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Cyber Missions 4

2010-11-07T05:48:52Z

24.74.116.112: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Cyber Missions|Transformers: Cyber Missions]]'' #4
|image=CyberMissions4-Sideswipe searching.jpg
|caption=Megatron in "How Not To Be Seen"
|prev=Cyber Missions 3
|next=Cyber Missions 5
|production company=[[TG Studios]]
|animation studio=[[TG Studios]], [[ArtDuck Studios]], & [[Meanlow Studios]]
|written by=[[Scott Beatty]]
|executive producer=[[Aaron Archer]], [[Erin Hillman]], & [[Michael Verrecchia]]
|airdate=[[March 27]], [[2010]] (Canada) [[April 1]], 2010 (Everywhere else)}}

'''Optimus Prime and Sideswipe go head-to-head with Megatron'''

==Synopsis==
Tracking [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s unique [[Spark]] energy signature, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] arrive at an abandoned factory. Optimus cuts short Sideswipe's chatter to scan the area, but doesn't detect Megatron. Even as Sideswipe complains that the [[Decepticon]]s seem to be one step ahead of them, Megatron himself rears up behind him and bats the [[Autobot]] aside. As Megatron explains, he's been cloaking his spark to remain undetected.

Optimus and Sideswipe engage the Decepticon leader in swordplay. Sideswipe cheekily interrupts Megatron's fight banter by stabbing him in the foot mid-sentence. Prime makes an appeal to Megatron to surrender, but Megatron responds by transforming to tank mode and blasting a chunk of ceiling down on the two Autobots. Prime and Sideswipe dodge the falling material, but in the confusion, Megatron escapes. Optimus announces that now Megatron is leaving a trail he can't hide.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] (2)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"You drove headlong into a trap, Prime, and I'll have your head as a trophy to remember this day!"
:—Silly '''Megatron''', that's Optimus's shtick.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* Megatron is crouched down with a small amount of rubble on top of him. How did the Autobots not ''see'' him?

===Continuity errors===
* Sideswipe kind of sounds like Animated Bumblebee.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Cantonese'''
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 29]], [[2010]]

'''Latin American Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ciber Misiones 4'''" ("Cyber Missions 4")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 27|27 September]] [[2010]] (Official airdate)

===Trivia===
* This episode was first released exclusively on YTV's site, playable in [[Canada]] only, a few days before it appeared on Hasbro's main site.
* Unusual for Cyber Missions, Megatron's character model is based directly on his appearance in the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' film rather than from any particular toy.
*[[Stock footage]] of Megatron is used twice: once when Megatron revealed himself, and the other when he transformed.

==External links==
*[http://www.hasbro.com/hasbrokids/?page=Entertainment/Videos/VideoSelect&aid=4289 ''Cyber Missions 4'' at Hasbro.com]
*[http://www.hasbro.com/es_MX/play/details.cfm?guid=66B2EFB1-19B9-F369-109A-A4EB8531D531&src=endeca ''Transformers: Ciber Misiones'' #4 (Spanish version)]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cyber Missions 04}}
[[Category:Cyber Missions episodes]]

The Ultimate Weapon

2010-11-07T05:10:39Z

24.74.116.112: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{disambig2|the episode|the eponymous device|Ultimate Weapon}}
{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=84
|ep2=20
|prev2=The Quintesson Journal
|next2=The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=23
|prev3=Ghost in the Machine
|next3=Fight or Flee
|image=G1 UltimateWeapon Oldlady.jpg
|caption=Rejected from Hell's Grannies.
|title="The Ultimate Weapon"
|production code=700-104
|airdate=[[November 10]], 1986
|written by=[[Arthur Byron Cover]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''While Galvatron threatens the Autobots with a vague and mysterious "ultimate weapon", First Aid leaves the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 究極の武器 (''Kyūkyoku no Buki'', "The Ultimate Weapon")
:''German title:'' "'''Das Transformationsmodul'''" ("The Transformation-Modul")
:''German'' Generation 2 '' title:'' "'''Der große Bluff'''" ("The big Bluff")
:''Latin American title:'' "'''El Arma Mortífera'''" ("The Deadly Weapon")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon civilunrest.jpg|left|170px|thumb|The stripes are to help them blend into the herd.]]

In the far-flung future of 2006, the Netherlands is the most violent nation on Earth. Bands of roving French street gangs throw grenades into windmills for no obvious reason. Unable to rely on the police, old ladies begin arming themselves in their gardens. Desperate, the police turn to the Autobots, who seek to stem the fighting. The [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], after some harshing on the part of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], roll out to stop the violence. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] tries to calm Rodimus, saying he's just as good a commander as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was. Rodimus, however, feels that he will never live up to the legendary [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]'s legacy. Who could?

Arriving in the city, the [[Decepticon]]s attack, and [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] is injured. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] takes him to Metroplex to get repairs, while Galvatron attacks. Retreating, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] taunts Rodimus with the threat of the [[Ultimate Weapon]]. At [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] breaks in and manages to steal Metroplex's transformation cog. First Aid tries to reason with Swindle, but the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] merely shoots the Autobot medic, then leaves. Amid a fleet of naval destroyers, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] rises from the sea and eats a ship before destroying the rest. Galvatron tells Trypticon to hurry to Metroplex, but realizes when and when not to push the dinosaur. Swindle arrives and attempts to haggle for the cog. Galvatron offers him a limited-time deal: Hand over the cog, or see his life get ended.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon Defensorcatchestrain.jpg|right|170px|thumb|It's just a flesh wound—er, armor wound.]]

At Metroplex, First Aid is feeling guilty over his pacifism. While Rodimus maintains that he would never force First Aid to violate his beliefs, First Aid decides to leave to clear his head. Learning that Trypticon is coming, the Autobots roll out. Reaching a nearby city, Trypticon menaces a train, but [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] manages to save it, even with only one arm. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] move in to attack. [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] gets shot down, while [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] flies into Trypticon's stomach through his mouth, firing all the while. Injured, Trypticon is forced to retreat. However, it's only bought them time, as Metroplex is still the only one who can fight Trypticon, and he's locked in city mode. Even with the cog, First Aid is the only one who understands Metroplex's systems enough to fix him. [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] decides to track down his AWOL teammate.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon TrypticontacklesMetroplex.jpg|left|170px|thumb|City rivalry takes on a whole new meaning.]]

Rodimus and Magnus head for Trypticon's hiding place, with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] posing as repairmen. [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], nearly duped, realizes that the cars are Autobots due to the pollution-free fuel that they are using. Daniel is thrown off a cliff, but Magnus saves him. Rodimus and Magnus distract the Decepticons while Spike and Daniel steal Trypticon's cog. Returning to Metroplex, they install Trypticon's cog in Metroplex, while the Decepticons install Metroplex's cog in Trypticon. (It's easy to get lost, but just pay attention and it will make sense.) Convinced that he "can still smash", Trypticon heads for battle. Metroplex [[Transformation|transforms]] from [[Alternate mode|city mode]], but both cities are suffering problems.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon UltimateWeapon%21.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Behold: the label gun of DOOM!]]

At a junkyard, First Aid is keeping [[NUL-A]], a junkyard robot, company while fixing abandoned refrigerators in an effort to think about something other than the Autobots. Hot Spot finds him and informs him of Metroplex's problem. Though still unsure of rejoining the Autobots, First Aid realizes that Metroplex's danger is more important. Meanwhile, Trypticon has gained the advantage and thrown Metroplex into a nearby lake. (Talk about irony.) Heading for Metroplex, First Aid manages to get inside and properly align the transformation cog, allowing Metroplex to transform fully. Metroplex throws Trypticon deeper into the lake, and the dinosaur sinks. Galvatron threatens to use the Ultimate Weapon, but Rodimus realizes that the weapon is a bluff. Out of options, Galvatron retreats. First Aid's faith in his work is restored, and Rodimus's confidence is emboldened, at least until the next time he has a crisis of faith.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (1)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (2)
* [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (4)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (5)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (6)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
* [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (14)
* [[Ramhorn]] (15)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (16)
* [[Scamper]] (18)
* [[Slammer]] (19)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (22)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (29)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (30)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (31)
* [[Slingshot]] (32)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
|c2=
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (8)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (9)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (10)
* [[Predaking]] (11)
* [[Octane]] (12)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (13)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (17)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (20)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (21)
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (23)
* [[Drag Strip]] (24)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (25)
* [[Wildrider]] (26)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (27)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (28)
|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (34)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (35)
|c4=
* [[NUL-A]] (36)
}}

==Quotes==
'''First Aid''': I'm taking him back to Metroplex for emergency repairs! 
'''Galvatron''': Better get ''used'' to the trip, Autobot. 
'''Rodimus''': Why don't you get used to ''losing'', Galvatron? It's all you ever do!
:—Rodimus Prime hits the Decepticons where it hurts: in the war record.

"Hey! Wait a second! Who are you? Where'd you come from? How'd you get in?!?" 
''[Swindle shoots the floor from under Scamper and Slammer, causing the Autobots to crash]'' 
"No time to answer stupid questions!"
:—'''Scamper''', the world's worst security guard, is blasted by '''Swindle'''.

"I heard you were a pacifist, but I don't believe there's a Transformer who won't fight for his life!" 
"I don't believe in fighting. I'm a medic, not a warrior." 
"Then you'll ''die'' for your beliefs!"
:—'''Swindle''' taunts '''First Aid'''.

[[Image:Ultimate Weapon Trypticon hungry.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Never play Battleship with Trypticon]]

'''Trypticon''': Best humans can do? 
''[Trypticon tosses battleship halves at attacking ships]'' 
'''Galvatron''': Come, Trypticon, stop trifling with that! Metroplex awaits. 
'''Trypticon''': Trypticon hungry!
:—Trypticon finds that naval destroyers taste great ''and'' are less filling.

''[Spike runs into Cyclonus]'' 
'''Cyclonus:''' ''Humans...''" 
'''Spike:''' Uh, everything's fine in there. Uh, the problem must be somewhere else. 
'''Cyclonus:''' Then don't dawdle, human. Trypticon must be repaired at once... for the greater glory of Galvatron! 
'''Spike:''' You got it, you got it... sheesh, dunno why anybody'd wanna work for such a bunch of grumpy employers.
:— A rather clueless Cyclonus lets Spike and Daniel get away with Trypticon's transformation cog.

"Hey, keep it down! This is a residential area!" 
"Trypticon turn Metroplex into slum!"
:—'''Metroplex''' and '''Trypticon''' discuss urban renewal in a whole new way.

'''Galvatron''': I still have my ultimate weapon, Rodimus! Surrender now, or I'll unleash its force upon you all! 
'''Rodimus Prime''': ''[to Ultra Magnus]'' You know, I think I've finally started to wise up. If such a weapon existed, he'd have used it a long time ago! 
'''Galvatron''': I tell you for the last time, Rodimus. Surrender, or there won't be an Earth left to protect! Surrender! This is your last chance, or— 
'''Rodimus Prime''': You're bluffing, Galvatron. 
'''Galvatron''': I tell you this is the end! 
'''Rodimus Prime:''' You're right. It is, because I used the real 'ultimate weapon'...my ''mind''! 
'''Galvatron''': Stay back! 
''[Rodimus Prime continues walking towards Galvatron]'' 
'''Galvatron''': I said stay back! 
''[Rodimus Prime continues walking; Galvatron throws the "ultimate weapon" control device on the ground]'' 
'''Galvatron''': Aarh! There will be another day, Rodimus! 
''[Galvatron retreats]'' 
'''Rodimus Prime''': And we'll be ready.
:—Galvatron's less-than-impressive bluff is called by Rodimus Prime.

==Notes==
* It is unclear what species of robot [[NUL-A]] is, as his speech and mannerisms clearly demonstrate him to be sentient rather than some kind of human-built drone.

* When Trypticon attacks Metroplex, the animation is of a noticeably higher quality than the rest of the episode and the norm of the overall series.

===Animation or technical glitches===
*The guns carried by the rebels disappear when they run up to the windmill and throw their grenades, and reappear as they run away.

*The laser beam the old woman fires from her pistol is red, but the laser beam that actually hits the car tires is blue.

*When Blades flies towards another damage and gets shot down by the Decepticons, the front part of his [[Alternate mode|altmode]] is colored white instead of the usual red.

*When Ultra Magnus orders Steeljaw and Ramhorn to attack, he wields a completely different gun than the one he normally uses. His normal gun reappears in subsequent shots.

*When Galvatron responds to Rodimus Prime's question during the village battle, Cyclonus's mouth is missing. Similarly, in the end of the episode, when First Aid declares his return to the Autobots, Rodimus' mouth is missing, too, but reappears when he starts talking.

*Adding to this, and turning the whole mouth-animation-thing into a complete mess up, when First Aid declares he's leaving the Autobots, Hot Spot is depicted as actually ''having'' a mouth in several shots, including close-ups and speaking lines, despite the fact that normally he is shown with an Optimus Prime-like moving [[mouthplate]].

*In the interior shot of the train tyrpticon picks up, a man is shown calmly sitting in his chair with his daughter's head on his lap. This is set to screaming. Either the man is deaf, dumb and blind, or very idiotic, or is Chuck Norris.

*Thanks to Roger C. Carmel's inconsistency with his characters, we have a Motormaster with a weak voice that actually sounds a lot like Regis Cordic's Menasor, making it difficult to compare.

*As Silverbolt exits Trypticon's mouth, he's coloured like Air Raid.

*As the Decepticons leave the Autobots when Trypticon is wounded, it can be seen that Defensor had dissasembled as the Protectobots can be seen separately. A few moments later, Defensor separates before the camera. Huh?

*First Aid can be seen in the error above when Decepticons retreat. Also the some parts of Blades's back plating is miscolored.

*Daniel is unusually tall in this episode. When he and Spike are involved in the clandestine operation to steal Trypticon's transformation cog, he is almost as tall as his dad.

*When Spike tells Daniel that they'll be just in time for their rendezvous, Spike is not carrying the toolbox containing the transforming cog. It reappears when they exit Trypticon.

*When Hot Spot is trying to convince First Aid to come back into the Autobots, the visible wheels on First Aid are colored as white, not black.

*Trypticon completely misses Metroplex when they fire on each other, yet Metroplex falls down.

*Greeting First Aid's return, Ultra Magnus holds the medic's hands. Oddly, instead of letting go as he did with Rodimus Prime, First Aid appears to continue to hold Ultra Magnus's hands throughout his dialogue about agreeing to help the Autobots.

*Metroplex's face is briefly colored black as he and Trypticon wrestle.

* When Galvatron declares that while Trypticon may have been defeated he still lives, his laser cannon is enormous.

* As Rodimus Prime tells Ultra Magnus that he has finally wised-up to Galvatron's bluff, Ultra Magnus' left shoulder overlaps Rodimus' rear wing, even though Rodimus is standing closest to the viewer and should instead overlap Ultra Magnus.

===Continuity errors===
*When the monorail train was endangered during Trypticon's initial rampage, wouldn't it have been a hell of a lot easier to have a ''two-armed'' Superion catch it rather than a ''one-armed'' Defensor?

*Galvatron acts a whole lot saner in this episode then he usually is in the third season. He's not as sane as in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', of course, but it's something. Of course in the same vein, it seems unlikely that the usually gun crazy Galvatron would try to bluff anything.

*During their initial assault in the village, [[Octane]] is seen among the firing Decepticons, even though Galvatron had placed a price on his head in "[[Starscream's Ghost]]".

*Similarly, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] is hovering next to Galvatron during Trypticon's attack on the naval fleet, even though he was banished from the Decepticons following "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]".

===Trivia===
*While not an out-and-out mistake, the Autobots' assertion that ''only'' First Aid could adjust the transformation cog for Metroplex seems a little dubious. [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]], who was seen installing the thing in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]", surely would've been able to, if not Perceptor or the load of other Autobot handymen running around. Of course, it is possible that those guys were all off Earth at the time. ''Coincidentally'' though, as seen in "[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]", First Aid ''was'' one of the original workers on Metroplex.

*Vortex almost finds out about Spike and Daniel's plan merely from the clean Autobot fumes of Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus' exhaust, but does not seem to notice that the vehicles are quite obviously the two Autobot leaders nor the fact that Daniel is way too young to drive (which might be okay, as Transformers may not necessarily be aware of human laws, or even know there's a difference between adult and underage humans, but whatever).

*Somehow, [[NUL-A |NUL-A]] knows who [[Wreck-Gar (G1) |Wreck-Gar]] is.

*How the mighty have fallen part 1: This episode suggests that the Decepticons operating on Earth now hire legitimate human workers for repair duties, instead of just enslaving them as they would have done in the past.

*How the mighty have fallen part 2: Menasor [[To sell toys|is defeated by a single blast]] from the Autobots, despite previous outings that showed him to be one of the most powerful Decepticon combiners. Later, the entire Stunticon team are soundly and totally defeated (off-camera) by Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, despite previous outings depicting them as a serious threat to the Autobots.

*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] seems ''really'' upbeat in this episode, for some reason.

*Taking into account how often Decepticons have attacked an Autobot base in the past, does anyone else think that positioning Metroplex near a human residential area is a ''really'' bad idea?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Carnage in C Minor / The Ultimate Weapon ([[Tempo Video]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (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]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Weapon}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Weapon

2010-11-07T05:01:40Z

24.74.116.112: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{disambig2|the episode|the eponymous device|Ultimate Weapon}}
{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=84
|ep2=20
|prev2=The Quintesson Journal
|next2=The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=23
|prev3=Ghost in the Machine
|next3=Fight or Flee
|image=G1 UltimateWeapon Oldlady.jpg
|caption=Rejected from Hell's Grannies.
|title="The Ultimate Weapon"
|production code=700-104
|airdate=[[November 10]], 1986
|written by=[[Arthur Byron Cover]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''While Galvatron threatens the Autobots with a vague and mysterious "ultimate weapon", First Aid leaves the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 究極の武器 (''Kyūkyoku no Buki'', "The Ultimate Weapon")
:''German title:'' "'''Das Transformationsmodul'''" ("The Transformation-Modul")
:''German'' Generation 2 '' title:'' "'''Der große Bluff'''" ("The big Bluff")
:''Latin American title:'' "'''El Arma Mortífera'''" ("The Deadly Weapon")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon civilunrest.jpg|left|170px|thumb|The stripes are to help them blend into the herd.]]

In the far-flung future of 2006, the Netherlands is the most violent nation on Earth. Bands of roving French street gangs throw grenades into windmills for no obvious reason. Unable to rely on the police, old ladies begin arming themselves in their gardens. Desperate, the police turn to the Autobots, who seek to stem the fighting. The [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], after some harshing on the part of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], roll out to stop the violence. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] tries to calm Rodimus, saying he's just as good a commander as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was. Rodimus, however, feels that he will never live up to the legendary [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]'s legacy. Who could?

Arriving in the city, the [[Decepticon]]s attack, and [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] is injured. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] takes him to Metroplex to get repairs, while Galvatron attacks. Retreating, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] taunts Rodimus with the threat of the [[Ultimate Weapon]]. At [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] breaks in and manages to steal Metroplex's transformation cog. First Aid tries to reason with Swindle, but the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] merely shoots the Autobot medic, then leaves. Amid a fleet of naval destroyers, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] rises from the sea and eats a ship before destroying the rest. Galvatron tells Trypticon to hurry to Metroplex, but realizes when and when not to push the dinosaur. Swindle arrives and attempts to haggle for the cog. Galvatron offers him a limited-time deal: Hand over the cog, or see his life get ended.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon Defensorcatchestrain.jpg|right|170px|thumb|It's just a flesh wound—er, armor wound.]]

At Metroplex, First Aid is feeling guilty over his pacifism. While Rodimus maintains that he would never force First Aid to violate his beliefs, First Aid decides to leave to clear his head. Learning that Trypticon is coming, the Autobots roll out. Reaching a nearby city, Trypticon menaces a train, but [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] manages to save it, even with only one arm. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] move in to attack. [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] gets shot down, while [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] flies into Trypticon's stomach through his mouth, firing all the while. Injured, Trypticon is forced to retreat. However, it's only bought them time, as Metroplex is still the only one who can fight Trypticon, and he's locked in city mode. Even with the cog, First Aid is the only one who understands Metroplex's systems enough to fix him. [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] decides to track down his AWOL teammate.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon TrypticontacklesMetroplex.jpg|left|170px|thumb|City rivalry takes on a whole new meaning.]]

Rodimus and Magnus head for Trypticon's hiding place, with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] posing as repairmen. [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], nearly duped, realizes that the cars are Autobots due to the pollution-free fuel that they are using. Daniel is thrown off a cliff, but Magnus saves him. Rodimus and Magnus distract the Decepticons while Spike and Daniel steal Trypticon's cog. Returning to Metroplex, they install Trypticon's cog in Metroplex, while the Decepticons install Metroplex's cog in Trypticon. (It's easy to get lost, but just pay attention and it will make sense.) Convinced that he "can still smash", Trypticon heads for battle. Metroplex [[Transformation|transforms]] from [[Alternate mode|city mode]], but both cities are suffering problems.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon UltimateWeapon%21.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Behold: the label gun of DOOM!]]

At a junkyard, First Aid is keeping [[NUL-A]], a junkyard robot, company while fixing abandoned refrigerators in an effort to think about something other than the Autobots. Hot Spot finds him and informs him of Metroplex's problem. Though still unsure of rejoining the Autobots, First Aid realizes that Metroplex's danger is more important. Meanwhile, Trypticon has gained the advantage and thrown Metroplex into a nearby lake. (Talk about irony.) Heading for Metroplex, First Aid manages to get inside and properly align the transformation cog, allowing Metroplex to transform fully. Metroplex throws Trypticon deeper into the lake, and the dinosaur sinks. Galvatron threatens to use the Ultimate Weapon, but Rodimus realizes that the weapon is a bluff. Out of options, Galvatron retreats. First Aid's faith in his work is restored, and Rodimus's confidence is emboldened, at least until the next time he has a crisis of faith.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (1)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (2)
* [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (4)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (5)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (6)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
* [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (14)
* [[Ramhorn]] (15)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (16)
* [[Scamper]] (18)
* [[Slammer]] (19)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (22)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (29)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (30)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (31)
* [[Slingshot]] (32)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
|c2=
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (8)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (9)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (10)
* [[Predaking]] (11)
* [[Octane]] (12)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (13)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (17)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (20)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (21)
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (23)
* [[Drag Strip]] (24)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (25)
* [[Wildrider]] (26)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (27)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (28)
|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (34)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (35)
|c4=
* [[NUL-A]] (36)
}}

==Quotes==
'''First Aid''': I'm taking him back to Metroplex for emergency repairs! 
'''Galvatron''': Better get ''used'' to the trip, Autobot. 
'''Rodimus''': Why don't you get used to ''losing'', Galvatron? It's all you ever do!
:—Rodimus Prime hits the Decepticons where it hurts: in the war record.

"Hey! Wait a second! Who are you? Where'd you come from? How'd you get in?!?" 
''[Swindle shoots the floor from under Scamper and Slammer, causing the Autobots to crash]'' 
"No time to answer stupid questions!"
:—'''Scamper''', the world's worst security guard, is blasted by '''Swindle'''.

"I heard you were a pacifist, but I don't believe there's a Transformer who won't fight for his life!" 
"I don't believe in fighting. I'm a medic, not a warrior." 
"Then you'll ''die'' for your beliefs!"
:—'''Swindle''' taunts '''First Aid'''.

[[Image:Ultimate Weapon Trypticon hungry.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Never play Battleship with Trypticon]]

'''Trypticon''': Best humans can do? 
''[Trypticon tosses battleship halves at attacking ships]'' 
'''Galvatron''': Come, Trypticon, stop trifling with that! Metroplex awaits. 
'''Trypticon''': Trypticon hungry!
:—Trypticon finds that naval destroyers taste great ''and'' are less filling.

''[Spike runs into Cyclonus]'' 
'''Cyclonus:''' ''Humans...''" 
'''Spike:''' Uh, everything's fine in there. Uh, the problem must be somewhere else. 
'''Cyclonus:''' Then don't dawdle, human. Trypticon must be repaired at once... for the greater glory of Galvatron! 
'''Spike:''' You got it, you got it... sheesh, dunno why anybody'd wanna work for such a bunch of grumpy employers.
:— A rather clueless Cyclonus lets Spike and Daniel get away with Trypticon's transformation cog.

"Hey, keep it down! This is a residential area!" 
"Trypticon turn Metroplex into slum!"
:—'''Metroplex''' and '''Trypticon''' discuss urban renewal in a whole new way.

'''Galvatron''': I still have my ultimate weapon, Rodimus! Surrender now, or I'll unleash its force upon you all! 
'''Rodimus Prime''': ''[to Ultra Magnus]'' You know, I think I've finally started to wise up. If such a weapon existed, he'd have used it a long time ago! 
'''Galvatron''': I tell you for the last time, Rodimus. Surrender, or there won't be an Earth left to protect! Surrender! This is your last chance, or— 
'''Rodimus Prime''': You're bluffing, Galvatron. 
'''Galvatron''': I tell you this is the end! 
'''Rodimus Prime:''' You're right. It is, because I used the real 'ultimate weapon'...my ''mind''! 
'''Galvatron''': Stay back! 
''[Rodimus Prime continues walking towards Galvatron]'' 
'''Galvatron''': I said stay back! 
''[Rodimus Prime continues walking; Galvatron throws the "ultimate weapon" control device on the ground]'' 
'''Galvatron''': Aarh! There will be another day, Rodimus! 
''[Galvatron retreats]'' 
'''Rodimus Prime''': And we'll be ready.
:—Galvatron's less-than-impressive bluff is called by Rodimus Prime.

==Notes==
* It is unclear what species of robot [[NUL-A]] is, as his speech and mannerisms clearly demonstrate him to be sentient rather than some kind of human-built drone.

* When Trypticon attacks Metroplex, the animation is of a noticeably higher quality than the rest of the episode and the norm of the overall series.

===Animation or technical glitches===
*The guns carried by the rebels disappear when they run up to the windmill and throw their grenades, and reappear as they run away.

*The laser beam the old woman fires from her pistol is red, but the laser beam that actually hits the car tires is blue.

*Wait, in the future, random old woman carry energy pistols? How much crime is in this town? WTF?

*When Blades flies towards another damage and gets shot down by the Decepticons, the front part of his [[Alternate mode|altmode]] is colored white instead of the usual red.

*When Ultra Magnus orders Steeljaw and Ramhorn to attack, he wields a completely different gun than the one he normally uses. His normal gun reappears in subsequent shots.

*When Galvatron responds to Rodimus Prime's question during the village battle, Cyclonus's mouth is missing. Similarly, in the end of the episode, when First Aid declares his return to the Autobots, Rodimus' mouth is missing, too, but reappears when he starts talking.

*Adding to this, and turning the whole mouth-animation-thing into a complete mess up, when First Aid declares he's leaving the Autobots, Hot Spot is depicted as actually ''having'' a mouth in several shots, including close-ups and speaking lines, despite the fact that normally he is shown with an Optimus Prime-like moving [[mouthplate]].

*Thanks to Roger C. Carmel's inconsistency with his characters, we have a Motormaster with a weak voice that actually sounds a lot like Regis Cordic's Menasor, making it difficult to compare.

*As Silverbolt exits Trypticon's mouth, he's coloured like Air Raid.

*As the Decepticons leave the Autobots when Trypticon is wounded, it can be seen that Defensor had dissasembled as the Protectobots can be seen separately. A few moments later, Defensor separates before the camera. Huh?

*First Aid can be seen in the error above when Decepticons retreat. Also the some parts of Blades's back plating is miscolored.

*Daniel is unusually tall in this episode. When he and Spike are involved in the clandestine operation to steal Trypticon's transformation cog, he is almost as tall as his dad.

*When Spike tells Daniel that they'll be just in time for their rendezvous, Spike is not carrying the toolbox containing the transforming cog. It reappears when they exit Trypticon.

*When Hot Spot is trying to convince First Aid to come back into the Autobots, the visible wheels on First Aid are colored as white, not black.

*Trypticon completely misses Metroplex when they fire on each other, yet Metroplex falls down.

*Greeting First Aid's return, Ultra Magnus holds the medic's hands. Oddly, instead of letting go as he did with Rodimus Prime, First Aid appears to continue to hold Ultra Magnus's hands throughout his dialogue about agreeing to help the Autobots.

*Metroplex's face is briefly colored black as he and Trypticon wrestle.

* When Galvatron declares that while Trypticon may have been defeated he still lives, his laser cannon is enormous.

* As Rodimus Prime tells Ultra Magnus that he has finally wised-up to Galvatron's bluff, Ultra Magnus' left shoulder overlaps Rodimus' rear wing, even though Rodimus is standing closest to the viewer and should instead overlap Ultra Magnus.

===Continuity errors===
*When the monorail train was endangered during Trypticon's initial rampage, wouldn't it have been a hell of a lot easier to have a ''two-armed'' Superion catch it rather than a ''one-armed'' Defensor?

*Galvatron acts a whole lot saner in this episode then he usually is in the third season. He's not as sane as in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', of course, but it's something. Of course in the same vein, it seems unlikely that the usually gun crazy Galvatron would try to bluff anything.

*During their initial assault in the village, [[Octane]] is seen among the firing Decepticons, even though Galvatron had placed a price on his head in "[[Starscream's Ghost]]".

*Similarly, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] is hovering next to Galvatron during Trypticon's attack on the naval fleet, even though he was banished from the Decepticons following "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]".

===Trivia===
*While not an out-and-out mistake, the Autobots' assertion that ''only'' First Aid could adjust the transformation cog for Metroplex seems a little dubious. [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]], who was seen installing the thing in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]", surely would've been able to, if not Perceptor or the load of other Autobot handymen running around. Of course, it is possible that those guys were all off Earth at the time. ''Coincidentally'' though, as seen in "[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]", First Aid ''was'' one of the original workers on Metroplex.

*Vortex almost finds out about Spike and Daniel's plan merely from the clean Autobot fumes of Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus' exhaust, but does not seem to notice that the vehicles are quite obviously the two Autobot leaders nor the fact that Daniel is way too young to drive (which might be okay, as Transformers may not necessarily be aware of human laws, or even know there's a difference between adult and underage humans, but whatever).

*Somehow, [[NUL-A |NUL-A]] knows who [[Wreck-Gar (G1) |Wreck-Gar]] is.

*How the mighty have fallen part 1: This episode suggests that the Decepticons operating on Earth now hire legitimate human workers for repair duties, instead of just enslaving them as they would have done in the past.

*How the mighty have fallen part 2: Menasor [[To sell toys|is defeated by a single blast]] from the Autobots, despite previous outings that showed him to be one of the most powerful Decepticon combiners. Later, the entire Stunticon team are soundly and totally defeated (off-camera) by Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, despite previous outings depicting them as a serious threat to the Autobots.

*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] seems ''really'' upbeat in this episode, for some reason.

*Taking into account how often Decepticons have attacked an Autobot base in the past, does anyone else think that positioning Metroplex near a human residential area is a ''really'' bad idea?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Carnage in C Minor / The Ultimate Weapon ([[Tempo Video]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (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]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Weapon}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

War Dawn (episode)

2010-10-24T04:34:17Z

24.74.116.112: /* Quotes */

{{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=
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (4)
* [[Slingshot]] (5)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (6)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (7)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (8)
* [[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)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (21)

|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.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
:-'''The Humans''' displaying their extreme fear of dieing.

"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]]

Gears (G1)

2010-10-22T20:52:10Z

24.74.116.112: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot|the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Autobot|Gears (ROTF)}}
:''Gears is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Gearsg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gears, ironically, hates [[Neon|bright colors]].]]
'''Gears''' hates [[Earth]], a lush, green planet practically as unlike his cozy, gray, metallic [[Cybertron (planet)|homeworld]] as possible. He grumbles and complains about being shipwrecked on it—complains and grumbles to a ridiculous extent, until he becomes a source of amusement, rather than negativity. This is usually his intent—unlike his fellow [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], Gears has a desire to help his fellow Autobots see good in a bad situation. Still, he does get depressed from time to time.

Gears is strong and tough, not so much in lifting but in endurance, and carrying heavy loads with little effort, be they energon cubes, disabled Autobots, or potatoes for the farmers' market. He is fitted with infrared vision sensors.

In robot mode, Gears can release controlled bursts of compressed air from his feet, launching himself to altitudes over 100,000 feet, and floating back down. In doing so, he must be careful not to lose air pressure before coming close enough to the ground for a safe landing.

:''Nicknames:'' '''Ox''', '''Sourball'''<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comic Magazine]]</ref>
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Engrenagem'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Fuvaros''' (meaning Hauler)
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Mecano'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Mulo'''
:''South American name:'' '''Pick-Up'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Rollo'''
:''Russian name'': '''Привод''' ("Drive")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Gearsg1firstappearance.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Wish we saw more of the design on the right. Yikes!]]
{{quote|The only thing '''Gears''' wants to learn about this planet is how to get off it. I hate this place already. I just know you're going to use me as a mobile transport unit again, once we have to set up. Nuts. Let's go home.|The worst words out of his mouth.}}

Gears was one of Cybertron's great warriors, and was chosen to join the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] mission to save Cybertron from an asteroid belt—a mission that saw him stranded on [[Earth]] for four million years. Once he woke up in 1984 and was rebuilt as an Earth truck, he immediately began complaining. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Spider-man.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Spider-Man's amazing friend.]]
Shortly after arriving on Earth, Gears teamed up with [[Spider-Man]], using his ability to launch himself upward using compressed air and fly alongside the superhero in an attempt to reach the mountaintop [[Decepticon]] fortress. When Gears ran low on power, he began to fall before Spidey caught him in webbing. Although Spider-Man's webbing is extremely strong, the Autobot's weight threatened to break it, and Spider-Man completed Gears' ascent using the webbing for assistance. After a fight with the Decepticons, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caused Gears (and human [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to fall through a hole in the fortress. Although Spidey was able to rescue Sparkplug, and attempted to catch Gears as he had done before, the added momentum of the fall proved too much strain on the webbing, and Gears crashed to the ground. Gears was quickly patched up enough to tell the Autobots that Megatron had gotten what he wanted (a fuel conversion process) from Sparkplug. His complete restoration was seemingly interrupted when, following recriminations, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] needed to drive Sparkplug to the hospital to treat his sudden heart attack. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:Buzzsawyikes2.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Ow ow ow.]]
When the Autobots overheard Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], in a nearby swamp, Gears was among the Autobots who traveled to the swamp with Prime's body. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] shot Gears right in the face! {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Gears was eventually restored, however, and joined [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] in searching for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the Dinobot Hunt. Their mission was suddenly cut short by the arrival of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the Decepticons, who shot the Minibots in the back and took them prisoner. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] soon rescued his disabled comrades from the Decepticon cruiser, but they were too badly injured and remained inactive for some time thereafter. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Barely snuck into the margins during his own death scene.]]
Gears was repaired in time to witness a battle between [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. While Autobots around him cheered vehemently for either combatant, Gears seemingly didn't really care, choosing to watch in stoic silence. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Gears was among the Autobots who answered [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s distress call from just outside the Decepticons' [[Club Con|headquarters]] in the Arctic. Shortly thereafter, when an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream announced that he would "destroy the cities of [[New York City|New York]], [[Tokyo]], and [[Buenos Aires]]", Gears was among the allied Autobot/Decepticon teams sent ahead to New York City. As Starscream approached, [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]] led a team of Autobots which included Gears, and the entire team was destroyed with a "single wave of <strike>[[To sell toys|a market executive's]]</strike> Starscream's hand"! Oops. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

Gears's torso, head, and right arm were shown in the midst of attempted repairs while Optimus Prime explained the bleak condition of their fallen to [[Cloudburst]] and [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Messick]] (English), [[Toshio Ishii]] (Japanese)
[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|left|240px|thumb|A competition of who complains the most!]]

Gears was one of the original crew of Autobots on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] spaceship when it crash-landed on Earth millions of years ago. When he awoke in 1984, he was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] so that his alt-mode was an Earth-based pickup truck. Not a true combatant by nature, he didn't participate in many of the Autobots' more famous battles against the Decepticons, but he did his part despite his complaints. Gears first saw action on Earth at an off-shore oil rig, fighting one of the Seekers with his partner, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Gears' infrared sensors were useful in capturing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] when the Decepticon was caught trespassing at the Autobot headquarters. By modifying his searchlight wavelength, Gears could illuminate Ravage's heat traces and neutralize the jaguar's ability to hide in shadows. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} When Prime was injured in an explosion outside the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Gears discarded the complaining facade he often wore, in order to encourage Optimus to push himself into returning to robot mode. He later donned a lab coat to help sell [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holographic rocket base idea, although it didn't do much good. In the final battle to stop the launch of the Decepticon space cruiser, Gears and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] were engaged in battling [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] until Megatron called for a retreat. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Gears assembled for battle when the Decepticons returned to attack a solar power plant, and chastised [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] for missing roll call. At the plant, Gears and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] attempted to stop the Seekers from taking off with the energon cubes, but [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] knocked them aside with a concussion blast. Later, after Bumblebee led the Autobots to the supposed site of the new [[Space Bridge]], only to find a deserted cave, Gears offered to electrocute the 'Bee in order to juice up his memory circuits. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} When Optimus Prime was heavily damaged in battle, Gears returned from patrol with [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and Windcharger to check on his condition. None of them, however, was sharp-eyed enough to spot [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] swoop down and land on Brawn's shoulder as they entered the base. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[Image:FireintheSky Gears crashes through ice.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
After it started snowing, in July, in the middle of the desert, Optimus Prime got suspicious and consulted Teletraan I for a weather report. Gears, who was performing reconnaissance scans on the now-frozen tropical region of the planet, concurred with Teletraan I's conclusions, that Megatron and the Decepticons must somehow be draining heat energy right out of the Earth's core. In the Arctic, as the Autobots prepared to enter the Decepticons' cavernous base of operations, Gears stalled outside the entrance on the sneaking suspicion the Autobots were falling into a trap. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy—by lingering too long on the ice, the combined weight of Gears, Hound, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] caused the tunnel to collapse beneath them. Gears and his buddies were briefly captured by the Decepticons, but escaped thanks to Hound's holograms. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots Soundwave shoots Gears.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Hey! Being shot in the face plays havoc with my sinuses."]]
Gears attended the unveiling of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s latest science project, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, and managed to stay out of the way after they ran amok. He joined Optimus Prime and the other Autobots on a mission to the [[Great Falls]]. Being one of the few Autobots who can fly (usually), Gears took to the air to fight [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] face-to-face, but was quickly shot down by the more experienced Decepticon. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} On one mission, Gears travelled to Peru to help the Autobots remove the [[Crystal of Power]] from Megatron's control. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} He was also involved in the dino-design project that created [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

Following a Decepticon attack on the Ark, Gears was briefly seen cleaning up the deadly fire extinguisher foam which drove them away. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} In the aftermath of Cybertron's orbit around Earth, Gears worked on the massive repairs necessary to rebuild human society. He also participated in the raid on [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:ChangingGears Gears Bee acrobatics.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bumblebee and Gears - [[Powerlinx]]!!]]
During an Autobot Alert(!!!), the Ark's crew all leapt into action at high speed...well, except for Gears. The alarm interrupted his plan to "lube his cables", making the cranky Gears slow to respond to the call of duty. He might have trudged even slower if he knew the entire alert was a ruse by Megatron, designed solely for the purpose of capturing Gears. It seemed that Megatron's newest toy, the [[Solar Needle]], required a specific circuit board in order to be properly completed, and Gears contained just such a circuit board in his chest. A curious side effect of removing the circuit board was that it negated Gears' inclination towards squawking and complaining. He was now a compulsively good-natured people-pleaser, unable to refuse requests by anyone, even Megatron. With the solar needle activated, the Decepticons put Gears to work harvesting energon cubes, filled by the sun's mighty power.

Despite the alterations to his personality, Gears tried to remain true to himself. Even while helping Megatron's energy pilfering, he still managed to toss an insult or two at the Decepticon leader. In a good-natured way, of course. And, after the Autobots arrived to destroy the solar needle and drew the Decepticons' attention, Gears made a break for the control panel to retrieve his circuit board and restore his real personality. He was interrupted by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had been looking for an excuse to blast Gears all day, but Bumblebee knocked the Seeker aside before he could eliminate the tiny Autobot. Also, when Megatron hurled Prime out of control into the solar needle's incinerating energy grid, Gears used the holdout blaster in his sleeve to disrupt the grid and save Optimus. Still, once Megatron got the drop on the Autobots, he was able to exploit Gears' new personality glitch to make him repair the solar needle while the Decepticons held his teammates at gunpoint. Megatron gloated too much about the nature of Gears' problem, though, allowing Optimus Prime to circumvent his control over Gears. Tricking Megatron into agreeing to honor his last request "as a condemned mechanism", Prime turned the tables on Megatron by asking Gears for a favor of his own. Gears was all too happy to oblige...and destroy the solar needle for Optimus.

[[Image:ChangingGears got a bang out of that.jpg|thumb|left|280px]]
With the fight back on, Gears happily got in on the action and tossed Starscream for a loop. The Decepticons abandoned the field of battle, leaving the Autobots behind to clean up the mess caused by their solar needle. As the needle was being dismantled, Prime was ready to return Gears' circuit board to him when [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] stepped in. Seems the Autobots took a vote, and they would rather not restore Gears' talent for complaining, and whining, and hypochondria, and...well. After a quick joke, though, they did return the circuit board, and Gears showed his gratitude by going "whine, whine, whine" all the way home. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

Gears was seen awaiting his turn at the [[recharging chamber]]s, but did not appear later on rampaging with the other Autobots afflicted by the [[personality destabilizer device]]. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}} He attended Wheeljack's demonstration of the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]]. When the Decepticons got their metal mitts on the device, Gears was trapped in mid-transformation by the device's rays. He was restored to normal after [[Carly]] fiddled with the controls to reverse its effects. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:AutobotRun Gears lifts ground.jpg|thumb|GEARS SMASH!| right|230px]]
Like most of the Autobots, Gears was temporarily trapped in vehicle mode after Megatron unleashed his [[Transfixatron]] on them during a car rally for charity. Wheeljack came up with an [[anti-transfixation grenade]] to reverse the process (even his cures explode!), but that only revived the Autobots in time to deal with Plan B: [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. While he isn't in Brawn or Prime's class, Gears is still one strong little Autobot, and demonstrated his strength by ripping out huge chunks of rock to hurl at the massive Decepticon. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Sometime later, Gears helped install [[detection plate]]s around the Ark as an early warning system against any intruders. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} He was also briefly seen gawking at the two Optimus Primes who showed up in the dirt. After a sharpshooting contest and car race failed to uncover the imposter, the Autobots rode into battle anyway with both Primes at their side. Gears didn't have much fun in the following melee: first he got sent face-first into the dirt by one of the opening salvos, and was later overmatched in single combat against [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. He was saved only by the continuation of Megatron and Starscream's cockeyed, overly-elaborate scheme of clones killing clones. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

Gears was on patrol with the team when they suddenly came across an empty riverbed. After a quick mud massage from Jazz's spinning tires, Gears and the others decided to follow the river's trail to see where it had been diverted. What they found was trouble: [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s. The Autobots barely escaped battle with Devastator to report on Megatron's activities to Prime. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:MMP2 Seaspray and Gears shooting.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Gears attended Wheeljack's demonstration of how he had taught Grimlock "finesse". The resulting chaos and destruction was predictable, but memorable. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Despite not being seen in the battle at all, Gears was injured fighting Megatron and the [[Heart of Cybertron]] in South America. All the repairs and none of the glory. Boy, he must have been ''craaaanky''...{{storylink|Microbots}}

Gears and many of his fellow Autobots showed up in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]] for the Autobot Day parade and celebration. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} The city soon turned on the Autobots, thanks to Megatron's machinations, but they returned to help drive the Decepticons away once the humans were temporarily enslaved. Gears was seen among the horde of Autobots that overwhelmed the Decepticon slave-drivers. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} He was also one of the Autobots cheering for the Dinobots when they returned from Cybertron with a fresh supply of [[cybertonium]]. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Gears was part of the third wave of Autobots to confront the invulnerable Decepticons, but fared no better than his predecessors against their [[electrum]] coating. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} Gears stood by as [[Chip Chase]] and Teletraan I tried to locate the Autobots lost aboard the Space Bridge. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} He was also seen applying [[Corrostop]] to the Statue of Liberty. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:BOT wet Gears.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
When Megatron and the Decepticons attacked the Ark looking for the [[Combaticon (G1)|renegade Decepticons]], Gears joined Optimus Prime in fending off their assault. Megatron soon retreated once he realized Prime had no slaggin' idea what he was talking about. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Gears, Ironhide and Bumblebee responded to an S.O.S. from [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]] and found themselves chasing [[B.O.T. (robot)|B.O.T.]] around the city. They were beaten to it by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who needed to get back [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'s personality component, and Gears later found himself defending Autobot Headquarters from [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

In 2005, Gears was stationed on [[Moonbase One]] under Optimus Prime's command. It is unknown whether he left for Earth with Prime and the Dinobots to repel Megatron's attack on [[Autobot City]], or if he remained behind. If he did, his chances aren't that good, as only [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Cliffjumper were seen escaping from [[Unicron]]'s smelting pits. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

Gears was amongst the Autobots who defended [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] from a Decepticon attack. Although the Autobots won the day, the attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] could go do evil in Japan or something unspecified. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

===Coloring books===
[[Image:G1 GearsPotatoes AutobotSmasher.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Steve Ditko is noted for his superb use of shading, his handling of facial expressions, and his ability to do cosmic vistas of mystery. Here he was asked to do a line drawing of a truck carrying potatoes.]]
Gears was hauling a load of potatoes, with plans to sell them for oil and gas money. (Really.) He was tricked by the Decepticons into taking a detour, which led him to their "[[Autobot Rest Stop]]"—a car crusher disguised with pillows and a set of curtains. Gears rolled into the Rest Stop and was enjoying himself when [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] activated the machine, crushing Gears flat.

Gears was later restored by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with no ill effects. {{storylink|The Autobot Smasher!}}

{{note|This coloring book was illustrated by [[Steve Ditko]], co-creator of none other than... the amazing [[Spider-Man]]! Coincidence? Probably.}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Gears was part of the Ark's original crew, crash-landing on Earth four million years ago and awakening in 1984. Like all the Transformers of Earth, he was believed dead for many years after the mid-air explosion of the ''[[Ark II]]''. In fact, Gears was one of many robots who were salvaged by the mercenary known as [[Lazarus]], who began the time-consuming process of installing remote control programming into his inert Cybertronian captives. Lazarus was doomed to failure, however, for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] regained control of his own body shortly after the human reactivated him. With the Decepticons back in action thanks to Megatron, Gears and the other Autobots held captive by Lazarus were left at their mercy. Although a small group of Autobots were free under Optimus Prime's command to combat the Decepticons, most of the 'bots recovered by Lazarus (including Gears) were too badly damaged to be reactivated for that first battle. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

Gears and the other deactivated Autobots were recovered, though, and were back to full functionality by the time [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived from Cybertron. {{storylink|New World Order}} As the Autobot forces split in two, Gears went with Optimus Prime and his contingent back to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Back on his home planet, Gears participated in the insurrection by Autobot dissidents against the rule of Shockwave. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Much to his dismay, Gears was soon put in the position of having to return to Earth. With Prime temporarily out of action due to injuries, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had assumed command of the Ark's crew on Cybertron, and made the decision that a new base of operations needed to be constructed on Earth, to fortify Autobot interests there. Gears reluctantly left his beloved homeworld behind to return to Earth, and begin work on the construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF4_Gears_Brawn_FlightPods.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Gears was among the dormant Transformers found by the terrorist organization [[Cobra]] and reprogrammed to be under the humans' control. In the process, he and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] were rebuilt to transform into Cobra [[Flight Pod]]s. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} The two may have participated in an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]], or it may have just been two regular Flight Pods. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}} When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] hacked Cobra's computers and undid his comrades' reprogramming, Gears and Brawn hunted down [[Cobra Commander]] and blew up the ship he was going to escape from [[Cobra Island]] with. However, before the Autobots could capture the commander, they were taken out by [[Storm Shadow]]'s [[S.N.A.K.E.]] mech. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}}

Gears didn't give up so easily, however, as he joined several other Autobots and located Cobra Commander and his S.N.A.K.E. guards again. Storm Shadow fought back and killed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], sending Gears and the others into a berserker rage as they ripped his S.N.A.K.E. apart. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}

{{-}}

===IDW ''Generation 1'' comics continuity===
Millions of years ago, Gears was one of several mourners seen at the funeral of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], after Megatron killed them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

In the modern era, Gears was seen reacting to the return of [[Blaster (G1)|"The Voice"]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

At some point, Gears made it to Earth, where he was captured by [[Skywatch]], along with [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and later, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Gears and his fellow Autobots battled the Decepticons in Earth's distant past, until an ice age came around and forced them to go underground and wait it out. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} They eventually woke up in the mid-19th century, and learned that the Decepticons were up and going as well. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}} In order to pursue the [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Gears took on the form of what appeared to be a boxcar and linked up with his friends to form an Autobot train. During the chase, much of the train was trapped when the Decepticons collapsed a tunnel on it, although Gears made it out safe and sound. He was hammered by Decepticon fire as he helped clear away rubble, but survived and went back to sleep underground after the Decepticons were defeated. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Gears toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Grumble... I suppose they want me to supply my own penny..."]]
* '''Gears''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/1985)

: Part of the first assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Vehicles]], Gears transforms into a blue and red "penny racer"-proportioned pickup truck of indeterminable model. The Gears toy was originally from [[Takara]]'s ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' line, in the same basic coloration but with a darker blue, as the "Micro Robot 04 4WD Off-Road". This is the source of the "M" on his truck-mode hood.

: For reasons unknown, he was the only Mini Vehicle not made available as part of [[Takara]]'s original retail line in any capacity (while [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] were not available at normal retail, both were offered as mail-away toys).

: There were a few variations of Gears south of the border, where he was known as "Pick-Up". Initial releases had the same plastic colors but retained the sticker designs from his original Micro Change release, while later toys had the plastic colors changed to make him a red truck with orange robot parts (pre-Malignus). In Mexico, and subsequently also found in some European markets, a maroon and white version was released, possibly to bring the character of [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] over without the use of a new mold.

: This mold was used to make the [[Malignus]] [[Pick-Up (Malignus)|Pick-Up]], the Autobot [[Small Foot]] and was [[Retool|retooled]] to make Swerve.

*'''Minibots Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''TFC-12'''

: Gears was ''finally'' put out at Japanese retail in 2004, as part of the [[Transformers Collection]] "Minibot" set, containing Gears, a retooled [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], Cosmos, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and Warpath. This set was later [[Redeco|redecoed]] to make the [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]] [[G1 GoBots]] team.

==Notes==
* In his first Marvel Comics appearance, Gears sported a more humanoid [[character model]] that looked less like his toy than his final animation model. He would also use this model in the UK annual story "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]", while ''[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'' was inexplicably drawn with this model in the earlier UK story "[[The Enemy Within!]]".

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Gears/gears.htm Gears at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Gears Gears' Universe entry at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]

The Elite Guard

2010-10-18T02:40:58Z

24.74.116.112: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the '''Transformers Animated''' episode|the Autobot military team featured in this episode|Cybertron Elite Guard}}
{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|image=Eliteguardleaveshuttle.jpg
|caption=The cool kids always arrive fashionably late.
|ep=17
|ep2=16
|prev2=Megatron Rising - Part 2
|next2=The Return of the Headmaster
|title="The Elite Guard"
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2008]]
|written by=[[Rich Fogel]]
|directed by=[[Matt Youngberg]] [[Irineo Maramba]] [[Yutaka Kagawa]]
|animation studio= [[Mook]]
}}

'''The Cybertron Elite Guard arrives on Earth to retrieve the All Spark and relieve Prime and his crew of their post, but they prove less than adept at blending in with the human world.'''

==Synopsis==
On the extensive highway system of [[Detroit]], the [[Autobot]]s are aiding in the repair efforts after their titanic battle with the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. Unfortunately the residents of the city don't seem to ''understand'' that the road system was blown to rubble by the battle, and are upset that the Autobots are holding up traffic. Optimus Prime heads over to address their concerns, and they flee in fear. Bulkhead comments that he liked it better when they were heroes, to which Optimus retorts that they still are. All of them wonder what the heck has happened that Bumblebee isn't there helping them.

[[Image:Super secretary.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sure thing, dollface!]]

There's no reason for them to be jealous though, as the little yellow bot has been pressed into service as Sari's secretary at [[Sumdac Tower]]. The little girl realizes that there's a lot of pressure in running a business, and feels sorry for her father's having had to deal with this. Porter C. Powell is less patient, and expresses a fairly cold attitude towards her "wasting" company funds on locating the genius who designs all the company's myriad robotic technologies. Sari yells at him that as long as the company's name is Sumdac she's in charge, cuts him off, and tells Bumblebee to hold her calls. Bumblebee tells the "Boss Lady" sure, but points to the TV, showing an unidentified flying object headed for Detroit(again), saying she might want to look at that.

[[Image:Elite ship.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Those Elite guys always got ships that could actually land.]]

Spotting it, the Autobots speed to the scene, only to be met with some justified resentment by Captain Fanzone. However they are allowed to pass once the [[Steelhaven (Animated)|ship]] is revealed to be crewed by Autobots. Sentinel Prime, Jazz, and Ultra Magnus step out of the ship, while Optimus Prime and company walk up the gangplank, giving Magnus a salute. The [[Supreme Commander]] orders a force field thrown up to quarantine the entire area from organics. Jazz is interested in interacting with the locals, but quickly loses his interest when Sentinel Prime warns that they'll spit slime that will melt him down.

Sentinel is assigned to decontaminate the long-lost Autobot crew, a task he takes to with relish until he is interrupted by Jazz for overdoing it. Released, the Autobots are informed that the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] have come to retrieve the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]]. Optimus explains that it was dispersed in the battle with the Decepticons, a fact that Sentinel accuses him of lying about, saying there is no evidence of the Decepticons being on the planet. Ratchet says that Optimus is a hero for keeping the AllSpark out of Megatron's hands, while Bulkhead nearly comes to blows with Sentinel after the out-of-line guardsman says that Optimus is anything but a hero. Ultra Magnus orders the Autobots to calm down and tells Optimus to take him and Sentinel to where the AllSpark was dispersed, though he insists that Optimus Prime's crew remain with Jazz until they return. The two Elite Guardsmen have some very unsubtle [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]], chosen by Sentinel (Magnus is a military transport and Sentinel is a monster truck with a snow plow), and damage some cars near the ship as they [[roll out]]. Optimus tries to instruct them on the finer points of traffic laws, but Sentinel rams him aside without any regards for driver safety. He pays for this by driving off a damaged bridge and crashing into the ground below.

[[Image:Lair.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Meanwhile, in the evil lair...]]

Elsewhere, the Decepticons have holed themselves up in an underground mine with carbon deposits to hide them from the Autobots' sensors. Lugnut wants to go topside and fight, but his arm falls off mid-rant. Besides, Megatron has other priorities: the conquest of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Although Blitzwing thinks that the three of them conquering Cybertron is crazy, Lugnut [[Apeface|strikes him with his own severed arm]], telling him to never doubt Megatron, though he does admit that he'd like to know Megatron' plan. According to Megatron, the reasons the Decepticons lost the [[Great War (Animated)|Great Wars]] were due to the Autobots' possession of the AllSpark and [[space bridge]] technology. However, Megatron was able to download a partial schematic from the [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Autobot ship]] before his defeat. A completed space bridge would allow the Decepticons to teleport into Cybertron and conquer the planet from the inside. The rest of the space bridge's schematics, however, would have to be reverse-engineered by Isaac Sumdac, who is still the Decepticons' prisoner. Sumdac says that he doesn't know anything about teleportation, but a malfunctioning service drone gets him to shut up. Megatron blasts the drone and discovers that a piece of the AllSpark is embedded in its circuitry. This gives Megatron hope that the AllSpark was not entirely destroyed and could still be salvaged...

[[Image:Freaked jazz-1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!]]

At a Sumdac Systems manufacturing plant, an assembly line building [[police drone]]s has been embedded with a piece of the AllSpark, and the drones begin to go haywire. Powell tells Sari what is happening, but refuses to do anything about it. Sari decides to free the Autobots, using the [[AllSpark Key]] to move through the shield and get onto the ship. Tripping an alarm, Sari is soon confronted by Jazz, who tries to coax her off the ship without provoking her. Realizing Jazz is afraid of her, Sari scares the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of the poor bot. Optimus's crew arrive and explain that Sari is harmless. Sari tells them what's going on at the plant, but Jazz says they need to stay with him. Bumblebee says that Magnus didn't specify where, and Jazz, wanting to try out his stylish alternate mode, goes with them to the plant.

On [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]], Optimus warns Sentinel and Magnus about the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]], who take that moment to jump out, but Sentinel is unworried. Grimlock's [[transformation]] and flaming sword are a little more impressive, especially as they manage to force back Sentinel Prime, even through his shield. Ultra Magnus uses his hammer to call down lightning and scare away the Dinobots, while Sentinel appears to have learned nothing.

[[Image:TFA Elite Guard Optimus console slice.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Optimus Prime Tech Support, at your service!]]

Arriving at the plant, the police drones attack the Autobots. Jazz shows off his [[Metallikato]] skills, and Bulkhead smashes and smashes, but there is just no end to the drones. Magnus and the Primes arrive to provide backup, but Sentinel thinks that they should abort rather than risk organic contamination. Optimus, Prowl, and Jazz force their way into the plant and get Sari to a control console, into which she places the AllSpark Key, shutting down the assembly line, and Magnus uses his hammer to destroy the rest of the drones. Unfortunately, the Key is stuck. Sentinel Prime says that he'll see Optimus tried for insubordination and high treason for destroying the AllSpark, but Optimus finally tells Sentinel to shove it in his hard drive, reminding him they are of equal [[Prime (rank)|rank]]. Using his axe, Prime destroys the console and discovers that the Key was attached to a piece of the AllSpark. Examining it, Ultra Magnus accepts Optimus Prime's story. Sentinel still tries to badmouth Optimus, saying he's a liar, but Ultra Magnus finally puts Sentinel in his place, saying Optimus has demonstrated strategic thinking, determination, and loyalty towards his comrades—all qualities that Sentinel Prime could use.

[[Image:Dramatic change in plot.jpg|right|180px|thumb|See that, Pat Lee? It's called an expression!]]

Heading home, Sari and Bumblebee find that she has been locked out of her office. Powell says that he's been elected CEO and Chairman of the Board, and is now head of Sumdac Systems. Sari still insists that it's her family's company, but Powell reveals that there is no will or adoption papers from Isaac Sumdac, nor does Sari have a birth certificate or social security number. As Sari realizes that she has no way to prove that she is Sumdac's daughter, Powell puts it even more bluntly—there's no evidence to prove that she legally exists...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] (9)
*[[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] (10)
*[[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
*[[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] (16)
*[[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]] (17)
*[[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] (12)
*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (13)
*[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Sari Sumdac]] (6)
*[[Porter C. Powell]] (7)
*[[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] (8)
*[[Isaac Sumdac]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is completely unnecessary, Sentinel!" 
"Can't risk an infestation, 'old buddy'. Take it like a real bot."
:—Undergoing "decontamination", '''Optimus''' rediscovers that '''Sentinel''' is a jerk.

"Man, that was some funky blinkin' colored light show! What'd you call those things again?" 
"Traffic lights?" 
"Traffic lights. Solid."
:—'''Jazz''' discovers the wonderful world of commuting with the help of '''Bulkhead'''.

"What kind of screwloose planet IS this?!"
:—Between broken bridges and now Dinobots, '''Sentinel Prime''' isn't having a good day.

'''Bulkhead''': It's no good! These things are rolling off the assembly line faster than I can smash 'em! 
'''Jazz''': Is it always like this on this crazy planet? 
'''Prowl''': Pretty much.
:—Jazz learns that Prime's crew has anything but a quiet life.

'''Sentinel Prime''': I think you've done enough, Optimus! I'll make sure you're tried for high treason for destroying the AllSpark! Now come with me! 
'''Optimus Prime''': No! 
''[Shoves Sentinel aside]'' 
'''Sentinel Prime''': That wasn't a request. That's a DIRECT ORDER, Optimus! 
'''Optimus Prime''': It's Optimus PRIME. I may be an Elite Guard washout and a glitch-detail flunky, but the last time I checked, you and I still had equal rank. SO, Sentinel PRIME, take your order AND your condescending attitude, and STICK IT IN YOUR HARD DRIVE! You're on MY TURF now! 
:— Optimus is officially sick of Sentinel Prime's crap.

"Definitely appears to be a fragment of the AllSpark. Apparently, your story about dispersing it may not be so far-fetched after all." 
"But sir, you can't honestly believe that. He's a lying, insubordinate crankshaft." 
"He may be a little rough around the edges, but in the heat of battle, Optimus Prime exhibited the qualities of a true leader: strategic thinking, determination, and above all, loyalty. Something ''you'' could stand to learn a thing or two about, Sentinel Prime."
:— '''Ultra Magnus''' lets '''Sentinel Prime''' know how much of an Auto-Ass he is.

[[Image:No Sari Sumdac.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"And you—YOU no longer EXIST!"]]

"Hey, why is my office locked?" 
"Miss Sumdac, I regret to inform you that your services will no longer be required. The board has unanimously elected me to take over as CEO of [[Sumdac Systems]]." 
"You can't do that! It's still my family's company!" 
"Is it? I took the liberty of doing some research into your claim. It might interest you to know that there is no will, no birth certificate, no adoption papers, social security number, or any kind of record whatsoever for a 'Sari Sumdac'." 
"Are you saying I can't prove I'm Isaac Sumdac's daughter?" 
"I'm saying you can't even prove you exist."
:—'''Sari''' and '''Porter C. Powell''' create a drastic change in plot.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* When the Elite Guard first appear on the ramp of their ship, Jazz is missing the arrow decal on his crotch.
* When Sentinel Prime is asking for proof that the Allspark was not completely destroyed, in the next shot, Bumblebee is seen missing the plate on top of his head. It comes back in the next scene.
* When Optimus is walking down the ramp reassuring the humans that the other Autobots are friendly, Sentinel Prime can be seen in vehicle mode coming down behind him. Yet in the next shot after Optimus has transformed, Ultra Magnus is the first to follow suit.

===Continuity errors===
* Captain Fanzone is ''still'' driving [[Captain Fanzone's car|the car]] that was crushed! He must know [[Sparkplug Witwicky|one hell of a mechanic]]. Or he's obsessive enough to buy an identical car.
* Jazz says he has orders to "stick with you" [Optimus's crew], to which Bumblebee is delighted to inform him about the loophole. But really, the order was to stay "here" [on the ship]. So either Jazz forgot his orders, or [[Tracks (G1)|cared more about his vehicle mode]].

===Transformers references===
* This episode reveals that both Prowl and Jazz are practitioners of the Cybertronian martial art of [[Metallikato]], originally used by the Generation 1 character [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]].

* In voicing Ultra Magnus, Jeff Bennett is doing a ''rather'' good impression of [[Robert Stack]], who originally voiced the character in [[The Transformers: The Movie|the 1986 movie]], as well as a bit of a take on [[wikipedia:Sir_Alec_Guiness|Alec Guinness]]'s portayal of [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] from the original [[Star Wars]] trilogy. Very cool.

* The giant ship in which the Elite Guard arrives on Earth bears a strong resemblance to the shuttles used by the Autobots in the 1986 movie, only in blue, and a whole lot bigger.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La garde d'élite'''" ("The Elite Guard")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Elitegarde'''" ("The Elite Guard")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 15|15 July]] [[2008]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''エリートガード''' ("Elite Guard")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 17|17 July]] [[2010]]
* Ultra Magnus uses the "Magnus Hammer Thunder Attack" when he wipes out the police drones.

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gwardzista Elitarny'''" ("The Elite Guardsman")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

===Real-world references===
* Ultra Magnus' Hammer appears to have been modeled after [[Thor]]'s hammer [[wikipedia:Mjolnir|Mjolnir]].

* Captain Fanzone homages the ''[[wikipedia:Indiana_Jones|Indiana Jones]]'' line, "Snakes, why did it have to be snakes?" replacing "snakes" with "robots".

===Trivia===
*[[News Bot]] and [[Tutor Bot]] are listed as appearing in the episode credits, but do not actually appear. There ''is'' a televised news bulletin regarding the object that would be revealed as the Elite Guard's ship, but the unseen reporter is voiced by [[Jeff Bennett]] instead of [[Townsend Coleman]].
*The Autobots have trouble proving to the Guard that there is Decepticon activity on Earth. There were dozens of human witnesses to the recent battle. Even if the Guard does not trust organic testimony, did ''none'' of the humans have cameras?
*Come to think of it, what happened to the news footage of Starscream Megatron watched when he reactivated?
*Megatron is evidently fully repaired now, while his subordinates are having trouble keeping their arms from falling off. Guy's got priorities, certainly.
*When they're being "decontaminated", Bulkhead remarks that Sentinel doesn't remember them, to which Bumblebee replies that he wants it that way. The meaning of this exchange is revealed in "[[Autoboot Camp]]".
*In the ''Animated'' universe, "Prime" is a military rank, as Optimus forcefully reminds Sentinel.
*It was unclear if either part of Ultra Magnus's name was a rank, particularly since he's commonly addressed as "Commander". Later, in "[[First (and Second) in Flight]]", it was revealed that "Magnus" is a rank.

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Two ([[Transformers Animated (cartoon)/home video|Paramount]]) — English and Spanish audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Four: Mission Accomplished (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Four: Mission Accomplished (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Vier: Mission Erfüllt (Paramount) — English and German audio.

==External links==
* [http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/video/dlink/index.html?episodeID=8a25c3921fc6a295011fc995b2760110 "The Elite Guard" streaming video at Cartoon Network] (link functional until 3/03/10)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elite Guard}}
[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Make Tracks

2010-09-22T02:07:52Z

24.74.116.112: /* Other notes */

{{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")

==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.

[[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)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (18)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (20)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (21)
* [[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]]

Atlantis, Arise!

2010-09-14T22:48:54Z

24.74.116.112: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=24
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=16
|prev2=The Immobilizer
|next2=Enter the Nightbird
|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)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (11)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (12)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (13)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (14)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (15)
* [[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)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (26)

|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.
* 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.

===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]]