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Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2008-04-20T21:28:56Z

24.131.126.160: /* Summary */

[[Image:Countdown Extinction timer.JPG|thumb|350px|Surrender the galaxy or we will destroy Earth...Sorry.]]
{{episodenav|g1|season=1|14|prev=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|next=A Plague of Insecticons}}
{{episodenav|SRLFtoon|9|prev=War of the Dinobots|next=Heavy Metal War}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, Starscream seizes control of the Decepticons and puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

'''Japanese title:''' "Operation: Obliterate Earth"

==Summary==
[[Image:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|150px|I think my toy had something like this.]]
The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones to notice Megatron's absence.

[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], believing Megatron destroyed, forces [[Doctor Arkeville]] to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[Image:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|right|thumb|150px|Freeze, this is the DPD!]]
Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron]] which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

Meanwhile on Earth, Megatron has returned to the Decepticons having survived the explosion of his starship. When he learns that Starscream and Doctor Arkeville are apparently working together he sets off in pursuit with the other Decepticons.

The Autobots detect the Decepticon activity and set off after them. After a short battle the Autobots are trapped in quicksand. [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] freezes the quicksand with his liquid nitrogen allowing them to escape. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who was standing guard over them, is captured and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] forces him to play his findings. The Autobots learn that the Decepticons are heading for the Doctor's secret laboratory and they set off to follow them.

[[Image:Archevillebot.jpg|left|thumb|Stephen Hawking in a rare Transformers cameo.]]
The Doctor, unwilling to let Starscream benefit from the Earth's destruction, attempts to sabotage the energy collectors but the Decepticon security system stuns him with a blast of electricity. Starscream has the badly-injured Doctor 'repaired' by the [[medicroid]]s, leaving him more machine now than man. Of course, he was twisted and evil to start with, so.

The Autobots arrive at the laboratory and battle each other again. Unaware of the danger it represents, Megatron covets the exponential generator and fights Optimus Prime for its possession. During the fight Megatron receives a communication from Shockwave on Cybertron.

Shockwave, unwilling to serve Starscream, warns Megatron about the timer and Starscream's plan. Megatron rips the timer from the wall just in time. On Cybertron, Starscream is baffled that the Earth has not exploded and sets off back to check the timer.

[[Image:CountdownToExtinction.jpg|right|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Prime]] helps [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to shoot his load.]]
The exponential generator has become volatile and begins to go critical, ready to explode. Prime rips it away from Megatron, but the [[Decepticon leader]] says he needs the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]'s help. [[Transformation|Transforming]], Megatron tells Prime to load the generator into his gun barrel, and then fires it into space. It explodes and the blast sends Starscream crashing to Earth where Megatron is waiting for him.

With the threat ended, the Autobots let the Decepticons go. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] wonders what will happen to Starscream, and the other Autobots are amused at the thought of what Megatron plans to do.
{{-}}

==Quotes==
"Hey Optimus, how would you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?"<br>
"As I believe the earthlings say...Lay it on me, man."
:-- '''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

'''Rumble:''' "Megatron, it's...it's the Autobots!"<br>
'''Megatron:''' Impossible! They were doomed!"<br>
'''Skywarp:''' "Don't worry. We'll make them regret undooming themselves."
:-- The Decepticons prepare to kick some exhaust port.

"Now load me!"
:-– '''Megatron'''<br/>

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:–'''Megatron''' being more than sarcastic when he greets Starscream.

“Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to old Starscream?”<br>
“Nothing gentle, I would say.”<br>
:-– '''Bumblebee''' and '''Optimus Prime''', after Megatron is last seen carrying Starscream off screen.

==Stats==

'''Writers:''' [[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]

'''Major Characters (in order of appearance):'''
[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Dr. Arkeville]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

'''Minor Characters (in order of appearance):''' [[Huffer]], [[Gears]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Skywarp]], [[Rumble]], [[Thundercracker]], [[Soundwave]], [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]

'''Original Air Date:''' December 1, 1984

==Notes==
===Technical/Animation Glitches===
* In the beginning, when Megatron returns and there is a shot of Decepticons standing in front of him, Skywarp's chest is colored black.
* Just after that, when Laserbeak flies into Soundwave's cassette holder, it briefly becomes blue like the rest of Soundwave's body, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's red-and-white.
* While episode is supposed to take place immediately after "[[The Ultimate Doom]]", the Japanese continuity places that three-parter at the end of the series, leaving everyone clueless as to how Starscream and Arkeville know each other and how Arkeville is turned back into a human from a cyborg.

===Continuity Errors===
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also [[War of the Dinobots]] for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion).

===Transformers References===
*Takes place almost immediately after [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]].
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode...and [[FIBRIR|he's red]].
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.

===Real-World References===
*How the hell does [[Starscream (G1)|an F-15]] fly through outer space?

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

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]

Peter Cullen

2008-04-19T02:50:42Z

24.131.126.160: /* Trivia */

[[Image:PeterCullen1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Scarier than Venger and the Predator combined.]]

'''Peter Cullen''' (1944–) is an American voice actor (though originally from Canada) who has earned fame, respect and admiration as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|the original Optimus Prime]].

In 2006 it was announced that he would be voicing [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] in the 2007 movie as well. And there was much rejoicing (One person started complaining. He was torn limb from limb, skewered and eaten).

In addition to Transformers, some of Cullen's other roles include Eeyore from ''[[Jim Cummings|Winnie the Pooh]]'', Venger from ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Bankjob Beagle from ''Ducktales'', Cindarr from ''Visionaries'', [[Zandar]] and [[Nemesis Enforcer]] from ''[[G.I. Joe]]'', K.A.R.R. from ''Knight Rider'' and as the title villain from ''Predator''.

==Roles==
===Generation 1===
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
*[[Nightstick (Decepticon)|Nightstick]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]
*[[Wingspan]]

===Transformers (2007 movie)===
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]

==Trivia==
* In 1984, he created the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] by emulating the mannerisms of his older brother, who had served in the [[United States Military|United States Marine Corps]] prior to him, in the Vietnam War.

* Yes, Optimus Prime is his favorite voice acting role.

* He also loves being [[Wikipedia:Eeyore|Eeyore]].

* At [[BotCon 2007]], Peter Cullen said he'd love to own one of the three modified [http://www.peterbilt.com/index_gal_mod_desc.asp?model=model379 Peterbilt 379] trucks used in the filming of [[Transformers (2007)]]. Let's try and [http://images.wikia.com/transformers/images/e/ef/Armoredconvoyboxart.jpg|picture Optimus Prime driving himself] for a moment. Has your brain exploded yet from the sheer awesomeness?

==External links==
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191520/ Peter Cullen at the Internet Movie Database]

[[Category:Activision|Cullen, Peter]]
[[Category:Convention guests|Cullen, Peter]]
[[Category:DreamWorks|Cullen, Peter]]
[[Category:Voice actors|Cullen, Peter]]<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 Beast Within

2008-04-19T02:26:50Z

24.131.126.160: /* Part 2: Consequences */

[[Image:Urrgh.jpg|thumb|300px|Grimlock has a chest burster.]]

A profound and moving narrative that forces the audience to re-evaluate all conceptions of their identity. Both thrilling and immersive, "'''The Beast Within'''" redefines the era as it forces a new standard of storytelling. Starting on an epic battle comparable to ''The Lord of the Rings'' or ''The Matrix,'' but the conflict pales in comparison to the internal emotional struggle of Grimlock as he is forced to restrain his own emotions for the sake of his tactical ideology. Pushed to both physical and psychological limits, he and his compatriots do the unthinkable and fuse, physically and conceptually, into a unified truth that mirrors us all. But with the revelation of this most sacred ability comes a new threat to the Autobots... a threat that is somehow familiar.

==Credits==

'''Art:''' [[Dylan Gibson]] <br>
'''Script:''' [[Darren Jamieson]]

*''Main characters (in order of appearance):'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], the "[[Beast|The Beast]]", [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]

*''Originally published:'' Part 1 - May 2004; Part 2 - August 2004

Part 1 was included as an extra in [[Metrodome]]'s ''Season 2, Part 2'' DVD box set. Part 2 was included in the subsequent box set, ''Season 3 & Season 4''.

==Synopsis==
[[Image:butwhy.gif|left|200px|thumb|Yes, this thing is [[canon]]. I hate you all.]]

===Part 1===
In the war-torn battlefields of an Autobot-Decepticon battle, Grimlock meditates on releasing his full power onto the ruthless Decepticons. But, alas, he cannot! For if he let go of any restraint, he would let loose the Beast! The casualties mount; despite losses on their side, the Decepticons are gaining victory! Optimus Prime is battered and surrounded by Megatron and his troops.

Truly, Grimlock has no choice; he must release the Beast within! With Grimlock calling out, "Dinobots! UNITE!", a large amount of wires sprout out from everywhere. The end result is an awesome titan of power! Stricken with fear, Megatron orders the Decepticons to destroy the massive creature! [[Predaking]] forms! The opposing titans battle, but it is already lost for Predaking, for a slash of the Beast's sword takes care of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] combiner. The [[Seeker]]s and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] try to attack the Beast, but their attacks are pitiful! The Beast destroys them in one fell swoop! [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] are next, but the Beast simply tears them apart, and does the same for [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], even though the [[Stunticon]] combiner pleads for his life.

With no [[Decepticon]]s left to destroy, the Beast turns to the [[Autobot]]s! Prime calls to Grimlock to regain mental control, but the Beast utters one thing... "K ...I ...L ...L".

===Part 2: Consequences===

With many Autobots having fallen to the Beast, a small group of survivors attempts to flee the scene huddled inside Optimus Prime's trailer. But Prime is not fast enough - the Beast rips his trailer open like a tin can with one swipe of his massive claw, and [[Skids]] is torn from within and meets his end in the creature's grip. With Prime running on rims, salvation arrives at the last minute in the form of Jetfire, who swoops in to pick up the Autobots and transport them to safety. Although Bumblebee urges Prime to climb aboard as well, he speeds ahead, to the rim of a crevasse, while Jetfire slows the Beast with a burst from his afterburners. The Beast emerges from the flames, and Prime calls out to his former troops, but with no response save a monstrous snarl, he opens fire. The Beast lunges at him and they grapple, until Prime shifts the monster's weight and causes both it and himself to topple into the chasm. At the last minute, Jetfire soars to the rescue again, plucking Prime out of mid-air as the Beast topples to the bottom of the pit and shatters into fragments. As Prime observes the smoking wreck, Jetfire inquires if it is over, to which Prime responds - [[Furmanism|"Is it ever really over?"]] All hope it is.

==Errors==
*This comic was produced.

==Items of note==
* Thankfully, this comic cannot take place in any previously-established continuity, due to the various characters being alive alongside other characters who were not around at certain times, the rampant gratuitous deaths, etc.

*[[Simon Furman]] is thanked for "help and support in the production of this comic." One can only wonder what "help" this was, but it's best not to contemplate what this comic might have been like without it.

* While Part 1 features artwork that is heavily Dreamwave-inspired, often looking like it is specifically attempting to ape [[Pat Lee]]'s style, Part 2 sees Gibson draw in a style he is more accustomed to. The Dreamwave influence is still felt, however, particularly when Prime draws his rifle from his "backpack" - a concept that comes directly from the original Dreamwave miniseries.

* Part 1 features digitally-applied lettering that is rarely aligned correctly and features virtually no periods or commas. Part 2 is lettered by hand.

*Grimlock's line "I cannot let him out...Not again" hints at a prior appearance of the Beast that the world was fortunate enough to avoid witnessing.
[[Category: Generation 1 issues|Beast Within]]<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>