release===
*On the [[Kid Rhino]] DVDs, the visuals drop out completely for a second or so, replaced by a black screen, after Blaster's fight with Ravage. This error is also on the Madman Region 4 DVD.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode throws some confusion on the origin of the newer second-season characters such as Perceptor, Blaster, Blitzwing, etc. Previously it could be assumed they had simply arrived from Cybertron or some other planet. But the fact that their Cybertonium deteriorates in exact sync with the earlier characters suggests that they were also aboard the Ark and went through the same four million year slumber as the 1984 characters. Why we didn't see any of them for the first year is therefore a bit of a mystery within the context of the stories.
* The Dinobots' discontent was previously hinted at in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]" and "[[Day of the Machines]]". They seemed much happier in the later two-parter "[[Dinobot Island]]".
* Apparently the Dinobots just stand around in their own little cubby hole in the Ark, waiting patiently for someone to open the door and talk to them. Which is strangely placid of them.
[[Image:Dotd1 malfunctioning ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|200px|You've got the touch! ]]
[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Powerglide no head.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Some parts are made to detach if excessive force is applied. ]]
[[Image:G1Cartoon37 Generic.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A [[generic]] Transformer from Mirage's flashback. Perhaps one of his [[Mirage's friends|friends]]?]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** To prepare the viewer for the forthcoming mechanical failures of the Autobots, several of them use their stock powers, such as Jazz's [[sound and light show]] and Mirage's invisibility.
** To inspect the vault door, Soundwave retracts his hand and brings forth a three-pronged wirey sensor thing. It's only [[Soundwave (ROTF)|slightly creepy]].
** Carly switches off Bumblebee's equilibrium circuits by pressing a button inside his chest armor (which sure pops open easily. Bee had better hope the Decepticons don't find out about that feature.)
** Bumblebee uses a wrist communicator to radio Optimus. Though a common device for both sides, this one looks different than the more rectangular ones Bumblebee has used in the past—spheroid and with a little antenna on top.
** Inferno fires [[fire-retardant foam]] (or something like it) from a nozzle that emerges from a hatch on his cab (even though Inferno already sports several ''visible'' nozzles designed to serve the same purpose.)
** The deterioration of the Transformers' [[cybertonium]] leads to a series of mechanical failures:
*** Grapple apparently loses his fine motor control.
*** Soundwave spontaneously ejects Ravage.
*** The Decepticons lose their flight abilities.
*** Rumble can't stop himself from attacking Megatron.
*** Jazz can't transform, and later winds up half-car, half-robot.
*** Ironhide's hand won't retract to fire his liquid nitrogen.
*** Mirage only becomes semi-transparent instead of invisible.
*** Ravage spontaneously returns to cassette mode in mid-battle.
*** Jazz's sound and light show fails to activate.
*** Blitzwing can't stop his own forward motion in tank mode.
*** Powerglide's head... falls off??
*The Constructicons appear to be functioning perfectly well in this episode. What this says about their origin controversy is unknown.
* We get treated to the one-time appearance of a uniquely designed Transformer on Cybertron. He's medium brown and appears to have Snarl's dinosaur tail halves on his back; he transforms to a purple flying saucer-like thing.
[[Image:ShockwaveDesertionOfTheDinobots1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It is not logical to not have a blaster when you turn into that model of blaster.]]
*In the final scene, Shockwave fires a gun that looks exactly like his own [[alternate mode]]. (Presumably, the animators mistook his weapon mode for a hand-held weapon.) He also is shown with two hands in one shot, just like his very first appearance. Can he retract one and replace it with his familiar gun arm? Or is it just an animation screwup? You be the judge!
*This episode establishes that the Dinobots are better-armored in their beast modes.
* '''[[Dinobot Island, Part 2|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's blown his vocal components! '''[[Triple Takeover|> >]]'''

===Real world references===
* EJK, the facility where all the information on the Ultraplane is stored, is named for episode writer Earl J. Kress.
* This episode contains enough ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects to make you think you're watching events in a galaxy far, far away:
** The opening shots of the experimental jet are soundtracked with diving X-Wings and the TIE Fighter engine roar.
** After exiting Ironhide's cargo compartment, Soundwave launches with the ''Millennium Falcon'' engine burst.
** Some ''Falcon'' ambient engine noise (flying over the surface of Yavin IV) is heard as Starscream flies toward the ultra plane.
** The ultra plane explosion is soundtracked with the Death Star firing sequence noise.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Megatron retreats from the lab.
** Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding again, as Thundercracker and Thrust take off to attack the Dinobots, followed by more X-Wings diving.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst again as the Transformer on Cybertron that Mirage watches on a monitor takes off.
** ''Falcon'' engine roar as Swoop dives to snatch Carly's car out from under Grimlock's foot.

===Trivia===
* The hangar that the Decepticons are hiding in is labeled "hangar" in huge white letters. This is so you know that it is, indeed, a hangar and not a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|well hidden Decepticon base]].
* Mirage totally goes toe-to-toe with Megatron and manages to hold his own for a bit. Impressive!
* Slag sounds strangely ''upbeat'' when he says "Me Slag no like anything."
* When the Dinobots leave the Autobot base, Sludge and Snarl appear much shorter than the others. If the Dinobots were at all consistent with the dinosaurs they are based on, Sludge should be much larger than the others.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Channel 5]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Desertion of the Dinobots 3-D (Channel 5) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Desertion of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 4 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/desertion_of_the_dinobots_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2

2010-11-20T20:26:11Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=36
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=27
|prev2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|next2=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=48
|prev3=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|next3=Fire on the Mountain
|image=MMP2 Megatron press conference.jpg
|caption=Somewhere, a [[Cobra Commander|terrorist]] is crying himself to sleep.
|title="Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2"
|production code=#700-35
|airdate=[[October 15]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Having had the Autobots exiled from Earth, Megatron reveals the Decepticons' true intentions.'''

:''Japanese title:'' メガトロン地球征服作戦 PART II (''Megatron Chikyū Seifuku Sakusen PART II'', "Megatron's Plan to Conquer Earth PART II")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''O Plano Mestre de Megatron Parte 2''' ("The Megatron's Master Plan Part 2)

==Synopsis==
''[[Victor Caroli]] provides a "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Last time, on ''The Transformers'']]" recap.''

[[Image:MegatronsMasterPlan2 Decepticon Day.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Wait, something's WRONG here...]]

As a marching band parades through the streets of [[Central City (G1)|Central City]], Berger announces that today is [[Decepticon Day]]. Sparkplug and Chip immensely dislike the event, but Chip says that it's too late now for Spike to be searching for evidence to prove the Autobots are innocent.

Back in a video viewing room, Spike finishes watching another tape showing the Decepticons as the real culprits. He's about to leave when he meets Ravage. During a brief fight, in which Ravage slams into a TV screen, gets fried, smacked with an office chair, and then finally gets buried under a shelf of video tapes (poor kitty), Spike makes his escape.

At a nearby high school disco, Soundwave and his cassettes make an appearance. Rumble dances with the ladies, Ravage gets petted by some schoolgirls, and Laserbeak gives a real evil glare to a kid who's offering him a cracker (probably considering eating the kid instead).

In deep space, Cosmos is leading the rocket ship carrying the Autobots. Inside, Ironhide and Cliffjumper persuade Prime to turn around and head back to Earth. After the ship doesn't respond to Cliffjumper's control input, Hound uses his shoulder scanner to pinpoint their destination...the [[Sun|SUN]]! Cosmos finds he is unable to link up with Teletraan I as the rocket starts to overheat...along with the Autobots inside. Cosmos then comes aboard and starts working on the computer, but to no avail.

[[Image:MegatronsMasterPlan2 Autobots sizzle.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Optimus...getting...hot..." "Not now, Ironhide."]]
Inside the [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon base]], Megatron looks on with glee as he watches the Autobots and their ship collide with the sun and explode. The Decepticons then leave for a press conference.

In the Mayor's Office of Central City, Spike shows the Mayor the tapes he's found. The Mayor can't bring back the Autobots, but now armed with the right evidence, he and Spike start a campaign to clear the Autobots' names.

At the press conference, Megatron reveals that he plans to conquer the planet and suck it dry of energy. He is now the marshal of Central City, newly christened as Megatronia 1, and everyone will be made slaves to obtain energy for the Decepticons. A nearby screen shows the [[Conehead]]s running amok through Central City. Spike learns of the Autobots' destruction and escapes, but the tape of evidence is destroyed. Berger saves Spike from getting killed by Laserbeak, but their escape is short-lived, as they're all captured by Megatron.

Back in space, the Autobots have been saved by Trailbreaker's [[force field]]. They're attached to Cosmos, who is still heading towards the Sun, since his actions are controlled by Teletraan I.

[[Image:Berger Sad Enslaved.jpg|left|200px|thumb|It's hard being an opportunistic jerk!]]
Back on Earth, things are grim. All the humans have been enslaved by the Decepticons, and they're being forced to mine energy from every available source. Berger's received his reward: He too is cuffed and made to work in a power plant. One night, Chip breaks out of the power plant and sneaks on board a nearby truck. He heads for the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], where he sets to work at Teletraan I. He finds out that the Autobot rocket was destroyed and is about to learn more when Thrust breaks into the base, destroys Teletraan I and takes Chip back to the plant.

[[Image:MegsMasterPlan Autobots roll out.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Nothing has changed between us, right Prime?" "I said 'not now', Ironhide."]]
Meanwhile, Cosmos realises he's got control back and turns around. Back on Earth, an Air Force rescue attempt is easily thwarted by the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] and Blitzwing. Megatron has the humans cornered when the Autobots arrive. Optimus Prime assembles [[To sell toys|<s>the entire '84 and '85 line</s>]] his entire forces to combat the Decepticons, and they win, heavily damaging many of their foes, including the Insecticons and Constructicons. Having thoroughly lost their advantage, the Decepticons retreat.

The Mayor pardons the Autobots, while Berger is taken by the authorities to face justice. With the Decepticons defeated, the Autobots transform and roll for home.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (23)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (25)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (26)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (27)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (28)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (30)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (32)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (33)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (35)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (36)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (37)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (38)
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (55)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (56)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (57)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (58)
* [[Bluestreak]] (59)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (61)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (62)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (63)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (64)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (65)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (66)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (67)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (68)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (69)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (70)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (5)
* [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
** [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (6)
** [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (7)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
** [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (8)
** [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (9)
** [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (10)
** [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (11)
** [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
** [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (71)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (18)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (20)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (34)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (39)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (40)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (41)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]](42)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (43)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (53)

|c3=
* Berger's army (1)
* [[Shawn Berger]] (2)
* Kid in Megatron costume (13)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (15)
* [[Chip Chase]] (16)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (17)
* Teenager at Decepticon-hosted discotheque (21)
* [[Central City (G1)#Mayor|Mayor of Central City]] (44)
* [[Justin]] (45)
* Justin's mother (46)
* Justin's father (47)
* Reporter (48)
* Angry audience member No. 1 (49)
* Angry audience member No. 2 (50)
* Private guard No. 3 (51)
* Private guard No. 4 (52)
* Truck driver (54)
* Jet fighter pilots (60)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, get down Soundwave!"
:—'''Rumble''' as he dances with the ladies.

"Uh, Laserbeak wanna cracker?"
:—'''Male human teen''' who suspects Laserbeak wants to eat him

'''Ironhide''': Are we going anywhere, Cosmos, or is this a tour of the stars? 
'''Hound''': Lay off him, Ironhide. He didn't cause our problems. 
'''Ironhide''': You're right! Maybe we oughta take it out on the one who got us into this mess! 
'''Optimus Prime''': I did what was necessary.
:—Only Ironhide could get away with taking a shot at Prime like that.

"This city is under martial law...and ''I'' am the marshal!"
:—'''Megatron''' spells doom for the people of Central City...and makes a funny.

"Let us teach them a lesson in ''sorrow''!"
:—'''Dirge''' as he and the Coneheads terrorize Central City during the Decepticon-imposed martial law

"It is over. I saw the Autobot ship, like a silver bullet, streaking toward the Sun, and it collided—collided with destiny! I saw the end. They died in a cosmic funeral pyre!"
:—'''Shawn Berger''', destroying all hope

"You...pile of reject parts, I'll—" 
"Reject parts? BWAHAHAHAHHAHA!"
:—'''Chip Chase''' as '''Thrust''' destroys Teletraan I and, perhaps, mocks the handicapped

"You are going to face justice, and may it be kinder to you than it was to us."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', deciding not to have Berger sent on a collision course with the Sun

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Some of the show's stock background music is briefly repurposed as source music (music that's actually heard by the characters in the show), coming from a marching band. Unfortunately, the marching band's drumming doesn't actually match up with the musical drum beats. In the next shot, a trumpet is shown as the flutes cut in.
* Thundercracker is shown alongside Megatron in the first shot of the marching Decepticons. Subsequent dialog and animation makes it clear that this should have been Starscream.
* As he watches the Decepticon parade, the temple of Chip's glasses is missing.
* A short scene meant to catch us up with what Spike has been doing shows Spike viewing footage and Ravage arriving in the video room. But the footage Spike views is different from what he saw last episode, and Ravage now arrives through an open doorway instead of bashing down the door and wall.
* Barely disguised versions of Carly and Spike's character models are seen at the Teen Dance. Not-Spike is even wearing Spike's stock tan shirt and blue jeans.
* This being his first appearance, Cosmos's voice lacks the self-echo that would characterize it in his subsequent appearances.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Megatron gets a view from right alongside the Autobot ship as it approaches the Sun.
* Soundwave is missing his Decepticon symbol as Megatron turns away from watching the Autobot ship explode. It suddenly appears as he steps forward.
* The footage that Spike shows to the mayor is a ''third'' version of Starscream removing his Optimus Prime mask, despite Dirge only filming the scene once.
* Justin complains that he doesn't have any "metal-colored crayons" to finish coloring Megatron, even as he continues coloring him. Despite coloring Megatron perfectly thus far, his first stroke goes way outside the lines.
* In the opening shot of the press conference (seen up top), Starscream's helmet is light gray instead of dark gray.
* Starscream's optics are mis-colored blue as he fires his [[null-ray]] finger.
* Spike's mouth doesn't move as he says "Oh no" in response to Berger's rant.
* Soundwave's ejection button is blue instead of white as he dispatches Ravage and Laserbeak to capture Spike.
* Megatron's eyes light up, then dim, then light up again. An energy sound effect plays, but not till well after the second lighting-up is finished.
* Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow as he and Astrotrain guard the workers.
* Soundwave's mouth plate disappears after threatening "increase efficiency or be terminated" and firing on the slaves.
* When Megatron instructs Thrust to re-capture Chip Chase, his voice is not electronically enhanced.
* Teletraan I's screen displays Cosmos's name as "COSMS" {{sic}}.
* The launching sound effect for Thundercracker and Skywarp plays before they've actually lifted off.
* Thundercracker transforms without the transforming sound effect.
* The Decepticons get the Autobot laser sound effect for their opening volley as they fire on the human jets.
* Optimus's headlights aren't colored in as he lectures Megatron.
* As the Autobots arrive at the battle site, Ironhide is drawn with Ratchet's ambulance lights on his roof. Ratchet is right next to him, with no lights visible.
* Not truly an error, but the two sequences of Autobots transforming for battle are recycled sequences from "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]" played in reverse. They're played again, forwards this time, as the Autobots transform to roll for home.
* Starscream's "Yeeiiii!" begins before he's actually shot.
* The three panning shots of the various Autobots firing on the Decepticons are all repeated twice.
* One of these panning shots features Smokescreen with a blue head crest, which should be yellow.

===Continuity errors===
* When Spike found the fishy video footage and was cornered by Ravage last episode, the trial was nearing its conclusion. Since then, the trial has concluded, the Autobots have launched into space, Megatron has paid a visit to Autobot Headquarters, and a [[Decepticon Day]] parade has been organized...and meanwhile, Spike is ''still'' facing off with Ravage.
* Ravage is seen at the Teen Dance...just one shot after his face-off with Spike. Did he really give up that quickly? (Both this and the previous snafu combine to make it clear that Spike's encounter happened much earlier than the subsequent events, and his escape from Ravage is only shown in this episode because it made a better cliffhanger that way.)
* Did Cosmos just ''not notice'' that they were heading toward the Sun?
* Okay, we can buy that Megatron shorted out the ship's guidance system by remote control and locked in its course. But how the heck can Teletraan I control Cosmos against his will? And if that's the case, why not just have Blaster jam the signal?
* Chip rolls out of the truck trailer at will, but trailer doors are generally designed to open only from the outside.
* There are a lot of missing Autobots in this and the previous episode. In particular, the Dinobots, who did not stop fighting and leave Earth on [[Heavy Metal War|a similar previous occasion]], are not seen boarding the ship. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] seems to be present in the force field, but it seems [[Desertion of the Dinobots|rather]] [[S.O.S. Dinobots|unlikely]] that they would give up the fight on Prime's orders.
* Chip and Optimus Prime behave as if Cosmos is the only interstellar-capable Autobot at this time, which is only ''sort of'' true; there's [[Skyfire (G1)|Skyfire]], but he had been written out of the show by this point, while [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] would not appear for another three episodes.
* Superhuman Spike:
** Delivers several shoulder blocks in this episode that would destroy the largest linebacker. The first knocks over a massive standing shelf full of videos, allowing him to escape Ravage. The second, during Chip's escape, sends a cart full of energon cubes careening down the hall with enough force that it knocks Rumble into the wall several hundred feet later.
* The energy cuffs that the workers wear don't seem to restrain anything at all. Not only do all of the workers have full use of their arms, but Chip is completely unhindered by them during his escape.

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Nullray-finger.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* First onscreen appearances of Cosmos and Astrotrain.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Hound uses his missile launcher as a sort of radar-path-finder thing.
** Starscream fires the [[null-ray]] from his finger.
** Laserbeak fires his eye beams yet again to destroy the videotape.
** Trailbreaker extends his force field to enclose the entire Autobot army, and seemingly radiates it from his entire body.
** Ratchet can fire laser blasts [[Tonka GoBots|from his hands]].
** Ironhide zaps Chip's energy bonds out of existence with a beam from his fingertip.
* Spike makes use of Ravage's tech spec weakness, blinding him with a studio spotlight.
* This episode goes to some lengths to show the full extent of both armies. Lots of characters such as Red Alert, Perceptor, Seaspray and Astrotrain show up for just a shot or two. Even the Insecticons can be glimpsed for a few frames in the Decepticon Day parade (only from the thighs down), and Grimlock is visible among the Autobots floating in space. It's almost shocking that Buzzsaw and Frenzy don't appear.

===Real world references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** The ''Millennium Falcon'' engine burst is combined with the Death Star superlaser firing noise as the Decepticons leave Decepticon Headquarters.
** Thrust and Dirge both bear down on the city with some more ''Falcon'' engine noise.

===Trivia===
[[Image:MegatronsMasterPlan2 Trailbreaker force field.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Good work, Trailbreaker." "Prime...kill me...so tired..."]]
* Ramjet causes a building at least eight stories tall to collapse with zero warning. Some cracks on the building may be meant to indicate that it's abandoned, but otherwise, a lot of humans just died.
* Though he single-handedly saves the Autobots on his own initiative, Trailbreaker gets no lines in the episode and barely even appears except as a Jesus-like silhouette at the center of his force field.
* Judging by the girls surrounding him at the club, Soundwave is popular with the ladies. Trust women to be attracted to something large, cold and mechanical.
[[Image:MegsMasterPlan2 ShinyThundercracker.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Quoth the raven, 'What a shine!'"]]
* When the Decepticon jets fly off to face the human resistance fighters, as Thundercracker passes the camera, his silver-coloured parts have an almost heroic, shiny gleam to them, which is unusual, given he is a villain in this story.
* The kid cheering for Megatron and company uses the same voice as [[Aron]] from the later episode "[[Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play]]".
* As is made evident by the shooting script for this episode, a large portion of this episode was actually added in at a later stage to bring it up to the required length—namely, Cosmos's inability to alter his flight path, Chip's escape and Thrust's blasting of Teletraan I.
* When released as a video in the UK, both episodes were compiled as a 45-minute "movie" instead of being treated as a two-part episode.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Megatron's Master Plan ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Megatron's Master Plan ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Megatron's Master Plan ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 10: Megatron's Master Plan ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/megatron's_master_plan_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Microbots

2010-11-20T20:20:57Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=34
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=25
|prev2=Auto Berserk
|next2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=33
|prev3=The Insecticon Syndrome
|next3=Blaster Blues
|image=Microbots shrink.JPG
|caption=In the '80s, every cartoon had to have a shrinking episode.
|title="Microbots"
|production code=#700-33
|airdate=[[October 7]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Perceptor, Brawn, and Bumblebee must shrink themselves to go inside Megatron and retrieve an artifact, the Heart of Cybertron, that gives him enormous power.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ミクロの決死隊 (''Micro no Kesshi Tai'', "The Micro Suicide Squad")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:NemesisMicrobots1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"We've passed here for the past 20 years! How could we never have spotted this before?!" "Every time we passed here, you pointed to that rock with the funny shape on the other side of the road, Mike."]]


While digging for Mayan artifacts in South America, a group of archaeologists stumble upon an ancient spacecraft. As news of the discovery is broadcast on the news, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] recognize it as the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon ship]] they traveled to Earth in four million years ago. Megatron states that there is something on that ship which he wants, and sets out to get it.

Meanwhile, at the [[Autobot]]s' [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] is using a [[transmat reduction beam|shrinking-enlarging device]] to repair one of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide's]] memory chips while being insulted by [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] for not being a soldier. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] walks in and tries to make him stop, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders Brawn and Bumblebee to follow him to South America along with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], to stop Megatron from obtaining what he wants.

[[Image:Microbots Megatron energy blasts.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Now you will experience the full power of the dark side.]]

As Megatron's troops blast their way through a rainforest in order to avoid satellite detection, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] manages to first miss blasting a tree and then get attacked by a giant snake, to the amusement of [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Meanwhile, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] has met his match in the form of a real jaguar. The Autobots arrive and decide not to burn the forest down, because Optimus says "that's not our style".

Megatron gets through the forest first, and reaches the ship. Blasting it open, he retrieves the ship's energy core, the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] implants it into Megatron's torso, vastly increasing his power level. Optimus Prime then arrives and orders the Autobots to attack, but they are all defeated by Megatron's new ability to continuously fire energy from his fingertips. The Autobots only manage to escape when Optimus orders [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] to generate a smokescreen, allowing them to bring a hill down on the Decepticons.

[[Image:Microbots Decepticons drunk.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Soundwave superior. Lightweights inferior.]]

After limping back to base, Wheeljack creates a force-field to keep Megatron at bay. Perceptor hatches a plan to shrink himself, Brawn and Bumblebee to microscopic sizes in order to infiltrate Megatron's body and disconnect the Heart of Cybertron.

Meanwhile, the Decepticons sit around and get <s>plastered</s> overcharged on [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. After Megatron rambles on about the "good ol' days" and passes out, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] delivers the tiny Autobots into his body. This causes him to wake up and go to destroy the Autobots himself, as the rest of his forces can't stay on their feet.

[[Image:Microbots Heart throw.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Why don't we install it in Optimus, Perceptor?" "Because you're an idiot, Brawn."]]

Perceptor, Brawn and Bumblebee make their way through Megatron's body, avoiding his [[electro-sanitizer]]s, until they reach the Decepticon's brain. The others have to restrain Brawn from destroying the brain, since the fall would likely cause the Heart of Cybertron to explode. Megatron reaches Autobot headquarters and begins firing on the force field protecting Optimus Prime. The miniaturized trio ride one of Megatron's [[evil brain impulse]]s to the Heart of Cybertron, which Perceptor disconnects while dodging more brain impulses. Taking the heart, they make a dash for safety as the shrink-ray's effects begin to wear off. Megatron, deprived of his weapon and knocked flat by Optimus, is shocked by the sight of three rapidly-growing Autobots jumping out of his shoulder joint, and flies off.

Observing that the Heart of Cybertron has become unstable, Brawn tosses it two thousand miles into the sky, at which point Perceptor detonates it with a blast from his cannon. After this, Brawn shows much more respect for Perceptor.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (11)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Bluestreak]] (20)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (21)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (22)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (23)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (24)
*[[Grapple]] (25)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (28)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (29)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (30)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (31)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] {12)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (14)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (18
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (16)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (17))
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Merrick]] (1)
*[[Jose (cartoon)|Jose]] (2)
*[[Joan]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"Nice scenery." 
"Yeah, let's waste it! I hate nice things."
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Scavenger'''

''[Starscream shoots at a tree and misses]'' 
"Good shot, Starscream!" 
"Shut up or I'll blast ''you'', punk!" 
"Hey, hold that pose! I wanna remember you that way!" 
''[A snake wraps itself around Starscream's neck]'' 
"Help! Get this thing off me!" 
"I think it looks stunning on ya!"
:—'''Rumble''' and the Constructicons laugh at '''Starscream'''.

"He'll blow us away if we attack." 
"He'll blow us away if we just stand here! ''Charge!''"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Cliffjumper''' debate whether or not to attack the powered-up Megatron.

'''Brawn''': Are you ''defective?'' ''How''<nowiki>'</nowiki>re we gonna do ''that?!'' 
'''Perceptor''': Simple! We use my trans-mat reduction beam to shrink down to microscopic size. Then, we crawl into Megatron, and rip the blasted heart out! 
'''Optimus''': What do you think of his intelligence now, Brawn? 
'''Brawn''': Ahhh, I reserve judgment.
:—Brawn is just being pissy at this point.

'''Megatron''': Decepticons: a toast. To the imminent destruction of the accursed Autobots! 
''[The Decepticons begin drinking Energon]'' 
'''Starscream''': Energy! We won't need to conserve it after tomorrow. We can bleed this planet dry! 
'''Rumble''': ''[hiccups]'' Boy, these are good. ''[hiccups]'' I needed to refuel. Energy! 
'''Megatron''': Energy! Energy! 
'''Thundercracker''': Hey! This stuff's the greatest! ''[passes out]'' 
'''Megatron''': Ah, those were the good ol' days, back on Cybertron...Didn' half to...sneak around in these...ugly Earth disguises, hic. 
''[Powerglide arrives]'' 
'''Powerglide''': Time to cut the jets and glide! ...What in the world? 
'''Megatron''': Good ol' Cybertron! Land...of the metal moon!
:—the Decepticons give us what is quite possibly the funniest scene in the series.

"How come it's so quiet?" 
"Because he isn't engaging any of his main brain functions." 
"Then I got a honey of an idea. Let's bash brain!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' in Megatron's cranial chamber

"What are they?" 
"Brain impulses... ''evil'' brain impulses!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' discuss Decepticon neuroscience.

"It's all over, Prime!" 
"Not until every last Autobot program is erased, Megatron."
:—'''Megatron''' anticipates the destruction of the Autobots, as if it was a new thing.

"You filthy retro-rats!! Rrrarrgh!!" 
:—'''Megatron,''' realizing that three Autobots have been messing with his insides.

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* The excavation site changes radically between shots. When the archeologists first strike the Decepticon ship, they're digging downward into flat ground. In the next shot, they've removed an entire hillside, while still standing on flat ground. In the third shot ("this thing's been here longer than the hill!") the hill has become much bigger.
* As Perceptor unshrinks Ironhide's microchip, Perceptor has a red Decepticon symbol.
* Scavenger's head is colored light gray instead of dark gray as Rumble mocks him for missing.
* When the Constructicons laugh at Starscream, they use Rumble's laughter while Rumble is talking. This laughter is reused a second later by Rumble himself when he is done talking.
* Megatron gives the order to "'''''cut''''' [[Nemesis (G1)|the ship]] open". Hook proceeds to blast a huge explosive hole in the vessel.
* After Megatron hands the Heart of Cybertron to Hook, Hook's head is white instead of black.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** In three different scenes, only Ratchet, Prime, Bumblebee and Brawn are shown making the journey to South America. After the first commercial break, however, lots more Autobots just show up in the middle of the battle (Cliffjumper, Bluestreak, Ironhide, Huffer, Smokescreen, Windcharger, Hoist...)
* The doofy shot of Megatron firing upwards at the Autobots on the hill keeps getting re-used, even after the Autobots are no longer attacking from the hill.
* One gun, many lasers:
** In the same sequence of shots, multiple beams of energy are streaking in towards the Autobots from multiple directions, despite Megatron only having two hands to fire the beams from. (There's no on-screen evidence that the other Decepticons have joined in the firing at all.)
* When Smokescreen finds Prime, he's lying in a completely different spot than where he fell after getting knocked out.
* Perceptor's eyes are white instead of blue when he reacts to the damaged Autobots.
* The damaged Autobots include Ratchet and Hoist, who didn't have a mark on them when the battle concluded. They also include Wheeljack and Gears, who weren't seen at the battle at all.
* While Perceptor is giving his monologue about shrinking down and going into Megatron, Optimus Prime's waist is red instead of white.
* When the Decepticons get drunk, Soundwave is seen drinking amongst the crowd, despite having a faceplate. Maybe it can drop down like that of [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (as seen in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]").
* Flying Autobots:
** As Brawn leaps up to attack the electro-sanitizers, he has a flight sound effect.
* After he leaps back down, the top of his backpack is yellow instead of olive green.
* The animation of Megatron stepping aside to avoid Warpath's shells is played twice in a row, which means the first shell's explosion is missing in the second shot.
* In typical cartoon fashion, the energy shield shatters like glass, complete with breaking glass sound effects. The [[dome of invulnerability]] went down the same way in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"
* When Prime opens fire on Megatron, his shots don't quite reach the whole, oh, maybe 50 feet of distance between him and Megatron.
* After Megatron falls, a closeup shot shows the joint in Megatron's shoulder. The next shot is a tighter closeup; the joint has suddenly gone from solid to hollow (allowing us to see the Autobots running past.)
* As the three Autobots flee Megatron's interior and start to return to their normal size, the Heart of Cybertron grows right along with Brawn during the first growing spell.
* The line "But it's destabilizing. It could explode at any second!" is voiced by Brawn, but Perceptor's mouth moves. The line sure sounds like it was written for Percy.
* When the Heart of Cybertron is supposedly 1,500 miles above the ground, it's still in front of the night sky clouds.

===Continuity errors===
*The archaeologists at the beginning of the episode are digging for Mayan artifacts in South America, though in the real world the Maya civilization never reached further south than modern-day Honduras.
* Megatron rather strangely identifies the vessel as "''a'' Decepticon ship", as if he's never seen it before, despite later verifying that it is "our ship".
* Do the Decepticons ''really'' need to carve a path the size of an interstate highway? Wouldn't a single-file pathway be a lot quicker?
* The Decepticons' ship was depicted as being the same size as the ship used by the Autobots in the opening episode, but here it's considerably smaller.
* Would the ship's vital, fragile power source really be that close to its exterior hull? (said hull being quite vulnerable to a small hand-held weapon?)
* Why on Earth are the Decepticons sitting around in the middle of the desert somewhere? And how does Powerglide know to find them there?
* Prime has "all available Autobots" move out to attack Megatron. Responding to the call are... Cliffjumper, Windcharger and Warpath. What happened to everybody else?!
* At one point, Brawn proposes killing Megatron from the inside (by PUNCHING HIS BRAIN TO PIECES). Perceptor stops him, saying that if he fell while flying, the impact could detonate the Heart of Cybertron. But while they're having this debate, Megatron lands, so it wouldn't seem to be a concern anymore. Perhaps even a short fall would have been enough? Maybe not, since Megatron falls right over when Prime shoots him a moment later! Also, with Megatron's change in orientation, the room that Perceptor and company are in should really undergo a 90 degree gravity shift, but nothing changes.
* Why is it so hard for Perceptor to reach the wire that's right in front of him? He's not damaged or anything!
* We're not doubting the strength of the almighty, indestructible Brawn or anything, but... can something as tiny and light as the Heart of Cybertron really be ''thrown'' 2,000 miles into space?
* For that matter, Perceptor's tracking report means the Heart is moving at about 250 miles ''per second''. Wouldn't it have incinerated in the lower atmosphere at such speeds?

===Continuity notes===
* [[Nemesis (G1)|The Decepticon ship]] is the same one last seen in the series pilot episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". A decade later, it would be given a name and a central role in the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] cartoon episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
[[Image:Microbots impulse ride.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Maybe this is how Teletraan I is able to detect "[[Attack of the Autobots|evil presences]]".]]
* We learn quite a bit about Megatron's physiology in this episode:
** He can fly at least 600 miles per hour (100 miles in ten minutes, per Prime's reading of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]].)
** He has an open spot amid his chest circuitry for the Heart of Cybertron, much like Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod have reserved spots (holes) for the Matrix.
** He has a wristwatch on his left wrist, which he looks at while flying around (causing concern for the Autobots within his shoulder joints). Oddly enough, this has [[Transport to Oblivion|precedent]].
** While drunk, Megatron rants about disliking his "ugly Earth disguise", yet in 2005, he still has the same alt-mode. Surely he could have found time to change his gun mode if he really hated it that much! Maybe he doesn't like his ''troops<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' alternate modes.
** [[Evil brain impulse]]s!
* Warpath actually fires shells from his cannon, rather than the usual lasers.
* Warpath's [[tech spec]] weakness comes into play: He is "helpless if upended".

===Real-world references===
* The pulsating sound heard when Perceptor and company approach the Heart of Cybertron within Megatron is the same one used for the [[Dalek]] control rooms in all episodes of ''Doctor Who'' since 1963.

===Trivia===
* "Microbots" features some of the most beautifully animated sequences in the entire series: Ratchet tumbling into the camera as he's shot, Soundwave trying to outrun the avalanche, Brawn ripping apart the electro-sanitizers, Cliffjumper getting hit by rocks, Warpath's shells closing on Megatron...
* Brawn's assertion that "five of us are functional" actually accords with the animation; Prime calls on Ratchet, Grapple and Hoist, and Bumblebee and Brawn are shown still standing in the preceding shot. Amusingly, Grapple is never seen in the animation at all.
* Decepticons make funny, happy drunks.
* Writer David Wise reused scenes from "Microbots", almost word-for-word, in the parts of the ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' episode "Shredder and Splintered" involving the Turtles inside Krang's giant robot body. This would not be the [[Kremzeek!|only]] [[Auto-Bop|''Transformers'' episode]] Wise recycled concepts of for ''TMNT''.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 12: Size Matters ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Master Builders (episode)

2010-11-20T20:17:23Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=32
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=20
|prev2=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|next2=The Insecticon Syndrome
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=10
|prev3=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|next3=A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court
|image=MasterBuilders Scrapper Grapple plans.jpg
|caption="Nigel gave me a drawing that said 18 inches. Now, whether or not he knows the difference between feet and inches is not my problem. I do what I'm told." "But you're not as confused as him, are you. I mean, it's not your job to be as confused as Nigel."
|title="The Master Builders"
|production code=#700-31
|airdate=[[October 8]], 1985
|written by=[[David N. Gottlieb]] [[Herb Engelhardt]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Grapple and Hoist ally themselves with the Constructicons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスタービルダー (''Master Builder'')
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Energieturm'''" ("The Energy Tower")
:''Russian title:'' '''Горе-строители''' (''Gore-Stroyiteli'', "The Sorry Builders")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Master builders2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I think you'll need to join Weight Watchers.]]

[[Grapple]] shows [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] a working model of a [[Solar Power Tower]] he wants to build and the two of them take it to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Optimus is occupied at the moment because [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] is teaching him how to play [[basketball]]. Optimus likes Grapple's concept, but rejects the plan because it would be difficult to defend the tower against attack.

The conversation is cut short when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] alerts them that [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] has been shot down by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Hoist and Grapple leave to repair the [[Autobot]] plane. After repairs are finished, they start back, with Grapple attempting to convince Hoist to build the tower with him, regardless of Prime's orders, but Hoist points out they can't do it alone

Their conversation is cut short when they are trapped by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] says they've left the [[Decepticon]]s and proposes a joint project. Grapple, enamored with his solar tower idea, agrees, but wants proof of their partnership. They promise to bring proof back and fly off.

[[Image:Master builders prime basketball.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin', all cool/and shootin' some b-ball outside of the school when a couple of guys, they were up to no good. Startin' makin' trouble in my neighborhood. I got in one little fight and my mom got scared and said, "You're movin' with your aunty and uncle in Bel-Air.]]

On their return to Decepticon headquarters, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] confronts the Constructicons with video tape of their conversation with Grapple. They all swear loyalty to Megatron, and insist they plan to betray the Autobots. Satisfied with their explanation, Megatron lets them go with a present. They return to Grapple and Hoist with "proof", an entire truckload of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Convinced that they are working in good faith, Grapple and Hoist agree to the partnership. The Constructicons are soon stealing construction materials from the humans for the project.

Meantime, Optimus is playing basketball with [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. After he shuts Tracks down during a drive to the net, Prime notices that Tracks needs maintenance, but no one knows where Hoist is. The Autobot leader sends Powerglide out to find the missing Autobots. Powerglide finds the solar tower and reports back.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Devastator finishing touch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

Grapple is in his element, directing the Constructicons as the tower is built, and blissfully unaware of their deception. The Constructicons merge to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] in order to place the sun-focusing sphere at the top of the tower. With the last piece in place, the tables turn. Megatron attacks Grapple and Hoist and claims the tower as his own. The Decepticons get to work collecting the energy.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Grapple sunset.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dammit, I've ruined another garage kit.]]

The Autobots arrive and attack, quickly overwhelming the Decepticons, who retreat behind the tower. The Autobots follow, to find that the Constructicons have formed Devastator and he's not so easy to defeat. Prime tricks Devastator into trying to kick Smokescreen but he kicks the tower instead. A few more rounds of laser fire send Devastator crashing into the tower, demolishing it. Megatron and the Constructicons retreat.

The Autobots dig in the debris to try and find Grapple and Hoist. [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] discovers them encased in a sheet of metal and punches it apart. Grapple and Hoist apologize for the trouble they've caused. Prime is in a forgiving mood, but says they have to clean up the mess themselves. As the others drive off, Grapple and Hoist fondly remember the tower.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (1)
*[[Grapple]] (4)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (21)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (22)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (26)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (27)

|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (10)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (14)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (17)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (18)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Construction Foreman]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Move over, blue skies. Here comes old Powerglide, king of the cloud chasers, sultan of the stratosphere, ace of the air."
:—'''Powerglide''', king of self-esteem.

"Well, if he's not impressed, I'll... be ''de''pressed."
:—'''Grapple''' worries about whether Optimus Prime will agree on his proposal for a Solar Tower.

"Am I 'drooling' correctly?" 
"The word is 'dribbling', Optimus!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''' play basketball.

'''Bonecrusher''': We'll just help ourselves if you don't mind. 
'''Long Haul''': Or even if you do! 
'''Construction foreman:''' Who me? M-mind? Why should I! hehe... he. [''tears up his blueprints'']
:—The Constructicons rob a hapless building site.

"As soon as my Power Tower is finished, I must find a place to sign my name... in very large letters."
:—'''Grapple''' as the Solar Power Tower is approaching completion.

"Watch out Spike! I'm driving for a layoff!" 
"It's called a layup, Prime! And watch out for Tracks!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gets basketball lessons from '''Spike'''.

"'Get this.' 'Bring that.' I thought I was finally gonna ''build'' somethin'!"
:—'''Long Haul''' after being told to bring another solar panel.

"Man, look at that! That's so tall, the top is in a different time zone than the bottom!"
:—Observing the Solar Power Tower, '''Spike''' demonstrates that you don't need to understand geography if your best friends are giant robots.

"There'll be other towers to design and build, Grapple." 
"It ''was'' magnificent... for a little while, wasn't it, Hoist?" 
"Incredible. Absolutely incredible."
:—'''Hoist''' and '''Grapple''', amid the ruins of the Solar Power Tower.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* One gun, many lasers:
** Skywarp only has two weapons to fire, yet about a dozen different laser beams are shown streaking past Powerglide.
* Skywarp's under-wing insignia are missing throughout the opening sequence.
* As Wheeljack gives Grapple his thumbs-up, the glow effect of his flashing "ears" is misaligned from the ears themselves at the start and end of the shot.
* Teletraan I gets the radio-muffle on its voice as it announces that Powerglide has been shot down.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** As Scrapper treaties with the Autobots, a random rock opens up, and out pops a video camera. While this does explain how Megatron and Starscream can watch the conversation from Decepticon Headquarters, it begs the question of just how many random rocks the Decepticons had to load up with cameras to ensure that they'd actually catch something.
** The camera's angle changes during Scrapper's speech, even though it's clearly fixed in place.
** The camera's angle has changed ''again'' when Megatron shows it to the Constructicons.
** The view of Grapple and Hoist that Powerglide relays back to Autobot Headquarters is clearly not taken from a moving airplane.
* Scrapper's eyeband turns gray as he points toward Long Haul approaching with the energon cubes.
* As he welds alongside Hoist, Grapple's butt changes from gray to orange.
* Flying Autobots:
** Prime leaps toward the basket with a flight sound effect.
* Tracks is supposed to be emitting some kind of malfunctioning-type of noise as Prime helps him to his feet, but it's barely audible as such.
* Tracks is missing one of his missile launchers as Spike runs up to join the group on the basketball court.
* Scavenger's face is almost entirely dark gray as he discusses his welding troubles with Grapple.
* In a bizarre stylistic decision, the Constructicons' second combination sequence does not feature the transforming sound. Instead, as they convert to their combined forms, they get a sound effect normally reserved for energy effects. Each one glows blue after transforming, accompanied by an even more bizarre tinkling noise.
* As usual, the apportionment of Devastator's components is off; Long Haul forms about 90% of the torso, with Hook forming the remainder (it should be split almost evenly between them.) Everyone else is correct, which puts this episode ahead of most of its contemporaries.
* Not that Devastator isn't [[Scale|out of whack]] in every episode, but when the Autobots first approach them, Scrapper's shovel alone is several times taller than the Autobots. When Devastator is about to kick Smokescreen, one of [[Scrapper (G1)|Devestator's legs]] is roughly three times the size of the Autobot.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] appears for a single shot during the battle, standing alongside Optimus as they rock in the breeze from Devastator's hand-swipe. Though he was playing basketball earlier in the episode, he's completely absent from the battle group before and after this single shot. Best guess is that it should have been Ironhide.
* Devastator's back, ie Long Haul's cargo bed, is purple throughout the episode. It should be green.
* As he and the others fire on Devastator, one of Powerglide's laser blasts doesn't quite line up with the corresponding sound effect.
* Prime is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as the Autobots cheer.
* After Brawn finds the ruined model of the [[Solar Power Tower]], Cliffjumper steps into the frame, colored yellow like Bumblebee.
* As Hoist and Grapple first face Prime, Grapple's front bumper is bent in the middle. This may be meant to signify damage from his captivity... but the damage disappears after this one shot.
* As Prime accepts the pair's apologies, Hoist's right arm is missing, as is the top of Grapple's left arm.
* When Grapple picks up the ruined model, one of its solar panels is gray instead of gold.

===Continuity errors===
* The solar panels seem to be the only essential component of the tower. Why do they need to be up on this huge cumbersome tower?
* In robot mode, Grapple and Hoist could ''easily'' have leaped over the boulder that first blocks their path. We'll give them a pass and say they were just panicked.
* Scrapper leaps ''down'' onto the boulder after the first commercial break... but he already leapt downward off the boulder when dodging the Autobots' fire.
* A giant paper blueprint? Really? The super-advanced space robots haven't switched over to a paperless office yet?
* Optimus's "Battle formation! Roll!" order is kind of strange, since the Autobots already appear to have both items covered.

===Continuity notes===
* Scrapper claims that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] admired Grapple's work back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. This contradicts the earlier statement in "[[Heavy Metal War]]" that the Constructicons were built recently on Earth, but fits with the later accounts of their history given in "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]" and "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]".
* Gadgets and powers:
** Powerglide has a video camera that extends from his nosecone, right in front of his canopy.
** The Autobots can shoot lasers out of their headlights when they drive into battle. The idea never crossed their minds in "[[The Autobot Run]]". One is tempted to fanwank the error away by saying that the events of that episode inspired them to install these extra armaments.
** Tracks has twin missile launchers in his car-mode hood.
** Devastator uses his [[optic weaponry|eye beams]] yet again. He [[The Autobot Run|loves]] [[The Core|those]] things!
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] resembles a snowball or comet, and can be repelled by a strong wind (possibly a call-back to his bio weakness, which says that he must remain upwind of it or fall victim to its effects.)
** Megatron has a compartment in his chest that holds a pair of binoculars.

===Real-world references===
* "Here Comes the Sun!" Grapple says, completing his Solar Power Tower model and quoting the title of a Beatles tune.
* The Autobots make their [[Atlantis, Arise!|second foray into the sports world]], as Spike teaches Optimus Prime about basketball. Prime learns to <s>drool</s> dribble the ball, spins the ball on one finger, and orders Spike to "Compute, quickly!" as he passes the ball to him. Later, Prime quotes the stereotypical sportscaster ("He shoots, he scores!") while driving for a <s>layoff</s> lay up. Later still, he rolls the basketball across his arms and shoulders.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** When Prime leaps toward the basketball goal, he gets the Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding sound effect sequence.
** Megatron takes off from the ruined power tower with the same sound effect. The Constructicons follow him with the rest of that sound effect, along with some X-Wing Fighter diving sounds.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masterbuilder.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Master Bait—uh, Builders]]
* When remastered for DVD by [[Kid Rhino|Rhino Entertainment]], the re-created title card for the episode was incorrectly rendered as "The Master Builder". This title appeared on all associated material included with the DVD set, and can be seen in the screen shot at right. Oddly enough, while the same incorrect title card appears in the 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" edition by Shout! Factory, the correct title appears on the DVD menu and the box set's episode guide.
* The Autobots have a color-coded alert system. When Teletraan I discovered that Powerglide was shot down he called for "condition magenta". When Optimus Prime discovered Grapple and Hoist were working with the Constructions, he called for "disaster code blue" and ordered a strike force to assemble.
* Megatron gave the Constructicons his energon because he says that it's his most precious possession. Was anyone else expecting the [[fusion cannon]]?
* Seriously, can you imagine the [[Scale|size]] of the ball that the Autobots need to play basketball?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_master_builders.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]
*[http://imdb.com/title/tt0808858/ IMDb's page for this episode]
*[http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep32/ Teletran93's page for this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Master Builders}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Dinobot Island, Part 2

2010-11-20T20:14:53Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=31
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=19
|prev2=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|next2=The Master Builders
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=9
|prev3=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|next3=The Master Builders
|image=DinobotIsland2 Megatronvsdinosaur.jpg
|caption= Why Megatron and [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] never [[Reproduction|had children]].
|title="Dinobot Island, Part 2"
|production code=#700-30
|airdate=[[September 26]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons' plundering of Dinobot Island's resources causes instabilities in the timestream.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 対決!! ダイノボット PART II (''Taiketsu!! Dinobot PART II'', "Showdown!! Dinobots PART II")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die Insel der Dinobots, Teil 2'''" ("Island of the Dinobots, Part 2")

==Synopsis==
After forcing the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] into a pool of tar, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is convinced he's won. He orders the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to resume the collection of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. However, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] fears that Megatron's plundering may have disastrous consequences for the island... and the Decepticons.

[[Image:Disland2mammoths.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"I told you we should have taken the left turn, now we have to ask for directions."]]

Meanwhile, the [[Autobot]]s finish repairing the control room. However, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] alerts them to a temporal anomaly near the library where [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] are. While going to investigate, the Autobots find barbarians making a mess of things. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] locates Spike and Bumblebee under the rubble of the library, where [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] drills them out. Bumblebee is able to cover Spike and prevent any harm, while the Autobots round up the time displaced viking barbarians and woolly mammoths.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders the Autobots not to use lethal force, as they are living creatures here by accident. [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], and Sideswipe manage to round up the mammoths. Ironhide wrangles the barbarians by squirting them with glue and sticking them to the ground. Optimus knows just where to put them, and the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] has them store the mammoths in his trailer (poor [[Roller]]), while [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] immobilizes the barbarians. However, the portal is closing fast. The Autobots send the barbarians and mammoths back through the anomaly, which closes just in time.

[[Image:Disland2pirates.jpg|right|175px|thumb|"Ar, excuse me fair mateys, have you seen Captain Jack Sparrow anywhere here? He owes me money! And my, what fine, large booty I see on ye poop deck!"]]

Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], [[Chip Chase]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] begin research into what is causing all this. Before they do, however, two more anomalies are discovered: one at sea, one out in the country. [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] go intercept the sea-based anomaly, which is a pirate ship attacking a man and two women on a yacht. The Autobots free the yacht and push the pirate ship back through the anomaly.

[[Image:DinobotIsland Pt2 InfernospraysCowboys.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"Maybe I'll put out their fire for good!"]]

In the country side, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] find that a group of old west outlaws have encountered a biker gang. After a brief rustle between the two gangs, the Autobots force the outlaws back through the wormhole. Resuming their analysis at Autobot headquarters, Chip learns that the disturbances can be traced to Dinobot Island. Optimus Prime orders his team to fly there using [[jet pack]]s.

Meanwhile, the Dinobots have managed to free themselves from the tar pit, thanks to [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] setting it on fire, only to see that Dinobot Island is in danger. Concluding that the Decepticons have done "bad stuff" to the Island, the Dinobots decide it's time to do "more badder stuff" to the Decepticons. The Autobots arrive, and attack the Decepticons. Prime and Megatron trade shots while Warpath takes on Blitzwing in a tank-on-tank duel. Just as the Decepticons get the upper hand, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] inspires the island's [[dinosaur]] population to attack the Decepticons, forcing them to retreat.

With the Decepticons gone, the Autobots destroy the [[energon cube]]s, causing the energy inside to return to the places it was taken from, stabilizing Dinobot Island. Optimus declares that the Dinobots have proven that they can control their powers, and the Autobots and Dinobots return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (6)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (9)
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (13)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (14)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (15)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (17)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (19)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (20)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (27)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (28)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (29)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (30)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (31)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (32)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (33)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (34)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (36)
* [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
** [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (38)
** [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (39)
** [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (40)
** [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (41)
** [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (42)
|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (4)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (5)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (37)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (43)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (44)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (45)
|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (8)
* Barbarians (16)
* [[Chip Chase]] (21)
* Yacht captain (22)
* Bikini girls (23)
* Pirates (24)
* Motorcycle gang members (25)
* Wild West outlaws (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"But draining those energies might upset the chronological balance of this island! It already drifts precariously in the sea of time." 
"Scientific gobbledegook, Starscream! Do as I say."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' discuss technobabble.

"OORUBBA REEYO! RUMBUBUH RULLY!" ''[More unintelligible babbling and grunts]''
:— '''The Barbarian''' on his mammoth, making a thought out and well articulated point.

"Remember those creatures are flesh and blood, not unfeeling machines like the Decepticons."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' placing a higher value on woolly mammoths than Decepticons.

"Why, you unwashed primitives! You could have fissured my finish!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''' blasts the barbarians for pounding on him with their weapons.

"We be wantin' your treasure, and the wenches too. Hahahahaha!" 
"Aww, cool off, Long John!"
:—'''Pirate captain''' and '''Cliffjumper'''

"I don't care if the entire ''Earth'' explodes! We can always relocate."
:—'''Megatron''' isn't big on the neighborhood.

"If that stolen energy is taken from this area, this entire galaxy could crumble!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' wonders where Megatron would relocate to then.

"Hey, Blitzwing! ''Tank'' you!"
:—'''Warpath''' attacks Blitzwing in a tank-versus-tank duel

"No! It is impossible! I saw you buried beneath the tar pits!" 
"You wrong. And you ''ugly'', too."
:—'''Megatron''' gets some comeuppance from '''Grimlock''', of all mechs

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Huffer is drawn mouthing Hound's "New Earth life forms?" line.
* The jewelry store that one of the barbarians smashes into is labeled "Nickel and Dime".
* Sunstreaker has Sideswipe's voice for his "I hope you packed your trunk!" line.
* Sunstreaker and Hound get a very strange non-standard sound effect for their lasers as they try to hold the time warp open.
* Chip's "I can use lots of help" line is slightly cut off, leaving him saying that he can use lots of "hep".
*When Optimus Prime reacts in surprise to Teletraan I's discovery of two additional time warps, Wheeljack's "ears" flash as Prime speaks, as if he was supposed to speak in unison with Prime, but only Prime's voice is heard.
* Rather than actually coming ''through'' the time warp, the pirate ship just kind of appears out of thin air in front of the warp.
* The cowboys suffer the same problem; additionally, when they first appear, they're kind of floating above the ground.
*When the lead cowboy fires his pistol, it makes a truncated version of the Decepticon laser sound effect. This being the one and only time in the show when a human gun is unarguably a conventional projectile firearm, it should really make a traditional gunshot noise. Presumably the sound crew either didn't have an actual gunshot sound effect at their disposal, or the show's general ethos prevented them from using it—all other examples of human weapons on the show seem to be firing lasers.
* Tracks' eyes are yellow when he first transforms.
* Tracks fires his [[black beam gun]] energy from his missile launchers, rather than his hand-held weapon.
* Grimlock roars his approval of being de-tarred in Sludge's voice.
* Slag's cheek guards are white instead of red as he proposes melting down the Decepticons. His whole face is light gray instead of red as Grimlock agrees.
* Despite using back-mounted jet packs, the Autobots are shown landing on Dinobot Island with foot thrusters.
* In the pan across the Autobots launching their attack, Beachcomber's whole face is white instead of blue, and Smokescreen is missing all of his reds and yellows.
* When Blitzwing transforms into his tank mode, his head and face are still clearly visible as he drives off-screen. In the next shot, however, his head is concealed.
*When Starscream is shooting Warpath with his null ray, he's colored as Thundercracker.
* Snarl's sword is gray instead of red as Grimlock fires to get the dinosaurs' attention.
* Blitzwing is missing his tank barrel as he fires alongside Soundwave and Starscream.
* Skywarp has no wing insignia as he gets trampled by the dinosaurs.
* Megatron looks human-sized, or even smaller, compared to those dinosaurs rioting above him.
* Somebody forgot that the Dinobots can fly; they're shown flying away from Dinobot Island with jet packs like the rest of the Autobots.

===Jurassic errors===
Paleontology weeps more in the presence of this episode:
* The size issues are more noticeable than before with animals which topped 16 feet in real life towering over Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
* Grimlock's means of summoning the dinosaurs to fight... strains credibility.
* The Decepticons' firepower somehow fails to reduce the dinosaurs to puddles of charred flesh.
* Does it really take all the Autobots and Dinobots firing at the highly volatile and explosive energon cubes to destroy them?

===Continuity notes===
* The empty energon cubes in this episode have little round tubes at the bottom to draw in energy.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Ratchet uses a welding apparatus that slides in/out of his wrist, similar to the ones used by [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|Brawn]] and [[Changing Gears|Gears]], but without the hooked tip.
** Sideswipe uses his pistons to dig out Bumblebee. They slide out from his wrists, similar to how they worked in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]".
** Ironhide fires a white-yellow glue from a tri-barreled wrist attachment, similar to the one he used in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
** Sideswipe fires lasers... from the tip of his missile.
** Sunstreaker discharges electricity from his fingertips to scare off the barbarians.
** A frequently-recurring gadget appears as Cliffjumper uses his [[hydrofoil]]s to travel out to the pirate ship time warp.
** Seaspray has a bow-mounted radar dish.
** Cliffjumper uses his [[glass gas]], reducing the pirates' swords to shards. He fires it from a gun that emerges from his car-mode front hood.
** Tracks' black-beam gun works on humans!
** Beachcomber fires lasers from his hands.
** Skywarp half-transforms during the battle, extending his legs out from jet mode to get some extra vertical thrust.
** Snarl again fires energy blasts from his sword's tip, as in "[[Heavy Metal War]]"
* Where's the trailer go?
** Optimus Prime's trailer just rolls in from off-screen when he needs it to store the mammoths.
* There is now a retractable metal door on the cone of the Autobot Headquarters volcano.
[[Image:DinobotIslandPt2-Dirge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"We clocked the T. rex at 32 miles per hour."]]
* Flying Autobots:
** Prime's crew of Autobots explicitly requires jetpacks to fly to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]].
** The Dinobots display their usual ability to fly as robots.
* Blitzwing and Warpath face off for the first time, but [[The Golden Lagoon|not the last]].
* First appearances:
** Autobots [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]
** Decepticon [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
* '''[[The Immobilizer|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron has... uh... ''maybe'' made a mistake in draining the island's energy! Maybe! '''[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* Barbarians, mammoths, dinosaurs, pirates, motorcycle gangs, cowboys, scantily clad bikini chicks—this episode's got it all!
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Swoop frees himself from the tar pit with a ''Millennium Falcon'' engine sound effect.
** Prime's crew arrives at Dinobot Island with the sound of the ''Millennium Falcon'' flying toward Yavin.
** A ''Star Wars'' laser effect plays as Grimlock fires to get the dinosaurs' attention, possibly Han Solo blowing the prison block communications console to scrap. 

===Trivia===
* The initial dialogue of the "Barbarian Chieftain" was written out in the [[dialogue script]] as ''"Ura manamabirno! Ramballalala uramala! Ya gagga nagonda! Gagga nagonda! Hai, yamaral! Ira, lura lura! Haya, luramala!"'', and he was supposed to exclaim "''Bunga Dorg!"'' when he confronted Sunstreaker. The actor playing the Barbarian Chieftain does not seem to have stuck to this very closely {{m-}} but, hey, gibberish is gibberish.
*The dialogue script states elsewhere that the barbarian who robs the jewelry store is supposed to be saying ''"Gunda nah? Naga gunda?"'' (CONTENTED GIBBERISH) ''"Wunga ga dindy! Dindy wah!"'', which also doesn't quite seem to be what's said in the finished episode. Besides these examples, no other barbarian dialogue in the episode is scripted.
* The explicit character introductions continue in this episode, with Perceptor and Beachcomber both giving self-explanatory spiels.
* The original script for this episode called for Trailbreaker to protect Dinobot Island from any further external threats by shielding it with one of his [[force field]]s. Although Optimus Prime's line explaining this was deleted during production, the visuals of the episode itself feature something of a vestigial reference to this, with the Autobots all flying off in large groups and Trailbreaker being the last to depart, taking to the air solo. Ultimately, though, it's probably for the better; Trailbreaker's force fields were never shown to be self-sustaining, which this one would have to have been.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Dinobot Island, also includes The Revenge of Bruticus ([[St. Michael Video Library]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — 1: The Revenge of Bruticus / 2: Dinobot Island (Parts 1 and 2) ([[Entertainment UK|Starvision]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Revenge of Bruticus and Dinobot Island Parts 1 & 2 ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — 1: The Revenge of Bruticus / 2: Dinobot Island (Parts 1 and 2) ([[Entertainment UK|The Fun House]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Dinobot Island ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/dinobot_island_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Dinobot Island, Part 2

2010-11-20T20:14:19Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=31
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=19
|prev2=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|next2=The Master Builders
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=9
|prev3=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|next3=The Master Builders
|image=DinobotIsland2 Megatronvsdinosaur.jpg
|caption= Why Megatron and [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] never [[Reproduction|had children]].
|title="Dinobot Island, Part 2"
|production code=#700-30
|airdate=[[September 26]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons' plundering of Dinobot Island's resources causes instabilities in the timestream.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 対決!! ダイノボット PART II (''Taiketsu!! Dinobot PART II'', "Showdown!! Dinobots PART II")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die Insel der Dinobots, Teil 2'''" ("Island of the Dinobots, Part 2")

==Synopsis==
After forcing the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] into a pool of tar, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is convinced he's won. He orders the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to resume the collection of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. However, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] fears that Megatron's plundering may have disastrous consequences for the island... and the Decepticons.

[[Image:Disland2mammoths.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"I told you we should have taken the left turn, now we have to ask for directions."]]

Meanwhile, the [[Autobot]]s finish repairing the control room. However, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] alerts them to a temporal anomaly near the library where [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] are. While going to investigate, the Autobots find barbarians making a mess of things. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] locates Spike and Bumblebee under the rubble of the library, where [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] drills them out. Bumblebee is able to cover Spike and prevent any harm, while the Autobots round up the time displaced viking barbarians and woolly mammoths.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders the Autobots not to use lethal force, as they are living creatures here by accident. [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], and Sideswipe manage to round up the mammoths. Ironhide wrangles the barbarians by squirting them with glue and sticking them to the ground. Optimus knows just where to put them, and the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] has them store the mammoths in his trailer (poor [[Roller]]), while [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] immobilizes the barbarians. However, the portal is closing fast. The Autobots send the barbarians and mammoths back through the anomaly, which closes just in time.

[[Image:Disland2pirates.jpg|right|175px|thumb|"Ar, excuse me fair mateys, have you seen Captain Jack Sparrow anywhere here? He owes me money! And my, what fine, large booty I see on ye poop deck!"]]

Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], [[Chip Chase]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] begin research into what is causing all this. Before they do, however, two more anomalies are discovered: one at sea, one out in the country. [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] go intercept the sea-based anomaly, which is a pirate ship attacking a man and two women on a yacht. The Autobots free the yacht and push the pirate ship back through the anomaly.

[[Image:DinobotIsland Pt2 InfernospraysCowboys.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"Maybe I'll put out their fire for good!"]]

In the country side, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] find that a group of old west outlaws have encountered a biker gang. After a brief rustle between the two gangs, the Autobots force the outlaws back through the wormhole. Resuming their analysis at Autobot headquarters, Chip learns that the disturbances can be traced to Dinobot Island. Optimus Prime orders his team to fly there using [[jet pack]]s.

Meanwhile, the Dinobots have managed to free themselves from the tar pit, thanks to [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] setting it on fire, only to see that Dinobot Island is in danger. Concluding that the Decepticons have done "bad stuff" to the Island, the Dinobots decide it's time to do "more badder stuff" to the Decepticons. The Autobots arrive, and attack the Decepticons. Prime and Megatron trade shots while Warpath takes on Blitzwing in a tank-on-tank duel. Just as the Decepticons get the upper hand, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] inspires the island's [[dinosaur]] population to attack the Decepticons, forcing them to retreat.

With the Decepticons gone, the Autobots destroy the [[energon cube]]s, causing the energy inside to return to the places it was taken from, stabilizing Dinobot Island. Optimus declares that the Dinobots have proven that they can control their powers, and the Autobots and Dinobots return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (6)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (9)
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (13)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (14)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (15)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (17)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (19)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (20)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (27)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (28)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (29)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (30)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (31)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (32)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (33)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (34)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (36)
* [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobts]]
** [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (38)
** [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (39)
** [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (40)
** [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (41)
** [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (42)
|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (4)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (5)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (37)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (43)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (44)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (45)
|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (8)
* Barbarians (16)
* [[Chip Chase]] (21)
* Yacht captain (22)
* Bikini girls (23)
* Pirates (24)
* Motorcycle gang members (25)
* Wild West outlaws (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"But draining those energies might upset the chronological balance of this island! It already drifts precariously in the sea of time." 
"Scientific gobbledegook, Starscream! Do as I say."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' discuss technobabble.

"OORUBBA REEYO! RUMBUBUH RULLY!" ''[More unintelligible babbling and grunts]''
:— '''The Barbarian''' on his mammoth, making a thought out and well articulated point.

"Remember those creatures are flesh and blood, not unfeeling machines like the Decepticons."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' placing a higher value on woolly mammoths than Decepticons.

"Why, you unwashed primitives! You could have fissured my finish!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''' blasts the barbarians for pounding on him with their weapons.

"We be wantin' your treasure, and the wenches too. Hahahahaha!" 
"Aww, cool off, Long John!"
:—'''Pirate captain''' and '''Cliffjumper'''

"I don't care if the entire ''Earth'' explodes! We can always relocate."
:—'''Megatron''' isn't big on the neighborhood.

"If that stolen energy is taken from this area, this entire galaxy could crumble!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' wonders where Megatron would relocate to then.

"Hey, Blitzwing! ''Tank'' you!"
:—'''Warpath''' attacks Blitzwing in a tank-versus-tank duel

"No! It is impossible! I saw you buried beneath the tar pits!" 
"You wrong. And you ''ugly'', too."
:—'''Megatron''' gets some comeuppance from '''Grimlock''', of all mechs

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Huffer is drawn mouthing Hound's "New Earth life forms?" line.
* The jewelry store that one of the barbarians smashes into is labeled "Nickel and Dime".
* Sunstreaker has Sideswipe's voice for his "I hope you packed your trunk!" line.
* Sunstreaker and Hound get a very strange non-standard sound effect for their lasers as they try to hold the time warp open.
* Chip's "I can use lots of help" line is slightly cut off, leaving him saying that he can use lots of "hep".
*When Optimus Prime reacts in surprise to Teletraan I's discovery of two additional time warps, Wheeljack's "ears" flash as Prime speaks, as if he was supposed to speak in unison with Prime, but only Prime's voice is heard.
* Rather than actually coming ''through'' the time warp, the pirate ship just kind of appears out of thin air in front of the warp.
* The cowboys suffer the same problem; additionally, when they first appear, they're kind of floating above the ground.
*When the lead cowboy fires his pistol, it makes a truncated version of the Decepticon laser sound effect. This being the one and only time in the show when a human gun is unarguably a conventional projectile firearm, it should really make a traditional gunshot noise. Presumably the sound crew either didn't have an actual gunshot sound effect at their disposal, or the show's general ethos prevented them from using it—all other examples of human weapons on the show seem to be firing lasers.
* Tracks' eyes are yellow when he first transforms.
* Tracks fires his [[black beam gun]] energy from his missile launchers, rather than his hand-held weapon.
* Grimlock roars his approval of being de-tarred in Sludge's voice.
* Slag's cheek guards are white instead of red as he proposes melting down the Decepticons. His whole face is light gray instead of red as Grimlock agrees.
* Despite using back-mounted jet packs, the Autobots are shown landing on Dinobot Island with foot thrusters.
* In the pan across the Autobots launching their attack, Beachcomber's whole face is white instead of blue, and Smokescreen is missing all of his reds and yellows.
* When Blitzwing transforms into his tank mode, his head and face are still clearly visible as he drives off-screen. In the next shot, however, his head is concealed.
*When Starscream is shooting Warpath with his null ray, he's colored as Thundercracker.
* Snarl's sword is gray instead of red as Grimlock fires to get the dinosaurs' attention.
* Blitzwing is missing his tank barrel as he fires alongside Soundwave and Starscream.
* Skywarp has no wing insignia as he gets trampled by the dinosaurs.
* Megatron looks human-sized, or even smaller, compared to those dinosaurs rioting above him.
* Somebody forgot that the Dinobots can fly; they're shown flying away from Dinobot Island with jet packs like the rest of the Autobots.

===Jurassic errors===
Paleontology weeps more in the presence of this episode:
* The size issues are more noticeable than before with animals which topped 16 feet in real life towering over Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
* Grimlock's means of summoning the dinosaurs to fight... strains credibility.
* The Decepticons' firepower somehow fails to reduce the dinosaurs to puddles of charred flesh.
* Does it really take all the Autobots and Dinobots firing at the highly volatile and explosive energon cubes to destroy them?

===Continuity notes===
* The empty energon cubes in this episode have little round tubes at the bottom to draw in energy.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Ratchet uses a welding apparatus that slides in/out of his wrist, similar to the ones used by [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|Brawn]] and [[Changing Gears|Gears]], but without the hooked tip.
** Sideswipe uses his pistons to dig out Bumblebee. They slide out from his wrists, similar to how they worked in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]".
** Ironhide fires a white-yellow glue from a tri-barreled wrist attachment, similar to the one he used in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
** Sideswipe fires lasers... from the tip of his missile.
** Sunstreaker discharges electricity from his fingertips to scare off the barbarians.
** A frequently-recurring gadget appears as Cliffjumper uses his [[hydrofoil]]s to travel out to the pirate ship time warp.
** Seaspray has a bow-mounted radar dish.
** Cliffjumper uses his [[glass gas]], reducing the pirates' swords to shards. He fires it from a gun that emerges from his car-mode front hood.
** Tracks' black-beam gun works on humans!
** Beachcomber fires lasers from his hands.
** Skywarp half-transforms during the battle, extending his legs out from jet mode to get some extra vertical thrust.
** Snarl again fires energy blasts from his sword's tip, as in "[[Heavy Metal War]]"
* Where's the trailer go?
** Optimus Prime's trailer just rolls in from off-screen when he needs it to store the mammoths.
* There is now a retractable metal door on the cone of the Autobot Headquarters volcano.
[[Image:DinobotIslandPt2-Dirge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"We clocked the T. rex at 32 miles per hour."]]
* Flying Autobots:
** Prime's crew of Autobots explicitly requires jetpacks to fly to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]].
** The Dinobots display their usual ability to fly as robots.
* Blitzwing and Warpath face off for the first time, but [[The Golden Lagoon|not the last]].
* First appearances:
** Autobots [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]
** Decepticon [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
* '''[[The Immobilizer|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron has... uh... ''maybe'' made a mistake in draining the island's energy! Maybe! '''[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* Barbarians, mammoths, dinosaurs, pirates, motorcycle gangs, cowboys, scantily clad bikini chicks—this episode's got it all!
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Swoop frees himself from the tar pit with a ''Millennium Falcon'' engine sound effect.
** Prime's crew arrives at Dinobot Island with the sound of the ''Millennium Falcon'' flying toward Yavin.
** A ''Star Wars'' laser effect plays as Grimlock fires to get the dinosaurs' attention, possibly Han Solo blowing the prison block communications console to scrap. 

===Trivia===
* The initial dialogue of the "Barbarian Chieftain" was written out in the [[dialogue script]] as ''"Ura manamabirno! Ramballalala uramala! Ya gagga nagonda! Gagga nagonda! Hai, yamaral! Ira, lura lura! Haya, luramala!"'', and he was supposed to exclaim "''Bunga Dorg!"'' when he confronted Sunstreaker. The actor playing the Barbarian Chieftain does not seem to have stuck to this very closely {{m-}} but, hey, gibberish is gibberish.
*The dialogue script states elsewhere that the barbarian who robs the jewelry store is supposed to be saying ''"Gunda nah? Naga gunda?"'' (CONTENTED GIBBERISH) ''"Wunga ga dindy! Dindy wah!"'', which also doesn't quite seem to be what's said in the finished episode. Besides these examples, no other barbarian dialogue in the episode is scripted.
* The explicit character introductions continue in this episode, with Perceptor and Beachcomber both giving self-explanatory spiels.
* The original script for this episode called for Trailbreaker to protect Dinobot Island from any further external threats by shielding it with one of his [[force field]]s. Although Optimus Prime's line explaining this was deleted during production, the visuals of the episode itself feature something of a vestigial reference to this, with the Autobots all flying off in large groups and Trailbreaker being the last to depart, taking to the air solo. Ultimately, though, it's probably for the better; Trailbreaker's force fields were never shown to be self-sustaining, which this one would have to have been.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Dinobot Island, also includes The Revenge of Bruticus ([[St. Michael Video Library]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — 1: The Revenge of Bruticus / 2: Dinobot Island (Parts 1 and 2) ([[Entertainment UK|Starvision]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Revenge of Bruticus and Dinobot Island Parts 1 & 2 ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — 1: The Revenge of Bruticus / 2: Dinobot Island (Parts 1 and 2) ([[Entertainment UK|The Fun House]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Dinobot Island ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/dinobot_island_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Dinobot Island, Part 1

2010-11-20T20:09:35Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=30
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=18
|prev2=Enter the Nightbird
|next2=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=8
|prev3=The Core
|next3=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|image=DinobotIsland1 Spikevsdinosaur.jpg
|caption=Think they'll have that on the tour?
|title="Dinobot Island, Part 1"
|production code=#700-29
|airdate=[[September 25]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Dinobots are sent to a mysterious, prehistoric island for training. But the Decepticons intend to plunder its energy resources.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 対決!! ダイノボット PART I (''Taiketsu!! Dinobot PART I'', "Showdown!! Dinobots PART I"
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die Insel der Dinobots, Teil 1'''" ("Island of the Dinobots, Part 1")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DinobotIsland1 Landing on Dinobot Island.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Powerglide, I've a feeling we're not in the Ark any more.]]

[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] are dispatched to investigate mysterious energy readings emanating from the sea. What they discover is an island filled with lifeforms thought to be long extinct, including [[dinosaur]]s. Further investigation is cut short, however, when the Autobots are attacked by the natives, and they decide to retreat.

[[Image:Dinobotislandgrimlockslipup.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"And now," cried Grimlock, "Let the wild rumpus start!"]]

Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], they inform [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s of their findings. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] is fascinated, but [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] dismisses it, what with the problems the Dinobots cause them. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] defends the Dinobots, and brings [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] out to show them.

Grimlock displays his "finesse" by using his fire breath to turn on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], impressing Prime and causing [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to grimace in pain. Hearing the commotion, [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] investigate, and cause Grimlock to mess up, sending his fire breath all over the place.

[[Image:Dinobotislandratch%26spark.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"I can't get Jurassic Park back online without Dennis Nedry."]]

Grimlock angrily orders his subordinates to go away, but Sludge steps on Slag's tail, causing him to breathe fire. [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] also come to investigate, and the Dinobots collide with each other, resulting in a brawl. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] is nearly destroyed, but Trailbreaker's force field manages to protect the computer, while [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] put out the fires.

The Autobots are prepared to fight the Dinobots to a standstill, but Optimus orders Grimlock to bring the other Dinobots under control. Grimlock succeeds, and apologizes to Prime. The [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] accepts, but also realizes that the base is too small for the Dinobots to train in, and decides to have Powerglide lead them to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], as Spike has called the island. However, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] overhears this, and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] sends [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to follow them.

[[Image:Dinobotislandspikeinnest2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hurry boys! The eggs are hatching!"]]

Arriving at the island, the Dinobots are impressed with the wide open spaces. However, Spike gets into trouble with the local fauna, nearly getting eaten twice. Spike decides to go home with Powerglide, while the Dinobots work on their skills, such as Slag's "fire stuff", Snarl's "tail stuff" and Swoop's "flying stuff". However, Laserbeak reports his findings back to [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who decides to plunder the island's multiple energy sources.

[[Image:Dinobotislandmammoth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Conan the Barbarian was really confused when he came on modern day Earth.]]

Spike, having had enough of real dinosaurs, decides to check out [[Ere Cenozoique Periode Tertiaire|some books]] with Bumblebee. However, while at the library, they see a temporal distortion, out of which comes barbarians riding woolly mammoths. They begin randomly attacking things, destroying the library and burying Spike and Bumblebee under a ton of rubble. At Dinobot Island, the Dinobots discover the Decepticon presence, and attack. However, Megatron causes the native dinosaurs to stampede toward the Dinobots, causing them to fall into a tar pit, which they sink into.

[[Dinobot Island, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (4)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (5)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (6)
*[[Grapple]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (9)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (12)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (16)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (17)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (18)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (23)
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (24)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (19)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (20)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (25)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (26)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (30)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (31)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (32)

|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (33)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (34)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (35)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (36)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (37)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (38)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (39)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (40)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (41)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (43)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (13)
*Barbarian (42)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hang in there, Bumblebee. Prepare for a daring rescue maneuver!" 
"Can't he just save a guy without doing a commercial?"
:—'''Powerglide''' narrates his rescue of '''Bumblebee'''. He must want [[Victor Caroli]]'s job.

"Beryllium baloney, Wheeljack. Once a dino-klutz, always a dino-klutz."
:—'''Huffer''' being both hungry and skeptical at the same time.

"What that is, Sludge?" 
"Uh, Sludge not know. Maybe time to do our thing?"
:—'''Slag''' and '''Sludge'''.

"Very impressive, Wheeljack. But what about the other Dinobots?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', about to regret what he said.

"Slag, Sludge, go away! Me Grimlock demonstrating finesse. Whatever that mean."
:—'''Grimlock''' really needs a thesaurus. Get it? Thesaurus?

"It's a jet, it's a rocket, no! It's Powergliiiiiide!"
:—'''Powerglide''' being Powerglide.

"Oh wow! I think I'll call it... Dinobot Island."
:—'''Spike''', showing an incredible lack of creativity.

"What is this bird planning on hatching out of these eggs... battleships?"
:—Yes, '''Spike'''. The pterosaur is planning on hatching tiny, human-sized battleships.

"Bye, Grimlock! Bye, guys! I'd write, but you can't read." 
:—'''Spike Witwicky'''. He should be thankful that the Dinobots didn't take offense.

"Swoop! Do flying stuff!" 
"...Slag! Do fire stuff!" 
"...Snarl! Do tail stuff!" 
"...Getting better... but still not more better enough."
:—'''Grimlock''' shows his mastery of both military tactics and grammar.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:DinobotIsland1 jetpack Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Bumblebee's nose is yellow instead of white as he reacts to his first sighting of the island.
* Bumblebee's vocal reaction to the T. Rex doesn't line up with the animation; he doesn't go "yee-ah!" until after it's been menacing him for several seconds.
* There's no crunch sound effect when the ''Rex'' crushes Bumblebee's jetpack.
* Blaster's voice lacks the reverb effect that it would have in nearly all his later appearances.
* Grimlock's robot head is white instead of black when he transforms to "end this chaos".
* Wheeljack's launcher is orange instead of light gray during the pan of him and Ratchet repairing equipment.
* Swoop gets a Decepticon laser effect when he scares off the Pterosaur that's trying to eat Spike.
* Look! There's one of those [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|red Decepticon faction symbols]] again (Megatron's [[insignia]] when the Decepticons review Laserbeak's recordings).
* The Dinobots get the ascending-pitch transformation noise when they convert to dino mode for Grimlock's "harder tests", rather than the normal descending-pitch version. The same miscue happens as they move out to "get rid of Decepticons".
* The reptile that growls at Slag for burning away its cover has the same synthetic electronic growl as the Dinobots themselves. So does one of the dinosaurs in Megatron's stampeding herd.
* Sludge's dino-mode back is red when he gets hit by Snarl's tail-stuff debris.
*When Megatron unleashes the dinosaur stampede, the Dinobots are facing the Decepticons, who are perched on the edge of a cliff. Grimlock looks back at the dinosaurs, and in the immediate next frame the Dinobots are suddenly standing on the edge of the cliff themselves. After the Dinobots sink into the tar pit, the Decepticons and their energon cubes are back on the edge of the cliff.

===Continuity errors===
* Prime uses his wrist radio to communicate with Bumblebee. It would really make more sense to use Teletraan I, since he's inside Autobot Headquarters. Megatron does the same thing with Soundwave, using his wrist communicator instead of the resources of [[Decepticon Headquarters]].
* Powerglide has a proper single-seater cockpit in this episode, like a real A-10. Later episodes like "[[Blaster Blues]]" show him with a much larger side-by-side two-seater cockpit (technically, ''those'' episodes are the ones with the error.)
* Superhuman Spike:
** Shouldn't the pterosaur's claws leave some kind of mark on Spike?
** After getting picked up, tossed, thrown, jerked around, and held in the toothy mouth of the plesiosaur, Spike should really be a sack of broken bones and bloody pulp; instead, he's totally fine.
* The energon cube that Thundercracker fills shows a bizarre ability, sending out a pink energy beam into the lava stream even though it's ''empty'', before being filled with energy ''from'' the lava.
* There's pretty much no reason for Swoop to have fallen into the tar pit with the other Dinobots; he's not even near them in the last shot before they fall.

===Jurassic errors===
Paleontology weeps in the presence of this episode:
*An unnamed Pterosaur (with an appearance that fits the description of a ''Dimorphodon'', only much, much larger) somehow manages to catch Spike and fly with him to her nest. There, Spike founds himself among three giant eggs...that are bigger than the animal that laid them. The mother actually looks like a newly hatched chick next to them.
* A plesiosaur grabs Spike, but it seems pretty unlikely that it would actually seek such large prey. It is also highly unlikely a plesiosaur would occur in an inland lake, as the animals have only been found in marine environments. The above-water gymnastics that the plesiosaur performs with its neck are debatable, as while the neck possessed a huge number of vertebrae and must therefore have been highly flexible, there is some uncertainty over whether the vertical posture the animal assumes here would have been possible.
* The dinosaurs in general seem to be oversized. This is so much more noticeable in part II.
* A sauropod is shown wading in a lake while feeding on aquatic plants. Sauropods were almost certainly terrestrial animals that acted as grazers or browsers. The neck posture would also have been considered wrong, but recent studies support the notion that at least some could have held their necks vertically.
* A theropod (presumably ''Ceratosaurus'', only over-sized) is shown in an upright pose. In order to achieve this pose in museums, curators frequently broke the backs of their specimens. They can't even claim the true posture wasn't known at the time either, as books showing horizontal bipedal dinosaurs had begun appearing in the late '70s. A similar situation is seen with the hadrosaurs, who are now believed to be facultative quadrupeds (primarily four-legged, with a two-legged option).

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** Bumblebee and Optimus Prime communicate by small pop-up radios that emerge from their wrists. Soundwave and Megatron use similar devices.
** Powerglide can shoot a light beam from his forehead that fixes things. Convenient.
** Blaster transforms into boom box mode without shrinking at all.
** Trailbreaker "fires" his force field from his gun arm, and uses it to protect Teletraan I without actually being near it.
** Ratchet replaces his right pointer finger with a large welding tip.
** Laserbeak uses one of the series' few recurring gadgets, a video camera that emerges from the top of his head (most famously used in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''). He also demonstrates the ability to fire lasers from his eyes, nonchalantly scaring off an inquisitive reptile.
** Swoop also fires lasers from his beast-mode eyes.
* Flying Autobots:
** In this episode, Bumblebee pretty explicitly requires a jetpack to fly; the convention of "Autobots can't fly" was pretty well solidified by this point in the series.
** Despite this, Powerglide appears to fly a short distance in robot mode when he hears Spike calling for help, complete with jet sound effects.
** The Dinobots fly in robot mode, an ability they consistently retain throughout the show.
* Bumblebee makes mention of the images of prehistoric Earth that he and the other Autobots viewed back in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]", prior to the construction of the Dinobots.
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] uses the term "[[beryllium baloney]]" in this episode, which would later be used again by Slag in [[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]], in much the same way.
* This is the ''second'' episode in which the Dinobots nearly destroy [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], the first being "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]".
* First appearances:
** Autobots [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Grapple]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
** Decepticons [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak flies into Megatron's hand with the ''Millennium Falcon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engine burst noise.
** Swoop takes off for his "flying stuff" with the [[Death Star]] firing/Alderaan exploding sounds, then flies through a grove of trees with the sound of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' flying past.
** As he spots the Decepticons, Swoop gets some combined X-Wing fighter and TIE fighter engine noises from the battle over the Death Star.
* The title of one of Spike's books is ''[[Ere Cenozoique Periode Tertiaire]]'', derived from an actual paleontology text.

===Trivia===
* This episode and [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|its conclusion]] introduce a large number of new characters from the 1985 toy assortment, and seem to have been written [[To sell toys|specifically to do so]]. Many of them have short but fairly explicit [[Introdump|introductory lines/scenes, seemingly intended to sum up their personalities or abilities]], and thus help sell their toys. Given this, it's a bit odd that several random members of the 1985 cast started showing up in earlier episodes (in terms of production order) which otherwise featured the Season One cast (Beachcomber and Inferno in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]"; Powerglide and Warpath in "[[A Prime Problem]]"), particularly since those same characters each get their own scenes in this episode.
* So the Autobots discover a unique island, with undisturbed natural beauty and filled with species that have been extinct for millions of years... and they unleash the Dinobots on it? Considering how choked up [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] got over a [[The Golden Lagoon|couple of trees]], you'd think they'd be a little more environmentally conscientious...

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Dinobot Island, also includes The Revenge of Bruticus ([[St. Michael Video Library]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — 1: The Revenge of Bruticus / 2: Dinobot Island (Parts 1 and 2) ([[Entertainment UK|Starvision]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Revenge of Bruticus and Dinobot Island Parts 1 & 2 ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — 1: The Revenge of Bruticus / 2: Dinobot Island (Parts 1 and 2) ([[Entertainment UK|The Fun House]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Dinobot Island ([[Malofilm|Behaviour]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/dinobot_island_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Insecticon Syndrome

2010-11-20T20:06:42Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=29
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=21
|prev2=The Master Builders
|next2=A Prime Problem
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=32
|prev3=A Prime Problem
|next3=Microbots
|image=Insectsyndromefeeding.jpg
|caption=I think they have a special shampoo for that.
|title="The Insecticon Syndrome"
|production code=#700-28
|airdate=[[October 9]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Insecticons feed on a source of power which causes them to grow... and will cause them to explode if not cured.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロン・シンドローム (''Insectron Syndrome'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Beachcomber branch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|J'ACCUSE!]]

At a park, [[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], a park ranger has called for help. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] respond, driving along a rocky road (and Bumblebee is especially having trouble). The ranger shows the Autobots some trees that appeared to have been chewed on by something. Beachcomber quickly realizes that something ''did'' chew on the trees, but not by an animal—it was the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Meanwhile, the Insecticons are hiding in their current lair/hive/base thingy. They complain that the trees didn't fill them up the way that they wanted to, so the Insecticons decide to go feast on some redwoods. Meanwhile, Jeff is having trouble accepting the possibility of giant robotic insects (even though he's talking to a trio of [[Transformer|giant robotic cars]]). Suddenly, another ranger calls him, saying he's seeing giant robotic insects. The [[Autobot]]s proceed to [[roll out]].

Meanwhile, the [[Decepticon]]s are searching for their Insecticon "allies". [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has come up with a plan that will require their unique abilities. As [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] spots the Autobots, Megatron takes it as a chance to observe them in action. As the other ranger barely dodges a falling tree, the Autobots arrive. The Autobots and Insecticons throw down, until the Insecticons push a log down a hill that nearly crushes the Autobots. Our heroes jump into a river to avoid death, but they then fall over a waterfall...at least, that's what the Insecticons believe, for Hound used his [[Hologram|holograms]] to make it appear that the Autobots and humans fell over. After that, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. He explains that he intends to attack [[Iron Mountain]], a human military base, but offers the Insecticons to gorge themselves at the [[Nova Power Plant]] if they help them. Overhearing this, the Autobots contact the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

[[Image:G1 InsecticonSyndrome Bombshell Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here's your problem, ma'am. See that? Termites.]]

Receiving their signal, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads a strike force to the Nova Power Plant. Unfortunately, the Decepticons are already there. The [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] quickly down the helicopters the humans have to defend the base, while Megatron, Soundwave, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] go to stop the Autobots. The Insecticons reach the [[Nova Power Core]], which they proceed to drain. However, the [[proton]]s within the core cause them to [[Size changing|grow in size]], making them as [[Scale|large]] as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Soundwave overhears what is happening, but [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] implants him with a [[cerebro-shell]]. The Insecticons proceed to kick the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and the Autobots are forced to retreat with their fallen comrades. Megatron is pleased with the Insecticons' new power, unaware that the Insecticons plan to off him.

At the base, the [[Autobot]]s use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to calculate what will happen to the Insecticons. It says that the energy from the Power Core will cause the Insecticons to explode unless something is done. However, the Autobots receive a distress signal from Iron Mountain, where the Decepticons are attacking. If the Insecticons explode there, they'll kill everyone there. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack quickly work on an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Inferno on hound.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hound's a bottom? Who'da thunk it?]]

At Iron Mountain, the Decepticons attack. However, the human defenses are surprisingly advanced for simple flesh creatures. Finally, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] takes control of the human weapons, causing them to attack the base. The Autobots arrive, but are quickly buried in rubble by the Insecticons. Entering the base, Soundwave manages to access the computer. Megatron declares that it's time to eliminate the Insecticons, only to discover that his army has been taken over by the Insecticons. Bombshell fires a cerebro-shell into [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], but Megatron manages to grab the shell fired at him and destroy it. Having finally dug themselves out, the Autobots explain the explosive situation to Megatron. Fortunately, Ratchet and Wheeljack have arrived with an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Shrapnel explode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ahhh, my head asplode. Asplode.]]

Heading into Iron Mountain, the Insecticons begin to reach critical mass, and will explode at any minute. As Megatron [[Transformation|transforms]] into [[Alternate mode|gun mode]] for Optimus to use, the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] uses the Decepticon leader to fire the antidotes into Bombshell and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]. However, Shrapnel manages to avoid his cure, so Spike bravely manages to get the cure into Shrapnel...who blows up anyway. The cures cause the cerebro-shells to deactivate, but also erase the information Soundwave downloaded. Bombshell uses a special shell to cause Shrapnel to reassemble, and the Insecticons run away, with the angry Decepticons in pursuit. With the Decepticons defeated, the day is saved.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
**[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
**[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (7)
**[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (14)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], the young park ranger (4)
*[[Mike]], the old park ranger (9)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Gigantic robot insects that eat trees? YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING!"
:—'''Jeff the Park Ranger's''' suspension of disbelief is ruined.

"The Insecticons have done well." 
"Yes...perhaps they should lead us." 
"You test my patience, Starscream."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' after the Insecticons defeat some Autobots.

"Why, if it isn't Megatron, and his merry mechanical men!"
:—'''Bombshell'''

"Oh boy, a robotoid turkey shoot!"
:—'''Inferno''' takes aim at Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.

"Power has made the Insecticons obnoxious." 
"''And'' invincible."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"What's the matter, Megatron? Weakling humans too tough for you, for you?"
:—'''Shrapnel''' to Megatron, after the latter has been shot by a human weapon.

"Ohhhh....that Nova Power Core is giving me heartburn...that is, if I have a heart." 
"If you have a ''brain'', you'll realize that we've got a battle to fight!"
:—'''Bombshell''' and '''Megatron'''

"Guys, you all right?" 
"Just great...if you don't mind two tons of Inferno sitting on your head plates." 
"Look, you get ten tons of boulders off my shoulder struts, and I'll get off your noggin."
:—'''Spike''', '''Hound''' and '''Inferno'''

"No one gets into my [[cranial chamber]]!" 
"Auugh, my cerebro-shell! My precious shell!" 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Bombshell'''

"We Insecticons, know how to get... it... together!!"
:—'''Bombshell''' delivers a cheesy line after reassembling Shrapnel.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Jeff's pointing hand is layered behind Beachcomber when saying his "What kind of animals can devour trees this size?" line.
* In the second binocular view of the Insecticons, Shrapnel's "cockpit" isn't colored yellow.
* Shrapnel's transformation to robot mode gets only half a transformation noise, and it's not timed to line up with the animation.
* Kickback is supposed to be in insect mode when he lands to kick the log after the Autobots, but he's drawn in robot mode, lying on his back!
* Starscream's Decepticon insignias are incorrectly the right way up when the Decepticons first approach the Insecticons.
* Megatron is missing his chest insignia during the line "At the Nova Power Plant".
* Two Skywarps are shown flying against the human helicopters.
* Buzzsaw and Laserbeak both leave Soundwave's chest with no chest-opening sound effect and no transformation noise.
* Bombshell is shown during Kickback's "making me grow" line, though given the lack of lip flap for the insect-mode Insecticons, it's not an incontrovertible mistake.
* The animation is not especially consistent about how much the Insecticons have grown. Inside the power core, they're gargantuan; when they enslave Soundwave, they're only a few heads taller than him. During the attack on Iron Mountain they're the same size as the other Decepticons.
* As Shrapnel gets Soundwave into a full nelson, Soundwave has a purple Autobot insignia.
* A trace of Ironhide's accent slips into Peter Cullen's delivery as Optimus Prime orders Bumblebee, Inferno, Beachcomber, and Jazz to help him.
* Jazz has a Decepticon insignia during a shot in Autobot Headquarters after they discover the Insecticons are time bombs, just before the second commercial break.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I supplies a 3/4 view of the Decepticons attacking Iron Mountain. The view travels with them as they fly.
* Starscream's wings are mounted much too high on his shoulders as he watches Soundwave absorb the computer info.
* When Bombshell turns to order his slaves to fire, he gets a whirring sound effect as if he were sitting on a moving platform.
* Megatron's upper gun body is black instead of light gray after he transforms in Prime's arms.
* Shrapnel loses his last-word-repeating gimmick as he summons the lightning.
* As he watches Spike run up to Shrapnel, Optimus calls him "Pike". Or maybe "Bike". [[A Prime Problem|For real]].
* When Beachcomber is in the foreground watching Spike get back up, his head inexplicably twists to the other side in a clip.
* Bumblebee's nose is yellow instead of white as Spike makes his awful, horrible joke.

===Continuity errors===
* Soundwave eavesdrops on the Insecticons ''with a Transformer-sized stethoscope''. As if this weren't implausible enough, he's wearing and using it in proper human fashion ''even though he doesn't have ears''.
* Wheeljack and Ironhide climbing the transmission towers does not appear to serve any rational purpose.
* Spike [[The Immobilizer|once again]] gets a wrist watch that shows up only in the shots where he needs to tell the time.
* From the time Spike looks at his watch and issues the 30-second warning to the point where Shrapnel explodes, about 1 minute and 46 seconds pass. As well, when he gives Shrapnel his 10-second warning, it takes about 47 seconds until he detonates. (On a minor note, it takes Spike 6 out of the available 10 seconds to ''say'' that Shrapnel is going to explode.) Either their estimates on when the Insecticons would explode were off, or seconds are longer in this episode than they are elsewhere.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] disappears from the episode after a quick appearance inside of Iron Mountain, just before Shrapnel's big explosion. He doesn't even get to laugh with the other Autobots at the end.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode features the first appearances of [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. However, no explanation of their origins is given.
* Where's the trailer go?
** At the start of the Nova Power Plant attack, in a head-on shot, Prime's trailer just rolls off behind him and disappears over the horizon.
* Bombshell sure gets upset when one of his (presumably limitless) cerebro-shells is destroyed. This is the closest the cartoon ever got to showing his tech spec weakness, which notes that the shells can be used against him.
* This is not [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|the first time]] that Optimus Prime has fired Megatron in gun mode, nor [[The Core|the first time]] that they've teamed up to save their skins. Nor would it be [[The Revenge of Bruticus|the last time]].
* It's also not the first time that the Decepticons have [[A Plague of Insecticons|chased the Insecticons off into the sunset]].
* According to Spike, the Insecticons have "[[trilithium stomach]]s".
* After he climbs up the electrical tower and gets electrocuted, Ironhide's forearm panel pops open and the word "Ironhide" is written on the circuits inside.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** During the battle in the park, Bombshell and Kickback both launch and fly with ''Millennium Falcon'' engine noises.
** The sound of a lightsaber igniting is used as Prime blasts away the rocks pinning down the other Autobots.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Insectsyndromespikeshoot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember kids, guns are awesome!]]
* Spike totally gets his own laser gun in this ep.
* Amongst the text that comes up on the Iron Mountain computer is a mess of BASIC programming commands and repeated "Syntax error"s.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Insecticon Syndrome}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Core

2010-11-20T20:05:11Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=28
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=49
|prev2=Cosmic Rust (episode)
|next2=Blaster Blues
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=7
|prev3=The Autobot Run
|next3=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|image=TheCore Devastator zapped.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Core"
|production code=#700-27
|airdate=[[October 29]], 1985
|written by=[[Dennis Marks]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron tries to drill his way to the center to the Earth, while the Autobots take control of Devastator with mind-controlling Dominator Discs.'''

:''Japanese title:'' デバスターを倒せ! (''Devastor o Taose!'', "Defeat Devastor!")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:''' "'''Erde in Gefahr'''" ("Earth in Danger")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''O Núcleo'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Coredevastatorattacks.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"Devastator use boulder as ball and Autobots as pins!"]]

At an underground cavern near a waterfall, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are digging with a massive drill. However, the rock they're drilling through breaks, and only some quick work on [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]'s part plugs it up. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders Mixmaster to look over [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]'s sensory equipment, while [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] does his daily whine-about-Megatron's-nefarious-plan bit. Megatron counters that if they manage to tap into the Earth's molten core, it will give the [[Decepticon]]s geothermal energy, a limitless power source. Starscream counters that if they breach the core, the Earth runs the risk of exploding. However, Megatron doesn't care: he's placed a [[space bridge]] near the drilling site, which will take the Decepticons to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] if the Earth's stability should be threatened.

[[Image:Coreautobotsinnet.jpg|right|175px|thumb|This is the worst tent ever!]]

Meanwhile, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] are driving around in that general area, when Sunstreaker realizes that there should be a river where they're driving through. The Autobots head to investigate, and see Mixmaster and Scavenger. The Autobots [[Transformation|transform]] to attack, only to see that the Constructicons have disappeared, and to fail to notice [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] above them. Informed by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], Megatron orders the Constructicons to destroy the Autobots and form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The Decepticon [[combiner]] knocks the Autobots off the cliff, but Mirage goes invisible on them. He remains undetected as Devastator attacks the others, and finds the drill. As Mirage rejoins the group, Jazz does a [[sound and light show]] which distracts Devastator, allowing Mirage and Sunstreaker to lasso his legs with a rope, allowing the Autobots to escape.

[[Image:Coredevastator%26prime.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Devastator has no idea how to start transforming 20th Anniversary Prime.]]

At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to calculate what will happen if the drill hits the Earth's core. The result will be total annihilation, but the Autobots have little hope of defeating the Decepticons with Devastator. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Chip Chase]] present [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with their new [[dominator disc]]s, which will be placed on the individual Constructicons and take control of them when they form Devastator. Convinced, Optimus Prime orders a commando team to plant the discs on the Constructicons. Heading for the drilling site, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] freezes the falls, causing the drill to heat up. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] orders the Constructicons to the surface, during which the Autobots plant a disc on each Constructicon. As the commandos are pulled out, Starscream has them dead to rights, but Megatron orders him to let them pass, saying that he knows of their plan to control Devastator. As Megatron positions the Decepticons, he orders the Decepticons to attack. The Decepticons fire on the still moving Autobots, who break formation, as the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] transform to [[bring the rain]] on the Autobots. Megatron orders the Constructicons to form Devastator, who grabs Prime. Wheeljack activates the discs, and Optimus orders Devastator to release him. Devastator follows the Autobot leader's orders, and attack the Decepticons. Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat to the cave, and Devastator seals them in. Optimus orders the Autobots to break off, as they can finish the Decepticons at their leisure.

[[Image:Corediagramscene.jpg|right|175px|thumb|I didn't know the Earth's centre was made from green layers.]]

Within the caverns, Starscream whines about being trapped, not having enough water to keep drilling, and so on. However, Megatron reveals that this was all part of his plan: he has a device that will override the dominator discs and stored enough water to continue drilling for some time. He just didn't tell Starscream because he's a terrible actor. At the Autobot base, the Constructicons are helping with repairs, when an earthquake hits. Realizing that the Decepticons are still drilling, the Autobots head to put them out of commission. However, Megatron is aware of their coming, watching them through the Constructicons' eyes. The Autobots and Devastator head for the cave, and Devastator is set to destroy it, at which point Megatron uses his control switch to deactivate the discs. Devastator begins attacking the Autobots, so Wheeljack tries to boost power to the discs. Unfortunately, this fries Devastator's [[Circuits|logic circuits]] and sends him into a killing frenzy, attacking both Autobot and Decepticon alike.

[[Image:Coremegs%26wheeljack.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Take off your clothes and come on in!]]

Finally, the drill hits the core, and the cave—and the earth itself—begin to come apart. Unfortunately, Devastator's rampage has damaged the drill's controls. Megatron orders the Decepticons to the space bridge, but Devastator damages it. Optimus convinces Megatron to give his control switch to Wheeljack, who uses it to deactivate the discs and bring Devastator back to normal. Devastator then heads to destroy the drill, while the Decepticons flee for their [[Spark|lives]]. Devastator succeeds, but is surprised by Megatron's absence. Chip tells Devastator that he ran, but Devastator believes that "Noble Megatron" merely left to plan their next attack and leaves (he really is as dumb as a post). Chip is somewhat saddened, as he was hoping that Devastator would join the Autobots. Optimus tells him not to let go of his dreams.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (9)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (10)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (11)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
* [[Bluestreak]] (24)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (25)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (26)
|c2=
* [[Constructicon (G1)| Constructicons]]
** [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (1)
** [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (2)
** [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
** [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
** [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (5)
** [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
** [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (16)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (21)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (23)
|c3=
* [[Chip Chase]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Autobots, move out!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''', thinking he outranks Jazz and Prowl.

"It's like shooting [[dynametal duck]]s in a beryllium barrel."
:—'''Starscream''' wonders if they store [[beryllium baloney]] in beryllium barrels.

"Traitor!"
:—'''Starscream''' to Megatron. No, you read that right.

"I do this only for the benefit of my Decepticons. It grieves me that you may also profit."
:—'''Megatron''', agreeing to ally with the Autobots and lying through his teeth (he's doing it to save his own chassis).

"What's the matter, Chip?" 
"I guess I was hoping Devastator might join the Autobots for good, but that's probably just a dumb old dream." 
"Hang on your dreams, Chip. The future is built on dreams. Hang on."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives '''Chip Chase''' valuable words to live by.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
This being one of the Season 2 AKOM episodes, many characters have unusual color schemes which persist through the entire episode. This includes:
* Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray.
* Gears' truck mode is red with blue fenders instead of blue with a red camper top. His white robot bits are colored light gray.
* Prowl is a light gray instead of white.
* Optimus Prime's backpack is white instead of red.
* Chip has a blue jacket instead of brown. This is ''good'', though. It means that, unlike a lot of cartoon humans, he actually changes clothes.
* The circle on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow.

Errors not attributable to model sheets include:
* It seems unlikely that the metal ring surrounding the drill would fracture in exactly the same way as the rock surrounding it.
* Hook's first transformation is bizarre. His crane-mode cab just kind of disappears into his stomach... only to reappear as his foot a second later.
* Scavenger's voice gives the "emergency!" lines that follow, but Scrapper is shown. It's not clear from the animation who's actually speaking, though.
* When the Constructicons are all shown zapping the fissure shut, all the other cracks are gone.
* Subsequent shots of the drill show no trace of the Constructicons' ad hoc ground repairs. Did they pave them over??
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** When he's first seen sitting at the console, Starscream is missing the Decepticon emblems on his wings.
** Starscream has only one wing emblem as he watches Megatron walk through the holographic rock wall.
** The Seekers are all missing their wing emblems as the Decepticons launch their counterattack on the approaching Autobots in the canyon.
** Starscream's missing his wing emblems yet again as he turns and says "You thought of everything".
** Starscream's got only one emblem as he runs crying to Devastator for help. Seriously, how hard is it to keep track of two emblems?
* It's not indisputably an error, but Starscream's hand makes none of the typical whirring/sliding noises as he retracts it and replaces it with the drill (which, holy cow, where does he ''keep'' that thing?)
* The animation of the Autobots driving up the slope out of the riverbed is crude and mistimed—Mirage drives all the way into the slope before he tilts to start climbing it. The other Autobots all tilt up as a group, even though they're in a line.
* Mirage ends up on the other side of the river apart from the rest of the autobots
* Laserbeak's missing his transformation sound as he returns to Soundwave's chest compartment after sighting the Autobots.
* As Laserbeak plays back the Autobots' words, a second voice seems to be echoing Jazz's "Constructicons!"
* As the Constructions all transform to vehicle mode, both Hook and Mixmaster suffer from their feet failing to become the corresponding part of their vehicle modes. All of the Constructicons have completely changed positions from where they were standing in the preceding shot.
* The boulder that Devastator uses against the Autobots is never seen to hit bottom.
* As usual, Devastator's combination sequence is screwed up. In addition to lacking any transformation noise, Long Haul only forms about half of his actual contribution, with Hook getting the rest. At least they got the other four guys correct!
* Three of the Constructicons are shown monitoring the drill, while at the same time Devastator is outside fighting the rest of the Autobots. In the same scene, Starscream's missing one of his wing emblems yet again.
* As Devastator falls from Sunstreaker and Mirage's snare, he has two eyes instead of his usual visor.
* Wheeljack has some strange white areas on his head when he's first seen inside Autobot Headquarters.
* The center line on Scrapper's face mask disappears as he orders the Constructicons to the surface.
* The Constructicons' elevator isn't animated, making them appear to just levitate into the air in vehicle mode. A whirring effects noise, and a lack of glow effects, makes it seem that this was ''not'' supposed to be the levitation beam used earlier by Starscream and Megatron. A second later, however, they ''do'' drive off the levitation beam, complete with glow effect.
* There is ''no way'' Ironhide has room for that much of the water-freezing liquid inside him.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ironhide is shown retreating into the cage at the bottom of the cliff, even though he was never shown to have left the top of the cliff. He seems to have taken Sunstreaker's place. As the cage begins to rise, Sunstreaker reappears (with a strangely miscolored or off-model head), but Jazz is missing.
** The roster of Autobots on the return mission to the cave fluctuates all over the place. Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide and Sideswipe are shown leaving Autobot HQ (and Devastator apparently just sits there while the Autobots move out!) When they arrive at the cave, Hound and Wheeljack have replaced Prowl and Ironhide. After Chip is trapped in the cave, Ratchet shows up among Devastator's victims. After the commercial break, Ironhide is back with the group. As the earthquakes begin, Sunstreaker shows up out of nowhere to rescue Chip.
* Five Autobots fit inside Prime's pyramid cage, which then fits inside his trailer. Huge trailer, or tiny Autobots?
* As he ejects Ravage, the inside of Soundwave's chest compartment is bright yellow.
* Devastator's second combination sequence contains the same visual errors as the first one; plus, Hook's mass includes Bonecrusher's scoop.
* Once the Autobots subjugate Devastator, he's seen swatting Skywarp, but the next shot is of Thundercracker spinning out of control. Then Thundercracker immediately flies back in ''again'' and is swatted off, screaming in Starscream's voice. The shot following that has Skywarp standing with the other Decepticons.
* Wheeljack's roof is orange instead of white as Chip leans out his window.
* As Devastator blasts the Decepticons' cave shut, the frozen falls spontaneously unfreeze for no apparent reason.
* Bumblebee is with the cheering Autobots as Devastator flies out of the canyon, despite not being seen anywhere else in the episode.
* Again, the metal in Autobot Headquarters splits as though it were rock.
* After Hook repairs Jazz, he drives over to Devastator and transforms into ''nothing but his head''.
* When Devastator blasts the cave entrance open again, the falls are once again frozen!
* Skywarp and Starscream both have yellow nosecones as they transform back into robot mode en route to the space bridge.
* Megatron has a red Decepticon symbol when he orders the Constructicons to stop the drill.
* Third Devastator sequence: worst one yet! Scrapper's not really visible at all. ''Scavenger'' and Mixmaster form not only the legs but also half of Long Haul's bits (the same incomplete half that Long Haul himself formed the first time around!) Long Haul then ''splits in two'' to become the rest of Devastator's torso, including everything formed by Hook, ''and'' Bonecrusher and Scavenger's vehicle treads. Bonecrusher and ''Hook'' then form the arms. When he's finished forming, Devastator's torso plate is green instead of purple.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he and Prime snicker at Chip's "Mr. Nobility" line.
* Though maintaining a consistent scale has [[Scale|never been a particularly important issue]] in Transformers fiction, this episode is a particularly notable offender, with Devastator's relative size fluctuating wildly: in some scenes Megatron appears to be almost half his height, whilst at other times the Autobots barely come up to the top of his ''foot''. In one scene, vehicle mode Bonecrusher seems to be almost as high as robot-mode Megatron. Chip's scaling is also wildly variable: when Sunstreaker rescues him from the cave, he appears knee-high to the Autobots, but in the very next scene he has suddenly become as large as Wheeljack.

===Continuity errors===
* Megatron's assertion that the Earth's core is the richest source of energy in [[Milky Way|the galaxy]] is not even remotely true, even within the bizarre realm of the cartoon's physics. Heck, just within our own little [[solar system]], the [[Sun]] is infinitely more potent.
* Why the heck is Sunstreaker giving orders to a group that includes Prowl and Jazz?
* Mirage turns invisible as he hangs by a tree branch, saying "the Decepticons will never find my pieces". Assuming he's being literal, wouldn't his invisibility shut down if he actually was deactivated by his fall?
* What kind of tree branch (growing out of a cliff, no less) is strong enough to support a falling Transformer?
* Jazz and Sunstreaker both use wrist-rockets to lower themselves into the canyon. According to the tech specs, that's really supposed to be Wheeljack's schtick.
* How does freezing the waterfall stop the whole river? Wouldn't it make more sense to break the dam that's diverting the river upstream?
* How did the Constructions not notice the Autobots as they were placing the Dominator Disks on them?
* How ''did'' Megatron figure out the Autobots' strategy?
* Is Devastator ''really'' the only one who can stop the drill? Can't anybody just shoot the thing at its source?
* Why do the Constructicons all feel the need to simultaneously transform to robot mode (then have a little out-of-character heroic chat) when ordered to transform to Devastator? This is one of the episodes where they are assumed to need to be in vehicle mode—which they are already in—to combine.
* The whole countdown to the Earth's core, down to the ''second'', is patently ridiculous. The boundary of the Earth's core is not nearly so neatly defined. And penetrating it with such a comparatively tiny drill would be unlikely to shatter the planet.
* While counting down the time before the drill hits the Earth's core, Prime says 10 seconds, then Megatron says 1 second immediately thereafter. Somehow, 9 seconds disappear without any editing or time lapse. A lot more than 1 second elapses before Devastator destroys the drill.
* How did Devastator get all the way from near the earth's surface to near its core so quickly? How did he slow himself at the end to avoid crashing? And how did he withstand the heat down there, when his component parts [[Heavy_Metal_War|are not even very keen on ordinary lava]]?
* Where did the fleeing Decepticons think they were ''going'', anyway?

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron takes a jab at Starscream's acting abilities, which we witnessed just [[A Prime Problem|one episode ago]]. He's no [[Shia LaBeouf|Beef]], but hey, he's just starting [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|his]] [[Starscream's Ghost|career]] at this point.
* Gadgets and powers: Everyone's arms are completely hollow in this ep. One character after the next retracts their hands into their wrists:
** Starscream reveals an improbably large drill in place of his retracted hand.
** Mirage has a tow cable in his wrist.
** Ironhide retracts his hands to fire an improbably huge torrent of blue liquid that freezes the waterfall.
** Sunstreaker, Jazz, and Wheeljack all retract their hands and replace them with wrist-rockets. Wheeljack is ''supposed'' to be able to do this according to his tech spec, but it's never been explicitly shown before (he flew without retracting his wrists in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]".)
** Jazz also has a grappling hook/tow line. Of all these gimmicks, this is the only one that's actually appeared before, way back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]" and [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|Part 3]].
** Hook uses his crane-mode hook as a welding tip.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** As often happens, Laserbeak gets the TIE Fighter engine sound just after he flies over the Autobots.

===Trivia===
* Prime sure goes along with the notion of enslaving one of his enemies pretty readily, huh? What happened to his ol' "Freedom is the Right of All Sentient Beings" schtick?
* After all the fuss the others go through while getting into the canyon (wrist rockets, grappling hook slides), Prowl just ''jumps'' down.
* Jazz skips his dominator disk onto Scavenger, like skipping a rock on water. Stylish!
* When Megatron orders a retreat, cat-mode Ravage flies off into the air alongside his comrades.
* Megatron stops Starscream from sniping the Autobots as Optimus Prime reels them up the cliff, arguing that killing six Autobots would be pointless since he plans on having Devastator destroy all the Autobots at the right moment. When that moment comes, there are still only (give or take) six Autobots to be had. Should have gone with your gut, Starscream.
* This episode is one of a trio, including "[[City of Steel]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", that was animated by the Korean studio [[AKOM]]. They are distinguished by simplistic art, prominent use of the Constructicons, surprisingly high frame rates, some Hanna-Barbara-style animation shortcuts, and various character model oddities, such as Optimus Prime's white backpack (which would show up again in "[[The Rebirth, Part 1|The Rebirth]]") and Chip Chase's blue jacket... not to mention a ''crapload'' of animation errors. Sheesh, AKOM.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Core}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Core

2010-11-20T20:04:03Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=28
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=49
|prev2=Cosmic Rust (episode)
|next2=Blaster Blues
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=7
|prev3=The Autobot Run
|next3=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|image=TheCore Devastator zapped.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Core"
|production code=#700-27
|airdate=[[October 29]], 1985
|written by=[[Dennis Marks]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron tries to drill his way to the center to the Earth, while the Autobots take control of Devastator with mind-controlling Dominator Discs.'''

:''Japanese title:'' デバスターを倒せ! (''Devastor o Taose!'', "Defeat Devastor!")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:''' "'''Erde in Gefahr'''" ("Earth in Danger")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''O Núcleo'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Coredevastatorattacks.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"Devastator use boulder as ball and Autobots as pins!"]]

At an underground cavern near a waterfall, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are digging with a massive drill. However, the rock they're drilling through breaks, and only some quick work on [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]'s part plugs it up. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders Mixmaster to look over [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]'s sensory equipment, while [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] does his daily whine-about-Megatron's-nefarious-plan bit. Megatron counters that if they manage to tap into the Earth's molten core, it will give the [[Decepticon]]s geothermal energy, a limitless power source. Starscream counters that if they breach the core, the Earth runs the risk of exploding. However, Megatron doesn't care: he's placed a [[space bridge]] near the drilling site, which will take the Decepticons to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] if the Earth's stability should be threatened.

[[Image:Coreautobotsinnet.jpg|right|175px|thumb|This is the worst tent ever!]]

Meanwhile, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] are driving around in that general area, when Sunstreaker realizes that there should be a river where they're driving through. The Autobots head to investigate, and see Mixmaster and Scavenger. The Autobots [[Transformation|transform]] to attack, only to see that the Constructicons have disappeared, and to fail to notice [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] above them. Informed by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], Megatron orders the Constructicons to destroy the Autobots and form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The Decepticon [[combiner]] knocks the Autobots off the cliff, but Mirage goes invisible on them. He remains undetected as Devastator attacks the others, and finds the drill. As Mirage rejoins the group, Jazz does a [[sound and light show]] which distracts Devastator, allowing Mirage and Sunstreaker to lasso his legs with a rope, allowing the Autobots to escape.

[[Image:Coredevastator%26prime.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Devastator has no idea how to start transforming 20th Anniversary Prime.]]

At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to calculate what will happen if the drill hits the Earth's core. The result will be total annihilation, but the Autobots have little hope of defeating the Decepticons with Devastator. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Chip Chase]] present [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with their new [[dominator disc]]s, which will be placed on the individual Constructicons and take control of them when they form Devastator. Convinced, Optimus Prime orders a commando team to plant the discs on the Constructicons. Heading for the drilling site, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] freezes the falls, causing the drill to heat up. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] orders the Constructicons to the surface, during which the Autobots plant a disc on each Constructicon. As the commandos are pulled out, Starscream has them dead to rights, but Megatron orders him to let them pass, saying that he knows of their plan to control Devastator. As Megatron positions the Decepticons, he orders the Decepticons to attack. The Decepticons fire on the still moving Autobots, who break formation, as the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] transform to [[bring the rain]] on the Autobots. Megatron orders the Constructicons to form Devastator, who grabs Prime. Wheeljack activates the discs, and Optimus orders Devastator to release him. Devastator follows the Autobot leader's orders, and attack the Decepticons. Megatron orders the Decepticons to retreat to the cave, and Devastator seals them in. Optimus orders the Autobots to break off, as they can finish the Decepticons at their leisure.

[[Image:Corediagramscene.jpg|right|175px|thumb|I didn't know the Earth's centre was made from green layers.]]

Within the caverns, Starscream whines about being trapped, not having enough water to keep drilling, and so on. However, Megatron reveals that this was all part of his plan: he has a device that will override the dominator discs and stored enough water to continue drilling for some time. He just didn't tell Starscream because he's a terrible actor. At the Autobot base, the Constructicons are helping with repairs, when an earthquake hits. Realizing that the Decepticons are still drilling, the Autobots head to put them out of commission. However, Megatron is aware of their coming, watching them through the Constructicons' eyes. The Autobots and Devastator head for the cave, and Devastator is set to destroy it, at which point Megatron uses his control switch to deactivate the discs. Devastator begins attacking the Autobots, so Wheeljack tries to boost power to the discs. Unfortunately, this fries Devastator's [[Circuits|logic circuits]] and sends him into a killing frenzy, attacking both Autobot and Decepticon alike.

[[Image:Coremegs%26wheeljack.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Take off your clothes and come on in!]]

Finally, the drill hits the core, and the cave—and the earth itself—begin to come apart. Unfortunately, Devastator's rampage has damaged the drill's controls. Megatron orders the Decepticons to the space bridge, but Devastator damages it. Optimus convinces Megatron to give his control switch to Wheeljack, who uses it to deactivate the discs and bring Devastator back to normal. Devastator then heads to destroy the drill, while the Decepticons flee for their [[Spark|lives]]. Devastator succeeds, but is surprised by Megatron's absence. Chip tells Devastator that he ran, but Devastator believes that "Noble Megatron" merely left to plan their next attack and leaves (he really is as dumb as a post). Chip is somewhat saddened, as he was hoping that Devastator would join the Autobots. Optimus tells him not to let go of his dreams.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (9)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (10)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (11)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
* [[Bluestreak]] (24)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (25)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (26)
|c2=
** [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (1)
** [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (2)
** [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
** [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
** [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (5)
** [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
** [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (16)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (21)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (23)
|c3=
* [[Chip Chase]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Autobots, move out!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''', thinking he outranks Jazz and Prowl.

"It's like shooting [[dynametal duck]]s in a beryllium barrel."
:—'''Starscream''' wonders if they store [[beryllium baloney]] in beryllium barrels.

"Traitor!"
:—'''Starscream''' to Megatron. No, you read that right.

"I do this only for the benefit of my Decepticons. It grieves me that you may also profit."
:—'''Megatron''', agreeing to ally with the Autobots and lying through his teeth (he's doing it to save his own chassis).

"What's the matter, Chip?" 
"I guess I was hoping Devastator might join the Autobots for good, but that's probably just a dumb old dream." 
"Hang on your dreams, Chip. The future is built on dreams. Hang on."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives '''Chip Chase''' valuable words to live by.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
This being one of the Season 2 AKOM episodes, many characters have unusual color schemes which persist through the entire episode. This includes:
* Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray.
* Gears' truck mode is red with blue fenders instead of blue with a red camper top. His white robot bits are colored light gray.
* Prowl is a light gray instead of white.
* Optimus Prime's backpack is white instead of red.
* Chip has a blue jacket instead of brown. This is ''good'', though. It means that, unlike a lot of cartoon humans, he actually changes clothes.
* The circle on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow.

Errors not attributable to model sheets include:
* It seems unlikely that the metal ring surrounding the drill would fracture in exactly the same way as the rock surrounding it.
* Hook's first transformation is bizarre. His crane-mode cab just kind of disappears into his stomach... only to reappear as his foot a second later.
* Scavenger's voice gives the "emergency!" lines that follow, but Scrapper is shown. It's not clear from the animation who's actually speaking, though.
* When the Constructicons are all shown zapping the fissure shut, all the other cracks are gone.
* Subsequent shots of the drill show no trace of the Constructicons' ad hoc ground repairs. Did they pave them over??
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** When he's first seen sitting at the console, Starscream is missing the Decepticon emblems on his wings.
** Starscream has only one wing emblem as he watches Megatron walk through the holographic rock wall.
** The Seekers are all missing their wing emblems as the Decepticons launch their counterattack on the approaching Autobots in the canyon.
** Starscream's missing his wing emblems yet again as he turns and says "You thought of everything".
** Starscream's got only one emblem as he runs crying to Devastator for help. Seriously, how hard is it to keep track of two emblems?
* It's not indisputably an error, but Starscream's hand makes none of the typical whirring/sliding noises as he retracts it and replaces it with the drill (which, holy cow, where does he ''keep'' that thing?)
* The animation of the Autobots driving up the slope out of the riverbed is crude and mistimed—Mirage drives all the way into the slope before he tilts to start climbing it. The other Autobots all tilt up as a group, even though they're in a line.
* Mirage ends up on the other side of the river apart from the rest of the autobots
* Laserbeak's missing his transformation sound as he returns to Soundwave's chest compartment after sighting the Autobots.
* As Laserbeak plays back the Autobots' words, a second voice seems to be echoing Jazz's "Constructicons!"
* As the Constructions all transform to vehicle mode, both Hook and Mixmaster suffer from their feet failing to become the corresponding part of their vehicle modes. All of the Constructicons have completely changed positions from where they were standing in the preceding shot.
* The boulder that Devastator uses against the Autobots is never seen to hit bottom.
* As usual, Devastator's combination sequence is screwed up. In addition to lacking any transformation noise, Long Haul only forms about half of his actual contribution, with Hook getting the rest. At least they got the other four guys correct!
* Three of the Constructicons are shown monitoring the drill, while at the same time Devastator is outside fighting the rest of the Autobots. In the same scene, Starscream's missing one of his wing emblems yet again.
* As Devastator falls from Sunstreaker and Mirage's snare, he has two eyes instead of his usual visor.
* Wheeljack has some strange white areas on his head when he's first seen inside Autobot Headquarters.
* The center line on Scrapper's face mask disappears as he orders the Constructicons to the surface.
* The Constructicons' elevator isn't animated, making them appear to just levitate into the air in vehicle mode. A whirring effects noise, and a lack of glow effects, makes it seem that this was ''not'' supposed to be the levitation beam used earlier by Starscream and Megatron. A second later, however, they ''do'' drive off the levitation beam, complete with glow effect.
* There is ''no way'' Ironhide has room for that much of the water-freezing liquid inside him.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ironhide is shown retreating into the cage at the bottom of the cliff, even though he was never shown to have left the top of the cliff. He seems to have taken Sunstreaker's place. As the cage begins to rise, Sunstreaker reappears (with a strangely miscolored or off-model head), but Jazz is missing.
** The roster of Autobots on the return mission to the cave fluctuates all over the place. Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide and Sideswipe are shown leaving Autobot HQ (and Devastator apparently just sits there while the Autobots move out!) When they arrive at the cave, Hound and Wheeljack have replaced Prowl and Ironhide. After Chip is trapped in the cave, Ratchet shows up among Devastator's victims. After the commercial break, Ironhide is back with the group. As the earthquakes begin, Sunstreaker shows up out of nowhere to rescue Chip.
* Five Autobots fit inside Prime's pyramid cage, which then fits inside his trailer. Huge trailer, or tiny Autobots?
* As he ejects Ravage, the inside of Soundwave's chest compartment is bright yellow.
* Devastator's second combination sequence contains the same visual errors as the first one; plus, Hook's mass includes Bonecrusher's scoop.
* Once the Autobots subjugate Devastator, he's seen swatting Skywarp, but the next shot is of Thundercracker spinning out of control. Then Thundercracker immediately flies back in ''again'' and is swatted off, screaming in Starscream's voice. The shot following that has Skywarp standing with the other Decepticons.
* Wheeljack's roof is orange instead of white as Chip leans out his window.
* As Devastator blasts the Decepticons' cave shut, the frozen falls spontaneously unfreeze for no apparent reason.
* Bumblebee is with the cheering Autobots as Devastator flies out of the canyon, despite not being seen anywhere else in the episode.
* Again, the metal in Autobot Headquarters splits as though it were rock.
* After Hook repairs Jazz, he drives over to Devastator and transforms into ''nothing but his head''.
* When Devastator blasts the cave entrance open again, the falls are once again frozen!
* Skywarp and Starscream both have yellow nosecones as they transform back into robot mode en route to the space bridge.
* Megatron has a red Decepticon symbol when he orders the Constructicons to stop the drill.
* Third Devastator sequence: worst one yet! Scrapper's not really visible at all. ''Scavenger'' and Mixmaster form not only the legs but also half of Long Haul's bits (the same incomplete half that Long Haul himself formed the first time around!) Long Haul then ''splits in two'' to become the rest of Devastator's torso, including everything formed by Hook, ''and'' Bonecrusher and Scavenger's vehicle treads. Bonecrusher and ''Hook'' then form the arms. When he's finished forming, Devastator's torso plate is green instead of purple.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he and Prime snicker at Chip's "Mr. Nobility" line.
* Though maintaining a consistent scale has [[Scale|never been a particularly important issue]] in Transformers fiction, this episode is a particularly notable offender, with Devastator's relative size fluctuating wildly: in some scenes Megatron appears to be almost half his height, whilst at other times the Autobots barely come up to the top of his ''foot''. In one scene, vehicle mode Bonecrusher seems to be almost as high as robot-mode Megatron. Chip's scaling is also wildly variable: when Sunstreaker rescues him from the cave, he appears knee-high to the Autobots, but in the very next scene he has suddenly become as large as Wheeljack.

===Continuity errors===
* Megatron's assertion that the Earth's core is the richest source of energy in [[Milky Way|the galaxy]] is not even remotely true, even within the bizarre realm of the cartoon's physics. Heck, just within our own little [[solar system]], the [[Sun]] is infinitely more potent.
* Why the heck is Sunstreaker giving orders to a group that includes Prowl and Jazz?
* Mirage turns invisible as he hangs by a tree branch, saying "the Decepticons will never find my pieces". Assuming he's being literal, wouldn't his invisibility shut down if he actually was deactivated by his fall?
* What kind of tree branch (growing out of a cliff, no less) is strong enough to support a falling Transformer?
* Jazz and Sunstreaker both use wrist-rockets to lower themselves into the canyon. According to the tech specs, that's really supposed to be Wheeljack's schtick.
* How does freezing the waterfall stop the whole river? Wouldn't it make more sense to break the dam that's diverting the river upstream?
* How did the Constructions not notice the Autobots as they were placing the Dominator Disks on them?
* How ''did'' Megatron figure out the Autobots' strategy?
* Is Devastator ''really'' the only one who can stop the drill? Can't anybody just shoot the thing at its source?
* Why do the Constructicons all feel the need to simultaneously transform to robot mode (then have a little out-of-character heroic chat) when ordered to transform to Devastator? This is one of the episodes where they are assumed to need to be in vehicle mode—which they are already in—to combine.
* The whole countdown to the Earth's core, down to the ''second'', is patently ridiculous. The boundary of the Earth's core is not nearly so neatly defined. And penetrating it with such a comparatively tiny drill would be unlikely to shatter the planet.
* While counting down the time before the drill hits the Earth's core, Prime says 10 seconds, then Megatron says 1 second immediately thereafter. Somehow, 9 seconds disappear without any editing or time lapse. A lot more than 1 second elapses before Devastator destroys the drill.
* How did Devastator get all the way from near the earth's surface to near its core so quickly? How did he slow himself at the end to avoid crashing? And how did he withstand the heat down there, when his component parts [[Heavy_Metal_War|are not even very keen on ordinary lava]]?
* Where did the fleeing Decepticons think they were ''going'', anyway?

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron takes a jab at Starscream's acting abilities, which we witnessed just [[A Prime Problem|one episode ago]]. He's no [[Shia LaBeouf|Beef]], but hey, he's just starting [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|his]] [[Starscream's Ghost|career]] at this point.
* Gadgets and powers: Everyone's arms are completely hollow in this ep. One character after the next retracts their hands into their wrists:
** Starscream reveals an improbably large drill in place of his retracted hand.
** Mirage has a tow cable in his wrist.
** Ironhide retracts his hands to fire an improbably huge torrent of blue liquid that freezes the waterfall.
** Sunstreaker, Jazz, and Wheeljack all retract their hands and replace them with wrist-rockets. Wheeljack is ''supposed'' to be able to do this according to his tech spec, but it's never been explicitly shown before (he flew without retracting his wrists in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]".)
** Jazz also has a grappling hook/tow line. Of all these gimmicks, this is the only one that's actually appeared before, way back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]" and [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|Part 3]].
** Hook uses his crane-mode hook as a welding tip.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** As often happens, Laserbeak gets the TIE Fighter engine sound just after he flies over the Autobots.

===Trivia===
* Prime sure goes along with the notion of enslaving one of his enemies pretty readily, huh? What happened to his ol' "Freedom is the Right of All Sentient Beings" schtick?
* After all the fuss the others go through while getting into the canyon (wrist rockets, grappling hook slides), Prowl just ''jumps'' down.
* Jazz skips his dominator disk onto Scavenger, like skipping a rock on water. Stylish!
* When Megatron orders a retreat, cat-mode Ravage flies off into the air alongside his comrades.
* Megatron stops Starscream from sniping the Autobots as Optimus Prime reels them up the cliff, arguing that killing six Autobots would be pointless since he plans on having Devastator destroy all the Autobots at the right moment. When that moment comes, there are still only (give or take) six Autobots to be had. Should have gone with your gut, Starscream.
* This episode is one of a trio, including "[[City of Steel]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", that was animated by the Korean studio [[AKOM]]. They are distinguished by simplistic art, prominent use of the Constructicons, surprisingly high frame rates, some Hanna-Barbara-style animation shortcuts, and various character model oddities, such as Optimus Prime's white backpack (which would show up again in "[[The Rebirth, Part 1|The Rebirth]]") and Chip Chase's blue jacket... not to mention a ''crapload'' of animation errors. Sheesh, AKOM.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Core}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Enter the Nightbird

2010-11-20T20:00:43Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 episode|the fictional film|Enter the Nightbird (film)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=26
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=17
|prev2=Atlantis, Arise!
|next2=Dinobot Island, Part 1
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=30
|prev3=Day of the Machines
|next3=A Prime Problem
|image=EnterTheNightbird Nightbird starscream.jpg
|caption="All right, now hit Starscream in the groin-plate."
|title="Enter the Nightbird"
|production code=#700-25
|airdate=[[September 30]], 1985
|written by=[[Sylvia Wilson]] [[Richard Milton]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons capture Nightbird, a deadly ninja-bot, and turn her loose on the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ナイトバードの影 (''Nightbird no Kage'', "The Shadow of Nightbird")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Ninja''' ("Ninja")
:''Russian title:'' '''Poyavlenie Goloobki''' (''Появление Голубки'', "The Appearance of Darling")
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Nightbirdandfujiyama.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"No threat... not a threat at all."]]
The [[Autobot]]s are busily constructing [[detection plate]]s, a new invention of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s which will make the [[Ark (G1)|base]] more secure by detecting intruders. They're interrupted in their work by a call from [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]], requesting their help in guarding his latest invention during its unveiling to the world. His curiosity aroused, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] agrees when the doctor informs him that the invention is a sophisticated new robot. The Autobots attend the event, though Wheeljack and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] are more interested in mocking the invention. Finally Dr. Fujiyama unveils [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], a "female ninja robot". Predictably, the [[Decepticon]]s attack and immediately have the upper hand because the Autobots won’t fight in a hall crowded with humans. As soon as the humans are cleared out, Optimus orders a counter-attack, personally grappling with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The Autobots are soon fully occupied, allowing [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to tear the roof off the building, so that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] can lasso Nightbird and carry the robot away. Their prize obtained, the rest of the Decepticons retreat.

They retire to Megatron's temporary base, a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|masterfully disguised fortress]], where [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] sets to work reprogramming Nightbird and tripling her power. Her first action on being reactivated is to immediately attack Starscream, which gains Megatron's approval. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] gives her her new orders — infiltrate Autobot headquarters and steal the [[World Energy Chip]] from [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]].

Meanwhile, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] is apologetic for their abject failure to protect the robot, and promises to return it back to Dr. Fujiyama quickly and unharmed. The Autobots return to base, Ratchet carrying the injured [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]. Nightbird soon arrives at Autobot HQ as well, avoiding a security camera by accessing the base through the top of the [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]], eavesdropping on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s puzzled conversation over the Decepticons' latest plan. She neatly avoids Wheeljack's detection plates by magnetizing her feet and walking along the roof. Reaching Teletraan I, she removes the World Energy Chip, plunging the base into darkness and alerting the Autobots to the intruder.

[[Image:Nightbirdspotlight.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Nightbird wants her own [[Spotlight (comics)|spotlight comic]].]]
In her attempt to escape, she first encounters [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and bashes her way past the startled Autobot. A group of Autobots corners her, but are hampered by the promise they made not to harm her, and she is able to use her ninja abilities to blind them and effect a proper escape. The Autobots pursue her outside, where Optimus spots her on a clifftop and drops her with a stun ray. As [[Bluestreak]] approaches her, she suddenly jumps up and decks him before throwing more spinning blades at his comrades. Optimus stops [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] from firing on her, reminding him again of their promise to Dr. Fujiyama, then attempts to reason with Nightbird. The robot responds by attacking him with her energy sword and stealing his rifle, though she leaves her sword behind.

Watching remotely, Megatron and Bombshell are impressed with Nightbird's work. Starscream less so when Megatron suggests she would make a good replacement for the air commander.

Ratchet and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] discover the absence of the World Energy Chip and notify Prime. Using [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s sensors, the Autobots quickly relocate Nightbird, and Optimus attempts to lure her closer with her sword. She merely takes the weapon and knocks him down. The Autobots continue their attempts, unsuccessfully, to try to bring the ninja 'bot down.

[[Image:Nightbirdprime.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Prime, taking advantage of the fact [[Elita One|Elita]]'s on [[Cybertron (planet)|another planet]].]]
Meanwhile, Starscream has had enough of Megatron's insinuations about replacing him, and decks his leader. He's swiftly restrained by the other Decepticons and trapped in a cage. Megatron turns back to his spying and, seeing that Nightbird has finally been caught by the Autobots in an energy web, orders the Decepticons out on a mission to rescue her and the World Energy Chip. Optimus is able to retrieve the Chip from Nightbird, but it's dropped in the subsequent Decepticon ambush. After a brief spell in Bombshell's possession, Optimus regains the chip, but Megatron responds by freeing Nightbird from her cage and unleashing her on the Autobots.

[[Image:Nightbirdangry.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Hell hath no fury like a Nightbird scorned.]]
Starscream uses a small missile to free himself from the cage in the Decepticon base, and swiftly reaches the battle in time to watch Nightbird overwhelming Optimus with her combat skills. Seeking revenge, the Decepticon uses his [[null-ray]] on Nightbird, disabling her. Megatron is enraged and calls off the attack so everyone can pursue Starscream.

The Autobots make good on their promise by returning Nightbird unharmed to Fujiyama, who decides to put her in storage. Despite being neutralized, Nightbird casts a final, angered glare out at the cold, cold, world.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (1)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (2)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (5)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (6)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (7)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (10)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (11)
* [[Bluestreak]] (15)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (16)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (21)

|c2=
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (9)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (12)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (17)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (19)
* [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
** [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (20)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]
* [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]]

|c4=
*[[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]
}}

==Quotes==
"Imagine, Autobots playing nursemaid to an Earth robot. It's probably just a glorified wind-up toy."
:—Look who's talking, '''Wheeljack'''.

'''Ratchet''': Dr. Fujiyama's doohickey's under that drape! 
'''Wheeljack''': If it walks, it probably needs a long extension cord. 
'''Ratchet''': Heh heh heh. I wonder if batteries are included? Heh heh heh. 
'''Wheeljack''': When they turn it on, it'll probably blow the lights! 
'''Optimus''': We're here to guard the robot, not make jokes at its expense.
:—Wheeljack and Ratchet, masters of diplomacy

"Ah, why build a robot ninja, doctor? Isn't that rather dangerous?"
:—The '''guy with the white mustache''' asks what we're all thinking.

"I bring you greetings, Optimus Prime...lethal greetings!"
:—'''Megatron'''. His writers don't get paid enough.

"I love warping minds for you, Megatron...love it!"
:—'''Bombshell''', the spokesman for ''Grand Theft Auto''.

"I'm open to suggestions...and you don't need to raise your hands before you speak."
:—Shouldn't '''Optimus Prime''' have said something like "raise your finger components" instead?

"She's not so hot!" 
"She's hot enough to replace you whenever I choose!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' utter the words that launch a thousand [[fanfic]]s.

"Yes, you're definitely on my replacement list, Starscream.... Hahaha, she's everything I've always wanted!"
:—'''Megatron'''. Aw, all he wanted was some love.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Throughout the entire episode, the volume of the background music is a notch or two lower than normal, making it sound rather unemphatic.
* The top of Ironhide's torso is colored red instead of gray as Wheeljack says his "nursemaid" line. In the same scene, the bottom of Wheeljack's "ears" aren't flashing along with the rest of them.
* The ''round'' auditorium building somehow contains a ''rectangular'' auditorium. Later shots show the auditorium as having a domed ceiling, which is consistent with the exterior shot but doesn't make a lick of sense spatially. As Optimus apologizes to Dr. Fujiyama later in the episode, the ruined auditorium is suddenly round. Also, the opening pan across the auditorium also shows it to be of ''incredibly '' huge scale.
* As he and Ratchet crack jokes about the robot, the top segment of the side of Wheeljack's chest is colored windshield blue instead of metal armor white.
* For the most part, the episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about where the Autobots are during the unveiling of Nightbird, but as the robot is revealed, Prowl and Mirage are shown right next to each other, when they were a hundred feet apart a second before.
* When Rumble and Frenzy break into the show room, Rumble's pile drivers are rectangular prisms instead of the usual cylinders.
* One gun, many lasers:
** Frenzy's lasers pass right through the fleeing humans without affecting them. He's also somehow firing like 5 or 6 lasers at once from his two guns.
* When Optimus Prime gets shot in the back by Megatron, he grunts and oophs in Mirage's voice.
* The "triple power booster" that Bombshell places in Nightbird's torso couldn't possible fit in the space that's shown.
* Ratchet has no red detailing in ambulance mode as he offers a lift to Brawn.
* Ratchet has a side hatch instead of his usual rear hatch as Mirage loads Brawn into him. Brawn is loaded in sideways, meaning Ratchet is wider than Brawn is tall.
* Mirage shines a light on Nightbird from an area of his chest that clearly is not a light of any kind.
* The first commercial break totally cuts off the background music in mid-phrase.
* Cliffjumper's brow is missing its details and color as he aims at Nightbird.
* When Nightbird's lightsaber is shot and deactivated, the sound effects continue for about two more seconds before they stop.
* Jazz's mouth disappears for a second as he goes to help Prime to his feet.
* Missing Seeker emblems:
** Skywarp has no wing insignia as he watches the video screen in the [[Giant Decepticon insignia|Decepticon base]].
** Starscream has only one insignia as he punches Megatron. Skywarp has none a second later as he holds Starscream, and again as he backs away from the energy cage.
** Starscream has no insignia as he lands at the battle site.
** Thundercracker and Skywarp have no insignia as the Decepticons fly off after Starscream. In fact, Skywarp doesn't seem to have his insignia at any point during the episode. Seriously, is there a single episode where they didn't screw this up?
* Miscolored Seeker nosecones:
** Starscream's top and bottom cockpit segments are yellow instead of gray as Bombshell challenges him.
** Skywarp and Thundercracker both have all-yellow nosecones as they transform to leave the base.
** Skywarp's nosecone is gray as he and everybody else transforms and launches during the start of the battle.
** Starscream's nosecone goes from all-yellow to all-gray as he leaves the base and transforms.
** Starscream's bottom nosecone segment is yellow instead of gray as he laughs at Megatron. As he transforms and flies off, his nosecone is entirely yellow. Seriously, is there a single episode where they didn't screw ''this'' up?
* Why does Hound's infrared ''beep''? Is it a radar?
* As usual, Mirage only leaves footprints when he's invisible.
* "She jammed it!" Cliffjumper says, when Nightbird throws Bluestreak's missile into his glass gas nozzle. Couldn't he just... pull the missile out?
* The animators missed a note about what Starscream was supposed to do inside the energy cage. He's all like "You can't keep me in here, Megatron! AHHHHHHH!", as if he rushed the cage and got zapped by it or something, but the animation shows him just standing there, which makes it seem like he expects to shout the system down. Sure enough, the original script contains the following direction:
:ANGLE ON MEGATRON as he moves closer to the cage.
:MEGATRON: Well, I don't see why not...!
:Starscream tries to punch at Megatron, but when his fist hits the power grid, it creates ELECTRICAL SPARKS. Starscream draws his hand back, holding it in pain.
:STARSCREAM: (SCREAMS!)<ref name="serpentslair">[http://www.theplumedserpent.com/SerpentsEye/ETN.html "Enter The Nightbird" episode review at The Serpent's Lair]</ref>
* Hound is missing all his chest details as Optimus reacts to Megatron's arrival. It suddenly appears as the Autobots attack.
* What on earth is that weird energy ripple sound effect as Starscream drops out of the sky? As Starscream lands, his eyes are blue instead of red.
* As Starscream knocks out Nightbird, the [[null ray]] gets a truncated Autobot laser sound effect instead of the Decepticon sound.
* A dialog or script editing flub results in Starscream bizarrely gloating "Say good night to your ''Megatron''!" after blasting Nightbird. Per the original script, the line was meant to go "Say good night to your <something>, Megatron!", but whatever the original noun was, it was crossed out in black and the word "Robotessa" was hand-written in its place. <ref name="serpentslair" /> The baffling question of what the heck a "Robotessa" is aside, this hand-written re-write was apparently overlooked when the dialogue script for the recording of the episode was written up, as the spoken line shows no signs of being edited or cut-and-pasted back together, indicating that Chris Latta genuinely spoke it aloud in recording as it appears in the show. It ''would'' make sense if Starscream was addressing it towards Nightbird, but he's not.
* The glow of Nightbird's eyes starts a second before the accompanying sound effect.

===Continuity errors===
* Wheeljack's detection panels don't make any sense. They're just glorified metal detectors, that react to metal, the very thing that the Autobots and Autobot Headquarters are made of. The Autobots put them all over the ''floor'', to detect their flight-capable enemies. So does that mean the Autobots can no longer use that particular corridor?
* The scientists' reactions to Nightbird seem a bit overwrought considering that the robot has yet to do anything besides stand there.
* Dr. Fujiyama assures us that Nightbird is "not meant for battles or assassinations" as we pan over the robot. So... just what ''are'' those short knives and nunchucks and throwing stars meant for? Is Nightbird supposed to ''stab'' her way into "the horizons of robotic research"?
* The Autobots didn't think to post anybody ''outside'' the building? Since that's, y'know, where the Decepticons would come from?
* Why do the Decepticons need a whole new base just for the Nightbird project? What possible advantage does it serve?
* When Prime apologizes for losing Nightbird to the Decepticons, Doctor Fujiyama's response is that no one could have predicted it happening. Except... that's why he called the Autobots in the first place! Being a rather stereotypical Japanese guy, maybe he's just too polite to tell Prime that he botched it.
* This is the only time that Autobot Headquarters is shown to have an elevator going up into the volcano's cone. [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|Earlier]] and [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|later]] episodes contradict this notion. And just what are Prowl and Spike doing up there, anyway?
* How come the detection panels don't go off when Nightbird waves her hand next to them?
* Why is Prime helping repair Brawn? Repairs aren't usually his gig.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Why/how does Ratchet get a third-person view of Optimus and the others when he calls them up via Teletraan I?
** How is Megatron watching the whole battle from his base? Is Laserbeak there keeping tabs or something? Or is this another instance of him putting [[The Master Builders|cameras inside every random rock]]?
* At the end of the second act, Nightbird gets the drop on Prime and raises her sword as if to slice him in half. At the opening of the third act, however, she's just standing there in front of him, idly spinning the sword around, then turns and runs away for no real reason.
* Nightbird's "magnetic feet" reappear later in the episode, when she's climbing... a rock face.
* "Watch how my anti-matter blaster eats up energy!" Megatron says. We feel this amazing breach of science needs no further elaboration. (The intended idea ''may'' have been that the blaster is highly energy-consumptive and could absorb the energy net as a power supply or something; however, what's shown instead is that ''firing'' the gun ''at'' the energy net somehow dissipates it.)
* "I'm so glad you have returned Nightbird... and not a scratch on her chassis!" What about that big hole in her back from just the previous scene?
* "Safely locked up... ''forever''!" Why not just take her to pieces, then?

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** Nightbird's gadgets: [[Wikipedia:Nunchaku|nunchaku]] (unused), a pair of [[Wikipedia:Sai (weapon)|''sai'' daggers]] (also unused), a wrist-mounted grappling hook, magnetic feet (they also work on rocks!), fist-replacing sawblades, [[Wikipedia:Metsubushi|some kind of spin/make bright light/disappear gimmick]], an endless supply of hip-stored energized [[Wikipedia:Shuriken|shuriken]], a lightsaber, another unused weapon which hilt is visible on her "backpack", a glowing magnetic tractor beam, and stereo speaker-nullifying metal donuts. Additionally, she vanishes after jumping over a cliff edge, leading Mirage to wonder if she has the power of invisibility.
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] is a fiery glue-like substance in this episode, which he fires from a retractable wrist nozzle.
** Starscream can fire a tiny little missile from an elevating launcher on his wrist.
* In [[3H Productions|3H]]'s [[Universe (2003 comic)|''Universe'' comics]], Nightbird returned as a savage horde, which forced [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] to kill himself and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] to destroy them...which goes to show that they ''are'' good for something.
* [[Attack of the Autobots|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''' Round 3 goes to Soundwave. Score: Brawn 2, Soundwave 1 [[Child's Play (episode)|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* The title could be a reference to the film ''[[wikipedia:Enter_the_Dragon|Enter the Dragon]]''. This would not be the last time the film is referenced in a Transformers series.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Nightbird's lightsaber ignites with the standard Star Wars lightsaber effect, and gets the usual lightsaber-waving sound effects repeatedly when it's used.
** The seeker ball that Luke trains with aboard the ''Millennium Falcon'' can be heard darting about as Nightbird waves her sword at the approaching Optimus Prime.

===Trivia===
* The first ''female'' ninja robot? So are there already a lot of ''male'' ninja robots running around out there?

* Dr. Fujiyama's assertion that "the technical components are irreplaceable, and are needed for research" is... curious. If he built the thing himself, why would it be so impossible to manufacture new parts?

* When the Autobots are chasing Nightbird up a cliff, Cliffjumper can't jump the cliff. This has been the source of much fandom snickering over the years. Congratulations, fandom; you get the joke. Good job.

* Back in the late 1990s, this episode was at the center of a huge and long-running [[fandom]] flap on [[alt.toys.transformers]], initiated by [[Raksha|certain Decepticon fans]] who interpreted Nightbird's scowl as a clear sign that she was a sapient life form, rather than a mindless automaton. In conjunction with certain lines of dialog from Megatron, some fans further concluded that Nightbird could be seen as a romantic foil for Megatron. These arguments and the opposing viewpoints led to much agony for everyone involved.

* The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave comic]] "[[Infestation (Dreamwave)|Infestation]]" featured Nightbird in her own movie, aptly named ''[[Aztec Theatres|Enter the Nightbird]]''.

* Doctor Fujiyama the ''Famous'' Scientist!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Day of the Machines

2010-11-20T19:59:17Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=25
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=74
|prev2=Attack of the Autobots
|next2=Scramble City: Mobilization
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=29
|prev3=Attack of the Autobots
|next3=Enter the Nightbird
|image=Dayofmachinesprimeandtorq.jpg
|caption=Big Brother is watching you!
|title="Day of the Machines"
|production code=#700-24
|airdate=[[October 10]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron's latest scheme involves using the most powerful computer on Earth to control machinery remotely.'''

:''Japanese title:'' コンピュータの反乱 (''Computer no Hanran'', "The Rebellion of the Computer")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Dia das Máquinas''' ("Day of the Machines")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dayofmachinesmegsinacase.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Megatron! What are you doing in my [[Laserbeak (Animated)|cousin's]] house?!"]]

[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (the former disguised in a guitar case!) not-so-silently infiltrate [[Quantum Laboratories]], a top-secret facility where the world’s most powerful computer, [[TORQ III]], is housed. Megatron reprograms the computer with his own personality and gives it the power to control remotely dangerous machines of all types through the use of "[[Remote Control Circuit Linker]] cards."

At the same time, scientist Dr. [[Paul Gates]] of Quantum Labs muses with a colleague about the dangers of machine sentience and that, in the wrong hands, TORQ III might be too powerful. Since Fate is both cruel and timely, the very scenario they were discussing comes true when TORQ III locks them in their office and announces that he’s taking over.

Megatron is using TORQ and the circuit linker cards to remotely control fleets of [[oil tanker]]s. This alerts [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], who notifies [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Prime then receives Dr. Gates’ distress signal; Gates fills him in on TORQ III’s rebellion and asks to be rescued.

[[Image:Dayofmachinesautossurround.jpg|right|225px|thumb|The Autobots play "Monkey in the Middle" with a bunch of Brawls.]]

[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] are assigned to investigate the tankers, and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] tags along. Prime leads a group to Quantum Labs, where they immediately come under attack by machines controlled by TORQ. Overwhelmed, Prime orders in the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] (minus [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]) to come help, and they smash, chomp and melt down all of the machines. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] makes his usual pompous comment about having to save Prime’s bacon when things get rough. Afterward, Prime rescues Dr. Gates and they advance toward the buildings, meeting lots of resistance from TORQ’s machines.

Meanwhile, Hound, Spike and Skyfire sneak aboard an oil tanker and infiltrate the [[Decepticon]]s' oil platform. Their attack falls short when Spike is captured and they are forced to surrender.

After smashing more remote-controlled machines at Quantum, Prime decides to explore inside TORQ’s maze-like complex alone. As Optimus moves in closer, one of the machines places a circuit linker card on him, making him Torq’s slave, and he is brought into the computer’s domain. But—surprise, surprise—Prime rips the card off his body, saying it was a dud he placed in the robot’s claw, and he disables TORQ with a well-placed punch to the control panel. At the oil platform, Soundwave senses TORQ's demise; Megatron takes over control of the tankers with a gargantuan remote control device.

[[Image:DayOfMachines Megatron remote control.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"So this is what a human Cell Phone looks like."]]

Dr. Gates lends the Autobots a high-speed hydrofoil to reach the Decepticons. Back at the oil platform, Spike has hatched an idea to use an electromagnet (which happened to be in their cell) to immobilize [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Skyfire easily smashes through the cell door and Hound disables the force dome that was protecting the platform. The rest of the Autobots arrive and a battle ensues. Prime faces down Megatron and manages to wrest a remote control device from his hands, then tosses it back to him. Megatron lands on it, crushing it, and comes back up spitting mad. He retaliates by activating the self-destruct mechanism on the platform.

The [[Autobot]]s escape, but Prime stays behind to find Hound, Skyfire and Spike. He rips apart the platform deck, revealing the missing team members, and Skyfire flies them out of danger.

Finally, Prime says goodbye to Dr. Gates, who makes a parting comment about machines being unreliable, and then quickly retracts the statement when he realizes his gaffe. The Autobots laugh at the ungrateful human's hubris.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (12)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (13)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (15)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (16)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (17)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (18)
* [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
** [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (19)
** [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (20)
** [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
** [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (22)

|c2=
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (9)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (25)
* [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
** [[Hook (G1) |Hook]]?

|c3=
*Security guard (1)
* Dr Gates's colleague (6)
* Dr. [[Paul Gates]] (7)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (14)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (23)
* Oil tanker captain (24)

|c4=
* [[TORQ III]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Illegal access! Illegal access!" 
"It certainly is."
:—'''TORQ III''' is reprogrammed by '''Megatron'''

"Good grief. More bad news. This isn’t one of our shining days."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' as TORQ's machines surround his troops.

"We help! ...Hmm. Always get Autobots out of messes they get into."
:—'''Grimlock''' laments at yet another Autobot bungle he is called upon to resolve. Forcefully.

"It's a safe bet those doors are locked." 
"Fortunately, I have a delicate lock-picking technique."
:—'''Dr. Gates''' and '''Optimus Prime''', right before Prime "delicately" blasts his way into TORQ's building.

"Come and get me you metal-headed dumb-dumb." 
"That's one stupid Decepticon."
:—'''Skyfire''' and '''Hound''' accurately assess Frenzy's level of intelligence.

"What do you say, guys? Can you bash it down?" 
"With a smile on our lip components!"
:—'''Spike''' and '''Hound''' discuss the finer points of Cybertronian facial structure.

"I'll take that transmitter, please." 
"The transmitter is mine!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is always polite. '''Megatron''', not so much.

"You took the word right out of my mouth. It was in there with my foot."
:—'''Dr. Paul Gates''' after he tells the ''Autobots'' that all machines are unreliable.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* As the security guard closes the Lost and Found cage's gate, his hand phases through the cage door.
* Soundwave's cassette door is blue instead of white before he releases Laserbeak.
* The access hatch in Megatron's head simply appears out of nowhere on his forehead, and likewise vanishes after closing.
* There's no evidence of the bizarre war machines in the Hall of TORQ when Megatron and Soundwave arrive. They suddenly appear once they're needed for the plot.
* Teletraan I has the radio-transmission muffle on its voice as it reports the oil tanker movements to Optimus Prime.
* Prime comments that the tankers are converging near [[Decepticon Headquarters]], but the graphics show them in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Decepticon HQ is somewhere near the Pacific coast.
* After he transforms, Prime's cab wheels are somehow in ''front'' of his trailer. (Sure is a pretty sequence otherwise, though!)
* Prowl's face changes from gray to white as he turns to look at Wheeljack after the first commercial break.
* Snarl's tail is white instead of gold as he smashes the tank.
* Slag sure does spend a long time staring at the machines, growling and very pointedly moving his mouth. Was he supposed to have some dialog? Sludge does nearly the same thing before Prime uses him as a ladder.
* Prime's whole face is the same blue color as his helmet as he offers the humans a lift down from their window.
* "Personnel" is spelled with only one "n" on the TORQ Project's building sign.
* Is that supposed to be Hook lowering the cargo pipe onto the tanker? 'Cause he's colored yellow instead of green, and has an inexplicably radioed-in voice, and isn't quite on-model, and he never actually transforms, and... maybe it's not supposed to be Hook. Hound does however refer to him by name.
* Laserbeak's feet aren't fully drawn as he carries Spike past the camera.
* Laserbeak is shown outside the force field as he flies over Hound. He should be inside.
* Skyfire's chest cockpit is white instead of blue as he drops his gun.
* Sideswipe's head is colored red instead of black as he flees from a Torq-controlled machine.
* The claws holding Sideswipe's wrists just kind of randomly let him go for no reason.
* Prime's eyes are red instead of blue as the tentacle machine drags him toward its spinny things.
* Soundwave reports that "ORQ" [''sic''] is no longer functional.
* The Decepticons sure take their time getting yanked back by the electromagnet, whose effect should be instantaneous. It also doesn't seem to bother the Autobots, who run right through the spot where the Decepticons were standing when the magnet grabbed them.
* Hound's missile, supposedly removed by the Decepticons, is suddenly back in place as they run out of the cell. (In a nice bit of continuity, his launcher does remain empty after he destroys the force field generator.)
* Soundwave's optics are white when he notifies Megatron that the force field is down.
* Sparkplug is suddenly standing, unsheltered, in the middle of the Autobots, who were in a raging firefight just seconds before.
* Skyfire's chest is missing his Autobot symbol as he and Hound react to the platform's explosions. The same error repeats in the episode's closing scene.
* The bottom of Prime's waist is about twice its normal size as he and the other Autobots react to Dr. Gates' "unreliable" comment.

===Continuity errors===
* Considering how easily they move around the complex, blowing holes in stuff, it's not at all clear why the Decepticons needed to go through the trouble of sneaking into the place in their alternate modes.
* How do the remote linker cards grant control of machines just by being hooked to random parts of them, not their computer circuits?
* Since when do oil tankers travel in enormous fleets? Is this World War II?
* The Dinobots disappear from the story after their one battle, despite the fact that the Autobots meet more resistance before they reach TORQ III. Also curious is Swoop's total absence.
* Prime claims that he inserted a dead circuit linker into the claw of TORQ's "friend". However, the animation basically allows no opportunity for this to happen. Furthermore, the circuit linker that he took from Sparkplug earlier sure didn't appear to be "dead"!
* Superhuman Spike: Spike picks up a metal electro-magnet which is nearly as big as he is.

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** Megatron's gun mode actually shrinks to a human adequate scale, the only time we see him do this.
** Skyfire once again uses his jet-with-legs half-transformation.
** Ironhide destroys one of TORQ's machines by ''walking right through the blast'' it's emitting and sticking his finger in its hose. He is old because he is '''hard'''!
** Hound fires his shoulder missile for the first and only time ever.
* This is one of Optimus Prime's shining episodes. He defeats TORQ III almost singlehandedly; he destroys Megatron's remote control device and foils the tanker stealing plan; and he saves Spike, Skyfire and Hound from sinking with the oil platform. No wonder he's in charge!

===Real-world references===
* Pre-Megatron TORQ III bears some passing resemblance to Oz, the Great and Powerful!
* Paul Gates, the scientist of Quantum Labs, could be a nod to the co-founders of Microsoft, Paul Allen and Bill Gates.

===Trivia===
* Like a handful of other Season 2 episodes ("[[Autobot Spike]]", "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"), this one begins with a short narrative voiceover from [[Victor Caroli]]. Unlike the others, this one actually conveys some information that isn't immediately conveyed by the animation (namely, what Quantum Laboratories does.)
* Script writer David Wise had previously used the concept of a computer able to remote-control machinery being taken over by a villain in a ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' episode also named "Day of the Machines". The same episode also featured a small energy-based creature and Man-At-Arms shrinking himself to fix the computer.
*This is one of two episodes (the other being "[[Attack of the Autobots]]") not initially aired in Japan during the run of ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]''. The episode was eventually dubbed in 1990 and released on [[Pioneer]]'s laserdisk set of the series. As such, it was retroactively added to the series official episode list as episode 74, a numbering reflected in ''[[Transformers Generations]]''.
*Having been dubbed several years after ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' had ended, not all the original cast members were able to return. [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (originally voiced by [[Ken Shiroyama]]), [[Bluestreak]] (originally voiced by [[Kōki Kataoka]]) and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (originally voiced by [[Osamu Saka]]) were replaced by [[Katsumi Suzuki]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Day of the Machines

2010-11-20T19:57:58Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=25
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=74
|prev2=Attack of the Autobots
|next2=Scramble City: Mobilization
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=29
|prev3=Attack of the Autobots
|next3=Enter the Nightbird
|image=Dayofmachinesprimeandtorq.jpg
|caption=Big Brother is watching you!
|title="Day of the Machines"
|production code=#700-24
|airdate=[[October 10]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron's latest scheme involves using the most powerful computer on Earth to control machinery remotely.'''

:''Japanese title:'' コンピュータの反乱 (''Computer no Hanran'', "The Rebellion of the Computer")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Dia das Máquinas''' ("Day of the Machines")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dayofmachinesmegsinacase.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Megatron! What are you doing in my [[Laserbeak (Animated)|cousin's]] house?!"]]

[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (the former disguised in a guitar case!) not-so-silently infiltrate [[Quantum Laboratories]], a top-secret facility where the world’s most powerful computer, [[TORQ III]], is housed. Megatron reprograms the computer with his own personality and gives it the power to control remotely dangerous machines of all types through the use of "[[Remote Control Circuit Linker]] cards."

At the same time, scientist Dr. [[Paul Gates]] of Quantum Labs muses with a colleague about the dangers of machine sentience and that, in the wrong hands, TORQ III might be too powerful. Since Fate is both cruel and timely, the very scenario they were discussing comes true when TORQ III locks them in their office and announces that he’s taking over.

Megatron is using TORQ and the circuit linker cards to remotely control fleets of [[oil tanker]]s. This alerts [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], who notifies [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Prime then receives Dr. Gates’ distress signal; Gates fills him in on TORQ III’s rebellion and asks to be rescued.

[[Image:Dayofmachinesautossurround.jpg|right|225px|thumb|The Autobots play "Monkey in the Middle" with a bunch of Brawls.]]

[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] are assigned to investigate the tankers, and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] tags along. Prime leads a group to Quantum Labs, where they immediately come under attack by machines controlled by TORQ. Overwhelmed, Prime orders in the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] (minus [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]) to come help, and they smash, chomp and melt down all of the machines. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] makes his usual pompous comment about having to save Prime’s bacon when things get rough. Afterward, Prime rescues Dr. Gates and they advance toward the buildings, meeting lots of resistance from TORQ’s machines.

Meanwhile, Hound, Spike and Skyfire sneak aboard an oil tanker and infiltrate the [[Decepticon]]s' oil platform. Their attack falls short when Spike is captured and they are forced to surrender.

After smashing more remote-controlled machines at Quantum, Prime decides to explore inside TORQ’s maze-like complex alone. As Optimus moves in closer, one of the machines places a circuit linker card on him, making him Torq’s slave, and he is brought into the computer’s domain. But—surprise, surprise—Prime rips the card off his body, saying it was a dud he placed in the robot’s claw, and he disables TORQ with a well-placed punch to the control panel. At the oil platform, Soundwave senses TORQ's demise; Megatron takes over control of the tankers with a gargantuan remote control device.

[[Image:DayOfMachines Megatron remote control.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"So this is what a human Cell Phone looks like."]]

Dr. Gates lends the Autobots a high-speed hydrofoil to reach the Decepticons. Back at the oil platform, Spike has hatched an idea to use an electromagnet (which happened to be in their cell) to immobilize [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Skyfire easily smashes through the cell door and Hound disables the force dome that was protecting the platform. The rest of the Autobots arrive and a battle ensues. Prime faces down Megatron and manages to wrest a remote control device from his hands, then tosses it back to him. Megatron lands on it, crushing it, and comes back up spitting mad. He retaliates by activating the self-destruct mechanism on the platform.

The [[Autobot]]s escape, but Prime stays behind to find Hound, Skyfire and Spike. He rips apart the platform deck, revealing the missing team members, and Skyfire flies them out of danger.

Finally, Prime says goodbye to Dr. Gates, who makes a parting comment about machines being unreliable, and then quickly retracts the statement when he realizes his gaffe. The Autobots laugh at the ungrateful human's hubris.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (12)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (13)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (15)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (16)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (17)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (18)
* [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
** [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (19)
** [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (20)
** [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
** [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (22)

|c2=
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (9)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (25)
* [[Hook (G1) |Hook]]

|c3=
*Security guard (1)
* Dr Gates's colleague (6)
* Dr. [[Paul Gates]] (7)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (14)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (23)
* Oil tanker captain (24)

|c4=
* [[TORQ III]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Illegal access! Illegal access!" 
"It certainly is."
:—'''TORQ III''' is reprogrammed by '''Megatron'''

"Good grief. More bad news. This isn’t one of our shining days."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' as TORQ's machines surround his troops.

"We help! ...Hmm. Always get Autobots out of messes they get into."
:—'''Grimlock''' laments at yet another Autobot bungle he is called upon to resolve. Forcefully.

"It's a safe bet those doors are locked." 
"Fortunately, I have a delicate lock-picking technique."
:—'''Dr. Gates''' and '''Optimus Prime''', right before Prime "delicately" blasts his way into TORQ's building.

"Come and get me you metal-headed dumb-dumb." 
"That's one stupid Decepticon."
:—'''Skyfire''' and '''Hound''' accurately assess Frenzy's level of intelligence.

"What do you say, guys? Can you bash it down?" 
"With a smile on our lip components!"
:—'''Spike''' and '''Hound''' discuss the finer points of Cybertronian facial structure.

"I'll take that transmitter, please." 
"The transmitter is mine!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is always polite. '''Megatron''', not so much.

"You took the word right out of my mouth. It was in there with my foot."
:—'''Dr. Paul Gates''' after he tells the ''Autobots'' that all machines are unreliable.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* As the security guard closes the Lost and Found cage's gate, his hand phases through the cage door.
* Soundwave's cassette door is blue instead of white before he releases Laserbeak.
* The access hatch in Megatron's head simply appears out of nowhere on his forehead, and likewise vanishes after closing.
* There's no evidence of the bizarre war machines in the Hall of TORQ when Megatron and Soundwave arrive. They suddenly appear once they're needed for the plot.
* Teletraan I has the radio-transmission muffle on its voice as it reports the oil tanker movements to Optimus Prime.
* Prime comments that the tankers are converging near [[Decepticon Headquarters]], but the graphics show them in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Decepticon HQ is somewhere near the Pacific coast.
* After he transforms, Prime's cab wheels are somehow in ''front'' of his trailer. (Sure is a pretty sequence otherwise, though!)
* Prowl's face changes from gray to white as he turns to look at Wheeljack after the first commercial break.
* Snarl's tail is white instead of gold as he smashes the tank.
* Slag sure does spend a long time staring at the machines, growling and very pointedly moving his mouth. Was he supposed to have some dialog? Sludge does nearly the same thing before Prime uses him as a ladder.
* Prime's whole face is the same blue color as his helmet as he offers the humans a lift down from their window.
* "Personnel" is spelled with only one "n" on the TORQ Project's building sign.
* Is that supposed to be Hook lowering the cargo pipe onto the tanker? 'Cause he's colored yellow instead of green, and has an inexplicably radioed-in voice, and isn't quite on-model, and he never actually transforms, and... maybe it's not supposed to be Hook. Hound does however refer to him by name.
* Laserbeak's feet aren't fully drawn as he carries Spike past the camera.
* Laserbeak is shown outside the force field as he flies over Hound. He should be inside.
* Skyfire's chest cockpit is white instead of blue as he drops his gun.
* Sideswipe's head is colored red instead of black as he flees from a Torq-controlled machine.
* The claws holding Sideswipe's wrists just kind of randomly let him go for no reason.
* Prime's eyes are red instead of blue as the tentacle machine drags him toward its spinny things.
* Soundwave reports that "ORQ" [''sic''] is no longer functional.
* The Decepticons sure take their time getting yanked back by the electromagnet, whose effect should be instantaneous. It also doesn't seem to bother the Autobots, who run right through the spot where the Decepticons were standing when the magnet grabbed them.
* Hound's missile, supposedly removed by the Decepticons, is suddenly back in place as they run out of the cell. (In a nice bit of continuity, his launcher does remain empty after he destroys the force field generator.)
* Soundwave's optics are white when he notifies Megatron that the force field is down.
* Sparkplug is suddenly standing, unsheltered, in the middle of the Autobots, who were in a raging firefight just seconds before.
* Skyfire's chest is missing his Autobot symbol as he and Hound react to the platform's explosions. The same error repeats in the episode's closing scene.
* The bottom of Prime's waist is about twice its normal size as he and the other Autobots react to Dr. Gates' "unreliable" comment.

===Continuity errors===
* Considering how easily they move around the complex, blowing holes in stuff, it's not at all clear why the Decepticons needed to go through the trouble of sneaking into the place in their alternate modes.
* How do the remote linker cards grant control of machines just by being hooked to random parts of them, not their computer circuits?
* Since when do oil tankers travel in enormous fleets? Is this World War II?
* The Dinobots disappear from the story after their one battle, despite the fact that the Autobots meet more resistance before they reach TORQ III. Also curious is Swoop's total absence.
* Prime claims that he inserted a dead circuit linker into the claw of TORQ's "friend". However, the animation basically allows no opportunity for this to happen. Furthermore, the circuit linker that he took from Sparkplug earlier sure didn't appear to be "dead"!
* Superhuman Spike: Spike picks up a metal electro-magnet which is nearly as big as he is.

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** Megatron's gun mode actually shrinks to a human adequate scale, the only time we see him do this.
** Skyfire once again uses his jet-with-legs half-transformation.
** Ironhide destroys one of TORQ's machines by ''walking right through the blast'' it's emitting and sticking his finger in its hose. He is old because he is '''hard'''!
** Hound fires his shoulder missile for the first and only time ever.
* This is one of Optimus Prime's shining episodes. He defeats TORQ III almost singlehandedly; he destroys Megatron's remote control device and foils the tanker stealing plan; and he saves Spike, Skyfire and Hound from sinking with the oil platform. No wonder he's in charge!

===Real-world references===
* Pre-Megatron TORQ III bears some passing resemblance to Oz, the Great and Powerful!
* Paul Gates, the scientist of Quantum Labs, could be a nod to the co-founders of Microsoft, Paul Allen and Bill Gates.

===Trivia===
* Like a handful of other Season 2 episodes ("[[Autobot Spike]]", "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"), this one begins with a short narrative voiceover from [[Victor Caroli]]. Unlike the others, this one actually conveys some information that isn't immediately conveyed by the animation (namely, what Quantum Laboratories does.)
* Script writer David Wise had previously used the concept of a computer able to remote-control machinery being taken over by a villain in a ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' episode also named "Day of the Machines". The same episode also featured a small energy-based creature and Man-At-Arms shrinking himself to fix the computer.
*This is one of two episodes (the other being "[[Attack of the Autobots]]") not initially aired in Japan during the run of ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]''. The episode was eventually dubbed in 1990 and released on [[Pioneer]]'s laserdisk set of the series. As such, it was retroactively added to the series official episode list as episode 74, a numbering reflected in ''[[Transformers Generations]]''.
*Having been dubbed several years after ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' had ended, not all the original cast members were able to return. [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (originally voiced by [[Ken Shiroyama]]), [[Bluestreak]] (originally voiced by [[Kōki Kataoka]]) and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (originally voiced by [[Osamu Saka]]) were replaced by [[Katsumi Suzuki]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Atlantis, Arise!

2010-11-20T19:55:58Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=24
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=16
|prev2=The Immobilizer
|next2=Enter the Nightbird
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=15
|prev3=War of the Dinobots
|next3=Auto Berserk
|image=SubAtlantica Undersea.jpg
|caption=There's fire burning... underwater. Don't ask.
|title="Atlantis, Arise!"
|production code=#700-23
|airdate=[[October 3]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons ally with the undersea realm of Sub-Atlantica. But they may be more treacherous than Megatron expected.'''

:''Japanese title:'' アトランティス浮上! (''Atlantis Fujō!'', "Atlantis, Arise!")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Die Unterwasserstadt'''" ("The Underwater City")
:''Russian title:'' '''"Воскресшая Атлантида"''' (''Voskresshaya Atlantida'', "Atlantis Is Resurrected")
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Atlantis Arise Sub-Atlanticans Decepticons.JPG|left|150px|thumb|And when you see Aquaman, tell him his superpower sucks.]]

[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] summons [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|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|Sub-Atlanticans]], 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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] distrusts the Sub-Atlanticans, who communicate with each other telepathically.

[[Image:Atlantis Arise Autobots football.JPG|right|150px|thumb|R U READY 4 SUM FOOTBALL?]]

Near the [[Autobot]] [[Ark (G1)|base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] are playing a game of [[football]] with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] arrives before the Dinobots accidentally kill anyone, telling them there is a massive energy reading emanating from near the [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon base]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] dispatches Bumblebee, [[Brawn (G1)|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 to develop weapons against the Autobots and Decepticons alike.

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 Autobot leader takes the others to Washington. The Sub-Atlanticans raise a [[force field]] over Washington, trapping the Autobots inside. In Sub-Atlantica, Nergill has developed a [[magnetic dysfunction ray]] which will shut down [[Transformer|Transformers]]; he's tested it on Wheeljack, leaving him immobile. 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 arrive just in time to stop the Decepticon and restore Wheeljack.

[[Image:Atlantis Arise Megs Lincoln memorial.JPG|left|150px|thumb|Four score and seven million years ago, I founded a new nation...]]

Nergill strolls into Washington, with Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Spike sneaking in behind him. Nergill uses the disruptor to defeat Prime's team of Autobots, bringing the battle to an end. 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 and come to blows with the Decepticons. As Megatron and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] grapple, Nergill is on the verge of shooting them both until Starscream arrives and bashes Nergill aside, declaring that he is now an enemy. 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|150px|thumb|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 (G1)|Ravage]] in pursuit. The two [[Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]] realize Nergill's intentions, and Rumble tries to bury him in rubble, but it's not enough. Wheeljack likewise tries to stop the sub-aquatic king, but it's too late. Nergill throws a device into his energy containers, which starts a chain reaction that begins to destroy the city. The Decepticons retreat; Prime orders the Autobots to clear out, then rescues Wheeljack's team (and strangely finds Grimlock there as well). Prime and the others escape, watching from the nearby sea as the Sub-Atlanticans and their home disappear under the waves. Prime says they probably won't see Nergill again for a long time.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (10)
* [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
** [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (11)
** [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (12)
** [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (13)
** [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (14)
** [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (15)
** [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (26)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (16)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (17)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (18)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (19)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (20)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (21)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (23)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (25)

|c2=
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (1)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (2)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (6)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (7)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (27)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (28)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Nergill]] (8)
*Sub-Atlantican General (24)
}}

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

"No! That could ruin Wheeljack's function circuits!" 
"So... what? Ruining Autobots is my life!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Starscream'''

"Autobots bite off more than they can chew, then send for Dinobots! Come, Snarl, Sludge. We go!"
:—'''Grimlock''', responding to the SOS call by Wheeljack. Apparently he does not want Slag or Swoop.

"Mmm, we are ''here''."
:—'''Grimlock''' is a master of subtle and astute observation

"Me Grimlock here again, Optimus Prime, to pull your diodes out of laser fire."
:—'''Grimlock''' is getting a little tired of rescuing Optimus Prime

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

"You don't frighten me, you mechanical throwbacks!" 
"Good, Megatron! We love stupid enemies!"
:—'''Grimlock''' has no grasp of irony.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Someone mistook the strange glint of sunlight reflecting off of Buzzsaw for a laser beam, and inserted a Decepticon laser sound effect accordingly.
* Soundwave has some extra black shading around his eyeband as he reports to Megatron.
* As Megatron pontificates about "an underwater city of such size", a strangely-timed edit has the scene cut to an exterior shot of Decepticon Headquarters, as if ''that'' were supposed to be the underwater city in question. If it's meant to be an establishing shot, why isn't it at the beginning of the scene?
* The [[Decepticon Headquarters]] docking tower appears to be listing about 15 degrees or so as it emerges from the water, as if a stock view from one point-of-view angle was copied onto a new background drawn at a different point-of-view angle.
*When the Decepticons leave their base, Starscream's jet mode has a yellow underbelly. For an animation error, it's unusually appropriate!
* As he orders Soundwave to unscramble Nergill's message, Starscream's left pectoral is colored gray instead of red, and isn't really drawn in correctly, almost as if the animators intended his arm to be covering it during the scene.

[[Image:SubAtlantica Undersea.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
* Considering how bright and well-lit everything is, Sub-Atlantica must be in about 25 feet of water.
* As Hound's camper roof unfolds, his turret gun clips right through it.
* Bumblebee appears to be using one of the Sub-Atlanticans' weapons as he fires at Starscream and company.
* During Wheeljack's "But nobody else is gonna follow you either" line, only the front side of his "ears" flash.
* Soundwave is drawn with a totally transparent tape door as Starscream has him unscramble Nergill's second message. It appears to be a deliberate choice to show the cassette mechanism within, but it conflicts with the usual white coloration of his chest panel.
* As Megatron makes his dramatic proclamation of Sub-Atlantica's destination, the bottom of Starscream's cockpit cowling is colored yellow instead of gray.
* Starscream is shown among the Decepticons leaving Sub-Atlantica to conquer D.C. The very next shot shows him lurking within the city as Nergill exposits to himself.
* As the Autobots drive toward Washington, Optimus mispronounces their foes' names as "Sub-[[Atlanta]]-cans".
* The "highway" that the Autobots use to drive to D.C. has an "exit" for the Chesapeake Bay that's more like a T-shaped intersection. Bumblebee somehow manages to negotiate it at full speed without flying out of control.
* The animation is very inconsistent as to whether the little red bulb on the Sub-Atlanticans' headwear is supposed to flash when they talk.
* The Dome Of Invulnerability guy is missing his telepathic waves as he refuses Megatron's order.
* Laser bolts bounce right off the Washington Monument without leaving so much as a burn mark. With weapons that ineffectual, it's no wonder nobody ever dies in this show!
* Laserbeak's attack on Hound is strangely truncated; Laserbeak fires non-glowing lasers, and then suddenly vanishes out of the shot.
* The shot that Hound fires at Laserbeak doesn't line up with his gun barrel.
* The electrical bolts enveloping Starscream right after Nergil blasts him are not animated to jigger for the first few seconds.
* While calling to warn Optimus about Nergil's weapon the autobot insignia on his roof/chest is upside down.
* The inside of Sludge's robot-mode mouth is white when he says "Alright!"
* When the Dinobots break through the force field, Starscream is among the group fighting them off, even though he is still lying inert within Sub-Atlantica at this point.
[[Image:Optimus prime doppelgaenger.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Prime uses [[budding]] to hold up the Washington Monument.]]

* Before Megatron bashes the Washington Monument, Prime and Prowl are standing there watching. After Megatron bashes the Monument, the shot returns to the same Prowl-and-Prime angle. But Prowl is gone, and the earlier artwork of Prime is still there watching as ''another'' Prime runs to catch the monument!
* The Autobots shown entering the city and attacking Megatron include Prime, Hound, Brawn, Prowl, Ironhide, and Sunstreaker. Sunstreaker and Ironhide disappear after the battle begins; only Hound, Brawn, Prowl and Prime are shown being disabled by Nergill and being revived later on. Ironhide finally shows up again after the battle is over; Ratchet and Trailbreaker appear out of nowhere as the Autobots roll out of D.C. During the Sub-Atlantica battle, Sideswipe appears (also out of nowhere), and Sunstreaker finally reappears.
* Slag's face is white instead of red as he exits Prime's trailer. In the next shot, his whole head is gray.
* A strangely angled shot, looking up from below the water, is supposed to show Prime, Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Grimlock swimming out of Sub-Atlantica. It's ''very'' easy to mistake it for a shot showing them flying through the air. They don't move any of their limbs, they move across the screen very rapidly, and the water itself is backlit by the sunset colored sky.
* Spike's declaration that "Nergill's gone!" doesn't mean much, since the animation never actually makes it clear that Wheeljack carried him out of Sub-Atlantica.
* What are Prime and the others standing on after they evacuate Sub-Atlantica? Even Spike is above water almost to his waist!
* The sign that the Autobots past says 'New York' (Right Arrow) 'Baltimore' (Forward Arrow)and Washington DC (Left Arrow). It is also
Backwards.

===Continuity errors===
* Megatron refers to Laserbeak and Buzzsaw as "vultures". They're supposed to be condors.
* If Nergill "communicates telepathically", as Soundwave claims, why is his mouth moving all the time?
[[Image:Spike SemiNude.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Then again, look at how ripped his pecs are. Maybe he really ''is'' a superhuman!]]
* Superhuman Spike:
** Spike can survive in the "deepest part of the Atlantic ocean" wearing only a bathing suit and using a simple oxygen tank and goggles. Amazing that he isn't crushed under the weight of the ocean or frozen to death.
** Spike can somehow speak clearly to the Autobots without removing the mouthpiece for his breathing apparatus from his mouth; hell, he can even perform this trick ''underwater''.
* How can Bumblebee calculate Sub-Atlantica's destination from watching it sail along the coast for like two seconds? It could be going anywhere!
* The "conquest" of Washington is incredibly half-hearted. The Decepticons and the squiddy guys run around in the street for a bit, scare some tourists, blow up a couple of cars, and put up a force field. About the only conquery thing they do is set up a giant vacuum tube computer in the capital building.

[[Image:SubAtlantican SurfaceGear.jpg|thumb|right|150px| ]]
* The Sub-Atlanticans have to wear aquatic masks over their faces when they're on dry land. Yet they don't wear them inside their city, which appears to be just as water-free as the surface.
* The water-based Sub-Atlanticans don't think to create a force field that extends under the water?
* More an omission than an error, but it's never explained just what Starscream was trying to do to Wheeljack.
* Wheeljack says that they'd better warn Prime about the dysfunction ray... then proceeds to say something totally vague and uninformative ("There is great danger! Nergill must be stopped!")
* [[Microbots|How]] [[The Agenda (Part III)|many]] times do cartoons have to be told that it's not a ''force field'' if it ''shatters like glass''? (Does this mean that the streets of D.C. are now covered with piles of shattered force field bits?)
* Some "dome of ''invulnerability''". The Dinobots get through it in about five seconds flat.
* Starscream's third appearance in DC isn't an animation error; he's central to the plot! How did he get free of the dysfunction ray?!
* Who knew that destroying a gun could un-shoot the gun's prior victims? That's exactly what happens -- Grimlock destroys the dysfunction gun, and suddenly the Autobots are un-dysfunctionalized!
* Fire under water? really?

===District of Columbia errors===
[[Image:Megatron hates lincoln.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It also survives being carelessly tossed aside without a scratch.]]
* Despite the Autobots being near the Chesapeake Bay, the backgrounds show huge rocks and expanses of sand, as if they were in the desert.
* As Hound fights near the reflecting pool, there's lots of tall buildings behind him. D.C. doesn't really have many tall buildings, certainly not near the Mall.
* Both the plot and the animation seem to imply that DC sits on a major body of water. Or did Sub-Atlantica just sail right up the Potomac?
* The Lincoln Memorial is strangely [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]-[[Scale|sized]]. Also, the statue part apparently just comes right off. Who knew?
* Somehow, the rotational forces involved in the Washington Monument's partial fall do not cause the masonry structure to snap like a dry twig.
* Apparently, damaged masonry structures like the Washington Monument can be ''melted'' back together. Who knew?

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Atlantis Arise Hound roof.JPG|right|150px|thumb|Whoops! can't get my fancy cushions wet!]]
[[Image:AtlantisArise Bumblebee spygear.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Bumblebee had GPS before it existed!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** Two groups of Autobots drive on the water, using the water ski-like hydrofoils that showed up in several other episodes. (At most points, the hydrofoils are not shown, but Bumblebee's can be glimpsed after the first commercial break.)
** [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] has a folding sunroof. That is awesome. His toy did not. That is not awesome.
** Bumblebee has a bizarre direction calculator thing that comes out of his back.
** Shoulder artillery: Wheeljack uses a missile from his shoulder launcher to seal the cave shut behind the other Autobots. The only other time he actually fires missiles (instead of laser beams from the tip of the missile) is in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]".
* Grimlock also grumbled about having to save the Autobots in "[[Day of the Machines]]". It'll finally come to a head in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]]".
* Hey, that shot of Soundwave ejecting Laserbeak during the DC battle sure looks familiar... why, it's copied from "[[Transport to Oblivion]]"! [[Changing Gears|Again!]]
* In the Decepticon campaign of ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] also takes the Lincoln Memorial throne as his own.

===Real world references===
* As the obligatory "conquer Washington" episode (''G.I. Joe'' had one too), "Atlantis, Arise!" features several D.C. landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the White House (where the Decepticons first land), the US Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial and its Reflecting Pool, as well as a mention of the Chesapeake Bay.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** The gouts of fire that burst from the sea as SubAtlantica sinks are soundtracked with various explosions from the Death Star battle, possibly exploding X-Wing fighters.

===Trivia===
* This episode is one of a handful that begins with a (rather pointless) narrative voiceover from [[Victor Caroli]].
* They have in fact seen the last of Nergill.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Autobot Run

2010-11-20T19:53:19Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=23
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=65
|prev2=A Plague of Insecticons
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=6
|prev3=Heavy Metal War
|next3=The Core
|image=Autobotruncanttransform.jpg
|caption=Hey, look! Diaclone Sunstreaker!
|title="The Autobot Run"
|production code=#700-22
|airdate=[[October 31]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

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

:''Japanese title:'' トランスフォームをとめろ! (''Transform o Tomero!'', "Stop the Transforming!")
:''German title:'' "'''Wer ist der schnellste Autobots?'''" ("Who is the fastest Autobot?")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die Geheimwaffe'''" ("The Secret Weapon")
:''Russian title:'' '''Гран-при "Автобот"''' (''Gran'pree Avtobot'', "Grand-prix Autobot")
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Transfixatron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|A collection of character models gathers around the Decepticons' new weapon.]]

While watching a car race, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]] comment on how cool it would be to see the Autobots perform in a race as well.

Meanwhile, in an old west ghost town, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] 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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] complains that [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|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.

[[Image:Autobotrunfinishline.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The guy at the finish line wonders where the Hell his car went.]]

Chip and Spike suggest their race idea to the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, as long as it's for charity. [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] complains that it's a waste of time and a bad idea (as usual), but the Autobots decide to do it. Huffer, [[Brawn (G1)|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 (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] rush ahead of the slower vehicles like [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|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 it's 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 (G1)|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.

[[Image:Autobotrunbyeironhide.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ironhide must have been giving a Japanese schoolgirl a ride.]]

[[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. The 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 (G1)|Teletraan I]], just as Ratchet and Wheeljack finish working on a device which will allow the Autobots to transform...a [[Anti-transfixation grenade|grenade]]. (Real good thinking there, guys.)

[[Image:Autobotrunravageattackschip.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dude, what are you doing? I wanted to push over the cripple.]]

Spike and the other Autobots arrive to save their comrades, but [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] 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 (G1)|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.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]
*[[Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (21)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (23)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (29)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (30)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (32)
*[[Roller]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (8)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (9)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (10)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (11)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (12)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (13)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (14)
**[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (35)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (15)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (34)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Chip Chase]] (2)
}}

==Quotes==
"Transform." 
"No, Megatron. You can't mean to—" 
"What's a test without a guinea pig-o-tron? Transform, I say!"
:—'''Megatron''' selects '''Starscream''' as the test subject for his latest device.

"Uh, probably just energy evaporation from all the speed, maybe... I hope..."
:—'''Bumblebee''' fails physics forever.

"If you're going to do what I think, Sunstreaker, you've got boom glitches in your brain garage."
:—'''Mirage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s colorful terms for Transformer anatomy.

"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 knew the racing bit was bad news, but would anyone listen to me? Oh, noooo!" 
"Stifle it, Huffer, or I'll put my footio in your audio!!"
:—'''Huffer''' being an ass and '''Brawn''' looking to kick some.

"Ironic, isn't it, Autobots, that after so many valiant battles, you will meet your end in the crushing jaws of this device so lovingly fashioned by my Constructicons."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s concept of irony is off.

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

"Hey, what's that?" 
"I'd call it a TARGET!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' spotting Roller.

"I'm transforming! I see my true beauty emerging!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''', vain as always.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Being one of the Season 2 [[AKOM]] episodes, "The Autobot Run" features several unusual animation models:
** Optimus Prime's "backpack" is white instead of red.
** Huffer has a white outline around his eyes.
** Gears' truck mode is mostly red instead of mostly blue.
** Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray instead of light gray.
** Laserbeak's beak is (sometimes) the same dark gray as the rest of his head.
** The "disk" on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow. Bumblebee also has two random dark gray squares on the back of his vehicle mode.
** Prowl is a medium gray instead of white.

Of course, AKOM found lots of less-excusable things to mess up, too:
* This episode's [[transformation]] sound effects are oddly applied, stopping and starting halfway through and even playing over the wrong transformation type (ie, vehicle-to-robot vs. robot-to-vehicle) at times.
* Ignoring the big, paved driveway right next to him, Bumblebee arrives at the race track by ''driving across the grass''.
* That's okay, though, because as the race finishes, Chip nonchalantly turns his wheelchair and ''rolls across the grass''.
* Chip then rolls into Bumblebee, and sits in the driver seat, while still in his wheelchair. Huh?
* After a dialogue section where Huffer complains about the race idea and Optimus orders him to stay and guard the base, he is seen transforming and rolling out to the race. He is not at the race and is later back at the base. However, a number of other characters who do not roll out and are not shown at the base during the discussion turn up at the race.
* For the duration of this episode, actor [[Michael Bell]] performs Scrapper with a very different voice than normal, sounding...well, frankly, quite ''normal'', compared to Scrapper's usual hoarse rasp.
* Scrapper's faceplate doesn't move as he reports the Transfixatron's completion. In fact it doesn't move at all the whole episode.
* Thundercracker's feet are blue instead of black, and Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white, as they watch the completion of the Transfixatron.
* In the first pan over it, the Old West "town" has no streets! Subsequent shots show it with many more buildings than the handful shown in this shot.
* Missing Seeker insigina:
** Starscream has no insignia as he watches Laserbeak report back to Megatron.
** One of Starscream's insignia disappears as he backs away from the Transfixatron. The other disappears as he transforms a second later.
** When Thundercracker turns from blasting Optimus to fire on Ironhide, he has no back wing insignias.
** He still has none as he walks off with the captive Autobots.
** Starscream's missing an insignia as he fires on Roller.
* As Laserbeak enters Soundwave's chest to report, Soundwave's eyeband is colored white like his faceplate, while his forehead is colored red like his eyeband should be.
* Starscream is missing one of his wings prior to the Transfixatron test. The other wing is abnormally large. The same overlarge wing shape shows up on Thundercracker later in the episode.
* A moment later, in jet mode, Starscream's right air intake is colored as if it extends way back into his fuselage, and has some black details that shouldn't be there; the left intake isn't colored to match. He also has extra stripes on his tail fins. In a wider-angle shot, both intakes are colored with the long length and the extra black parts.
* Even if Shockwave ''was'' supposed to be standing behind Megatron (see Continuity Errors below), he and Scavenger were not standing anywhere near Megatron just a shot or two earlier.
* AKOM reuses the same scrolling cloud background at least four times behind Starscream. To be fair, it would actually make sense for him to be flying in circles at this point.
* In the first shot of the Autobots, Ironhide's entire torso is red. In the next shot, the top of his chest is red instead of red/gray.
* The entirety of Trailbreaker's lower legs are white as he listens to Prime, instead of just the stripe down the middle. The error repeats as the Autobots stand at the race track.
* Prowl has no black detailing on his car mode as Jazz passes him. He's also his correct white color instead of the light gray that AKOM usually colors him.
* Instead of being provided by [[Neil Ross]] as usual, Bonecrusher's single line in this episode is supplied by Michael Bell, using the same nondescript "normal" voice as he uses for Scrapper. The temptation, of course, is to peg this on an animation error that mistakenly depicted Bonecrusher instead of Scrapper, but the script for the episode actually called for Bonecrusher to speak the line.
* As Skywarp transforms to robot mode over the raceway, he pulls the Transfixatron out of [[Subspace | nowhere]], despite it being as large as he is.
* A second later, Skywarp has a yellow stripe down his back where there should be black.
* When Skywarp uses it on the Autobots, the Transfixatron beam effect is not properly animated to glow.
* Transfixed Sideswipe is drawn trying to transform in a way that looks more like Sunstreaker's transformation scheme.
* After the Autobots discover they're locked in vehicle mode, when Megatron laughs the other Decepticons just sort of... vibrate.
* Megatron's eye lasers are the slowest-moving lasers in the universe.
* The Seekers transform and start rolling across the race track. In the next shot, they're suddenly in the air.
* Thundercracker's "gloves" are white instead of black as he transforms above Ironhide.
* The crusher's lights flash multiple colors as it first activates, but later they only flash white. While the lights ''could'' change colors, it really begs the question of why it needs bizarre flashing lights in the first place.
* Wheeljack and Ratchet gather around Chip at the computer two times in a row.
* As we pan across the captive Autobots at the ghost town, Wheeljack and Bumblebee are among the crowd, despite both being back at Autobot Headquarters at this point. In the same pan, two Starscreams are guarding them. Also, the ghost town has gained a couple of streets and several extra buildings.
* Maybe not an error, but definitely bizarre: Hound gets Optimus Prime's rifle sound effect as he "fires" his hologram.
[[Image:Autobotrungreenteletraan.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Chip Chase always did have the luck of the Irish.]]
* When Chip is trying to locate the Autobots, Teletraan I is colored green instead of orange.
* Soundwave's head changes colors between shots as he destroys Hound's turret gun. (Hound manages to stay off-screen until he's in robot mode later in the episode, sidestepping the need for the animators to remember his gun is destroyed.)
* As Wheeljack explains the grenade, his ears flash, but aren't properly backlit to glow.
* As Spike and company arrive at the ghost town, Ironhide is shown arriving and transforming instead of Ratchet.
* Ironhide's tires aren't flat anymore when he falls out of the crusher's claw.
* Bumblebee has no headlights as the newly-arrived Autobots transform.
* As Wheeljack flees, he fires at a pair of Thundercrackers. One of them teleports away (indicating that it was supposed to be Skywarp.) When he re-materializes, he's colored like Starscream, but still speaks in Skywarp's voice.
* When the Autobots are un-transfixed and transform into robot modes, Brawn is shown transforming with them.
* A series of shots shows the grenade's radiation as concentric circles radiating out. The center point stays in four successive shots, despite only one of them being the point where the grenade exploded.
* As the grenade does its work, a series of vehicle-mode Autobots flash into existence out of nowhere.
* Long Haul's eyeband isn't colored red as we pan across the Constructicons.
* Devastator's combining sequence is screwy. First Scrapper and Mixmaster are shown forming Long Haul's portion of the combiner robot in addition to their own. Long Haul then forms Devastator's upper torso, instead of the lower torso (the chest plate is green at first, then turns its correct purple.) Hook then forms a tiny part of the upper torso, including the head, and... Bonecrusher's bulldozer kibble.
* Devastator has two small eyes instead of an eyeband as he fires lasers from his hand.
* He has two large eyes as he looms over Wheeljack and Cliffjumper.
* As Cliffjumper zaps Devastator with the Transfixatron, the shot suddenly jumps to a slight close-up of Devastator from the exact same angle as before. In the closer angle, the glowing animation effect is missing from the Transfixatron beam.
* Windcharger's face is the same dark gray as his head as Ironhide threatens the Decepticons, and his mid-torso is red instead of gray. The same error repeats during the repair lineup at the end.
* Thundercracker is drawn with his cockpit on the bottom of his jet mode as he and the other Seekers retreat.
* The [[commercial bumper]]s for the second act break feature the theme music for ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'', not ''The Transformers''.

===Continuity errors===
* Why the heck are Spike and Chip watching the race from next to the grand stands, instead of, y'know, ''inside'' them?
* [[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.
* Why does Megatron pick up the Transfixatron to aim it at Starscream, when a moment later he can just pivot it on its base?
* The race gets started VERY quickly. Chip and Spike come up with the idea, go back to the base, tell Prime, and apparently the Autobots just show up and demand to race for charity. Granted, some time could have elapsed in between, but ''still''. The Decepticons, meanwhile, are just hanging around in this Old West ghost town.
* How does the dust at the finish line get ''ahead'' of the Autobots?
* When Chip gets Teletraan I to analyse the data on the transforming process, among the images which flash up is a picture of Megatron's crusher. What has that got to do with transforming?
* Hound can ''shoot'' a hologram? For miles? And have it land ''inside a volcano''? What the hell?
* "No one is really disabled as long as he has courage!" Chip [[Divide and Conquer|once told us]]. Apparently, it's not just a metaphor: to catch the grenade, Chip just ''stands up'' from his wheelchair. A close inspection of the animation shows him apparently ''pushing'' himself up with his arms, but it's really not conveyed very well.
* Flying Autobots:
** Cliffjumper gets a rocket sound effect as he comes flying out of the debris.
** Wheeljack uses his wrist rockets to fly, which is one of the few times it's shown correctly.
* Is the elaborate claw/tentacle mechanism on the crusher really necessary?
* At the end of Act 2, Ironhide is a few feet away from the crusher's jaws, presumably mere seconds from being crushed. A minute or more elapses in Act 3 before Prime comes to his rescue.
* Wheeljack states that the [[Transfixatron]] will "cancel Devastator's robot mode", though one would really expect it to just transfix Devastator ''as'' Devastator.
* So... did the Decepticons just leave the transfixed Constructicons sitting there in a pile? They aren't shown retreating.

===Continuity notes===
* This is Roller's third and final appearance.
* This is the first episode where the Transformers formally refer to themselves as ''Transformers''.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Jazz's speaker levels jump from seven to <s>eleven</s> ''eight hundred''. Or maybe he was just tuned in to an AM station.
** Megatron can shoot laser beams from his eyes, especially when he wants to scare away earth germs.
** Devastator's eye beams can magnetically lift a robot into the air. He can also fire lasers from his fingertips.
* Where does the trailer go?
** When Optimus Prime transforms after the Autobots are fixed by Wheeljack's grenade, his trailer shrinks into his back rather than rolling away as usual.
[[Image:AutobotRun madeup Transformer.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
* A bizarre robot of made-up design appears on the screen as Chip begins researching the Transfixatron's effects. It's loosely based on Prime, but with smaller chest windows, a yellow body, and white wings on his back.
* When instructing Starscream to transform out of vehicle mode, Megatron tells him to return to his "root mode". This was almost certainly the result of a typo in the script that was ''supposed'' to say "ro'''b'''ot mode", but it makes a charming amount of sense as a term.
* The idea of a [[Transfixatron|device to keep a Transformer frozen in one mode]] would be revisited over the years in other fictions, with [[Tarantulas]]'s [[transformation lock lens]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Transformation virus|transformation lock virus]], the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]' [[mode lock]] used on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], the various incarnations of the [[inhibitor claw]] and [[Spotlight: Soundwave|an experimental weapon]] created by Shockwave.

===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 (lots of one-point perspective action shots, scrolling backgrounds, and random zoom-ins), prominent use of the Constructicons, slightly more juvenile plots than usual, and a set of character model oddities such as Megatron's dark gray gun barrel, Optimus Prime's white backpack, and Chip Chase's blue jacket.
* AKOM also has a strange habit of showing vehicle-mode close-ups with painted artwork instead of typical flat colored cel art. Witness Gears getting shot by Soundwave, and Sideswipe and Jazz's dashboards. The same thing can be seen in "The Core", as Chip leans out of a painted Wheeljack.
* A one-time-only bit of Westernish background music, presumably culled from [[Robert J. Walsh]]'s enormous archives, plays across the opening scene in the Decepticons' ghost town.
* Stores in the ghost town: Liquor Saloon, Harrys Bakes, Sonata 3, Cows(?), Hotel, Saloon, Grain Feed, Livery, Glass (which in a visual gag is the only building in its row of three to survive the battle), and RC P&W(?).
* Signs at the race track: Grand Prix, Irel(and?), XAM, HO KY, New Year Tires, Dav-Mac, A&E O(il?), (Go?)od Year Tires, and Fenzoil Lubes. The "XAM" is very likely a reference to the animation company XAM! ("Ex-Ahern-Marshall"), who included their company initials in the background art of various 1980s animated series.<ref>[http://www.povonline.com/2003/News030103.htm#030503a] "NEWS from me: March 5, 2003"</ref>
* Megatron sure does have a sexy swagger as he walks toward the transfixatroned Autobots.
* An early model sheet calls the Transfixatron a 'Satsitron.'
* In an unfortunate foreshadowing, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] remarks that when they made him, they 'broke the [[mold]]'.
* Seriously, ''guinea pig-o-tron''?!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Autobot Run}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Autobot Run

2010-11-20T19:52:16Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=23
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=65
|prev2=A Plague of Insecticons
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=6
|prev3=Heavy Metal War
|next3=The Core
|image=Autobotruncanttransform.jpg
|caption=Hey, look! Diaclone Sunstreaker!
|title="The Autobot Run"
|production code=#700-22
|airdate=[[October 31]], 1985
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

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

:''Japanese title:'' トランスフォームをとめろ! (''Transform o Tomero!'', "Stop the Transforming!")
:''German title:'' "'''Wer ist der schnellste Autobots?'''" ("Who is the fastest Autobot?")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Die Geheimwaffe'''" ("The Secret Weapon")
:''Russian title:'' '''Гран-при "Автобот"''' (''Gran'pree Avtobot'', "Grand-prix Autobot")
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Transfixatron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|A collection of character models gathers around the Decepticons' new weapon.]]

While watching a car race, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]] comment on how cool it would be to see the Autobots perform in a race as well.

Meanwhile, in an old west ghost town, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] 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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] complains that [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|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.

[[Image:Autobotrunfinishline.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The guy at the finish line wonders where the Hell his car went.]]

Chip and Spike suggest their race idea to the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] agrees, as long as it's for charity. [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] complains that it's a waste of time and a bad idea (as usual), but the Autobots decide to do it. Huffer, [[Brawn (G1)|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 (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] rush ahead of the slower vehicles like [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|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 it's 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 (G1)|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.

[[Image:Autobotrunbyeironhide.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ironhide must have been giving a Japanese schoolgirl a ride.]]

[[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. The 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 (G1)|Teletraan I]], just as Ratchet and Wheeljack finish working on a device which will allow the Autobots to transform...a [[Anti-transfixation grenade|grenade]]. (Real good thinking there, guys.)

[[Image:Autobotrunravageattackschip.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dude, what are you doing? I wanted to push over the cripple.]]

Spike and the other Autobots arrive to save their comrades, but [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] 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 (G1)|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.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]
*[[Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (21)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (23)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (27)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (29)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (30)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (32)
*[[Roller]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (8)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (9)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (10)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (11)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (12)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (13)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (14)
**[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (35)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (15)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (34)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (1)
*[[Chip Chase]] (2)
}}

==Quotes==
"Transform." 
"No, Megatron. You can't mean to—" 
"What's a test without a guinea pig-o-tron? Transform, I say!"
:—'''Megatron''' selects '''Starscream''' as the test subject for his latest device.

"Uh, probably just energy evaporation from all the speed, maybe... I hope..."
:—'''Bumblebee''' fails physics forever.

"If you're going to do what I think, Sunstreaker, you've got boom glitches in your brain garage."
:—'''Mirage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s colorful terms for Transformer anatomy.

"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 knew the racing bit was bad news, but would anyone listen to me? Oh, noooo!" 
"Stifle it, Huffer, or I'll put my footio in your audio!!"
:—'''Huffer''' being an ass and '''Brawn''' looking to kick some.

"Ironic, isn't it, Autobots, that after so many valiant battles, you will meet your end in the crushing jaws of this device so lovingly fashioned by my Constructicons."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s concept of irony is off.

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

"Hey, what's that?" 
"I'd call it a TARGET!"
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Starscream''' spotting Roller.

"I'm transforming! I see my true beauty emerging!"
:—'''Sunstreaker''', vain as always.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Being one of the Season 2 [[AKOM]] episodes, "The Autobot Run" features several unusual animation models:
** Optimus Prime's "backpack" is white instead of red.
** Huffer has a white outline around his eyes.
** Gears' truck mode is mostly red instead of mostly blue.
** Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray instead of light gray.
** Laserbeak's beak is (sometimes) the same dark gray as the rest of his head.
** The "disk" on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow. Bumblebee also has two random dark gray squares on the back of his vehicle mode.
** Prowl is a medium gray instead of white.

Of course, AKOM found lots of less-excusable things to mess up, too:
* This episode's [[transformation]] sound effects are oddly applied, stopping and starting halfway through and even playing over the wrong transformation type (ie, vehicle-to-robot vs. robot-to-vehicle) at times.
* Ignoring the big, paved driveway right next to him, Bumblebee arrives at the race track by ''driving across the grass''.
* That's okay, though, because as the race finishes, Chip nonchalantly turns his wheelchair and ''rolls across the grass''.
* Chip then rolls into Bumblebee, and sits in the driver seat, while still in his wheelchair. Huh?
* After a dialogue section where Huffer complains about the race idea and Optimus orders him to stay and guard the base, he is seen transforming and rolling out to the race. He is not at the race and is later back at the base. However, a number of other characters who do not roll out and are not shown at the base during the discussion turn up at the race.
* For the duration of this episode, actor [[Michael Bell]] performs Scrapper with a very different voice than normal, sounding...well, frankly, quite ''normal'', compared to Scrapper's usual hoarse rasp.
* Scrapper's faceplate doesn't move as he reports the Transfixatron's completion. In fact it doesn't move at all the whole episode.
* Thundercracker's feet are blue instead of black, and Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white, as they watch the completion of the Transfixatron.
* In the first pan over it, the Old West "town" has no streets! Subsequent shots show it with many more buildings than the handful shown in this shot.
* Missing Seeker insigina:
** Starscream has no insignia as he watches Laserbeak report back to Megatron.
** One of Starscream's insignia disappears as he backs away from the Transfixatron. The other disappears as he transforms a second later.
** When Thundercracker turns from blasting Optimus to fire on Ironhide, he has no back wing insignias.
** He still has none as he walks off with the captive Autobots.
** Starscream's missing an insignia as he fires on Roller.
* As Laserbeak enters Soundwave's chest to report, Soundwave's eyeband is colored white like his faceplate, while his forehead is colored red like his eyeband should be.
* Starscream is missing one of his wings prior to the Transfixatron test. The other wing is abnormally large. The same overlarge wing shape shows up on Thundercracker later in the episode.
* A moment later, in jet mode, Starscream's right air intake is colored as if it extends way back into his fuselage, and has some black details that shouldn't be there; the left intake isn't colored to match. He also has extra stripes on his tail fins. In a wider-angle shot, both intakes are colored with the long length and the extra black parts.
* Even if Shockwave ''was'' supposed to be standing behind Megatron (see Continuity Errors below), he and Scavenger were not standing anywhere near Megatron just a shot or two earlier.
* AKOM reuses the same scrolling cloud background at least four times behind Starscream. To be fair, it would actually make sense for him to be flying in circles at this point.
* In the first shot of the Autobots, Ironhide's entire torso is red. In the next shot, the top of his chest is red instead of red/gray.
* The entirety of Trailbreaker's lower legs are white as he listens to Prime, instead of just the stripe down the middle. The error repeats as the Autobots stand at the race track.
* Prowl has no black detailing on his car mode as Jazz passes him. He's also his correct white color instead of the light gray that AKOM usually colors him.
* Instead of being provided by [[Neil Ross]] as usual, Bonecrusher's single line in this episode is supplied by Michael Bell, using the same nondescript "normal" voice as he uses for Scrapper. The temptation, of course, is to peg this on an animation error that mistakenly depicted Bonecrusher instead of Scrapper, but the script for the episode actually called for Bonecrusher to speak the line.
* As Skywarp transforms to robot mode over the raceway, he pulls the Transfixatron out of [[Subspace | nowhere]], despite it being as large as he is.
* A second later, Skywarp has a yellow stripe down his back where there should be black.
* When Skywarp uses it on the Autobots, the Transfixatron beam effect is not properly animated to glow.
* Transfixed Sideswipe is drawn trying to transform in a way that looks more like Sunstreaker's transformation scheme.
* After the Autobots discover they're locked in vehicle mode, when Megatron laughs the other Decepticons just sort of... vibrate.
* Megatron's eye lasers are the slowest-moving lasers in the universe.
* The Seekers transform and start rolling across the race track. In the next shot, they're suddenly in the air.
* Thundercracker's "gloves" are white instead of black as he transforms above Ironhide.
* The crusher's lights flash multiple colors as it first activates, but later they only flash white. While the lights ''could'' change colors, it really begs the question of why it needs bizarre flashing lights in the first place.
* Wheeljack and Ratchet gather around Chip at the computer two times in a row.
* As we pan across the captive Autobots at the ghost town, Wheeljack and Bumblebee are among the crowd, despite both being back at Autobot Headquarters at this point. In the same pan, two Starscreams are guarding them. Also, the ghost town has gained a couple of streets and several extra buildings.
* Maybe not an error, but definitely bizarre: Hound gets Optimus Prime's rifle sound effect as he "fires" his hologram.
[[Image:Autobotrungreenteletraan.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Chip Chase always did have the luck of the Irish.]]
* When Chip is trying to locate the Autobots, Teletraan I is colored green instead of orange.
* Soundwave's head changes colors between shots as he destroys Hound's turret gun. (Hound manages to stay off-screen until he's in robot mode later in the episode, sidestepping the need for the animators to remember his gun is destroyed.)
* As Wheeljack explains the grenade, his ears flash, but aren't properly backlit to glow.
* As Spike and company arrive at the ghost town, Ironhide is shown arriving and transforming instead of Ratchet.
* Ironhide's tires aren't flat anymore when he falls out of the crusher's claw.
* Bumblebee has no headlights as the newly-arrived Autobots transform.
* As Wheeljack flees, he fires at a pair of Thundercrackers. One of them teleports away (indicating that it was supposed to be Skywarp.) When he re-materializes, he's colored like Starscream, but still speaks in Skywarp's voice.
* When the Autobots are un-transfixed and transform into robot modes, Brawn is shown transforming with them.
* A series of shots shows the grenade's radiation as concentric circles radiating out. The center point stays in four successive shots, despite only one of them being the point where the grenade exploded.
* As the grenade does its work, a series of vehicle-mode Autobots flash into existence out of nowhere.
* Long Haul's eyeband isn't colored red as we pan across the Constructicons.
* Devastator's combining sequence is screwy. First Scrapper and Mixmaster are shown forming Long Haul's portion of the combiner robot in addition to their own. Long Haul then forms Devastator's upper torso, instead of the lower torso (the chest plate is green at first, then turns its correct purple.) Hook then forms a tiny part of the upper torso, including the head, and... Bonecrusher's bulldozer kibble.
* Devastator has two small eyes instead of an eyeband as he fires lasers from his hand.
* He has two large eyes as he looms over Wheeljack and Cliffjumper.
* As Cliffjumper zaps Devastator with the Transfixatron, the shot suddenly jumps to a slight close-up of Devastator from the exact same angle as before. In the closer angle, the glowing animation effect is missing from the Transfixatron beam.
* Windcharger's face is the same dark gray as his head as Ironhide threatens the Decepticons, and his mid-torso is red instead of gray. The same error repeats during the repair lineup at the end.
* Thundercracker is drawn with his cockpit on the bottom of his jet mode as he and the other Seekers retreat.
* The [[commercial bumper]]s for the second act break feature the theme music for ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'', not ''The Transformers''.

===Continuity errors===
* Why the heck are Spike and Chip watching the race from next to the grand stands, instead of, y'know, ''inside'' them?
* [[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.
* Why does Megatron pick up the Transfixatron to aim it at Starscream, when a moment later he can just pivot it on its base?
* The race gets started VERY quickly. Chip and Spike come up with the idea, go back to the base, tell Prime, and apparently the Autobots just show up and demand to race for charity. Granted, some time could have elapsed in between, but ''still''. The Decepticons, meanwhile, are just hanging around in this Old West ghost town.
* How does the dust at the finish line get ''ahead'' of the Autobots?
* When Chip gets Teletraan I to analyse the data on the transforming process, among the images which flash up is a picture of Megatron's crusher. What has that got to do with transforming?
* Hound can ''shoot'' a hologram? For miles? And have it land ''inside a volcano''? What the hell?
* "No one is really disabled as long as he has courage!" Chip [[Divide and Conquer|once told us]]. Apparently, it's not just a metaphor: to catch the grenade, Chip just ''stands up'' from his wheelchair. A close inspection of the animation shows him apparently ''pushing'' himself up with his arms, but it's really not conveyed very well.
* Flying Autobots:
** Cliffjumper gets a rocket sound effect as he comes flying out of the debris.
** Wheeljack uses his wrist rockets to fly, which is one of the few times it's shown correctly.
* Is the elaborate claw/tentacle mechanism on the crusher really necessary?
* At the end of Act 2, Ironhide is a few feet away from the crusher's jaws, presumably mere seconds from being crushed. A minute or more elapses in Act 3 before Prime comes to his rescue.
* Wheeljack states that the [[Transfixatron]] will "cancel Devastator's robot mode", though one would really expect it to just transfix Devastator ''as'' Devastator.
* So... did the Decepticons just leave the transfixed Constructicons sitting there in a pile? They aren't shown retreating.

===Continuity notes===
* This is Roller's third and final appearance.
* This is the first episode where the Transformers formally refer to themselves as ''Transformers''.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Jazz's speaker levels jump from seven to <s>eleven</s> ''eight hundred''. Or maybe he was just tuned in to an AM station.
** Megatron can shoot laser beams from his eyes, especially when he wants to scare away earth germs.
** Devastator's eye beams can magnetically lift a robot into the air. He can also fire lasers from his fingertips.
* Where does the trailer go?
** When Optimus Prime transforms after the Autobots are fixed by Wheeljack's grenade, his trailer shrinks into his back rather than rolling away as usual.
[[Image:AutobotRun madeup Transformer.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
* A bizarre robot of made-up design appears on the screen as Chip begins researching the Transfixatron's effects. It's loosely based on Prime, but with smaller chest windows, a yellow body, and white wings on his back.
* When instructing Starscream to transform out of vehicle mode, Megatron tells him to return to his "root mode". This was almost certainly the result of a typo in the script that was ''supposed'' to say "ro'''b'''ot mode", but it makes a charming amount of sense as a term.
* The idea of a [[Transfixatron|device to keep a Transformer frozen in one mode]] would be revisited over the years in other fictions, with [[Tarantulas]]'s [[transformation lock lens]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Transformation virus|transformation lock virus]], the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]' [[mode lock]] used on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], the various incarnations of the [[inhibitor claw]] and [[Spotlight: Soundwave|an experimental weapon]] created by Shockwave.

===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 (lots of one-point perspective action shots, scrolling backgrounds, and random zoom-ins), prominent use of the Constructicons, slightly more juvenile plots than usual, and a set of character model oddities such as Megatron's dark gray gun barrel, Optimus Prime's white backpack, and Chip Chase's blue jacket.
* AKOM also has a strange habit of showing vehicle-mode close-ups with painted artwork instead of typical flat colored cel art. Witness Gears getting shot by Soundwave, and Sideswipe and Jazz's dashboards. The same thing can be seen in "The Core", as Chip leans out of a painted Wheeljack.
* A one-time-only bit of Westernish background music, presumably culled from [[Robert J. Walsh]]'s enormous archives, plays across the opening scene in the Decepticons' ghost town.
* Stores in the ghost town: Liquor Saloon, Harrys Bakes, Sonata 3, Cows(?), Hotel, Saloon, Grain Feed, Livery, Glass (which in a visual gag is the only building in its row of three to survive the battle), and RC P&W(?).
* Signs at the race track: Grand Prix, Irel(and?), XAM, HO KY, New Year Tires, Dav-Mac, A&E O(il?), (Go?)od Year Tires, and Fenzoil Lubes. The "XAM" is very likely a reference to the animation company XAM! ("Ex-Ahern-Marshall"), who included their company initials in the background art of various 1980s animated series.<ref>[http://www.povonline.com/2003/News030103.htm#030503a] "NEWS from me: March 5, 2003"</ref>
* Megatron sure does have a sexy swagger as he walks toward the transfixatroned Autobots.
* An early model sheet calls the Transfixatron a 'Satsitron.'
* In an unfortunate foreshadowing, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] remarks that when they made him, they 'broke the [[mold]]'.
* Seriously, ''guinea pig-o-tron''?!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Autobot Run}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Traitor (episode)

2010-11-20T19:49:47Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=21
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=13
|prev2=Changing Gears
|next2=Birth of the Transformers!
|image=Traitorcjaccusesmirage.jpg
|caption=J'accuse!
|title="Traitor"
|production code=#700-20
|airdate=[[September 27]], 1985
|written by=[[George Hampton]] [[Mike Moore]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Could Mirage have betrayed the Autobots?'''

:''Japanese title:'' リジェの裏切り (''Ligier no Uragiri'', "Ligier's Betrayal")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''O Traidor'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Traitormegsgrabs.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Megatron got The Touch.]]

At the [[Experimental Energy Research Laboratory]], 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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] tear through the roof and take the cells. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrives to remove the cells carefully, as an explosion could be quite destructive, and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] 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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] that he's found where the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] have placed the electro-cells—in the same place [[Mirage (G1)|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 Autobot leader then leads a team to recover the cells.

[[Image:Traitorcjsmacksmirage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Seriously, who wouldn't this guy beat up?]]
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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. Megatron orders Soundwave to call in the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], 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.

[[Image:Traitormiragepunches.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Mirage's attempts to mimick ''Animated''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s promotional material were less than successful.]]
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.

[[Image:G1 Traitor Bombshell captures Mirage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Do we really need to make a joke here?]]
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 at him, but their lasers hit the ground near the Insecticons, who assume the Decepticons are firing at them. The Bugs and the Cons throw down, but Mirage is caught in the crossfire. [[Bombshell (G1)|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.

[[Image:Traitormegatronfails.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Should have done those shoelaces up, Megatron.]]
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.

[[Image:Traitormirageholddscj.jpg|right|200px|thumb|O dark poison of my spark...]]
As Prime informs the scientists of what happened, Ratchet works to repair Mirage, while Cliffjumper laughingly admits that he may need some repairs as well—for having doubted his friend. Awwww.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (8)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (9)
*[[Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (3)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (15)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (17)
*[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
**[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (18)
**[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (19)
**[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)

|c3=
* Scientists (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"I just ''love'' opening presents."
:—'''Skywarp''' as he breaks through the roof of a human research institute

"You fool! You'll destroy us all!" 
"Destroy us all, oh brave Megatron? Perhaps it's time the Decepticons looked elsewhere for direction, to someone prepared to make command decisions!"
:—'''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!"
:—'''Megatron''' threatens to terminate Starscream. Again.

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

"An electrocell! Come to papa..." 
"Not so fast, papa!"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''' have a moment.

"Release the electro-cells, Megatron. They don't belong to you." 
"I possess them. Therefore I ''own'' them!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' discuss the finer points of legal ownership

"Uh-oh. Sounds like I'm not alone." 
"You're not! And this is one of those times when you really need a friend."
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''''s have another moment.

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

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* Shrapnel's characteristic speech quirk of repeating the last word in each sentence is absent from several of his early lines.
* Starscream and Skywarp both have their entire canopy cowlings colored yellow as Megatron hands off the electrocells to Skywarp. Both should have a metal-colored bit near the bottom. The same error occurs as Starscream steps away from his test of the electrocells.
* Is that glowing pink stuff behind Megatron (after he blows up the energy institute) supposed to be fire? 'Cause fire don't look like that.
* The animators could never really decide what the back end of the Ark looks like, but it almost always has at least three engines. The first shot of Autobot Headquarters shows it with only two. It has three a few moments later.
* As Megatron turns toward the about-to-explode electro-cells, Starscream is behind him, despite being nowhere in evidence a second earlier.

[[Image:Traitorlotsostarscreams.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right...]]

*When Megatron is rushing to put out the fire on the electro-cells, there are two Starscreams beside him. One is probably supposed to be Skywarp, who was shown standing there in the preceding shot.
* Ironhide is not shown retreating with the other Autobots.
* As Prime orders Cliffjumper to maintain surveillance of the electro-cells, a closeup shot shows the two of them at the same head height. Prime should be ''much'' taller than Cliffjumper.
* The Decepticon insignia that plays such a vital role in the plot appears to be printed on a piece of cloth, despite coming from a metal robot. It unfurls and rustles when released, and gently floats to the ground when dropped. There's also no visual evidence that Skywarp is missing an insignia at any point (pretty amazing, considering how often the animators tended to [[The Core|forget the Seekers' wing insignia]]).
* The Insecticons are standing right by their energon cubes when Mirage first arrives. When Mirage steals the cubes a second later, the room is unoccupied.
* Starscream's stray shot as he gets rammed by Cliffjumper has no sound effect.
* Shrapnel has the wrong voice, without the electronic processing, as he observes that the Decepticons are firing on them. them. He does have his last-word echo, however! however.
* Kickback's eyeband is black instead of red as he observes the fallen Skywarp.
* As Skywarp's arm reaches into the frame to aim at Kickback, the screen-side edge of it is missing!
* When Thundercracker gets hit by Mirage's missile, the cry of pain sounds more like Skywarp. Considering that the episode so far has very explicitly featured only Starscream and Skywarp, Thundercracker's appearance would almost seem to be a coloring mistake, but all three jets finally appear together near the episode's end. (Even without this hit, Skywarp suffers a huge amount of abuse in this episode.)
*While driving away from the electro-cell explosion, Optimus Prime's cab appears ridiculously small compared to his trailer.
* Ratchet's face is white instead of light gray as he laughs in the closing shot.

===Continuity errors===
* As usual, cartoon humans are pretty much made of rubber. The two scientists fall at ''least'' fifty feet from the electrocell module, but recover almost instantly.
* Despite [[Fire in the Sky|being a scientist]], Starscream doesn't believe that any experimentation is needed with the cells. He apparently [[Kremzeek!|used up all his patience with tests]] back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]".
* 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]]".
* Megatron's awfully quick to declare that Optimus Prime has lost. They haven't even fired shots at each other yet! Prime repays the favor at episode's end, rather randomly declaring that Megatron has lost.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet isn't among the Autobots leaving Autobot Headquarters, but he arrives at the electrocell site with Prime and company. Jazz shows up a moment later. Bluestreak and Prowl, meanwhile, have disappeared.
** After the second commercial break, the only Autobots shown are Prime, Ratchet, Cliffjumper and Mirage. This strangely small casting choice becomes especially noticeable during the semi-final battle, when all four are gathered together, talking and not firing, yet the sounds of a raging firefight can still be heard in the background! Prime orders the trio to "join the others", perhaps implying that more Autobots should have been shown, but again, no other Autobots are anywhere in sight. At the final battle's end, the three Autobots somehow leave the battle to surround Megatron, leaving nobody to fight the rest of the Decepticons!

===Real world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** The two energon cubes land in Mirage's driver seat to the sound of a lightsaber cutting through the air.
**The sound of lightsabers dueling can be heard in the first few seconds of the scene immediately after the one where Mirage is freed from the cerebro-shell.

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** Shrapnel makes use of his grenade launcher that fires spikes all around the target. It's nasty, as Mirage can attest. The animators got a little confused, though, and had him fire it as a spike-studded stream of liquid from his retracted hand socket, rather than from his hand held gun (as more correctly seen in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]".)
** Shoulder missiles: Mirage fires his shoulder launcher twice in this episode, each time blowing away one of the Seekers. It's only [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|the second]] (and last) time in the whole series he uses this prominent weapon.
* Where's the trailer go?
** When Prime transforms to retreat, his trailer is already behind him, waiting for him, despite being nowhere in evidence in the preceding shots.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Traitor CliffjumperlovesMirage.jpg|right|180px|thumb|WTF?]]
* Poor [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. He (they?) don't appear(s?) until the end of the battle, just long enough to be blown away by the explosion of the electro-cells.
* This episode ends with Cliffjumper jumping in Mirage's lap, and the two of them hugging and rolling over, while Ratchet laughs. This is the epitome of weird.
* This is not the only time that [[Mirage (RID)|a Mirage]] has been suspected of [[Mirage's Betrayal|treachery]]. In fact, this episode's Cliffjumper-Mirage dynamic is among the series' best-remembered aspects, coloring fans' perceptions of both characters and being obliquely referenced time and again in contemporary Generation 1 stories.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

City of Steel (episode)

2010-11-20T19:41:20Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=19
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=23
|prev2=A Prime Problem
|next2=Auto Berserk
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=52
|prev3=Trans-Europe Express
|image=AutobotsNYC.jpg
|caption=Start spreading the news...
|title="City of Steel"
|production code=#700-18
|airdate=[[October 17]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

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

:''Japanese title:'' スチールシティ (''Steel City'')
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Cidade de Aço'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:CityofSteel ESB sinking.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Where will you be... the Day after Tomorrow.]]

Over New York City, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies into the [[Decepticon]]s' underground base. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] 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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|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 directly underneath Optimus Prime. Megatron orders them to dig while Optimus Prime is fighting [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. Taken by surprise, Prime falls into the Decepticons' underground base where Megatron severs his [[motor relay]]s, making him powerless. Megatron then threatens the remaining Autobots that unless they leave he will melt the 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 (G1)|Spike]] comes up with a plan to get into the city undetected.

[[Image:CityofSteel Prime head.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Aquaman calling 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 (G1)|Hook]] to disassemble him, which he does with a handy energy blade. After Optimus is turned into a pile of parts, Megatron picks up his head and reactivates 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.

Spike, Bumblebee, Ratchet, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] enter the City through the sewers in the hope of rescuing Prime undetected. Elsewhere, the Constructicons 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|left|200px|thumb|"What is it, Aquaman?"]]

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 (G1)|Sunstreaker]], but Prime runs them down.

[[Image:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|right|200px|thumb|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)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] is downed, the Constructicons become [[Devastator (G1)|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 reminds him of ''[[King Kong]]'' as he tries to assist with his remote controlled helicopters. Spike then informs Prime that his arm is no longer controlled by Megatron, and Prime takes the opportunity to use it 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 (an '[[wikipedia:I Love New York|I (heart) NY]]' bumper sticker). The Autobots [[roll out]] and return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[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)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (4)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (5)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (7)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (8)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[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)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't join this outfit to be a dump truck!"
:—'''Long Haul,''' commenting on his alternate mode.

"I feel like I'm in some messy swamp, not under the biggest city in North America."
:—'''Ratchet''', trudging through the sewers of New York.

"It sickens me to say it, Reflector, but this one time I have to hand it to Megatron. The place is finally starting to feel like home."
:—'''Starscream''' agrees with one of Megatron's plans, which heralds the coming of the apocalypse.

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

"O-hoo-hoo-hoo, here they come! Auto-Auto-Autobots!"
:—'''Mix-Mix-Mixmaster!'''

"Say 'uncle' or I'll shove your nose in your afterburner!" 
"Uncle, UNCLE!" 
"Gee, I didn't know Decepticons had uncles!"
:—'''Sideswipe''' lovingly deals with '''Starscream'''. He's obviously been practicing his [[jet judo]].

"You'll never catch us, Megaklutz!" 
"Megaklutz! You dare to insult me in my own command post?!"
:—'''Spike Witwicky''' daring to insult '''Megatron''' in his own command post.

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

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
As a Season 2 AKOM episode, "City of Steel" features the standard character model oddities:
* Soundwave's backpack is gray instead of blue.
* Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray instead of light gray.
* Prime's backpack is white.
* The "disk" on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow.

As an AKOM episode in general, "City of Steel" features an absurd number of straight-ahead animation mistakes:
* Laserbeak's beak is the same dark gray as his head as he flies through the sewers.
* It's not without precedent, but Soundwave usually has to push his shoulder button to open his chest compartment. As Laserbeak returns, it opens of its own accord. In the same shot, Soundwave's shoulder button is dark blue instead of light gray.
* As Scavenger rolls past Soundwave, he starts growing larger before he even begins to climb the ramp that's supposed to be bringing him closer to the camera's point of view. At the end of the same pan shot, Hook's head is green instead of black.
* Scavenger's cab window is green instead of white as he rides the lift.
* There is ''no way in Hell's Kitchen'' that dinky little scissor lift is strong enough to support the weight of the Empire State Building.
* Bumblebee's fists are light gray instead of dark gray as Prime orders the Autobots to transform.
* Wheeljack's team is ''vastly'' oversized as they cruise past the Statue of Liberty.
* For some reason, Prime's voice is muffled as if it's a radio transmission as the Autobots drive along the highway.
* There appears to be a total of ten Constructicons working on the Empire State Building.
* Laserbeak's beak is dark gray (again) as he reports the Autobot sighting. He also has a little bird tongue!
* Soundwave's shoulder cannon is red and Megatron's face is a darker gray than usual as Megatron laughs about his "terminal welcome" joke.
* Frenzy's mouth isn't moving as he says "Can be hazardous".

[[Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Baby Bluestreak watches in horror as Giganticus Prime commences his rampage.]]

* As the Autobots transform, a truly mind-boggling layering error results in a tiny Bluestreak standing in front of a normal-sized Ratchet and Ironhide, next to a Devastator-sized Optimus.
* Ironhide doesn't so much get knocked down by Frenzy and Rumble's earthquake attack as he does just walk along and randomly fall over. His back is colored light gray instead of dark gray in the sequence.
* 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.
* As usual in the cartoon universe, metal cracks, splits and crumbles just like rock.
* In a long shot of the Autobot/Decepticon battle in Central Park, Bumblebee is inexplicably grappling with Bluestreak while Ratchet fights Reflector.
* The back of Soundwave's legs are white instead of blue as Prime picks him up.
* In the Central Park sequence, Scavenger's vehicle mode is ''huge'', towering over Megatron and with a bucket significantly larger than Optimus.
* Prime falls a long way into the Decepticon base, but in the previous shot, he was standing on Scavenger's shovel. When Prime finally lands on the base's floor, Scavenger is there waiting for him.
* Prime's "motor relays" are right there in his stomach-grille? Wha? (AKOM shows Jazz having critical circuits in his car-mode grille in "The Core", as well.)
* Soundwave's shoulder button is blue again as he presses it to communicate with Megatron. The sound effect that plays is usually reserved for an opening hatch or door. And Soundwave doesn't usually have to push that particular button to radio someone.
* The shot of the submerged Empire State Building is recycled from the earlier scene (ten Constructicons, remember?) Two of the tiny figures shown are supposed to be Megatron and Soundwave, but they're both shown to be on the surface by that point.
* 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. After the building is raised, the same shot is recycled, showing it back down in the ground.
* Ironhide is dark gray instead of red as the Autobots cross the Brooklyn Bridge.
* Spike says "take a left", but the Autobots take a ramp that goes right.
* As Megatron gloats over Prime, Mixmaster is colored like Bumblebee.
* A layering error has Megatron's hand passing in front of Prime's smokestack, which is much closer to the camera. Result: a visually microscopic Megatron.
* Prime's eye-flashes don't quite line up with his optics.
* Scrapper's mouthplate isn't moving as he carries Optimus Prime's arm.
* For all their reaction to the Alligatorcon, the Autobots sure aren't in any hurry to get away from it. They stroll away at a very leisurely pace.
* Scrapper has Sideswipe's voice as he says the "riding down their own grave" line.
* Starscream has only one wing insignia as he admires the cityscape.
* When Optimus activates his dismembered legs, his head crest is colored entirely in dark gray instead of light gray and blue.
* What the heck were Prime's legs supposed to be, anyway? Part of [[Starscream's Ghost|a crypt]] or something? They're just standing there in a tunnel when Prime summons them.
* Ratchet's voice is more like Gears' as he says the "don't let go" line.
* One of the series' most infamous dialog screwups happens as the Autobots wrestle with the [[Alligatorcon]]. Mirage and Ratchet say, in perfect sync, "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''?" "I'd say a little of both!" And the combined Ratchet and Mirage line was likely intended to be a series of ad libs as the Autobots struggle with the Alligatorcon, rather than a straight line delivered before Prime's line.
* Prime's telekinetic waves change from wide circles, to a narrow band. The narrow band finds its way to.... nothing. It then snaps off with a really loud sound effect.
* Ratchet's mouth disappears for a split second as he finishes repairing Prime.
* One of Prime's chest windows, and one of his exhaust stacks, are among the leftover parts as he stands up.
* Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing as he says "This sure isn't little old New York anymore".
* As Megatron and Soundwave zero in on the Autobots on their monitor, Prime has both his arms.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Jazz suddenly shows up for a single shot as the Autobots scatter from Prime's rifle fire.
* Hound and Bluestreak get two sequential transformation effects as they change to car mode, with a slight pause between them, instead of one continuous sound.
* Don't Hound and Bluestreak look where they're going when they drive? There's this huge hole in the street and they just drive right into it.
* Scrapper's voice comes out of nowhere to say the "A train" line to Hound and Bluestreak.
* The first shot of Frenzy driving the train shows him colored like Rumble.
* The car-mode Autobots just kind of float over the battle taxis. How'd they do that?
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that truck-mode Prime is missing an arm? Only one shot! He's intact for his entire ramming sequence against the taxis and the Constructicons. Only when he rolls up to Ironhide and transforms is his bumper/arm missing again.
* As he rams the Constructicons' position, one of Prime's headlights isn't colored white. Of course, it shouldn't be there at all, being part of his missing arm.
* Lots of missing Seeker insignias as the Decepticon jets launch their attack.
* Is Megatron supposed to be touching the blue button on his belly to radio Scrapper? 'Cause he totally misses it.
* Scrapper's voice is a bit off as he gives the order to combine. It's not quite as bad as before, but still not the correct hoarse rasp.
* Devastator's scale is always an issue, but he's ''really'' oversized here, smashing an entire multi-story building aside with a single blow. Man, [[Dreamwave]] must've [[Prime Directive issue 4|really loved]] this dorky episode, huh?
* Two Laserbeak cassettes (red details) leave Soundwave's chest. One should be Buzzsaw, with gold details. The condors don't get a transformation sound effect as they convert to robot form.
* Devastator has two eyes instead of an eyeband as he holds Optimus, and again as he fends off the helicopters.
* Why is Wheeljack upset? Devastator didn't manage to touch his helicopters!
* Does Prime really have to telekinetically control his ''rifle''? Wouldn't pulling the trigger suffice?
* As is normal when a good guy's life is at stake, Devastator falls for an absurdly long time. He's moving incredibly slowly as he passes Ironhide and Ratchet.

===Continuity errors===
* Laserbeak's shoot-to-enter door system seems rather improbable, or at least pointlessly complicated. In particular, how does the manhole cover know to land right back on top of the entrance?

* 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. Ditto for the rest of Manhattan, actually.

* Prime has telekinetic control of his body parts! He can make his severed arms float up into the air to knock over Megatron, and "activating" his legs consists of somehow making them come magically tumbling through the air to him.

* With all the freaking huge cannons that the Decepticons installed, it's Prime's firearm that's the big cause for panic?

* Megatron, ensconced in his headquarters, responds to a comment of Spike's while Spike is riding down the street inside Bumblebee. How could he possibly hear what he said?

* Why on earth do the Decepticon jets just fly right through their own building? If the idea is that the Autobots shot them and made them lose control, the animation completely fails to show it.

* Spike's "Now, Bumblebee!" line is ridiculous filler. The elevator door opens, they step into Megatron's headquarters, Megatron and Soundwave are right there in front of them... when ''else'' were they going to enact their brilliant plan? And how come Megatron's HQ has no security system to keep them out to begin with?

* Where did Wheeljack find two missile-equipped helicopters?

* Megatron retreats, saying "The Autobots may have destroyed our city of New Cybertron"... but the Autobots really have done nothing of the sort.

* Why didn't the Constructicons find the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when they took apart Prime?

* Even more curious, how is it that Optimus can survive being reduced to a talking head, when the much lesser damage he took in [[The Transformers: The Movie]] was enough to kill him? Is this because he was supposedly "disassembled", for the most part, rather than damaged?

===I Love New York errors===
* The opening pan from the Hudson River shows the Chrysler Building ''south'' of the Empire State Building. It should be north. Both buildings are ''way'' too far south relative to the Twin Towers.
* "Meet us in Central Park" is an incredibly vague order, considering the size of the place.
* The Autobots don't really stop ''in'' Central Park; there's buildings on two sides of them. No traffic or pedestrians, though. Or sidewalks.
* As the Decepticons prepare to raise it back into position, the Empire State Building is drawn as if it borders a park.
* The Brooklyn Bridge is more than just three lanes wide. It also does not have an exit ramp at mid-span.
* Oh, man. Spike went swimming in the East River in 1985? He ''is'' a super-human.
* It could just be chalked up to Hound's optimism, but most subway tracks don't end at a river.

===Continuity notes===
* Powers and gadgets:
** Wheeljack and company all use their hydrafoils to cross New York Harbor.
** Hook uses a <s>lightsaber</s> laser sword to disassemble Prime.
** Then of course, there's Prime's bizarre telekinetic limb control.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:CityofSteel-Hook'slightsaber.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Let the hate flow through you.]]
[[Image:Devastatorkingkong.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Giant: check. Empire State Building: check. But no beauty.]]

* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak uses a whole series of ''Star Wars'' effects as he rockets over Manhattan, including a ''Millennium Falcon'' engine noise, the [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar (several times), the TIE Fighter ambient cockpit noise, and the sound of an X-Wing diving to attack the Death Star.
** Hook's <s>lightsaber</s> ''laser sword'' ignites with the sound of Luke deflecting the seeker ball's bolts aboard the ''Millennium Falcon''.
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] climbs the Decepticons' "improved" version of the [[Wikipedia:Empire State Building|Empire State Building]], very similarly to [[King Kong]], as Wheeljack rather heavy-handedly points out.
* The alligatorcon is likely an allusion to the persistent rumors of alligators living in New York City's sewers.
* Various New York landmarks are seen and/or mentioned: the Twin Towers, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Woolworth Building (visible as the first Autobots leave Manhattan), the Brooklyn Bridge. Hound mentions Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Lexington Avenue.
* Scrapper invites the Autobots to "[[wikipedia:Take the A Train|Take the A Train]]".
* The final shot in this episode shows Bumblebee with an "[[wikipedia:I Love New York|I &hearts; NY]]" bumper sticker, part of a famous promotional campaign.

===Trivia===
* Along with "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", this episode is one of a trio animated by [[AKOM]], showcasing the Constructicons and featuring distinctively bright and "cartoonish" art and animation, lots of use of stock poses, a somewhat more juvenile plot and script than normal, and a common set of animation model oddities (listed above).

* 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 ("Right right right. Mega Mega Megatron!") ever shows up.

* When Megatron warns the Autobots against interfering with his plans, he refers to a "minicon" as a unit of measurement. This term would be later used as the name for the [[Mini-Con]]s, a race of small Transformers (primarily) from the [[Unicron Trilogy]]

* AKOM avoids [[The Core|screwing up]] Devastator's combination sequence by ''not actually showing it''. The pieces of Devastator just fly in from off-screen, already formed.

* Prime's vehicle mode gains toy-accurate cab stripes and his trailer has the additional blue stripes from the toy.

* This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 2000]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 1: Prime Threat ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/city_of_steel.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]
*[[User:repowers]] [http://builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/s-cityofsteel.html rips this episode to tiny pieces in a September 2000 review]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Heavy Metal War

2010-11-20T19:36:12Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の掟 (''Cybertron-sei no Okite'', "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Guerra dos Metaleiros''' ("War of Metalheads")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]

Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Not Brawl.]]

Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|right|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]

Distracted by one of [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s [[Halo|holograms]], Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (23)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (25)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (26)
*[[Bluestreak]] (27)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (32)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (35)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (36)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (37)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (38)
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (40)
*[[Halo]] hologram (42)
|c2=
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (1)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (2)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (3)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (4)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (21)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (33)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)
|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Chip Chase]] (17)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about." 
"It's Earth history, Ironhide! Skip it!"
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"No destroy Teletraan I. Dinobots destroy you!"
:—'''Grimlock''' after hearing the Constructicons' plans to destroy Teletraan I.

'''Sludge''': Sludge not see these Decepticons before. 
'''Snarl''': Not see again either. Because we dynamite them to pieces! 
'''Slag''': Dinobots no fool around! 
'''Grimlock''': Right! Dinobots transform!
:—'''Sludge, Snarl, Slag, and Grimlock''' carrying on a conversation while fighting the Constructicons.

"It's bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery." 
"Then it's time we did the same! Only heavier!"
:—'''Hook''' and '''Scrapper''' as the Constructicons prepare to merge into Devastator for the first time

"Prepare to meet your doom. Nothing can withstand the might of Devastator!"
:—'''Devastator''' speaking to the Dinobots.

"Nothing defeats the Devastator! Nothing!" 
"Nothing, little one? Ha ha ha! What would you say about ''me''? HAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Devastator''' and a '''"Giant Autobot"'''

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

"Uhhh... we shall rise... AGAIN."
:—'''Megatron''' floating in lava

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
====Minor coloring errors====
* As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
* The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
* Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
* As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
* The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
* During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
* Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
* When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
* The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
* As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
* As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
* "Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
* At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
* Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
* Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
* And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile themselves.
* Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
* Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
* Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
* Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
* Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
* Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
* As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
* Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
* The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.

====Art and character model errors====
* When Megatron comes to <s> lure Optimus into a trap </s> talk and Wheeljack and Ironhide fire their missiles, they exchange lines.
* It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
* "Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
* There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
* After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
* When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
* When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
* Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
* During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
* After the boulder Prime threw at Meagtron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
* Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that Prime isn't towing his own trailer? All of one shot! Huffer is nowhere to be seen as the 'bots leave the battlefield.
* Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
* Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
* The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
* Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
* The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
* The inside of Sludge's robot-mode mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
* As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind]].)
* Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
* When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
* As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
* When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
* In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
* In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their vehicle modes end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
* As the Constructions make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
* After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
* The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
* When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
* As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
* When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
* Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
* The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
* The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
* At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
* When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
* The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
* When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
* During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
* And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
* Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
** However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
* When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
* When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp.
** Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
* When [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|right|200px|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
* The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
* As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are mis-aligned. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
* When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
* A tranformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
* When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
* Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
* The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
* This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticably underlit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
* This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

* The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, begging the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

* So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

* Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

* Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

* It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

* The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.

* Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

* So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in? Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].
[[Image:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This computer of mine glows with an awesome lollipop!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole cement mixer into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid, Long Haul having dump truck-mode missile launchers (perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
** Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
** Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
** Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
** Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
** As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
** The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's cluster bombs and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
*** Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
** Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus_Primal#Beast_Machines_cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
** Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
** Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip.
*** This is also the first appearance of ''any'' of the Dinobots' swords in the cartoon, something that doesn't happen often. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
** Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
** Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
* When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] as "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
* Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
* This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.

* The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Millenium Falcon'' engine burst/whine as the Constructions take off from the construction site.
** Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
* Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
* Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
* Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Trivia===
[[Image:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And we don't just mean the "horrible rape-related imagery" aspect, either.]]
* The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it, similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]".
* The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
* Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with the misnomer of "[[Gravedigger]]", and Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight.
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years -- Decepticons fighting Autobots -- in which opposing leaders -- you and I, Optimus Prime -- may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
[[Image:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
* During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage34.html Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
* The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
* The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored.
*The hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard member]] [[Halo]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Heavy Metal War

2010-11-20T19:35:14Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の掟 (''Cybertron-sei no Okite'', "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Guerra dos Metaleiros''' ("War of Metalheads")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]

Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Not Brawl.]]

Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|right|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]

Distracted by one of [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s [[Halo|holograms]], Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (23)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (25)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (26)
*[[Bluestreak]] (27)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (32)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (35)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (36)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (37)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (38)
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (40)
*[[Halo]] hologram (42)
|c2=
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (1)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (2)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (3)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (4)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (21)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (33)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)
|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Chip Chase]] (17)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about." 
"It's Earth history, Ironhide! Skip it!"
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"No destroy Teletraan I. Dinobots destroy you!"
:—'''Grimlock''' after hearing the Constructicons' plans to destroy Teletraan I.

'''Sludge''': Sludge not see these Decepticons before. 
'''Snarl''': Not see again either. Because we dynamite them to pieces! 
'''Slag''': Dinobots no fool around! 
'''Grimlock''': Right! Dinobots transform!
:—'''Sludge, Snarl, Slag, and Grimlock''' carrying on a conversation while fighting the Constructicons.

"It's bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery." 
"Then it's time we did the same! Only heavier!"
:—'''Hook''' and '''Scrapper''' as the Constructicons prepare to merge into Devastator for the first time

"Prepare to meet your doom. Nothing can withstand the might of Devastator!"
:—'''Devastator''' speaking to the Dinobots.

"Nothing defeats the Devastator! Nothing!" 
"Nothing, little one? Ha ha ha! What would you say about ''me''? HAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Devastator''' and a '''"Giant Autobot"'''

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

"Uhhh... we shall rise... AGAIN."
:—'''Megatron''' floating in lava

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
====Minor coloring errors====
* As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
* The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
* Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
* As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
* The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
* During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
* Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
* When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
* The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
* As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
* As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
* "Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
* At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
* Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
* Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
* And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile themselves.
* Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
* Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
* Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
* Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
* Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
* Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
* As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
* Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
* The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.

====Art and character model errors====
* When Megatron comes to <s> lure Optimus into a trap </s> talk and Wheeljack and Ironhide fire their missiles, they exchange lines.
* It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
* "Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
* There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
* After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
* When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
* When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
* Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
* During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
* After the boulder Prime threw at Meagtron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
* Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that Prime isn't towing his own trailer? All of one shot! Huffer is nowhere to be seen as the 'bots leave the battlefield.
* Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
* Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
* The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
* Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
* The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
* The inside of Sludge's robot-mode mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
* As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind]].)
* Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
* When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
* As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
* When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
* In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
* In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their vehicle modes end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
* As the Constructions make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
* After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
* The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
* When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
* As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
* When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
* Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
* The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
* The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
* At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
* When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
* The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
* When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
* During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
* And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
* Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
** However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
* When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
* When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp.
** Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
* When [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|right|200px|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
* The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
* As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are mis-aligned. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
* When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
* A tranformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
* When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
* Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
* The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
* This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticably underlit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
* This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

* The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, begging the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

* So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

* Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

* Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

* It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

* The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.

* Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

* So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in? Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].
[[Image:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This computer of mine glows with an awesome lollipop!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole cement mixer into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid, Long Haul having dump truck-mode missile launchers (perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
** Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
** Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
** Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
** Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
** As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
** The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's cluster bombs and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
*** Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
** Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus_Primal#Beast_Machines_cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
** Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
** Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip.
*** This is also the first appearance of ''any'' of the Dinobots' swords in the cartoon, something that doesn't happen often. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
** Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
** Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
* When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] as "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
* Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
* This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.

* The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Millenium Falcon'' engine burst/whine as the Constructions take off from the construction site.
** Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
* Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
* Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
* Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Trivia===
[[Image:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And we don't just mean the "horrible rape-related imagery" aspect, either.]]
* The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it, similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]".
* The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
* Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with the misnomer of "[[Gravedigger]]", and Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight.
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years -- Decepticons fighting Autobots -- in which opposing leaders -- you and I, Optimus Prime -- may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
[[Image:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
* During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage34.html Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
* The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
* The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored.
*The hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard member]] [[Halo]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Heavy Metal War

2010-11-20T19:34:05Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の掟 (''Cybertron-sei no Okite'', "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Guerra dos Metaleiros''' ("War of Metalheads")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]

Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Not Brawl.]]

Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|right|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]

Distracted by one of [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s [[Halo|holograms]], Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (23)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (25)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (26)
*[[Bluestreak]] (27)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (32)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (35)
*[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (36)
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (37)
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (38)
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (40)
*[[Halo]] hologram (42)
|c2=
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (1)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (2)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (3)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (4)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (21)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (33)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)

|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Chip Chase]] (17)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about." 
"It's Earth history, Ironhide! Skip it!"
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"No destroy Teletraan I. Dinobots destroy you!"
:—'''Grimlock''' after hearing the Constructicons' plans to destroy Teletraan I.

'''Sludge''': Sludge not see these Decepticons before. 
'''Snarl''': Not see again either. Because we dynamite them to pieces! 
'''Slag''': Dinobots no fool around! 
'''Grimlock''': Right! Dinobots transform!
:—'''Sludge, Snarl, Slag, and Grimlock''' carrying on a conversation while fighting the Constructicons.

"It's bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery." 
"Then it's time we did the same! Only heavier!"
:—'''Hook''' and '''Scrapper''' as the Constructicons prepare to merge into Devastator for the first time

"Prepare to meet your doom. Nothing can withstand the might of Devastator!"
:—'''Devastator''' speaking to the Dinobots.

"Nothing defeats the Devastator! Nothing!" 
"Nothing, little one? Ha ha ha! What would you say about ''me''? HAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Devastator''' and a '''"Giant Autobot"'''

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

"Uhhh... we shall rise... AGAIN."
:—'''Megatron''' floating in lava

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
====Minor coloring errors====
* As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
* The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
* Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
* As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
* The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
* During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
* Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
* When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
* The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
* As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
* As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
* "Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
* At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
* Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
* Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
* And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile themselves.
* Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
* Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
* Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
* Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
* Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
* Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
* As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
* Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
* The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.

====Art and character model errors====
* When Megatron comes to <s> lure Optimus into a trap </s> talk and Wheeljack and Ironhide fire their missiles, they exchange lines.
* It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
* "Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
* There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
* After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
* When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
* When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
* Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
* During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
* After the boulder Prime threw at Meagtron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
* Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that Prime isn't towing his own trailer? All of one shot! Huffer is nowhere to be seen as the 'bots leave the battlefield.
* Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
* Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
* The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
* Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
* The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
* The inside of Sludge's robot-mode mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
* As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind]].)
* Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
* When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
* As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
* When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
* In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
* In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their vehicle modes end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
* As the Constructions make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
* After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
* The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
* When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
* As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
* When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
* Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
* The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
* The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
* At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
* When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
* The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
* When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
* During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
* And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
* Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
** However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
* When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
* When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp.
** Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
* When [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|right|200px|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
* The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
* As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are mis-aligned. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
* When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
* A tranformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
* When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
* Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
* The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
* This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticably underlit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
* This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

* The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, begging the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

* So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

* Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

* Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

* It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

* The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.

* Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

* So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in? Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].
[[Image:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This computer of mine glows with an awesome lollipop!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole cement mixer into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid, Long Haul having dump truck-mode missile launchers (perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
** Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
** Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
** Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
** Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
** As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
** The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's cluster bombs and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
*** Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
** Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus_Primal#Beast_Machines_cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
** Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
** Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip.
*** This is also the first appearance of ''any'' of the Dinobots' swords in the cartoon, something that doesn't happen often. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
** Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
** Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
* When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] as "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
* Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
* This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.

* The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Millenium Falcon'' engine burst/whine as the Constructions take off from the construction site.
** Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
* Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
* Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
* Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Trivia===
[[Image:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And we don't just mean the "horrible rape-related imagery" aspect, either.]]
* The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it, similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]".
* The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
* Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with the misnomer of "[[Gravedigger]]", and Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight.
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years -- Decepticons fighting Autobots -- in which opposing leaders -- you and I, Optimus Prime -- may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
[[Image:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
* During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage34.html Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
* The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
* The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored.
*The hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard member]] [[Halo]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Heavy Metal War

2010-11-20T19:32:34Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=16
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=10
|prev2=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|next2=Autobot Spike
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=5
|prev3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next3=The Autobot Run
|image=HeavyMetalWar Primedefeated.jpg
|caption=The agony of defeat.
|title="Heavy Metal War"
|production code=#700-13
|airdate=[[December 15]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron challenges Optimus Prime to a one on one battle to end the war.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の掟 (''Cybertron-sei no Okite'', "The Laws of Planet Cybertron")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Zweikampf'''" ("The Duel")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Guerra dos Metaleiros''' ("War of Metalheads")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron invitation.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Silly Megs, tricks are for kids!]]
A busy construction site is attacked by driver-less construction equipment, and several components are stolen. The construction vehicles return to Decepticon headquarters and are revealed to be the newly built [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The components they stole are parts to a machine that will allow [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to absorb the [[power chip rectifier]]s from his [[Decepticon]] warriors.

While the final preparations are completed on the machine, Megatron flies to [[Autobot]] headquarters and makes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] an offer he cannot refuse. Megatron offers the Autobot leader a one on one battle with the winner staying on [[Earth]] to do as he pleases, and the loser taking his army and exiling themselves to deep space. Confident in his own abilities, Prime accepts the challenge and sets the match.

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Megatron powerup.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fear me, for I have the power of... poo gas!!]]

Knowing that Prime would be unable to resist a chance to honorably end their conflict, Megatron returns to the Decepticon base and uses the newly completed machine to gain all of the special powers of his warriors. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleportation, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s sonic boom, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s seismic attack, etc. Knowing that Megatron would now be unbeatable, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] voices concerns that the Autobot computer [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] would be able to detect what Megatron had done. Anticipating this problem, Megatron dispatches the Constructicons to take care of the computer.

The two armies arrive at the battle site, and the contest begins. Megatron unleashes a barrage of powers (while Starscream gives a running commentary), and Prime is outclassed at every step. Not knowing that he has been deceived, Prime concedes the fight and comments that he underestimated Megatron. The shocked Autobots begin the trek back to base, and the Decepticons follow to make sure they leave.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Devastator.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Not Brawl.]]

Meanwhile, the Constructicons have nearly tunneled their way into the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and Teletraan I. Sensing the imminent danger, Teletraan I activates the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. The Dinobots respond and start pounding on the Constructicons, opening up a lava channel in the process. The battle not going in their favor, the Constructicons pull out one last trick and combine into the super warrior, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The returning Autobots see the battle, but are unable to help. Inside the Ark, Teletraan I is able to show that Megatron cheated, and the Autobots rush outside to help the Dinobots.

[[Image:Heavy Metal War Decepticons beat.JPG|right|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be used to this, but no...]]

Distracted by one of [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s [[Halo|holograms]], Devastator is shot by Optimus Prime and falls apart. The Constructicons try to drive away, but the Dinobots blast them into the lava. The other Decepticons are routed by the Autobots and also pushed or knocked back by gunfire into the lava. There is much rejoicing.

...Until Megatron rises from the lava, vowing that the Decepticons will rise again.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (23)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (24)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (25)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (26)
*[[Bluestreak]] (27)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (29)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (31)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (32)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (35)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (36)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (37)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (38)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (40)
*[[Halo]] hologram (42)
|c2=
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
**[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (1)
**[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (2)
**[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (3)
**[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (4)
**[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
**[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (6)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (21)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (33)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (34)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)

|c3=
*Construction Workers (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Chip Chase]] (17)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Forgive me, but I believe your boast sounds vaguely familiar."
:—'''Starscream''', after hearing another of Megatron's promises to destroy the Autobots.

"Let's see how he likes my new [[Shock blast cannon|shockblast cannon]]! ''[The cannon explodes in his hands]'' Uhh... hnh... that's a shock, all right."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"But I need my power chip rectifier. Besides, the Cybertron Code of Combat requires each warrior to fight as he is, without additional reinforcement. You wouldn't want to cheat, would you, Megatron?" 
"I will win by any means! At any cost! Even if it means terminating ''you'', Starscream!" 
"I was only raising a legal point..."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Doesn't this remind you of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome?" 
"Maybe it would if I knew what you were talkin' about." 
"It's Earth history, Ironhide! Skip it!"
:—'''Chip''' and '''Ironhide''' on the duel between Optimus and Megatron.

"No destroy Teletraan I. Dinobots destroy you!"
:—'''Grimlock''' after hearing the Constructicons' plans to destroy Teletraan I.

'''Sludge''': Sludge not see these Decepticons before. 
'''Snarl''': Not see again either. Because we dynamite them to pieces! 
'''Slag''': Dinobots no fool around! 
'''Grimlock''': Right! Dinobots transform!
:—'''Sludge, Snarl, Slag, and Grimlock''' carrying on a conversation while fighting the Constructicons.

"It's bad news, Scrapper. They've brought out the heavy artillery." 
"Then it's time we did the same! Only heavier!"
:—'''Hook''' and '''Scrapper''' as the Constructicons prepare to merge into Devastator for the first time

"Prepare to meet your doom. Nothing can withstand the might of Devastator!"
:—'''Devastator''' speaking to the Dinobots.

"Nothing defeats the Devastator! Nothing!" 
"Nothing, little one? Ha ha ha! What would you say about ''me''? HAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Devastator''' and a '''"Giant Autobot"'''

"It is ended." 
"Is it really over, Optimus? I mean, have we seen the end of this war? Forever?" 
"Who can say, Spike? In this vast universe, is anything truly forever?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''', with a question that is quickly answered, at least for the audience

"Uhhh... we shall rise... AGAIN."
:—'''Megatron''' floating in lava

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
====Minor coloring errors====
* As Long Haul deploys his missiles, his Decepticon symbol is red, and missing its "cheeks".
* The top of Hook's head is green as Scrapper bows to Megatron... and again in the very next shot.
* Scavenger's face is colored all-green as he welds. If it was a stylistic decision to show the light from his welding, then it should flicker along with the welding lights.
* As Scrapper directs the others working on the infuser, his head is green instead of black, and Mixmaster's drum and torso are purple instead of green.
* The top of Wheeljack's chest is colored glass-blue instead of white after the shock cannon blows up.
* During the pan across the Decepticons before the strength transfer, Soundwave is missing the line in the middle of his mask, and his yellow stripes are mostly colored blue.
* Megatron's waist is red instead of silver after the transfer.
* When Megatron talks to Starscream after that, Starscream's air vent "boobs" are colored white instead of black.
* The front of Scrapper's head is red instead of black as Megatron orders him to move out.
* As Scrapper transforms, his whole helmet is green.
* As Optimus explains the code to Spike, Ironhide's forehead isn't fully drawn in.
* "Defeat, Megatron?" Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black during this line.
* At the end of the across the Decepticons seating themselves, Soundwave's optic visor is blue instead of red.
* Laserbeak's head is light gray as he ejects from Soundwave.
* Megatron's faction emblem is missing before he teleports.
* And it's missing again as he says the Autobots must exile themselves.
* Starscream's right arm is colored dark gray for a moment, while he talks to Skywarp about the rectifiers.
* Wheeljack's missing one of the lines on his "ears" as he and the others listen to Optimus say he was not prepared.
* Prime's tires are light gray as he transforms to truck mode, and his headlights aren't colored in.
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Oh, and Scavenger's chest shouldn't be purple, either.]]
* Scrapper's helmet is green in two shots as he and the others run into Autobot Headquarters.
* Scavenger's back is purple as he and the others back away from the Dinobots.
* Snarl's helmet is the same medium gray as his body as he joins Sludge.
* As Devastator walks toward the Dinobots, Swoop's head is white, while Sludge and Slag are block-colored gray.
* Devastator's hand is green instead of purple as he throws Grimlock.
* The top of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray as Megatron rants about the hologram.

====Art and character model errors====
* When Megatron comes to <s> lure Optimus into a trap </s> talk and Wheeljack and Ironhide fire their missiles, they exchange lines.
* It seems the artists might have had only script directions to go by when drawing the Constructicons' vehicular attack modes, and not actual character models. Both Long Haul and Mixmaster deploy weapons that are of similar description to their toys' attack forms (cab-mounted cannon, twin missile launchers), but look nothing like them.
* "Besides, the Cybertron code of combat requires..." Starscream's hand phases behind the transfer machine's light during his monologue.
* There's a discontinuity between shots as Megatron is infused; in one shot he's moving and reacting in visible pain to the power transfer; in the next, he's just standing there like a statue.
* After Megatron talks of the Constructicons destroying Teletraan I, he's suddenly no longer attached to the machine.
* When Megatron laughs maniacally after being infused with the power of the other Decepticons, his head is disproportionately small, and his Decepticon insignia moves independently of his body.
* When Starscream lands behind Megatron before the latter's duel with Optimus Prime, the animators forgot to animate the dust Starscream's feet stir up, so we can see that his legs are not fully drawn, and instead of feet, they end in paint blotches.
* Chip is drawn speaking Spike's line "It's Earth history, Ironhide!"
* During the duel, what are the Autobots supposed to be sitting on? Air?
* After the boulder Prime threw at Meagtron splits in two, it completely disappears before the shot ends.
* Huffer is drawn with six wheels instead of four as he takes Prime's trailer.
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that Prime isn't towing his own trailer? All of one shot! Huffer is nowhere to be seen as the 'bots leave the battlefield.
* Mixmaster's cab-weapon changes color and form between scenes (it's a gray sphere when the Constructicons start tunneling; it's a green gun when they reach Autobot Headquarters.)
* Mixmaster's acid-laser changes from pink to orange between shots. The weapon that fires it has gone back to gray in the second shot.
* The animation doesn't really show a hole ''melting'' in the floor; a section of the floor just vanishes and is replaced with a melted hole.
* Grimlock has his original head design in this episode, rather than the later, toy-based one he normally is drawn with.
* The Dinobots' voices are ''heavily'' processed in his episode, far beyond the norm, giving them a crunchy, gravely sound.
* The inside of Sludge's robot-mode mouth is glowing orange ''again''. Clearly this is part of his character model, but why and how did such a bizarre choice come about in the first place?
* As Scrapper clutches his wounded shoulder, he has two small eyes instead of a visor. (It makes him look a lot like [[Rewind]].)
* Much like [[A Plague of Insecticons|Kickback's insect head]], the cartoon could never quite make up its mind whether Devastator was supposed to have two small eyes or one big visor. This episode shows him with eyes as he monologues, then the visor shows up just a shot or two later.
* When the Autobots cheer inside their headquarters, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s insignia is missing, Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing, and Jazz's mouth is blinking on and off.
* As the hologram fades out, Hound isn't shown in the nearby cave from which he's supposed to be projecting it.
* When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] finds out the "Giant [[Autobot]]" is a hologram, his cannon [[kibble]] is gone for a brief second.
* In the final closeup of Megatron's face, several of the lava streams are flowing ''behind'' his eyes and back out. OUCH!

===Rhino DVD release===
More than most episodes, the [[Kid Rhino]] DVD version of this episode is full of animation errors that do not appear in the original broadcast version or prior home video releases (as a result of incomplete film masters being used for the DVD), as well as crude attempts made by Rhino to fix some of these errors.

Some are merely aesthetic complaints:
* In one shot, the camera pans sideways to follow the Constructicons, however they aren't moving, so they actually lag behind the screen. Then, as they round a corner, they are animated above the animation cel of the building they drive around, and you can see they are not fully drawn. Their vehicle modes end in unfinished lines and paint blotches until they come fully into view.
* As the Constructions make their big introductory transformations, the camera doesn't pan up with Bonecrusher, Long Haul, and Mixmaster, leaving them cut out of the shot from the thighs upward. Bonecrusher is also visibly floating above the ground.
* After Long Haul transforms, the equipment he's supposedly carrying simply pops into view. As the outlines tell us, it has been retroactively shopped into the image.
* The Rhino DVD portrays the power-chip smelter as a featureless rectangular smear, lacking all the light effects and animation that should be present.
* When Megatron says "Scrapper, you have your orders...", the Constructicons' eyes / eye visors no longer glow red in response.
* As he drives up to start digging, [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] is constantly jumping a bit back and forth while driving, as if the animation frames are not ordered properly.
* When the Autobots transform to leave base for the battlefield, Optimus Prime's left headlight blinks in and out a couple of times.
* Then, as they all drive out of the Ark, the screen freezes for a moment. The Autobots seem to have teleported after the animation finally continues.
* The sky behind Ironhide, when he is informing us of his ignorance of Earth's history, jumps noticeably at the beginning of the shot, and the shadowy outlines around him vibrate wildly.
* The audience isn't actually sitting on the edge of the pit, rather they are all somehow seated on the slopes.
* At two points during the duel with Optimus Prime (one of them recycled as him landing at Autobot Headquarters), Megatron is colored dark gray.
* When the miscolored Megatron blasts Prime away, the background isn't moving to simulate the camera pan, whereas Prime's animation is.
* The humans in one shot are drawn horribly off-model, with terrible looking teeth, may we add. Spike shows his pre-final print uppers again in a later shot.
* When Skywarp boasts that Megatron acquired the power of teleportation from him, he is colored like Starscream, who is seen sitting right next to him.
* During the Dinobots' fight scene with the Constructicons, some of the laser-firing animation is missing, leaving the characters with huge "holes" and gaps on their bodies where said laser shots should have been animated. This also renders the shot of Sludge firing his eye-beams completely pointless.
* And as Swoop fires his missiles, the background art isn't moving, making it look like he is floating.
* Also in one shot, the rock covering the Constructicons is missing from the foreground, and again, we see incomplete drawings instead of fully-drawn robots.
** However a later shot has a cave mouth drawn over the screen's outer rim, which shouldn't be there, as the scene takes place outside.

However, some of the screwups actually confuse the plot:
* When Rhino DVD Optimus Prime hurls a boulder at Megatron, Megatron still lights up to use Skywarp's teleportation ability to get out of the way... but after the teleporation glow effect fades, Megatron is ''still standing there''. The boulder ''flies straight through him'' with nobody seeming to care, including Megatron himself.
* When Megatron is talking to Starscream while the Constructicons are building the infuser machine, Starscream is colored like Skywarp.
** Speaking about the Constructicons being hard at work, this sequence is completely missing. We are instead treated to a shot of Megatron and Starscream standing silently for seconds.
* When [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] runs up and uses his [[glass gas]], he is coloured like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Mixmaster spray.JPG|thumb|right|200px|That sure isn't a cave you're in there, Mixmaster.]]
* The animation sequence of Megatron landing at the Autobot base ''is missing entirely'', and is replaced by looped animation from later in the episode of Megatron landing after a jump, along with a recycled snippet of Cliffjumper looking elated after encasing Megatron in ice from just a few seconds earlier.
* As the Autobots help Prime make his decision, the camera pans are missing, and the scene is instead shown as multiple, separate shots. Secondly, Wheeljack's light effects are mis-aligned. Finally, the added lens-effects in Prime's optics makes him look like he's about to cry.
* When the Constructicons move out to dig the passage to the Autobot headquarters, they're all shown outdoors instead of inside the base.
* A tranformation sequence for Trailbreaker, recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", still retains its exterior background even though it's supposed to happen inside Autobot Headquarters.
* When the Autobots arrive at the pit in vehicle mode, Ironhide is seen transforming from robot mode to vehicle mode. Then, he is back in his robot form.
* Instead of using the finished shot, we see recycled animation of a standing Prime being hit when Megatron delivers his final blow. He should be lying on the ground.
* The animation of the lava is absent in a couple of shots.

But, uhhh, hey, that silver DVD case sure is shiny and pretty!

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* Like "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]" before it, the sound effects of this episode are cranked down to near-inaudibility, compared to the music and vocal tracks.
* This episode is also one of several affected by Shout!'s inability to obtain complete master reels to restore the incomplete animation used in the Kid Rhino releases, resulting in 1-inch tape versions being used instead. Picture quality is thus all over the map. The scenes of Megatron approaching Autobot Headquarters are noticably underlit. Several scenes are in visibly softer focus compared to shots before and after, such as the pan of Autobots as Cliffjumper says "I don't trust 'im!"

===Continuity errors===
* This episode gives the first of [[Constructicon (G1)|three contradictory origins]] for the Constructicons.

* The building site that the Constructicons raid is a power plant. One of the construction workers states that it will be able to provide the whole planet with limitless energy, begging the question of why the Decepticons didn't raid such a powerful energy source for energon.

* So this head worker guy sees driverless, talking construction vehicles, that turn into giant malevolent thieving robots with the Decepticon symbol on 'em... but somehow he only figures out that they're Decepticons when Scrapper says they work for Megatron. Is Megatron's name more famous than all the defining aspects of his faction?

* Ironhide is apparently able to detect the Decepticons by himself, without relying on Teletraan I. However, in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]", the Autobots were unable to detect the approaching Decepticons with Teletraan I sabotaged.

* Optimus Prime takes out Devastator with a single shot from his laser rifle, something rather at odds with the later portrayal of combiners as nigh-invulnerable. Maybe they were upgraded?

* It's a bit strange that Starscream of all mechs should be concerned with legalities and suggest that Megatron try to fight honorably... but there ''is'' a touch of sarcasm when he says "You wouldn't want to ''cheat'', would you, Megatron?"

* The Autobots return to headquarters as the Dinobots have begun their battle with Devastator. They have time enough to repair Optimus Prime and detect the Decepticon deception, and meanwhile, the Dinobots are ''still'' fighting Devastator.

* Speaking of which, didn't anybody notice the big flaming hole in the floor of Autobot Headquarters?

* So the Decepticons couldn't '''FLY''' out of the lava when they fell in? Doesn't anybody notice Megatron down there floating in the lava?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode introduces the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].
[[Image:Heavymeatlwar megatron powers.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This fist of mine glows with an awesome power chip rectifier!]]
[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Scavenger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This shovel of mine glows with an awesome sensor reading!]]
[[Image:Heavymetalwar constructicons target teletraan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This computer of mine glows with an awesome lollipop!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Constructicons show off a variety of armaments and abilities, such as Mixmaster melting a whole cement mixer into goop and later firing a stream of rock-melting liquid, Long Haul having dump truck-mode missile launchers (perhaps a nod to his toy's "attack mode"), and Scavenger's shovel-based sensors.
** Long Haul has the rather ''amazing'' ability to fill up his cargo bed with a payload, transform to robot mode, then convert back to dump truck mode... and still have the cargo be there!
** Ironhide detects Megatron's approach using a sensor that displays on his chest, not unlike abilities he displayed in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]], if that's what it's supposed to be, acts a lot more like Ironhide's liquid nitrogen. He shoots a huge stream of it from his retracted wrists, and it encases Megatron in ice.
** Speaking of which, being encased in ice does not affect Megatron's ability to fly.
** Ironhide doesn't even bother retracting his fists; he just shoots lasers right out of them. It's an unusual conceit for ''Transformers'', though [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|not]] [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|unheard of]].
** As explained in this episode, [[power chip rectifier]]s are what give Transformers their unique special abilities.
** The episode gives us a showcase of the Decepticons' most notable abilities, as Megatron uses Starscream's cluster bombs and null rays, Reflector's light-generating abilities, Rumble's earthquakes, Skywarp's teleportation, and Thundercracker's sonic abilities.
*** Incidentally, this is the first time said sonic abilities have been used explicitly. And it's not even by the guy they belong to.
** Optimus shows the strange ability to fire lasers out of his palm. He's blocking Megatron's shot with the other arm at the same time, almost like he's [[Optimus_Primal#Beast_Machines_cartoon|absorbing the energy and shooting it back]].
** Teletraan-1 can make up its own mind to wake up the Dinobots when a threat is detected.
** Snarl's sword can fire energy blasts from its tip.
*** This is also the first appearance of ''any'' of the Dinobots' swords in the cartoon, something that doesn't happen often. Instead of being red, as per the toy and comics, it uses the gray coloring it has in Snarl's package art.
** Hound projects one of his holograms out of both fists.
** Hey, turns out the Constructicons can turn themselves all into one big robot! Wonder if the toys can do that??
* When the Constructicons are tunneling, Scrapper refers to [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] as "[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]". In their [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'']] bio, Dreamwave would paint this as a deliberate derogatory term other Decepticons sometimes refer to him as.
* Soundwave totally pets Ravage on the head like a kittycat. Adorable!
* This episode is also the "source" of the aborted "Lava Bath Safety" deco for the original Megatron toy.

* The ''Law of Cybertron'' will be invoked again many years later, to resolve the Generation 2 War. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|The Autobots Triumph in the Battle of Good Vs. Evil!}}

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Millenium Falcon'' engine burst/whine as the Constructions take off from the construction site.
** Same effect as Megatron leaves Autobot Headquarters.
* Chip provides the episode's requisite dose of "Oh, it's ''educational''" by likening the leaders' combat to the gladiatorial matches of ancient Rome.
* Mixmaster gets in on the act by naming a couple of acids by formula: H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HCl (hydrochloric acid).
* Oh, and the construction site will make energy from the earth's magnetic field. "Magnetic field" sounds like science, right??

===Trivia===
[[Image:SnarlG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And we don't just mean the "horrible rape-related imagery" aspect, either.]]
* The art style of this episode has a distinctively Japanese flavor to it, similar to that of "[[Roll for It]]".
* The animation pretty much gets Devastator's transformation spot-on. Enjoy it while you can; it [[The Core|won't]] [[The Autobot Run|last]].
* Scenes and dialogue deleted from this episode include Wheeljack showing off the latest improvements he has made to the Dinobots outside Autobot Headquarters (during which Megatron arrives), Scavenger referring to Scrapper with the misnomer of "[[Gravedigger]]", and Megatron using Soundwave's mind-reading powers on Optimus Prime during their fight.
**An extended portion of dialogue is also cut from Megatron's address to Optimus Prime, resulting in the rather clumsy line in the finished episode, "Our war has gone on for millions of years -- Decepticons fighting Autobots -- in which opposing leaders -- you and I, Optimus Prime -- may do battle." In the episode's dialogue script, following "Decepticons fighting Autobots," Megatron finishes his first sentence by lamenting the endless nature of the war. Prime shares in his regret, but deems it necessary as long as Megatron continues his pursuit of conquest. Megatron then speaks again, raising the topic of the "age-old law of combat," then picking up the finished line from "in which opposing leaders..."
[[Image:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The "red robot" is clearly blue.]]
* During Teletraan I's montage of the sources of Megatron's acquired powers, the descriptions for the individual Decepticons are verbatim quotes from the [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage34.html Transformers Series Bible's "Decepticon Rollcall" page], albeit including several lost-in-translation typographical errors ("Decepticon Lider", "Decepticon Commicator", "Sky Warp"). The most notable of those is [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (misspelled as "Runble") being identified as a [[FIRRIB|"red robot"]]. Furthermore, the seemingly random numbers listed on those screens are actually Hasbro's product codes for the respective toys. Interestingly enough, [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] is given a product number, even though he was never released at mass retail. However, the renditions of the Decepticons are ''not'' the official [[character model]] poses for those characters, but rather all-new drawings.
* The head construction worker's cry as Scavenger drops him is recycled from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]" (from when Laserbeak kidnaps two security guards.)
* The episode's ending sure seems intended as a potential conclusion to the series, just in case it wasn't renewed for a second season. Turns out that ''Transformers'' was a bit of a hit, so that whole falling-into-lava thing was ignored.
*The hologram image Hound projected went anonymous for 26 years until it received an identity at [[BotCon 2010]] as the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard member]] [[Halo]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 10: "Heavy Metal War" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-11-20T19:31:00Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
**[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (4)
**[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
**[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
* It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene...and then they show him with drills on his hands.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. The Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

===Trivia===
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-11-20T19:30:28Z

184.56.148.244: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
* It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene...and then they show him with drills on his hands.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. The Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

===Trivia===
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]