MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Fires of the Past

2008-03-04T04:47:52Z

190.58.152.233: /* Continuity Errors */

{{cleanup}}
[[Image:FiresPast_titlescreen.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |03 |prev= Master of the House |next=Mercenary Pursuits}}

'''Stymied time and again by his Maximal foes, Megatron brings three new Generals online.'''

==Summary==
While the [[Maximals]] search the Cybertronian Archives for answers to what has happened to the population, they are attacked by [[Vehicon]] drones. [[Rattrap]], who went inside to look, returns and explains all the history of the planet has been erased. Overwhelmed by drones, and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] having odd visions, the Maximals retreat. [[Optimus Primal|Optimus]] is not incredibly happy about the failures of the team. Blackarachnia sneaks off on her own to the Central Space Port, Rattrap sneaking after her. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], annoyed by the incompetence of his drones, summons three sparks and places them in three Vehicon Generals:
*[[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] - Aerodrone General.
*[[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] - Cycle Drone General.
*[[Tankor]] - Tank Drone General.
Blackarachnia and Rattrap flee to another chamber where Blackarachnia locates their Autobot shuttle used to reach Cybertron. Blackarachnia plans to download the backup memory files of the shuttle to find out what happened, but Megatron also plans to downloads her memories to locate the Maximal base. Rattrap learns of this and has to cut the power of the shuttle. Thankfully, Blackarachnia remembered the missing members of the team - [[Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. The Generals attack, but Optimus and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] leap in to save their comrades.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Marv Wolfman]]<br>
'''Original Air Date:''' October 2, 1999

'''Major Characters (in order of appearance):''' Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Optimus Primal, Megatron, Jetstorm, Thrust, Tankor<br>
'''Minor Characters (in order of appearance):''' Tank Drones

==Notes==
===Technical/Animation Glitches===
*Glitch

===Continuity Errors===

* Optimus Primal seems very insistent on Blackarachnia reverting back to beast mode despite not knowing the reason why she ''should'' until much later in the episode.

* Why would a Diagnostic Drone be so grossly inaccurate when he told Megatron that his organic purging was complete? He even chalks up the mistake to 'random residual biological-', right before being blasted by Megatron's ''extremely'' biological beast mode.

===Transformers References===
[[Image:Statue rockandrollhalloffame.jpg|thumb|He won the spelling bee by correctly spelling "[[Hun-Gurrr]]" and "[[Deathsaurus]]".]]
*A giant statue of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] holding two [[Golden Disk]]s stands in front of the [[Hall of Archives]].
:''Writer [[Bob Skir]] claims that neither the statue nor the golden disks in its hands were mentioned the script. However, he suggested that they were either the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|disks]] from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, or that Optimus won them in the 2,395,989th Annual Cybertronian spelling bee.<ref>[http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Tue_12_Oct_1999.html Q&A from Bigbot's "bobskir.com"]</ref> We're betting on the latter.''

===Real-World References===
*Reference

==External Links==
{{reflist}}

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

Fires of the Past

2008-03-04T04:43:20Z

190.58.152.233: /* Continuity Errors */

{{cleanup}}
[[Image:FiresPast_titlescreen.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |03 |prev= Master of the House |next=Mercenary Pursuits}}

'''Stymied time and again by his Maximal foes, Megatron brings three new Generals online.'''

==Summary==
While the [[Maximals]] search the Cybertronian Archives for answers to what has happened to the population, they are attacked by [[Vehicon]] drones. [[Rattrap]], who went inside to look, returns and explains all the history of the planet has been erased. Overwhelmed by drones, and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] having odd visions, the Maximals retreat. [[Optimus Primal|Optimus]] is not incredibly happy about the failures of the team. Blackarachnia sneaks off on her own to the Central Space Port, Rattrap sneaking after her. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], annoyed by the incompetence of his drones, summons three sparks and places them in three Vehicon Generals:
*[[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] - Aerodrone General.
*[[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] - Cycle Drone General.
*[[Tankor]] - Tank Drone General.
Blackarachnia and Rattrap flee to another chamber where Blackarachnia locates their Autobot shuttle used to reach Cybertron. Blackarachnia plans to download the backup memory files of the shuttle to find out what happened, but Megatron also plans to downloads her memories to locate the Maximal base. Rattrap learns of this and has to cut the power of the shuttle. Thankfully, Blackarachnia remembered the missing members of the team - [[Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. The Generals attack, but Optimus and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] leap in to save their comrades.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Marv Wolfman]]<br>
'''Original Air Date:''' October 2, 1999

'''Major Characters (in order of appearance):''' Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Optimus Primal, Megatron, Jetstorm, Thrust, Tankor<br>
'''Minor Characters (in order of appearance):''' Tank Drones

==Notes==
===Technical/Animation Glitches===
*Glitch

===Continuity Errors===

* Optimus Primal seems very insistent on Blackarachnia reverting back to beast mode despite not knowing the reason why she ''should'' until much later in the episode.

* Why would a Diagnostic Drone be so grossly inaccurate when he told Megatron that his organic purging was complete?

===Transformers References===
[[Image:Statue rockandrollhalloffame.jpg|thumb|He won the spelling bee by correctly spelling "[[Hun-Gurrr]]" and "[[Deathsaurus]]".]]
*A giant statue of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] holding two [[Golden Disk]]s stands in front of the [[Hall of Archives]].
:''Writer [[Bob Skir]] claims that neither the statue nor the golden disks in its hands were mentioned the script. However, he suggested that they were either the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|disks]] from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, or that Optimus won them in the 2,395,989th Annual Cybertronian spelling bee.<ref>[http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Tue_12_Oct_1999.html Q&A from Bigbot's "bobskir.com"]</ref> We're betting on the latter.''

===Real-World References===
*Reference

==External Links==
{{reflist}}

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

Master of the House

2008-03-04T04:39:19Z

190.58.152.233: /* Continuity Errors */

[[image:MasterHouse_titlescreen.jpg|thumb|300px|If you need to learn how to transform, why not just read the instructions?]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |02 |prev= The Reformatting |next=Fires of the Past}}

'''After their reformatting, the amnesiac Maximals come face to face with the source of their troubles.'''

==Summary==
Underground, where the Vehicons have failed to look, the four Maximals gather. Under the teachings of Optimus Primal, the team try to relearn their new [[transformation]]s. However, it is no longer simple command codes, but now requires emotional balance and deep concentration since their reformatting at the hands of the [[Vector Sigma#Beast Era|Oracle]]. [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] manage to use their technorganic transformations properly, but [[Rattrap]] still has trouble with his new body. But their time in robot mode is limited, as a rumbling shakes the chamber and a [[Mole Drone]] attacks the Maximals. The shock has forced Cheetor and Blackarachnia back into their beast modes, and they take shelter behind Primal.

Optimus leaps in front of the frightened Maximals and deflects the blasts, all the while explaining that they reverted because they lost their emotional balance. Primal destroys the mindless Vehicon with a blast of energy, but knows it's time to leave, hopefully to find a new base and continue their transformation lessons. However, his idea is met with mild rebuff by Cheetor and Blackarachnia. They believe that they should seek out any survivors and reformat them, using them to destroy the drones. But Optimus overrules them, saying they need to get a handle on their new transformations before they go out looking for trouble. They split up to search out a new base. Blackarachnia and Cheetor are paired together(real smart pairing them up, ya big [[Trukk not munky|munky]]), and Rattrap and Primal go the opposite way.

Cheetor and Blackarachnia (with some goading on Blackarachnia's part) decide to go topside. As soon as they clamber up from the caves, they discover that they are in [[Cybertropolis]], the new capital of Cybertron after [[Iacon]]'s destruction. But there is a problem; Cybertropolis should be home to "ten million Transformers", but the duo find it deserted, and [[Cybertron InfoCore]] has been deleted.

Before the pair can investigate further, they are attacked by [[Aero Drone]]s, and plunge off the side of a building before they can slide to safety. As he runs, Cheetor attempts to transform, but he hasn't found his spiritual center yet and remains in cat mode. Blackarachnia traps two of the jets with her webs, but more arrive. Fortunately, Optimus arrives. He quickly transforms into robot mode and takes to the air, but is soon overwhelmed.

Cheetor and Blackarachnia manage to transform, and they quickly dispatch the drones, Blackarachnia using electrical "stinger" energy and Cheetor's scimitars. Optimus scolds Cheetor for disobeying orders, but is intruiged at their findings. Optimus orders the group to head to the [[Council Citadel]], hoping to find answers. Rattrap moves ahead of the rest of the group but encounters Tank Drones. Optimus orders Cheetor and Blackarachnia to hold off the drones while he investigates inside. When he gets inside, he heads to the chambers of the [[Maximal Elder]]s.

Reaching the council meeting room, Primal comes face to face with the leader of the drones—[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], now encased in a suit of control armor. He greets Primal cordially, and decides to "fill in" the gaps in Primal's memory. Megatron claims that he won the [[Beast Wars]], and that he decided to remodel Cybertron into his own image, one of technological purity, devoid of organic life. Thus, he explains, came the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s, [[spark]]less Transformers who will serve Megatron and crush Primal's "mongrel" Maximals.

However, the Maximals manage to survive the Vehicons, their technorganic bodies and Spark-powered ingenuity foiling the mindless might of the drones. Frustrated by the Maximals' survival, and with some goading by Primal, the enraged Megatron breaks free of his harness and transforms into his [[Transmetal 2]] [[alternate mode|beast mode]], deactivating the drones in the process. Primal and Megatron fight, but Megatron reconnects to his [[control harness]], and summons more Vehicons, mocking Primal all the while. The Maximals arrive, and barely manage to drag Primal away.

When the Maximals inquire about what happened, Primal tells them that this all happened because he failed to destroy Megatron. However, it is now up to Primal to correct that mistake.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Marty Isenberg]], [[Bob Skir]]<br>
'''Original Air Date:''' September 25, 1999

'''Major Characters (in order of appearance):''' [[Blackarachnia]], [[Cheetor]], [[Rattrap]], [[Optimus Primal]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]<br>
'''Minor Characters (in order of appearance):''' [[Mole Drone]]s, [[Aero Drone]]s, [[Tank Drone]]s, [[Cycle Drone]]s

==Notes==
===Technical/Animation Glitches===
*Glitch

===Continuity Errors===
* Blackarchania seems to know an awful lot about the Cybertron InfoCore even though she only activated on prehistoric earth during the [[Beast Wars]].

* Megatron is scarred across his right eye. Unless something happened to him between the end of Beast Wars and the start of Beast Machines, the origin of that scar is a mystery, which, to this day, has not been explained.

===Transformers References===
*References

===Real-World References===
*Reference

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

The Weak Component

2008-03-04T04:32:52Z

190.58.152.233: /* Notes */

[[Image:Weak component pretty.jpg|thumb|300px|<div style="text-align:right;padding-right:2em;">''Am I my enemy's hero?</div>]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |06 |prev= Forbidden Fruit |next=Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

'''Frustrated by his inability to transform and ashamed of his uselessness, Rattrap makes a deal with the devil.'''

==Summary==
Optimus Primal, still exhausted after Nightscream's recent reformatting, awakens from a dream and is informed by Blackarachnia that Rattrap is on a recon mission with Cheetor and Nightscream.

At a manufacturing facility, Rattrap, Nightscream and Cheetor are being attacked by Aero Drones and Tank Drones. Since Rattrap still is unable to transform, Cheetor orders him go and download the data from the computers. As Megatron observes this, a Diagnostic Drone warns him that the DNA purging process is still in its experimental stage. But Megatron, eager to be rid of his hated beast mode, wishes to proceed before the Maximals can discover any more “mongrel beasts”.

During the fight, Nightscream uses his sonic powers and discovers that if they attack the generals, the drones stop operating. Cheetor and Nightscream plan to ambush Tankor to test the theory.

Unfortunately, Rattrap observes the ensuing entrapment setup from his computer, unaware of the plan. He finally transforms successfully, and being eager to help, swings into action as Nightscream and Cheetor are attempting to disable Tankor and Jetstorm. His interference ends up spoiling the ambush, however, and causes the factory's machinery to start operating and building more Tank Drones at a faster and faster rate. Rattrap realises his robot form is unarmed, so he is unable to help in the battle.

As the new tank drones run wild, Megatron takes control. Rattrap attempts to stop the manufacture of the drones by linking himself into the main computer, only to become a sitting target for Megatron's Aero Drones. The resulting feedback travels along the power cables and causes a system failure, the total destruction of the manufacturing plant, and a power cut for the whole sector.

On their way back to their base, Cheetor and Nightscream harshly reprimand Rattrap for not following orders. Rattrap later complains to a sleeping Optimus Primal about his robot mode, when the others appear. Cheetor knocks Rattrap to the ground, ordering him to transform to beast mode; this jolt to Rattrap's system causes him to realise Megatron is weak as he replays vital stats he downloaded earlier. However, Cheetor brushes off his suggestions of an attack on their weakened enemy.

Rattrap overhears Blackarachnia, Cheetor and Nightscream discussing what to do with him and how he is such a burden with his useless robot mode. Infuriated, he leaves the base alone.

[[Image:Rattrap-bm-withmegatron.jpg|thumb|left|My shoulder angel!]]

Megatron is being told the extent of the damage caused by the feedback earlier, when Rattrap saunters into his citadel, saying he wants “noisemakers”. After a bit of back and forth, Megatron and Rattrap work out a deal wherein Rattrap will defend Megatron for one night when he is at his weakest. If anything happens to Megatron, Rattrap forfeits his new weaponry.

Unexpectedly, Cheetor, Nightscream and Blackarachnia arrive to rescue Rattrap, forcing Rattrap to honour his word with Megatron—and he does so, firing on his friends as they advance. While this is happening, Megatron returns to full strength and begins rebooting his control of Cybertron. The Maximals and Rattrap are at an impasse when Optimus Primal arrives, still exhausted, and asks Rattrap to look inside himself and re-evaluate what he's doing. Primal tells him that Rattrap is stronger than any of them realize.

Megatron orders Rattrap to to attack Optimus Primal, but Rattrap reiterates the terms of the deal: The sun is rising, the solar cycle is over, and Rattrap has kept his end of the bargain. Impressed with Rattrap's handling of the situation, Megatron upholds his word and lets the Maximals walk away. Megatron vows to his Diagnostic Drone that they shall liberate the Maximals' sparks another day.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Rodney Gibbs]]<br>
'''Original air date:''' October 23, 1999
{{fetchr
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]
* [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]
* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]
* [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]

|h2=[[Vehicon]]s
|c2=
* [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]
* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]
* [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]
* [[Diagnostic Drone]]
* [[Aero drone]]s
* [[Tank Drone]]s
* [[Motorcycle Drone]]s
|}}

==Notes==

* Oddly enough, despite the number of perceived character inconsistencies in this episode ''(see below)'', this is the first episode of Beast Machines where Megatron utters his characteristic ''"Yesss."'' at the end of a sentence.

===Perceived characterization inconsistencies===

* This episode was the source of some controversy, as Rattrap was arguably depicted as being a "traitor" to the Maximals, something many fans claimed was completely against the grain of his character.

* Fans also complained about Megatron's behavior at the end. Whereas [[Nemesis Part 2|before]], he would have crushed a [[Dinobot II|subordinate]] for merely mentioning "the h-word," here he makes a huge point of displaying honor when he keeps his word to Rattrap at the end of the episode—and with no ulterior motives.

* In fact, either side could have potentially won the war right here, but the two characters with the least scruples suddenly became interested in fair play for no reason—other than to keep the series from ending, obviously.

* Other fans counter the points above by mentioning that Megatron implies Rattrap deserves to win because of his gambling skills, which refers back to Megatron's repeated use of gambling and card-playing idioms throughout the Beast Wars. It is suggested in return that "he played a fair hand" doesn't align with how Megatron used gambling lingo before, since he previously emphasized cheating (such as "stacking the deck") rather than fair play.

===Technical/animation glitches===
* When Rattrap says, "Gangway! Rat crossing!" and the Vehicons turn towards the camera, Jetstorm's mouth angles upwards, over his nose.

{{-}}

===Continuity errors===
* How exactly does a power surge on a lone factory's control console directly affect Megatron, and ultimately, Cybertron itself? Granted, he does act as a master control for the entire planet, but this would mean that a power surge at ''any'' terminal can mean curtains for Megatron.

{{-}}

===Transformers references===
*References

{{-}}
===Real-world references===
* When the weakened Megatron sees Rattrap in his chamber, he remarks: "Ah, so this is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but with a simpering...rodent." This is a paraphrased quote from the poem "The Hollow Men" by T.S. Eliot.

{{-}}

==External links==
*Link

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

The Weak Component

2008-03-04T04:25:30Z

190.58.152.233: /* Continuity errors */

[[Image:Weak component pretty.jpg|thumb|300px|<div style="text-align:right;padding-right:2em;">''Am I my enemy's hero?</div>]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |06 |prev= Forbidden Fruit |next=Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

'''Frustrated by his inability to transform and ashamed of his uselessness, Rattrap makes a deal with the devil.'''

==Summary==
Optimus Primal, still exhausted after Nightscream's recent reformatting, awakens from a dream and is informed by Blackarachnia that Rattrap is on a recon mission with Cheetor and Nightscream.

At a manufacturing facility, Rattrap, Nightscream and Cheetor are being attacked by Aero Drones and Tank Drones. Since Rattrap still is unable to transform, Cheetor orders him go and download the data from the computers. As Megatron observes this, a Diagnostic Drone warns him that the DNA purging process is still in its experimental stage. But Megatron, eager to be rid of his hated beast mode, wishes to proceed before the Maximals can discover any more “mongrel beasts”.

During the fight, Nightscream uses his sonic powers and discovers that if they attack the generals, the drones stop operating. Cheetor and Nightscream plan to ambush Tankor to test the theory.

Unfortunately, Rattrap observes the ensuing entrapment setup from his computer, unaware of the plan. He finally transforms successfully, and being eager to help, swings into action as Nightscream and Cheetor are attempting to disable Tankor and Jetstorm. His interference ends up spoiling the ambush, however, and causes the factory's machinery to start operating and building more Tank Drones at a faster and faster rate. Rattrap realises his robot form is unarmed, so he is unable to help in the battle.

As the new tank drones run wild, Megatron takes control. Rattrap attempts to stop the manufacture of the drones by linking himself into the main computer, only to become a sitting target for Megatron's Aero Drones. The resulting feedback travels along the power cables and causes a system failure, the total destruction of the manufacturing plant, and a power cut for the whole sector.

On their way back to their base, Cheetor and Nightscream harshly reprimand Rattrap for not following orders. Rattrap later complains to a sleeping Optimus Primal about his robot mode, when the others appear. Cheetor knocks Rattrap to the ground, ordering him to transform to beast mode; this jolt to Rattrap's system causes him to realise Megatron is weak as he replays vital stats he downloaded earlier. However, Cheetor brushes off his suggestions of an attack on their weakened enemy.

Rattrap overhears Blackarachnia, Cheetor and Nightscream discussing what to do with him and how he is such a burden with his useless robot mode. Infuriated, he leaves the base alone.

[[Image:Rattrap-bm-withmegatron.jpg|thumb|left|My shoulder angel!]]

Megatron is being told the extent of the damage caused by the feedback earlier, when Rattrap saunters into his citadel, saying he wants “noisemakers”. After a bit of back and forth, Megatron and Rattrap work out a deal wherein Rattrap will defend Megatron for one night when he is at his weakest. If anything happens to Megatron, Rattrap forfeits his new weaponry.

Unexpectedly, Cheetor, Nightscream and Blackarachnia arrive to rescue Rattrap, forcing Rattrap to honour his word with Megatron—and he does so, firing on his friends as they advance. While this is happening, Megatron returns to full strength and begins rebooting his control of Cybertron. The Maximals and Rattrap are at an impasse when Optimus Primal arrives, still exhausted, and asks Rattrap to look inside himself and re-evaluate what he's doing. Primal tells him that Rattrap is stronger than any of them realize.

Megatron orders Rattrap to to attack Optimus Primal, but Rattrap reiterates the terms of the deal: The sun is rising, the solar cycle is over, and Rattrap has kept his end of the bargain. Impressed with Rattrap's handling of the situation, Megatron upholds his word and lets the Maximals walk away. Megatron vows to his Diagnostic Drone that they shall liberate the Maximals' sparks another day.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Rodney Gibbs]]<br>
'''Original air date:''' October 23, 1999
{{fetchr
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]
* [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]
* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]
* [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]

|h2=[[Vehicon]]s
|c2=
* [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]
* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]
* [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]
* [[Diagnostic Drone]]
* [[Aero drone]]s
* [[Tank Drone]]s
* [[Motorcycle Drone]]s
|}}

==Notes==

===Perceived characterization inconsistencies===

* This episode was the source of some controversy, as Rattrap was arguably depicted as being a "traitor" to the Maximals, something many fans claimed was completely against the grain of his character.

* Fans also complained about Megatron's behavior at the end. Whereas [[Nemesis Part 2|before]], he would have crushed a [[Dinobot II|subordinate]] for merely mentioning "the h-word," here he makes a huge point of displaying honor when he keeps his word to Rattrap at the end of the episode—and with no ulterior motives.

* In fact, either side could have potentially won the war right here, but the two characters with the least scruples suddenly became interested in fair play for no reason—other than to keep the series from ending, obviously.

* Other fans counter the points above by mentioning that Megatron implies Rattrap deserves to win because of his gambling skills, which refers back to Megatron's repeated use of gambling and card-playing idioms throughout the Beast Wars. It is suggested in return that "he played a fair hand" doesn't align with how Megatron used gambling lingo before, since he previously emphasized cheating (such as "stacking the deck") rather than fair play.

===Technical/animation glitches===
* When Rattrap says, "Gangway! Rat crossing!" and the Vehicons turn towards the camera, Jetstorm's mouth angles upwards, over his nose.

{{-}}

===Continuity errors===
* How exactly does a power surge on a lone factory's control console directly affect Megatron, and ultimately, Cybertron itself? Granted, he does act as a master control for the entire planet, but this would mean that a power surge at ''any'' terminal can mean curtains for Megatron.

{{-}}

===Transformers references===
*References

{{-}}
===Real-world references===
* When the weakened Megatron sees Rattrap in his chamber, he remarks: "Ah, so this is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but with a simpering...rodent." This is a paraphrased quote from the poem "The Hollow Men" by T.S. Eliot.

{{-}}

==External links==
*Link

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

The Weak Component

2008-03-04T04:09:22Z

190.58.152.233: /* Technical/animation glitches */

[[Image:Weak component pretty.jpg|thumb|300px|<div style="text-align:right;padding-right:2em;">''Am I my enemy's hero?</div>]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |06 |prev= Forbidden Fruit |next=Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

'''Frustrated by his inability to transform and ashamed of his uselessness, Rattrap makes a deal with the devil.'''

==Summary==
Optimus Primal, still exhausted after Nightscream's recent reformatting, awakens from a dream and is informed by Blackarachnia that Rattrap is on a recon mission with Cheetor and Nightscream.

At a manufacturing facility, Rattrap, Nightscream and Cheetor are being attacked by Aero Drones and Tank Drones. Since Rattrap still is unable to transform, Cheetor orders him go and download the data from the computers. As Megatron observes this, a Diagnostic Drone warns him that the DNA purging process is still in its experimental stage. But Megatron, eager to be rid of his hated beast mode, wishes to proceed before the Maximals can discover any more “mongrel beasts”.

During the fight, Nightscream uses his sonic powers and discovers that if they attack the generals, the drones stop operating. Cheetor and Nightscream plan to ambush Tankor to test the theory.

Unfortunately, Rattrap observes the ensuing entrapment setup from his computer, unaware of the plan. He finally transforms successfully, and being eager to help, swings into action as Nightscream and Cheetor are attempting to disable Tankor and Jetstorm. His interference ends up spoiling the ambush, however, and causes the factory's machinery to start operating and building more Tank Drones at a faster and faster rate. Rattrap realises his robot form is unarmed, so he is unable to help in the battle.

As the new tank drones run wild, Megatron takes control. Rattrap attempts to stop the manufacture of the drones by linking himself into the main computer, only to become a sitting target for Megatron's Aero Drones. The resulting feedback travels along the power cables and causes a system failure, the total destruction of the manufacturing plant, and a power cut for the whole sector.

On their way back to their base, Cheetor and Nightscream harshly reprimand Rattrap for not following orders. Rattrap later complains to a sleeping Optimus Primal about his robot mode, when the others appear. Cheetor knocks Rattrap to the ground, ordering him to transform to beast mode; this jolt to Rattrap's system causes him to realise Megatron is weak as he replays vital stats he downloaded earlier. However, Cheetor brushes off his suggestions of an attack on their weakened enemy.

Rattrap overhears Blackarachnia, Cheetor and Nightscream discussing what to do with him and how he is such a burden with his useless robot mode. Infuriated, he leaves the base alone.

[[Image:Rattrap-bm-withmegatron.jpg|thumb|left|My shoulder angel!]]

Megatron is being told the extent of the damage caused by the feedback earlier, when Rattrap saunters into his citadel, saying he wants “noisemakers”. After a bit of back and forth, Megatron and Rattrap work out a deal wherein Rattrap will defend Megatron for one night when he is at his weakest. If anything happens to Megatron, Rattrap forfeits his new weaponry.

Unexpectedly, Cheetor, Nightscream and Blackarachnia arrive to rescue Rattrap, forcing Rattrap to honour his word with Megatron—and he does so, firing on his friends as they advance. While this is happening, Megatron returns to full strength and begins rebooting his control of Cybertron. The Maximals and Rattrap are at an impasse when Optimus Primal arrives, still exhausted, and asks Rattrap to look inside himself and re-evaluate what he's doing. Primal tells him that Rattrap is stronger than any of them realize.

Megatron orders Rattrap to to attack Optimus Primal, but Rattrap reiterates the terms of the deal: The sun is rising, the solar cycle is over, and Rattrap has kept his end of the bargain. Impressed with Rattrap's handling of the situation, Megatron upholds his word and lets the Maximals walk away. Megatron vows to his Diagnostic Drone that they shall liberate the Maximals' sparks another day.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Rodney Gibbs]]<br>
'''Original air date:''' October 23, 1999
{{fetchr
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]
* [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]
* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]
* [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]

|h2=[[Vehicon]]s
|c2=
* [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]
* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]
* [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]
* [[Diagnostic Drone]]
* [[Aero drone]]s
* [[Tank Drone]]s
* [[Motorcycle Drone]]s
|}}

==Notes==

===Perceived characterization inconsistencies===

* This episode was the source of some controversy, as Rattrap was arguably depicted as being a "traitor" to the Maximals, something many fans claimed was completely against the grain of his character.

* Fans also complained about Megatron's behavior at the end. Whereas [[Nemesis Part 2|before]], he would have crushed a [[Dinobot II|subordinate]] for merely mentioning "the h-word," here he makes a huge point of displaying honor when he keeps his word to Rattrap at the end of the episode—and with no ulterior motives.

* In fact, either side could have potentially won the war right here, but the two characters with the least scruples suddenly became interested in fair play for no reason—other than to keep the series from ending, obviously.

* Other fans counter the points above by mentioning that Megatron implies Rattrap deserves to win because of his gambling skills, which refers back to Megatron's repeated use of gambling and card-playing idioms throughout the Beast Wars. It is suggested in return that "he played a fair hand" doesn't align with how Megatron used gambling lingo before, since he previously emphasized cheating (such as "stacking the deck") rather than fair play.

===Technical/animation glitches===
* When Rattrap says, "Gangway! Rat crossing!" and the Vehicons turn towards the camera, Jetstorm's mouth angles upwards, over his nose.

{{-}}

===Continuity errors===
*Error

{{-}}
===Transformers references===
*References

{{-}}
===Real-world references===
* When the weakened Megatron sees Rattrap in his chamber, he remarks: "Ah, so this is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but with a simpering...rodent." This is a paraphrased quote from the poem "The Hollow Men" by T.S. Eliot.

{{-}}

==External links==
*Link

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

Mercenary Pursuits

2008-03-04T03:36:36Z

190.58.152.233: /* Transformers References */

{{epstub}}

[[Image:MercenaryPursuits_titlescreen.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |04 |prev= Fires of the Past |next=Forbidden Fruit}}

'''The Maximals have a second run-in with the Vehicon generals, and sense the presence of a familiar Spark.'''

==Summary==
Megatron rebukes his Vehicon generals for failing to destroy the Maximals, refusing to accept failure; he sends them forth with promises of rewards to whichever one captures the Maximals.

Optimus Primal contemplates the images of Rhinox and Silverbolt and vows to find them. His meditation is interrupted when he senses the presence of a Spark; the team goes out to find it. During the search, Rattrap beaks into a secure laboratory and discovers the transformation inhibitor virus which Megatron used... and a counter-virus as well, a transformation enhancer. Rattrap swipes the enhancer while Cheetor's back is turned.

While Thrust and Jetstorm squabble, Tankor manages to find the Maximals, who elude him by reverting to beast mode... until Rattrap shows up, able to transform at last thanks to the enhancer. This alerts Tankor, of course, who attacks the team. Rattrap finds he's unable to control his transformations, as he continually changes between robot and beast mode, including some odd intermediate forms as well.

Tankor who traps the Maximals under a metal dome. Thrust and Jet Storm arrive and fight Tankor for the right to bring in the captive Maximals; the distraction allows the Maximals escape from the dome, but an explosion knocks out all the Transformers present, leaving only the durable Tankor standing.

At the Citade, Megatron gloats to the captured Maximals, while Tankor demands his reward: "freedom" via the removal of his spark. Rattrap's continual transformations strain his bonds to the breaking point, freeing him; he quickly releases the others. During the ensuing fight, Megatron loses control and breaks free of his control harness; Primal talks directly to Tankor's Spark, compelling him to do what is right. After a moment of confusion, Tankor blasts open the door so the Maximals can escape, and leaves with them.

Restored to his harness, Megatron interfaces directly with Tankor's CPU, deleting the last 20 cycles of his memory. Thus Tankor suddenly attacks the Maximals again as they travel underground; Megatron blocks Primals attempts to speak to Tankor's Spark again. The Maximals trip up Tankor as he's preparing to fire; the cannon backblast sends him flying upwards through Cybertron's sublevels, only to crash back down to the surface atop a startled Thrust and Jet Storm.

Primal explains to the other Maximals that he sensed something familiar about Tankor's Spark... but then it was gone.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Michael Reaves]]<br>
'''Original Air Date:''' October 9, 1999

'''Major Characters (in order of appearance):''' Megatron, Tankor, Thrust, Jet Storm, Optimus Primal, Rat Trap, Black Arachnia, Cheetor<br>
'''Minor Characters (in order of appearance):''' Characters

==Notes==
===Technical/Animation Glitches===
*Glitch

===Continuity Errors===
*Error

===Transformers References===
* Rattrap racing across the bridge to aid Tankorr when he accidentally gains wheels in beast mode as a result of the virus is a reference to his Transmetal vehicle mode in Beast Wars.

===Real-World References===
* As Rattrap finds the transformation enhancer, he exclaims "Good-bye fur coat; hello full metal jacket!" A ''full metal jacket'' is a copper bullet casing commonly used by infantrymen, as well as the title of a Stanley Kubrick film.

==External Links==
*Link

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

Fires of the Past

2008-03-04T03:07:35Z

190.58.152.233: /* Continuity Errors */

{{cleanup}}
[[Image:FiresPast_titlescreen.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

{{episodenav |BM |season=1 |03 |prev= Master of the House |next=Mercenary Pursuits}}

'''Stymied time and again by his Maximal foes, Megatron brings three new Generals online.'''

==Summary==
While the [[Maximals]] search the Cybertronian Archives for answers to what has happened to the population, they are attacked by [[Vehicon]] drones. [[Rattrap]], who went inside to look, returns and explains all the history of the planet has been erased. Overwhelmed by drones, and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] having odd visions, the Maximals retreat. [[Optimus Primal|Optimus]] is not incredibly happy about the failures of the team. Blackarachnia sneaks off on her own to the Central Space Port, Rattrap sneaking after her. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], annoyed by the incompetence of his drones, summons three sparks and places them in three Vehicon Generals:
*[[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] - Aerodrone General.
*[[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] - Cycle Drone General.
*[[Tankor]] - Tank Drone General.
Blackarachnia and Rattrap flee to another chamber where Blackarachnia locates their Autobot shuttle used to reach Cybertron. Blackarachnia plans to download the backup memory files of the shuttle to find out what happened, but Megatron also plans to downloads her memories to locate the Maximal base. Rattrap learns of this and has to cut the power of the shuttle. Thankfully, Blackarachnia remembered the missing members of the team - [[Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. The Generals attack, but Optimus and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] leap in to save their comrades.

==Quotes==

==Stats==
'''Writers:''' [[Marv Wolfman]]<br>
'''Original Air Date:''' October 2, 1999

'''Major Characters (in order of appearance):''' Blackarachnia, Cheetor, Optimus Primal, Megatron, Jetstorm, Thrust, Tankor<br>
'''Minor Characters (in order of appearance):''' Tank Drones

==Notes==
===Technical/Animation Glitches===
*Glitch

===Continuity Errors===

*Optimus Primal seems very insistent on Blackarachnia reverting back to beast mode despite not knowing the reason why she ''should'' until much later in the episode.

===Transformers References===
[[Image:Statue rockandrollhalloffame.jpg|thumb|He won the spelling bee by correctly spelling "[[Hun-Gurrr]]" and "[[Deathsaurus]]".]]
*A giant statue of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] holding two [[Golden Disk]]s stands in front of the [[Hall of Archives]].
:''Writer [[Bob Skir]] claims that neither the statue nor the golden disks in its hands were mentioned the script. However, he suggested that they were either the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|disks]] from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, or that Optimus won them in the 2,395,989th Annual Cybertronian spelling bee.<ref>[http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Tue_12_Oct_1999.html Q&A from Bigbot's "bobskir.com"]</ref> We're betting on the latter.''

===Real-World References===
*Reference

==External Links==
{{reflist}}

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