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Convoy (episode)

2011-05-28T00:51:18Z

70.68.108.172: /* Real-world references */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the Japanese name and rank|Convoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. His plane's been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] says that using the [[ground bridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega-1|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in vehicle mode. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[Image:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the D.N.G.S. for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (Prime)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the D.N.G.S. was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the D.N.G.S. is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[Image:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|250px|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the D.N.G.S. are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them "textbook drivers"."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas. well maybe not the last one

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Si, what's the market price for a D.N.G.S. these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—'''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the D.N.G.S.), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimal force". During the short battle, they run two cars off the road, causing both to flip over, and blow up a third. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
* NOT AN ERROR: Silas attempting to destroy the D.N.G.S. at the end of the episode. There's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The car in front of Bumblebee disappears after the Autobots begin applying force.
{{-}}

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the D.N.G.S. on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck|trailer]].

===Foreign dubbing===

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''Transformers Prime'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle road-switcher model produced in London, Ontario by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive_Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].
[[wikipedia:Convoy|Convoy]] is also a action movie revolving around a convoy, just with out the nuke.

===Trivia===
[[Image:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|200px|So I married an axe murderer.]]
* As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
* On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a fire extinguisher, like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
* When Jack and Miko grab respectively, the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and its unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
* Fowler's badassery (already displayed in several previous episodes) is again shown when he climbs out of Optimus's cab to dislodge one of MECH's goons, then proceeds to manhandle the minion one-handed, and then climbs back into the cab. Oh, and he puts his seat belt back on. Safety first, kids.
* This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jacks arm.
*Evidently, whoever developed the episode's Macguffin shares [[Isaac Sumdac]]'s taste in questionably named devices. *snrk* ''Dingus''... seriously?
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.

==Home video releases==

==External links==

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2010-06-17T15:17:06Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=FHE-UltimateDoom.jpg
|caption="Now, pardon me as I try to outrun those tsunami behind me!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|written by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 破滅の日 PART I (''Hametsu no Hi PART I'', "Day of Destruction PART I")
:''Latin American title:'' La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station on [[India]]'s coast. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[Image:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]

After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] realises that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[Image:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]

At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the energy and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

[[Image:Tud1_megatron_cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"]]

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (22)

|c3=
*Indian Maharaja (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]]

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron...only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
* The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
* For an Indian, that Maharaja sure does look like a Caucasian.
* Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
* Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle.
* As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is colored red instead of yellow.
*Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time their setting up a camera for him?
** He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
** As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
** Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
** The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
** Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
** Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
* As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
* As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
* Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
* Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
* Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
* Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
* Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
*After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
* Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
* Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip.... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
* The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
* The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms.
* Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
* Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
* Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant vehicle-mode drill as it folds back up.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
** As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
* Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
* As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes...as well as the dripping water.
* In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
* One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
* In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
* A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
* As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
* After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt-mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
* After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
* When Dr. Arkeville mentions having to improve his hypno-chips, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple.
* The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
* Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
* The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
** Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
** Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean -- a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
** Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
** "Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
** The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
* The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam, yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel|episodes]].
** Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors.)
** Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
** Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
** Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
** Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
** Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion]]".
** This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
* Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
* For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off [[Wikipedia:Malabar Coast|Malabar Coast]], which is located in southern [[Wikipedia:India|India]].
* As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]] when there's a [[wikipedia:American Top Forty|countdown]] of any kind, it's given to [[Casey Kasem|Cliffjumper]].
* Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to [[wikipedia: This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song]] that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
* Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** The sound of an igniting lightsaber is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
** As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the Death Star's turbolasers firing at the Rebel fighters.
** The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi's lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.

*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the [[wikipedia:Film Advisory Board|Film Advisory Board]] Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' console game.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[Image:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3%281984%29.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[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]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_ultimate_doom_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger

2010-06-07T23:02:46Z

70.68.108.172: /* Transformers references */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=14
|image=Marsexplode1.jpg
|caption=Fort Max binary bonds with Evel Knievel.
|title="Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger"
|japanese=火星爆破!!危うしマキシマス
|romaji=Kasei Bakuha!! Ayaushi Maximus
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|airdate=[[October 9|9 October]] 1987
|writer=[[Toyohiro Ando]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots attempt to stop a Decepticon plot to destroy the entire planet Mars.'''

:''English/Malay dub name:'' "'''Mars Explodes! Watch Out, Fortress Maximus!'''"

==Synopsis==
[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] unveils his latest plan to the gathered [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]; by planting a series of [[plasma energy]] bombs beneath the surface of Mars, and then triggering key explosions at the north and south poles, they can create a chain reaction that will destroy the planet, releasing more plasma energy for their devilish purposes.

As coincidence would have it, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and the [[Trainbot|Trainbots]] are currently conducting a geological survey on Mars when unusual seismic activity on the planet attracts their attention. Separating to investigate, Daniel, Wheelie and [[Shōki]] watch as [[Hun-Gurrr]] and [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] emerge from a smoking crater, and they immediately radio a report to [[Athenia]] for help. The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] depart for Mars in [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] - [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], however, is still concerned with the mysterious Decepticon activity on planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]].

On [[Earth]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] orders the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to join the fight on Mars, but as they depart, they are intercepted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Sixshot]]. Although [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] comes to their aid, they are not able to make it to Mars.

Back on Mars, the Headmasters arrive in the midst of a firefight between the Trainbots and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. As the battle rages, Wheelie and Daniel are captured by the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and taken to the Decepticons' base in the tunnels beneath the planet's surface. There, once they are imprisoned behind energy bars, they learn of the villains' intent for Mars. Daniel has an emergency beacon hidden in the Autobot symbol on his [[exosuit]], and to hide its activation, he and Wheelie stage a fight between themselves - much to the amusement of the Terrorcons - that allows Wheelie to grab it and alert Spike. The Headmasters rescue the two youths, and Fortress arrives as they attempt to force the bombing co-ordinates from the Decepticon Headmasters. They apparently succeed when [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] is able to trick [[Skullcruncher]] into becoming hypnotised by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], but the co-ordinates that he gives the Headmasters turn out to be a trap - jumping into the crater that they pinpoint, the four Autobots are trapped into a series of explosive energy coils. Chromedome calls out to Fortress to use the [[Master Sword]], but the commander is not mentally and physically prepared for the task, and the sword will not draw. As the explosions wrack the Headmasters below, a scream from Chromedome galvanizes Fortress, bringing the energies of his mind and body into harmony, and the Master Sword is unsheathed. However, as Fortress leaps from Battleship Maximus to initiate his transformation into [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], the Decepticon Headmasters launch a plasma energy bomb directly at him. A huge explosion follows, with the power of the Master Sword and the power of the plasma energy cancelling each other out. Drained of all his power, Fortress plummets back to the surface of Mars as the Headmasters watch in horror...!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Kaen]] (8)
* [[Seizan]] (9)
* [[Getsuei]] (10)
* [[Suiken]] (11)
* [[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (12)
* [[Shōki]] (14)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (15)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (19)
* [[Brainstorm]] (20)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (21)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (22)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (23)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (24)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (25)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (27)
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (28)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (29)
* [[Scattershot]] (30)
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (31)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (32)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (34)
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (45)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] (1)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (2)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (5)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (6)
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (7)
* [[Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (18)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (33)
* [[Sixshot]] (35)
* [[Headstrong]] (36)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (37)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (38)
* [[Tantrum]] (39)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (40)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (41)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (42)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (43)
* [[Predaking]] (44)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (13)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (16)
* [[Carly|Carly Witwicky]] (46)

}}
==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
*When Hun-Gurrr first leaves the crater on Mars, he is colored like Sinnertwin.
*When the Technobots are shot down by Trypticon, Strafe's head is red instead of white.
*Trypticon's black armor is colored purple after he initially collides with Metroplex.
*The Predaking transformation sequence has a number of coloring mistakes, as does the Autobot Headmasters "Head On" sequence immediately after.
*In the English dub, the opening narration helpfully explains that Mars is the fourth largest planet in the solar system, and is more than 50% bigger than Earth. This is stupid.

===Transformers references===
*Plasma energy, and Scorponok's plan for it, was introduced in "[[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts]]".
*The mysterious Decepticon activity on planet Zarak was introduced back in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". This plot thread culminates in the [[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears|second installment]] of this two-parter.
*This episode marks the final apperence of Jazz

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*Beginning with this episode and continuing throughout the series, the [[title sequence]] is modified as part of a tie-in promotion with the interactive [[Video Challenger]] light gun system. Henceforth, most of the Decepticons flicker white, essentially emiting a visual signal which could be picked up by the light gun that denoted them as targets to be fired on. The more Decepticons the kid with the gun shot, the more points they got!
*The Decepticon Headmasters defy animé tradition in the final moments of the episode by interrupting Fortress' Head-On transformation sequence by ''shooting a goddamn bomb in his face''. This is both underhanded and hilarious.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Headmasters episodes]]

Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger

2010-06-07T23:02:19Z

70.68.108.172: /* Transformers references */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=14
|image=Marsexplode1.jpg
|caption=Fort Max binary bonds with Evel Knievel.
|title="Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger"
|japanese=火星爆破!!危うしマキシマス
|romaji=Kasei Bakuha!! Ayaushi Maximus
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|airdate=[[October 9|9 October]] 1987
|writer=[[Toyohiro Ando]]
|director=[[Jōhei Matsūra]]
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots attempt to stop a Decepticon plot to destroy the entire planet Mars.'''

:''English/Malay dub name:'' "'''Mars Explodes! Watch Out, Fortress Maximus!'''"

==Synopsis==
[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] unveils his latest plan to the gathered [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]; by planting a series of [[plasma energy]] bombs beneath the surface of Mars, and then triggering key explosions at the north and south poles, they can create a chain reaction that will destroy the planet, releasing more plasma energy for their devilish purposes.

As coincidence would have it, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and the [[Trainbot|Trainbots]] are currently conducting a geological survey on Mars when unusual seismic activity on the planet attracts their attention. Separating to investigate, Daniel, Wheelie and [[Shōki]] watch as [[Hun-Gurrr]] and [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] emerge from a smoking crater, and they immediately radio a report to [[Athenia]] for help. The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] depart for Mars in [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] - [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], however, is still concerned with the mysterious Decepticon activity on planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]].

On [[Earth]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] orders the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to join the fight on Mars, but as they depart, they are intercepted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Sixshot]]. Although [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] comes to their aid, they are not able to make it to Mars.

Back on Mars, the Headmasters arrive in the midst of a firefight between the Trainbots and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. As the battle rages, Wheelie and Daniel are captured by the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and taken to the Decepticons' base in the tunnels beneath the planet's surface. There, once they are imprisoned behind energy bars, they learn of the villains' intent for Mars. Daniel has an emergency beacon hidden in the Autobot symbol on his [[exosuit]], and to hide its activation, he and Wheelie stage a fight between themselves - much to the amusement of the Terrorcons - that allows Wheelie to grab it and alert Spike. The Headmasters rescue the two youths, and Fortress arrives as they attempt to force the bombing co-ordinates from the Decepticon Headmasters. They apparently succeed when [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] is able to trick [[Skullcruncher]] into becoming hypnotised by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], but the co-ordinates that he gives the Headmasters turn out to be a trap - jumping into the crater that they pinpoint, the four Autobots are trapped into a series of explosive energy coils. Chromedome calls out to Fortress to use the [[Master Sword]], but the commander is not mentally and physically prepared for the task, and the sword will not draw. As the explosions wrack the Headmasters below, a scream from Chromedome galvanizes Fortress, bringing the energies of his mind and body into harmony, and the Master Sword is unsheathed. However, as Fortress leaps from Battleship Maximus to initiate his transformation into [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], the Decepticon Headmasters launch a plasma energy bomb directly at him. A huge explosion follows, with the power of the Master Sword and the power of the plasma energy cancelling each other out. Drained of all his power, Fortress plummets back to the surface of Mars as the Headmasters watch in horror...!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Kaen]] (8)
* [[Seizan]] (9)
* [[Getsuei]] (10)
* [[Suiken]] (11)
* [[Yukikaze (G1)|Yukikaze]] (12)
* [[Shōki]] (14)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (15)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (19)
* [[Brainstorm]] (20)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (21)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (22)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (23)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (24)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (25)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (27)
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (28)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (29)
* [[Scattershot]] (30)
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (31)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (32)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (34)
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (45)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] (1)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (2)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (5)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (6)
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (7)
* [[Hun-Gurrr]] (17)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (18)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (33)
* [[Sixshot]] (35)
* [[Headstrong]] (36)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (37)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (38)
* [[Tantrum]] (39)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (40)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (41)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (42)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (43)
* [[Predaking]] (44)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (13)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (16)
* [[Carly|Carly Witwicky]] (46)

}}
==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
*When Hun-Gurrr first leaves the crater on Mars, he is colored like Sinnertwin.
*When the Technobots are shot down by Trypticon, Strafe's head is red instead of white.
*Trypticon's black armor is colored purple after he initially collides with Metroplex.
*The Predaking transformation sequence has a number of coloring mistakes, as does the Autobot Headmasters "Head On" sequence immediately after.
*In the English dub, the opening narration helpfully explains that Mars is the fourth largest planet in the solar system, and is more than 50% bigger than Earth. This is stupid.

===Transformers references===
*Plasma energy, and Scorponok's plan for it, was introduced in "[[The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts]]".
*The mysterious Decepticon activity on planet Zarak was introduced back in "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]". This plot thread culminates in the [[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears|second installment]] of this two-parter.
*This episode marks the finally apperence of Jazz

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*Beginning with this episode and continuing throughout the series, the [[title sequence]] is modified as part of a tie-in promotion with the interactive [[Video Challenger]] light gun system. Henceforth, most of the Decepticons flicker white, essentially emiting a visual signal which could be picked up by the light gun that denoted them as targets to be fired on. The more Decepticons the kid with the gun shot, the more points they got!
*The Decepticon Headmasters defy animé tradition in the final moments of the episode by interrupting Fortress' Head-On transformation sequence by ''shooting a goddamn bomb in his face''. This is both underhanded and hilarious.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Headmasters episodes]]

Jazz (G1)

2010-06-07T22:58:44Z

70.68.108.172: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Jazz}}
{{featured}}
:''Jazz is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Meister'''.''

[[Image:jazz-g1-shout-dvds.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's either about to bust a move or bust your face.]]
'''Jazz''' is [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Second-in-command|right-hand man]]. Unlike [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], Prime's military strategist, Jazz responds well to change and improvisation. Whatever surprises the Decepticons spring, Jazz can deal with it. His position as [[Special Operations]] head calls for all the skills he possesses, yet he still has time to add some style to everything he does. Jazz's upbeat and outgoing personality make him one of the most popular Autobots among the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew.

An admirer of [[Earth]] music of every kind, Jazz loves culture. More than most other Autobots, he has his finger on the pulse of Earth trends and lingo, effortlessly incorporating human slang into his vocabulary. Chances are, Jazz could tell you the status of almost any reality television show and each week's Top 40 list.

:''Preliminary name'': '''Jazzz''' 
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics)'': '''Lero-Lero'''
:''Japanese name'': '''Meister''' 
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Saxo''' 
:''Italian name'': '''Tigre''' ("Tiger") 
:''RTM1 dub name'': '''Marshall'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Jazzg1marvelfirst.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Hey, man, this is not my scene!]]
''Before Optimus became leader, Jazz was part of the self-styled [[Magnificent Six]], a team of Autobot warriors who were tortured and humiliated by the sadistic [[Megadeath]].'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

Jazz was one of the Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] who crashed on [[Earth]] four million years ago, waking up in 1984. Jazz showed an affinity with [[human]] pop culture almost immediately, responding to [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s non sequitur assertion that his "logic center dictates the most advantageous course of action in any situation" with "Well, that is neat-o, Prowl." {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:LastStand-Jazzneverfear.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Jazz loves Earth... FRIED!]]

Jazz's first foray into action came when the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] attacked him and his fellow Autobots at [[Witwicky Auto Repairs]], resulting in the kidnapping of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Later, when Sparkplug was rescued and it was learned that the auto repairman had devised a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable resource, the Autobots were enraged. Jazz shot a stream of fire to prevent Sparkplug's escape, causing the human to suffer a heart attack. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

It was discovered that after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, a rescue ship was sent after them which was buried somewhere in [[United Kingdom|England]]. The [[Man of Iron (Autobot)|Man of Iron]], one of its crew, had awakened a number of times in England's history and had become a local legend. Jazz, along with [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Bluestreak]], was dispatched to England under [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s supervision. Jazz befriended (and kidnapped) a young boy, [[Sammy Harker]], whose dad worked at the castle where the Autobot rescue ship had been partially unearthed. After questioning the boy, it became apparent that the rescue ship had to be destroyed. At the climax of a battle with the Decepticons over the buried ship, Jazz fired his weaponry down into it, and it was pulverized. {{storylink|Man of Iron (story)|Man of Iron}}

[[Image:ManofIron-CodeAdam.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Code Adam! CODE ADAM!]]

''Jazz and a handful of other Autobots were beginning repairs on their crashed spaceship when an electrical accident altered [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]'s personality in a very bad way. Brawn became violent and paranoid, and Jazz was unable to keep the tiny but mighty Autobot restrained. At the end of Brawn's subsequent adventure, Jazz was relieved to see that he had survived and was back to his old self. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}''

''At some point, the Autobots met the Decepticons in battle at [[Sherman Dam]]. When the dam's structural integrity was compromised, Optimus Prime ordered Jazz and some others to get the neighboring humans to safety before imminent flooding destroyed the area. Jazz and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] raced each other as they carried some younger humans away from the nearby town. {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}}''

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], upon his sudden return from being snared in a tar pit for the past 4 million years, destroyed the Autobots with one blast, the Decepticons moved into the Ark, and Jazz's lifeless body was hung with the other Autobots' from the ceiling. {{storylink|The New Order}} [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the only surviving Autobot, heard of the fate of his peers and snuck into the Ark to investigate. Sadly, Jazz and the others were still being kept in this sad state. {{storylink|Warrior School!}}

[[Image:DisintegratedCircuits-JazzBlackrock.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Seriously, Jazz, you've really got to stop kidnapping every single person you need to talk to.]]

After Ratchet reclaimed the Ark from the Decepticons, Jazz and the other Autobots were rebuilt and repaired. Ratchet briefly worried about Jazz during a diagnostics run when the Autobot didn't transform like the others. Jazz explained that he stayed transformed because he was listening to a [[Madonna]] song, and it would be rude to interrupt it. After the Autobots returned home, it was Jazz who had a solution to their fuel problems: telling [[G.B. Blackrock]] that with the Decepticons around, owning an oil industry was ''dangerous'' work, and it'd be a ''shame'' if something happened, when for just a bit of fuel, the Autobots could ensure he had "protection". Jazz was given authorization to present Blackrock with this deal, which he did after kidnapping the poor industrialist and driving off a cliff. Despite this rocky beginning, Blackrock knew a good deal when he saw one, and he agreed.

Soon after, Jazz and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] hid behind the stage in their [[alternate mode]]s while Blackrock unveiled his [[Anti-Robot Photonic Multi-Cannon]] to the press. Unfortunately, not only was the cannon sabotaged by the demented and powerful human villain [[Circuit Breaker]], but [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] were there as well to destroy it. The violent efforts of both Circuit Breaker and Starscream put Jazz out of the fight. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

Blackrock was invited to tour the Ark and was disconcerted by the sight of the Jazz's arm being repaired and reattached while he was still conscious. Jazz assured him this was normal. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Meanwhile, the head of Optimus Prime had been held captive by the Decepticons all this time, but surveillance by Prowl revealed that the Decepticons were planning to ditch the head in a swamp. Prowl led Jazz and the other Autobots to that swamp to retrieve it, but there was a slight problem: When they returned the head to Prime's body, they quickly learned that this was an impostor head controlled by Shockwave. Jazz and the other Autobots were torn down by both the impostor Optimus Prime and a group of Decepticons led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Their lives were spared at the end of this battle once Prime's real head was retrieved. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

[[Image:G1 Jazz ChristmasBreaker.jpg|left|150px|thumb|She's not a material girl.]]

''Jazz later was [[Christmas]] shopping with [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] when he was again attacked by Circuit Breaker. However, Buster's pleas (and the spirit of Christmas) prevented her from killing him.'' {{storylink|Christmas Breaker!}} ''After this, Jazz took the side against building Autobot [[Ultimate Autobot|super-warriors]] in a heated debate ''{{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} ''and was part of the team retrieving [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] in the Dinobot Hunt.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Sans a leg, Jazz was seen once again in Ratchet's repair bay with several others. Because of these drastic losses to the Autobot ranks, Optimus Prime began building additional warriors. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''Later, Jazz took part in a mission in England to find a power source that reversed Transformers' personalities. Jazz eventually ended up destroying the core of [[PARD]] during a battle with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]].'' {{storylink|To a Power Unknown!}}

''Jazz spent three weeks in a shipping container in order to get to Skagway, [[Alaska]] unnoticed by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] then became stuck while scouting the local base, and Jazz suffered brain damage while coming to his aid. Hoist was forced to drag the uncooperative, bewildered Jazz through hostile territory to safety. The damage was repairable.'' {{storylink|The Mission}}

''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] time-jumped to 1986, Jazz was sent to scout out Decepticon territory and was captured. He was then used as bait to draw the Autobots into an ambush and was told of Galvatron's origin before his brain was operated on to turn him into a murderous [[zombie]]-soldier. He was used against his fellow Autobots and needed severe repairs afterward.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[Image:DarkStar-Jazz.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Shot in the crotch, and lore's to blame!]]

Jazz was among the dozens of Autobots who gathered on the Moon to watch Blaster and Grimlock battle for Autobot leadership, and subsequently came under Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

When an [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attacked New York, Jazz was part of the team sent to ambush him. Although most of the team was easily defeated, Jazz managed to hit him with a photon blast from behind, and while Starscream retaliated with a fatal blow, Jazz's attack was still enough to throw him off the Brooklyn Bridge and into the jaws of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Autobotclassicpretenders-us58.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Jazz likes humans so much, he wears one as his skin.]]

Later, exhausted from the workload of fixing all the Autobots Starscream damaged, Ratchet began having nightmares of being attacked by his deactivated comrades. The Decepticon [[Sports Car Patrol]] took advantage of this mental breakdown and took control of Jazz and others' circuits to [[Zombie|"zombify"]] them and torment him. When this failed, the [[Sports Car Patrol]] passed themselves off as Autobots and convinced Ratchet to come with them to Cybertron to get medical supplies. Ratchet took Jazz, along with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], with him, only to find [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] waiting for him! {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} While Ratchet was forced by Megatron to revive Starscream using [[Pretender]] technology, he had an idea of what to do with three discarded Pretender shells... {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} which turned out to be repairing Jazz, Grimlock and <strike>Goldbug</strike> Bumblebee! {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}}

While the others dealt with Megatron, Jazz had more than his hands full fighting off the Sports Car Patrol, who were definitely tougher than they appeared. Finding out from Ratchet that he could remotely control his shell, Jazz managed to turn the tide against his smaller opponents, but Megatron realized two heads weren't necessarily better than one when he bashed Jazz's head against his shell's and tossed them out of [[Megatron's base|his base]], where Jazz was safe from the explosives Ratchet teleported back from the Ark. {{storylink|Skin Deep}} After the explosion, Jazz searched the detritus for their bodies, but with no success. Ratchet and Megatron were assumed to have been atomized. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}}

Along with Bumblebee and Grimlock, he remained on Cybertron for a while, ''and would be sent to investigate a brutal group-killing'' {{storylink|Demons!}} ''that saw him and several Decepticons battle the ferocious [[Demon]]s.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Darkness}}

[[Image:PrimalScream Jazz fights Bludgeon.jpg|thumb|right|250px|We knew Jazz was badass, but ''damn''.]]

The [[Classic Pretender|Classics]] emboldened the Autobot resistance, leading eight successful raids on Decepticon fuel and ammunition depots before getting reassigned to Earth. However, the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] attacked the Autobase and accelerated the dimensional interface, sending Jazz, Bumblebee, Grimlock and the [[Rescue Patrol]] to the heart of Cybertron and face to face with their creator, [[Primus]]! {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} Despite the objections of Grimlock, Jazz and the others prostrated themselves before their creator and listened to the [[Keeper (Transformer)|Keeper]]'s story of how Cybertron came to be. Interrupted by an assault from the Mayhem Attack Squad, Jazz quickly traded blows with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] but was overmatched. Thankfully, he was rescued by Bumblebee before Bludgeon could deliver the killing blow. After recovering, he cleverly introduced [[Stranglehold]] to a very hard wall. Unfortunately, a stray shot from [[Octopunch]] awakened Primus, just as the dimensional interface was repaired. [[Emirate Xaaron]] ordered Jazz and company sent to Earth. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}}

Along with his Pretender mates, Jazz was part of the team sent to [[VsQs]] to retrieve the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] during the [[Matrix Quest]]. Unfortunately, all they found on VsQs was a creepy, abandoned science station with a closet full of dead scientists. Despite being "scared oil-less," Jazz implored his team to not give up on finding the Matrix, as the fate of their race hung in the balance. They weren't the only mechs looking for the Matrix, however, and Jazz and the others soon found themselves surrounded by [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and his Decepticons. Thunderwing proved too powerful even for all three Autobots put together, but thankfully(?), the battle was interrupted by the [[Matrixspawn]], the frightening creature responsible for the death of the science team. The three Autobots escaped, and when Jazz fell through the floor, the Autobots luckily found the Matrix hidden under there, presumably where the Matrixspawn had stashed it. The fuel-challenged Autobots grabbed the Matrix and ran for it. {{storylink|Dark Creation}}

It was not Jazz and the others who returned to the Ark with the Matrix, however. It was Thunderwing, who had managed to best the Matrixspawn, defeat the weary Autobots, and secure the Matrix for himself. {{storylink|All Fall Down (issue)|All Fall Down}} After Thunderwing and the Matrix were defeated and shot into space, Optimus Prime sent the [[Powermaster]]s back to VsQs to retrieve Jazz and the others. Jazz and Bumblebee were worse off than Grimlock by then, and had to be carried away on hoverbeds. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}}

Eventually, Jazz fought in the battle against Unicron and was briefly rear-ended on his [[hoverscooter]] by a speeding [[Siren]]. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

[[Image:Furmanismsrod.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Jazz is a [[Furmanism]] machine!]]

In an alternate future of 2009, Jazz was one of the last seven Autobots left alive in the universe. After the destruction of Cybertron and the death of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], [[North America]] was left completely under the control of [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] and the Decepticons. With the rest of the world united as a [[European Crisis Coalition]], Jazz and the human leader, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], were left with a 24-hour deadline to show the world America was still fighting. If they didn't, the remaining human governments were going to unleash nuclear armageddon in a last-ditch effort to eliminate the Decepticons. With little time to spare, the few Autobots left staged an assault on the Decepticon powerbase. [[Getaway]], [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]] and [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] made a suicidal play to keep the most powerful Decepticons, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], occupied, while [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] sacrificed his life to let Jazz and the others in through the base's force field. Forced to fight Galvatron himself single-handedly, Jazz held out long enough for Spike to scale the base's tower and unfurl an American flag, showing the world outside that there was still fight left in the U.S. of A. As if to punctuate that point further, the heralds of Unicron known as [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] suddenly arrived from cross- and down-time, disabling Galvatron in moments and then vanishing with him in a flash of light. Shocked by his sudden good fortune, Jazz led his two remaining comrades, Prowl and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], in a renewed effort to save the human race. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}
=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Jazz life in the slow lane.jpg|left|thumb|Earthforce Jazz likes to wear his pants high.]]
''When Optimus Prime took the Ark out into space and named [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] as Autobot Commander of Earth, Jazz chose to remain on Earth under his Dino-buddy's leadership as part of [[Earthforce]].'' {{storylink|Break-Away!}} ''His first mission was to recover the poison gas [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had planned to seed in Earth's atmosphere by rocket. He and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] raced to the site where [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had forced the rocket to crash, hoping to beat the two Decepticon factions to it before they could recover the poison. They failed, as both the [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]] and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] got there ahead of them. Jazz was ready to risk fighting through the 'Cons, but Prowl showed up and pulled him aside. It seemed Prowl had already had plenty of time to render the rocket harmless, and now the Decepticons were fighting over a useless contraption!'' {{storylink|Life in the Slow Lane}}

[[Image:BadGuysBall-Jazzparty.jpg|right|thumb|300px|It's party time! It's party time! Hey, everybody, it's party time!]]

''On another occasion, Jazz joined Sunstreaker, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] in infiltrating the Decepticon [[Enclave]]. They arranged a fake assassination attempt against Megatron and framed [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s men for it. The feuding that followed carried the Decepticons out of the cave where they were holding their detente, and so Jazz and the others took the opportunity to listen to their music and eat their munchies. Partee!'' {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!}} ''Later, he also joined Earthforce and the [[Survivors]] in bringing down the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. He scored an impressive hit against [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], paying him back for [[Primal Scream (issue)|past indignities]] that probably did not or would not happen in this timeline.'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

''When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] unveiled his new defense system for the Autobot Earthbase, he forgot to keep track of the little details, like how it wasn't a good idea to bring everyone outside for a demonstration when the defense grid could only be turned off from ''inside the base.'' As Prowl ran the gauntlet to reach the shutdown control center, Jazz and Bumblebee ran interference for him, drawing the fire from some of the defensive cannons to clear his path.'' {{storylink|The House that Wheeljack Built!}} ''Soon after, Jazz helped repel a Decepticon attack on the Earthbase, while their defenses were still down from the earlier incident.'' {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}

[[Image:Jazz end of the road.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

''As time passed, one Decepticon named [[Octane]] began making even more trouble among the humans than his fellow soldiers. A bully by nature, Octane enjoyed "playing" with humans, scaring them on the highways before ultimately driving them off the roads. Fed up with the Decepticon's antics, Jazz posed as a human vehicle and presented himself as bait. By eluding Octane's attempts to run him down, Jazz enraged the Decepticon to the point where he chased his "prey" without paying attention to where they were going, and so Octane ended up stranded in the middle of a military testing ground, chock-full of inflammable fuel and running the risk of exploding at any second. As Jazz watched from a nearby hilltop, the icing on the cake came when Octane radioed his fellow [[Triple Changer|Triple Changers]] for help, and instead they abandoned him after hearing how he got himself into the mess.'' {{storylink|Manoeuvres!}}

''After training in the Combat Room with Ironhide, Jazz was called into action when the Stunticons kidnapped the Autobots' reporter friend, [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]], and he joined his fellow cars in chasing down [[Motormaster]]. Jazz managed to get close enough to transform and shoot out the Stunticon leader's rear tires, but this gave [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] a chance to ram Jazz's legs out from under him as well. Still, Bumblebee and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] managed to catch up to the slowed Motormaster and recover Spoon.'' {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}

''Jazz, along with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] and the remaining [[Magnificent Six]], was sent in 1990 to recover any traces of the Underbase in [[Yuss]], where they'd run afoul of [[Megadeath]]. They re-encountered their old enemy and were tortured by their memories, and it was up to Silverbolt to convince them to fight on. Jazz helped beat Megadeath to death, exorcising his demons.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}
{{-}}
=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[Image:Jazz primes rib.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
''Jazz was present in 1995 at the California football stadium where Optimus Prime unveiled [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] to a [[Feminist mob|group of human feminists]] as the "first female Autobot". Observing Prime's misguided efforts to placate the interest group, Jazz tried to explain to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] the difference between human men and women, but only ended up offending one of the women while describing her "upper chassis".'' {{storylink|Prime's Rib!}}

''In 2007, after the defeat of [[Unicron]], the Autobots were trying hard to defend their territory from Shockwave's Decepticons. Jazz was seen working with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], ambushing a [[Airborne hunter squad|team of Decepticon flyers]] when they made an assassination attempt on Rodimus Prime.'' {{storylink|Wanted:Galvatron — Dead or Alive!}}

====''Generation 2''====
Before the Autobots broke off into micro-units after [[Klo]], they had another encounter with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Decepticons on a long abandoned world. Jazz was part of that unit alongside Prime and the others. He separated from the rest of the Autobots for a time but, when Optimus Prime and Grimlock discovered the threat of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], they called in Autobots scattered across the galaxy, including Jazz. He was first seen as part of the rescue squad Grimlock assembled to pull Prime out of Decepticon clutches on Earth. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} Jazz remained involved, if peripherally, in the conflicts with the Cybertronian Empire on Ethos and Earth over the coming days. {{storylink|Escalation!}} {{storylink|Total War!}} When Autobots and Decepticons alike joined forces to defend against the coming [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]], Jazz worked with [[Rotor Force]] member [[Powerdive]] to assemble the shield generators that would protect their position. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

====''Generation 2'' (UK)====
When Bludgeon began his assault on Earth, Optimus Prime was summoned back to the planet by Grimlock and brought Jazz, [[Skram]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] with him. While Prime confronted Bludgeon directly, Jazz and his operatives engaged another detachment of Decepticons. Despite their small numbers, Jazz's team defeated their more plentiful opponents thanks to the fact that the 'Cons were operating on reduced power levels. Too much prolonged death and destruction takes its toll. {{storylink|War Without End (issue)|War Without End}} They then joined up with Optimus and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to drive off the returning Megatron as well. {{storylink|War Zone}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Scatman Crothers]], [[Wally Burr]] ("[[Kremzeek!]]" only) (English), [[Kōki Kataoka]], [[Minoru Inaba]] ([[The Transformers: The Movie|The Movie]] only) (Japanese), [[Francis Lax]] (French), [[Antônio Patiño]] (Brazil)

[[Image:Cybertronjazz.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Spoiler Alert. HAW!]]
Blacker than the inside of a drive shaft—that's how Jazz described the north side of Cybertron. The slang-talking operations specialist was on a recon mission to ascertain Cybertron's bleak energy reserves, and his reports were what prompted the Autobot mission to search for new sources of energy outside of their home world. Jazz served as pilot for the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] until severe asteroid turbulence knocked him from his seat. The Decepticons took advantage of the confusion and attacked, and both vessels and parties crash-landed on [[Earth]].

Four million years later, in 1984, the Autobots and Decepticons awoke reformatted to fit in on the planet. Jazz traded in his sleek Cybertronian form for an even sleeker Porsche 935 Turbo mode. As a lieutenant to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], Jazz was charged with assembling a task force to counter a Decepticon raid on an oil rig, calling the Autobots out and assembling them for battle. Jazz accompanied the first mission to the offshore oil rig, {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} where his wrist-mounted grappling hook and winch came in handy saving Optimus Prime. He used the same line to stop Prime from riding the rapids at [[Sherman Dam]] {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} and to pull [[Bluestreak]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] from an unscheduled lake swim.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Jazz ScrapDecepticon.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Man, this is what happens when you only use [[ball joint]]s in a toy."]]

Jazz was one of the first Autobots to discover that a Decepticon "attack" on a fake rocket base set up by the Autobots was, in fact, a decoy attack by animated dummies. With the Decepticons poised to return to Cybertron with a ship full of energon cubes, Jazz made the call for volunteers to go on the dangerous mission to stop them, and joined in the battle himself. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Taking Spike for a ride through the city and cranking up the tunes, Jazz was the first to notice a blackout originating at a solar power plant, caused by a Decepticon incursion. Jazz joined up with Optimus Prime's strike team as they searched for the Decepticons' new [[space bridge]], battling them in a cave and somehow knocking aside a null ray blast with a stalactite. He's just that cool. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

Jazz helped defend Autobot Headquarters against an antimatter-powered Decepticon attack, {{storylink|Roll for It}} and again when Optimus Prime was knocked out of action. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} He journeyed with a strike team to the [[Arctic|Arctic Circle]], where the Decepticons were draining heat energy from the Earth's core, and helped in the battle to stop them. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots Jazz avoids fire.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The discovery of dinosaur bones prompted Jazz to opine they must have been mighty ugly. When the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s were built and promptly ran amok, Jazz attempted to stop them and was later part of the "firing squad" who sealed them in a cave. During a battle at the [[Great Falls]], Jazz and the majority of the Autobot forces were captured, and only an attack by the reactivated Dinobots saved them all from termination. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Jazz also took part in a mission to [[Peru]], which was successful in preventing Megatron from using the [[Crystal of Power]] for evil purposes. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

Jazz got to try out some "crazy new waterskis" during an attempt to defend a solar plant on the coast of [[India]], though it all turned out to be a diversion so the Decepticons could kidnap [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. In turn, he and the other Autobots took part in a diversionary attack on Decepticon headquarters, so another team could sneak in and retrieve Sparkplug. Sparkplug was part of a Decepticon plan to enslave humans using [[hypno-chip]]s, and when the Autobots attempted to stop the Decepticons' latest scheme, they found themselves being attacked by hypnotised humans. They were unable to prevent Cybertron from being dragged into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:CountdownExtinction Jazz plays Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Jazz and Trailbreaker at least got to mock the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s when the environmental conditions caused their weapons to backfire on them. They retreated back to Autobot Headquarters, Jazz using his magnet beams to start locked on Ironhide's tail. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} During later efforts to stop the Decepticons taking advantage of the wild conditions, Jazz surfed in to attack Megatron's [[sea funnel]]. Unfortunately, the Autobots crashed along with the wave, and the Decepticons escaped with the energon they'd collected. Despite the failure, Jazz took part in another attack on Megatron's shuttle, and the Autobots were able to destroy it, knocking Cybertron out of orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

Though the Autobots were occupied for a time rebuilding Earth, they were soon able to pick up the Decepticons' trail. After being led into a quick sand trap, Jazz was able to play Laserbeak, revealing that the Decepticons were heading for [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory. The Autobots reached the lab in time to prevent Arkeville's [[Exponential Generator]] from destroying the planet. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Jazz was also among the Autobots who turned out to cheer on Optimus during a duel with Megatron, only to watch in horror as their leader was beaten. It later turned out that Megatron had cheated, freeing them to fight back and blast the Decepticons into a crevasse full of lava. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

[[Image:ChangingGears jungleclearing.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cram it, Nature!]]
Jazz took part in the battle to rescue Spike from the Decepticons, after the boy's mind was transferred into a robot body and subsequently warped by Megatron. Following Spike's realisation that he was on the wrong side, Jazz was present when his mind was transferred back into his human body. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} Following another battle, during which the Autobots were struck down by "energised boulders" and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] was captured by the Decepticons, the Autobots travelled to Africa to mount a rescue. Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] cleared a path through the jungle by riding on the sides of Optimus Prime's cab and lasering the way ahead, all so they could reach Megatron's [[Solar Needle]]. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}


[[Image:AutobotRun Bonecrusher throws Jazz.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Here's the wind-up...]]
As one of the faster Autobots, Jazz excelled in the charity race the Autobots organised and even provided some driving music. He was one of the first Autobots across the finish line, though they soon discovered that they were unable to transform, due to the effects of Megatron's [[Transfixatron]], which had been surreptitiously used on them during the race. Forced to a ghost town where Megatron had constructed a crushing machine, the Autobots attempted to protect Ironhide, but Jazz was simply tossed aside so that the Constructicons could get to their victim. Help soon arrived in the form of an [[anti-transfixation grenade]], and the Autobots were finally able to fight back. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

Jazz set out with Bumblebee one day to test out his sound system, newly souped up by Spike and Sparkplug. The deafening music was enough to disrupt a nearby cliff, prompting Jazz and his human pals to beat a hasty retreat. Returning to Autobot Headquarters, Jazz immediately came under attack by Bluestreak. Subduing his manic comrade, he and Bumblebee soon discovered that they were the only Autobots not transmutated to an evil state by a personality destabilizer planted in the Autobots' recharging chamber. Jazz helped test out an "attitude exchanger" built by Sparkplug to restore the Autobots to their normal state, first distracting Bluestreak, and later applying exchangers to Hound and Ratchet. With the other Autobots restored, Jazz used his sonic abilities to cripple a Decepticon rocket before it could escape Earth's atmosphere with a valuable solar satellite. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

[[Image:EntertheNightbird Jazz sound and light show.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Jazz likes disrupting motor functions!]]
The theft of some experimental [[electro-cell]]s resulted in Jazz being part of an unsuccessful mission to recover them from the Decepticons. {{storylink|Traitor}} When Wheeljack demonstrated his Immobilizer by freezing a river solid, Jazz wasn't quite convinced...until he tried leaping onto the solidified water and found it harder than rock. Later, with the device in Decepticon hands, Jazz provided a crucial distraction with his [[sound and light show]] while Carly and Brawn sabotaged the device. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

Jazz was present when Optimus called for volunteers to investigate mysterious energy readings at the bottom of the Atlantic, but didn't volunteer. Maybe he preferred football with the Dinobots. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} He revealed that he'd been reading up on ninjas while the Autobots guarded [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]. After the robot was stolen by the Decepticons, he promised [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]] they'd get her back unharmed. Instead, the Autobots ended up pursuing Nightbird after she stole the [[World Energy Chip]]. Jazz's attempt to disable her with his sound and light show failed when she busted his speakers with throwing stars. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:PrimeProblem Jazz is in the way.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]
He was impressed by a huge deposit of [[korlonium crystal]]s, thinking that they put his light and sound show to shame. After a battle with the Decepticons, the Autobots returned to base, only to discover that somehow they'd picked up an extra Optimus Prime. After a series of inconclusive tests to determine which Prime was the real deal, the Autobots returned to the crevasse, where one of the two Primes destroyed Starscream, finally convincing the Autobots he was the genuine article. It wasn't until he chose to pass up rescuing Spike that Jazz realised that he was the fake, and the Autobots blasted the faux Optimus into the crevasse. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

Jazz was part of Sunstreaker's team when they stumbled on a Decepticon installation along a river and were attacked by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. After some unsuccessful attempts to engage the combiner in combat, Jazz used his sound and light show to distract the giant long enough for [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and Sunstreaker to take him down [[AT-AT|Imperial walker]] style, and the Autobots escaped. They later mounted a commando operation, attaching [[dominator disc]]s to the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s to bring Devastator under their thrall. Back at base, Jazz was repaired by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], but during the later attack on the Decepticon position, Megatron was able to override the dominator discs. Ultimately, the Autobots succeeded in destroying Megatron's drill and saving the Earth, so it wasn't a total loss. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:Insectsyndromejazzhelps.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Peekaboo! I see you!]]
Jazz took part in attempting to defend the [[Nova Power Plant]] against the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s, and he was impressed by [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]'s sharpshooting. He rescued some pilots who were trapped in a crashed helicopter and helped pull [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] out from under a destroyed tower, helping Wheeljack to climb into Prime's trailer for the trip back to base. He later took part in the attempt to defend the [[Iron Mountain]] military base, and he was the only Autobot with the sense to take cover when [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] exploded. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Inferno fires.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]

During another rampage on the part of the Dinobots at Autobot headquarters, Jazz had to get out of the way of [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] as they rushed to extinguish a fire. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} After strange time warps began opening, he, Inferno, Red Alert and Prowl interceded in a conflict between some cowboys and bikers. Jazz used his sound and light show to scare the cowboys off. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

Jazz took part in [[Autobot Day]], a celebration which quickly turned sour when incriminating footage of the Autobots was broadcast. After a remarkably swift trial, the Autobots were all ordered to leave the planet, and they departed in a spaceship provided by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} While the footage was revealed on Earth as a frame-up job by the Decepticons, the Autobots found themselves on a collision course with the [[Sun]]. Fortunately, they were able to escape their fiery fate and return to Earth in time to free it from Decepticon tyranny. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Jazz half transformed.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The Transformer version of a car seat?]]
While engaging the Decepticons in battle to prevent them from stealing the plans to the [[Ultra Plane]], Jazz was able to use his sound and light show on the enemy, and he was impressed by Hound's use holographic trickery to persuade the Decepticons to retreat. A [[cybertonium]] deficiency later caused the Autobots to start malfunctioning—starting with Jazz having trouble transforming. Then his sound and light show went on the fritz, and he was blasted by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. By the time they got back to Headquarters, Jazz was unable to transform fully. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} Luckily, Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots brought some more Cybertonium back from Cybertron, and everyone was repaired. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

When Blaster broadcast a heavy metal rock concert directly into Autobot Headquarters, Jazz found that it had a good beat and you could dance to it. The other Autobots weren't nearly as sanguine about the high-volume intrusion, and it stopped them from preventing the theft of the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} Jazz was among the Autobots who coated themselves in [[electrum]] to strike back against the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the pool of electrum and surrounding area did not survive the battle. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

[[Image:GodGambit Jazz on Starscream action.jpg|thumb|200px|left|So is this "doing it with style"?]]
Jazz tagged along with Perceptor and Omega Supreme on a mission to rescue Cosmos from where he had crashed on Saturn's moon of [[Titan (moon)|Titan]]. He helped free [[Titan (species)|the locals]] from subjugation by Decepticons pretending to be gods and appeared particularly horrified at the Decepticons' use of religious enslavement. He did his best to explain to the natives that he and his fellow visitors weren't gods, "just fancy machines". {{storylink|The God Gambit}}

During an initiative by the Autobots to clean up [[New York City]], Jazz was part of a team who came to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]'s aid when he stumbled on a Decepticon plot, and he took part in a later assault on a Decepticon base in the [[Pine Barrens]]. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} Unfortunately for Jazz, he was [[Kremzeek]]'s first victim, having his circuits thoroughly scrambled by the tiny energy critter. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}} His bad luck would continue; during a search for Tracks and Bumblebee, Jazz was snared by [[Lord Chumley]]'s diabolical car wash trap. At Chumley's castle, he was subjected to some unknown torture until Optimus Prime finally succeeded in freeing all of the captives. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

Jazz rolled out to stop the Decepticons from turning Earth into metal using the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], but didn't last long in the battle before he was knocked into a tree by [[Drag Strip]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} He later came to the aid of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s when they were led into a trap by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s, {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} and was infected by [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] but was cured in time to help defend the [[Statue of Liberty]] against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

Jazz and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] attended the dedication of an [[Optimus Prime memorial]]. No sooner had Jazz unveiled the statue than they were attacked by Starscream and the Combaticons, who took them prisoner and took their [[energy absorber]]s. The pair were left chained up at a power plant until the arrival of Megatron's forces provided a distraction so that the Autobots could rescue them. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

After intercepting the Stunticons during another of Megatron's plans, a group of Autobots disguised themselves as the Decepticon team in order to find out what was going on. Jazz disguised himself as [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and seemed quite cool with the whole thing, unlike [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. They were even able to take the ruse as far as merging into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], though when the deception was eventually uncovered, they found themselves battling the real thing. Luckily, the rest of the Autobots arrived to provide backup. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

[[Image:JazzTFmovie.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Did I ever tell you folks about "The Shine"?]]
By 2005, those dang Decepti-jerks had overtaken all of Cybertron, forcing the Autobots to operate on [[Moonbase One]], [[Moonbase Two]] and [[Autobot City]] on Earth. Though most of the Autobots' senior command staff were killed as a result of the Decepticons' [[Battle of Autobot City|attack on the city]], Jazz remained on Moonbase One, where he and Cliffjumper survived. Bad news was, the ginormous [[Unicron]] arrived and unceremoniously began devouring the entire moon, base and all. Jazz and Cliffjumper's attempt to escape in a shuttle failed, and they were sucked into the monster's maw. Winding up on a deadly conveyor belt in Unicron's depths, Jazz, Cliffjumper, Spike, and Bumblebee were all spared when Spike's son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] saved them from being dropped in an acid pit. Jazz and the other Autobots drove out of Unicron (and through space!?) and arrived on Cybertron, where he joined in the chanting of "[['Til all are one]]" as Unicron's severed head orbited Cybertron. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie|The Transformers: The Movie}}


With peace restored to Cybertron, Jazz took up more pleasurable pursuits and was seen participating in and winning a race in the [[Galactic Olympics]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} Not long after, he defended Cybertron against a massive Decepticon attack, fighting alongside his new leader, Rodimus Prime. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

In 2006, he was seen racing again, only this time, he wound up trapped in a time loop, repeating the race over and over again, thanks to chronal energy leaking from a [[Quintesson]] time window. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}} Later in the year, when [[Tornedron]] attacked Cybertron, Jazz was seen rushing to his post with Bumblebee at his side. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the American animated series occur in Japanese continuity as noted above, except that the events of 2006 were moved back to 2010. Japanese animated continuity inserts a large number of additional storylines, told through various different media, into the timeline, as detailed below.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====

[[Image:Srlf_story_page_jazz_vs_laserbeak.jpg|right|thumb]]

When Jazz and his fellow sports car Autobots were keeping themselves in shape by having a friendly race, they wound up wandering into a Decepticon ambush, courtesy of Soundwave. Hound was able to take care of Soundwave, punching out his chest window, while Jazz grappled with the outmatched Laserbeak. {{storylink|Fight!_Super_Robot_Lifeform_Transformers_(story_page)|Sic 'em, Hound!}}

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

When the Decepticons began focusing their attacks on [[Japan]] in the late 1980s, Jazz was among the Autobots who relocated to the country to help protect it. Along with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], Jazz responded to news of a Decepticon attack on Yokohama, but he never expected to be facing the power of Megatron's newest transformation, the "Super Megatron Gun"! Jazz tried to dissuade Warpath from making a headlong charge at the Decepticons, but the feisty little 'bot didn't listen, and got crushed beneath [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s treads for his trouble. Jazz could do little against the Decepticons, and was content to watch and cheer as Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to beat the stuffing out of them. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====

[[Image:Scramblecity_jazz_and_prime.jpg|left|thumb]]

Before the 80s were through, the Autobots began construction of a mobile battle fortress dubbed "[[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]]". When the Decepticons discovered Scramble City's construction site and sent the Constructicons in to destroy it, Jazz was among the Autobots who rolled out to stop them. The battle was going well until the Constructicons formed Devastator, who nearly crushed Jazz and Optimus Prime with a boulder, and then sent them flying with a laser blast. As [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] tended to the fallen Jazz, the Aerialbots appeared on the scene to force Devastator back. Jazz and the Autobots returned to their headquarters, but soon had to depart for battle once again when the Stunticons came a-knocking. This time, it took the power of the completed Scramble City, which transformed into its robot mode of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], to end the fight. {{storylink|Scramble City}}

=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====

Jazz was stationed at Scramble City in Japan when the Decepticons threatened the world with their new [[Omega Whip]]. He rolled into action with Optimus Prime and another team of Autobots to rescue their human allies [[Toru]] and [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]] from the Decepticons' clutches, but during the battle that erupted, he got clobbered by Menasor. Luckily, the arrival of Metroplex and the entire Autobot army tipped the scales of battle just a teeny bit. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles''=====

[[Image:Stargatebattles_jazz.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...to get down and boogie.]]

Continued interaction between the Autobots and humanity led to a formal alliance being forged between the heroic robots and the government of the United States in the 1990s. Jazz was one of a delegation of Autobots who attended a press conference to announce the creation of the interstellar teleportation system known as "[[Warp Gate|The Trigger]]" to the world. Despite his best efforts, Jazz couldn't get Wheeljack and Ratchet to shush during Optimus Prime's speech. Three days later, when the Decepticons staged an attempt to take the Trigger for themselves, Jazz joined a team of Autobots in rescuing the Trigger's human crew and fending the villains off. {{storylink|First Contact}}

Several months later, once the Trigger had been repaired, the Decepticons predictably made another play for it, and Jazz was once again present to fight them off. This battle went strangely: Starscream fused himself with the Trigger and began attacking all the Autobots and Decepticons, requiring Prime and Megatron to unite their power to stop him. The explosion created by their combined might was so colossal that Jazz and all the other Transformers were caught in the backwash and sent plummeting down to Earth, burning up in free-fall, not to be heard from again for several months. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====

[[Image:Binaltech meister card art.jpg|left|thumb|225px|"Hey you! I don't see you boogieing!"]]

In 2004, when Megatron was making his big push to take over Cybertron and the Earth was comparatively unguarded, the Autobots were struck by a Decepticon sneak attack and infected by a plague of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. Jazz was stationed on Earth at the time, but was lucky enough to avoid contamination. Many of his fellow Autobots were not so lucky, but were saved and made battle-ready again by an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]] that led to the foundation of the [[Binaltech Project]] and the construction of brand new powerful bodies for the fallen warriors. {{storylink|Story of Binaltech, Chapter 1}}

To counteract the Autobots' new strength, the Decepticons, with the aid of [[Doctor Arkeville]] and the human cabal known as the [[Concurrence]], infiltrated the Binaltech Project and began co-opting Binaltech bodies for their own soldiers. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}} When their actions were uncovered, a wave of mistrust and suspicion threatened to tear the Autobot-E.D.C. alliance apart. In order to corral the situation and weed out any traitors in the system, "[[Operation: Carwash (operation)|Operation: Carwash]]" was put together, headed up by [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|D.R. Faireborn]] and Jazz. Given the dangerous situations the upcoming undercover work was going to place him in, Jazz agreed to upgrade himself into a Binaltech body equipped with the [[Genetronic Translink System]], which would allow him to control multiple bodies at once. One of these bodies was a red version of himself, outfitted with a learning A.I. system based on Jazz's personality, which Jazz decided to nickname "[[Zoom-Zoom]]". {{storylink|Operation: Carwash}} Together, the team discovered that there were no true traitors: the moles in the system were unfortunate victims of Arkeville's mind-controlling [[hypno-chip]] technology. {{storylink|Expose All of Evil's Designs!}}

As the Binaltech conflict continued, the actions of the time-tossed Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] resulted in history being altered when he transported Megatron and the Decepticons outside of time so the Autobots would have to face to the looming threat of [[Unicron]] alone. {{storylink|Changing Lanes}} Thanks to a mysterious being from beyond time and space known as the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]], the timeline was corrected, and the alterate "BT World" timeline to which the Binaltech warriors belong was preserved as parallel timeline. Following the defeat of Unicron, however, Jazz was the one to report on the return of Megatron's forces from beyond time, still in fighting trim and poised to wipe out the Autobots, who had been weakened by their battle with the planet-eater. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{Note|At this point, the original timeline was retroactively restored and the events of the ''Story of Binaltech'' diverged into a parallel universe. Skip to the next section to continue reading about the original timeline; exactly how many (if any) of the events related in this section, even prior to the divergence, occurred in the original unaltered timeline are unknown.}}

The Decepticons were successful at first and overran Cybetron, but were stopped with the activation of the Quintesson [[large switch|kill switch]] which shut the villains down while leaving Jazz and the other Binaltech Autobots unaffected. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

As the Autobots picked up the pieces, they encountered a surprising visitor from another dimension: the [[Bluestreak]] who hailed from the original, unaltered timeline. The [[spark]] of the BT World's [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had previously been lost in a [[subspace]] accident, and Bluestreak revealed that it had materialized in his dimension, but that a signal emanating from the BT World was destabilizing it. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 1}} Analyzing Bluestreak's [[energy wave tracker]], Jazz pinpointed the source of the signal and lead an Autobot raiding part straight to it. The signal was coming from an artificial [[electrum]] giant created by Doctor Arkeville, which was drawing power from Prowl's spark. Activating his powerful new "Argent Armor", Jazz was able to convert his own armored hide into synthetic electrum, which proved powerful enough to go up against the giant's metal skin. Grimlock tossed Jazz his sword, and Jazz extended his electrum armor to cover it, then used the blade to penetrate the giant's hide and destroy the subspace node draining Prowl's spark. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' comic=====
Jazz was stationed at Autobot City when it was attacked by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in 2010. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====

:''Voice actor:'' [[Masato Hirano]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Headmasters_jazz_stockfootage.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

In 2011, Jazz was stationed at the Autobots' secondary headquarters on the planet [[Athenia]], under Optimus Prime. When the Decepticons began a full-scale assault on Cybertron in order to get their hands on [[Vector Sigma]], he followed his leader to the planet to help reinforce their defenses, and was seen shooting down [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} When the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] arrived to tip the battle in the Autobots' favor, Jazz was able to return to Earth, where he helped co-ordinate the effort to locate the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Jazz was then among the Autobot units who ran interference for [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], helping to keep the Decepticons off his back as he began his Matrix quest. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Following the successful recovery of the Matrix, Jazz stayed on Earth, working under Ultra Magnus at [[Autobot City]]. Together, Jazz and Magnus took Metroplex into battle against Trypticon when the giant Decepticon city appeared to be attacking an oil field, but neither Autobot realized they were walking into a trap. Metroplex was zapped by the Decepticons' newest weapon, the [[Madmachine]], which scrambled all of Jazz's computers and left Metroplex helpless. After the Decepticons pulled out, Jazz analyzed what data he could recover from the computers, and had Magnus pass it along to Rodimus Prime on Athenia as a warning against future Madmachine attacks. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Jazz returned to defend Cybertron again when Galvatron sought to steal the new [[Cybertonuron]] super-metal, and was again seen shooting down Blast Off. He must really not have liked that guy! {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Later, when the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s were ambushed by [[Sixshot]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], Jazz made his final appearance, helping Ultra Magnus mobilize Metroplex to come to the rescue. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

=====Hero Set=====

In year 2025, Jazz joined Grimlock and Bumblebee in battling Starscream in the far reaches of space. <ref>Packaging blurb for the Japanese-exclusive "Hero Set" release of the [[Classic Pretender]] versions of Bumblebee, Jazz, Grimlock and Starscream, confirmed to be part of cartoon continuity by Takara's [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 timeline]].</ref>

===Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual===
[[Image:Jazz day of the decepticons.jpg|thumb|left|150px|"What, these G1 faction symbols? Ignore 'em. G2 all the way, baby!"]]
Jazz served as Optimus Prime's second-in-command on Cybertron. He was instrumental in the defence of [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] and saved his leader's life after a surprise attack rendered Prime non-functional. {{storylink|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual profile}}

Jazz, along with the rest of the Ark crew, crash-landed on Earth and awoke millions of years later to find that the war continued there. As part of a plan devised by Optimus Prime's new second-in-command Prowl, Jazz and the other Autobots were stationed at [[Table Mountain]] in [[Africa]] to defend a newly discovered spaceship with the power to return them to Cybertron. When the Decepticons arrived to take the ship by force, Jazz was easily swatted aside by Megatron, and the Autobots retreated to let the victors claim their prize. The doors of the ship slammed shut, and it began to hurtle uncontrollably away from the planet, leaving the Decepticons to realise they had walked into a trap and leaving Jazz back on Earth to ponder: If they'd conned the Decepticons, did that make them ''Deceptibots''? {{storylink|Day of the Decepticons}}

Jazz was on duty at the Ark when one of its automatic sensors picked up a Transformer power emission emanating from [[Brazil]], and he, Optimus Prime and [[Blaze]] drove there to investigate. Upon arrival in Brazil, Jazz was immediately knocked offline by [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and played no further part in the proceedings. {{storylink|The Dinobots!}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Agenda3-AutobotsonArkattack.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's fallen and he's not getting up.]]
Four million years ago, Jazz, Ratchet, Optimus Prime, Prowl, and Ironhide were on the bridge of the Ark when it was suddenly attacked by the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. It crashed in a dormant volcano for untold years until it was disturbed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], who had traveled from the far future. Jazz's body was sprawled across a section of the navigation controls. Frozen in [[stasis lock]] as he was, Jazz was unable to stop the Predacon from assassinating the equally comatose Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} This act would have rewritten history from that moment forward, but the ensuing time storm was stopped by [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and some time-traveling [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
8.2 million years ago, Jazz and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] met [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] in the remains of [[Praxus]]'s [[Helix Gardens]] to discuss the worthiness of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] to lead the Autobots. Jazz later attended the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-transfer ceremony at the [[Chamber of the Ancients]]. He attempted to save Optronix—now Optimus Prime—when Prime was attacked by [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], but was restrained by Grimlock. When Prime defeated the assassins, Jazz was convinced of his worth. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}}

[[Image:Jazz war within.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Exits to the sides and rear, dig?"]]
Soon afterward, Jazz questioned Prowl's decision to allow Prime to explore the depths of the planet alone, but was prevented from pressing the issue any further when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attacked Iacon with an army of Decepticons. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2}} Jazz helped direct the battle from the [[Decagon]], but the defenders were soon overwhelmed. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3}} Jazz was forced to begin evacuating important artifacts and hardware from the city, but was unable to finish before the Decepticons overran the Decagon. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4}} He and a handful of Autobots made a desperate last stand, {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} but were saved from extinction when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] activated the planetary engines, devastating the city and forcing Shockwave's army to retreat. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6}}

7.4 million years ago, Jazz witnessed the [[space bridge]] explosion that seemingly killed Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. After the subsequent fragmentation of the Autobot faction, Jazz remained with the Prowl-led Autobots, though he longed for the days when the Autobots were a united force. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} He accompanied a group of Autobots to investigate a [[Trypticon (G1)|new mobile battle base]] at the [[Praetorus Wharf]], only to learn that the base was fully operational. {{storylink|Devastation (Dreamwave)|Devastation}} Despite the arrival of reinforcements, the titan was too much for Jazz and his cohorts; only when Shockwave recalled Trypticon to the [[Neutral Territories]] were they saved from certain doom. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

Battered, Jazz and the others limped back to Iacon, only to be forced to repel an attack on [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]] by the [[The Fallen|Fallen]]. Although Jazz, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] fought valiantly, the mysterious entity defeated them and achieved his objective: freeing [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] from captivity. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}}

Jazz was among the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. After years of fighting, Jazz and the other Autobots took part in [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human/Autobot operation that defeated and captured the Earth-bound Decepticons. However, the ''[[Ark II]]'', which was meant to convey the Autobots, the captured Decepticons, and a number of humans back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]], sending Jazz and his comrades to the bottom of the Arctic Ocean. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1|Prime Directive #1}}

[[Image:Jazz prime directive.jpg|thumb|right]]
A few years later, Optimus Prime awoke Jazz and a number of other Autobots to combat the sinister [[Lazarus]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} He aided in the cleanup of Lazarus's latest target, the SmitCo oil refinery, and then moved on to Lazarus's base, which had been taken over by a revived Megatron and his deadly "metal virus". Jazz and the others briefly battled the Decepticons, but were stopped in their tracks when Hallo dropped a nuclear bomb on them. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} The virus absorbed most of the blast, leaving the Transformers unharmed, but continued to expand across the countryside. Jazz remained behind with a team to combat the virus, while Optimus Prime took a contingent of warriors to combat Megatron in [[San Francisco]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} Armed with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]-designed blasters to combat the virus, Jazz and his squad fought bravely, despite the blasters draining their energy and the well-meaning interference of the [[Canada|Canadian]] Army. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} But soon the virus overwhelmed them, forcing Wheeljack to sacrifice himself to destroy it. Jazz mourned over Wheeljack's fallen form. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

Some time later, Jazz participated in a battle in Alaska over possession of an escape pod containing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], only to be forced to flee with the other Autobots when Shockwave arrived from Cybertron, proclaiming a new era of peace. As the other Autobots bickered over what to do, Jazz told them to shut up, as they were making his head hurt. {{storylink|New World Order}} Jazz couldn't believe [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] working as Shockwave's lieutenant, and almost got into a fight with Grimlock over the matter. Though he wasn't confident about his abilities, Jazz was left behind on Earth to command a small team of Autobots while Optimus and the rest of the Autobots surrendered to Magnus. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} After Magnus and Prime had departed, Jazz, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] returned to the battlefield, but found no trace of the pod or Scourge. {{storylink|Cold War}}

[[Image:Marissafairebornedw.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
When Starscream returned to Earth with a small unit of Decepticons, Jazz and his team fought back against them and managed to capture most of the invaders. Starscream's enforcer [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], however, proved to be too much for them to handle, and Jazz was deactivated and left to rust at the bottom of a lake by the mighty super-robot. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} He was eventually fished out by [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] (who had arrived from Cybertron with Bumblebee with supplies), but they were waylaid by [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|The Omega Effect}} The EDC completed the repairs on Jazz, Sunstreaker and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] themselves, and asked a favor in return: for the Autobots to accompany their agents in investigating [[San Desto|a small town]] which had mysteriously gone off the grid a few days before. With [[Marissa Faireborn]] and some [[EDC Night Force Unit|EDC soldiers]], they explored the deserted town, only to find the cause of the problem — a swarm of techno-organic Insecticlones which rose out of the ground and surrounded them. {{storylink|Infestation}} Jazz and Marissa [[Crothers Auto-Body|escaped]] the swarm and found the hatching facility beneath [[Aztec Theatres|a theater]]. Jazz torched the eggs, only to confronted by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], who were mighty annoyed that he'd destroyed the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s' work. Back on the streets, the Autobots were confronted by the towns people, rendered zombies by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s [[cerebro-shell]]s, and the Autobots were unwilling to fight against human foes. [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] was able to use a spare shell to disable Bombshell's control, saving them all. {{storylink|Extermination}}

Afterward, Jazz farewelled Marissa at the EDC base in Nevada, as the Autobot forces departed for Alaska in the ''[[Orion]]''. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}} In Alaska, they found Prowl's forces constructing [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{note|...And then Dreamwave went bankrupt.}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. Transformers''===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF2_Jazz_Stun.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Jazz was aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on Earth several million years in the past. The vessel was eventually discovered by the human terrorist organization [[Cobra]], who decided to use its deactivated occupants for their own needs. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1}} Jazz was reprogrammed to serve Cobra and rebuilt to transform into a three-wheeled Cobra [[Stun]] vehicle. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}}

When the reprogramming was undone by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], Jazz joined [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and continued the battle against the Decepticons, who had also been freed. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}} Jazz warned a damaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] about attacking [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] head-on, but was rebuffed, as there was no other option. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}} The Decepticons on Earth were eventually defeated with help from [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], and the Autobots returned to Cybertron aboard a new ''Ark''. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6}}

[[Image:GIJoeTFJazzPimpmobile.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Number 5, Pimpmobile.]]
Unfortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had all but conquered the planet in their absence, and the Autobots became little more than a team of resistance fighters. After a successful mission to steal [[energon cube]]s from the Decepticons, Jazz was suddenly sent to 1970's Earth when a malfunctioning [[Teletran 3]] cracked the timestream. As complicated issues with time travel threatened to destroy Earth, a number of G.I. Joe and Cobra members followed Jazz into the past in order to retrieve him. Finding Jazz trapped in the form of a car owned by a local pimp: a 1970s [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Eldorado#1971-1978 Cadillac Eldorado], [[Snake-Eyes]] planted a [[disruption unit]] on the Autobot, allowing him to reboot and help them find other trapped Transformers. Together the group located [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] before returning to present-day Cybertron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1}}

However, this mostly meant that Jazz had to sit tight inside a force field surrounded by the entire Decepticon army. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2}} The Autobots were captured when the force field went down, but were soon saved by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. The following day, Jazz joined Bumblebee and Optimus Prime in saying goodbye to the Joes and Cobras. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4}}

{{-}}
===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[Image:DWTFJoe2_Jazz_Prowl.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Jazz was among the Autobots that lay dormant and buried somewhere on the [[Fera Islands]] for three million years until 1939, when [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] accidentally awakened them. After getting reformatted into a military jeep, Jazz voiced his gratitude to the humans for bringing him and his friends back online. {{storylink|Transformed}}

Though not clearly seen again during the following conflict with Cobra and the Decepticons, Jazz was presumably deactivated with all the other Transformers when [[Snake-Eyes]] shattered the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
When a badly-damaged Starscream was brought to the Ark, Jazz was firmly of the opinion that it was a trap. He later spoke up in favor of fiddling with the helpless Decepticon's logic centers. Though the amnesiac Starscream seemed to side with the Autobots for a while, once he regained his memory, he promptly rejoined the Decepticons, which Jazz decided proved his earlier theory. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:SpotlightJazz-promise.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't give up hope! We're from 1984!]]
Millions of years ago, Jazz was a member of the Kaon Security Services prior to the Decepticon uprising and the subsequent civil war. He spent many an hour being bored to death by Prowl. How little things change. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}}

During the war, Jazz was part of a team taking part in a rescue mission. He managed to find the blinded lone survivor, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], but before the two could be extracted, their transport was destroyed by the Predacons. Though Tracks was rightfully frightened to face Megatron's most elite troops, Jazz convinced him to not give up hope. Jazz's first attempt to ambush the Predacons met with some success, but Jazz was heavily damaged as a result. The two fled, but they wouldn't escape the Predacons for long. Finally, after Jazz dressed down Tracks for giving up hope, they were surrounded. Jazz fought the Predacon leader, [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]], in a one-on-one battle that would have ended badly for Jazz if a second extraction team hadn't found them. Tracks and Jazz were lifted away and sent off for repairs. Tracks never did learn Jazz's identity, but he did learn a strong lesson from his mysterious helper. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

{{spoiler|The Iron Age|June 12}}

Four million years ago, Jazz was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots halted a major Decepticon energon convoy. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[Image:SpotlightBlaster Jazz Smokescreen Landfill.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Let's see if there's anything on that screen. I hope it's CMTV!]]
Shortly after [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing's]] rampage across Cybertron, Jazz was holed up in a bunker with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] while they awaited a rousing, morale-boosting broadcast from [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], a transmission that was never made. Shortly thereafter, their position, along with every other Autobot position on the planet, was hit by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

In modern times, Jazz was part of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency. He was present when Prowl gave [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] a dressing down for risking their secrecy by saving [[Verity Carlo]], [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Jimmy Pink]] from the Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|infiltration team]]. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3}} When Ratchet and Bumblebee's unauthorised sojourn to the abandoned Decepticon bunker in [[Nebraska]] uncovered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s plans for [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] arrival on Earth, Jazz and the rest of the Autobots moved out to the Decepticon Siege Armature in [[Oregon]] in the hopes of containing the confrontation between the Decepticon leaders. Fortunately for all concerned, Megatron downgraded the Infiltation status of the mission and left the Autobots alone. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

[[Image:Escalation2 Jazz transform.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Whoops! I better wind down my woofers!]]
Shortly after the arrival of Optimus Prime on Earth, Jazz received a crash course on Earth culture by Hunter, Verity and Jimmy, and was surprised to find the emotionless, dead-eyed fixed smile on his [[holomatter]] avatar creeped people out. However, the humans were forced to leave the ''[[Ark-19]]'', ostensibly for their own safety. Jazz observed how unhappily the humans took their eviction, so he later thanked them for their help. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1}} After Ironhide and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] were ambushed (and the latter thought to have been destroyed) by [[Machination|a highly skilled and organized human group]], Jazz and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] were attacked by the clandestine organization's agents when trying to locate (Sunstreaker's remains, but fortunately survived. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2}} He was later deployed to [[Brasnya]] with the other Autobots to investigate Megatron's meddling in the fragile region's politics. He remarked that [[orbital jump|orbital bounces]] scrambled his circuits, to which Prowl told him to shut up. Prowl is a jerk. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}} He was forced to engage the Decepticons when they tried to stop the Autobots from capturing the [[Georgi Koska]] [[Facsimile Construct|facsimile construct]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}} After Optimus Prime was [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|seemingly killed]] by Megatron, Jazz didn't think even their best efforts could stop the Decepticon leader. Fortunately, Optimus Prime returned from the brink of death and Megatron was forced to retreat. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

[[Image:Devastation4 Sixshot Jazz armrip.jpg|left|250px|thumb|[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|He's had worse.]]]]
After it was decided to move the ''Ark-19'' due to the Machination's knowledge of their whereabouts, Jazz brushed off Verity and Jimmy when they pointed out that the Autobots were doing very little to find out about Sunstreaker and Hunter's disappearance. Jazz was tasked with monitoring the engines when the ''Ark-19'' lifted off from [[Lake Michigan]] and subsequently shot down by the Decepticon "living weapon" [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} He fought Sixshot alongside the other Autobots, but was seriously injured when the Decepticon tore off his right arm with apparent ease. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4}} He was still injured when Optimus Prime ordered the Autobots to leave Earth for [[Garrus-9]] due to the liberation of the prison's [[Pretender Monster|newest inmates]] {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

Jazz soon returned to Earth with the other Autobots, only to be lured into a Decepticon trap due to a traitor among the Autobot ranks. They were summarily defeated by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and thrown in a portal leading to Cybertron, where the [[Insecticon swarm]] was waiting for them. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} With Optimus Prime severely injured, Jazz took command of the Autobots. At one point, Prowl brought him some bad news which left him despondent. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}}

The Autobots had begun to despair due to their situation, but Tracks told the story of how he was rescued by a mysterious Autobot from the Predacons. His peers' spirits lifted, Jazz thanked Tracks for giving them hope. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Jazz then had to sort out an argument between Prowl and Ironhide that ended with Ironhide punching Prowl after he told Ironhide that he might be the suspected Autobot traitor that put them in this predicament. Prowl wondered why Ironhide wasn't afraid of him, but was of Jazz, to which Jazz replied "tone", after which they discussed their situation. Later, Jazz and Ironhide talked about the good old days, with Ironhide getting upset that Jazz was hiding something from him and the Autobots. Ironhide also believed that [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] was the one who'd sold them out, but Jazz told him to leave Mirage alone. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

[[Image:AHM4-Jazztone.jpg|right|thumb|300px|His tone is "I'll kick your ass."]]

Not long afterwards, the ''[[Trion]]'' crashed on Cybertron, and Jazz met with the commander of the vessel, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. Kup wasn't too impressed with Jazz's supposed "special ops" skills, but changed his mind after seeing Jazz shove a gun in his face after taking out [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] in mere seconds. After Jazz had proved himself to Kup, he showed Optimus's comatose body to the older Autobot. Kup easily figured out what it was Jazz was keeping secret from the other Autobots: Megatron had seized the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}}

Jazz and Kup subsequently combined their forces, with Kup offering Jazz the position of his second-in-command. However, Jazz didn't approve of the way Kup's team worked, and was none too happy about becoming "another of Kup's little soldiers". Kup retorted that Jazz's hands weren't exactly clean either—he had read files on the top secret missions Jazz had carried out in the past. While at first speechless, Jazz quickly realized that arguments would get them nowhere, and accepted the position at Kup's side. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}} Later, he gave Kup a detailed story about how his team had ended up on the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

[[Image:AHM10 ProwlandJazz.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Never tell me the odds!]]

After [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] revealed himself as the traitor, and subsequently killed himself, Jazz told [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] not to confront Ironhide about it. Drift didn't listen. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} When Optimus Prime recovered from his injuries, Jazz stood by his side. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} Shortly afterwards, he asked Prowl what he thought about an incoming swarm attack. When told that there was less than .01% of an Autobot victory, he suggested that Prowl keep that little calculation to himself. Luckily, Prowl hadn't anticipated that [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] would appear out of nowhere and save them. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}}

Omega carried Jazz and the others back to Earth, where they confronted the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} They won, but were left knowing the Decepticons were dropping a nuclear bomb on the city. Jazz stated the obvious in that they needed someone who could fly in order to take it out. Thankfully, the Decepticon [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] offered to do it, and Jazz and the others celebrated as the nuke was diverted and the Decepticons left Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}} When Bumblebee went missing in one of the human disaster areas after the Decepticons evacuated, Jazz was part of an Autobot squad who went in to retrieve him. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 16|Hidden}}

[[Image:EnemiesoftheSystem-Jazz.jpg|right|thumb|200px|What am I doin', workin' for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|The Man]]?]]

Jazz was still on Earth two years later, hiding in a cave system along with the other Autobots. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} After Bumblebee was elected to be their new leader, Jazz listened to his speech about how they would stand up to their treacherous ally [[Gordon Horiuchi]]. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}}

When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] learned that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s splinter faction of Autobots had joined forces with the Decepticons to build an illegal spacecraft, Jazz was one of the Autobots recruited by Magnus to arrest Hot Rod and the others. These Autobots escorted Ultra Magnus to the construction site, where it was discovered that the Decepticons who Hot Rod had taken under his wing had double-crossed him, and in a very bad way. Jazz watched as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s merged for the first time into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], a recent creation of the treacherous [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}}

{{-}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not cosplay—cos'''work'''.]]

[[Image:PretenderJazzModel.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dag! My visor's all outta whack!]]

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Jazz has appeared in numerous [[Commercial|television commercials]] over the years:

* He appears in the first Transformers appearance ''ever'', an animated advertisement for [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] of the Marvel Comic. The animation features [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] attacking a power plant; Jazz, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] drive out from their headquarters to counterattack. When Megatron joins the battle, the three Autobots fly away. The cover of Marvel #1 is shown, with a note that it's "Coming Soon". Non-speaking role.

* In an advertisement for the 1985 Autobot cars, Jazz is briefly shown fighting alongside Optimus Prime in Earth's ubiquitous rocky deserts. Non-speaking role.

* Jazz is featured in a 1986 commercial for the [[Prizes in Disguise]] contest. When some humans approach an Autobot base, Jazz orders to Cosmos to shine their headlights on them, to reveal their allegiance. Jazz then declares that it's okay, since they humans are wearing Transformers [[Iron-on patch|reflective patches!]] Jazz is voiced by [[Scatman Crothers]], his usual voice actor on the cartoon. One of the contest prizes was a party with "life-size" Transformers! Among the "life-size" Transformers shown were Jazz and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. If you actually did party with Jazz and Skywarp, please let us know. So far, only a certain "Starscreamer89" has reported going partying with them.

* Jazz next appears in a 1988 commercial for the [[Classic Pretender]]s, emerging from his shell alongside Bumblebee and running up to help Optimus Prime in a darkened city. Prime gives them both a hug. Non-speaking role. This marks a rare use of his Pretender Classics animation model; for his Pretender appearances in the Marvel Comics, his original design was used.

* He appears ''very'' briefly in an ad for the Micromaster base; he can be glimpsed alongside Bumblebee as they pull two Micromaster vehicles into an Autobot base.

* Jazz returned a year later in the first [[Action Master]] commercial. When Prime challenges a group of Autobots to give up their transforming powers to become "faster stronger more alive", Jazz is the first to volunteer. He's voiced by a sound-alike doing a passable Scatman Crothers imitation.

* Jazz appeared soon afterwards in an ad for the [[Hot Rod Patrol]], telling Optimus Prime to check them out. The same voice actor provides his one line.

* Jazz appeared in one of the first ''Generation 2'' commercials; he was depicted in CGI driving down a ramp in a city and transforming. Victor Caroli noted that he came equipped with a "robot ripping rocket launcher".

==Toys==
{{main|Jazz (G1)/toys}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:UnicronTrilogy jazz.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Fire, Heart, Wind and Rock n'Roll]]
*Early in development, [[Bob Budiansky]]'s original profiles for the Transformers characters included nicknames by which they were known; Jazz went by "'''Coolsville'''". These nicknames were removed from the profiles when they were published as Marvel's ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' series, but some of them saw publication in ''[[The Transformers Comic Magazine]]''.

* An actor in a Jazz costume was among "live" Transformers one could meet at the 1985 [[Universal Studios Tour]].

* Jazz is in the unusual position of appearing a few times in season three of ''The Transformers'' without having a toy on the shelves at the time (the only other such characters were the iconic Optimus Prime, and a handful of [[Windcharger (G1)|probable]] [[Brawn (G1)|animation]] [[Huffer (G1)|errors]].) He had no spoken lines, however; fans often claim that he was planned to have a larger role in the season which was cut following the death of his voice actor [[Scatman Crothers]], but no real evidence exists to support this notion. Jazz is given speaking lines and more on-screen time, however, in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'', a cartoon far less concerned than ''The Transformers'' about what toys were on the shelves.

* Scatman Crothers (as Jazz) is often credited as having coined the term "ginormous" (a combination of "gigantic" and "enormous") when using it to describe [[Unicron]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', a term which was officially added by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary in 2007<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/info/newwords07.htm Merriam-Webster adding the word "ginormous]</ref>; however, the term has actually been around for much longer, being listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as a "British informal" word that has existed since at least the mid-20th century. <ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/results/?view=dict&freesearch=ginormous&branch=13842570&textsearchtype=exact Oxford dictionary entry for "ginormous"]</ref>

* Like a lot of other G1 characters, Jazz's character model was subject to a few re-uses in the [[Unicron Trilogy]], first apppearing as a hapless victim of Unicron who had been absorbed into the chaos-bringer's body in the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' episode, "[[Portent]]". Later, in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode, "[[Balance]]", Jazz turned up in a less-generic capacity, as one of the [[ancients]] who began the [[space bridge]] program—although he seemed a little like the odd 'bot out in the group, given that the others were Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime. Curiously, neither appearances adheres strictly to his original character model—"Portent" gives him individual eyes, rather than a visor, and "Balance" outfits him with [[Show-accuracy|toy-accurate]] shoulder-doors.
* In recent years, toys sporting the name "Jazz" require an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Jazz'''". His ''Alternators'' toy used his Japanese name of "Meister".

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Jazz ToyBin Jazz Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm Jazz at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Jazz Jazz's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

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The Insecticon Syndrome

2010-05-25T00:46:56Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=29
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=21
|prev2=The Master Builders
|next2=A Prime Problem
|image=Insectsyndromefeeding.jpg
|caption=I think they have a special shampoo for that.
|title="The Insecticon Syndrome"
|production code=#700-28
|airdate=[[October 9]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Insecticons feed on a source of power which causes them to grow... and will cause them to explode if not cured.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロン・シンドローム (''Insectron Syndrome'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Beachcomber branch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|J'ACCUSE!]]

At a park, [[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], a park ranger has called for help. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] respond, driving along a rocky road (and Bumblebee is especially having trouble). The ranger shows the Autobots some trees that appeared to have been chewed on by something. Beachcomber quickly realizes that something ''did'' chew on the trees, but not by an animal—it was the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Meanwhile, the Insecticons are hiding in their current lair/hive/base thingy. They complain that the trees didn't fill them up the way that they wanted to, so the Insecticons decide to go feast on some redwoods. Meanwhile, Jeff is having trouble accepting the possibility of giant robotic insects (even though he's talking to a trio of [[Transformer|giant robotic cars]]). Suddenly, another ranger calls him, saying he's seeing giant robotic insects. The [[Autobot]]s proceed to [[roll out]].

Meanwhile, the [[Decepticon]]s are searching for their Insecticon "allies". [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has come up with a plan that will require their unique abilities. As [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] spots the Autobots, Megatron takes it as a chance to observe them in action. As the other ranger barely dodges a falling tree, the Autobots arrive. The Autobots and Insecticons throw down, until the Insecticons push a log down a hill that nearly crushes the Autobots. Our heroes jump into a river to avoid death, but they then fall over a waterfall...at least, that's what the Insecticons believe, for Hound used his [[Hologram|holograms]] to make it appear that the Autobots and humans fell over. After that, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. He explains that he intends to attack [[Iron Mountain]], a human military base, but offers the Insecticons to gorge themselves at the [[Nova Power Plant]] if they help them. Overhearing this, the Autobots contact the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

[[Image:G1 InsecticonSyndrome Bombshell Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here's your problem, ma'am. See that? Termites.]]

Receiving their signal, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads a strike force to the Nova Power Plant. Unfortunately, the Decepticons are already there. The [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] quickly down the helicopters the humans have to defend the base, while Megs, Soundwave, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] go to stop the Autobots. The Insecticons reach the [[Nova Power Core]], which they proceed to drain. However, the [[proton]]s within the core cause them to [[Size changing|grow in size]], making them as [[Scale|large]] as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Soundwave overhears what is happening, but [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] implants him with a [[cerebro-shell]]. The Insecticons proceed to kick the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and the Autobots are forced to retreat with their fallen comrades. Megatron is pleased with the Insecticons' new power, unaware that the Insecticons plan to off him.

At the base, the [[Autobot]]s use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to calculate what will happen to the Insecticons. It says that the energy from the Power Core will cause the Insecticons to explode unless something is done. However, the Autobots receive a distress signal from Iron Mountain, where the Decepticons are attacking. If the Insecticons explode there, they'll kill everyone there. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack quickly work on an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Inferno on hound.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hound's a bottom? Who'da thunk it?]]

At Iron Mountain, the Decepticons attack. However, the human defenses are surprisingly advanced for simple flesh creatures. Finally, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] takes control of the human weapons, causing them to attack the base. The Autobots arrive, but are quickly buried in rubble by the Insecticons. Entering the base, Soundwave manages to access the computer. Megatron declares that it's time to eliminate the Insecticons, only to discover that his army has been taken over by the Insecticons. Bombshell fires a cerebro-shell into [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], but Megatron manages to grab the shell fired at him and destroy it. Having finally dug themselves out, the Autobots explain the explosive situation to Megatron. Fortunately, Ratchet and Wheeljack have arrived with an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Shrapnel explode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ahhh, my head asplode. Asplode.]]

Heading into Iron Mountain, the Insecticons begin to reach critical mass, and will explode at any minute. As Megatron [[Transformation|transforms]] into [[Alternate mode|gun mode]] for Optimus to use, the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] uses the Decepticon leader to fire the antidotes into Bombshell and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]. However, Shrapnel manages to avoid his cure, so Spike bravely manages to get the cure into Shrapnel...who blows up anyway. The cures cause the cerebro-shells to deactivate, but also erase the information Soundwave downloaded. Bombshell uses a special shell to cause Shrapnel to reassemble, and the Insecticons run away, with the angry Decepticons in pursuit. With the Decepticons defeated, the day is saved.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (7)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (14)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], the young park ranger (4)
*[[Mike]], the old park ranger (9)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Gigantic robot insects that eat trees? YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING!"
:—'''Jeff the Park Ranger's''' suspension of disbelief is ruined.

"The Insecticons have done well." 
"Yes...perhaps they should lead us." 
"You test my patience, Starscream."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' after the Insecticons defeat some Autobots.

"Why, if it isn't Megatron, and his merry mechanical men!"
:—'''Bombshell'''

"Oh boy, a robotoid turkey shoot!"
:—'''Inferno''' takes aim at Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.

"Power has made the Insecticons obnoxious." 
"''And'' invincible."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"What's the matter, Megatron? Weakling humans too tough for you, for you?"
:—'''Shrapnel''' to Megatron, after the latter has been shot by a human weapon, weapon.

"Ohhhh....that Nova Power Core is giving me heartburn...that is, if I have a heart." 
"If you have a ''brain'', you'll realize that we've got a battle to fight!"
:—'''Bombshell''' and '''Megatron'''

"Guys, you all right?" 
"Just great...if you don't mind two tons of Inferno sitting on your head plates." 
"Look, you get ten tons of boulders off my shoulder struts, and I'll get off your noggin."
:—'''Spike''', '''Hound''' and '''Inferno'''

"No one gets into my [[cranial chamber]]!" 
"Auugh, my cerebro-shell! My precious shell!" 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Bombshell'''

"We Insecticons, know how to get... it... together!!"
:—'''Bombshell''' delivers a cheesy line after reassembling Shrapnel.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* In the second binocular view of the Insecticons, Shrapnel's "cockpit" isn't colored yellow.
* Shrapnel's transformation to robot mode gets only half a transformation noise, and it's not timed to line up with the animation.
* Kickback is supposed to be in insect mode when he lands to kick the log after the Autobots, but he's drawn in robot mode, lying on his back!
* Starscream's Decepticon insignias are incorrectly the right way up when the Decepticons first approach the Insecticons.
* Megatron is missing his chest insignia during the line "At the Nova Power Plant".
* Two Skywarps are shown flying against the human helicopters.
* Buzzsaw and Laserbeak both leave Soundwave's chest with no chest-opening sound effect and no transformation noise.
* Bombshell is shown during Kickback's "making me grow" line, though given the lack of lip flap for the insect-mode Insecticons, it's not an incontrovertible mistake.
* The animation is not especially consistent about how much the Insecticons have grown. Inside the power core, they're gargantuan; when they enslave Soundwave, they're only a few heads taller than him. During the attack on Iron Mountain they're the same size as the other Decepticons.
* As Shrapnel gets Soundwave into a full nelson, Soundwave has a purple Autobot insignia.
* A trace of Ironhide's accent slips into Peter Cullen's delivery as Optimus Prime orders Bumblebee, Inferno, Beachcomber, and Jazz to help him.
* Jazz has a Decepticon insignia during a shot in Autobot Headquarters after they discover the Insecticons are time bombs, just before the second commercial break.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I supplies a 3/4 view of the Decepticons attacking Iron Mountain. The view travels with them as they fly.
* Starscream's wings are mounted much too high on his shoulders as he watches Soundwave absorb the computer info.
* When Bombshell turns to order his slaves to fire, he gets a whirring sound effect as if he were sitting on a moving platform.
* Megatron's upper gun body is black instead of light gray after he transforms in Prime's arms.
* Shrapnel loses his last-word-repeating gimmick as he summons the lightning.
* As he watches Spike run up to Shrapnel, Optimus calls him "Pike". Or maybe "Bike". [[A Prime Problem|For real]].
* Bumblebee's nose is yellow instead of white as Spike makes his awful, horrible joke.

===Continuity errors===
* Soundwave eavesdrops on the Insecticons ''with a Transformer-sized stethoscope''. As if this weren't implausible enough, he's wearing and using it in proper human fashion ''even though he doesn't have ears''.
* Wheeljack and Ironhide climbing the transmission towers does not appear to serve any rational purpose.
* Spike [[The Immobilizer|once again]] gets a wrist watch that shows up only in the shots where he needs to tell the time.
* From the time Spike looks at his watch and issues the 30-second warning to the point where Shrapnel explodes, about 1 minute and 46 seconds pass. As well, when he gives Shrapnel his 10-second warning, it takes about 47 seconds until he detonates. (On a minor note, it takes Spike 6 out of the available 10 seconds to ''say'' that Shrapnel is going to explode.) Either their estimates on when the Insecticons would explode were off, or seconds are longer in this episode than they are elsewhere.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] disappears from the episode after a quick appearance inside of Iron Mountain, just before Shrapnel's big explosion. He doesn't even get to laugh with the other Autobots at the end.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode features the first appearances of [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. However, no explanation of their origins is given.
* Where's the trailer go?
** At the start of the Nova Power Plant attack, in a head-on shot, Prime's trailer just rolls off behind him and disappears over the horizon.
* Bombshell sure gets upset when one of his (presumably limitless) cerebro-shells is destroyed. This is the closest the cartoon ever got to showing his tech spec weakness, which notes that the shells can be used against him.
* This is not [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|the first time]] that Optimus Prime has fired Megatron in gun mode, nor [[The Core|the first time]] that they've teamed up to save their skins. Nor would it be [[The Revenge of Bruticus|the last time]].
* It's also not the first time that the Decepticons have [[A Plague of Insecticons|chased the Insecticons off into the sunset]].
* According to Spike, the Insecticons have "[[trilithium stomach]]s".
* After he climbs up the electrical tower and gets electrocuted, Ironhide's forearm panel pops open and the word "Ironhide" is written on the circuits inside.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** During the battle in the park, Bombshell and Kickback both launch and fly with ''Millennium Falcon'' engine noises.
** The sound of a lightsaber igniting is used as Prime blasts away the rocks pinning down the other Autobots.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Insectsyndromespikeshoot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember kids, guns are awesome!]]
* Spike totally gets his own laser gun in this ep.
* Amongst the text that comes up on the Iron Mountain computer is a mess of BASIC programming commands and repeated "Syntax error"s.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Insecticon Syndrome}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Lost and Found (Animated)

2010-05-25T00:30:43Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Lost and Found}}
{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|image=TFA Lost and Found Lugnut Blitzwing Earth modes.JPG
|caption=These two are Megatron's only hope…he's in trouble.
|ep=11
|title="Lost and Found"
|airdate=[[March 1]], 2008
|written by=[[Rich Fogel]]
|directed by=[[Irineo Maramba]] [[Yutaka Kagawa]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]]
}}

'''The Autobots clash with Decepticons Lugnut and Blitzwing, who come to Earth searching for their missing leader, Megatron.'''

:''German title:'' "'''Die alten Waffen'''" ("The Old Weapons")
:''Polish title:'' "'''Znaleziona zguba'''" ("Lost and Found")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:LugnutBlitzwingNemesis.JPG|left|170px|thumb|The scourge of poor parking.]]
A lunar rover examines recent seismic activity on the Moon's surface and stumbles upon the crashed [[Nemesis (Animated)|''Nemesis'']]. As it moves in for a closer look, a huge, unidentified object lands on the rover and crushes it. The huge thing turns out to be [[Lugnut]]. His partner, [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] berates him for his clumsiness, but then offers some dancing lessons. An annoyed Lugnut points out they've traveled across the galaxy to find [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron's]] ship, not become light on their feet. Blitzwing comments that this is the same sector in which they lost track of [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], and an argument breaks out (Lugnut doesn't like Lockdown), culminating in Lugnut confidently stating he ''knows'' Megatron still lives.

On Earth, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] is rudely awakened from a stasis nap by an unapologetic [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]], who is in the middle of a street hockey game with [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]. The game picks up, and Bumblebee is about to score, when a trash can makes a save! Sari tries to write it off, but Ratchet is quick to notice the [[AllSpark Key]] currently plugged into said can. He tells her off, but they are interrupted when the Key begins to glow, followed by two glowing objects entering Earth's atmosphere. As a prophetic Ratchet decides this can't be good, camera-bots move in to investigate, but are quickly crushed by Blitzwing. Both he and Lugnut mistake a nearby crane as a sentient life form, and Lugnut demands to know Megatron's location. After a shove, the crane responds by slamming its wrecking ball into Blitzwing. Watching a live feed, Megatron muses over whether or not he can risk revealing himself. After all, he has already been betrayed once. At their home base, the [[Autobot]]s get ready to mobilize. Sari is all fired up, but both Ratchet and [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Prime]] tell her she needs to wait behind, as they want to protect the innocents. (Bumblebee very quickly points out that ''they're'' innocent too.)

[[Image:Lugnutfist.JPG|right|170px|thumb|''Tekken 6: Robot Revolution''.]]

Back at the construction site, Blitzwing and Lugnut have decided to devastate the place in order to draw out the Autobots. It works, and things quickly kick off as Optimus is forced to slice a tanker thrown by Lugnut in half. This promising opener falls apart when Blitzwing prevents both Prowl and Bumblebee from launching any attacks. Ratchet manages to trap some of Lugnut's missiles (though they break through his magnetic grip, they still don't hit any of the Autobots), but as Bulkhead tries to outmuscle the massive 'Con, Lugnut proves to be too powerful and throws him aside. The combined efforts of Blitzwing and Lugnut prove too much for the Autobots, and things go from bad to worse when they tell the [[Decepticon]]s that Megatron burned up "over Cleveland". Screaming "Megatron lives!", a raging Lugnut activates his [[Rocket punch|rocket fists]] and levels the entire area, flooring the Autobots and burying both himself and Blitzwing. As the Decepticons unbury themselves from the rubble, Blitzwing tells Lugnut to warn him before using his big punch…again.

As the Decepticons free themselves, Megatron becomes convinced of Lugnut's loyalty and opts to contact only him. Lugnut automatically decides to abandon the battle and answer the summons, dragging Blitzwing along and leaving behind some very confused Autobots. Blitzwing headbutts Lugnut in midair, and Lugnut responds in kind, slamming Blitzwing down into an army base. He explains he heard Megatron's voice, but Blitzwing merely hears approaching police. He suggests they scan local vehicle modes and hide, but Lugnut refuses until Megatron orders him to do so. He quickly scans a bomber, while Blitzwing, after a quick argument between his faces, scans both an assault tank and a fighter jet. [[Captain Fanzone]] arrives, but the Decepticons are already hiding in plain sight.

[[Image:TFA Lost and Found Ratchet Sari argue.JPG|left|170px|thumb|Are you Samuel James Witwicky?]]

The Autobots have returned to base and are making repairs. The constant danger of attack makes Prime decide the best thing to do would be to repair [[Teletran-1|their ship]] and take the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] off of Earth. Sari takes this very badly, and she is most unwilling to use the AllSpark Key to help Ratchet fix the ship. For his part, Ratchet is less than pleased about having to work with a "protoform". Prime settles it by ordering the two to be partners.

Meanwhile, Lugnut and Blitzwing are perched on a blimp, observing the city below. As Blitzwing comments on the [[Human|local wildlife]], Megatron transmits information on the AllSpark Key to Lugnut and orders the retrieval of it and the AllSpark. Lugnut immediately transforms, followed by a less-than-willing Blitzwing.

[[Image:TFA Lost and Found AllSpark vision.JPG|right|170px|thumb|"Who dares disturb the wizard!?!"]]

At [[Lake Erie]], the Autobots arrive, with Ratchet and Sari still bickering. They are quickly interrupted by Blitzwing and Lugnut. Ratchet and Sari make a break for it, but Blitzwing freezes the lake, preventing them from reaching the ship. However, they get a hand from Lugnut, who accidentally blasts a hole for them to get through. The Autobots dive in, and as Ratchet heads for their ship under , Lugnut and Blitzwing are stalled by the rest, thanks to some clever thinking from Prime. In the Autobots' ship, Ratchet has a moment alone with the ship, but ends up fighting with Sari, who storms off to the AllSpark's cargo bay. Dejected, she gets the idea of damaging the ship enough to prevent it flying, but the AllSpark Key quickly repairs it. Suddenly, the AllSpark opens to reveal an image of Megatron's head and the Key. Moments later, a fully restored Megatron materializes, and a terrified Sari panics and opens the airlock. As water pours in, Ratchet manages to save her. Sari confesses to her sabotage, but a sympathetic Ratchet explains the reason he wants to leave is because he cares about the planet and its people, especially Sari.

[[Image:ArkCannon.JPG|left|170px|thumb|This is gonna leave a mark.]]

Finally understanding, Sari agrees to help. Ratchet reveals the ship was originally a military vessel, and he hopes to bring the weapons bay back online. Outside, the Autobots are in serious trouble, but Sari's AllSpark Key soon reactivates the weapons bay, and Ratchet tells Optimus to draw the Decepticons to the ship. As they close, he activates the main cannon and blows the pair of Decepticons to kingdom come. A furious Megatron loses his link, and the Decepticons crash down onto the surface of the lake in several badly damaged pieces.

[[Image:Badsign.JPG|right|170px|thumb|Want to make a bad day worse? Just add Starscream.]]

Back at base, Sari uses the AllSpark Key to patch up Bumblebee, acting rather Ratchet like when he asks for some customization. Ratchet reveals that even with the Key, it'll take some time to get the ship up and running, so they won't be gone for a good while, and Sari smiles happily.

At the lake, Blitzwing calls for help, while Lugnut begs for a sign of Megatron's forgiveness. Remarkably they get a sign—a bad one, as Starscream shows up, promising repairs, in exchange for loyalty.
{{--}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Lugnut]] (1)
*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (11)

|c3=
*[[Sari Sumdac]] (4)
*[[Captain Fanzone]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Hothead Blitzwing''': Careful, you copper-clad klutz! You stepped in something! 
'''Random Blitzwing''': But with a few dancing lessons, you'll be light on your stabilizing servos like me. Cha cha cha. 
'''Lugnut''': Silence, Blitzwing! I did not follow this beacon halfway across the galaxy for dancing lessons! This was Megatron's ship! 
'''Random Blitzwing''': Ahaha, Starscream never did have a knack for parking.
:—Blitzwing and Lugnut find a crashed Decepticon warship on the Moon.

[[Image:TFA Lost and Found Blitzwing Lugnut crane attack.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Hug-a-wrecking-ball day never really took off.]]

'''Hothead Blitzwing''': These can't be those miserable Autobots, they're far too small— 
'''Random Blitzwing''': But look at that one! It's big, it's bold, it's sassy! 
'''Lugnut''': You! What have you done with our beloved leader Megatron? Talk!
:—The Decepticons interrogate a highly suspicious-looking crane.

"Where is our glorious leader? Where is Megatron?!" 
"Big scary dude?" ''[to Optimus]'' "Didn't he turn into a fireball somewhere over Cleveland?"
:—'''Lugnut''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times: Give me some warning before you use ze punch!"
:—'''Hothead Blitzwing''' to Lugnut

'''Icy Blitzwing''': The Autobots have called in reinforcements. Perhaps we should lay low until we can determine their strength and numbers. 
'''Lugnut''': I will not hide. I will stand proudly and shout ''Megatron's name'' to the ''heavens''! 
'''Megatron''': Oh, for spark's sake...
:—Sometimes, the fanatic thing just gets ridiculous.

'''Optimus''': We'll have to repair our ship and move the AllSpark off this planet. 
'''Bulkhead''': We can't just pick up and go. How will we break the news to Sari? 
'''Bumblebee''': She's a big girl. She'll understand. 
''[Scene switches to Sari crying "No" at the top of her lungs]'' 
'''Bumblebee''': I think she's taking it well.
:—The Autobots tell Sari that they're leaving.

"Help! Give me a hand! Or-or a foot! How about a pelvis?"
:—'''Random Blitzwing''', unusually happy about being in pieces.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
* Blitzwing transforms to tank mode to drop into Lake Erie, but right after he plunges in and appears before the Autobots, he's in robot mode. Why didn't he just go to robot mode in the first place? (In-continuity answer: Blitzwing's angry persona uses the tank mode as opposed to the jet mode, according to [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 1|Megatron Rising]]", so him getting angry at Lugnut caused his transformation automatically. Out-of-continuity answer: [[To sell toys]].)
* In the Autobots' first scuffle with the 'cons, Ratchet uses his magnetic powers to grab a bunch of missiles fired by Lugnut, exclaiming that he can't hold them forever. However, they just seem to disappear after that, as it's never shown whether or not they hit anything.
* As seen in stock-footage transformations in previous episodes, when Prime transforms after he hears of Blitzwing and Lugnut on the news, he turns into a sort of half-a-fire-engine. This form was likely animated using references for his [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Voyager-scale toy]], from which the back end can be detached. In the next shot, in which he [[Roll out|rolls out]], he's a complete fire engine.
* Blitzwing's decision to scan both a jet and a tank seems to imply that he was not a [[Triple Changer]] before the scanning. However, [[The Arrival issue 5]] clearly marks him as a Triple Changer before ever coming to Earth.

===Animation errors===
*When Ratchet reactivates Teletran 1's main cannon and states that he has a plan, his broken forehead chevron is on the left side instead of the right.
*In two animation shots of Lugnut using his [[Punch of Kill Everything|rocket punch]], the ground is not iced, hinting that the animation sequence might be reused in future episodes.
*When Lugnut scans the bomber, it is much bigger than he is.
*Not so much an error as it is a curiousity, but Lugnut's faction symbol shifts from being on his shoulder panel to his chest after he scans an Earth Mode. You can actually see it for yourself on this page.

===Transformers references===
* The initial scene with the lunar rover is highly reminiscent of the destruction of the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] probe in the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]]. The two Decepticons' appearance on Earth as crash-landing meteorites also harks back to the film.

* The construction workers seen where Blitzwing and Lugnut first land are wearing outfits inspired by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] from Generation 1.

* After the airing of "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", some fans speculated on a possible connection between the Autobot ship and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Generation 1 Omega Supreme]], based on both Prime's dialogue referring to a weapons-system program as "Codename: Omega" and the resemblance between the ship's cannon (shown briefly) and Omega Supreme's tank turret. Adding to that speculation, in ''this'' episode, Ratchet addresses the ship as "old friend". Also, when Ratchet manages to activate the weapons systems, we see a clearer shot of the cannon, which indeed looks a lot like Omega Supreme's tank turret (it even has his color scheme). Foreshadowing? Yup, [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|foreshadowing.]]

*This episode is the first in the series to feature the use of the words "[[Slag (slang)|slag]]" and "[[frag]]" as expletives.

*This isn't the first time a [[Armada (cartoon)|Decepticon battleship crash-landed on the moon]].

===Real-world references===
* When Lugnut overpowers Bulkhead, he comments, "Nothing moves Lugnut", similar to the minor ''X-men'' villain the [[wikipedia:Blob (comics)|Blob]].

===Trivia===
* This is the fourth episode in which Sari has received direct warnings about misuse of her AllSpark Key. The Allspark seems to have chosen the "tough love" approach and scared the message into her. How long this will last is up for debate. Bets will now be taken. Answer: [[Transwarped|Beginning of the third season]] when she uses it to upgrade herself, and it makes her go nuts and stab Bumblebee.
* In a humourous background detail, we see the Blitzwing-shaped hole, left from where he crashed barely two minutes ago, as Captain Fanzone's squadron arrives at the hangar. Oddly enough, they don't take much notice of it.
* Captain Fanzone doesn't come off too well in this episode, since he A) forgets that Transformers can disguise themselves as vehicles, and B) doesn't notice that two of the military jets are sporting unusual purple paint jobs, and one of them has tank treads under its wings, not to mention the above.
* Prime's vehicle mode has manual transmission.
* It's unclear why Sari didn't mention the AllSpark-generated vision of Megatron to any of the Autobots. (Granted, she doesn't know who Megatron is, but even so….)
* When Sari tells Bumblebee that the AllSpark Key isn't a toy, she looks like she has wrinkles under her eyes. Obviously, this is meant to show that Ratchet has rubbed off on her a little bit. Even her mouth looks like his briefly. Of course, she may have just been doing an impression of Ratchet as a joke.
* Random Blitzwing seems to have a knack for songs and dances. We'll see if it remains a trend.
* Captain Fanzone is currently driving a regular Detroit police car. [[Captain Fanzone's car|His old car]] was destroyed by [[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] in "[[Blast from the Past]]," but it returns in future episodes.
* Megatron seems unfamiliar with Blitzwing and Lugnut's personalities (i.e., that the first is crazy, and the second is loyal). However, they served under him on the ''Nemesis'' fifty years ago, and exhibited the same characteristics then. This discrepancy is not explained. (Possibly Megatron did not have much direct contact with them in the past, or he may be assuming that fifty years might have changed them.) It also shows that unlike [[Megatron (disambiguation)|his counterparts]], ''Animated'' Megatron actually learns from betrayal, and is not so forgiving.

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season One ([[Transformers Animated (cartoon)/home video|Paramount]]) — English and Spanish audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Two: Lost and Found (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Two: Lost and Found (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Volume Zwei: Die Alten Waffen (Paramount) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Jetfire (Armada)

2010-05-20T01:12:29Z

70.68.108.172: /* Cybertron */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Jetfire}}
{{disambig3|Sky Shadow}}
{{picsneeded|fictional appearances}}

:''Jetfire is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]]. He sometimes masquerades as a [[Decepticon]] using the name '''Sky Shadow'''.''

[[Image:Jetfireut.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I'm as dry as a dead Dingo's donger!"]]
'''Jetfire''' is probably the best second-in-command [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] could conceivably have. Jetfire is more than a yes-man; he's the crucial link between Prime's role-necessitated distance and his troops. Though professional and businesslike, Jetfire infuses his interactions with a down-to-earth friendliness. And where Optimus Prime is cautious, Jetfire is more prone to tempered bursts of gusto and bravado. While Optimus Prime is your leader who's your leader, Jetfire is your leader who's your friend. Because of this, Jetfire is very popular among the Autobots.

Most importantly, Jetfire is one of the only Autobots who will tell Optimus Prime to his face when he thinks he's wrong. It is this trait that makes Jetfire indispensable.

Jetfire has a long-lost brother [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]], and while the two are quite similar in many ways, Jetfire is ''far'' more willing and eager to jump into battle than Overcast.

He has a Decepticon alter-ego, '''Sky Shadow''', which he affects when doing undercover missions. He found the name in history archives which referred to a [[Sky Shadow (Cybertron)|Sky Shadow]] from the legendary [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. Nobody's really sure how that works. Maybe it's that bloody [[Unicron Singularity]]'s doing.

:''Japanese ''Super Link'' name'': '''Skyfire'''
:''Japanese ''Galaxy Force'' name'': '''Dreadlock'''
:''Hungarian ''Energon'' name'': '''Lángcsóva''' (meaning "Flame-burst" or summin' to that effect) -- this translation is also used in the ''Ultimate Battle DVD'' episode.
:''Hungarian ''Cybertron'' name'': '''Röptűz''' (his original, G1 name, meaning "Flyfire"); although he's called Lángcsóva at least at one occasion in the series.
:''Polish ''Armada'' name'': '''Myśliwiec'''

==Fiction==
{{charstub}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Susumu Chiba]] (Japanese)

Before Optimus Prime and his squad left for [[Earth]] in response to the [[Mini-Con]] signal, he left Jetfire in command of the remaining Autobot forces on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

Much later, Optimus Prime requested Jetfire's assistance as the battle for the Mini-Cons reached a dangerous point with the discovery of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber sword]] and the [[Skyboom Shield]]. As Jetfire made his way to Earth, he was followed by the Megatron loyalist [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], who had similarly been requested by the Decepticon strategist [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}

Thrust's arrival quickly improved Decepticon battle strategy, sending the Autobot forces on Earth into disarray. Optimus Prime himself would have been defeated if not for the timely arrival of Jetfire, who quickly defeated the surprised Decepticon air power and forced the rest into retreat. {{storylink|Tactician|Tactician}}

Jetfire was quickly installed as second in command, but as everybody who had never served with him discovered, he was a very different kind of 'bot compared to the reserved Optimus Prime. Where Optimus was cautious and analytical, Jetfire was brash and headstrong to the point of recklessness, jumping into the unknown without considering the consequences. As a result, in his first major battle with the Decepticons, Jetfire decided to take all of their air forces on by himself, getting himself into serious trouble. Fortunately, Optimus Prime had recovered enough from his injuries to launch a counter-attack on the Decepticons and unleash his secret weapon - the ability to Powerlink with Jetfire, resulting in the powerful Jet Optimus. {{storylink|Linkup|Linkup}}

During a battle on a distant beach over a new mysterious [[Mini-Con storage panel]], Optimus Prime and Jetfire once again combined into Jet Optimus to take the fight to the Decepticons. However, even Jet Optimus' power was tested by the arrival of Tidal Wave. The giant Decepticon's sheer strength and firepower forced Jet Optimus on the backfoot, and in their shared gestalt mind, both Optimus and Jetfire were at a loss as what to do. {{storylink|Awakening|Awakening}}

====''Energon''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]] (Japanese), [[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish)

During the ten years since the defeat of [[Unicron]], Jetfire was upgraded into a new, more advanced body uploaded with the [[Spark of Combination]], which granted him the ability to [[Powerlinx|powerlink]] with other compatible robots. Jetfire was selected by Optimus Prime to accompany him and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] to investigate a mysterious attack on the [[Energon (Energon)|energon]] mining colony there by a group of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|mysterious bestial transformers]]. Jetfire was less than pleased when the inexperienced and immature [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] wanted to tag along merely to satisfy his hero worship of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], but decided to let the youngster come along after Optimus Prime left the decision to Jetfire. After surveying the damage on Mars, Jetfire quickly destroyed a large number of [[Divebomb (Energon)|avian drones]] attacking [[Ocean City]] on Earth. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}

Soon afterward, the mining colony on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] was attacked by the same mysterious energon-eating creatures. Tasked with conducting reconnaissance, Jetfire and Kicker fought their way through dozens of the bird drones, with the gifted human playing a crucial role in their successful mission. {{storylink|Energon Stars|Energon Stars}}

After Ironhide acquitted himself with distinction during the mission on the Moon, Jetfire practiced powerlinking with the younger Autobot, who, unfortunately, could not time the sequence properly. The reason behind the attacks was (partially) revealed when the powerful [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], commander of the beast transformers known as the Terrorcons, attacked [[Plains City]]. Jetfire arrived with the Autobot reinforcements and finally successfully powerlinked with Ironhide, allowing the young Autobot the honor of being the controlling component of their combined form. {{storylink|Scorpinok|Scorpinok}}

====''Cybertron''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Brian Drummond]] (English), [[Hideo Ishikawa]] (Japanese)
{{charstubfiction}}
{{picsneeded}}
[[Image:CybJetfire01.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I'm a registered bookbinder from Brisbane!]]
After the second defeat of Unicron, Jetfire resettled on [[Nebulon]] for an indeterminate period of time. Over time, he adopted a [[Accents|local accent]], one that sounded very vaguely like Earth-Australian to certain [[Human|humans]]. Jetfire appeared to have mellowed in the past 20 years. He was considerably more cautious compared to his reckless youth, and adhered much more closely to orders and protocol. Perhaps all those brushes with death have finally knocked some sense into his head, or [[Headmaster (technology)|his head was replaced]] while on Nebulon. He returned to Cybertron, his homeworld once again facing a monumental crisis, perhaps the worst in its history.

As a backup plan, Optimus Prime ordered Jetfire to visit Earth and provide them with scans of Earthen vehicle modes for the population of Cybertron to adopt. This was done so that should their primary plan of destroying the [[Unicron Singularity]] fail, the population of Cybertron could assume disguises and relocate to the human homeworld, whose inhabitants were still largely unaware of the existence of real Transformers. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}}

After the final battle with [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]], peace spread across the galaxy. As part of a new initiative, Optimus Prime left aboard the starship ''[[Atlantis]]'' to chart new territory, leaving Jetfire in charge of planet Cybertron. {{storylink|End|End}}

Free boonie hats for all!

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====''Armada''====
Jetfire was left in command of the Autobot troops on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after Optimus Prime left to protect the [[Mini-Con]]s Earth. He was unhappy with Prime for this, feeling that he had abandoned the Autobots on Cybertron for his affairs on Earth. When Prime returned to Cybertron to request reinforcements and supplies, Jetfire denied him the former, as he was losing the war and needed every man he could get. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10}}

[[Image:Jetfireblurrsideswiperhinoxoverload.jpg|left|300px|thumb|]]
Some time later, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] contacted Jetfire and informed him that Optimus Prime had mysteriously vanished. While Jetfire had no clue as to what was going on either, he agreed to do like the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] keep an eye out for suspicious [[space bridge]] activity. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} Soon enough, [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] reported that multiple space bridges were repeatedly opening and closing at the Decepticon headquarters. Jetfire decided to investigate, and took a team of Autobots with him to infiltrate the enemy base. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} Upon arrival, they found that all the Decepticons in the base had been murdered, and that the space bridge nexus was automatically opening and closing space bridges in an apparent attempt to damage the dimensional wall. Suitably creeper out, Jetfire ordered his troops to take control of the nexus, but was suddenly ambushed by a [[Bludgeon (G1)|skeletal samurai]]. After getting his team to blind the enemy, Jetfire blasted it with all the firepower at his disposal, but only managed to damage its [[Pretender|outer shell]]. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}}

The team eventually made their way to the space bridge nexus, and tried to shut it down. Jetfire thought he caught a glimpse of the lost Optimus Prime in one of the space bridges, but shrugged it off. When all attempts to disable the nexus failed, Jetfire ordered his troops to evacuate while he stayed behind to manually blow up the entire building. Three more powerful enemies arrived through a space bridge, but at the last second, Jetfire caught another glimpse of Optimus Prime in a portal, and dove through it right after activating the explosives. While he successfully reached his lost commander, the two were now stuck on an alternate-reality Cybertron in the process of being devoured by [[Unicron]]. Thankfully, [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] and [[Comettor]] reached this reality as well, and used the power of [[Powerlinx]]ing and the [[Mini-Con Matrix]] to boost the strength of both Jetfire and Prime. The two Autobots combined and damaged Unicron with a powerful energy blast, then returned to their home universe to prepare for the planet eater's arrival. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

Jetfire organized Cybertron's planetary defenses, and when Unicron arrived, he combined with Optimus Prime to attack him head-on. Thanks to the efforts of Over-Run and the Mini-Con population, Unicron was eventually vanquished and peace was brought back to Cybertron. {{storylink|The End}}

====''Energon''====
Ten years after the defeat of Unicron, Jetfire was seen flying around in the reconstructed [[Cyber City]]. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}} He and several other Autobots tried to listen in on one of Optimus Prime's discussions with the [[Autobot High Council]], but were interrupted when [[Unicron's Four Horsemen]] attacked the city. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} Jetfire and the others tried to fight back, but were easily taken out by their powerful opponents. However, Optimus Prime managed to link up to Cybertron itself and activate a system-wide upgrade, granting Jetfire a brand new body capable of combining with anyone. He then combined with [[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon]] and used his new strength to help drive the Four Horsemen away. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}} Jetfire and his fellow upgraded Autobots later traveled to Earth to deal with several [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] wreaking havoc in [[Australia]]. However, despite their new bodies, they soon found themselves outmatched by the Terrorcons' use of pure [[Energon (Energon)|Energon]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} Combined with Ironhide, Jetfire participated in a plan to trick the Terrorcons into shooting eachother, but the enemies still weren't driven off until the [[Omnicon]]s arrived as reinforcements. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

After returning to Cybertron, Jetfire spent a whole lot of time sweet-talking various governors into granting him the resources and funding needed to construct a base on Earth. As such, he was fairly irritated when it seemed Ironhide wasn't finishing the base components on schedule, and told the engineer that he better not let them down. It didn't help that Ironhide suddenly disappeared while out on an errand, so Jetfire went out to search for him, grumbling about new recruits who were always looking for adventure. After stumbling upon a damaged [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]], he eventually Ironhide next to an armed [[seismic-shock warhead]]. After the warhead had calmed down, Ironhide explained that he had built it long ago but made sure it wouldn't go off, and that a [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|a Decepticon]] had just forced him to reactivate it. Jetfire was proud that Ironhide was able to confront his past mistakes, and told him he finally sounded like a true Autobot. {{storylink|Aftershock (issue)|Aftershock}}

Some time later, Optimus Prime vanished again, having stepped into a space bridge on Earth but never arribed on Cybertron. This gave Jetfire a headache; partially because they needed him to deal with unrest among the [[human]] population, but mostly because it meant he had to shoulder Prime's responsibilities of asking the ever-unhelpful High Council for reinforcements for Earth. While the council was hesitant about his request at first, councillor [[Avalon]] convinced the other members to grant Jetfire's request. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} Jetfire was thankful to Avalon, who explained that the other councillors were just unwilling to accept that they were at war again, and complimented Jetfire on how he had handled things. As Jetfire lamented the loss of Optimus Prime and Avalon comforted him, [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] burst into the chamber and reported that Terrorcons were assaulting four major Earth cities. Jetfire ordered for the reinforcements to be prepared at once, then took a bunch of Autobots through a space bridge to [[Los Angeles]]. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} They defended the city from a thousands of [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]], but quickly started to get worn down by the sheer number of them. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}}

When [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] reported that [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] had come back from the dead and was wiping out Terrorcons in [[Toronto]], Jetfire didn't believe it at first. Even when he accepted the fact that Megatron was back, he ignored the hows and whys as he had to focus on conserving energy for the battle with the Insecticons. Thankfully, [[Rad White]] showed up to power the Autobots up with Energon is gaseous form, allowing them to recover and drive the Insecticons away (with some help from a newly arrived Megatron). Jetfire approached the revived Decepticon leader, who told him that he wasn't done killing Terrorcons just yet, and left him with a message: "Optimus Prime sends his regards... from the belly of the beast!" {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}} Jetfire later reported Megatron's return and his message to the High Council. {{storylink|No Exit}}

{{note|At this point, ''Energon'' publisher [[Dreamwave Productions]] went bankrupt, and the story was left unfinished.}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comics===
When Optimus Prime left for Earth, Jetfire was apparently left behind to look after things on Cybertron. Prime contacted him for help when the Decepticons were looking for Mini-Cons on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], as the [[space bridge]] on Earth was damaged and unable to send any of Prime's Autobots there. Jetfire agreed to use a space bridge on Cybertron to send [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] to fight the Decepticons on the moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
*'''Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MC-09'''
**''Accessories'': [[Comettor]] Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield
[[Image:Armada Jetfire toy1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"May all your chooks turn to emus and kick your dunny door flat to the grass!"]]
:Jetfire is a futuristic space shuttle molded primarily in white and gray with red paint stripes resembling the stripes seen on the original [[Jetfire (G1)|G1 Jetfire]]. His Mini-Con Comettor serves as his front landing gear and forward gun in vehicle mode. When Comettor (or any other Mini-Con) is connected to the Powerlinx ports on his wings, a large red missile/bomb is dropped. When connected to Jetfire's main engine, two small wings are deployed for atmospheric flight. In robot mode Jetfire's rear landing gear becomes a shield, and his main engine forms his rifle.

:When the tail fin of ''Armada'' Jetfire's engine/weapon is pressed downward, it activates the original Generation 1 Autobot "laser" sound effect. Pressing the tail fin upwards (perhaps by placing the shuttle upright as if in launching mode) activates a rather garbled blast-off countdown sequence. Both sounds are also ''incredibly ''easy to trigger. When a Mini-Con is powerlinxed to the gun/engine, a different laser gun sound is heard. Prior to the release of ''Powerlinx'' Jetfire, a [[running change]] erm, changed the sound effects.

:Jetfire can combine with the Super Base class Optimus Prime to form '''Jet Optimus''', by replacing the regular Super mode trailer legs and attaching Jetfire's shield onto Prime's chest. Additionally, the shield design resembles the chest armour of ''Generation 1'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Powermaster Optimus Prime Apex Armour]]/[[Ginrai|God Ginrai]].

:The Japanese release includes a much brighter white plastic, a lack of battle wear and heat re-entry burn decos, more detailed paint operations throughout his body and accessories as well as different plastic colors.

:This mold was also used to make the [[Transformers Collectors Club]] [[exclusive]] [[Astrotrain (Timelines)|Astrotrain]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Armada'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:PL Jetfire toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Don't come the raw prawn with me, sport, or I'll show you the rough end of a pineapple!"]]
*'''Powerlinx Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield

:The Powerlinx redeco of Jetfire replaces much of the gray and red with blue, in a color scheme very similar to the ''Macross/Robotech'' Valkyrie fighter jet flown by Maximillian Jenius/Sterling.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
*'''Jetfire w/ Comettor''' (Built to Rule, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, missile launcher, 2 missiles

:''[[Built to Rule]]'' Jetfire is a building-brick set that can be assembled into a space shuttle or a robot or whatever else you feel like. He came with a building-brick version of Comettor and a firing missile launcher.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTRJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Built to Rule'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''Golden Jetfire''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield

: A redeco of Jetfire with golden [[vacuum metallizing]]. It was a first prize of the [[wikipedia:sortition|sortition]] and only exclusive in certain stores and department stores. There is a golden vacuum metalizing Armada Prime as another first prize. They can combine into Golden Jet Prime, of course.

===Energon===
[[Image:Energon Jetfire toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"If it was raining virgins I'd get washed down the drain with a poofta."]]
*'''Jetfire''' (Mega, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SC-05'''
**''Accessories:'' Spring-loaded missile launcher and 1 missile

:''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Jetfire transforms again into a white and red futuristic space shuttle, this time in the smaller Mega size class and with the ability to combine with most other Autobot Deluxe and Mega Energon toys. He features an electronic transforming sound effect that activates when another Autobot combines with him.

:The Japanese version of this toy does not feature any of the electronics, uses red translucent plastic in place of orange, and has a sticker covering the now-absent battery compartment.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Energon'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

*'''Skyfire and Roadbuster'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SS-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Spring-loaded missile launcher and 2 missiles

:This was a Japan-only two-pack of both Jetfire and Ironhide. There are no differences between the toys in this pack and the individually packed Japanese versions.

*'''Skyfire Sonic''' (Mega, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SC-25'''
**''Accessories:'' Spring-loaded missile launcher, 1 missile, Energon Spear weapon

:This was the Japanese release of [[Overcast (Energon)|''Energon'' Overcast]], though still portrayed as the same character of Skyfire. There are some differences in paint application, but the major difference is the inclusion of an orange Energon Spear, originally belonging to [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Overcast/overcast.htm More information on Skyfire Sonic (well, actually Overcast) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Cybertron===
[[Image:Cyb Jetfire toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Now listen mate, I need to splash the boots. You know, strain the potatoes. Water the horses. You know, go where the big knobs hang out..."]]
*'''Jetfire''' (Ultra class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GC-04'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right spring-loaded missile launchers, 2 missiles, Earth-planet Cyber Key or Autobot Cybertron-planet Cyber Key (see below)

:Jetfire was once again Ultra-sized, but this time transformed into a green cargo plane resembling a modified [[wikipedia:Antonov_An-225|Antonov An-225]]. The design of the vehicle mode features a small homage to Jetfire's previous shuttle forms via a (non-opening) hatch featuring 'teeth' on the dorsal section. Jetfire features sound effects by pressing the port side aft engine nacelle. Inserting his Cyber Planet Key into his tail assembly in either vehicle or robot mode causes a pair of translucent red cannons to extend, and the compartment they are mounted on to raise. Pressing the port side aft engine now features a different sound effect. The tail section can be swiveled up to form an attack mode somewhat resembling the "gerwalk" form of a ''Macross'' Valkyrie (appropriately).

:In robot mode Jetfire has a tendency to topple back due to the heavy battery operated gimmicks of the tail section, though he is more stable if one puts him in an action-oriented pose. In this mode he features two pop-out (non-firing) missile pods in his waist and wields his two wing-mounted (spring-loaded) missile launchers.

:The US version of this toy has a bar between the barrels of the translucent red tail cannons to provide structural integrity at the cost of aesthetics. The other cosmetic difference between the US and Japanese versions is that the ''Galaxy Force'' release has more paint applications. Finally, the ''Cybertron'' release comes with a silver-bordered Earth planet Cyber Key with [[Cyber Key Codes|key code]] '''uk97''' printed on the back, while the ''Galaxy Force'' version comes with a silver-bordered Cybertron planet Autobot key.

:This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] to make [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:LOC Jetfire.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"...Shake hands with the wife's best friend? Drain the dragon? Siphon the python? Ring the rattlesnake? You know, unbutton the mutton? Like, point Percy at the porcelain?"]]
*'''Jetfire''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)

:''[[Legends of Cybertron]]'' Jetfire is a much smaller version of the Ultra-sized toy, with limited articulation and detail. In the U.S. market, LOC Jetfire was primarily sold in drug stores, though he could be found in normal retailers in markets outside of the US, such as Australia.

:This mold was redecoed to make ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] and ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/LOCJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Legends of Cybertron'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

*'''Jetfire''' (Burger King Kids' Meal toy, 2005)

:An incredibly simplified version of ''Cybertron'' Jetfire available with [[Burger King]] kids meals. This toy is a partsformer, requiring you to remove his tail section to transform him and to replace it on his back. Oh yeah, he don't stand too good neither. Sucker.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BKJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Burger King Jetfire at TFU.info]''

[[Image:Cyb Sky Shadow toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"He's a handsome wild colonial man He can beat the bloody world if Genghis Khan"]]
*'''Sky Shadow''' (Ultra class, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Left & right spring-loaded missile launchers, 2 missiles, Earth-planet Cyber Key

:Sky Shadow is a tan/gold and black redeco of ''Cybertron'' Jetfire, depicting the character in his [[wikipedia:Matches_Malone|cover identity]] as a Decepticon. It uses the same tooling as ''Cybertron'' Jetfire (though the chest panel is retooled to remove the Autobot sigil), so it features the structurally stronger tail cannon. All other functions remain the same.

: Sky Shadow comes with a silver-bordered Earth planet Cyber Key with the code '''u06h''' printed on the back.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/SkyShadow/skyshadow.htm More information on Sky Shadow at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Merchandise===
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

==Trivia==
* The Armada Jetfire toy's appearance and transformation sequence is an homage to ''Generation 1'' [[Galaxy Shuttle]]. This was confirmed by then-head designer [[Aaron Archer]] during his stint as 'ORSON' on the [http://www.tfw2005.com TFW2005.com] boards.

* Much like the [[Red Alert (Armada)|''Armada'' Red Alert]] toy's 'Woo-woo-woo' sound effect, the '''Armada'' Jetfire toy's original countdown sound effect briefly became something of an in-joke within the Transformers fan community.

* Jetfire's ''Cybertron'' toy appears (in plane mode) on the screen of the Hasbro version of the [[Real Gear Robots]] toy [[Power Up VT6]].

* His voice in the ''Super Link'' cartoon is ''incredibly'' shrill, shrieky and annoying.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm Jetfire at TFU.info]

[[Category:Armada characters]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]

Bumblebee (Movie)

2010-05-12T01:08:07Z

70.68.108.172: /* Cyber Missions */

{{factions|autobotfilm|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Bumblebee}}
:''Bumblebee is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''N.B.E.-02'''.''

[[Image:TF-Alliance03 Cover Nizzi.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Groovy, bee-otch!"]]
'''Bumblebee''' is one of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most trusted lieutenants. Although he is not the strongest or most powerful of the Autobots, Bumblebee more than makes up for this with a bottomless well of luck, determination and bravery. He would gladly give his life to protect others and stop the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]].

Badly damaged in battle, Bumblebee lost the ability to speak verbally, though he can still communicate over inter-Autobot frequencies (in a fashion that seems somewhat akin to instant messaging, a usable but more distant and less personal means of interaction).

{{quote|[[William Lennox|You]] wanna lay the fate of the world on [[Sam Witwicky|the kid]]'s Camaro? That's cool.|[[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]]|[[Transformers (2007)]]}}

:''Spanish name:'' '''Abejorro''' ("Bumblebee")
:''Mandarin name:'' '''Dà Huáng-fēng''' (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Daai Wong Fung''' (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Űrdongó''' ("Space Bumblebee")

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance1_Cliffjumper_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"Tell Hasbro that [[Cliffjumper (disambiguation)|I]] don't want to be a [[repaint]] of [[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|you]] anymore!"]]

Many years in the past, Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] were guardians of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] at the Temple of [[Simfur]]. One day, Bumblebee wondered aloud why Optimus and Lord High Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] were out investigating the nearby excavation site when the All Spark was "freaking" out with energy spikes. Cliffjumper assured him that whatever Optimus and the others were investigating, it must have been important, then reminded his colleague that they had their duties. When Bumblebee admitted nerves, Cliffjumper said that the two of them could handle anything, and just to let trouble come to them. He would soon regret those words when aliens attacked Simfur. They were seeking cover inside the temple when Lord Megatron swooped in, berated them for not taking the fight to the enemy and destroyed their opponent. He then told commander [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] to keep the lowly security guards out of the way of the military. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1}}

Bumblebee was concerned this was the start of something ''big'', to which Cliffjumper agreed, but he felt that as little cogs in the great machine, all they needed to do was stand guard. [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] advised them to stay at their posts and report to him of any unusual activity from the All Spark during the battle. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2}}

[[Image:Defiance3_Optimus_Bumblebee_orders.jpg|thumb|300px|Well, that's one way to make a first impression.]]

After [[The Fallen|the relic]] informed Megatron of Optimus' break and enter of his personal quarters, Bumblebee, [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]], Cliffjumper, [[Camshaft (Movie)|Camshaft]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and Prowl were sent to the ruins near [[Burthov]] to arrest Optimus ''Prime's'' party on trumped-up charges of treason. When Optimus angrily demanded to know just what he had done to be charged with treason, Bumblebee pointed his weapon at the science leader and said they were just following orders, which seemed to satisfy Optimus. What the security officers didn't know was they were being led into a trap, and soldiers loyal to Megatron were under orders to eliminate all but Optimus. After being hit by an explosive round, the group banded together, realising they had all been marked for death. Optimus ordered them to flee to Burthov while he took care of Starscream's group personally. {{storylink|Defiance issue 3}}

[[Image:Defiance_Bumblebee_vehiclemodes.jpg|thumb|left|300px|My alt-mode is Pac-Man!]]

While on an apparent scouting mission, Bumblebee and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] discovered the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'' while it was under construction and reported their findings back to Prowl. Then Bumblebee transformed into a ball and Arcee transformed into a hover-bike and they both headed back to base. When the ''Nemesis'' was completed, Bumblebee and Arcee were there once again to witness the majority of the Decepticon forces board and take off for parts unknown to them.

With the bulk of the war-like Decepticons gone into space, the Autobots were able to hold their own in their resistance to Megatron's rule, but the war was ever-escalating in intensity, leading to increasing casualties and devastation to Cybertron. When it was clear to Optimus Prime that the conflict was locked in a stalemate, he made the desperate decision to capture the All Spark and launch it into space. This decision took Bumblebee by surprise, but he supported Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}

[[Image:MovieMegatron Bumblebee torture comic.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Megatron's attempt at a "Give me your arm!" meme didn't really take off...]]

During the raid to capture the All Spark, Bumblebee commanded the Autobot forces at [[Tyger Pax]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] attempting to hold the [[Decepticon]]s off while the All Spark was launched off-planet. He succeeded, but Megatron crushed his voice box, and he lost his ability to speak in the process. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}{{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Prime Directive issue 1}} [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] has been having trouble fixing it ever since. Bumblebee was declared a hero for his actions, but he feared that all they had done was potentially spread their war to other worlds. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Prime Directive issue 1}}

Later, he was the first to track the All Spark to [[Earth]], making planetfall in 2003. Here, he learned to express his emotions by tuning in appropriately emotive music on his car radio. Though the clandestine [[human]] organization [[Sector Seven]] tracked his descent and secured the area in [[Virginia]] where he landed, his quick assumption of a local alternate mode disguise allowed him to escape via Interstate 64. Bumblebee's search for the All Spark began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he used a remote link to a coffee shop computer to search [[Shwiggle]] for any signs of extra-terrestrial sightings. There, he discovered the legend of the [[Ice Man]], and the story of Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Prime Directive issue 3}}

Bumblebee's quest took him to [[Baton Rouge]], Louisiana, where Captain Witwicky had been committed. First he visited the ruins of the long-abandoned [[Psychopathic Institute for the Long-Term Insane]], Witwicky's final home. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive issue 4}} From there, Bumblebee headed into downtown, where he scanned the records of Captain Witwicky from an unnamed [[asylum]]. This action unfortunately put Sector Seven onto his trail.

The Baton Rouge clues led Bumblebee to [[Springfield]], Missouri, in search of Witwicky's son [[Clarence Witwicky|Clarence]]. En route, he evaded the first of several attacks by Sector Seven. In Springfield, he found records of Clarence's descendants, and started out to track them down. The oldest son, [[Ben Witwicky|Ben]], had resided in Denver, Colorado, but the trail ended there. En route to his next stop in Tucson, Bumblebee was again attacked by Sector Seven, evading their helicopters by blinding them and rocketing off at high speed. Not long after, he was attacked by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] in the desert. {{storylink|Interlude}}

Damaged and smoking, Bumblebee stopped by the roadside to rest and recover. Suddenly detecting a burst of All Spark energy, he continued onwards out of Colorado. In New Mexico, as he approached the source of the All Spark energy, he came under attack once again from Barricade. Other Decepticons, meanwhile, attacked the energy source and found it to be a Sector Seven ruse. Bumblebee managed to escape Barricade again, though unbeknownst to him the Decepticons let him go so that they could track him. Eventually, his search took him to [[Tranquility]], [[Nevada]], {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive issue 4}} where he would soon encounter [[Sam Witwicky]].

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]]

[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] entrusted Bumblebee with the secret that the All Spark would be sent into deep space to prevent Lord Megatron from possessing and corrupting it. Just after the launch, Megatron attacked Bumblebee in rage at losing the All Spark and shattered the Autobot's voice capacitor beyond repair.

Bumblebee arrived on Earth and, sensing the AllSpark was near, took on local camouflage to search for the artifact. He immediately attracted the attention of Sector Seven agents and the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW]] [[Prime Directive (IDW)|Prime Directive]] Movie Prequel that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
Between Tyger Pax and his arrival on Earth, Bumblebee and the rest of the [[Ark (Movie)|''Ark'']] crew encountered some humans in deep space and got their first clues to where Megatron and the All Spark rested. Bumblebee discovered a human shuttle, the Ghost 1, which had been made by reverse-engineering from Megatron's body. He was attacked by Starscream and escaped. Attacked by giant, metal-eating worms, he was ultimately saved by Optimus Prime. Bumblebee participated in the final battle against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (English), [[Hiroshi Iwasaki]] (Japan radio voice) [[Akio Kato]] (Japan normal voice), [[Helmut Gauß]] (German)

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee dealership.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The old old and the new old.]]
Bumblebee, having made his way to a second-rate car dealership, became [[Sam Witwicky]]'s first car. Sam's father promised his son a car if Sam paid half of the money and achieved three A's in school. After doing so with the help of his genealogy project, Sam rode with [[Ron Witwicky|his father]] to [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|a car lot with an exceedingly long name]]. Following them to the lot, Bumblebee quietly placed himself among the other cars. To prevent Sam from having to choose another car, he used a high-frequency sound wave to blow out the windows of every other car in the lot, leaving [[Bobby Bolivia]] with no choice but to sell Bumblebee to the Witwickys.

The next day, Sam and his friend [[Miles Lancaster]] drove Bumblebee down to the lake in a misguided attempt to impress the popular girls at a party. Observing the exchange of thinly veiled insults between Sam and the football jocks, Bumblebee decided to help out Sam when the boy noticed [[Mikaela Banes]] walking home after a falling-out with her now ex-boyfriend. Playing "Drive" on his radio, Bumblebee inspired Sam to kick Miles out and drive Mikaela home. As the two awkwardly chatted, Bumblebee suddenly turned off his engine when they neared a romantic spot overlooking the city, this time playing "Sexual Healing" and "I Feel Good". Not knowing his car has a mind of its own, Sam misinterpreted this as a breakdown. Mikaela attempted to fix Bumblebee with her mechanical know-how, only to leave after Sam asked her why she tolerated jerks like her ex-boyfriend. Trying to help as much as he could, Bumblebee allowed Sam to start up his engine as she walked away, this time playing "Baby, Come Back". Arriving at Mikaela's house, Sam advanced a step towards her by stating that he didn't believe her to be shallow at all, that there was "more than meets the eye" with her. After she left, Sam quietly enthused that he loved his car.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee firstsighting.jpg|right|250px|thumb|One of the clearer shots in the film.]]
Later that night, Bumblebee drove off by himself with Sam in hot pursuit, believing it to be a car theft. Unwittingly leading his human owner to a junkyard, Bumblebee transformed and activated his communications beacon, requesting assistance from Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Unknown to him, Sam had seen his robot form and run off, and was now being being pursued by the junkyard's two guard dogs. Bumblebee came to Sam's aid, scaring off the dogs, but had to escape when the police (whom Sam had previously summoned when Bumblebee drove away from his house) arrived to arrest Sam for breaking into the junkyard.

The next day, Bumblebee drove back to the Witwicky house sometime after Sam had been bailed out by his dad. Frightened and confused, Sam rode away from what he dubbed "[[Unicron|Satan]]'s Camaro", ending up in the city and encountering Mikaela in front of a Burger King. Bumblebee followed Sam towards an industrial area, not realizing that the Decepticon [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] was stalking the boy, intent on finding glasses belonging to [[Archibald Witwicky|Sam's ancestor]], which Sam had been auctioning on [[eBay]] Sam ran away from the attacking Decepticon and literally ran into Mikaela after she had followed him. As Barricade bore down on the pair, Bumblebee suddenly appeared, knocking the Decepticon off his feet, then drove the humans away as Barricade gave chase.

[[Image:Movie Bumblebee winner.jpg|left|250px|thumb|YOU BIG WINNER, HAHAHA.]]
Racing through dilapidated factories and warehouses, Bumblebee eventually arrived at a deserted chemical plant on the outskirts of town. There he waited until Barricade's back was turned before dumping Sam and Mikaela out of his passenger side door, then transforming into robot mode to protect his friends. Barricade transformed and attacked, hitting Bumblebee with his tire spikes and knocking the Autobot into a chemical tank. In retaliation, Bumblebee grabbed Barricade and threw him into an electrical substation, seriously damaging the Decepticon and putting him into stasis lock. After Sam and Mikaela took care of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], Bumblebee introduced himself to them entirely through the use of his radio, explaining that it was the only way he could communicate, that he was an alien, and that Sam had witnessed him calling to his friends the previous night. Transforming back into vehicle mode, Bumblebee invited his friends to enter (which they did after a brief hesitation) and began to drive them to nearby [[Griffith Observatory]].

[[Image:Movie Bumblebee Mikaela observatory.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Still think I'm a piece of crap, lady?]]
On the way, Mikaela (who had refused to sit in the driver's seat, as Bumblebee was driving), rhetorically asked Sam that if Bumblebee was a super-advanced robot, why did he turn into a piece-of-crap Camaro? Mildly insulted, Bumblebee stopped in the middle of a packed tunnel and forced the humans out, then drove away. As Sam lamented the fact that "four thousand dollars just drove away", Bumblebee passed another car and scanned it, driving back to the pair as a sleek and shiny 2009 Camaro. Amazed and impressed, Sam and Mikaela got back in, and Bumblebee continued their journey to the observatory. Arriving, the humans observed as the other Autobots entered the Earth's atmosphere and crash-landed in various parts of the city.

Bumblebee then took his friends to a secluded alleyway, where Sam and Mikaela met the other Autobots. Introducing themselves, Sam learned that Bumblebee was his guardian and that the Autobot's vocal processors had been damaged in battle. [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was still working on them as he fired a regenerative plasma beam<ref name="Orci">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showthread.php?t=12054 Post-movie Q&A with screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman]</ref> at the damaged area. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] explained that their mission was to find the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]], and that Sam Witwicky was the key due to his grandfather discovering [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] on an Arctic voyage.

[[Image:Movie BumblebeeCC guardian.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I may be your guardian, but I will not carry you through a crowd to the music of Whitney Houston.]]
Arriving at the Witwicky residence, Bumblebee attempted to convince his comrades to remain out of sight while Sam was talking to his father. When Sam and Mikaela were captured by [[Sector Seven]], Bumblebee helped rescue them. The interrogation of [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]] went nowhere, however, and Bumblebee became so annoyed with his attitude that he released lubricant onto the agent. Soon, Sector Seven reinforcements arrived, intent on recapturing the kids and any "N.B.E.s" they could get their hands on. Optimus Prime tried to protect Sam and Mikaela as they hid under a bridge, but both almost fell to their deaths when they slipped. Bumblebee raced forward, transforming and catching them in mid-air. Unfortunately, this also gave Sector Seven a clear and obvious target for them to attack. Firing harpoon cables from helicopters, the clandestine human organization dragged Bumblebee to the ground, and its soldiers began to freeze the helpless Autobot, who reached out to Sam. The boy broke free from an agent's grip, pushing the soldiers aside until he was tackled by several agents and taken away. Though [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] objected to allowing Sector Seven to leave with their friend, Optimus Prime ordered his troops to stand down, as there was no way to save the prisoners without incurring human casualties.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee AllSpark.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Also available in pocket size.]]
Taken to [[Hoover Dam]], Bumblebee was continually doused with cryoblasts to keep him docile and inert as Sector Seven performed experiments on him. Sam and Mikaela (with some armed persuasion from [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]]) convinced Sector Seven to release Bumblebee. Upon his release, Bumblebee converted to battle mode and almost lashed out at his human oppressors until Sam calmed him down, informing him of the presence of the All Spark and Megatron in the facility, and that the Decepticons were coming for both. Following the humans to the All Spark's chamber, Bumblebee hesitantly reached out to the life source of his people and reformatted it, shrinking the cube until it was a size that the humans could manipulate. Bumblebee and a military escort fled to [[Mission City]], meeting the Autobots en route.

Soon after they arrived at the city, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] appeared. Recognizing the Decepticon, [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and Bumblebee lifted up an abandoned truck in order to shield the humans from any collateral damage Starscream's attack would inevitably bring. One of the Decepticon's missiles struck the truck, sending both Autobots flying, with Bumblebee landing in a store front. The attack tore off Bumblebee's legs and left him barely functional, as Sam discovered to his horror when Bumblebee crawled from the wreckage. Soon, the other Decepticons arrived, led by Megatron, and the remaining Autobots were engaged. Mikaela and Sam hoisted Bumblebee onto a abandoned tow truck, but refused to leave his side. The Autobot silently handed his friend the All Spark, trusting the fate of his people into the boy's hands, and urged him to run while he still could. As Sam ran off, Mikaela drove Bumblebee away from the fighting to relative safety.

[[Image:Movie2007_Sam_Mikaela_makingoutonBumblebee.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Why? Just.....why?]]

However, she was soon overcome with guilt for leaving Sam and the battle. With Bumblebee's assent, she turned the truck around and headed back in. As Mikaela drove down the street in reverse, Bumblebee activated his weapon systems, then fired his [[plasma cannon]] and missiles at [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]], who was pinning down Captain Lennox and the rest of the combined Ranger/Sector Seven soldiers. His contribution was the deciding factor, confusing Devastator enough for the soldiers to counterattack, and the Decepticon was destroyed at last when Bumblebee's final cannon blast pierced his spark. Bumblebee was rather pleased with himself, and Mikaela complimented his shooting.

After the destruction of Megatron and the All Spark, Bumblebee (who had regained his voice<ref name="Orci">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showthread.php?t=12054 Post-movie Q&A with screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman]</ref> requested permission to remain with Sam, to which the young man agreed. After his legs were repaired, he allowed Sam and Mikaela to make out on top of him as the other Autobots watched. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}

It was the best day ever. Well, maybe not for Jazz.
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}
In an alternate reality, it was the crappiest day ever because Sam failed and was killed, and Megatron went on to conquer much of the Earth. Bumblebee liked to believe that there was a universe out there in which Megatron lost.

[[Image:Titan MikaelaBumblebee.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Why is he apologizing, you ask? Look where his left hand is.]]

Bumblebee and Mikaela went on to become old comrades in guerrilla warfare, and in 2008 went on a mission to rescue Optimus Prime from a Decepticon bunker in Denver. Bumblebee, now with missile launchers in car mode and increased physical strength, took out the bunker guard, [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]], (nearly crushing Mikaela by accident—"My bad.") and found Prime...or what was left of him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}} Now stuck in the base, Bumblebee was being hunted by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 2}}, and baited into revealing himself when the tyrant threatened to kill Mikaela. Bumblebee made a desperate attack, only to be beaten aside with ease. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 11|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3}}

Despite his defeat, he remained defiant to the end and refused to beg for mercy. Luckily the Autobot reinforcements arrived; unluckily, they couldn't stop Megatron; luckily again, Mikaela had revived Optimus Prime to save them {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 12|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}} and arrived with Phase Two of their plan, a Sector Seven nanovirus that targeted All Spark energy. Plugging it to himself, Bumblebee charged at the super-powered Megatron and forcibly uploaded the nano-virus, killing the tyrant once and for all. Not that he patted himself on the back over this, for he knew too well that this just left a [[Starscream (Movie)|power vacuum]]... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

Still partnered with Mikaela near the Savannah, Georgia refugee camp post-occupation, Bumblebee appeared frustrated with how the humans were frightened of him and, to be listened to, Mikaela had to do the talking for him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14}} They went back into battle again to end a [[NATO]] bombardment of the Autobots in Savannah, running a gauntlet of tanks and [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercrackers]] before freeing the NATO field commander from Decepticon mind control. During the course of the battle he roasted a drone with fiery exhaust. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}}

Following this battle, Bumblebee was involved in many clashes with Decepticons to protect human infrastructure, including leading a small group to protect an oil pipeline in Alaska. [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]] did not follow orders well. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}}

[[Image:Bumblebeehandlesthis.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yes, you ''did'' see this happen.]]

Following ''that'', he was sent with Arcee and Armorhide to Cybertron, under Ironhide's command. The mission was to retrieve [[Nucleon]]. Bumblebee was ordered to do recon and discovered a strange satellite dish, but investigating it saw the team jumped by [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]]. Then a strange energy anomaly appeared in orbit, and when Bumblebee asked what it was, Stockade babbled "BLBLBLBLBBL!". {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Return to Cybertron: Part 1}} Bumblebee's subsequent attempt at dialogue (after first convincing Ironhide to stop throwing his face at Stockade's fists) was more successful, finding out the anomaly was a living entity the Decepticons had deliberately summoned, believing it would rejuvenate Cybertron.

Not trusting this entity and wanting to stop all the Nucleon being used up, Bumblebee organised the Autobots to create a distraction while he snuck around and turned the Nucleon transfer off. He also intended to send a message to Optimus, and considering [[Unicron|the entity was Unicron the Anti-Life]], it's a good thing he did. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|Return to Cybertron: Part 2}} In the resulting chaos, Bumblebee had [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]] barge past him, had to rescue Ironhide from rubble, and found out the guy wanted to stop Unicron by destroying the world. He wasn't having a good day. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}}

The day improved when Optimus arrived with a better plan: Cut off the Nucleon that Unicron's body was using for power. Bumblebee and Armorhide were dispatched to drain the Nucleon seam. This took too long, though, so Ratchet came up with a quicker alternative. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

[[Image:Titan MikaelaBumblebeereunion.jpg|left|200px|thumb|OTP!]]

Upon returning to Earth, the Autobots found the Decepticons had pinched their base and all 600 square miles around it. They retreated, leaving Mikaela in Decepticon hands; Bumblebee was distraught over this. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}} He would be part of the raid to get her back, knowing and ignoring that it was an obvious trap due to how much they owed Mikaela. The raid was successful and the two were reunited, awwww! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

It didn't last long, with the Decepticon-blackmailed American government ordering the Autobots out; Bumblebee got dispatched with Ironhide on a mission related to this. The next day, Bumblebee got one last hour with Mikaela (and to beat up [[Dropkick]] as an "up yours" gesture) before joining the Autobots in departing... ''and then they got nuked!'' {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}}

Optimus had anticipated this though, and the Autobots faked their deaths with a decoy ship. Bumblebee, however, couldn't tell Mikaela this due to a decision to minimise any possible exposure. He was part of the spearhead team on return to Earth, intended to raise the Decepticon Heartland and teleport all the enemy there to the dead Cybertron. Mikaela was ''not'' happy to see him back, feeling they'd kept the plan from her because they didn't fully trust her to not be captured; Bumblebee tried to deny this.

In the final battle, Bumblebee 'tagged' Megatron and so is responsible for the tyrant being exiled forever—third time lucky!

In the aftermath, after it became clear the Autobots had just exiled ''themselves'' to Earth forever—"Hey, there are worse fates," said Bumblebee—Mikaela forgave Bumblebee. Both had a lot of clean-up work to do, but also a brave new world to explore together...!{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part 3}}

===Real World===
At some point, Bumblebee let his guard down and the Decepticons took advantage by taking out an Autobot communications hub. He apologized for his lapse. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

Bumblebee and [[Hardtop (Movie)|Hardtop]], as two opposing elite spies, have crossed paths many times across the galaxy in a grueling test of endurance. Lately Hardtop has been taking this rivalry very personally, turning it into a vendetta. It was a crack shot by Hardtop that damaged Bumblebee's vocal processors, causing the Autobot pain when he tries to speak. {{storylink|Hardtop (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Hardtop}}

During the [[Mission City]] battle, Bumblebee required assistance and had to be towed to safety by [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Towed to Safety}}

With the initial threat over, Bumblebee decided to kick back and relax. Transcanning a rally car, he began hanging around at race tracks, pitting himself against the human racers. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Rally Rocket Bumblebee}}

He would later be sent on a mop-up duty, hunting [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] across the [[Middle East]]. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legend Class toys|Bumblebee vs. Scorponok}}

Eventually, with pictures of him all over the internet, Bumblebee found to his discomfort that ''everyone'' recognised him... including newly arriving Decepticons, which put Sam and others in danger! With Mikaela's help, Bumblebee recoloured himself to help restore his disguise and make it easier to sneak up on the enemy. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Stealth Bumblebee}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance2_Bumblebee_takecove-rrk.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Why do they always aim for the throat!?"]]

Shortly after the battle in [[Mission City]], Bumblebee's injuries were tended to by Ratchet while Ironhide and Captain Lennox's men searched for the creatures inadvertently created by the All Spark's energy. After his legs were attached, he rolled out with the Autobots to escape Sector Seven's inquiries. A month later, when asked by Lennox, Optimus Prime informed the human that Bumblebee had resumed his role as Sam Witwicky's protector. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1}}

[[Image:Alliance3_Ironhide_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|200px|"I see dead people, I mean it, look there's one right over there."]]

Bumblebee accompanied the other Autobots to escort the convoy transporting the dead Decepticons to a navy base in [[California|San Diego, California]], where they would be taken out to sea and dumped. Optimus Prime gave the surviving All Spark sliver to [[Professor Vine]] of Sector Seven, but after deciding this was a bad idea later on, he sent Ironhide and Bumblebee back to the [[Nevada]] facility to retrieve it. Bumblebee raced ahead and arrived to inadvertently save [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s life by disarming the revived [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]]. A grateful Starscream shot Bumblebee as he was protecting the humans, {{storylink|Alliance issue 2}} leaving his vocal processor damaged. Though Ironhide praised him for his bravery and selflessness, Bumblebee regretted not being able to save everybody. By the time the Navy and the Autobots were out at sea to bury Jazz and dump the Decepticon corpses, Ratchet had repaired Bumblebee's body (giving him a modified vehicle mode in the process), but was evidently unable to fully restore his vocal processor. In an effort to prevent mistakes of the past occurring again and to protect Earth, the Autobots and the United States Military formed a special unit under Major Lennox and Optimus Prime's command. When the Decepticon [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] was detected in [[San Francisco]], Bumblebee and the others rolled out from [[Diego Garcia]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3}}

After Optimus Prime destroyed a surprised [[Dead End (Movie)|Dead End]], Bumblebee chased Swindle onto the deserted Golden Gate Bridge. Though cornered, the Decepticon was amused that they had sent his old nemesis Bumblebee against him, and quickly set to clobbering the Autobot. Major [[William Lennox|Lennox]] distracted the Decepticon, allowing Bumblebee to pay Swindle back for his inept attempt to torture him thousands of years ago. On the plane trip back to Diego Garcia, Lennox and Optimus agreed that Sam Witwicky would become the target of the Decepticons again, and that he ''must'' be protected. Bumblebee was chosen to act as Sam's guardian again, and before he left, Prime pressed upon him that the protection of the boy was his first priority. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4}}
{{-}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 1}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}

Bumblebee does not appear in the novel, but NEST personnel mention that he is guarding Sam Witwicky.

{{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan2_BumblebeePOV.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Robo-Vision]]!]]

His voice gone again, Bumblebee communicated by playing snippets of Earth songs.

Bumblebee was driven by the Witwickys to [[Princeton University|Sam's college]], where he quietly endured their bickering while scanning everything around him for potential threats. When he picked up radio transmissions from two new Autobots, he drove off into battle, and saved [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] from being slaughtered by [[Ransack (ROTF)|the Decepticon Ransack]]. But with the villain threatening a long game, Bumblebee knew that here came trouble... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

Speaking of trouble, poor Bumblebee ended up as the twins' minder. You can guess how well ''that'' went... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

[[Image:Titan2-6_aimedatyourheart.jpg|right|thumb|There's only room for ''one'' kid-appeal character...]]

Some time later, Bumblebee was hanging out in Sam's garage when he received an emergency call from [[Diego Garcia]]: the twins, now dangerous Decepticon turncoats, had abducted Sam! He tore out of the garage, tracked down the twins, and demanded they stop immediately. When they didn't, he launched suppressive fire and began ramming Skids, yelling ''"let my people go-go!"''. He soon had Sam free and the twins at gunpoint, ready to eliminate if necessary. However, partway into Mudflap's claims that they'd been framed and there was a bigger threat coming, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] got the drop on Bumblebee and gunned him down... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

Clearly he got better, because he was around for the Fallen (see below) and later was sent back into the field to capture [[Reverb (ROTF)|Reverb]]. When Jolt messed the mission up, Bumblebee saved the day by ''ramming'' the bike head-on. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}}

[[Image:Titan10_Eppsandbee.jpg|left|thumb|210px|]]

Later, with Lennox and his crew searching for [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], Bumblebee was left with only [[Robert Epps]] to to investigate an attack on Malmstrom Air Force Base and the disappearance of Optimus Prime. Epps worked out that Optimus had been victim of an electromagnetic bomb, and Bumblebee tracked his leader to where he was being held. (Poor Epps had to ride in Bumblebee jumping a ravine, and almost spewed up his breakfast) After locating Prime, they found he was a captive of the [[Free Men]] militia. At Epps command, Bumblebee hit the Free Men compound with his full firepowered, swiftly defeating the militia. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10| Bring Me the Head of Optimus Prime}}

He despatched three raw cadets (Jolt, [[Rollbar (ROTF)|Rollbar]], and [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]]) to [[Death Valley]] for a survival exercise. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.11|Spare Parts!}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (dialogue cut from final movie)

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee overkill.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Hey, you're lucky. Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], I had to blow up ''whole [[city-state]]s'' to achieve objectives.]]
Bumblebee was dozing in the Witwicky garage the day Sam was packing for [[Princeton University]] when he heard the boy scream out his name. Bumblebee drove through, transformed and started blasting away at [[Allspark Mutation|Allspark Mutations]] of the Witwicky kitchen appliances. [[Judy Witwicky]] was horrified that Bumblebee blew up much of their house, but he shrugged her off and went back into the garage. As firefighters and local police arrived, Sam and [[Mikaela Banes]] went inside the garage. Mikaela asked whether Bumblebee was still having voice problems, to which Sam replied the Autobot was just playing it up. Sam revealed he did not want Bumblebee to come to college as he wanted a normal life, and he couldn't do that with Bumblebee watching over him. Bumblebee was heartbroken and began crying, refusing to listen anymore.

[[Image:ROTF Sam Bumblebee cry.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Humanization]] included.]]
However, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was having difficulties with [[NEST]] director [[Theodore Galloway]], who believed protecting the human race required drawing away the Decepticons from Earth by making the Autobots leave. Optimus believed Sam would be a worthy ambassador to convince the [[President of the United States]] otherwise. Bumblebee picked up Sam from a frat party, only to get an unwanted passenger in [[Alice]]. Bumblebee knew something wasn't right about the girl interested in Sam, smashing her head against his dashboard, and dousing her in liquid to get rid of her. Bumblebee dropped Sam off to meet Optimus at a graveyard, where the boy turned down Optimus' offer.

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee vs Starscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bring it, bee-yotches!]]
When [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] returned from the dead, Bumblebee was deployed to rescue Sam, Mikaela and [[Leo Spitz]], driving away with the latter two while Optimus drove off with Sam. Optimus died protecting the boy, and Bumblebee took him with [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to an abandoned prison where they would be safe. Following Optimus' death, [[The Fallen]] and a new army of Decepticons struck out across Earth and announced their existence, promising to leave if they were given Witwicky. Galloway shut down NEST and had the other Autobots placed under guard with orders to ship them back to [[Diego Garcia]], while a manhunt began for Sam. Bumblebee was now protecting a fugitive.

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee soar.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Team Autobot's blasting off again!]]
That evening, Sam told Bumblebee he was responsible for Optimus's death, and would understand if Bumblebee hated him, but the little Autobot bore Sam no grudge, and promised that he would help in any way he could. When Sam announced that he would turn himself in, Bumblebee insisted that it would not help matters. Under Leo's suggestion, the group came to [[New York City]] to meet his internet rival, the Robo-Warrior. As it turned out, the Robo-Warrior was none other than Bumblebee's former lubrication post, [[Seymour Simmons]], who elaborated on evidence of the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] that came to Earth before Megatron and the All Spark. Bumblebee watched from the sideline as the humans and [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] awoke [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], who transported them to [[Egypt]], which unfortunately sent Bumblebee crash landing near Sam. Jetfire explained the origins of the [[Seven Primes]] and the treasons of [[The Fallen]], mentioning the [[Matrix of Leadership]], which Sam believed could be used to resurrect Optimus Prime.

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee twin bash.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Respect my authoritah!]]
Bumblebee continued his role as chauffeur, transporting the humans to [[Petra]], the supposed location of the [[Tomb of the Primes]]. However, Petra appeared to be a dead end, and the Twins got into an argument of why they were following Sam around, which, knowing the Twins, got violent. As their brawl threatened to crush the humans in the close quarters, Bumblebee picked his two subordinates up in each hand, slammed them together, and threw them out of the temple. However, the Twins' brawl had managed to unearth the Tomb of the Primes, and Bumblebee further opened the hole with his plasma cannon, where they found the Matrix...which instantly turned to dust. Oops.

[[Image:ROTF movie BumblebeevsRampage.jpg|thumb|200px|Move your body Rampage! Yeah, like that, gymnastics are really easy when you have two legs. Oh wait...]]

While heading back to Egypt, the Autobots came under [[Operation: Firestorm|assault]] by Starscream, and it was decided that Sam and Mikaela would take the Matrix dust to Prime's body while Bumblebee, Simmons, Leo, and the Twins would lead Starscream and the Decepticons away. When it became apparent that Starscream was no longer pursuing them, Bumblebee left to rejoin Sam. Heading to the abandoned town where Sam and Mikaela were, Bumblebee found that [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]] had been captured by the Decepticons, and were being held by [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]]. Noticing Bumblebee, Sam distracted the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicon]] long enough for Bumblebee to jump him. While Bumblebee had Rampage on the ropes, [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] jumped Bumblebee, but the plucky Autobot managed to fight off Ravage and ''rip out his spine''. Ouch. With Ravage dispatched, Bumblebee managed to tear off Rampage's arms and distend his head. Bumblebee then tried to escort his charges to NEST's positon, but the heavy amount of fire convinced Sam to have Bumblebee to take his parents to safety, while he continued his quest to save Optimus.

However, during Sam's flight to Optimus's body, Megatron caught up and blasted the boy, evidently killing him. Bumblebee returned to the scene with Sam's parents, and broke down in grief. However, the human miraculously survived the attack, and with the reformed Matrix of Leadership, resurrected Optimus Prime. Together, the assembled Autobots and humans watched as Optimus combined with the remains of Jetfire, destroyed the harvester and killed The Fallen. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===

{{notemoviebio}}

After the discovery of new Decepticons on Earth, Bumblebee decided to upgrade his arsenal and modified his vehicle mode so he could use weaponry in it, deciding he'd been caught off guard too many times before. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 2|Cannon Bumblebee}}

Following this, he volunteered to be Sam's guardian, It was a pretty swank deal: he got to hang with Sam and Mikaela all the time, got lots of [[oil]], and could join Ironhide in killing Decepticons whenever he wanted. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 2|Bumblebee}} But when the battle shifted to the deserts, he threw himself into the fray, upgrading himself for desert combat and wielding the mighty ''sand blast''! {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers 2|Sand Attack Bumblebee}}

===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actors:'' [[Tom Anderson]], [[David Kledzik]], [[Tony Gialluca II]], [[Bronco D. Jackson]]

Bumblebee and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] were reviewing some [[data tracks]] that Optimus Prime had made for preservation in [[Vector Sigma]] when they detected an explosion outside their base. Bumblebee remained to lock down the most important data tracks while Ironhide went to investigate [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|the cause]] of the explosion. However, that is what the Decepticons wanted, as moments later, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] burst into the base, overwhelming Bumblebee with a sonic attack, and mocking Bumblebee for being the smallest Autobot. Bumblebee countered that he wasn't as small as Soundwave thought, but in the battle that followed, Soundwave was able to physically overpower Bumblebee. Bumblebee fired a shot from his shoulder cannon, but Soundwave absorbed the sonic boom and sent the acoustic energy back at him. Bumblebee decided to use a more ingenious method: fire automatic weaponry at Soundwave, giving too many sonic booms for Soundwave to absorb, defeating the Decepticon. Bumblebee then tried to inform Ironhide of what had happened, but he had unfinished business with Bludgeon.{{storylink|Cyber Missions 1}} Following this, Bumblebee placed Soundwave in an electromagnetically sealed bubble, leaving him unable to absorb any sonic booms to escape. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 2}}

After Ironhide went missing in the jungle, Bumblebee reported the problem to Optimus, who was luckily in the area. Prime asked him to conduct a scan of the area in which Ironhide went missing, and Bumblebee discovered that the rocks in the area had an unusually high concentration of [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposits. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 5}}

==Games==
==="Flight of the Bumblebee" online game===
At some point in time Bumblebee was trapped in a canyon with several Decepticons, among them Brawl, Barricade, Wreckage, and Scorponok. He valiantly fought through them all to make it to the other side. He did it without even bending a fender. {{storylink|Flight of the Bumblebee|Flight of the Bumblebee}}

===''Transformers: The Game''===
(No voice actor, considering the fact that his voice box got blown before the events of the game)

[[Image:TransformersTheGame wallpaper BumblebeeVsBarricade.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"All this artillery on your body and you go for a 'punch'?!?"]]

Bumblebee landed in Tranquility while being briefed by Optimus Prime on his mission to find clues on the All Spark. While on Earth, he took the form of a beat-up 1976 Chevrolet Camaro in possibly a dump or a demolitions bay. Some Decepticon drones were also in Tranquility at a nearby construction site, so Bumblebee confronted and destroyed the drones before any civilian casualties could ensue.<ref>Even though in the game, you actually can't step on or run over civilians.</ref> Prime detected a Cybertronian code matching that on an artifact owned by a boy named Sam Witwicky, who was reported to be buying a car at Bobby Bolivia's. Unfortunately, some more drones heard of Prime's report, so Bumblebee had to get involved in a high-speed car chase and defeat the drones.

With Sam buying the Camaro-ed Bumblebee, the first phase of finding the All Spark was complete. The next day, Prime warned Bumblebee that the Decepticon named Barricade was also on Earth and threatening to take Sam and his new female friend, Mikaela. So the Autobot had to incapacitate the arm-spinning, spike-punching, tantrum-throwing Decepticon while the humans escaped. Now that Bumblebee knew of the Decepticons' growing involvement in finding the All Spark's location, he obviously needed help. The only problem now with the Autobots' landing was their radar systems. The Decepticons had hacked radio towers throughout Tranquility to mess up any aircraft radar. Naturally, Bumblebee went to the scene and destroyed the towers. With the Autobots having landed, it was time to find the All Spark.

Optimus Prime explained to Sam and Mikaela about the All Spark, the importance of the glasses, and Humanity's fate. Before moving on the matter at hand, Mikaela questioned Bumblebee's alt-mode being such a beater. The mildly insulted Autobot then copied a more current version of the Camaro (2009 Concept). Later, a government group called Sector Seven went after the Autobots with their helicopters and cars. After Jazz's successful distraction, Sector Seven then switched their sights to Bumblebee, who got captured, but then got away with the efforts of Prime.

Sector Seven sent Bumblebee to Hoover Dam. The Autobot immediately saw the All Spark and a frozen Megatron. After a mysterious blackout, Bumblebee got free and started to shut down the power faster by ripping out the mainframe, blowing up the cooling fans, and removing nuclear canisters from their generators. The All Spark was his, but he had to wait for it to shrink while fending off Sector Seven troops, a lot of Energon drones, and a defrosting Megatron. (Oy!) Eventually, Sam and Mikaela got to the dam and fled with Bumblebee to Mission City before Megatron could get his huge, pointy clutches near the cube.

The Autobots' first priority was then keeping the cube from Megatron. Unfortunately for Bumblebee, he crashed into a building due to interference from energon drones generated by the cube's radiation. Ironhide came in and helped. While the rest of the Autobots fought the Decepticons, Bumblebee had one final showdown with Barricade. After a lot of punches, blasts, and car chases, Barricade finally went down for good. Megatron then went to the scene and incapacitated the wounded Autobot with one shot from his fusion cannon. Bumblebee urged the two humans to take the cube to Optimus for he could not go on any longer.

After the battle was won by the Autobots, Bumblebee struck a pose with the other remaining four as they listened in on Prime's final speech. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===''Transformers: Autobots''===
Bumblebee arrived in Tranquility to meet up with [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]], and after a short discussion created from radio sound clips, instructed Create-a-Bot to scan a number of vehicles, the last of which was a Decepticon. After a short battle, Bumblebee then used Create-a-Bot's mad h4x0r skills to break into the internet and find the location of [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s glasses, which turned out to be conveniently in Tranquility. Going to retrieve them, Bumblebee arrived at the Witwicky house to find [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], who then blew up a car and ran, blaming the explosion on the yellow car now chasing him down the highway. Meeting on a bridge, they fought. Once Bumblebee won, Barricade once again ran.

Later, Bumblebee received a mission to destroy several [[Sector Seven]] turrets designed to shoot down the reported [[Non-Biological Extraterrestrial|N.B.E.s]] seen around the city. Afterward, he served as a distraction, driving to various markers to fight off the police while the other Autobots did their thing. Once that task was completed, he got captured by S7 forces and taken to Hoover Dam, where he had to be rescued by the others. Once free of his restraints, he searched the base for the All Spark, finding it in the deepest part of the dam. Upon being discovered, the All Spark turned the site's computers into mechanical scorpions...to defend itself. From the good guys. After retrieving the All Spark, Bumblebee had to escape in under 30 seconds to avoid getting locked in. After a quick getaway with Create-a-Bot providing cover fire, they met with Optimus. Following another quick gun-and-cover mission, a drone and Barricade were waiting for a two-on-two battle, in which Prime had to keep both Bumblebee and himself alive.

Finally, Bumblebee's last mission once again took place in Tranquility. All Spark in hand, he had to run to meet up with the Autobots, avoiding as many Decepticons as possible, within a time limit. Blackout was gunning for him the entire time, and lots of Decepticons were in the way. Once there, Create-a-Bot needed to keep Bumblebee from being [[Blastification|blasted]] into [[Slag (slang)|slag]] as they raced to meet up with Optimus. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

===''Transformers: Decepticons''===
After sending troops to slow down Barricade and the Decepticon [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Create-A-Bot]], Bumblebee showed up in person to take care of business himself, serving as little more than a distraction. After running away, Bumblebee later acquired the All Spark, transporting it across Tranquility while [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] gave chase. Stopping in the suburbs, Starscream pounded Bumblebee's face to custard and pried the All Spark from his cold, non-functioning fingers. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (English)
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_BumblebeeVsCombaticonWarrior.jpg|thumb|250px|Bumblebee decided to learn from a [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|different Prime]].]]

Bumblebee was the Autobots' high speed recon soldier. In combat mode, he possess a [[plasma cannon|solar plasma cannon]] firing rapid energy bursts, which could shift into a missile launcher that fired six missiles at a time. In melee combat, he could deploy an [[axe]] from his left hand. Finally, he possessed the ability to emit a localized [[electromagnetic pulse]]wave, which would temporarily stun enemy Decepticons.

Since he hadn't seen combat in some time, Bumblebee was sent through some retraining under Ironhide. Despite being fully combat certified, Bumblebee was not deployed during the [[Shanghai]] mission. When the Decepticons learned of the AllSpark shard Sam had left with Mikaela, Bumblebee was sent to rescue the girl and protect her from the drones dispatched to capture the shard. After a vicious fight, Mikaela was air lifted to safety.

After Megatron was reborn and kidnapped Sam, Bumblebee was sent to an industrial sector near his college to rescue the boy. He fought through twenty eight Decepticons while [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hacked their processors to learn Sam's location. Once he found Sam at [[Broadwater Metal Works|an abandoned foundry]], Bumblebee raced Sam to the extraction point. However, the Decepticons sent reinforcements under [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. Bumblebee was able to fight off the Decepticons and defeat Grindor, saving Sam. However, it was learned that some knowledge from the AllSpark had been absorbed into the boy when he killed Megatron. Sam was forced to go seek out [[Seymour Simmons]] to learn what was going on. Bumblebee protected the boy while talked at the deli Simmons' mother owned. Sam than told Bumblebee that he needed to get to the museum nearby to speak with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], an ancient Decepticon defector. Bumblebee fought off the Decepticons sent to destroy the museum long enough for Jetfire to open a [[space bridge]] and take him and Sam to [[Egypt]].

Once there, Jetfire explained what was going on: thousands of years ago, the [[Dynasty of Primes]] came to Earth to build a [[solar harvester]] to convert Earth's sun into Energon. When they discovered the humans, twelve of the [[Thirteen original Transformers|original Primes]] upheld the sanctity of life, but one Prime, forever known as [[The Fallen]], betrayed and slaughtered his brothers. The machine was hidden from the Fallen, who went on to become the master of the Decepticons. The machine was hidden within the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], and [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] was sent to destroy it and expose the harvester. On the way, he decided to terrorize the city of [[Cairo]]. Faced with the largest Decepticon ever seen, the Autobots decided that Bumblebee, the smallest of the Autobots, would be a good choice to help [[NEST]] counter Devastator's rampage. Surprisingly enough, it worked: Bumblebee was able to whittle down Devastator's cannons and missile launchers before finally defeating the beast.
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_BumblebeeVsCombaticonScout.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Little bot in little China]]
It is believed that Bumblebee was behind the reasons why the Decepticons failed numerous times to capture Sam or Mikaela. Once Megatron went to Cairo to find Sam and destroy numerous Autobots, Bumblebee and Jetfire came out of hiding with NEST forces and attacked Megatron. They were both killed.
{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
{{main|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Merchandise}}

==''Second Life''==
In the online virtual world simulation/game ''Second Life'', there is a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contains a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board. This room contains a giant frozen Megatron replica and free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebies are non-transforming. Also, the Bumblebee avatar has his battle mask down and it can't be raised. However, some sellers have created a transforming version.

==Trivia==
* According to an article on [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121138?imw=Y#12 Edmunds.com], the film makers wanted Bumblebee's original Earth form to be the 1976 iteration of the Camaro because it was the worst Camaro possible that also had chrome bumpers.

* The same article indicates that the 1976 Camaros used in the film were all purchased via online auction for under $6000 each, one for less than $2000. That one didn't run.

* One of the 1976 Camaros was sold on eBay. The bidding ended on July 18, 2007; the final price was $40,100.01.

* The Bumblebee computer-generated model consisted of 7608 individual parts, 1,511,727 polygons, 19,722 rig nodes, and 8094 texture maps. The volume of all the pieces came to 1069.01 cubic feet.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12-17.</ref>

* Bumblebee stands approximately 16 feet tall, according to the [[Transformers The Game|official game]] strategy guide.

* Bumblebee's character animation is based on the performance of [[wikipedia:Michael_J._Fox|Michael J. Fox]] in the ''[[wikipedia:Back_to_the_Future|Back to the Future]]'' movies.<ref>From ''Cinefex'' magazine, issue number 111, published October 2007.</ref>

* The 2008 Concept Camaro used for Bumblebee in the first movie was built by Saleen in 30 days, using a heavily modified 2006 Pontiac GTO body as the basis. The '08 Camaro was not in production at the time that the first film was being made, hence an identical mock-up was needed to fill the role.<ref>[http://www.saleen.com/transformers.htm Saleen article about the construction of the Barricade and Bumblebee vehicles]</ref>

[[Image:MovieBumblebeeStinger.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He uses it once, then dies.]]
* Bumblebee is equipped with a pair of arm-mounted electrical "[[stinger]]s."<ref>Bumblebee's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Battle Bio] at Hasbro.com</ref> While designed, the stingers were ultimately not featured in the movies, though they may influenced [[Bumblebee (Animated)|other media]].

* Speaking of weapons, for someone whose main job is being subtle, Bumblebee is quite well armed, with a cannon powerful enough to rattle [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] and a ring-shaped light missile launcher in either shoulder. He is also a capable close-combat fighter, as seen in his fight against [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]].

* According to the [[Movie Prequel issue 1|prequel comic]] by IDW Publishing, Megatron ripped out and crushed Bumblebee's voice capacitor during the battle at [[Tyger Pax]] back on Cybertron. [[Hardtop (Movie)|Hardtop]]'s toy bio claims the damage came from a shot fired by Hardtop. In the film itself, Ratchet only states to Sam that Bumblebee's "vocal processors were damaged in battle" and he was "still working on them" after firing a single plasma beam at Bumblebee's throat; by the end of all the conflict (the climax of the film proper), Bumblebee has regained his ability to speak. Although it was not confirmed on-screen, screenwriter Roberto Orci did confirm ''off''-screen<ref name="Orci"/> that Ratchet's (regenerative) beam was indeed the reason. It could be that the doc didn't have enough time/resources, what with all the war and inter-stellar space travel, to fully perfect the healing plasma early enough. And even if he did, 'Bee took off for the Cube after only a marginal amount of repairs were performed on him after his encounter with Megs, so a vial of even faster-acting plasma could be sitting in Ratchet's lab back on ol' Cybertron, if the 'Cons didn't trash it of course.

* Just as well, Roberto Orci ''also'' admitted that Bumblebee's brief contact with the All Spark would be an equally valid (and an even more "in-continuity") explanation.<ref name="Orci"/>

* Bumblebee's license plate number is 4NZ2454, registered in [[California]].<ref>''[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe]]''</ref>

* In [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' (2007)]], Bumblebee scans a working, driveable new generation Camaro — conveniently with the same paint job as his classic Camaro disguise at that time — that wouldn't be released until some time in the year 2009. However, it is possible that the Camaro in question was being road-tested by GM engineers, like they are doing in the real world.

* Although unexplained in the films, Bumblebee's vehicle mode changes appearance subtly between [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' (2007)]] and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. This is probably because of product placement: Bumblebee's old [[alternate mode]] was an unavailable concept Camaro, while in ''Revenge'' he uses what seems to be the new Z/28 Camaro... whose mass production has since been canceled. Oops.

[[Image:ROTFBumblebeeAltColorsConcept.jpg|thumb|250px|But will we ever '''get''' an orange Bumblebee? No, we'll just keep getting slightly different yellow ones.]]

*According to designer [[Paul Ozzimo]] on his website, at one point there were plans to make Bumblebee into a Z/28 convertible for ''Revenge of the Fallen'', and the possibility of changing his color to orange or black with yellow was also discussed. While none of these alterations happened, concept art for both appeared on the "25 Years of Transformers" feature on the ''Revenge'' DVD... though the black version is only seen from behind.

* Screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], when asked, admitted there had been plans to have Bumblebee speak in ''Revenge of the Fallen''; however, ultimately they liked his "musical ability" too much, and [[Michael Bay]] wanted to focus more on [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], since he thought kids would like the two characters.<ref name="orci">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-283.html#post3785383 Q&A with Roberto Orci at TFW2005]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm Bumblebee at TFU.info]
* [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/index.php?f_series=40&f_name=bumblebee&f_type=exact&Submit=Search Galleries of various different Bumblebee toys from the Movie]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Live-action film ARG characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Transformers 2010 toyline characters]]

Search (episode)

2010-04-23T03:58:13Z

70.68.108.172: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=10
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=11
|title="Search"
|japanese=魔獣惑星アニマトロス
|romaji=Majū Wakusei Animatros
|translation=Demon Beast Planet Animatros
|image=Cyb ep10 quite a menagerie.jpg
|caption="Then we will create ''alternate'' forms based on the most powerful local creatures!"
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[we've|We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Hiro Masaki]]
|director=[[Kunitoshi Okajima]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[March 19]], 2005 (Japanese) [[August 20]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Autobots' quest heats up as their civilian friends join the search, and the location of the second Cyber Planet Key is discovered.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Image:Cyb ep10 excavator autobot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"Damage report?" "Believe me, you don't wanna know."]]

Instead of joining his family in seeing off his brother [[Tim Hansen|Tim]] after his recent visit, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] is hanging out with his engineering mentor, [[Mr. Stanton]]. He soon receives a call from the [[Autobot]]s for him to help [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] rescue a civilian Autobot in the form of an excavator who has fallen down a hill. As Coby checks over the excavator's systems, he talks about the ongoing search for the [[Omega Lock]], and the excavator suggests that the civilian Autobots hidden around [[Earth]] join in to speed things up.

On [[Velocitron]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] delivers a report to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] on Earth, but holds back from telling him all the details of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]'s breach of protocol and the upcoming race for the [[Planet Cup]]. As he reflects on the circumstances, Red Alert spies [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] roughing up [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] in an attempt to get the rough-and-tumble racer to join up with the [[Decepticon]]s. Dirt Boss refuses, wanting to beat [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] alone, but when the planet leader herself appears and tries to help Dirt Boss against the two goons, he takes offense and decides that he will join [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s forces after all.

[[Image:Cyb_ep10_enter_the_dragon.jpg|right|220px|thumb|"I believe you're soon to have... how shall I put it? 'Difficulties' over your own. Yesss."]]

Across the galaxy, on the world known as [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]], Megatron and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] search for any sign of civilization amongst the wilderness, there to begin the search for the second [[Cyber Planet Key]]. Happening upon a huge temple, the two Decepticons are confronted by the shrine's guardians, [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] and [[Undermine]], and the planet's ruler, [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], who stun Megatron and Starscream with their bestial transformations. Scourge insists that they talk like civilized beings, and Megatron complies, telling him the tale of the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] and the Cyber Planet Keys. Scourge is crafty enough to see through Megatron's claims of nobility and can tell that the Decepticon leader has a bigger plan in mind for the power of the Keys.

[[Image:Cyb ep10 overhaul on jungle planet.jpg|left|220px|thumb|"No, no, ''no!'' It's all wrong! This cannot be Earth!"]]

Back on Earth, word passes quickly amongst the civilian Autobots, until a [[motorcycle refugee|motorcycle]] recognizes the [[Atlantis Pattern]]. As she speeds off to pass on her information, she is spotted by [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] and comes under fire. A pay phone Autobot observes the attack and summons the other Autobots, who arrive to drive off Thundercracker and save the injured motorcycle. She tells the Autobots that she has seen the Atlantis Pattern carved into a rock out in the desert, and they quickly investigate, only to discover that it is another fake. The trip has not been made in vain, however: Included in the inscription are the coordinates of the Jungle Planet!

Denying the kids' requests to travel to the new planet with the Autobots, Optimus Prime appoints Overhaul and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] as the advance team to scout the planet, but as he and Vector Prime open the [[dimension gate]], Thundercracker swoops in for a sudden attack! Only Overhaul passes through the portal before Thundercracker fells Vector Prime, causing the gateway to close, and the Decepticon then blasts Optimus Prime, delivering such a shock to the Autobot leader that he transforms into truck mode and is left wide open for a killing shot. Scattorshot saves the day by grabbing Optimus's disconnected trailer and firing its cannons at Thundercracker, sending him spiraling off through the sky. As the Autobots pull themselves together, it turns out that Vector Prime's systems have been damaged, leaving him unable to open another dimension gate...meaning that Overhaul is stranded on Jungle Planet!

Overhaul is quick to assess his situation: The violent storms of Jungle Planet are blocking his communicator, so he decides to scale a nearby mountain to see if altitude will help. As he trundles along over the rough terrain, he spots Starscream overhead, departing for Earth through a dimension gate...just before an earthquake rips open a crevasse right under Overhaul's feet, leaving him dangling over a river of lava!

And back on Earth, Scattorshot receives a communication from one of the civilian Autobots, a submarine who has discovered the Atlantis Pattern deep below the ocean...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (3)
*Excavator Autobot (4)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (5)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (9)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (10)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (11)
*[[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] (15)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (16)
*[[Vector Prime]] (17)
*[[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (21)
*Dump truck Autobot (23)
*[[Signal Lancer]] (24)
*Bus Autobot (25)
*Sports car Autobot (26)
*Taxi Autobot (27)
*Pickup Autobot (28)
*[[Motorcycle refugee]] (29)
*Trash bin Autobot (?!) (30)
*[[Pay phone refugee]] (32)
*[[Six-Speed]] (35)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (36)
*Submarine Autobot (37)
|c2=
*[[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] (12)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (13)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (14)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (18)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (19)
*[[Undermine]] (20)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (22)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (31)
|h3=[[Human]]s
|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (1)
*[[Mr. Stanton]] (2)
*[[Lori]] (33)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (34)

}}

==Quotes==

'''Override:''' "What do you think you're doing?" 
'''Ransack:''' "What does it look like we're doing? Being helpful citizens, of course!" 
'''Crumplezone:''' "He fell down an' he's cryin' like a little bitty girl!"

"We must stop the black hole or we all perish. But ''afterward'', there may be opportunities. Heh heh."
:—'''Megatron'''

"We humans have great features! We're lightweight, don't need oil, ''and'' we can fit in your pocket!"
:—'''Lori'''

"I scared Prime so bad, he done dropped his load!"
:—Oh, '''Thundercracker''', you and your double-entendres!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===

[[Image:Cyb ep10 deleted scene.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"This is ridiculous! We're an exploration ship, not a battlecruiser!"]]

*''Cybertron'' cuts the first twenty or so seconds of the episode, consisting of a short scene (pictured at right) of the rest of the Hansen family at the bus stop, actually seeing off Tim and wondering where Coby is.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Coby wistfully comments that he's not seeing his brother off because he's sure he'll only annoy him. Taken together with a similar scene in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]", where Coby's family didn't congratulate him after winning a race, the suggestion is that Coby does not have the greatest relationship with the rest of his family. ''Cybertron'' elected to omit this aspect of Coby's character; here, Coby is not seeing his brother off because he is getting extra mechanics lesson from Stanton so he can help the Autobots more.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Scourge already knows of the Cyber Planet Key within the temple—by name, no less. ''Cybertron'' makes it a bit more ambiguous, as Scourge merely glances knowingly at the temple statue which is later revealed to contain the Cyber Planet Key.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the coordinates for the Jungle Planet do not come from the carving; Vector Prime has simply figured them out, making the whole thing with the motorcycle refugee...uh...pretty pointless.
*While the humans do want to go to Jungle Planet in both version of the show, Bud starts in with his request earlier in ''Cybertron'', replacing the dialogue of a short exchange between him and Scattorshot in which he asks the techie Autobot why he hasn't volunteered to go like the others. Scattorshot replies he'll go if ordered, but won't volunteer, since he'd be disappointed if he wasn't picked. His point is then punctuated by Jetfire slumping over in disappointment when he is passed over for the mission (still visible in ''Cybertron'').
*''Cybertron'' notes that the earthquake that threatens Overhaul is the result of Starscream speeding off so fast that he "rips up the geosphere". Erm, right.

===Continuity errors===

*Pretty much every attack name used in this episode is different from every past use of the attack. It's not the last time it'll happen, either. ''Galaxy Force'' remains rock-solidly consistent in this area, of course, but what else would you expect from a shonen anime involving mechas?

===Transformers references===

[[Image:Cyb ep10 bike and bin.jpg|right|220px|thumb|You never had taste, did ya kid?]]

*Tim is returning home after the paying a visit to his family that was noted to be impending in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Collapse]]". Tim's visit was not mentioned in the ''Cybertron'' version of that episode, though, but it is in this one, even though the actual scene of Tim himself is cut. What've these early ''Cybertron'' episodes got against Tim?
*Vector Prime finds the coordinates for Jungle Planet in an Atlantis Pattern inscription, just as he did the coordinates for Velocitron back in "[[Landmine (episode)|Landmine]]".
*The submarine civilian Autobot previously appeared in "[[Hidden]]".

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*The Autobot who shows the motorcycle refugee a hologram of the Atlantis Pattern appears to have a trash bin for an alternate mode!!

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;DVD
*2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 03 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.
*2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Search (episode)

2010-04-23T03:57:18Z

70.68.108.172: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=10
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=11
|title="Search"
|japanese=魔獣惑星アニマトロス
|romaji=Majū Wakusei Animatros
|translation=Demon Beast Planet Animatros
|image=Cyb ep10 quite a menagerie.jpg
|caption="Then we will create ''alternate'' forms based on the most powerful local creatures!"
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[we've|We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Hiro Masaki]]
|director=[[Kunitoshi Okajima]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[March 19]], 2005 (Japanese) [[August 20]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Autobots' quest heats up as their civilian friends join the search, and the location of the second Cyber Planet Key is discovered.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Image:Cyb ep10 excavator autobot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"Damage report?" "Believe me, you don't wanna know."]]

Instead of joining his family in seeing off his brother [[Tim Hansen|Tim]] after his recent visit, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] is hanging out with his engineering mentor, [[Mr. Stanton]]. He soon receives a call from the [[Autobot]]s for him to help [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] rescue a civilian Autobot in the form of an excavator who has fallen down a hill. As Coby checks over the excavator's systems, he talks about the ongoing search for the [[Omega Lock]], and the excavator suggests that the civilian Autobots hidden around [[Earth]] join in to speed things up.

On [[Velocitron]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] delivers a report to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] on Earth, but holds back from telling him all the details of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]'s breach of protocol and the upcoming race for the [[Planet Cup]]. As he reflects on the circumstances, Red Alert spies [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] roughing up [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] in an attempt to get the rough-and-tumble racer to join up with the [[Decepticon]]s. Dirt Boss refuses, wanting to beat [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] alone, but when the planet leader herself appears and tries to help Dirt Boss against the two goons, he takes offense and decides that he will join [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s forces after all.

[[Image:Cyb_ep10_enter_the_dragon.jpg|right|220px|thumb|"I believe you're soon to have... how shall I put it? 'Difficulties' over your own. Yesss."]]

Across the galaxy, on the world known as [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]], Megatron and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] search for any sign of civilization amongst the wilderness, there to begin the search for the second [[Cyber Planet Key]]. Happening upon a huge temple, the two Decepticons are confronted by the shrine's guardians, [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] and [[Undermine]], and the planet's ruler, [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], who stun Megatron and Starscream with their bestial transformations. Scourge insists that they talk like civilized beings, and Megatron complies, telling him the tale of the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] and the Cyber Planet Keys. Scourge is crafty enough to see through Megatron's claims of nobility and can tell that the Decepticon leader has a bigger plan in mind for the power of the Keys.

[[Image:Cyb ep10 overhaul on jungle planet.jpg|left|220px|thumb|"No, no, ''no!'' It's all wrong! This cannot be Earth!"]]

Back on Earth, word passes quickly amongst the civilian Autobots, until a [[motorcycle refugee|motorcycle]] recognizes the [[Atlantis Pattern]]. As she speeds off to pass on her information, she is spotted by [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] and comes under fire. A pay phone Autobot observes the attack and summons the other Autobots, who arrive to drive off Thundercracker and save the injured motorcycle. She tells the Autobots that she has seen the Atlantis Pattern carved into a rock out in the desert, and they quickly investigate, only to discover that it is another fake. The trip has not been made in vain, however: Included in the inscription are the coordinates of the Jungle Planet!

Denying the kids' requests to travel to the new planet with the Autobots, Optimus Prime appoints Overhaul and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] as the advance team to scout the planet, but as he and Vector Prime open the [[dimension gate]], Thundercracker swoops in for a sudden attack! Only Overhaul passes through the portal before Thundercracker fells Vector Prime, causing the gateway to close, and the Decepticon then blasts Optimus Prime, delivering such a shock to the Autobot leader that he transforms into truck mode and is left wide open for a killing shot. Scattorshot saves the day by grabbing Optimus's disconnected trailer and firing its cannons at Thundercracker, sending him spiraling off through the sky. As the Autobots pull themselves together, it turns out that Vector Prime's systems have been damaged, leaving him unable to open another dimension gate...meaning that Overhaul is stranded on Jungle Planet!

Overhaul is quick to assess his situation: The violent storms of Jungle Planet are blocking his communicator, so he decides to scale a nearby mountain to see if altitude will help. As he trundles along over the rough terrain, he spots Starscream overhead, departing for Earth through a dimension gate...just before an earthquake rips open a crevasse right under Overhaul's feet, leaving him dangling over a river of lava!

And back on Earth, Scattorshot receives a communication from one of the civilian Autobots, a submarine who has discovered the Atlantis Pattern deep below the ocean...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (3)
*Excavator Autobot (4)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (5)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (9)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (10)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (11)
*[[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] (15)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (16)
*[[Vector Prime]] (17)
*[[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (21)
*Dump truck Autobot (23)
*[[Signal Lancer]] (24)
*Bus Autobot (25)
*Sports car Autobot (26)
*Taxi Autobot (27)
*Pickup Autobot (28)
*[[Motorcycle refugee]] (29)
*Trash bin Autobot (WTF?!) (30)
*[[Pay phone refugee]] (32)
*[[Six-Speed]] (35)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (36)
*Submarine Autobot (37)
|c2=
*[[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] (12)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (13)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (14)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (18)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (19)
*[[Undermine]] (20)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (22)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (31)
|h3=[[Human]]s
|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (1)
*[[Mr. Stanton]] (2)
*[[Lori]] (33)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (34)

}}

==Quotes==

'''Override:''' "What do you think you're doing?" 
'''Ransack:''' "What does it look like we're doing? Being helpful citizens, of course!" 
'''Crumplezone:''' "He fell down an' he's cryin' like a little bitty girl!"

"We must stop the black hole or we all perish. But ''afterward'', there may be opportunities. Heh heh."
:—'''Megatron'''

"We humans have great features! We're lightweight, don't need oil, ''and'' we can fit in your pocket!"
:—'''Lori'''

"I scared Prime so bad, he done dropped his load!"
:—Oh, '''Thundercracker''', you and your double-entendres!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===

[[Image:Cyb ep10 deleted scene.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"This is ridiculous! We're an exploration ship, not a battlecruiser!"]]

*''Cybertron'' cuts the first twenty or so seconds of the episode, consisting of a short scene (pictured at right) of the rest of the Hansen family at the bus stop, actually seeing off Tim and wondering where Coby is.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Coby wistfully comments that he's not seeing his brother off because he's sure he'll only annoy him. Taken together with a similar scene in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]", where Coby's family didn't congratulate him after winning a race, the suggestion is that Coby does not have the greatest relationship with the rest of his family. ''Cybertron'' elected to omit this aspect of Coby's character; here, Coby is not seeing his brother off because he is getting extra mechanics lesson from Stanton so he can help the Autobots more.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Scourge already knows of the Cyber Planet Key within the temple—by name, no less. ''Cybertron'' makes it a bit more ambiguous, as Scourge merely glances knowingly at the temple statue which is later revealed to contain the Cyber Planet Key.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the coordinates for the Jungle Planet do not come from the carving; Vector Prime has simply figured them out, making the whole thing with the motorcycle refugee...uh...pretty pointless.
*While the humans do want to go to Jungle Planet in both version of the show, Bud starts in with his request earlier in ''Cybertron'', replacing the dialogue of a short exchange between him and Scattorshot in which he asks the techie Autobot why he hasn't volunteered to go like the others. Scattorshot replies he'll go if ordered, but won't volunteer, since he'd be disappointed if he wasn't picked. His point is then punctuated by Jetfire slumping over in disappointment when he is passed over for the mission (still visible in ''Cybertron'').
*''Cybertron'' notes that the earthquake that threatens Overhaul is the result of Starscream speeding off so fast that he "rips up the geosphere". Erm, right.

===Continuity errors===

*Pretty much every attack name used in this episode is different from every past use of the attack. It's not the last time it'll happen, either. ''Galaxy Force'' remains rock-solidly consistent in this area, of course, but what else would you expect from a shonen anime involving mechas?

===Transformers references===

[[Image:Cyb ep10 bike and bin.jpg|right|220px|thumb|You never had taste, did ya kid?]]

*Tim is returning home after the paying a visit to his family that was noted to be impending in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Collapse]]". Tim's visit was not mentioned in the ''Cybertron'' version of that episode, though, but it is in this one, even though the actual scene of Tim himself is cut. What've these early ''Cybertron'' episodes got against Tim?
*Vector Prime finds the coordinates for Jungle Planet in an Atlantis Pattern inscription, just as he did the coordinates for Velocitron back in "[[Landmine (episode)|Landmine]]".
*The submarine civilian Autobot previously appeared in "[[Hidden]]".

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*The Autobot who shows the motorcycle refugee a hologram of the Atlantis Pattern appears to have a trash bin for an alternate mode!!

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;DVD
*2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 03 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.
*2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Four Warriors Come out of the Sky

2010-04-19T03:33:40Z

70.68.108.172: /* Featured characters */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=1
|prev=The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2
|image=4soldiers.jpg
|caption=Warriors! Come out to PLAY-AY-YEEEEE!
|title="Four Warriors Come out of the Sky"
|japanese=空から来た四人の戦士
|romaji=Sora Kara Kita Yo'nin no Senshi
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|writer=[[Keisuke Fujikawa]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|airdate=[[July 3|3 July]] 1987
|animation studio=Toei
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''In the year 2011, the Decepticons are back, and they've got added power in the form of the newest addition to the Transformers' war—Headmasters!'''

:''English/Malay dub name:'' "'''The Four Soldiers from the Sky'''"
:''R2 DVD name:'' "'''Four Warriors from Outer Space'''"
:''Latin American name:'' "'''Los soldados del pasado (Soldiers of the past)'''"

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the year 2011, the [[space bridge]] suddenly reactivates, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] leads a force of Decepticons—including mysterious new recruits [[Weirdwolf]], [[Skullcruncher]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]—in an attack against the unsuspecting [[Autobot|Autobots]]. Caught unawares, the Autobots contact [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots in their secondary headquarters on the planet [[Athenia]], and Prime leads troops to aid in the battle on Cybertron. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] theorises that the loss of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy has destabilised [[Vector Sigma]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] deduces that the Decepticons have targeted the computer, intending to take control it, and through it, the planet.

Meanwhile, on Earth, the Autobots under [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s command have received orders to join the conflict on Cybertron, but their way to the space bridge is barred by a Decepticon contingent led by [[Sixshot]], and he and Magnus square off. At the same time, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] are pursued by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and manage to escape by tricking him into falling down a ravine. The arrival of the [[Trainbot|Trainbots]] tips things in the Autobots' favor, and they break off the fight to head for [[Autobot City]]; the pursuing Decepticons are dispatched by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and the troops are carried through the space bridge aboard the Trainbots, while Wheelie and Daniel stowed away.

As the battle escalates and conditions worsen on Cybertron, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] is reminded of the early days of the war when many Autobots fled the planet to escape the conflict. As if on cue, a mysterious light appears in the sky, approaching Cybertron—a light that [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] soon realises is not a star, but a star''ship''! As the Decepticons approach their goal, demolishing the Autobots that stand in their way thanks to Mindwipe's sleep-inducing hypnosis power, this ship appears in the skies over Cybertron, and four new warriors soar out to bar their advance—[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], [[Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (1)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (3)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (4)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (5)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (6)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (7)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (8)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (9)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (10)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (19)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (20)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod]] (21)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (23)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (24)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (25)
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (27)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (31)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (33)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (47)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (48)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (49)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (50)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (51)
* [[Scattershot]] (52)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (53)
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (54)
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (55)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (56)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (57)
* [[Slingshot]] (58)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (59)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (60)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (61)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (67)
* [[Shōki]] (69)
* [[Seizan]] (70)
* [[Getsuei]] (71)
* [[Suiken]] (72)
* [[Kaen]] (73)
* [[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]] (74)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (81)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (82)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (83)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Spaceship Maximus]] (84)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (85)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (93)
* [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (94)
* [[Chase (G1)|Chase]] (95)
* [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] (96)
* [[Wide Load]] (97)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] (98)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (99)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (100)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (101)
* [[Brainstorm]] (102)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (103)

|c2=
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (11)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (12)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (13)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (14)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (15)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (17)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (22)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (28)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (29)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (30)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (32)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (34)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (35)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (36)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (37)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (38)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (39)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (40)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (41)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (42)
* [[Tantrum]] (43)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (44)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (45)
* [[Octane]] (62)
* [[Wildrider]] (63)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (64)
* [[Sixshot]] (65)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (68)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (75)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (76)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (77)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (78)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (79)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (80)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (86)
* [[Drag Strip]] (87)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (88)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (89)
* [[Motormaster]] (90)
* [[Headstrong]] (91)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (92)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (46)
* [[Carly]] (47)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (66)

}}
Holy ''crap''.

==Other notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
*When the Decepticons emerge from the space bridge at the start of the episode, [[Hun-Gurrr]] is missing from the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] is missing from the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and both Divebomb and Headstrong are missing from the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. The two Predacons reappear later on, but the others don't, and Rippersnapper actually gives out orders to the team.
*Similarly, when the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] appear, Strafe is missing, but when the angle switches, Scattershot has disappeared, and Strafe is in his place (just as ''Lightspeed'' issues orders to the team!).
*Perhaps in an attempt to outdo his brother, Sideswipe is seen on both Athenia and Earth.

===Continuity errors===
*Although he does not speak, Prowl appears quite prominently in a few scenes, despite his death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. The fact that the movie had not yet been released in Japan at this point is often cited as a reason for this, but Prowl's name ''was'' included on the list of dead Autobots in the Japanese dub of "[[Dark Awakening]]", so they ''did'' know. The ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' storyline [[Prowl II|seemed like it was going to explain this]], but got shunted off into its own alternate reality when it ended.
*Blitzwing is shown with the Decepticons, but he was banished from their ranks in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]". This previously occurred in "[[The Ultimate Weapon]]", and it will not be the last time that this occurs in ''The Headmasters''.

===Transformers references===
*This episode occurs a year after "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]" (which takes place in 2010 in Japanese continuity, compared to America's 2006), taking the place of "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]" for this continuity.
*The events of [[The Great Transformer War issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[The Great Transformer War]]'' take place almost immediately before this episode, focusing on the Autobot Headmasters' hunt for the Decepticon Headmasters, who are joining [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] for his assault on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
*Athenia previously appeared in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]", but it has been seriously re-worked since then.
*The energy of the Matrix was released in "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2".
*The concept of Autobots fleeing Cybertron to escape the war was established in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]", and revisited in "[[Fight or Flee]]".
*Up to this point, the space bridge has been the province of the Decepticons alone, but this episode establishes that the Autobots have now created their own network, linking Autobot City on Earth to Cybertron and Athenia.

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*Due to the poor English dub Cybertron is called Cyberton, Spike is called Sparkle, Hot Rod is constantly called Roadimus Prime, and many more name errors.
*This episode has been released on DVD quite a few times in the United Kingdom. The "Star TV dub" version was included on [[Maverick]]'s release of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' to promote the company's upcoming release of it, and five further episodes of the series on a single disc (all in StarTV dub format). This version of the episode was also included on [[Metrodome]]'s Season 2, Part 2 DVD box set. Metrodome then included an original Japanese language version with subtitles on ''The Transformers: The Movie—Reconstructed'', as promotion for their dual-language boxset release of the entire series. This version of the episode is missing the opening montage.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed feature the original Japanese audio with optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub and English subtitles, unless otherwise noted.}}
;Laserdisc
*1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''Transformers: The Movie'' ([[Maverick Entertainment]]) — Omni dub only.
*2002 — ''Transformers: Takara'' (Maverick Entertainment) — Omni dub only.
*2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
*2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) — Optional commentary by [[Chris McFeely]].
*2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) — Optional commentary by Chris McFeely.
*2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Headmasters episodes]]

Triple Takeover

2010-04-14T04:14:18Z

70.68.108.172: /* Synopsis */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;Laserdisc
*1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
*1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Kid Rhino)
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Prime Target (G1)

2010-04-14T04:12:44Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|image=Lord chumley plaque.jpg
|caption=...This pretty much speaks for itself.
|series=G1toon
|ep=51
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=51
|prev2=Blaster Blues
|next2=Auto-Bop
|title="Prime Target"
|written by=[[Flint Dille]] [[Buzz Dixon]]
|production code=700-50
|airdate=[[November 14]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The big-game hunter Lord Chumley begins hunting Autobots, and he's gunning for Optimus Prime.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ターゲットはコンボイ (''Target wa Convoy'', "The Target is Convoy")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Jagd auf Prime'''" ("Hunt for Prime")

==Synopsis==
Over the [[Arctic]], [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] is flying an experimental jet, when it is suddenly speared by a submarine under the ice. She ejects, but the plane is captured. It turns out that the plane was stolen by [[Lord Chumley]], a game hunter, who tells his manservant [[Dinsmoore]] that he needs one more thing to complete his collection...the head of Optimus Prime.

[[Image:Primetargetchumleydinsmore.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Dinsmoore, I believe the Autobots are about to suffer a series of unfortunate events!"]]

Heading into town, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] spot [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and head after them. However, it is actually a trap set by Chumley. Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots are watching a soap opera which is interrupted by a news broadcast about the theft of the plane. Apparently, the [[Soviet Union]] is accusing the [[United States of America]] of the theft, which the United States denies, and the two countries are ready to go to war. Having not heard back from Bumblebee and Tracks, Prime orders the Autobots to search for their friends. However, Chumley has devised several traps for the Autobots and manages to capture [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Grapple]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], the latter of whom sends a message to Prime about the capture. Not wanting to risk the others, Prime orders the Autobots to return to base.

[[Image:Primetargetbotsintraps.jpg|right|200px|thumb|And you thought Hasbro safety tests were tough.]]

While they regroup, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] sends a message to Prime, saying that he's found the missing bots, who are being held in (poorly designed) traps intended to prevent them from escaping. Chumley himself contacts Prime and requests his presence. Pissed at seeing his friends tortured, Prime overloads Chumley's screen and orders the Autobots to remain at the base.

However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has been keeping an eye on the events and feels that Chumley, though a flesh creature, may be useful...especially since he's done more in two days than Megatron has done in two years, which [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] takes the time to point out. Unaware that Chumley is only after Prime, Megatron sends Blitzwing and Astrotrain (surprise, surprise) to make a deal between Chumley and the [[Decepticon]]s.

Arriving at Chumley's castle, Prime finds himself in a "well researched" mock-up of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He unleashes a monster on Prime, but Prime is able to defeat it. Heading down a corridor, Prime finds a young woman imprisoned, but leaves. Blitzwing investigates, and gets trapped in a goo-net intended for Prime, much to Astrotrain's irritation. Finally, Chumley sends out a mechanical scorpion (no, not [[Scorponok (G1)|that one]]), but Prime is shot in the back by Astrotrain and apparently killed. Furious that his prize has been ruined, Chumley takes the Decepticons prisoner and defuses their energy weapons.

[[Image:PrimetargetOPvsspider.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Blackarachnia (disambiguation)|Blackarachnia]]'s debut was not the most glamorous.]]

Knowing that Prime is alive, Bumblebee sends their coordinates to the Autobot leader, who enters the castle. A mechanical spider is dispatched, but Prime destroys it and heads into Chumley's control room. Dinsmoore hides in a tank while Chumley frees the Decepticons on the promise that they'll fight the Autobot. Instead Astrotrain and Blitzwing go after Chumley to "See how he likes being hunted." The Autobots are freed by Prime, and Blitzwing and Astrotrain retreat after realizing that they are unarmed. Chumley is left at the mercy of Prime.

The Autobots return the plane to the Soviet Union, with Chumley strapped to its nose. The world thanks Optimus Prime for his efforts in solving the mystery.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (9)
* [[Grapple]] (10)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (11)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (14)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (15)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (16)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (18)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (19)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (20)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (21)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (26)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (27)

|c2=
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (7)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (8)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (22)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] (1)
* [[Dinsmoore]] (2)
* [[Lord Chumley]] (3)
* [[Hector Ramirez (G1)|Hector Ramirez]] (6)
* Russian sentry (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"She's a lovely specimen, Lord Chumley, but, there's a frightful international row brewing over it." 
"Ahhh. These things blow over... Remember the [[Boer War]]?" 
"Painfully, sir." 
"Oh, yes, well. Everybody else has forgotten it."
:—'''Dinsmoore''' and '''Chumley''' are older'n hell, apparently.

'''News Announcer''': "We interrupt 'As the Kitchen Sinks' for this special news bulletin." 
'''Jazz, Blaster, Beachcomber''' and '''Grapple''' in unison: "Awwwwwwwww..."
:—The Autobots do not like to miss their soaps.

"Amazing. A booby trap that actually captures boobies."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' says "boobies".

"Bah! Impenetrable! Blitzwing, how do you get into these messes?!"
:—'''Astrotrain''' vainly tries to free Blitzwing

"Decepticons! Trust them to spoil the hunt." 
"Yes, sir. Just like the Humane Society, in a way."
:—'''Chumley''' and '''Dinsmoore'''

'''Chumley''': I say, old chaps. If I free you, will you fight Optimus Prime? 
'''Astrotrain''': Trust us! 
'''Chumley''': There he is, lads! Ha ha! Give him a good thrashing! 
[''Astrotrain immediately tries to stomp Chumley''] 
'''Astrotrain''': See how ''you'' like being hunted! 
'''Chumley''': But—you said— 
'''Blitzwing''': Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature!
:—Chumley gets a lesson in Decepticon ethics.

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] is standing alongside Megatron and Starscream. And we all thought [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was the one who would end up defecting. [[Sideswipe (SG)|But then again...]]
* During the scene when [[Lord Chumley|Chumley]] contacts Optimus at the Autobots headquarters, both [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] can be seen standing next to Optimus even though earlier, they got captured by Chumley.
* A large number of sound effects are missing or oddly truncated throughout the episode. Inferno smashes his way into the burning building without any smashy-smashy-type noises, and a second later his wrist communicator is snipped off in total silence. Prime shoots a bear trap with only about a fourth of his usual blaster sound effect; a second later he throws open a castle gate, which only makes half of a clang.
* Likewise, there are a few lines of dialogue present in the episode's shooting script that are dropped from the final version. This in and of itself is hardly unusual, except in one instance, an odd technical glitch results. In the script, after Prime flattens Chumley's robotic scorpion, Chumley entreats Astrotrain to "help [his] machine to its feet," and Astrotrain replies "Certainly!" In the finished episode, however, Chumley's request is removed but Astrotrain's response is ''not'', leaving the Decepticon randomly saying "Certainly!" for no apparent reason.
* A billboard urging viewers to "Don't drink and drive" has a second message to "Don't fly drive".
* When Blitzwing says "Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature", Chumley mouths along. A few seconds later Blitzwing says "Look out, the Autobots are free!" in Astrotrain's voice.

===Continuity errors===
* Oktober Guard One received a sonar reading from beneath the ice while flying over in her jet. Sonar doesn't work that way.
* Any other cartoon (or real-life) jet would have completely exploded either upon being struck, or upon smashing nose-first into the ice.
* Why is footage of the "top secret Russian jet fighter" being shown on the American nightly news?
* When Bumblebee radios Prime, the blades swinging at him conveniently disappear.
* Chumley's devices seem to change from "capture" to "kill" about the time Prime recalls the Autobots to base. Both Windcharger and Huffer narrowly escape traps that seem likely to inflict major damage, at the very least (an onrushing train and a drill descending from a streetlight, respectively).

===Real-world references===
* Dinsmoore was apparently alive for the [[wikipedia:Second_Boer_War|Second Boer War]]. At least, we're assuming it's the second one, since the [[wikipedia:First_Boer_War|first one]] happened in the 1880s. If he was alive and could remember that one, he must be some sort of super human.
* Chumley boasts of having hunted [[wikipedia:Javan_Tiger|Javanese tigers]].... which were actually hunted to extinction by the late 1970s. ''Bastard.''
* The show ''As The Kitchen Sinks'' the Autobots were watching is a reference to the show ''As The World Turns''.

===Trivia===
* The Oktober Guard are a Soviet special operations force from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' cartoons and comics.
* Several of the Autobots are revealed to be fans of an Earth soap opera entitled ''[[As the Kitchen Sinks]]''. Clearly, they've been away from Cybertron ''waaaaay'' too long.
* Chumley has several ''unfathomably'' improbable traps and devices. The most hilarious are a pair of giant hands that come to life from a billboard to fold up Blaster into his tape mode (somehow forcing him to shrink at the same time). The list also includes a giant fully-animated mechanical scorpion that is impervious to Optimus Prime's laser fire, some sort of instant-hardening liquid which is ''also'' impervious to Astrotrain's blaster, a [[Ms. Black Widow|giant mechanical black widow]], a "holographic projection rifle" that projects fully-animated 3D images of Astrotrain and Blitzwing, giant mechanical tentacle arms (which can somehow be transported by a comparatively tiny forklift), a set of heavy steel girders which can assemble themselves into a cage while in freefall, and some kind of dragon.
* Furthermore, he's somehow worked quite a few of his traps and gadgets right into publicly-owned infrastructure. A suction clamp comes snaking out of a toll booth; a giant drill comes out of a street lamp while clamps emerge from a manhole; and railroad crossing gates descend at his command.
* Obviously, he's ''insanely'' rich. In addition to all the crazy technology he uses for recreational purposes, he's seen to own a submarine, a sprawling clifftop castle, a fully operational steam locomotive, a custom-modified car wash, an apartment building (which he casually burns), a veritable fleet of flatbed and other trucks, a heavy construction crane (and presumably the entire construction site where it's located), a taxi cab, a fire truck, and a barge.
* He also has the money to build a replica of part of Cybertron just to hunt Optimus in, and gets it alarmingly accurate for a guy who's never been there.
* Seriously. What does this guy ''do'' for a living??

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;Laserdisc
*1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
*1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Kid Rhino)
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

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

Prime Target (G1)

2010-04-14T04:12:05Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|image=Lord chumley plaque.jpg
|caption=...This pretty much speaks for itself.
|series=G1toon
|ep=51
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=51
|prev2=Blaster Blues
|next2=Auto-Bop
|title="Prime Target"
|written by=[[Flint Dille]] [[Buzz Dixon]]
|production code=700-50
|airdate=[[November 14]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The big-game hunter Lord Chumley begins hunting Autobots, and he's gunning for Optimus Prime.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ターゲットはコンボイ (''Target wa Convoy'', "The Target is Convoy")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Jagd auf Prime'''" ("Hunt for Prime")

==Synopsis==
Over the [[Arctic]], [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] is flying an experimental jet, when it is suddenly speared by a submarine under the ice. She ejects, but the plane is captured. It turns out that the plane was stolen by [[Lord Chumley]], a game hunter, who tells his manservant [[Dinsmoore]] that he needs one more thing to complete his collection...the head of Optimus Prime.

[[Image:Primetargetchumleydinsmore.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Dinsmoore, I believe the Autobots are about to suffer a series of unfortunate events!"]]

Heading into town, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] spot [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and head after them. However, it is actually a trap set by Chumley. Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots are watching a soap opera which is interrupted by a news broadcast about the theft of the plane. Apparently, the [[Soviet Union]] is accusing the [[United States of America]] of the theft, which the United States denies, and the two countries are ready to go to war. Having not heard back from Bumblebee and Tracks, Prime orders the Autobots to search for their friends. However, Chumley has devised several traps for the Autobots and manages to capture [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Grapple]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], the latter of whom sends a message to Prime about the capture. Not wanting to risk the others, Prime orders the Autobots to return to base.

[[Image:Primetargetbotsintraps.jpg|right|200px|thumb|And you thought Hasbro safety tests were tough.]]

While they regroup, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] sends a message to Prime, saying that he's found the missing bots, who are being held in (poorly designed) traps intended to prevent them from escaping. Chumley himself contacts Prime and requests his presence. Pissed at seeing his friends tortured, Prime overloads Chumley's screen and orders the Autobots to remain at the base.

However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has been keeping an eye on the events and feels that Chumley, though a flesh creature, may be useful...especially since he's done more in two days than Megatron has done in two years, which [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] takes the time to point out. Unaware that Chumley is only after Prime, Megatron sends Blitzwing and Astrotrain (surprise, surprise) to make a deal between Chumley and the [[Decepticon]]s.

Arriving at Chumley's castle, Prime finds himself in a "well researched" mock-up of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He unleashes a monster on Prime, but Prime is able to defeat it. Heading down a corridor, Prime finds a young woman imprisoned, but leaves. Blitzwing investigates, and gets trapped in a goo-net intended for Prime, much to Astrotrain's irritation. Finally, Chumley sends out a mechanical scorpion (no, not [[Scorponok (G1)|that one]]), but Prime is shot in the back by Astrotrain and apparently killed. Furious that his prize has been ruined, Chumley takes the Decepticons prisoner and defuses their energy weapons.

[[Image:PrimetargetOPvsspider.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Blackarachnia (disambiguation)|Blackarachnia]]'s debut was not the most glamorous.]]

Knowing that Prime is alive, Bumblebee sends their coordinates to the Autobot leader, who enters the castle. A mechanical spider is dispatched, but Prime destroys it and heads into Chumley's control room. Dinsmoore hides in a tank while Chumley frees the Decepticons on the promise that they'll fight the Autobot. Instead Astrotrain and Blitzwing go after Chumley to "See how he likes being hunted." The Autobots are freed by Prime, and Blitzwing and Astrotrain retreat after realizing that they are unarmed. Chumley is left at the mercy of Prime.

The Autobots return the plane to the Soviet Union, with Chumley strapped to its nose. The world thanks Optimus Prime for his efforts in solving the mystery.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (9)
* [[Grapple]] (10)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (11)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (14)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (15)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (16)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (18)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (19)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (20)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (21)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (26)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (27)

|c2=
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (7)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (8)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (22)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] (1)
* [[Dinsmoore]] (2)
* [[Lord Chumley]] (3)
* [[Hector Ramirez (G1)|Hector Ramirez]] (6)
* Russian sentry (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"She's a lovely specimen, Lord Chumley, but, there's a frightful international row brewing over it." 
"Ahhh. These things blow over... Remember the [[Boer War]]?" 
"Painfully, sir." 
"Oh, yes, well. Everybody else has forgotten it."
:—'''Dinsmoore''' and '''Chumley''' are older'n hell, apparently.

'''News Announcer''': "We interrupt 'As the Kitchen Sinks' for this special news bulletin." 
'''Jazz, Blaster, Beachcomber''' and '''Grapple''' in unison: "Awwwwwwwww..."
:—The Autobots do not like to miss their soaps.

"Amazing. A booby trap that actually captures boobies."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' says "boobies".

"Bah! Impenetrable! Blitzwing, how do you get into these messes?!"
:—'''Astrotrain''' vainly tries to free Blitzwing

"Decepticons! Trust them to spoil the hunt." 
"Yes, sir. Just like the Humane Society, in a way."
:—'''Chumley''' and '''Dinsmoore'''

'''Chumley''': I say, old chaps. If I free you, will you fight Optimus Prime? 
'''Astrotrain''': Trust us! 
'''Chumley''': There he is, lads! Ha ha! Give him a good thrashing! 
[''Astrotrain immediately tries to stomp Chumley''] 
'''Astrotrain''': See how ''you'' like being hunted! 
'''Chumley''': But—you said— 
'''Blitzwing''': Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature!
:—Chumley gets a lesson in Decepticon ethics.

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] is standing alongside Megatron and Starscream. And we all thought [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was the one who would end up defecting. [[Sideswipe (SG)|But then again...]]
* During the scene when [[Lord Chumley|Chumley]] contacts Optimus at the Autobots headquarters, both [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] can be seen standing next to Optimus even though earlier, they got captured by Chumley.
* A large number of sound effects are missing or oddly truncated throughout the episode. Inferno smashes his way into the burning building without any smashy-smashy-type noises, and a second later his wrist communicator is snipped off in total silence. Prime shoots a bear trap with only about a fourth of his usual blaster sound effect; a second later he throws open a castle gate, which only makes half of a clang.
* Likewise, there are a few lines of dialogue present in the episode's shooting script that are dropped from the final version. This in and of itself is hardly unusual, except in one instance, an odd technical glitch results. In the script, after Prime flattens Chumley's robotic scorpion, Chumley entreats Astrotrain to "help [his] machine to its feet," and Astrotrain replies "Certainly!" In the finished episode, however, Chumley's request is removed but Astrotrain's response is ''not'', leaving the Decepticon randomly saying "Certainly!" for no apparent reason.
* A billboard urging viewers to "Don't drink and drive" has a second message to "Don't fly drive".
* When Blitzwing says "Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature", Chumley mouths along. A few seconds later Blitzwing says "Look out, the Autobots are free!" in Astrotrain's voice.

===Continuity errors===
* Oktober Guard One received a sonar reading from beneath the ice while flying over in her jet. Sonar doesn't work that way.
* Any other cartoon (or real-life) jet would have completely exploded either upon being struck, or upon smashing nose-first into the ice.
* Why is footage of the "top secret Russian jet fighter" being shown on the American nightly news?
* When Bumblebee radios Prime, the blades swinging at him conveniently disappear.
* Chumley's devices seem to change from "capture" to "kill" about the time Prime recalls the Autobots to base. Both Windcharger and Huffer narrowly escape traps that seem likely to inflict major damage, at the very least (an onrushing train and a drill descending from a streetlight, respectively).

===Real-world references===
* Dinsmoore was apparently alive for the [[wikipedia:Second_Boer_War|Second Boer War]]. At least, we're assuming it's the second one, since the [[wikipedia:First_Boer_War|first one]] happened in the 1880s. If he was alive and could remember that one, he must be some sort of super human.
* Chumley boasts of having hunted [[wikipedia:Javan_Tiger|Javanese tigers]].... which were actually hunted to extinction by the late 1970s. ''Bastard.''
* The show ''As The Kitchen Sinks'' the Autobots were watching is a reference to the show ''As The World Turns''.

===Trivia===
* The Oktober Guard are a Soviet special operations force from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' cartoons and comics.
* Several of the Autobots are revealed to be fans of an Earth soap opera entitled ''[[As the Kitchen Sinks]]''. Clearly, they've been away ''waaaay'' from Cybertron too long.
* Chumley has several ''unfathomably'' improbable traps and devices. The most hilarious are a pair of giant hands that come to life from a billboard to fold up Blaster into his tape mode (somehow forcing him to shrink at the same time). The list also includes a giant fully-animated mechanical scorpion that is impervious to Optimus Prime's laser fire, some sort of instant-hardening liquid which is ''also'' impervious to Astrotrain's blaster, a [[Ms. Black Widow|giant mechanical black widow]], a "holographic projection rifle" that projects fully-animated 3D images of Astrotrain and Blitzwing, giant mechanical tentacle arms (which can somehow be transported by a comparatively tiny forklift), a set of heavy steel girders which can assemble themselves into a cage while in freefall, and some kind of dragon.
* Furthermore, he's somehow worked quite a few of his traps and gadgets right into publicly-owned infrastructure. A suction clamp comes snaking out of a toll booth; a giant drill comes out of a street lamp while clamps emerge from a manhole; and railroad crossing gates descend at his command.
* Obviously, he's ''insanely'' rich. In addition to all the crazy technology he uses for recreational purposes, he's seen to own a submarine, a sprawling clifftop castle, a fully operational steam locomotive, a custom-modified car wash, an apartment building (which he casually burns), a veritable fleet of flatbed and other trucks, a heavy construction crane (and presumably the entire construction site where it's located), a taxi cab, a fire truck, and a barge.
* He also has the money to build a replica of part of Cybertron just to hunt Optimus in, and gets it alarmingly accurate for a guy who's never been there.
* Seriously. What does this guy ''do'' for a living??

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;Laserdisc
*1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
*1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Kid Rhino)
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

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

Prime Target (G1)

2010-04-14T04:11:05Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|image=Lord chumley plaque.jpg
|caption=...This pretty much speaks for itself.
|series=G1toon
|ep=51
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=51
|prev2=Blaster Blues
|next2=Auto-Bop
|title="Prime Target"
|written by=[[Flint Dille]] [[Buzz Dixon]]
|production code=700-50
|airdate=[[November 14]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The big-game hunter Lord Chumley begins hunting Autobots, and he's gunning for Optimus Prime.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ターゲットはコンボイ (''Target wa Convoy'', "The Target is Convoy")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Jagd auf Prime'''" ("Hunt for Prime")

==Synopsis==
Over the [[Arctic]], [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] is flying an experimental jet, when it is suddenly speared by a submarine under the ice. She ejects, but the plane is captured. It turns out that the plane was stolen by [[Lord Chumley]], a game hunter, who tells his manservant [[Dinsmoore]] that he needs one more thing to complete his collection...the head of Optimus Prime.

[[Image:Primetargetchumleydinsmore.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Dinsmoore, I believe the Autobots are about to suffer a series of unfortunate events!"]]

Heading into town, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] spot [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and head after them. However, it is actually a trap set by Chumley. Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots are watching a soap opera which is interrupted by a news broadcast about the theft of the plane. Apparently, the [[Soviet Union]] is accusing the [[United States of America]] of the theft, which the United States denies, and the two countries are ready to go to war. Having not heard back from Bumblebee and Tracks, Prime orders the Autobots to search for their friends. However, Chumley has devised several traps for the Autobots and manages to capture [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Grapple]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], the latter of whom sends a message to Prime about the capture. Not wanting to risk the others, Prime orders the Autobots to return to base.

[[Image:Primetargetbotsintraps.jpg|right|200px|thumb|And you thought Hasbro safety tests were tough.]]

While they regroup, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] sends a message to Prime, saying that he's found the missing bots, who are being held in (poorly designed) traps intended to prevent them from escaping. Chumley himself contacts Prime and requests his presence. Pissed at seeing his friends tortured, Prime overloads Chumley's screen and orders the Autobots to remain at the base.

However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has been keeping an eye on the events and feels that Chumley, though a flesh creature, may be useful...especially since he's done more in two days than Megatron has done in two years, which [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] takes the time to point out. Unaware that Chumley is only after Prime, Megatron sends Blitzwing and Astrotrain (surprise, surprise) to make a deal between Chumley and the [[Decepticon]]s.

Arriving at Chumley's castle, Prime finds himself in a "well researched" mock-up of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He unleashes a monster on Prime, but Prime is able to defeat it. Heading down a corridor, Prime finds a young woman imprisoned, but leaves. Blitzwing investigates, and gets trapped in a goo-net intended for Prime, much to Astrotrain's irritation. Finally, Chumley sends out a mechanical scorpion (no, not [[Scorponok (G1)|that one]]), but Prime is shot in the back by Astrotrain and apparently killed. Furious that his prize has been ruined, Chumley takes the Decepticons prisoner and defuses their energy weapons.

[[Image:PrimetargetOPvsspider.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Blackarachnia (disambiguation)|Blackarachnia]]'s debut was not the most glamorous.]]

Knowing that Prime is alive, Bumblebee sends their coordinates to the Autobot leader, who enters the castle. A mechanical spider is dispatched, but Prime destroys it and heads into Chumley's control room. Dinsmoore hides in a tank while Chumley frees the Decepticons on the promise that they'll fight the Autobot. Instead Astrotrain and Blitzwing go after Chumley to "See how he likes being hunted." The Autobots are freed by Prime, and Blitzwing and Astrotrain retreat after realizing that they are unarmed. Chumley is left at the mercy of Prime.

The Autobots return the plane to the Soviet Union, with Chumley strapped to its nose. The world thanks Optimus Prime for his efforts in solving the mystery.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (9)
* [[Grapple]] (10)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (11)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (14)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (15)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (16)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (18)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (19)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (20)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (21)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (26)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (27)

|c2=
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (7)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (8)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (22)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] (1)
* [[Dinsmoore]] (2)
* [[Lord Chumley]] (3)
* [[Hector Ramirez (G1)|Hector Ramirez]] (6)
* Russian sentry (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"She's a lovely specimen, Lord Chumley, but, there's a frightful international row brewing over it." 
"Ahhh. These things blow over... Remember the [[Boer War]]?" 
"Painfully, sir." 
"Oh, yes, well. Everybody else has forgotten it."
:—'''Dinsmoore''' and '''Chumley''' are older'n hell, apparently.

'''News Announcer''': "We interrupt 'As the Kitchen Sinks' for this special news bulletin." 
'''Jazz, Blaster, Beachcomber''' and '''Grapple''' in unison: "Awwwwwwwww..."
:—The Autobots do not like to miss their soaps.

"Amazing. A booby trap that actually captures boobies."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' says "boobies".

"Bah! Impenetrable! Blitzwing, how do you get into these messes?!"
:—'''Astrotrain''' vainly tries to free Blitzwing

"Decepticons! Trust them to spoil the hunt." 
"Yes, sir. Just like the Humane Society, in a way."
:—'''Chumley''' and '''Dinsmoore'''

'''Chumley''': I say, old chaps. If I free you, will you fight Optimus Prime? 
'''Astrotrain''': Trust us! 
'''Chumley''': There he is, lads! Ha ha! Give him a good thrashing! 
[''Astrotrain immediately tries to stomp Chumley''] 
'''Astrotrain''': See how ''you'' like being hunted! 
'''Chumley''': But—you said— 
'''Blitzwing''': Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature!
:—Chumley gets a lesson in Decepticon ethics.

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] is standing alongside Megatron and Starscream. And we all thought [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was the one who would end up defecting. [[Sideswipe (SG)|But then again...]]
* During the scene when [[Lord Chumley|Chumley]] contacts Optimus at the Autobots headquarters, both [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] can be seen standing next to Optimus even though earlier, they got captured by Chumley.
* A large number of sound effects are missing or oddly truncated throughout the episode. Inferno smashes his way into the burning building without any smashy-smashy-type noises, and a second later his wrist communicator is snipped off in total silence. Prime shoots a bear trap with only about a fourth of his usual blaster sound effect; a second later he throws open a castle gate, which only makes half of a clang.
* Likewise, there are a few lines of dialogue present in the episode's shooting script that are dropped from the final version. This in and of itself is hardly unusual, except in one instance, an odd technical glitch results. In the script, after Prime flattens Chumley's robotic scorpion, Chumley entreats Astrotrain to "help [his] machine to its feet," and Astrotrain replies "Certainly!" In the finished episode, however, Chumley's request is removed but Astrotrain's response is ''not'', leaving the Decepticon randomly saying "Certainly!" for no apparent reason.
* A billboard urging viewers to "Don't drink and drive" has a second message to "Don't fly drive".
* When Blitzwing says "Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature", Chumley mouths along. A few seconds later Blitzwing says "Look out, the Autobots are free!" in Astrotrain's voice.

===Continuity errors===
* Oktober Guard One received a sonar reading from beneath the ice while flying over in her jet. Sonar doesn't work that way.
* Any other cartoon (or real-life) jet would have completely exploded either upon being struck, or upon smashing nose-first into the ice.
* Why is footage of the "top secret Russian jet fighter" being shown on the American nightly news?
* When Bumblebee radios Prime, the blades swinging at him conveniently disappear.
* Chumley's devices seem to change from "capture" to "kill" about the time Prime recalls the Autobots to base. Both Windcharger and Huffer narrowly escape traps that seem likely to inflict major damage, at the very least (an onrushing train and a drill descending from a streetlight, respectively).

===Real-world references===
* Dinsmoore was apparently alive for the [[wikipedia:Second_Boer_War|Second Boer War]]. At least, we're assuming it's the second one, since the [[wikipedia:First_Boer_War|first one]] happened in the 1880s. If he was alive and could remember that one, he must be some sort of super human.
* Chumley boasts of having hunted [[wikipedia:Javan_Tiger|Javanese tigers]].... which were actually hunted to extinction by the late 1970s. ''Bastard.''
* The show ''As The Kitchen Sinks'' the Autobots were watching is a reference to the show ''As The World Turns''.

===Trivia===
* The Oktober Guard are a Soviet special operations force from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' cartoons and comics.
* Several of the Autobots are revealed to be fans of an Earth soap opera entitled ''[[As the Kitchen Sinks]]''. Clearly, they've been away from Cybertron too long.
* Chumley has several ''unfathomably'' improbable traps and devices. The most hilarious are a pair of giant hands that come to life from a billboard to fold up Blaster into his tape mode (somehow forcing him to shrink at the same time). The list also includes a giant fully-animated mechanical scorpion that is impervious to Optimus Prime's laser fire, some sort of instant-hardening liquid which is ''also'' impervious to Astrotrain's blaster, a [[Ms. Black Widow|giant mechanical black widow]], a "holographic projection rifle" that projects fully-animated 3D images of Astrotrain and Blitzwing, giant mechanical tentacle arms (which can somehow be transported by a comparatively tiny forklift), a set of heavy steel girders which can assemble themselves into a cage while in freefall, and some kind of dragon.
* Furthermore, he's somehow worked quite a few of his traps and gadgets right into publicly-owned infrastructure. A suction clamp comes snaking out of a toll booth; a giant drill comes out of a street lamp while clamps emerge from a manhole; and railroad crossing gates descend at his command.
* Obviously, he's ''insanely'' rich. In addition to all the crazy technology he uses for recreational purposes, he's seen to own a submarine, a sprawling clifftop castle, a fully operational steam locomotive, a custom-modified car wash, an apartment building (which he casually burns), a veritable fleet of flatbed and other trucks, a heavy construction crane (and presumably the entire construction site where it's located), a taxi cab, a fire truck, and a barge.
* He also has the money to build a replica of part of Cybertron just to hunt Optimus in, and gets it alarmingly accurate for a guy who's never been there.
* Seriously. What does this guy ''do'' for a living??

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;Laserdisc
*1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
*1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Kid Rhino)
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

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

Prime Target (G1)

2010-04-14T04:10:36Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|image=Lord chumley plaque.jpg
|caption=...This pretty much speaks for itself.
|series=G1toon
|ep=51
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=51
|prev2=Blaster Blues
|next2=Auto-Bop
|title="Prime Target"
|written by=[[Flint Dille]] [[Buzz Dixon]]
|production code=700-50
|airdate=[[November 14]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The big-game hunter Lord Chumley begins hunting Autobots, and he's gunning for Optimus Prime.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ターゲットはコンボイ (''Target wa Convoy'', "The Target is Convoy")
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Jagd auf Prime'''" ("Hunt for Prime")

==Synopsis==
Over the [[Arctic]], [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] is flying an experimental jet, when it is suddenly speared by a submarine under the ice. She ejects, but the plane is captured. It turns out that the plane was stolen by [[Lord Chumley]], a game hunter, who tells his manservant [[Dinsmoore]] that he needs one more thing to complete his collection...the head of Optimus Prime.

[[Image:Primetargetchumleydinsmore.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Dinsmoore, I believe the Autobots are about to suffer a series of unfortunate events!"]]

Heading into town, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] spot [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and head after them. However, it is actually a trap set by Chumley. Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots are watching a soap opera which is interrupted by a news broadcast about the theft of the plane. Apparently, the [[Soviet Union]] is accusing the [[United States of America]] of the theft, which the United States denies, and the two countries are ready to go to war. Having not heard back from Bumblebee and Tracks, Prime orders the Autobots to search for their friends. However, Chumley has devised several traps for the Autobots and manages to capture [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Grapple]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], the latter of whom sends a message to Prime about the capture. Not wanting to risk the others, Prime orders the Autobots to return to base.

[[Image:Primetargetbotsintraps.jpg|right|200px|thumb|And you thought Hasbro safety tests were tough.]]

While they regroup, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] sends a message to Prime, saying that he's found the missing bots, who are being held in (poorly designed) traps intended to prevent them from escaping. Chumley himself contacts Prime and requests his presence. Pissed at seeing his friends tortured, Prime overloads Chumley's screen and orders the Autobots to remain at the base.

However, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has been keeping an eye on the events and feels that Chumley, though a flesh creature, may be useful...especially since he's done more in two days than Megatron has done in two years, which [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] takes the time to point out. Unaware that Chumley is only after Prime, Megatron sends Blitzwing and Astrotrain (surprise, surprise) to make a deal between Chumley and the [[Decepticon]]s.

Arriving at Chumley's castle, Prime finds himself in a "well researched" mock-up of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He unleashes a monster on Prime, but Prime is able to defeat it. Heading down a corridor, Prime finds a young woman imprisoned, but leaves. Blitzwing investigates, and gets trapped in a goo-net intended for Prime, much to Astrotrain's irritation. Finally, Chumley sends out a mechanical scorpion (no, not [[Scorponok (G1)|that one]]), but Prime is shot in the back by Astrotrain and apparently killed. Furious that his prize has been ruined, Chumley takes the Decepticons prisoner and defuses their energy weapons.

[[Image:PrimetargetOPvsspider.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Blackarachnia (disambiguation)|Blackarachnia]]'s debut was not the most glamorous.]]

Knowing that Prime is alive, Bumblebee sends their coordinates to the Autobot leader, who enters the castle. A mechanical spider is dispatched, but Prime destroys it and heads into Chumley's control room. Dinsmoore hides in a tank while Chumley frees the Decepticons on the promise that they'll fight the Autobot. Instead Astrotrain and Blitzwing go after Chumley to "See how he likes being hunted." The Autobots are freed by Prime, and Blitzwing and Astrotrain retreat after realizing that they are unarmed. Chumley is left at the mercy of Prime.

The Autobots return the plane to the Soviet Union, with Chumley strapped to its nose. The world thanks Optimus Prime for his efforts in solving the mystery.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (9)
* [[Grapple]] (10)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (11)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (14)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (15)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (16)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (18)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (19)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (20)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (21)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (24)
* [[Bluestreak]] (25)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (26)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (27)

|c2=
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (7)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (8)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (22)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Daina|Oktober Guard One]] (1)
* [[Dinsmoore]] (2)
* [[Lord Chumley]] (3)
* [[Hector Ramirez (G1)|Hector Ramirez]] (6)
* Russian sentry (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"She's a lovely specimen, Lord Chumley, but, there's a frightful international row brewing over it." 
"Ahhh. These things blow over... Remember the [[Boer War]]?" 
"Painfully, sir." 
"Oh, yes, well. Everybody else has forgotten it."
:—'''Dinsmoore''' and '''Chumley''' are older'n hell, apparently.

'''News Announcer''': "We interrupt 'As the Kitchen Sinks' for this special news bulletin." 
'''Jazz, Blaster, Beachcomber''' and '''Grapple''' in unison: "Awwwwwwwww..."
:—The Autobots do not like to miss their soaps.

"Amazing. A booby trap that actually captures boobies."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' says "boobies".

"Bah! Impenetrable! Blitzwing, how do you get into these messes?!"
:—'''Astrotrain''' vainly tries to free Blitzwing

"Decepticons! Trust them to spoil the hunt." 
"Yes, sir. Just like the Humane Society, in a way."
:—'''Chumley''' and '''Dinsmoore'''

'''Chumley''': I say, old chaps. If I free you, will you fight Optimus Prime? 
'''Astrotrain''': Trust us! 
'''Chumley''': There he is, lads! Ha ha! Give him a good thrashing! 
[''Astrotrain immediately tries to stomp Chumley''] 
'''Astrotrain''': See how ''you'' like being hunted! 
'''Chumley''': But—you said— 
'''Blitzwing''': Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature!
:—Chumley gets a lesson in Decepticon ethics.

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] is standing alongside Megatron and Starscream. And we all thought [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was the one who would end up defecting. [[Sideswipe (SG)|But then again...]]
* During the scene when [[Lord Chumley|Chumley]] contacts Optimus at the Autobots headquarters, both [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] can be seen standing next to Optimus even though earlier, they got captured by Chumley.
* A large number of sound effects are missing or oddly truncated throughout the episode. Inferno smashes his way into the burning building without any smashy-smashy-type noises, and a second later his wrist communicator is snipped off in total silence. Prime shoots a bear trap with only about a fourth of his usual blaster sound effect; a second later he throws open a castle gate, which only makes half of a clang.
* Likewise, there are a few lines of dialogue present in the episode's shooting script that are dropped from the final version. This in and of itself is hardly unusual, except in one instance, an odd technical glitch results. In the script, after Prime flattens Chumley's robotic scorpion, Chumley entreats Astrotrain to "help [his] machine to its feet," and Astrotrain replies "Certainly!" In the finished episode, however, Chumley's request is removed but Astrotrain's response is ''not'', leaving the Decepticon randomly saying "Certainly!" for no apparent reason.
* A billboard urging viewers to "Don't drink and drive" has a second message to "Don't fly drive".
* When Blitzwing says "Never trust Decepticons, flesh creature", Chumley mouths along. A few seconds later Blitzwing says "Look out, the Autobots are free!" in Astrotrain's voice.

===Continuity errors===
* Oktober Guard One received a sonar reading from beneath the ice while flying over in her jet. Sonar doesn't work that way.
* Any other cartoon (or real-life) jet would have completely exploded either upon being struck, or upon smashing nose-first into the ice.
* Why is footage of the "top secret Russian jet fighter" being shown on the American nightly news?
* When Bumblebee radios Prime, the blades swinging at him conveniently disappear.
* Chumley's devices seem to change from "capture" to "kill" about the time Prime recalls the Autobots to base. Both Windcharger and Huffer narrowly escape traps that seem likely to inflict major damage, at the very least (an onrushing train and a drill descending from a streetlight, respectively).

===Real-world references===
* Dinsmoore was apparently alive for the [[wikipedia:Second_Boer_War|Second Boer War]]. At least, we're assuming it's the second one, since the [[wikipedia:First_Boer_War|first one]] happened in the 1880s. If he was alive and could remember that one, he must be some sort of super human.
* Chumley boasts of having hunted [[wikipedia:Javan_Tiger|Javanese tigers]].... which were actually hunted to extinction by the late 1970s. ''Bastard.''
* The show ''As The Kitchen Sinks'' the Autobots were watching is a reference to the show ''As The World Turns''.

===Trivia===
* The Oktober Guard are a Soviet special operations force from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' cartoons and comics.
* Several of the Autobots are revealed to be fans of an Earth soap opera entitled ''[[As the Kitchen Sinks]]''. Clearly, they've been away from Cybertron too long.
* Chumley has several ''unfathomably'' improbable traps and devices. The most hilarious are a pair of giant hands that come to life from a billboard to fold up Blaster into his tape mode (somehow forcing him to shrink at the same time). The list also includes a giant fully-animated mechanical scorpion that is impervious to Optimus Prime's laser fire, some sort of instant-hardening liquid which is ''also'' impervious to Astrotrain's blaster, a [[Ms. Black Widow|giant mechanical black widow]], a "holographic projection rifle" that projects fully-animated 3D images of Astrotrain and Blitzwing, giant mechanical tentacle arms (which can somehow be transported by a comparatively tiny forklift), a set of heavy steel girders which can assemble themselves into a cage while in freefall, and some kind of dragon.
* Furthermore, he's somehow worked quite a few of his traps and gadgets right into publicly-owned infrastructure. A suction clamp comes snaking out of a toll booth; a giant drill comes out of a street lamp while clamps emerge from a manhole; and railroad crossing gates descend at his command.
* Obviously, he's ''insanely'' rich. In addition to all the crazy technology he uses for recreational purposes, he's seen to own a submarine, a sprawling clifftop castle, a fully operational steam locomotive, a custom-modified car wash, an apartment building (which he casually burns), a veritable fleet of flatbed and other trucks, a heavy construction crane (and presumably the entire construction site where it's located), a taxi cab, a fire truck, and a barge, and a ''TANK''.
* He also has the money to build a replica of part of Cybertron just to hunt Optimus in, and gets it alarmingly accurate for a guy who's never been there.
* Seriously. What does this guy ''do'' for a living??

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;Laserdisc
*1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
*1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Kid Rhino)
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

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

The Ultimate Doom, Part 2

2010-04-10T03:57:25Z

70.68.108.172: /* Other notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=12
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=67
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|image=UltimateDoom2 Cybertron Earth.JPG
|caption=Blue moon, you saw me standing alone...
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 2"
|production code=#700-09
|airdate=[[November 10]], 1984
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Cybertron's arrival causes disasters on Earth, leaving the Autobots to battle both the Decepticons and Nature.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 破滅の日 PART II (''Hametsu no Hi PART II'', "Day of Destruction PART II")
:''Latin American title:'' La Destrucción Máxima, Parte II
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Tud2megatronthreatens.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Fear me, Starscream, as I put the fear of God into you!]]

As [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] arrives into Earth orbit, storms and earthquakes begin in earnest. [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] celebrates, despite [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]'s attempts to make him see reason. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] rallies the [[Decepticon]]s to attack the [[Autobot]]s, but the sudden violence of the elements has both the Autobots and the 'Cons disoriented.

[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to broadcast [[audio disrupter wave]]s, which cause much pain to the Autobots. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders a retreat. As they head out, Spike sadly watches his father board [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]].

[[Image:Tud2bee%26spikeembrace.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Hold onto the Cube!]]

Starscream berates Megatron for allowing the Autobots to escape, but Megatron brushes off the criticism...with a mere choke of Starscream's throat. The human slaves rush away in terror as [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] notes they look like they've just woken up from a bad dream.

[[Doctor Arkeville]] realizes that the disrupter wave interferes with the [[hypno-chip]]s' control signal and works to correct it, but he will need more "[[Humans|materials]]" to modify the chips. Megatron contacts Arkeville, who is informed of the situation. After a little experiment on Sparkplug, Arkeville is convinced that he has solved the problem, and Megatron promises that he will have all the slaves they need to gather the energy for Cybertron.

[[Image:Tud2sparkplugontable.jpg|left|175px|thumb|No, Mister Bond... I expect you to turn your head and cough.]]

Heading back to base under severe weather conditions, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] get separated from the group. Spike is still in a bit of a funk over his dad working with the Decepticons. An earthquake causes a fissure in the ground, which Bumblebee falls into while Laserbeak arrives and takes Spike. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Bluestreak]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] arrive, rescuing Bumblebee and Spike.

At the [[Decepticon Headquarters|Decepticon base]], Megatron begins sending Seekers to transport [[Energon cube|energon cubes]] to Cybertron. Doctor Arkeville is displeased, as they are using his slaves as shields against Autobot aggression. Arkeville warns Megatron to remember their deal: He gets Earth after Megatron is done repowering Cybertron. Megatron promises to keep his word...but does not specify how much of Earth will be left. But even Megatron has his troubles with the violent storms. At Decepticon headquarters underwater, violent tsunamis destroy the base's entry tower and cause flooding.

[[Image:Tud2wheeljacksvolcano.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Quick, change the channel!]]

Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots debate how best to handle the situation and decide to send the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to prevent as much destruction as possible. At first, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] could give a [[frag]] about the Earth's destruction, until he's reminded that he'd be on the planet at the time.

[[Image:Tud2snarlchewstree.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Me Snarl want play fetch, but nobody want play with Snarl.]]

At the Autobot base, Spike and Optimus discuss why Sparkplug would work with the Decepticons. Just then, [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] becomes active. Several Autobots are ejected into the air, but [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] manages to catch them. Heading back into the volcano, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] manages to cover the lava with an avalanche. Elsewhere, the Dinobots are hurrying to prevent a tidal wave from reaching the shore.

Meanwhile, Prime learns that Sparkplug was taken to Cybertron during energon shipments. Spike overhears and asks to go to Cybertron in order to save his dad and learn how the Decepticons are controlling their slaves. Optimus agrees. Skyfire, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], and Bumblebee head to Cybertron with Spike. As usual, Spike falls into a trap and needs rescuing by Brawn and Bumblebee. After they sneak into [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s fortress, they discover information about the hypno-chips, but Sparkplug arrives and sounds an alarm.

[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|To be continued]]...

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (15)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (18)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (19)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (20)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (21)
*[[Bluestreak]] (23)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (24)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (25)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (26)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (27)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (28)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (29)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (30)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (31)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (9)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (14)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (5)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
* [[Doctor Arkeville]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"The Decepticons will triumph. Ha ha ha ha! Join me, Spike. Join the conquerors!" 
"Dad..." 
"Look, I told you. Don't call me that!"
:—'''Sparkplug''' adds to '''Spike'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s psychological wounds.

"Decepticon rule FOREVER!" 
"Forever's shorter than you think!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Spike''' argue philosophy with big weapons.

"That'll teach you to play with fire, Blundercracker!"
:—'''Jazz''', clever as ever.

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Strangling Starscream.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Is Megatron gonna have to choke a 'bot?]]

"Cross me again, Starscream, and I'll reduce you to titanium fragments." 
"But we had the Autobots disoriented. We could have eliminated them." 
"We'll do that at our leisure when our more important work is done. You have had the only warning I intend to give."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' bicker again.

"Creating a mindless slave is simplicity itself, thanks to the brilliant complexity of my hypno-chip."
:—'''Doctor Arkeville''' to Rumble. The real irony is that Rumble is probably more advanced than anything Arkeville could ever create.

"Let me go, you beryllium buzzard!"
:—'''Spike''' disses Laserbeak.

"That ought to cook that tin foil turkey."
:—'''Bluestreak''' also disses Laserbeak.

'''Optimus''': Look at the monitors! You must help stop these disasters. 
'''Grimlock''': Uh, me Grimlock not care whole planet fall apart. Make no difference to me Grimlock. 
'''Wheeljack''': With you on it? 
'''Grimlock''': Hmm, hadn't thought of that.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
* The "last time" recap of Part 1 includes a scene that hasn't happened yet, from Part 3! (specifically, the human slaves carrying energon cubes into Megatron's ship.)

* The opening shot of Cybertron rising above the horizon is several flavors of mixed up:
** If Cybertron was eclipsing the sun, its own surface wouldn't be nearly so well-lit.
** If the sun was that low to the horizon, it would be orange or red, not bright white. Haven't the animators ever seen a sunset?
** The clouds in the sky are behind both the sun and Cybertron. Cybertron's orbit can't be ''that'' low!

* In the next shot, Cybertron's shadow is moving across Ironhide and company, but stops moving half-way through the shot.

* Thundercracker is shown shielding himself from the explosion of one of the energy pylons, but in the next shot it's Starscream who is coming out of the same pose.

* The side of Starscream's air intake is gray instead of red as he insists that Thundercracker fire.

* Soundwave's eject button is slate blue instead of white as he activates the audio disrupter waves.

* Improbable viewpoints:
** Dr. Arkeville continues to watch the proceedings from Decepticon Headquarters... though this time, his monitor just shows some empty desert.

* When Rumble first reaches through the energy beams to grab the security guard, the energy strands around his wrist aren't backlit to glow.

* Soundwave seems to be missing some consonants as he reports on Cybertron's emergency bulletin; he reports that "energy levels: anticle!"

* As he switches his windshield polarity, Prime's exhaust stacks are drawn as pencil-thin lines.

* The crevasse changes width with every successive shot. In the second shot, it becomes so wide that Bumblebee can't straddle it, but in the third shot, it's suddenly narrow enough that Spike can straddle it. After the rocks under Spike's foot give way, it's suddenly so big that there's no way he could have been straddling it.

* Spike isn't wearing a helmet when he tries to help Bumblebee climb up the fissure. However, he's suddenly wearing one just before he's captured by Laserbeak.

* Bumblebee's face is yellow instead of white as he starts to fall.

* Bluestreak's left leg is mirrored as he lowers his gun; the windshield segment should be on the inside rather than the outside.

* As the three Autobots cluster at the edge of the crevasse, Windcharger is colored like Brawn.

* As we pan from the Autobots down into the crevasse, Windcharger's head is the wrong color, the wrong shape, and the wrong design.

* Skywarp's cockpit is ''huge'' as he prepares to leave for Cybertron. A human passenger takes up just the first segment of it, with the rest occupied by quite a few energon cubes.

* The clouds are behind Cybertron again as Skywarp flies toward it.

* The tidal wave that hits the city is of truly ''Day After Tomorrow'' proportions; if that was, say, the east coast of North America, it would probably wash all the way to the Appalachian Mountains, killing millions.

* As we pan in on Autobot Headquarters, the Ark is colored gray instead of orange. It's also rounded top and bottom, like one of the Rebel transports from ''Empire Strikes Back''.

* As he points at the Dinobots, only the front of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.

[[Image:Grimlockhead ud2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock no lose head. Me find new one!]]

* In the shot of the Dinobots lined up in their closet, Swoop's mouth is missing, and Slag's head is white instead of red. Also, Grimlock has his old head design, but it changes to [[:Image:Grimhead.JPG|the new design]] when he's talking to Optimus Prime and Wheeljack in the next shot.

* As Grimlock says he doesn't care, a random shot shows Cybertron rising over a wooded terrain... and a satellite drifts past! Is it orbiting at half a mile above the ground??

* Swoop's head crest and bird feet are white after he transforms, instead of red and yellow, respectively. His wing is clipping through the closet's door frame. In the same shot, Grimlock's dino belly is yellow instead of gray, and Slag's horns are white instead of red.

* As Starscream and Megatron watch Thundercracker being loaded up in Decepticon Headquarters, Starscream is colored as Skywarp. The error becomes doubly obvious a moment later, when Skywarp is shown on his way back to HQ from Cybertron.

* An undersea avalanche hits Decepticon Headquarters. But rather than the kind of violent shaking one would expect, the floor just gently tilts for no clear reason.

* As he berates Megatron, the top of Starscream's chest/cockpit is dark gray instead of light gray.

* Soundwave is missing his Decepticon emblem as he walks toward the blasted door; it appears after a few frames.

* The Ark continues to be colored gray instead of orange in the establishing shots before the volcano erupts.

* The frames around Optimus's windshields are colored glass-blue instead of red as he talks to Spike.

* Two Bluestreaks are in the pan shot of the control room as the volcano erupts. Guess that makes up for the [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1|two Prowls]], huh? (A subsequent shot replaces one Bluestreak with Prowl.)

* Prime's missing the line down the middle of his tummy grill as he orders the Autobots to evacuate headquarters.

* Sideswipe's vehicle mode is colored white as he flees Autobot Headquarters.

* Windcharger's arms are dark gray instead of red as Skyfire catches him.

* Bumblebee is missing his Autobot symbol as he stands alongside Prime and Ironhide.

* Peter Cullen seems to have mixed up a line; "But somebody's gotta turn off that volcano" should probably be Ironhide's line, but it is delivered in Prime's voice.

* During his "Now if only the Dinobots" line, only one segment of Wheeljack's ears lights up. He's also missing that pesky line near the end edge of his windshield.

[[Image:SludgeUltimateDoom.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* As Sludge looms over the forest trees, the sides of his face are gray instead of yellow.

* Slag wades into the water to try and slow a tidal wave. The subsequent shot shows another cresting wave moving against the tidal wave, rather than anything you'd expect from having a robot dinosaur in the water.

* Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he looks out Skyfire's window at Cybertron.

* Cybertron's skies have clouds, but there's no sign of them in the space-based views of the planet.

* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he prepares to leap after Spike and Bumblebee.

* Bumblebee's "You really think so?" line is almost totally obscured by sliding metal sound effects.

* On Cybertron, the font in which the words "Hypno Chip Control" are written changes between shots.

===Continuity errors===
* This is the one and only time we ever see Thundercracker shoot a stream of fire, which was clearly done just so the winds could blow it aside. If he'd fired his usual lasers, the wind would have been no problem.

* The audio disrupter waves seem to affect everyone, including the Decepticons... except for Megatron, who is standing right next to the source!

* The waves also immediately free all the hypno-chip slaves... except for Sparkplug, who is unaffected for no clear reason.

* Wheeljack and Brawn are shown transforming and driving off with the other Autobots, yet a moment later they're both standing in robot mode, watching the freed humans flee.

* Landing on Hound's falling seats probably wouldn't be much better for Spike than landing on the rocky ground. Also, it sure was nice of Laserbeak to drop Spike right in front of that cliff face!

* Despite Bluestreak's statement, and despite falling who knows how far into the crevasse, Bumblebee doesn't have a mark on him.

* It's a minor plot point that Bumblebee is out of energy, and so he rides in Hound instead of driving. Yet Windcharger ''also'' said he was out of energy, but he still transforms and drives home.

* So... rather than fighting the disasters one by one, why aren't the Autobots trying to fight the problem at the source—namely, by figuring out a way to get Cybertron out of Earth's orbit? Did this little looming strategic problem not occur to any of them? Spike of all people finally thinks of it at the end of next episode.
[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Autobot volcano.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You know what burns my butt? Flame about that high.]]

* Wheeljack says it's "amazing" that the volcano is becoming active again. Considering it erupted [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|less than a year ago]], it's hardly amazing at all. More like... ''expected''.

* Skyfire announces his intention to outrun the Decepticon missiles, which makes no sense as the missiles are flying toward him head-on. Instead, he flies ''between'' them.

* Geological improbabilities:
** Bringing a planet with Earth-like gravity into such incredibly close proximity to Earth would tear ''both'' worlds apart. Immediately.
** Ironhide somehow shuts down a whole volcanic eruption by shooting a few rocks off the rim of the volcano cone. The whole reason volcanoes erupt is that there's so much pressure from below that no amount of rock can contain it any longer.
** Furthermore, Ironhide just walks right into a cave which has a few exploding rocks and a lava pool, but nothing like the massive belching of lava and ash seen from the outside of the volcano in the previous shots.

* "For the moment, I feel we must not let the boy find out." 'The moment' apparently lasts all of two seconds, as Prime ''immediately'' divulges the information to Spike.

* Ironhide is consistently shown with the group traveling to Cybertron, but disappears after they land and disembark. The next episode makes clear that he stayed on Earth.

* Why was Spike carrying around his dad's wrench on Cybertron? And how does Sparkplug have a "favorite wrench"? Does he just love screwing in 22mm bolts more than any other size?

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Optimus tud subspace.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Despite the scientifically questionable premise, there are some nice bits of continuity with the effects of Cybertron's arrival, as the winds can be seen tugging trees in the direction of the planet as it continues to suck up Earth's atmosphere. Your wiki editors fully acknowledge that this may have been pure coincidence, and that the writers and animators probably weren't thinking about it at all, but hey.

* Where's the trailer go?
** When Optimus Prime transforms into vehicle mode during the rainstorm early in the episode, his trailer rolls in from off screen, outlined by a strange glowing light effect.

[[Image:Tud2 audio disruptor waves.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Soundwave can produce "audio disrupter waves" which wreak all kinds of mechanical havoc.
** Jazz uses magnet beams to hitch a ride from Ironhide. It's an odd thing to show; he has never had this power before or since. Furthermore, magnetism is supposed to be Windcharger's schtick, and it comes into play in the very next act.
** Bumblebee can almost change his own tire: he can jack himself up, eject his own spare tire, and unscrew the bolts holding the flat tire on, all without outside help.
** Windcharger has a "tractor beam" that he uses to pull Bumblebee out of the crevasse, a big hose-like thing that slides out of his wrist. It would seem to just be a focused version of his magnetic powers, since it only pulls up Bumblebee and not a bunch of rocks and debris with him.
** To find Bumblebee, Hound uses a big scanner thing that he has to carry in both hands. (Shouldn't he have that stuff built in?)
** Trailbreaker announces his intention to activate a jamming ray to disrupt the Decepticons' scanners, but never gets around to doing so.

* So apparently, when they're not in use, the Dinobots stay in a closet!

* The little repair bay building outside of Autobot Headquarters shows up again. It hasn't been seen since "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

* The "[[Armor-plating|skin]]" of the Transformers seems to be able to endure the heat of magma for at least brief periods. Or [[Heavy Metal War|longer periods]].

===Real-world references===
* This is one of the most ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effect-laden episodes:
** The end of Starscream and Thundercracker's attack dive is soundtracked with TIE Fighter engine roar and some ''Millennium Falcon'' engine whine, possibly from the ''Falcon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dive at the Death Star trench.
** More TIE Fighter roar as Starscream and Thundercracker veer out of control.
** Laserbeak arrives to kidnap the guards with the sound of the ''Falcon'' flying over Yavin IV. As he dives, he gets the whole sequence of TIE Fighter ambient cockpit noise, including the fighter's target system locking onto an X-Wing, and one spell of Darth Vader's breathing. The ''Falcon'' on Yavin sound is used again at the end of the scene.
** Laserbeak gets more ''Falcon'' engine rumble as he returns to Decepticon Headquarters.
** When Laserbeak arrives at the crevasse, he gets TIE fighter engine noise with some Falcon rumble mixed in, possibly from the two ships approaching the Death Star. As he returns and dives, he gets more TIE Fighter noise, including the sound of its lasers firing. The Falcon-over-Yavin sound is heard as Laserbeak grabs Spike, and then another ''Falcon'' engine burst as he flies off.
** And more TIE sounds as Laserbeak gets shot by Bluestreak, and again as he flies off, smoking and damaged.

===Other notes===
* This episode is subtitled "Search" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' console game.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;VHS
*1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
*1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]])
*1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège {Malofilm) — French audio only.
*2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
;Laserdisc
*1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
*1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment]])
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Maverick Entertainment)
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Kid Rhino)
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Kid Rhino)
*2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External Links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_ultimate_doom_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Crack (episode)

2010-04-09T04:26:21Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|series2=Micron Legend
|ep=37
|prev=Mars (episode)
|next=Threaten
|title=Crack
|japanese=決意 (ぷらいど) - crack
|romaji=Ketsui [Pride]
|translation=Decision (Pride)
|image=Chamois WHY.jpg
|caption=Is wack.
|production code=TF: A-37
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Shigenori Kurī]]
|animation studio=[[Actas]]
|airdate=[[May 10]], 2003 (US) [[September 19|19 September]] 2003 (Japan)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream must choose between the human friends he has made among the Autobots and his hunger to destroy Megatron. Betrayal and conspiracy are so addictive.'''

==Synopsis==
In a secret meeting, Sideways and Thrust plot how to get the Mini-Con weapons away from the Autobots. It's all very ominous.

On Earth, Starscream finds he doesn't feel very motivated to help the Autobots build their stupid spaceship. He feels it's a waste of time when they could be off killing Megatron instead of worrying about Mini-Cons. Optimus Prime explains to Hot Shot, who is exasperated with Starscream's apathy, that the Autobots should take this opportunity to try and understand what makes Autobots and Decepticons different, and learn how to work together; after all, an inability to make such a rapport is why the two factions have been fighting for so long.

[[Image:Sshot-arm-37-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Do they really like me?" If they're fangirls.]]
Starscream, meanwhile, is quite shocked to find the human kids throwing him a surprise party. It was Alexis's idea, to thank him for the Mars rock he previously gave her. The kids present him with a crudely stitched but brightly colorful [[Chamois of Friendship|chamois]], which they have made for him themselves and claim is for cleaning the Star Saber. Starscream explains to them that he has never received a present before, so he doesn't know how to react. When Jetfire arrives to assign Starscream to monitor duty, Starscream figures that if he just slacks off, someone else will do it; Alexis has to explain the notion of teamwork to him. Starscream storms off after her abortive lecture, claiming that he needs some peace and quiet.

As with most of what Starscream says and does, this is total bluster, and he does in fact end up doing his monitor duty as assigned. When a bizarre signal appears on the screens, he goes out to investigate its source. He finds Thrust, who tries to talk Starscream into rejoining the Decepticons so that the two of them can work against Megatron from within. Fred and Billy happen by just in time to hear Thrust mention that if Starscream were to bring the Skyboom Shield to Megatron, he might be welcomed back.

Back at the Autobot base, Starscream watches the Race Team—the Mini-Cons who combine to form the Skyboom—and broods.

[[Image:Sshot-arm-37-2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Starscream is so dreamy, he's like, a dreamboat. Err, plane.]]
Fred and Billy tell the Autobots about Thrust's appearance and how Starscream chased him away. Jetfire makes a crack about how Fred shouldn't consider Starscream a hero, which is, of course, the moment when Starscream walks in on the conversation. An awkward moment is shared by all. Smokescreen arrives shortly thereafter, reporting that the Race Team have disappeared. Billy and Fred remember that Thrust wanted them, which leads the Autobots—especially Smokescreen—to accuse Starscream of stealing them. Hot Shot tries to give Starscream a chance to explain himself, but the former Decepticon doesn't bother to defend himself; since the Autobots had already made up their minds that he is a traitor, he believes that trying to get along with the Autobots is a failed experiment.

The tense situation is interrupted by a Decepticon attack, which draws the Autobots out to fight. While his erstwhile comrades face the main Decepticon force, Starscream seeks out Thrust alone high in the clouds. Brandishing the Star Saber and his chamois, Starscream rebuffs Thrust's offer, claiming he would rather stay with 'bots he can trust. Thrust is still bent on convincing Starscream to work with him against Megatron.

Hot Shot, who had been chased into a forest by Tidal Wave, runs into Alexis, Carlos, Rad, and the Mini-Con Race Team. He learns that the kids had simply taken the Mini-Cons for a walk, without notifying anyone. Hot Shot realizes he was wrong to accuse Starscream, and asks the Mini-Cons to help him.

[[Image:Sshot-arm-37-3.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Another "Yoink" moment, brought to you by Photoshop.]]
Meanwhile, Starscream is at a loss to explain to himself why he won't just kill Thrust and be done with the whole sorry affair. Thrust opines that working alongside the Autobots has caused him to go soft and forget his heritage.

On the ground, Smokescreen tosses the Skyboom Shield to Optimus, but Starscream intercepts it. Wielding both it and the Star Saber, Starscream rushes to meet with Thrust, letting the chamois fall back to Earth behind him. He wonders momentarily if he's doing the right thing, but he knows that he must go to any length to bring Megatron down. He knows that he will never forget the human kids, and in his heart he thanks them.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (3)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (6)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (9)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (24)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (25)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (26)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (27)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (16)
*[[Alexis]] (17)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (18)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (19)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (13)
*[[Runway]] (14)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (15)
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (21)
*[[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (22)
*[[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (23)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] (2)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Red Alert:''' "Hey, enough chit-chat ladies, we got a job to do." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "Ah- sorry Red Alert, but what about Starscream?" 
'''Blurr, the jerk:''' "You mean Star-traitor, don't you?"

''Starscream muses over the chamois the children have given him'' 
'''Alexis:''' "Oh, don't you like it?" 
'''Starscream:''' "Uh... no-no! I wouldn't say that. I mean it's very... colourful. It's just that I've never had anyone give me a present before." 
'''Carlos:''' "You can't be serious! What about on your birthday? You never got nothing?" 
'''Starscream:''' "Uh, so what does one ''do'' in a situation like this?" 
'''Alexis:''' "Why don't you just try saying "thank you"?" 
'''Starscream:''' "Thank you. Thank you... right?" 

"Why ''now''? Why... am I doubting myself?"
:—'''Starscream''' broods while training.

'''Fred:''' "Guys! We just saw a cone-headed Decepticon!" 
'''Blurr:''' "You mean Thrust?" 
'''Billy:''' "He was just outside our base." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "What are we waiting for? C'mon, let's go get him!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "Yeah, baby!" 
'''Fred:''' "Hang on a sec, Hot Shot. Starscream chased the creep away, already! ''Starscream is my hero''." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "You are one twisted kid."

"Hold your horses men! C'mon, let's not jump to any conclusions here. Starscream is on our side, don't you remember? And don't you forget, he's innocent unless he's proven guilty! Okay Starscream, help me out and explain what's up here, because if you don't... let's put it this way, you are ''so'' up the creek, and right now, you look pretty guilty." 
"Guilty huh? I don't think it matters what I say, because you've already convicted me. But thanks for trying, Hot Shot." 
"That is not true!" 
"''Please'', let's face facts: I am much different than you. I was programmed as a Decepticon and I don't apologize for that. I've tried my best to understand the way you and the others think, but I must admit it was a failed experiment." 
"No one said you did it, we just want to know the truth." 
"But you can't handle the truth!"
:—'''Hot Shot''', the world's worst defense attorney tries to get the truth out of '''Starscream''', who pulls a Jack Nicholson.

"Have you made your decision?" 
"I have, Thrust. I think I'll stay put here with bots I can trust."
:—'''Starscream''' answers '''Thrust''''s offer with a strange assertion, given the Autobots had earlier accused him of theft.

''(Hot Shot shoots Tidal Wave in the eye with his axle-zooka)'' 
"Alright! That's a bullseye—literally!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' being Hot Shot.

"The decision is yours: You can either become soft and forget your glorious heritage, or you can join me and should you decide the latter, it is only a matter of time until we drink from the cup of victory! You ''must choose''... but I suggest you choose wisely." 
''Starscream angsts over his choices'' 
"You childish blathering annoys me, Starscream. You are a ''Decepticon'', now ''act like one!''"
:—'''Thrust''' pulls Starscream further back into the dark side.

''Starscream symbolically leaves behind the chamois the children made for him.'' 
'''Starscream:''' ''(thinking)'' "I don't know if this is the right choice, but I have made my decision." 
'''Thrust:''' "Well? What is it?" 
'''Starscream:''' "I must do everything there is in my power to bring Megatron down, and I swear I will crush him personally.... Goodbye kids. And thanks, I'll never forget you." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "I can't believe this... Starscream... why, Starscream, WHY?!?"

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Lost in translation===
* Rad's line (in response to Starscream leaving the party) "What's his problem? He sure is self-centered!" doesn't appear to jibe with the animation of he and Carlos smiling happily. Additionally, Starscream claiming to leave for some "peace and quiet" doesn't work with the next scene, which shows him indeed dutifully following Jetfire's order of performing monitor duty.
* After the Autobots learn that Starscream "drove off" Thrust from Billy and Fred, Blurr's appreciative line is delivered in a rather hostile, accusatory tone by voice actor [[Brian Drummond]]. Then again, Blurr is kind of a jerk.

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* Starscream's wings vanish during the second scene, when he walks away from the rest of the Autobots.
* When Starscream and Thrust meet, Starscream makes hand motions like he's drawing his sword and using it, but there's nothing in his hand. A few shots later, he's actually holding his sword.
* During Thrust and Starscream's meeting in the woods, after Thrust disappears and reappears, he is layered behind the treeline, making him enormous.
* After meeting Thrust, Starscream lets out his frustrations by practicing his swordplay. During a close up of the tip of his blade, it is incorrectly drawn as the distinctive Runway-shaped tip of the Star Saber.
* Smokescreen is still referred to as such in his new "Hoist" body, likely due to the fact the character was still referred to as "Grap" (his Japanese name) on both bodies in the original Japanese scripts.
* Demolishor's purple Decepticon lasers that he fires at Jetfire become red Autobot lasers as they fly towards the Autobot.

===Continuity errors===
* Hot Shot instructs the kids to powerlink with the Skyboom Shield. This is likely some kind of error since . . . kids don't powerlink.
* After being punched in the face by Starscream, Thrust falls over and lands with a thud. It's usually impossible to land on a cloud and generally impossible to make a "thud" with them.

===Real-world references===
* The line "You can't handle the truth" is from the movie [[wikipedia:A_Few_Good_Men|A Few Good Men]]. Moments after delivering the line, Starscream isn't wearing a necktie.

===Transformers references===
* Thrust is referred to by Fred as a "cone-headed Decepticon", a possible reference to the [[Conehead|fan term]] for the ''Generation 1'' jets [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and of course, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*The intro sequence for this episode does not feature a narration by Rad or the regular series narrator [[Jim Conrad]].
*Starscream calls Thrust a "pathetic snake", which is an amusing coincidence as Thrust's voice actor, [[Colin Murdoch]], previous played the cobra-headed [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] on ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.
*As the main focus of this episode is on Starscream's angst and eventual betrayal, the battle between the Autobots and the other Decepticons is left unresolved.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;DVD
*2004 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.
*2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Kid Rhino]])
*2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[KSMFilm]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Credulous

2010-04-09T03:48:25Z

70.68.108.172: /* Miscellaneous trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|series2=Micron Legend
|ep=16
|prev=Gale
|next=Conspiracy
|title=Credulous
|japanese=慢心 (おごり) - credulous
|romaji=Manshin [Ogori]
|translation=Self-Conceit (Extravagance)
|image=Arm19 crowningawesome.jpg
|caption=Hi ho [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]!
|production code=TF: A-16
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatayama]], [[Satoru Kusuda]]
|animation studio=[[Actas]]
|airdate=[[December 27]], 2002 (English) [[April 25|25 April]] 2003 (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''During a battle over a new Mini-Con, Hot Shot and Sideways are accidentally teleported to the Decepticon moonbase. Will they be able to survive by depending on each other?'''

:''Polish title:'' "'''Podstęp'''"

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Credulous Hot Shot drivingclaws.jpg|left|155px|thumb|That looks iffy, Hot Shot.]]
At another battle for a precious [[Mini-Con]], the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s face each other, with Scavenger suspiciously absent. When Sideways and Hot Shot press forward, Starscream retreats, while Cyclonus and Demolishor also unenthusiastic about the notion of going against the Star Saber. With all the Decepticons literally running away (having apparently forgotten their alt modes), Prime and Smokescreen look for the Mini-Con.

At the battlefield, Sideways announces he's found the Mini-Con, causing him to be rushed by Megatron who sits on the bike. Megatron is able to grasp the Mini-Con, but Sideways in turn holds onto Megatron. And Hot Shot uses his hyperdrive to grab on to Sideways. Together, the three are all caught in Megatron's teleportation back to the Decepticon base. Scavenger, who was apparently passively monitoring the fight from a distance, considers the teleportation "An interesting turn of events." Prime and Smokescreen are left to look for their partner.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Megatron is unable to awaken the Mini-Con; finding the panel to be a fake, he crushes it into dust. Then Sideways reveals (via a retroactive foreshadowing flashback) to Hot Shot that this was all part of his plan to get Hot Shot inside of the Decepticon base so that he might eliminate the Decepticons. Cyclonus and Demolishor arrive and Megatron orders the battle to begin again.

[[Image:Credulous-Scavenger.jpg|right|155px|thumb|I spend a moment standing cool and mysterious on a cliff, and I come home to a mess.]]
Scavenger returns to the damaged Decepticon base. Sideways and Hot Shot take cover in a hallway and the Decepticons lead the two Autobots outside, revealing that the Decepticon base is on the moon. The duo follow the Decepticons knowing that they might be heading into a trap. Megatron's disembodied voice taunts Hot Shot. Soon, the couple are surrounded by shadowy figures, and when Hot Shot attempts to plow through one of them to get clear, he sees that one the shadows is Optimus Prime. Or is it?

After attempting to converse with a suspiciously hostile Optimus, Sideways points out that the Optimus Hot Shot is talking to isn't actually Optimus at all but actually a clever ruse. The two take cover in a Moon hole and the two agree to split up to defeat the holographic doppelgangers.

Megatron meanwhile announces that whomever can claim the Star Saber from Hot Shot is allowed to keep it. Hot Shot and Sideways finish off the holograms and Hot Shot briefly hops on Sideways' bike mode as the Decepticons begin their attack. Hot Shot leaps off of Sideways, cutting off Cyclonus's rotor, and knocking over Demolishor as he lands, ready to duel Starscream.

[[Image:Credulous-Dcon Sideways.jpg|left|155px|thumb|Figures.]]
Starscream gains the upper hand against the exhausted Hot Shot, but Megatron reveals that he's taken Sideways prisoner and is ransoming him for the Star Saber. Hot Shot is conflicted, but concedes that it's his duty to save Sideways and gives up the sword. Megatron releases Sideways, but before he can claim the Star Saber, Hot Shot verbally commands the three Mini-Cons to separate and return.

At that moment, Sideways changes sides, knocking the Star Saber away from Hot Shot to Starscream. Sideways changes his head and logo, and Hot Shot emotionally laments how he was easily deceived. Cyclonus and Demolishor literally kick Hot Shot while he's down. Starscream is about to kill Hot Shot to earn the Star Saber, but Scavenger arrives and suggest that Hot Shot has had enough.

[[Image:Credulous-Sideways and Megatron.jpg|right|155px|thumb]]
Back at the Autobot base, the Autobots and kids have been anxiously waiting. While Carlos, Billy, and Fred believed that Hot Shot would easily defeat the Decepticons, the rest of the Autobots weren't so optimistic. However they were forced in a passive position as they were unaware of the location of the Decepticon base. When Hot Shot arrives in brutal shape and falls offline, Red Alert rushes to provide aid.

Starscream celebrates his new sword, gloating that he is undeniably the most powerful warrior in the universe. This causes an enraged Megatron to destroy the monitor he was watching Starscream upon, eliciting a laugh from Sideways.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (4)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (6)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (12)
*[[Alexis]] (13)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (14)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (16)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (16)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Megatron:''' "Where is Scavenger when you need him?" 
'''Demolishor:''' "There's no sign of him anywhere, Megatron sir!" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Probably ran away with his tail between his legs." 
'''Starscream:''' "I wouldn't put it past him." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "Are you gonna have a tea party or fight?!?" 
:—The Decepticons discuss Scavenger's absence from the battle.

'''Megatron:''' "I never issued any order to evacuate, you fool! Fire! Snap out of it, men! Strafe that Autobot!" 
'''Demolishor:''' "We don't stand a chance against the same sword that inflicted so much damage on you!" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ahh, give him a break. He's still licking his wounds from the last battle! Hee hee hee..." 
'''Megatron:''' "Is absolutely everyone trying to undermine me? ''[laser blast from Sideways almost hits him]'' AHH!"
:—Megatron has leadership issues.

[[Image:Credulous-Autobots and kids.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They don't look very worried about their friends...]]
"I love that 'save the universe' stuff. Uh, I mean—way cool!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Meddling Matrix!"
:—'''Megatron''', as he delivers a kick to Hot Shot's face

"Come on, Star Saber, it's time to shut down this user's past-due account!"
:—Lame computer metaphor courtesy of '''Hot Shot'''

"The sword's stayin' with me, pal. Now get your microprocessors out here!" 
''(laughs)'' "Want to play the hard way, do you? Well, suits me just fine. I'd love the chance to initialize your disc."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Megatron''' compete with bad computer metaphors.

[[Image:Credulous-Double trouble Hot Shot.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
"Hyperdrive! Coming through! Drop or be dropped, scuzzy breath! ''[Charges at a hologram, which turns out to be Optimus. Laughs weakly.]'' Uh, Optimus! Heh heh, hope you didn't take it personally..."
:—'''Hot Shot'''

"This is officially gettin' freaky!"
:—'''Hot Shot''', coming face to face with a hologram version of himself

"It was a trap. I can't believe I didn't realize it until now." 
"Which is why you, of all bots, don't deserve to possess the sword."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Megatron'''

[[Image:Credulous Hot Shot beatdown.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Comeuppance!]]
'''Demolishor:''' "Still reeling from the shock of it all, are you, now? Why don't I help bring you back to reality!" ''[begins stomping and kicking Hot Shot]'' 
'''Cyclonus:''' "I'd be ''glad'' to lend a hand!" 
'''Megatron:''' "''[laughs evilly]'' Give the Autobot some special Decepticon attention." 
:—The Decepticons, after taking Hot Shot's sword away

'''Megatron:''' "...Do me a little favor: I need you to put that punk out of his misery!" 
'''Starscream:''' "Yes, sir." 
'''Scavenger:''' "Stop right there. There's no need to finish him off."
:—Scavenger hints at his true nature.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* The quality of animation at the beginning of the episode is very poor, but suddenly improves after the scene at the Autobot base.

===Continuity errors===
* At the very beginning of the episode, the Decepticons diss Scavenger for not being in the battle, which is odd, given that he has been at the forefront of their battles in the past two episodes.

* Hot Shot reacts with surprise when finding that the Decepticon base is on the Moon, but the Autobots already worked that out back in "[[Metamorphosis]]".

* Despite his several references to getting the Star Saber "back," Starscream has never actually been shown to have possessed it at any point prior to this episode.

* After Hot Shot slices off Cyclonus's propeller, Cyclonus either reattaches it, grows a new one, or lucks into a continuity error.

===Miscellaneous trivia===
[[Image:Credulous Megatron Sideways questionable.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No, Megatron, you ride him in the other mode.]]
*Amazingly, the entire scene where Megatron and Sideways fight over the fake Mini-Con panel is animated with both characters in compromising positions, with both voice actors David Kaye and Paul Dobson making mostly grunting sounds, a dream come true to fangirls of both characters and actors.
*This episode suggests that Sideways's motorcycle body appears to be the host for the Mini-Con Sideways head/helmet, as it briefly speaks in an almost low-intelligence manner before the Mini-Con head re-establishes control. However, the line was not present in the Japanese version of the episode, blurring the issue somewhat.
*This episode showcases narration from Alexis, rather than the normal narration from Rad
*''Credulous'' is a big word for a children's show. It's good to see the English language pushed along with [[To sell toys|selling toys]].
*Cyclonus uses his rotors to fly whilst on the Moon. HELICOPTERS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY, MAN!

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;DVD
*2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 4 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only.
*2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Kid Rhino]])
*2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[KSMFilm]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Articles in need of images]]
[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2010-04-06T02:43:34Z

70.68.108.172: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the episode Countdown to Extinction|the comic issue|Countdown to Extinction (issue)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=14
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=9
|prev2=War of the Dinobots
|next2=Heavy Metal War
|image=FHE-CountdownToExtinction.jpg
|caption="Whoa, what, really? My bad, Prime."
|title="Countdown to Extinction"
|production code=#700-11
|airdate=[[December 1]], 1984
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, both sides regroup, while Starscream puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 地球消滅計画 (''Chikyū Shōmetsu Keikaku'', "The Earth Obliteration Plan")
:''Latin American title:'' "Cuenta atrás hacia la extinción"
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|150px|I think my toy had something like this.]]

The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones to notice Megatron's absence.

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], believing Megatron destroyed, forces [[Doctor Arkeville]] to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[Image:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|right|thumb|150px|Freeze, this is the DPD!]]

Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

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

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

[[Image:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Stephen Hawking in a rare Transformers cameo.]]

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

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

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

[[Image:CountdownToExtinction.jpg|right|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prime]] helps [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to shoot his load.]]

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

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

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (26)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't you do ''anything'' right, Skywarp?" 
"Watch it you metallic mini-meatball or I'll step on you!"
:—'''Skywarp''' and '''Rumble''' shortly before the latter gets owned.

"Hey, I didn't volunteer for this geeky assignment. I want Skywarp's job." 
"Butt out, Frenzy. Geek work's made for a geek! Like you!"
:—'''Skywarp''' and '''Frenzy''' bickering before resorting to violence.

"I, Doctor Arkeville, genius of science, say... OPEN SESAME!" 
"How original."
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' shows '''Starscream''' the entrance to his secret lab.

"Hey Optimus, how'd you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?" 
"As I believe the Earthlings say...lay it on me, man."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Your destiny is to serve me, my potent beauty."
:—'''Megatron''''s interest in the exponential generator gets a little creepy.

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

'''Megatron''': Here! Have a ton of fun! 
''[Megatron throws a boulder at Optimus and misses.]'' 
'''Optimus''': Hahaha! Your aim's improving, Megatron!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is having a blast.

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:—'''Megatron''' missed Janeway too.

'''Bumblebee''': Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to Starscream?" 
'''Optimus''': Nothing gentle, I would say. 
''[general laughter]'' 
'''Jazz''': I think we seen the last of ol' Starcreep alright! And that's the first thing that's gone right all day.
:—The Autobots muse on Starscream's fate after Megatron is last seen carrying him off screen.

==Notes==
* In the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS promotional blurb for this episode, the narrator claims the exponential generator's explosion is powerful enough to destroy ''the entire universe.'' So, uhhh, maybe every bit of TF fiction produced after this actually represents a different [[universal stream]]!

===Technical or animation glitches===
* As the Dinobots push the building back into place, Grimlock has his old head design, and Sludge has that strange yellow mouth interior again.
* As Wheeljack raises his hand to indicate where the Dinobots should stop, the flashing glow of his "ears" is layered on top of his hand.
* Two Brawns are seen repairing the damaged dam, one handing the other a concrete block. In the next shot, one of them has turned into Gears, in time for Huffer to hassle him.
* When Skywarp's hand and arm reach into the frame to slap Rumble, they're in Thundercracker's colors.
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** Skywarp and Thundercracker are both missing the insignia on the back of their wings as Thundercracker steps in to tell them to shape up.
* Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door as he mocks Thundercracker.
* As the sliding doors start to open to admit Megatron, he disappears for a frame or two.
* As Megatron asks about Arkeville, Skywarp's chest intakes are colored black. Both he and Thundercracker have the bottom segments of their canopies colored orange instead of black/blue respectively.
* Skywarp is drawn delivering Thundercracker's "He's gone!" lines.
* As usual when he's playing back a tape report, Soundwave's tape door suddenly becomes transparent as Laserbeak plays back. Behind him, Thundercracker's canopy is still over-oranged, and his wings aren't symmetrical.
* The Laserbeak tape is blue in the first shot, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's normal red-and-white.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, Soundwave's hand is white, then changes to blue.
* Wheeljack is missing his ears as he watches Megatron & co. on screen.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How DID Teletraan-1 get that image of the Decepticons flying along?
* Starscream's foot is light gray instead of blue as he comments on the Doctor's originality.
* Bumblebee is tan instead of yellow as the jets fire on the Autobot convoy.
* The area in front of Starscream's neck is dark gray instead of light gray as Dr. Arkeville says he must work under his supervision.
* As Starscream prepares to flip the switch, his wings are missing most of their paint details.
* As Starscream congratulates the Doctor for understanding his intent, the stripes on his wings are white instead of red.
* In the next shot, the bridge of Starscream's nose is dark gray instead of medium gray. In fact, Starscream's nose changes color a lot throughout this episode, too much to mention.
* "Puny flesh creature!" The insignia on Starscream's wing-back is badly out of place.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as Dr. Arkeville boards his jet mode.
* As Starscream talks to Dr. Arkeville in space, his voice is muffled as though coming over a radio. Since Arkeville is ''inside'' him, shouldn't Starscream's voice be normal?
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray in the big lineup of firing Autobots. Jazz is missing his insignia. Wheeljack's ears flash for a single frame even though he's not speaking, and they're orange; he's missing his missile launcher.
* Thundercracker has no stripes or insignia on his wings as he, Soundwave and Rumble half-heartedly dodge Autobot fire (instead of landing like Megatron just ordered.)
* Starscream's elbow segment is red instead of gray after he threatens Shockwave.
* Optimus's antenna is white instead of blue as he looks up at Megatron perched on the rock peak, and again as he watches the Decepticons fly off.
* As he stands over the generator, the red button on Megatron's waist is colored blue.
* Thundercracker is drawn delivering Skywarp's "undooming themselves" line.
* The end of Megatron's fusion cannon is ''much'' too thin as he aims at Prime in front of the generator.
* As Prime warns Megatron to be careful, his faceplate drops almost all the way to his chin as he speaks.
* The damage caused to Megatron's chest by the exponential generator disappears after he leaves the lab.
* Starscream's tailfins are miscolored as he falls to Earth and impacts.
* The chest segment above Starscream's canopy is colored yellow instead of gray as Megatron looms over him.
* As the Autobots drive past cam, Ironhide and Ratchet's passenger side windows are HUGE.
* Prime's strange half-sloped windscreen design appears in the next shot.

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* The volume of the sound effects in the Shout! release of this episode are noticeably reduced from the original; the beeping of the timer after the first commercial break, for example, is barely audible.

===Continuity errors===
* Narrator [[Victor Caroli]] claims that Cybertron's orbit of Earth has "left the world in ruins". Yet somehow, after the opening scenes of this episode, we never see any signs of this catastrophic damage - in this episode or any future one.
* Megatron was beat to hell at the end of last episode. When he returns to Decepticon Headquarters, he's brand-spankin' new. Where did he get the resources to repair himself so thoroughly?
* Optimus says that "we can't let [Megatron] and the Decepticons regroup"... but it should be obvious from the screen that they already ''have'' regrouped.
*The timer that Starscream connects to the exponential generator, which starts at 8:00:00, leads to some dubious situations:
**It takes Starscream less than 30 seconds to reach outer space (and have a good bit of distance between him and Earth). He then reaches Cybertron in about 4 hours. For what it's worth, Starscream's toy [[Bio|bio]] states that he can reach Mach 2.8.
**There's a time lapse of around 15 minutes between the moment Megatron finds the exponential generator and when he opens it up. That, of course, could be overlooked seeing how it may take Megatron, who's unfamilar with the lab, that much time to figure out the controls.
**The battle outside Doctor Arkeville's lab goes on for 2 hours. Maybe not so dubious, but it's not the norm for the television series.
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is? (The very prominent ''front staircase'' might be a clue.)
* When we last see Laserbeak, he's held prisoner in Jazz's tape deck. We never do learn how he gets free.
* If the generator can melt Megatron's chest, why doesn't it melt his hands?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also [[War of the Dinobots]] for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion). In fairness, Megatron by this point has spent some time de-wiring and perhaps de-powering the device.
* While this episode is supposed to take place immediately after "[[The Ultimate Doom]]", the Japanese continuity places that three-parter at the end of the series, leaving everyone clueless as to how Starscream and Arkeville know each other and how Arkeville is turned back into a human from a cyborg.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode follows on from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]" and includes a narrative recap of that episode's crucial events.
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode...and [[FIRRIB|he's red]].
* Gadgets and powers:
** A relatively rare instance of Wheeljack firing his missile launcher.
** An even more rare instance of Mirage firing his.
** Ironhide unleashes his old favorite, supercooled nitrogen. It's a whitish-clear gas this time, coming from his retracted wrist.
** Megatron's communication with Shockwave on Cybertron is indicated by his upper-chest rectangles blinking.
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.
* We never see Arkeville again; Starscream leaves him on Cybertron as an immobilized, half-man, half-machine freak.
* The episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about showing the same 13 Autobots in Prime's strike force.
* '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's ship blew up! '''[[The Immobilizer|> >]]'''

===Real-World references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Millennium Falcon'' engine burst as Starscream approaches the secret lab.
** TIE Fighter engine roar and ''Falcon'' whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker open fire on the Autobot convoy.
** More ''Falcon'' rumble as Skywarp is hit by Wheeljack's missile.
** More TIE engine as the Decepticons move to land a second later.
** Death Star firing noise as the Decepticons launch to retreat.
** Diving X-Wings as the Decepticons leave the quicksand pit.
** TIE/''Falcon'' as Laserbeak launches to stop Ironhide.
* A sound effect more commonly used for the Road Runner is repurposed as Skywarp and Thundercracker diving to attack the Autobots.

===Trivia===
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list for this episode lists "Tyrex" and "Bronton" as [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s appearing with non-speaking roles. Evidence points to these being early names for Grimlock and Sludge coined by writer [[Donald F. Glut]]; in an interview with Glut<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070217131842/http://members.aol.com/tfencyc/interview_glut.html Interview with Donald F. Glut]</ref>, he revealed that, prior to the Dinobots receiving their final names, he had submitted more "dinosaurian" names for them. Why Glut's proposed names were used on a cast list page for an episode he did not write {{m-}} particularly when Grimlock and Sludge had been referred to in prior cast list pages under their proper names {{m-}} is unknown.
*For some reason, this episode was commemorated by an exclusive [[Super_Collection_Figure#Exclusives|Super Collection Figure]] giftset sold at the Wonder Festival 2002 convention in Japan. The set included both a metallic-painted PVC of Optimus Prime holding Megatron in gun mode and a metallic-painted PVC of Prime in truck mode.
*Yes, that is the Heroic Autobots laughing over how Megatron is going to torture Starscream at the very end.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;VHS
*1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 11: "Countdown to Extinction" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])

;Laserdisc
*1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.

;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment]])
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Maverick Entertainment)
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Kid Rhino)
*2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
<references/>

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

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2010-04-06T02:42:26Z

70.68.108.172: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the episode Countdown to Extinction|the comic issue|Countdown to Extinction (issue)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=14
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=9
|prev2=War of the Dinobots
|next2=Heavy Metal War
|image=FHE-CountdownToExtinction.jpg
|caption="Whoa, what, really? My bad, Prime."
|title="Countdown to Extinction"
|production code=#700-11
|airdate=[[December 1]], 1984
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, both sides regroup, while Starscream puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 地球消滅計画 (''Chikyū Shōmetsu Keikaku'', "The Earth Obliteration Plan")
:''Latin American title:'' "Cuenta atrás hacia la extinción"
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|150px|I think my toy had something like this.]]

The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones to notice Megatron's absence.

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], believing Megatron destroyed, forces [[Doctor Arkeville]] to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[Image:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|right|thumb|150px|I didn't know Starscream was a cop?]]

Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

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

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

[[Image:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Stephen Hawking in a rare Transformers cameo.]]

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

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

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

[[Image:CountdownToExtinction.jpg|right|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prime]] helps [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to shoot his load.]]

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

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

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (26)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't you do ''anything'' right, Skywarp?" 
"Watch it you metallic mini-meatball or I'll step on you!"
:—'''Skywarp''' and '''Rumble''' shortly before the latter gets owned.

"Hey, I didn't volunteer for this geeky assignment. I want Skywarp's job." 
"Butt out, Frenzy. Geek work's made for a geek! Like you!"
:—'''Skywarp''' and '''Frenzy''' bickering before resorting to violence.

"I, Doctor Arkeville, genius of science, say... OPEN SESAME!" 
"How original."
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' shows '''Starscream''' the entrance to his secret lab.

"Hey Optimus, how'd you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?" 
"As I believe the Earthlings say...lay it on me, man."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Your destiny is to serve me, my potent beauty."
:—'''Megatron''''s interest in the exponential generator gets a little creepy.

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

'''Megatron''': Here! Have a ton of fun! 
''[Megatron throws a boulder at Optimus and misses.]'' 
'''Optimus''': Hahaha! Your aim's improving, Megatron!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is having a blast.

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:—'''Megatron''' missed Janeway too.

'''Bumblebee''': Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to Starscream?" 
'''Optimus''': Nothing gentle, I would say. 
''[general laughter]'' 
'''Jazz''': I think we seen the last of ol' Starcreep alright! And that's the first thing that's gone right all day.
:—The Autobots muse on Starscream's fate after Megatron is last seen carrying him off screen.

==Notes==
* In the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS promotional blurb for this episode, the narrator claims the exponential generator's explosion is powerful enough to destroy ''the entire universe.'' So, uhhh, maybe every bit of TF fiction produced after this actually represents a different [[universal stream]]!

===Technical or animation glitches===
* As the Dinobots push the building back into place, Grimlock has his old head design, and Sludge has that strange yellow mouth interior again.
* As Wheeljack raises his hand to indicate where the Dinobots should stop, the flashing glow of his "ears" is layered on top of his hand.
* Two Brawns are seen repairing the damaged dam, one handing the other a concrete block. In the next shot, one of them has turned into Gears, in time for Huffer to hassle him.
* When Skywarp's hand and arm reach into the frame to slap Rumble, they're in Thundercracker's colors.
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** Skywarp and Thundercracker are both missing the insignia on the back of their wings as Thundercracker steps in to tell them to shape up.
* Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door as he mocks Thundercracker.
* As the sliding doors start to open to admit Megatron, he disappears for a frame or two.
* As Megatron asks about Arkeville, Skywarp's chest intakes are colored black. Both he and Thundercracker have the bottom segments of their canopies colored orange instead of black/blue respectively.
* Skywarp is drawn delivering Thundercracker's "He's gone!" lines.
* As usual when he's playing back a tape report, Soundwave's tape door suddenly becomes transparent as Laserbeak plays back. Behind him, Thundercracker's canopy is still over-oranged, and his wings aren't symmetrical.
* The Laserbeak tape is blue in the first shot, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's normal red-and-white.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, Soundwave's hand is white, then changes to blue.
* Wheeljack is missing his ears as he watches Megatron & co. on screen.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How DID Teletraan-1 get that image of the Decepticons flying along?
* Starscream's foot is light gray instead of blue as he comments on the Doctor's originality.
* Bumblebee is tan instead of yellow as the jets fire on the Autobot convoy.
* The area in front of Starscream's neck is dark gray instead of light gray as Dr. Arkeville says he must work under his supervision.
* As Starscream prepares to flip the switch, his wings are missing most of their paint details.
* As Starscream congratulates the Doctor for understanding his intent, the stripes on his wings are white instead of red.
* In the next shot, the bridge of Starscream's nose is dark gray instead of medium gray. In fact, Starscream's nose changes color a lot throughout this episode, too much to mention.
* "Puny flesh creature!" The insignia on Starscream's wing-back is badly out of place.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as Dr. Arkeville boards his jet mode.
* As Starscream talks to Dr. Arkeville in space, his voice is muffled as though coming over a radio. Since Arkeville is ''inside'' him, shouldn't Starscream's voice be normal?
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray in the big lineup of firing Autobots. Jazz is missing his insignia. Wheeljack's ears flash for a single frame even though he's not speaking, and they're orange; he's missing his missile launcher.
* Thundercracker has no stripes or insignia on his wings as he, Soundwave and Rumble half-heartedly dodge Autobot fire (instead of landing like Megatron just ordered.)
* Starscream's elbow segment is red instead of gray after he threatens Shockwave.
* Optimus's antenna is white instead of blue as he looks up at Megatron perched on the rock peak, and again as he watches the Decepticons fly off.
* As he stands over the generator, the red button on Megatron's waist is colored blue.
* Thundercracker is drawn delivering Skywarp's "undooming themselves" line.
* The end of Megatron's fusion cannon is ''much'' too thin as he aims at Prime in front of the generator.
* As Prime warns Megatron to be careful, his faceplate drops almost all the way to his chin as he speaks.
* The damage caused to Megatron's chest by the exponential generator disappears after he leaves the lab.
* Starscream's tailfins are miscolored as he falls to Earth and impacts.
* The chest segment above Starscream's canopy is colored yellow instead of gray as Megatron looms over him.
* As the Autobots drive past cam, Ironhide and Ratchet's passenger side windows are HUGE.
* Prime's strange half-sloped windscreen design appears in the next shot.

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* The volume of the sound effects in the Shout! release of this episode are noticeably reduced from the original; the beeping of the timer after the first commercial break, for example, is barely audible.

===Continuity errors===
* Narrator [[Victor Caroli]] claims that Cybertron's orbit of Earth has "left the world in ruins". Yet somehow, after the opening scenes of this episode, we never see any signs of this catastrophic damage - in this episode or any future one.
* Megatron was beat to hell at the end of last episode. When he returns to Decepticon Headquarters, he's brand-spankin' new. Where did he get the resources to repair himself so thoroughly?
* Optimus says that "we can't let [Megatron] and the Decepticons regroup"... but it should be obvious from the screen that they already ''have'' regrouped.
*The timer that Starscream connects to the exponential generator, which starts at 8:00:00, leads to some dubious situations:
**It takes Starscream less than 30 seconds to reach outer space (and have a good bit of distance between him and Earth). He then reaches Cybertron in about 4 hours. For what it's worth, Starscream's toy [[Bio|bio]] states that he can reach Mach 2.8.
**There's a time lapse of around 15 minutes between the moment Megatron finds the exponential generator and when he opens it up. That, of course, could be overlooked seeing how it may take Megatron, who's unfamilar with the lab, that much time to figure out the controls.
**The battle outside Doctor Arkeville's lab goes on for 2 hours. Maybe not so dubious, but it's not the norm for the television series.
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is? (The very prominent ''front staircase'' might be a clue.)
* When we last see Laserbeak, he's held prisoner in Jazz's tape deck. We never do learn how he gets free.
* If the generator can melt Megatron's chest, why doesn't it melt his hands?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also [[War of the Dinobots]] for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion). In fairness, Megatron by this point has spent some time de-wiring and perhaps de-powering the device.
* While this episode is supposed to take place immediately after "[[The Ultimate Doom]]", the Japanese continuity places that three-parter at the end of the series, leaving everyone clueless as to how Starscream and Arkeville know each other and how Arkeville is turned back into a human from a cyborg.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode follows on from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]" and includes a narrative recap of that episode's crucial events.
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode...and [[FIRRIB|he's red]].
* Gadgets and powers:
** A relatively rare instance of Wheeljack firing his missile launcher.
** An even more rare instance of Mirage firing his.
** Ironhide unleashes his old favorite, supercooled nitrogen. It's a whitish-clear gas this time, coming from his retracted wrist.
** Megatron's communication with Shockwave on Cybertron is indicated by his upper-chest rectangles blinking.
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.
* We never see Arkeville again; Starscream leaves him on Cybertron as an immobilized, half-man, half-machine freak.
* The episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about showing the same 13 Autobots in Prime's strike force.
* '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's ship blew up! '''[[The Immobilizer|> >]]'''

===Real-World references===
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Millennium Falcon'' engine burst as Starscream approaches the secret lab.
** TIE Fighter engine roar and ''Falcon'' whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker open fire on the Autobot convoy.
** More ''Falcon'' rumble as Skywarp is hit by Wheeljack's missile.
** More TIE engine as the Decepticons move to land a second later.
** Death Star firing noise as the Decepticons launch to retreat.
** Diving X-Wings as the Decepticons leave the quicksand pit.
** TIE/''Falcon'' as Laserbeak launches to stop Ironhide.
* A sound effect more commonly used for the Road Runner is repurposed as Skywarp and Thundercracker diving to attack the Autobots.

===Trivia===
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list for this episode lists "Tyrex" and "Bronton" as [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s appearing with non-speaking roles. Evidence points to these being early names for Grimlock and Sludge coined by writer [[Donald F. Glut]]; in an interview with Glut<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070217131842/http://members.aol.com/tfencyc/interview_glut.html Interview with Donald F. Glut]</ref>, he revealed that, prior to the Dinobots receiving their final names, he had submitted more "dinosaurian" names for them. Why Glut's proposed names were used on a cast list page for an episode he did not write {{m-}} particularly when Grimlock and Sludge had been referred to in prior cast list pages under their proper names {{m-}} is unknown.
*For some reason, this episode was commemorated by an exclusive [[Super_Collection_Figure#Exclusives|Super Collection Figure]] giftset sold at the Wonder Festival 2002 convention in Japan. The set included both a metallic-painted PVC of Optimus Prime holding Megatron in gun mode and a metallic-painted PVC of Prime in truck mode.
*Yes, that is the Heroic Autobots laughing over how Megatron is going to torture Starscream at the very end.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;VHS
*1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 11: "Countdown to Extinction" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])

;Laserdisc
*1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.

;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment]])
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Maverick Entertainment)
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Kid Rhino)
*2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
<references/>

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

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]

The Insecticon Syndrome

2010-04-06T02:36:22Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=29
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=21
|prev2=The Master Builders
|next2=A Prime Problem
|image=Insectsyndromefeeding.jpg
|caption=I think they have a special shampoo for that.
|title="The Insecticon Syndrome"
|production code=#700-28
|airdate=[[October 9]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Insecticons feed on a source of power which causes them to grow... and will cause them to explode if not cured.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロン・シンドローム (''Insectron Syndrome'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Beachcomber branch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|J'ACCUSE!]]

At a park, [[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], a park ranger has called for help. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] respond, driving along a rocky road (and Bumblebee is especially having trouble). The ranger shows the Autobots some trees that appeared to have been chewed on by something. Beachcomber quickly realizes that something ''did'' chew on the trees, but not by an animal—it was the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Meanwhile, the Insecticons are hiding in their current lair/hive/base thingy. They complain that the trees didn't fill them up the way that they wanted to, so the Insecticons decide to go feast on some redwoods. Meanwhile, Jeff is having trouble accepting the possibility of giant robotic insects (even though he's talking to a trio of [[Transformer|giant robotic cars]]). Suddenly, another ranger calls him, saying he's seeing giant robotic insects. The [[Autobot]]s proceed to [[roll out]].

Meanwhile, the [[Decepticon]]s are searching for their Insecticon "allies". [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has come up with a plan that will require their unique abilities. As [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] spots the Autobots, Megatron takes it as a chance to observe them in action. As the other ranger barely dodges a falling tree, the Autobots arrive. The Autobots and Insecticons throw down, until the Insecticons push a log down a hill that nearly crushes the Autobots. Our heroes jump into a river to avoid death, but they then fall over a waterfall...at least, that's what the Insecticons believe, for Hound used his [[Hologram|holograms]] to make it appear that the Autobots and humans fell over. After that, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. He explains that he intends to attack [[Iron Mountain]], a human military base, but offers the Insecticons to gorge themselves at the [[Nova Power Plant]] if they help them. Overhearing this, the Autobots contact the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

[[Image:G1 InsecticonSyndrome Bombshell Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here's your problem, ma'am. See that? Termites.]]

Receiving their signal, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads a strike force to the Nova Power Plant. Unfortunately, the Decepticons are already there. The [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] quickly down the helicopters the humans have to defend the base, while Megs, Soundwave, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] go to stop the Autobots. The Insecticons reach the [[Nova Power Core]], which they proceed to drain. However, the [[proton]]s within the core cause them to [[Size changing|grow in size]], making them as [[Scale|large]] as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Soundwave overhears what is happening, but [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] implants him with a [[cerebro-shell]]. The Insecticons proceed to kick the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and the Autobots are forced to retreat with their fallen comrades. Megatron is pleased with the Insecticons' new power, unaware that the Insecticons plan to off him.

At the base, the [[Autobot]]s use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to calculate what will happen to the Insecticons. It says that the energy from the Power Core will cause the Insecticons to explode unless something is done. However, the Autobots receive a distress signal from Iron Mountain, where the Decepticons are attacking. If the Insecticons explode there, they'll kill everyone there. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack quickly work on an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Inferno on hound.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hound's a bottom? Who'da thunk it?]]

At Iron Mountain, the Decepticons attack. However, the human defenses are surprisingly advanced for simple flesh creatures. Finally, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] takes control of the human weapons, causing them to attack the base. The Autobots arrive, but are quickly buried in rubble by the Insecticons. Entering the base, Soundwave manages to access the computer. Megatron declares that it's time to eliminate the Insecticons, only to discover that his army has been taken over by the Insecticons. Bombshell fires a cerebro-shell into [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], but Megatron manages to grab the shell fired at him and destroy it. Having finally dug themselves out, the Autobots explain the explosive situation to Megatron. Fortunately, Ratchet and Wheeljack have arrived with an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Shrapnel explode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ahhh, my head asplode. Asplode.]]

Heading into Iron Mountain, the Insecticons begin to reach critical mass, and will explode at any minute. As Megatron [[Transformation|transforms]] into [[Alternate mode|gun mode]] for Optimus to use, the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] uses the Decepticon leader to fire the antidotes into Bombshell and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]. However, Shrapnel manages to avoid his cure, so Spike bravely manages to get the cure into Shrapnel...who blows up anyway. The cures cause the cerebro-shells to deactivate, but also erase the information Soundwave downloaded. Bombshell uses a special shell to cause Shrapnel to reassemble, and the Insecticons run away, with the angry Decepticons in pursuit. With the Decepticons defeated, the day is saved.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (7)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (14)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], the young park ranger (4)
*[[Mike]], the old park ranger (9)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Gigantic robot insects that eat trees? YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING!"
:—'''Jeff the Park Ranger's''' suspension of disbelief is ruined.

"The Insecticons have done well." 
"Yes...perhaps they should lead us." 
"You test my patience, Starscream."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' after the Insecticons defeat some Autobots.

"Why, if it isn't Megatron, and his merry mechanical men!"
:—'''Bombshell'''

"Oh boy, a robotoid turkey shoot!"
:—'''Inferno''' takes aim at Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.

"Power has made the Insecticons obnoxious." 
"''And'' invincible."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"What's the matter, Megatron? Weakling humans too tough for you, for you?"
:—'''Shrapnel''' to Megatron, after the latter has been shot by a human weapon, human weapon.

"Ohhhh....that Nova Power Core is giving me heartburn...that is, if I have a heart." 
"If you have a ''brain'', you'll realize that we've got a battle to fight!"
:—'''Bombshell''' and '''Megatron'''

"Guys, you all right?" 
"Just great...if you don't mind two tons of Inferno sitting on your head plates." 
"Look, you get ten tons of boulders off my shoulder struts, and I'll get off your noggin."
:—'''Spike''', '''Hound''' and '''Inferno'''

"No one gets into my [[cranial chamber]]!" 
"Auugh, my cerebro-shell! My precious shell!" 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Bombshell'''

"We Insecticons, know how to get... it... together!!"
:—'''Bombshell''' delivers a cheesy line after reassembling Shrapnel.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* In the second binocular view of the Insecticons, Shrapnel's "cockpit" isn't colored yellow.
* Shrapnel's transformation to robot mode gets only half a transformation noise, and it's not timed to line up with the animation.
* Kickback is supposed to be in insect mode when he lands to kick the log after the Autobots, but he's drawn in robot mode, lying on his back!
* Starscream's Decepticon insignias are incorrectly the right way up when the Decepticons first approach the Insecticons.
* Megatron is missing his chest insignia during the line "At the Nova Power Plant".
* Two Skywarps are shown flying against the human helicopters.
* Buzzsaw and Laserbeak both leave Soundwave's chest with no chest-opening sound effect and no transformation noise.
* Bombshell is shown during Kickback's "making me grow" line, though given the lack of lip flap for the insect-mode Insecticons, it's not an incontrovertible mistake.
* The animation is not especially consistent about how much the Insecticons have grown. Inside the power core, they're gargantuan; when they enslave Soundwave, they're only a few heads taller than him. During the attack on Iron Mountain they're the same size as the other Decepticons.
* As Shrapnel gets Soundwave into a full nelson, Soundwave has a purple Autobot insignia.
* A trace of Ironhide's accent slips into Peter Cullen's delivery as Optimus Prime orders Bumblebee, Inferno, Beachcomber, and Jazz to help him.
* Jazz has a Decepticon insignia during a shot in Autobot Headquarters after they discover the Insecticons are time bombs, just before the second commercial break.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I supplies a 3/4 view of the Decepticons attacking Iron Mountain. The view travels with them as they fly.
* Starscream's wings are mounted much too high on his shoulders as he watches Soundwave absorb the computer info.
* When Bombshell turns to order his slaves to fire, he gets a whirring sound effect as if he were sitting on a moving platform.
* Megatron's upper gun body is black instead of light gray after he transforms in Prime's arms.
* Shrapnel loses his last-word-repeating gimmick as he summons the lightning.
* As he watches Spike run up to Shrapnel, Optimus calls him "Pike". Or maybe "Bike". [[A Prime Problem|For real]].
* Bumblebee's nose is yellow instead of white as Spike makes his awful, horrible joke.

===Continuity errors===
* Soundwave eavesdrops on the Insecticons ''with a Transformer-sized stethoscope''. As if this weren't implausible enough, he's wearing and using it in proper human fashion ''even though he doesn't have ears''.
* Wheeljack and Ironhide climbing the transmission towers does not appear to serve any rational purpose.
* Spike [[The Immobilizer|once again]] gets a wrist watch that shows up only in the shots where he needs to tell the time.
* From the time Spike looks at his watch and issues the 30-second warning to the point where Shrapnel explodes, about 1 minute and 46 seconds pass. As well, when he gives Shrapnel his 10-second warning, it takes about 47 seconds until he detonates. (On a minor note, it takes Spike 6 out of the available 10 seconds to ''say'' that Shrapnel is going to explode.) Either their estimates on when the Insecticons would explode were off, or seconds are longer in this episode than they are elsewhere.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] disappears from the episode after he is shown trapped by the boulders. Maybe he's still stuck there?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode features the first appearances of [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. However, no explanation of their origins is given.
* Where's the trailer go?
** At the start of the Nova Power Plant attack, in a head-on shot, Prime's trailer just rolls off behind him and disappears over the horizon.
* Bombshell sure gets upset when one of his (presumably limitless) cerebro-shells is destroyed. This is the closest the cartoon ever got to showing his tech spec weakness, which notes that the shells can be used against him.
* This is not [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|the first time]] that Optimus Prime has fired Megatron in gun mode, nor [[The Core|the first time]] that they've teamed up to save their skins. Nor would it be [[The Revenge of Bruticus|the last time]].
* It's also not the first time that the Decepticons have [[A Plague of Insecticons|chased the Insecticons off into the sunset]].
* According to Spike, the Insecticons have "[[trilithium stomach]]s".
* After he climbs up the electrical tower and gets electrocuted, Ironhide's forearm panel pops open and the word "Ironhide" is written on the circuits inside.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** During the battle in the park, Bombshell and Kickback both launch and fly with ''Millennium Falcon'' engine noises.
** The sound of a lightsaber igniting is used as Prime blasts away the rocks pinning down the other Autobots.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Insectsyndromespikeshoot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember kids, guns are awesome!]]
* Spike totally gets his own laser gun in this ep.
* Amongst the text that comes up on the Iron Mountain computer is a mess of BASIC programming commands and repeated "Syntax error"s.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;VHS
*2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
;Laserdisc
*1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Kid Rhino)
*2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Insecticon Syndrome}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Auto Berserk

2010-03-31T22:26:39Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=33
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=24
|prev2=City of Steel
|next2=Microbots
|image=AutoBerserk Red Alert glowing circuits.jpg
|caption=The voices in my head just told me to kill you!
|title="Auto Berserk"
|production code=#700-32
|airdate=[[October 16]], 1985
|written by=[[Antoni Zalewski]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After having his logic circuits damaged in battle, Red Alert feels rejected by the Autobots and allies himself with Starscream.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ネガベイターを奪え! (''Negavator o Ubae!'', "Capture the Negavator!")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Wahre Freunde'''" ("True Friends")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:AutoBerserk controlroom battle.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sure is nice to have the G1 series on DVD, huh, Red?]]

After the [[Autobot]]s successfully test a new super-weapon called the [[Negavator]], they are attacked by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and the [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]], who attempt to steal it for the [[Decepticon]]s. While most of the Autobots exit the bunker to fight, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] stays behind to guard the facility and operate the Negavator. At first, [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] stays to protect Red Alert, but he is eventually lured away by the call of battle, despite Red's protestations. Defeated, the Decepticons retreat, but not before [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] fires a rocket into the control room, which causes the console Red Alert was operating to explode. The Autobots return to assist him, but the odder-than-normal Red Alert brushes off their help, accusing Inferno of betraying him. However, Red Alert's injuries go deeper than the surface. His logic chips have been affected, and he begins to feel as though everyone is against him.

[[Image:AutoBerserk RedAlert consoleexplode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|IT'S OVER 9000!]]

As the Autobots escort the Negavator back to [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the Decepticons launch a sneak attack in a ravine that Red Alert does not detect due to his insecurities and his damaged state of mind. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] are buried under the rubble caused by Rumble's landslide while the Decepticon jets attempt to take on the remaining Autobots, only to be thwarted when [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] sprays a dark cloud of exhaust over them, obscuring their sensors and causing them to crash. With the Decepticons defeated a second time, Megatron retreats, leaving [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] behind. When Optimus Prime questions Red Alert about his lack of a warning on the attack, Red instead accuses the Autobots of wanting to do away with him and runs off at the suggestion that they repair his logic circuits. Starscream, observing this turn of events, follows Red into the city.

[[Image:AutoBerserk Ironhide Not RedAlert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|For me? Aw, you shouldn't have.]]

As the other Autobots try to find Red in the city, Starscream successfully gains the trust of the paranoid Autobot by sharing his similar situation, and together they form a partnership to steal the Negavator and bring both Optimus Prime and Megatron to account for their respective betrayals. Meanwhile, the Autobots have brought the Negavator back to the bunker and secured it in the lowest level while they recharge. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and Inferno are concerned that Red Alert's logic circuits will explode if they do not find him soon. Red leads Starscream to a secret entrance into the bunker, but they are unaware they are being observed by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and, in turn, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who seems to be content to let the pair of traitors do the dirty work for him.

[[Image:AutoBerserk RedAlert on Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|SURPRISE PIGGYBACK RIDE!]]

Inside the bunker, Red Alert and Starscream narrowly avoid death at the hands of the [[tunnel drone]], but manage to set off the alarms in the process, alerting the Autobots. Commandeering the Negavator, they blast their way out of the holding chamber and use the elevator to arrive on the top level. Awaiting them are the other Autobots, who mistakenly believe Red Alert is some kind of hostage to Starscream until he tells them their intentions. At this point, Megatron and Decepticons enter, causing a sputtering Starscream to agree with Megatron that he was merely delivering the weapon to his leader. When Red Alert realizes Starscream's duplicity, he attempts to fire the Negavator, only to be pulled out of the cockpit and blasted with the Decepticon's [[null-ray]]. The null-ray blast serves to stabilize Red's [[Circuits#Logic_circuits|logic circuits]], unbeknownst to the Decepticons, who attempt to force him to use the Negavator on the Autobots. Unfortunately for Megatron, Red Alert instead sets the self-destruct mechanism on the superweapon, causing the Decepticons to flee.

[[Image:AutoBerserk Infernosaves RedAlert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Don't bother trying to crucify yourself, Inferno. You'll never get that last nail driven in.]]

The Autobots run as the Negavator explodes. Discovering that Red Alert is still inside, Ironhide, then Optimus Prime attempt to enter the blaze to save their friend, but Inferno insists on doing it himself, perhaps as penance for his earlier desertion of Red. Inferno saves Red Alert from being crushed even as the remorseful Red tells the gun-slinging fire truck to leave him behind. Outside, the other Autobots cheer as Inferno carries the injured Red Alert out of the flames. Red attempts to apologize for all the trouble he has caused them, but Optimus Prime is the one who accepts the blame, for it was his insistence on testing the Negavator that started their problems. Prime declares they are glad to have Red Alert back, and commends both him and Inferno for their bravery. Red replies that with friends like the Autobots, it's easy to be brave.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Grapple]] (9)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (10)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (11)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]
**[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (13)
**[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (14)
**[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
**[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] / [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] † (16)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (19)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (20)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (21)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (23)

†-''Soundwave'' calls for ''Buzzsaw'', but ''Laserbeak'' ejects

|c3=
*Army Officer #1 (5)
*Army Officer #2 (6)
*Fire Chief (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"Someday I want to build something that doesn't get trashed!"
:—'''Grapple''', digging out the ruins of his bunker.

"I'm fine! It's just an electroglitch that comes and goes. Comes and goes."
:—'''Red Alert''' demonstrates that he's definitely ''not'' fine.

"Why can't anyone see it?! '''Inferno wants my job!'''"
:—'''Red Alert''' spirals down into paranoia...

'''Inferno''': You need immediate repairs! 
'''Red Alert''': Don't give me any of that. You just want to disassemble me for spare parts! Never! I won't let you!
:— ...and hits bottom...

'''Hoist''': Let me fix you! 
'''Red Alert''': Get back. I know ''just'' how you want to fix me!
:— ...and then grabs a shovel.

"I've got ''morons'' on my team!"
:—'''Megatron''', who knew that the WHOLE TIME.

'''Ramjet''': Hey! My circuits electric blew just out! 
'''Skywarp''': Too mine! I'm blind flying! 
'''Starscream''': Away move, before collide we!
:—Seekers the, by Smokescreen scrambled.

'''Fire chief''': Hey! That's my car! Put it back where ya found it! 
'''Ironhide''': Aw, sorry, chief; it looked like a friend of mine! 
[''Transforms and drives off''] 
'''Fire chief''': No two ways about it—I gotta take that vacation!
:—Ironhide mistakes a real car for Red Alert

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* After Soundwave transforms in front of the Army general, his cheek guards are blue instead of gray.
* When Soundwave is ejecting his tapes:
** His eject button is blue instead of gray. (And again as he prepares to take the Negavator.)
** A Frenzy-colored Ravage tape is the first one out.
** Frenzy sort of comes out twice, but the second Frenzy's colors are replaced with Ravage's half-way out.
* Grapple's helmet colors change in this episode, from the orange seen in his previous appearances, to a more toy-based dark gray (with non-toy-based orange "horns"), used from this episode on.
* As he flees from the Negavator's shots, Soundwave's eyeband is white, then blue (instead of its proper red.)
* Frenzy's Decepticon sigil is yellow as he fires alongside Ravage.
* Grapple's mouth doesn't move for the first half of his "This'll teach you" line.
* Frenzy is about twice his usual size as he tackles Optimus.
* For some reason, Optimus's rifle gets only half of its usual sound effect as Optimus defends the Negavator, making it sound a bit like Megatron's fusion cannon.
* Rumble's eyeband is white as he climbs onto the Negavator.
* While Red Alert is talking to Prime after being damaged, the background switches from the grey of the bunker to orange like the Ark and back again.
* Hoist's feet are white instead of green as he climbs aboard the Negavator.
* As Megatron berates him, Soundwave has some bits of white on his upper helmet that shouldn't be there.
* As the seekers walk into the Decepticon control room, Starscream's helm is white.
* The voice that says "The smoke is sticking to us" doesn't belong to any of the Transformers present.
* Smokescreen gets the wrong (decending pitch) transformation noise as he returns to robot mode.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as the smoke starts to wear off of him.
* The back of Ramjet's head is all dark gray as Megatron calls him a moron. The lower half should be white.
* As the Decepticons fly away from the canyon, Skywarp and Dirge fly past... followed by Thundercracker, who is in Dirge's colors for a split second, then changes to Skywarp's colors.
* As the Decepticons retreat for the second time in the show, Ramjet mispronounces Starscream's name as "Starscweam".
* Starscream gets no transformation sound as he finishes returning to robot mode, nor as he takes off from his cliff.
* Ironhide also gets the ascending pitch transformation noise as he returns to vehicle mode.
* After the second commercial break, Starscream has gone from Red Alert's right to his left.
* Thrust's robot-mode colors are off consistently for the whole episode. His air intakes and shoulders are colored red instead of dark grey, and his face is a darker gray than normal.
* As Prime calls for the Autobots to return to headquarters, Hoist's feet, then his tires, are white (instead of green / black, respectively.)
* When the tunnel drone passes over the hole Starscream and Red Alert jumped down, its tentacles are missing.
* As the elevator doors open, a flash of blue light that should presumably be over Red Alert's horns appears next to the Negavator.
* Starscream's eyes are blue as he grapples with Red Alert
* As the Autobots fire on the Decepticons, the white parts of Thrust's thighs are colored red.
* No transformation noise as Starscream retreats.
* Megatron and 5 jets are seen flying away; there should be six jets.
* White feet on Hoist again as the Autobots prepare to evacuate the bunker.
* White tires on Hoist again as the Autobots look at the smoke coming from the bunker.
* When Ironhide walks past Optimus Prime with the intention of rescuing Red Alert from the fire of the Negavator's destruction, his right arm clips right through Prime's left arm.
* After having spoken the final line of the episode, Red Alert's mouth keeps moving during the fadeout.

===Continuity errors===
* Rumble, Hoist and Megatron all use the Negavator's cockpit at various points in the episode, and somehow every time it's the right size for whomever's controlling it.
* When Soundwave is ejecting his tapes and calling their names, he calls for Buzzsaw, but Laserbeak is ejected instead and seen throughout the episode.
* Prime orders Red Alert to "analyze that noise"... in reference to a rock that just landed right in front of him.
* Judging by the dialog, the script seems to call for the Autobots to lose sight of Red as they chase him through the city. The animation to convey this, however, simply isn't there. The Autobots are ''right behind'' Red, then in the very next shot, they're pulling up to the burning building. With the not-Red Alert fire chief's car in plain sight the whole time, Hoist says "Oh no!" as if they've lost sight of Red, only for Ironhide to chime in "I see 'im!" a second later.
* It's pretty unlikely that a fire chief's car would be a Lamborghini Countach, but we can really lay that one at the feet of Hasbro/Takara, who developed the toy that became Red Alert.
* In Act 3, the Negavator's effect suddenly changes from "cleanly vaporize" to "cause big explosion".
[[Image:AutoBerserk OptimusPrime closedeyes.jpg|right|200px|thumb|My eyes! The goggles do nothing!]]
* It's always bizarre when the Autobots cough in reaction to smoke; it happens here as they leave the bunker. Optimus even squeezes his eyes shut.
* Megatron became fairly acquainted with Grapple in "[[The Master Builders]]"; how does he not recognize him hiding amongst his troops in the final battle for the Negavator?

===Continuity notes===
* Soundwave heaves out four of his current five cassettes in one go, the most we've seen thus far in the series.
* Gadgets and powers:
** The "horns" on Red Alert's head light up when his sensors detect Decepticon activity nearby... at least, that's how they work when he's not going loony.
** Optimus Prime's gun apparently has a "machine gun" setting.
** Hoist extends a pair of tentacle-like grapplers from his tow truck form to clear out the rubble of the bunker.
** Later, he extends a multi-segment crane arm with a huge grappling claw on the end. Grapple has the same claw attached to his crane arm.
** Smokescreen's smoke emerges from nozzles hidden behind his rear lights, rather than the usual tailpipe. It gets to show off its "magnetic" properties, adhering to the Seekers after they fly through it.
** Smokescreen uses his other ability as well, blowing out the Seekers' electrical circuits with blasts that he fires from his fists.
* Frenzy actually tackles Optimus Prime. Strong little guy. Or nuts.
* This is one of the few times, possibly the only time, when Megatron criticizes Soundwave.

===Real-world references===
*Red Alert cops the tagline of Clint Eastwood's character Dirty Harry: "Go ahead, Soundwave... make my day."
*Megatron's line about "morons" is a verbatim quote from the 1970s classic ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid''.
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** X-Wing diving whine can be faintly heard as Buzzsaw strafes the bunker.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst and X-Wing diving as Soundwave's crew retreats.
** ''Falcon'' engine roar for Rumble's missile.

** ''Falcon'' engine burst and Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding, as Megatron launches to take the Negavator.
** TIE Fighter roar as Ramjet descends toward the Negavator.
** Death Star turbolaser as the Autobots drive off the Decepticons in the canyon.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Starscream takes off from his cliffside perch.

===Trivia===
*And just why were the peaceful Autobots working on a highly destructive super weapon anyways? No wonder Red Alert was paranoid.
* This is Red Alert's biggest role in Transformers fiction, and has shaped many fans' perception of him... despite the fact that he was off his rocker for most of it.

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;VHS
*1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
;Laserdisc
*1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Kid Rhino)
*2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://imdb.com/title/tt0808814/ IMDb's page for this episode]
* [http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep33/ Teletran93's page for this episode]
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/auto_berserk.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5

2010-03-22T03:18:57Z

70.68.108.172: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=70
|series2=2010
|ep2=5
|prev2=Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4
|next2=Thief in the Night
|title="Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5"
|image=FFOD5_Galvatron_lever.jpg
|caption=How can he possibly resist the diabolical urge to pull the lever that could erase his very existence?
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1986
|written by=[[Flint Dille]]
|production code=700-90
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''With Earth and Cybertron under joint Decepticon-Quintesson assault, the Autobots raise a last stand against their old enemies...and the race which created them.'''

:''Japanese title:'' クインテッサ星人の陰謀 (''Quintessa Seijin no Inbō'', "Conspiracy of the Quintessons")
:''German title:'' "'''Die fünf Gesichter der Finsternis, Teil 5'''" ("The five Faces of Darkness, Part 5")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:FFOD5 Decepticons attack.JPG|left|150px|thumb|Galvatron, can he join my armada?]]

The [[Decepticon]]s open a sortie against the [[Autobot]]s on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and the initial attack took out the whole defense system. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] tells the others to go, while he holds them off. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] says that Magnus's courage will be remembered. Unsaid is the possibility that there will be no one to remember it. From their ship, the [[Quintesson]]s calculate that it will take less than a day to completely defeat the Autobots. After all, they've given [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] something worth fighting for...

On Earth, the new Decepticon battle station heads for [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. [[Pipes]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] lead a counter offensive, but their efforts are stymied when the station [[Transformation|transforms]] into [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Warpath orders [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to activate the defense systems, but Trypticon causes [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] to collapse on the ship, destroying it. With his task there complete, Trypticon heads to his next target: [[Autobot City]].

[[Image:FFOD5 Predacons.JPG|right|150px|thumb|Know that there are five Predacons. The other guys are posers!]]

On [[Io]], [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] hurries to rescue [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], and [[Marissa Faireborn]] from certain death from the natives. However, the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] arrive to steal the [[Transformation cog|Transformation Cog]] intended for [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Initially, the Predacons turn out to be all bark with no bite. However, they merge into [[Predaking]], and manage to disorient Wheelie, Blurr, and Faireborn. However, Sky Lynx attacks Predaking, and causes him to separate. Sky Lynx orders the others to board him, and Wheelie discovers the cog.

Meanwhile, Galvatron orders [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] to give a status report to the Quintessons. However, Blitzwing overhears that the Quintessons don't have the [[Decepticon Matrix]]. What's worse, they want the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] to pull a [[large switch]] which will deactivate the [[Transformer]]s all over the galaxy. Blitzwing tries to tell Galvatron, but the psychotic [[Decepticon leader]] merely beats him. Blitzwing realizes that there is one other option...side with the Autobots to stop the Quintessons.

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|150px|thumb|Godzilla vs. Megazord!]]

On Earth, Trypticon has arrived at Autobot City, but Wheelie is able to get the cog to Pipes, who installs it in Metroplex. Coming online, Metroplex and Trypticon throw down. Their battle extends into another city (which everyone manages to evacuate from). Finally, Metroplex manages to overwhelm Trypticon, and throws Trypticon a great distance, where he lands in the ocean and sinks.

On Cybertron, Blitzwing, Rodimus Prime, and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] manage to stop the Sharkticons, but Galvatron, thinking the switch is the key to the Decepticon Matrix, pulls it. With the Transformers offline, the Quintessons land on Cybertron. As the Quintessons enjoy how great it is to be home, Spike grabs Rodimus' weapon, and destroys the lever. Reactivating, an incredibly angry Galvatron begins chasing the Quintessons, who manage to escape. Galvatron then prepares to fight Rodimus, but Blitzwing pulls his weapon on Galvatron, telling him that this has to end. Galvatron banishes Blitzwing from the Decepticons, and orders the Decepticons to retreat.

[[Image:FFOD5 Rodimus victory speech.JPG|right|150px|thumb|Optimus would have given a more rousing speech.]]

Rodimus notes that the battle is over for now, but the Autobot leader also notes that the Transformers may well have met their greatest enemies...
{{-}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (5)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (6)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (8)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (9)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (12)
* [[Pipes]] (13)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (14)
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (15)
* [[Tailgate]] (16)
* [[Outback]] (17)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (18)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (19)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (20)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (21)
* [[Eject]] (22)
* [[Rewind]] (23)
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (24)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (26)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (27)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (30)
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (31)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (32)
* [[Slingshot]] (33)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (48)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (49)

|c2=
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (1)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (2)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (3)
* [[Sweep]]s (4)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (11)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (28)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (29)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (34)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (35)
* [[Headstrong]] (36)
* [[Tantrum]] (37)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (38)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (39)
* [[Predaking]] (30)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (31)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (32)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (33)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (34)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (35)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (38)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (36)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (37)
* [[Motormaster]] (39)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (40)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (41)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (42)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (43)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (44)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (45)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (46)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (47)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Marissa Faireborn]] (25)

|c4=
* [[Quintesson]]s (10)
* [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] (35)

}}
==Quotes==
"Olé, sucker!" 
:—'''Wheelie''' the bullfighter!

"Mighty Galvatron, there is no Decepticon Matrix!" 
[''smacks him away''] "Tell it to the Autobots!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' gets some inspiration from '''Galvatron'''

"Faster, Pipes, faster faster faster faster faster! You gotta work faster because if you don't Trypticon's gonna stomp us and that's why we're gonna get..." 
"Blurr...shut up!"
:—'''Pipes''' gives '''Blurr''' an idea.

"This planet's not big enough for the both of us." 
"Me crush Metroplex!"
:—'''Metroplex''', the gung-ho cowboy, meets '''Trypticon''', the ravaging dinosaur.

"We Transformers have looked into the face of our creators...and seen the face of an enemy."
:—'''Rodimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Cyclonus oddity armadaesque.jpg|thumb|right|150px| ]]
* During the recap, Galvatron's "Very well, Junkions" line is not flanged.
* In the opening pan, the entire Decepticon army seems to be made up of randomly recoloured Sweeps and Cyclonuses. Among the more visible examples are Sweeps colored like Breakdown and Wildrider.
* Rodimus's spoiler ridge is colored yellow instead of orange as Kup laments the loss of the defense system.
* Springer changes places between shots, going from Magnus's right to directly behind him (and back again when the first shot is recycled.)
* As Magnus turns to open fire, the foreshortening of his arm is bizarrely misdrawn.
* As Galvatron continues to descend and fire, an extra Cyclonus appears in Dirge's colors, alongside the actual Cyclonus.
** A Dirge-colored Cyclonus strafes Cybertron after the first commercial break.

* The click sound of the button pushed by the Quintesson to activate his monitor doesn't coincide with the actual push of the button.
* The Quints' view of Earth initially shows partly cloudy skies... then Trypticon just appears out of nowhere against the same sky. We'll be kind and not count this monitor view under "Improbable Viewpoints".
* Warpath neither moves his faceplate nor flashes his cheek blinkers when he speaks.
[[Image:FFoD5 MiniVehicles.jpg|thumb|right|250px| ]]
* Swerve disappears after the initial shot of the Autobot ambush, and is replaced by Beachcomber.
* The view of Trypticon smoking and damaged is set against a starry night sky, despite the scene occurring during the daytime.
[[Image:Giantscamper.jpg|thumb|right|250px| ]]
* An establishing shot of Metroplex shows him sitting in the desert all by himself, without [[Autobot City]] anywhere in sight. He also has Scamper sitting in his "garage", drawn to toy-based scale... which means he'd be a hundred foot long car.
* Sky Lynx flies behind a smooth, featureless reddish body. If it's supposed to be Io, it's ''waaaaaay'' too small, not more than a couple hundred feet across. In fact it's too small to be a regular round body.
* Io has changed colors; an establishing shot shows it to be red instead of the gray it was last time. Of course, the ''real'' Io actually ''is'' red.
* In the first shot of Blurr, Wheelie, and Marissa fighting the lipoles, none of them is standing on Io's surface.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How does Blaster get an eye-level view of Marissa fighting on Io?
* When Wheelie loses the transforming cog, three of the next four shots are shown against a blue sky with clouds, rather than the night sky of Io.
* Once again, the animation fails to convey that the lipoles are an actual threat.
* In the second shot of Warpath's team of [[Mini-Vehicle]]s outside Autobot Headquarters, Beachcomber is colored like Wildrider.
* Powerglide gets a descending-pitch transformation sound as he changes to his plane mode and takes off. Launching aerial Transformers normally get the rising-pitch version.
* The Constructicons watching Trypticon on the hill are much larger than they should be.
* Scrapper's faceplate changes from grey to red as he listens to Bonecrusher.
* Five Autobots drive toward Trypticon, but the next shot shows only three getting kicked away.
* Pipes and Swerve seem to be firing lasers right out of their windshields.
* The sound effect for the shot that Trypticon fires at the camera lags behind the shot itself.
[[Image:Cycloni ffod5.jpg|thumb|right|250px| ]]
* Cyclonus and his Armada:
** Four Cyclonuses are shown strafing Cybertron after the first commercial break.
** The next shot shows two Cycloni.
** While retreating from Cybertron, there are five Cyclonuses flying with Galvatron.
* Ultra Magnus punches Ramjet, who spirals out of control. When he hits a wall and explodes, he's colored like Dirge. The error is particular visible since Dirge himself gets the same punch-and-explode treatment a second later.
* When Galvatron transforms to fire on Ultra Magnus, his arm cannon flies off screen, and a new one comes out of his head to take its place in cannon mode. (Again!)
* Magnus and Galvatron's voices are muffled as if they were speaking by radio, even though there's no reason for them to do so. Dirge and Ramjet suffer from a similar though less obvious effect in the same scene.
* Bumblebee and Powerglide are briefly visible fighting alongside Perceptor against the Sweeps on Cybertron, despite being on Earth at the time.
* Streetwise has a red chest (Red Alert's color scheme?) as he stands next to Perceptor and Slingshot, firing.
* Blitzwing's voice isn't properly flanged as he acknowledges Galvatron's command to report to the Quintessons.
* In the establishing shot before Sky Lynx arrives, Marissa and the 'bots aren't even trying to fight off the lipoles! Incidentally, Io's gone back to being gray.
* Sky Lynx's first transformation sequence lacks any transformation sound.
* The squawks that Sky Lynx lets loose after transforming are not by his voice actor! (The whole animal noise shtick for him would be dropped after this episode.)
* The Predacons get some bizarre use of the transformation noise. It plays as they emerge from the balls of fire that carried them to Io (a means of transport that they never used again.)
* Headstrong and Tantrum arrive carrying their guns, but a second later they charge into battle with their swords. They then proceed not to use either weapon.
* Sky Lynx's transporter section transforms to lynx mode, but is back in transporter mode when Blurr and Marissa run away from it.
* Headstrong's beast mode head has a huge swath of black on it in two different shots.
* Blurr lacks a transformation noise as he changes modes to cross the canyon.
* Predaking gets the transformation sound ''every time he moves''.
* Sky Lynx's transporter section lacks the transformation sound as it converts to lynx mode again. Apparently, Predaking sucked up all the transformation noises from the whole scene.
* When Predaking fires his foot weapons, a laser emerges. The weapon's effect, however, is shown as a windstorm.
* Sky Lynx's combining sequence is a little messed up; his lynx legs are shown unfolding, but since his lower half was already in lynx mode, they should be unfolded already.
* Predaking's head is on backwards as Sky Lynx wraps his tail around it.
* As Trypticon approaches Autobot City, the city is shown in a barren desert. It had [[The Transformers: The Movie|previously been shown]] to be located in a lush mountain valley, and is shown that way again at the end of the episode.
* Slingshot is seen running about in Autobot City as it transforms, even though he was last seen on Cybertron with Perceptor.
* As Blaster despairs over Sky Lynx's absence, his helmet is white instead of red.
* Scrapper's mouthplate continues moving even as Mixmaster gives the order to fire. (And why is Mixmaster giving the orders, anyway?)
* As the Autobots exit Sky Lynx, the transforming cog is shown as a large gear wheel, instead of an orb-shaped device. Sky Lynx's windows aren't colored in, either.
* Night sky is shown behind Marissa as she orders Blurr to "stop babbling"...
** And again behind Blurr as he prepares for his "lateral"...
** And again behind the cog as Wheelie throws it to Sky Lynx...
** And again behind Sky Lynx as he flattens the Decepticon lineup...
* As Blurr throws the cog, Thrust flies past in Laserbeak's colors. This was probably intended to be Laserbeak himself, since Thrust just got swatted.
* As the Constructicons try to tackle Wheelie, they're shown on a metal floor, despite the preceeding and following shots being shown in the desert. Motormaster likewise goes from desert to metal floor as he accidentally tackles Bonecrusher.
* When Wheelie faces off against the big line of Decepticon troops, all three Insecticons are present, including two Shrapnels. Bombshell's eyes aren't colored in. Blast-off and Swindle are also in the lineup, despite appearing on Cybertron at the start of the attack there.
* It's an AKOM episode, so watch for Soundwave's white backpack as Sky Lynx flattens him. Soundwave has replaced a duplicate Shrapnel who was in the lineup earlier.
* Sky Lynx clearly throws the cog horizontally, yet it somehow arcs so high that Trypticon can't catch it. As Trypticon lunges for the cog, it's the size of his fist -- the same fist that easily held Outback earlier in the episode.
* When the Autobots are celebrating the safety of the transformation cog after the little game of catch with the Decepticons, two Constructicons and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] are seen "raising the roof" along with them. Slingshot shows up again, too, along with a generic model colored like Dead End.
* Metroplex is back in city mode as Trypticon prepares to stomp him.
* The hand that topples Trypticon does not come from the actual location where Metroplex's arms are stored in city mode.
* When Metroplex transforms, Autobot City is nowhere in sight.
* Metroplex's single line is delivered in a different voice than that of his later appearances.
* Who knew Trypticon was so aerodynamic? After Metroplex throws him, he falls ''up'' in the second shot of him sailing over the landscape.
* The late Ratchet is among the Autobots cheering Metroplex's victory, in Blaster's colors. And is that ''another'' Ratchet in the background?
* The [[large switch]] stops glowing after the Sharkticons arrive.
* For some reason, a view of Cybertron is used as an establishing shot for Earth.
[[Image:FFoD Part5 Frozen Metroplex.jpg|thumb|right|250px| ]]
* Spinger and Arcee are shown among the frozen Autobots on Earth, despite being on Cybertron. Sludge is shown in the same shot in Grimlock's colors (and possibly with Grimlock's head.)
* As the Quints venture onto Cybertron, a frozen Sweep is shown with red (pink?) wings.
* A second later, the Quintessons walk past a frozen [[Rewind]] (or [[Eject]]), drawn at the size of an ordinary Transformer and colored like [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].
* The energy beams of the fleeing Quintessons don't line up with their bodies.
* Mixmaster and Scrapper are seen on Cybertron as the Quintessons escape, despite the Constructicons being on Earth.
* Sky Lynx is far too small as he and the others watch Rodimus on screen.
* Although both the [[Kid Rhino]] and [[Shout! Factory]] versions of this episode contain the correct unique opening titles for the story (one of only two parts of "Five Faces of Darkness" on DVD that do), the Shout! version incorrectly uses the soundtrack to the standard season three opening as now found on the broadcast masters to all five parts.

===Continuity errors===
* The opening pan over Cybertron shows it with two moons, even though Unicron ostensibly devoured both of Cybertron's moons during ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. One moon appears again as the Quintessons make their battle projection.
* Kup says that "that blast took out the whole defense system". But it wasn't a ''blast''; it was a crashing space ship.
* Spike retains his superhuman capabilities, surviving a blast that trashes the room he's in and sends his Autobot friends flying.
* So if everyone actually retreated to Level 2, per Rodimus's order, then who are all those Decepticons firing at? How long would it take them to gang up and overpower Magnus, if he's really the only one left?
* The answer comes a moment later, when Perceptor and company are seen to have ignored that order.
[[Image:G1 FFODPart5 UltraMagnus punch Dirge.jpg|thumb|right|250px| ]]
* Dirge and Ramjet both appear to explode rather fatally after Magnus punches them. Both will nevertheless show up alive and well in later episodes. Considering they were already seen eaten by Unicron in the Movie, this is not so surprising.
* Despite the absence of the transforming cog, both Autobot City ''and'' Metroplex are showing transforming to their respective battle station modes. Apparently, Metroplex only needs the cog to change into robot mode.
* Most of the battle on Cybertron is shown happening on the surface, with no ceilings and blue night skies, despite Rodimus's order to retreat below ground. Yet Blitzwing still flies underground to report to Galvatron.
* There appears to be a human city quite close to Autobot city, but previously in the [[The Transformers: The Movie|Movie]], there were no signs or suggestions of a human city being nearby. In addition, this poses the question of why the Autobots or humans built their cities so near to each other despite the fact that Autobot City is often under attack by Decepticons.
* Superhuman Spike has amazingly little trouble hoisting Rodimus's gun onto his shoulder.

===Continuity notes===
* Pipes cites the late Optimus Prime and quotes his catchphrase, "Transform and [[roll out]]!"
* Gadgets and powers:
** Bumblebee is shown with a rooftop cannon in vehicle mode during the first attack run on Trypticon. The weapon appears to be based on that of Outback.
* Galvatron makes reference to his last meeting with Ultra Magnus, on the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]].
* This episode is the first and only appearance of Tailgate. Swerve would later appear briefly in "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]".

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak and Thrust emerge from Trypticon's chest with the sound of the ''Millenium Falcon'''s engine burst.

===Trivia===

* Just from the episode alone, it's impossible to tell who the line "It'll be passing above us soon" is being spoken by, as it doesn't correspond to any of the known voices of the Autobots present. This just left Swerve and Tailgate as possible candidates for the line (since neither was ever seen to speak any other lines, it could have been either of them). The episode's script would later confirm that the line belonged to Tailgate, and was delivered by the eternally overlooked [[Ted Schwartz]].

==Home video releases==
{{note|All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.}}
;VHS
*1990 — ''The Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
*1990 — ''The Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness (Family Home Entertainment)
*1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
*2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
*2002 — ''Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness: Parts 1-5 ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Kid Rhino]])
*2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Kid Rhino)
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]])
*2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 4: Series 3.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]])
*2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
*2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
*2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 07: Stagione Tre Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio.
*2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
*2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]])
*2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/five_faces_of_darkness_part_5.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Lost and Found (Animated)

2010-03-17T01:56:21Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Lost and Found}}
{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|image=TFA Lost and Found Lugnut Blitzwing Earth modes.JPG
|caption=These two are Megatron's only hope…he's in trouble.
|ep=11
|title="Lost and Found"
|airdate=[[March 1]], 2008
|written by=[[Rich Fogel]]
|directed by=[[Irineo Maramba]] [[Yutaka Kagawa]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]]
}}

'''The Autobots clash with Decepticons Lugnut and Blitzwing, who come to Earth searching for their missing leader, Megatron.'''

:''German title:'' "'''Die alten Waffen'''" ("The Old Weapons")
:''Polish title:'' "'''Znaleziona zguba'''" ("Lost and Found")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:LugnutBlitzwingNemesis.JPG|left|170px|thumb|The scourge of poor parking.]]
A lunar rover examines recent seismic activity on the Moon's surface and stumbles upon the crashed [[Nemesis (Animated)|''Nemesis'']]. As it moves in for a closer look, a huge, unidentified object lands on the rover and crushes it. The huge thing turns out to be [[Lugnut]]. His partner, [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] berates him for his clumsiness, but then offers some dancing lessons. An annoyed Lugnut points out they've traveled across the galaxy to find [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron's]] ship, not become light on their feet. Blitzwing comments that this is the same sector in which they lost track of [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], and an argument breaks out (Lugnut doesn't like Lockdown), culminating in Lugnut confidently stating he ''knows'' Megatron still lives.

On Earth, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] is rudely awakened from a stasis nap by an unapologetic [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]], who is in the middle of a street hockey game with [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]. The game picks up, and Bumblebee is about to score, when a trash can makes a save! Sari tries to write it off, but Ratchet is quick to notice the [[AllSpark Key]] currently plugged into said can. He tells her off, but they are interrupted when the Key begins to glow, followed by two glowing objects entering Earth's atmosphere. As a prophetic Ratchet decides this can't be good, camera-bots move in to investigate, but are quickly crushed by Blitzwing. Both he and Lugnut mistake a nearby crane as a sentient life form, and Lugnut demands to know Megatron's location. After a shove, the crane responds by slamming its wrecking ball into Blitzwing. Watching a live feed, Megatron muses over whether or not he can risk revealing himself. After all, he has already been betrayed once. At their home base, the [[Autobot]]s get ready to mobilize. Sari is all fired up, but both Ratchet and [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Prime]] tell her she needs to wait behind, as they want to protect the innocents. (Bumblebee very quickly points out that ''they're'' innocent too.)

[[Image:Lugnutfist.JPG|right|170px|thumb|''Tekken 6: Robot Revolution''.]]

Back at the construction site, Blitzwing and Lugnut have decided to devastate the place in order to draw out the Autobots. It works, and things quickly kick off as Optimus is forced to slice a tanker thrown by Lugnut in half. This promising opener falls apart when Blitzwing prevents both Prowl and Bumblebee from launching any attacks. Ratchet manages to trap some of Lugnut's missiles (though they break through his magnetic grip, they still don't hit any of the Autobots), but as Bulkhead tries to outmuscle the massive 'Con, Lugnut proves to be too powerful and throws him aside. The combined efforts of Blitzwing and Lugnut prove too much for the Autobots, and things go from bad to worse when they tell the [[Decepticon]]s that Megatron burned up "over Cleveland". Screaming "Megatron lives!", a raging Lugnut activates his [[Rocket punch|rocket fists]] and levels the entire area, flooring the Autobots and burying both himself and Blitzwing. As the Decepticons unbury themselves from the rubble, Blitzwing tells Lugnut to warn him before using his big punch…again.

As the Decepticons free themselves, Megatron becomes convinced of Lugnut's loyalty and opts to contact only him. Lugnut automatically decides to abandon the battle and answer the summons, dragging Blitzwing along and leaving behind some very confused Autobots. Blitzwing headbutts Lugnut in midair, and Lugnut responds in kind, slamming Blitzwing down into an army base. He explains he heard Megatron's voice, but Blitzwing merely hears approaching police. He suggests they scan local vehicle modes and hide, but Lugnut refuses until Megatron orders him to do so. He quickly scans a bomber, while Blitzwing, after a quick argument between his faces, scans both an assault tank and a fighter jet. [[Captain Fanzone]] arrives, but the Decepticons are already hiding in plain sight.

[[Image:TFA Lost and Found Ratchet Sari argue.JPG|left|170px|thumb|Are you Samuel James Witwicky?]]

The Autobots have returned to base and are making repairs. The constant danger of attack makes Prime decide the best thing to do would be to repair [[Teletran-1|their ship]] and take the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] off of Earth. Sari takes this very badly, and she is most unwilling to use the AllSpark Key to help Ratchet fix the ship. For his part, Ratchet is less than pleased about having to work with a "protoform". Prime settles it by ordering the two to be partners.

Meanwhile, Lugnut and Blitzwing are perched on a blimp, observing the city below. As Blitzwing comments on the [[Human|local wildlife]], Megatron transmits information on the AllSpark Key to Lugnut and orders the retrieval of it and the AllSpark. Lugnut immediately transforms, followed by a less-than-willing Blitzwing.

[[Image:TFA Lost and Found AllSpark vision.JPG|right|170px|thumb|"Who dares disturb the wizard!?!"]]

At [[Lake Erie]], the Autobots arrive, with Ratchet and Sari still bickering. They are quickly interrupted by Blitzwing and Lugnut. Ratchet and Sari make a break for it, but Blitzwing freezes the lake, preventing them from reaching the ship. However, they get a hand from Lugnut, who accidentally blasts a hole for them to get through. The Autobots dive in, and as Ratchet heads for their ship under , Lugnut and Blitzwing are stalled by the rest, thanks to some clever thinking from Prime. In the Autobots' ship, Ratchet has a moment alone with the ship, but ends up fighting with Sari, who storms off to the AllSpark's cargo bay. Dejected, she gets the idea of damaging the ship enough to prevent it flying, but the AllSpark Key quickly repairs it. Suddenly, the AllSpark opens to reveal an image of Megatron's head and the Key. Moments later, a fully restored Megatron materializes, and a terrified Sari panics and opens the airlock. As water pours in, Ratchet manages to save her. Sari confesses to her sabotage, but a sympathetic Ratchet explains the reason he wants to leave is because he cares about the planet and its people, especially Sari.

[[Image:ArkCannon.JPG|left|170px|thumb|This is gonna leave a mark.]]

Finally understanding, Sari agrees to help. Ratchet reveals the ship was originally a military vessel, and he hopes to bring the weapons bay back online. Outside, the Autobots are in serious trouble, but Sari's AllSpark Key soon reactivates the weapons bay, and Ratchet tells Optimus to draw the Decepticons to the ship. As they close, he activates the main cannon and blows the pair of Decepticons to kingdom come. A furious Megatron loses his link, and the Decepticons crash down onto the surface of the lake in several badly damaged pieces.

[[Image:Badsign.JPG|right|170px|thumb|Want to make a bad day worse? Just add Starscream.]]

Back at base, Sari uses the AllSpark Key to patch up Bumblebee, acting rather Ratchet like when he asks for some customization. Ratchet reveals that even with the Key, it'll take some time to get the ship up and running, so they won't be gone for a good while, and Sari smiles happily.

At the lake, Blitzwing calls for help, while Lugnut begs for a sign of Megatron's forgiveness. Remarkably they get a sign—a bad one, as Starscream shows up, promising repairs, in exchange for loyalty.
{{--}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Lugnut]] (1)
*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (11)

|c3=
*[[Sari Sumdac]] (4)
*[[Captain Fanzone]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Hothead Blitzwing''': Careful, you copper-clad klutz! You stepped in something! 
'''Random Blitzwing''': But with a few dancing lessons, you'll be light on your stabilizing servos like me. Cha cha cha. 
'''Lugnut''': Silence, Blitzwing! I did not follow this beacon halfway across the galaxy for dancing lessons! This was Megatron's ship! 
'''Random Blitzwing''': Ahaha, Starscream never did have a knack for parking.
:—Blitzwing and Lugnut find a crashed Decepticon warship on the Moon.

[[Image:TFA Lost and Found Blitzwing Lugnut crane attack.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Hug-a-wrecking-ball day never really took off.]]

'''Hothead Blitzwing''': These can't be those miserable Autobots, they're far too small— 
'''Random Blitzwing''': But look at that one! It's big, it's bold, it's sassy! 
'''Lugnut''': You! What have you done with our beloved leader Megatron? Talk!
:—The Decepticons interrogate a highly suspicious-looking crane.

"Where is our glorious leader? Where is Megatron?!" 
"Big scary dude?" ''[to Optimus]'' "Didn't he turn into a fireball somewhere over Cleveland?"
:—'''Lugnut''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times: Give me some warning before you use ze punch!"
:—'''Hothead Blitzwing''' to Lugnut

'''Icy Blitzwing''': The Autobots have called in reinforcements. Perhaps we should lay low until we can determine their strength and numbers. 
'''Lugnut''': I will not hide. I will stand proudly and shout ''Megatron's name'' to the ''heavens''! 
'''Megatron''': Oh, for spark's sake...
:—Sometimes, the fanatic thing just gets ridiculous.

'''Optimus''': We'll have to repair our ship and move the AllSpark off this planet. 
'''Bulkhead''': We can't just pick up and go. How will we break the news to Sari? 
'''Bumblebee''': She's a big girl. She'll understand. 
''[Scene switches to Sari crying "No" at the top of her lungs]'' 
'''Bumblebee''': I think she's taking it well.
:—The Autobots tell Sari that they're leaving.

"Help! Give me a hand! Or-or a foot! How about a pelvis?"
:—'''Random Blitzwing''', unusually happy about being in pieces.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
* Blitzwing transforms to tank mode to drop into Lake Erie, but right after he plunges in and appears before the Autobots, he's in robot mode. Why didn't he just go to robot mode in the first place? (In-continuity answer: Blitzwing's angry persona uses the tank mode as opposed to the jet mode, according to [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 1|Megatron Rising]]", so him getting angry at Lugnut caused his transformation automatically. Out-of-continuity answer: [[To sell toys]].)
* In the Autobots' first scuffle with the 'cons, Ratchet uses his magnetic powers to grab a bunch of missiles fired by Lugnut, exclaiming that he can't hold them forever. However, they just seem to disappear after that, as it's never shown whether or not they hit anything.
* As seen in stock-footage transformations in previous episodes, when Prime transforms after he hears of Blitzwing and Lugnut on the news, he turns into a sort of half-a-fire-engine. This form was likely animated using references for his [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Voyager-scale toy]], from which the back end can be detached. In the next shot, in which he [[Roll out|rolls out]], he's a complete fire engine.
* Blitzwing's decision to scan both a jet and a tank seems to imply that he was not a [[Triple Changer]] before the scanning. However, [[The Arrival issue 5]] clearly marks him as a Triple Changer before ever coming to Earth.

===Animation errors===
*When Ratchet reactivates Teletran 1's main cannon and states that he has a plan, his broken forehead chevron is on the left side instead of the right.
*In two animation shots of Lugnut using his [[Punch of Kill Everything|rocket punch]], the ground is not iced, hinting that the animation sequence might be reused in future episodes.
*When Lugnut scans the bomber, it is much bigger than he is.
*Not so much an error as it is a curiousity, but Lugnut's faction symbol shifts from being on his shoulder panel to his chest after he scans an Earth Mode. You can actually see it for yourself on this page.

===Transformers references===
* The initial scene with the lunar rover is highly reminiscent of the destruction of the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] probe in the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]]. The two Decepticons' appearance on Earth as crash-landing meteorites also harks back to the film.

* The construction workers seen where Blitzwing and Lugnut first land are wearing outfits inspired by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] from Generation 1.

* After the airing of "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", some fans speculated on a possible connection between the Autobot ship and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Generation 1 Omega Supreme]], based on both Prime's dialogue referring to a weapons-system program as "Codename: Omega" and the resemblance between the ship's cannon (shown briefly) and Omega Supreme's tank turret. Adding to that speculation, in ''this'' episode, Ratchet addresses the ship as "old friend". Also, when Ratchet manages to activate the weapons systems, we see a clearer shot of the cannon, which indeed looks a lot like Omega Supreme's tank turret (it even has his color scheme). Foreshadowing? Yup, [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|foreshadowing.]]

*This episode is the first in the series to feature the use of the words "[[Slag (slang)|slag]]" and "[[frag]]" as expletives.

*This isn't the first time a [[Armada (cartoon)|Decepticon battleship crash-landed on the moon]].

===Real-world references===
* When Lugnut overpowers Bulkhead, he comments, "Nothing moves Lugnut", similar to the minor ''X-men'' villain the [[wikipedia:Blob (comics)|Blob]].

===Trivia===
* This is the fourth episode in which Sari has received direct warnings about misuse of her AllSpark Key. The Allspark seems to have chosen the "tough love" approach and scared the message into her. How long this will last is up for debate. Bets will now be taken. Answer: [[Transwarped|Beginning of the third season]] when she uses it to upgrade herself, and it makes her go nuts and stab Bumblebee. Betting is now closed.
* In a humourous background detail, we see the Blitzwing-shaped hole, left from where he crashed barely two minutes ago, as Captain Fanzone's squadron arrives at the hangar. Oddly enough, they don't take much notice of it.
* Captain Fanzone doesn't come off too well in this episode, since he A) forgets that Transformers can disguise themselves as vehicles, and B) doesn't notice that two of the military jets are sporting unusual purple paint jobs, and one of them has tank treads under its wings, not to mention the above.
* Prime's vehicle mode has manual transmission.
* It's unclear why Sari didn't mention the AllSpark-generated vision of Megatron to any of the Autobots. (Granted, she doesn't know who Megatron is, but even so….)
* When Sari tells Bumblebee that the AllSpark Key isn't a toy, she looks like she has wrinkles under her eyes. Obviously, this is meant to show that Ratchet has rubbed off on her a little bit. Even her mouth looks like his briefly. Of course, she may have just been doing an impression of Ratchet as a joke.
* Random Blitzwing seems to have a knack for songs and dances. We'll see if it remains a trend.
* Captain Fanzone is currently driving a regular Detroit police car. [[Captain Fanzone's car|His old car]] was destroyed by [[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] in "[[Blast from the Past]]," but it returns in future episodes.
* Megatron seems unfamiliar with Blitzwing and Lugnut's personalities (i.e., that the first is insane, and the second is loyal). However, they served under him on the ''Nemesis'' fifty years ago, and exhibited the same characteristics then. This discrepancy is not explained. (Possibly Megatron did not have much direct contact with them in the past, or he may be assuming that fifty years might have changed them.) It also shows that unlike [[Megatron (disambiguation)|his counterparts]], ''Animated'' Megatron actually learns from betrayal, and is not so forgiving.

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Blitzwing (Animated)

2010-03-17T01:46:54Z

70.68.108.172: /* Animated cartoon */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Blitzwing}}
:''Blitzwing is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:AniBlitzwingPromoModel.jpg|right|250px|thumb|That's far enough, Dr. Jones.]]
'''Blitzwing''' not only has three modes (robot, jet, and tank), he also has three alternate personalities (an "Icy" cold strategist, a short-tempered "Hothead", and a total "Random" nutcase) along with the faces rattling around in his head to go with them.<ref>Blitzwing's three personas are named "Icy", "Hothead" and "Random" on his [[Character model|model]] sheets.</ref> He's as liable to have a conversation with himself as he is to say a word to his fellow Decepticons. Pretty much the only thing that keeps him in line is that all three of his personalities are scared to death of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]].

Blitzwing's "dominant", Icy personality is represented by a long, blue face with a monocle and speaks with quiet disdain. His easily angered Hothead personality has a wide, red face, is gap-toothed, and tends to react angrily with violent threats towards almost anyone. Finally, his Random personality's face looks like nothing so much as a black jack-o'-lantern, and may toss out bad puns and jokes, children's nursery rhymes, or random non sequiturs, mostly followed by hysterical laughter. All three personalities speak with a pronounced German [[Accents|accent]] and apparently he has trouble flying in a straight line.

Blitzwing's armament varies depending upon which personality is dominant at the time. His calculating personality has an arsenal of ice weaponry, while the Hothead predictably can turn up the heat. When his third personality is foremost, nearly anything can be dished out from either of his vehicle modes. Blitzwing's alt-mode is likewise usually dependent on which aspect is dominant at the time. His cold side uses the jet, his angry side uses the tank, and his insane side can use either. However it seems that if he changes personality while in his alt mode, that alt will change with him, and if that's a jet to tank change, he'll fall right out of the sky.

{{quote|Ze name iz Blitzwing, [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|insect]]—remember it! Cause it's ze last thing you're gonna hear before I—express my feelings in song!|Blitzwing switching personalities like we switch shoes|"[[Transform and Roll Out]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bumper Robinson]] (English), [[Rainer Doering]] (German), [[Giorgio Bonino]] (Italian)

[[Image:Animated blitzwing faces1.JPG|left|125px|thumb|"So Arnold, Dietrich, and Blot walk into a bar..."]]

Long after the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]] ended and the Decepticon went into hiding, [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] experimented upon Blitzwing, rebuilding him into a Triple Changer and giving him the fractured mind he is known for today. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac}}

Blitzwing was aboard the [[Nemesis (Animated)|''Nemesis'']] with the other Decepticons at the time of the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]]'s re-discovery. He partially froze [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]]'s arm, commenting on how her demeanor was as unpleasant as her organic beast mode. When Blackarachnia advised him to blow it out his actuator, Blitzwing angrily demanded that she refer to him by his proper name, or else he would...''express his feelings in song!'' His out-of-tune rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" got all the Decepticons arguing until Megatron entered, prompting Blitzwing to fall silent with the rest.

When it became clear the ''Nemesis'' was going to crash into an exploding space bridge, Blitzwing fled in an escape pod. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

''After Megatron's disappearance, the Decepticons held a funeral at [[New Kaon]]. Blitzwing gave the eulogy, in which he vowed that they would destroy the [[Autobot]]s responsible for their leader's demise...and then paint mustaches on their faceplates. [[Lugnut]] was angry with the service, declaring that Megatron was alive and would return. When Blitzwing pointed out evidence to the contrary, Lugnut destroyed the statue of Megatron that Blitzwing had built. This angered Blitzwing, who'd spent six deca-cycles building it, and initiated an exchange of fire between him and Lugnut.'' {{storylink|Dispatches}}

Blitzwing placed a bounty on [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], intending to punish him for destroying Megatron. Fifty stellar cycles later, the bounty hunter [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] contacted Blitzwing, saying he had Prime. Blitzwing promised that Lockdown would receive payment once Blitzwing received Prime — then his random side asked if he could ''please, please, please'' see Prime turn into a firetruck. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}} ''His conversation was cut short however, when an enraged Lugnut slammed his face into the monitor for daring to commune with the bounty hunter. The pair began scrapping, and things were only made worse when [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] showed up, taking the opportunity to sell each of them a wide variety of weapons so they could pummel each other. It eventually culminated in him selling the pair of them doomsday weapons and unbreakable nemesis shields. Realizing they were being played, Lugs and Blitz put aside their anger, beat the holy freakin' crap out of Swindle and made friends again.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 5#Everything Must Go|Everything Must Go}}

[[Image:LugnutBlitzwingNemesis.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"This was Megatron's ship!" "Oh, cool! Maybe my DVD collection's still in there."]]

Some time after this, Blitzwing and Lugnut followed a beacon to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] to find the wreckage of the ''Nemesis''. Noting that [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] was bad at parking, Blitzwing also remembered that this quadrant was the last time they received an update from Lockdown. Concluding that the Autobots responsible for killing Megatron were nearby, the duo went to Earth. Landing at a construction site, the two had similar problems determining the dominant species on Earth as the Autobots did, mistaking Earth's automatons and machines for sentient beings. Lugnut's attempt to interrogate a crane ended up getting Blitzwing hit by the wrecking ball, which convinced the Decepticons to do a more time honored tactic—blow stuff up and hope it forces the Autobots to come out. It worked. During the battle with the Autobots, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] were hard pressed to avoid Blitzwing's energy blasts, but his freeze beam did get Bumblebee off his feet. When Lugnut demanded information on Megatron's location, the Autobots mentioned that he had "turned into a fireball somewhere over [[Cleveland (city)|Cleveland]]". Naturally, Lugnut was displeased, and he used his [[Punch of Kill Everything|super-punch]] to floor the Autobots—and bury himself and Blitzwing under the rubble. When Blitzwing unburied himself, he irritatedly reminded Lugnut of his oft-repeated request for a little warning before the punch.

Having observed the battle over a live feed, Megatron opted to radio Lugnut exclusively, leaving Blitzwing struggling to work out what exactly was going on. Blitzwing believed Lugnut was only listening to voices in his head, so Lugnut had to take him along forcibly. Uncertain of the number and strength of the Autobots' "reinforcements" (the Detroit Police Department), the pair scanned Earth vehicles for disguises so they could lay low. Icy Blitzwing wanted to scan a fighter jet, while Hothead wanted a tank. After a brief argument, Random suggested that they scan both. That evening, the two Decepticons followed the Autobots to [[Lake Erie]], where Blitzwing froze the lake. When the Autobots submerged, he followed them in tank form. Blitzwing was lured by the Autobots towards [[Teletran-1|their ship]] and blasted by one of its weapons systems. He and Lugnut were left fragmented but functional and floated to the surface, only to be met by Starscream, who offered to repair them in exchange for a pledge of undying allegiance. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

[[Image:Megatron Rising 1 Ratchet Blitzwing Key.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Oooh, Autobot-cicles, fresh out of the freezer!]]
Apparently, they chose to serve under Starscream, but still were bickering with each other. When Lugnut began receiving internal transmissions from Megatron again, Starscream was confused, and Blitzwing explained that it was a "technical glitch" that happened. A lot. When Starscream learned that Lugnut thought he was talking to Megatron, he felt threatened and scanned Lugnut, detecting the signals. Starscream ordered both Lugnut and Blitzwing to find the [[AllSpark Key]] while he himself tracked the transmissions.

At the moment, the AllSpark Key was in the hands of [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]. Blitzwing used his ice guns to freeze Ratchet and rip off the arm that was carrying the Key. Afterward, they went to [[Sumdac Tower]] to find Megatron. In the process of greeting him, they revealed Megatron's true Decepticon nature to [[Isaac Sumdac|Prof. Sumdac]]. Blitzwing, now understanding what had been going on with Lugnut, inserted the Key into Megatron's head, restoring their true leader. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

[[Image:Megatron Rising 2 Blitzwing tank crash.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He's just as aerodynamic as the next tank.]]
As Megatron proceeded to beat up the Autobots, Blitzwing and Lugnut decided not to intervene and kept an eye on Professor Sumdac instead. When Megatron called his loyal troops to him, Blitzwing looked on as his leader made an example of Starscream. The Decepticons took to the air, locating and attacking the Autobots' ship as it travelled from the lake to the Tower, then from the Tower to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]], where it was shot down. Blitzwing split off to tackle Prowl, Ratchet and Bumblebee, before being brought down by a combined EMP burst. As Blitzwing rolled around and shelled the Autobots, Prowl noticed that Blitzwing's personalities were connected to his alternate modes and powers. By this time, Blitzwing was back in the air, but Bumblebee taunted the Triple Changer enough that Hothead Blitzwing took over, transformed from jet to tank—and fell into the lake. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

[[Image:TFA Blitzwing Jet Altmode.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I'm gunning for you, Snoopy.]]
The Decepticons set up a base in a mine containing carbon deposits, which would block their energy signatures so they could recover from their encounter with the Autobots without detection. When Megatron announced his new plan to conquer [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Blitzwing felt the plan was crazy, as neither he nor Lugnut had any idea how they would get there. He changed his mind when Megatron explained that they would build their own [[space bridge]] using the specs Megatron had downloaded from [[Teletran-1]] during one of the encounters with the Autobots. However, they would need the captured Prof. Sumdac to help them, as the specs were incomplete. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}

After Isaac Sumdac developed a device that shielded their energy signatures from Autobot sensors, Blitzwing and Lugnut went to retrieve a tachyon transmitter from the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard's]] [[Steelhaven (Animated)|ship]]. When they presented it to Megatron, Starscream appeared, tried to kill Megatron—and was killed by Megatron. However, Starscream appeared to survive, and Blitzwing spent the rest of the evening dumping Starscream's body into the river...repeatedly. The next day, Blitzwing and Megatron responded to an AllSpark energy signature which turned out to be a trap laid by Starscream. Blitzwing and Megatron then pursued the traitor, offlining him again. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

Blitzwing was later sent by Megatron to track down an AllSpark fragment, with an oddly disappearing energy signature. He froze [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] and much of the surrounding landscape, destroyed a bridge, [[Captain Fanzone|Captain Fanzone's]] [[Captain Fanzone's car|car]], and [[Master Disaster|Master Disaster's]] truck before [[Sari Sumdac]] managed to make him leave using Master Disaster's remote. {{storylink|Velocity}}

Blitzwing and Lugnut wound up stuck with the dirty work, collecting supplies for the construction of the space bridge. Foiled by the Autobots, they tried again the next day, hauling heavy trailers up a hill. Blitzwing's foot slipped, and he was nearly offlined by the trailer sending him careening towards a wall. Bracing for impact, his demise was interrupted by the intervention of [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]]. Seeing a good opportunity in the brawny Constructibots, he tricked them into hauling the two trailers to the mine. Though Lugnut stated that Megatron would never stand for this, he reassured the huge Decepticon that the two newcomers would be offlined as soon as the work was done. True to his word, Blitzwing was about to have Lugnut dispatch the hapless bots when Megatron stepped in. He had bigger plans for them. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

[[Image:TFA Sari no one home Blitzwing Ratchet hostage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Verrry interesting...but shtupid.]]
When the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]] resurfaced, Megatron dispatched Blitzwing to bring them back to the mine, giving him some oil to entice them, and instructing the Triple Changer not to engage the Autobots. During his search, Blitzwing came across the Autobots. Although his Icy personality wanted to continue the search, his Hothead and Random personality decided to engage them. During the battle, Blitzwing utterly dominated the Autobots, and eventually took Ratchet hostage. At that point, Megatron ordered Blitzwing to disengage and resume his search. Finally locating the Constructicons, Blitzwing offered the two the oil barrels he was carrying, and led them back to base. {{storylink|Sari, No One's Home}}

Soon after the space bridge was near completion, the Autobots found the Decepticons' hideout and attempted to stop them. Blitzwing and Lugnut attacked the Autobots invading their underground base, but they ended up getting [[Stasis cuffs|stasis cuffed]] by [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]]. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} Blitzwing was later retrieved by Scrapper and joined in on the attack on [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]]. His Hothead side was unimpressed with the gargantuan Autobot, and he vowed to damage Omega Supreme so badly he'd need a GPS locator to help him find his still-attached exhaust port. Omega was equally unimpressed with the verbal posturing and headbutted Blitzwing to the horizon. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

[[Image:FiveServosOfDoom-CapturedDecepticons.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"So, how often do you transform them for display?"]]
When [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] hired Lockdown to capture Decepticons for him, Blitzwing was one of the bounty hunter's early victims. He was subsequently locked up in the Elite Guard flagship alongside [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]] and Swindle, and had mouth clamps placed on each of his faces to keep him quiet. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

As the Elite Guard headed back to Cybertron with their prisoners, they navigated the ship through an energy storm in outer space, causing a stray bolt of energy to hit the ship and free Swindle, who had been left unrestrained. The greedy Decepticon immediately released Blitzwing and the others from their bonds and provided them with new weaponry. Led by Lugnut, the Decepticons defeated and captured the crew, only for Optimus Prime to transwarp into the ship and release them. The ensuing battle took place outside the ship, where Blitzwing froze Sentinel Prime and threatened to blast his head off if the other Autobots didn't surrender. The plan was a success, and the captured Autobots were led into their own decontamination unit to be frozen. (Blitzwing's crazy side also wanted them grinded up into snowcones.) However, this was the Autobots' plan all along, as [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] had tampered with the freeze-gas pipes, causing Blitzwing, Sunstorm and the [[Ramjet (Animated)|Liar Starscream]] to be frozen instead. The three Decepticons were subsequently recaptured and brought to Cybertron, where Sentinel Prime displayed them during his [[Magnus]]-promotion parade. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
[[Image:Ani blitz.JPG|right|250px|thumb|"WHY IS IT GETTING SO CROWDED IN HERE?!" "Oh, wait, it's me." ''"And me! AHAHAHAHAAA!!!"'']]
*'''Blitzwing''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-13'''
**''Accessories'': 2 "flame" missiles

: Blitzwing transforms into a futuristic "Mech-Warrior"-ish tank with two large, spring-loaded anti-aircraft-like guns, and a fighter jet that loosely resembles the Northrop Grumman F-14 Tomcat. His tank-cannons become the jet's thrusters. The robot mode has three faces, which can be switched around via a knob on the back of the head. Surprisingly against the [[For safety reasons|norm]], Blitzwing's pointy nosecone is molded from rigid plastic. He has a pair of panels on his forearms which are spring-loaded to be able to lie flush in his vehicle modes, yet make his arms wider in robot mode (as they tend to be rather flat without them).

: Sadly, his cannons cannot tilt forward over his shoulders when in robot mode. Though promotional photos showed the figure with a gold traditional Decepticon insignia, the final toy used the movie variant in the tampograph.

[[Image:Blitzwinganimatedtoyfaces.jpg|left|250px|thumb|So people who buy enough toys to display them in every mode have to buy five of this guy, right?]]
: Blitzwing also has a minor [[misassembly]] problem, in that his upper arms are swapped. This is the reason his wings cannot press down flush with the rest of the jet fuselage. This can be fixed by pulling off his arms, unscrewing the one screw visible on either forearm, then separating the upper arms and switching them, which makes for a much improved jet mode.
{{-}}{{anchor|McD}}

[[Image:TFAnimated_McDonalds_Blitzwing.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No one's ever really insane so long as he has courage!]]
*'''Blitzwing''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toys, 2009)

: A very simplified (but well painted!) version of Blitzwing that has abandoned his triple changer aspect for simplicity's sake. Although this toy sports Blitzwing's "Icy" face, he transforms into "Hothead"'s tank mode.

{{--}}

==Notes==
* When developing the character who would become Blitzwing, [[Marty Isenberg]] originally envisioned a character who could change into anything. Obviously enough, that idea proved unworkable in toy terms, so art director [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] proposed using [[Sixshot]] for the role. When Hasbro deemed a [[Six Changer]] to be too expensive, the Triple Changer Blitzwing was finally settled upon instead.<ref name="artstory">http://www.cvcomics.com/artandstory/?p=242 Art & Story interview with Marty Isenberg]</ref> As fate would have it, Hasbro designer [[Eric Siebenaler]] had been itching to do a face-swapping Blitzwing since 2005. <ref>Blitzwing's long design history was detailed at [[BotCon 2008|BotCon 2008's]] Hasbro Design panel.</ref>
* His German accent was a last-minute improvisation by voice actor [[Bumper Robinson]], inspired by the character's name, that went on to influence his entire robot mode aesthetic; once Robinson had been cast in the role, Blitzwing was subsequently designed to "make him look really German"<ref name="artstory"/>, with his helmet an obvious nod to a World War II-era [[wikipedia:Stahlhelm|Stahlhelm]] helmet and goggles.
* Blitzwing's face-changing [[gimmick]] was in part inspired by [[wikipedia:Man-E-Faces|Man-E-Faces]] from ''Masters of the Universe.''<ref>According to [[Hasbro]] employees speaking at the 2007 Comic-ConInternational.</ref> He's not the first Transformers toy to feature multiple rotating faces; [[Alpha Quintesson]], inspired by the five-faced Generation 1 [[Quintesson]]s, holds that distinction. The fiction-only character [[Violen Jiger]] also had three faces that spoke in different tones.
* According to the Allspark Almanac, Blitzwing wasn't always the [[Triple Changer]] we know now him as today. His current state came about as a result of being rebuilt by [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] after the Great War, to increase his versatility. This process, however, also had the side effect of giving him three distinct personalities, something [[Springer (Animated)|hinted at earlier]] by [[Derrick Wyatt]].

==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/Blitzwing/blitzwing.htm Blitzwing at TFU.info]

[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]

Ransack (Cybertron)

2010-03-14T18:15:56Z

70.68.108.172: /* Notes */

{{factions|velocitron|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Ransack}}
:''Ransack is a [[Decepticon]] from planet [[Velocitron]] in the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]].''

[[Image:Cyb-Ransack-card.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Wow, what a great audience!"]]
'''Ransack''' is the brains of the Decepticon front on [[Velocitron|the Speed Planet]]... but that's not saying very much at all, since [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] is dumb as a bag of hammers and [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] is so fixated on grinding [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] into the dirt he doesn't care about anything else. In fact, Ransack is pretty dumb in his own way, but his gift for motor-mouthed, sneaky weaseling borders on genius.

He's a coward, a sneak, a luckless loser and small-time chiseler who's had his optics opened to a far greater form of evil and power previously unimagined, yet completely lacks the intelligence to attain it. Sometimes it seems [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] only tolerates him because his antics keep the Autobots distracted. If he has a good point to him, it's that he and Crumplezone seem to actually be friends, even though Ransack clearly takes advantage of his huge partner's bulk to lend muscle to his schemes, or as cover when said schemes almost invariably end up in the gutter.

The only time Ransack acts alone is... in his act. Yes, Ransack has tried stand-up comedy. He dreams of one day becoming a star, but his attempts have been met with little success. Not even his grab for the Velocitronian entertainment industry has caught the eye of Override, his secret crush. Of course, she finds him to be little more than an obnoxious troublemaking moron and is totally oblivious to his "affections".

:''Japanese name:'' '''Gasket'''

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Louis Chirillo]] (English), [[Hiroaki Hirata]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Cyb_ep14_little_red_wagon.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Aw, man! All my friends are watchin'!"]]
Ransack and Crumplezone were the first Velocitronians approached by Megatron, and were quickly cowed into servitude. Under Megatron's command, they sought out clues to the planet's [[Cyber Planet Key]], first terrorizing [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]] and [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]], then convincing [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]] to help them win the [[Planet Cup]] race. All throughout, they snuck around, trying to manipulate and cheat their way though, eventually abandoning Dirt Boss during the desert portion of the race. They made it to the final leg of the race, a vast, twisting track deep inside the planet, but blew all their power ''very'' early in the race and were left eating dust by [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and Override. They decided to attempt to just flat-out steal the Planet Cup, and naturally failed.

After their failure to capture the Speed Planet's Cyber Planet Key, Ransack and Crumplezone joined Megatron's forces off-planet attempting to collect the other Cyber Planet Keys. When [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] gave Megatron a false map that was in fact a trap, Ransack was trapped out in deep space within a steel globe for a while with Megatron, [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] and [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]].

Once freed, Ransack joined his boss on the return to [[Earth]], fighting against both the Autobots and the Decepticons under Starscream's command. The battlefield quickly shifted to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where Ransack narrowly avoided becoming lunch for a swarm of [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]]... his pal Crumplezone was not so lucky, however. Crumplezone was revived by Megatron shortly after, and the grateful duo continued to follow Megatron, all the way to [[Gigantion]] the Giant Planet. There... they suffered humiliating defeat after humiliating defeat, pretty much. For a brief moment they had a shot at actually achieving something for Megatron by kidnapping the [[Mini-Con]] [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]], but were outsmarted by [[Coby Hansen]] and his new [[Cobybot]], then subsequently blasted through a few layers of Gigantion by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] using [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex's]] colossal axe "Sparkdrinker", which was really overkill.

[[Image:RansackVsGigantion.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The very definition of "can't catch a break".]]
When Megatron-then-Galvatron finally obtained the [[Omega Lock]] and all four Cyber Planet Keys, they followed him back to Cybertron and the edge of the [[Unicron Singularity]]. There, when threatened by hundreds of Transformers from across the colony worlds, Galvatron used the powers of the Omega Lock to make his lackeys gigantic and incredibly powerful. Ransack was thrilled for about five seconds, until he realized he was still the smallest of the crew, and that even at his new size, he was no bigger than the Transformers from Gigantion, who decided to gang up on him, of course.

After Galvatron's plans to accelerate the growth of the Unicron Singularity failed, Ransack and the other now-normal-sized Decepticons left Galvatron, realizing that he had had no intention of sparing their lives from the cataclysm should he have succeeded. They re-appeared on the displaced [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]], as the citizens and Autobots were trying to prevent one of the massive planetary engines that was returning the world to its rightful place from falling over. Surprising everyone, they ''helped'' right the engine, having decided to try being good guys and being on the winning side for a change.

Ransack, Crumplezone and [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] journeyed together across each of the colony worlds, trying to find a place to fit in. Ultimately failing, on Earth they cobbled together a makeshift rocket and headed for the stars, shanghaiing Thundercracker before they left, eager to become the [[New Decepticon Army]].

The rocket crashed on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], to comedic effect.
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Cybertron===
[[Image:Ransackcybtoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Featuring "Alien Crotch Rocket" mode.]]
*'''Ransack''' (Scout class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GD-05'''
**''Accessories'': Twin-barreled blaster, Speed Planet Cyber Key

: Ransack transforms into a Cybertronic motorcycle. By inserting a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into the cycle mode's back end, a pair of non-firing guns flip out to form thrusters. This assembly becomes his blaster-weapon in robot mode. He comes with a Velocitron-style Cyber Planet Key; the original Hasbro version of this lacks the silver paint border of other versions, but has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key code]] '''sc92''' on the back.

: This mold was also used to make the [[BotCon 2006]] [[exclusive]] [[Rattrap]] and used for the model for pre-beast mode [[Tarantulas |Tarantulas]] seen in [[Theft of the Golden Disk]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Police}}
[[Image:GF-Ransack-police.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Still funnier than the Police Academy movies.]]
*'''Gasket Police-Type''' (Scout class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''EX-08'''
**''Accessories'': Twin-barreled blaster, Speed Planet Cyber Key

: In Japan, a special police-deco version of Ransack was made available as a Toys 'R' Us [[exclusive]] on October 7th 2005, with the purchase of 4000 yen (approximately $35 US) worth of ''Transformers'' product.
{{note|The idea of Ransack as a cop, aside from being pretty funny really, has not been been given an official in-fiction explanation.}}

{{-}}{{anchor|GTS}}
[[Image:Ransackgtstoy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The green makes him feel pretty.]]
*'''Ransack GTS''' (Scout class, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Twin-barreled blaster, Speed Planet Cyber Key

: Ransack was [[Redeco|redecoed]] for the [[Primus Unleashed]] portion of the ''Cybertron'' line in a "stealth" paint job in primarily black and yellow. This coloration was made available only in the [[Hasbro]] line. He again comes with a silver-bordered Speed Planet Key, this time with the Key code '''s2w5''' stamped on the back.
{{note|Fictionally, it appears the "stealth" paint job is no more effective than Ransack's normal paint job, but he seems to think it works.}}

{{--}}
===Attacktix===
[[Image:AttacktixRansack.jpg|right|250px|thumb|WAR FORK]]
*'''Ransack''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF18
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Specialist
|special=Recover -- 14/26 (54%)
|cost=20
|speed=8
|attacktype=Prodder/Twist and Throw Fork
}}
{{-}}
:Just like his cartoon counterpart, Ransack is good mates with his pal [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]]. Ransack's "Recover" special power allows him to stand up as long as you have a Crumplezone piece in-play.

:Ransack's weapon is a unique Prodder attack. You can use it as a standard prodder -- triggering it to knock an opponent down. You can also position the prongs on an opponent and turn them to throw them. This attack is a compromise on what Hasbro had planned as a corkscrew attack.
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
*'''Warriors From Three Worlds''' 3-pack (Multi-pack, 2009)
:This pack of three Scout class figures contains unchanged Ransack GTS, [[Repugnus (Cybertron)|Repugnus]] and [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] figures. This three-pack has been sighted at Family Dollar and Walgreens stores in the United States, in Sainsburys stores in the United Kingdom and in Canadian Tire stores in (where else?) Canada for the 2009 holiday period.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:RANSACKvh1.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Note the proper position of the wheel struts.]]
* All releases of Ransack/Gasket [[Misassembly|are actually mis-assembled]]; the rear wheel struts are put on the wrong sides, raising his rear end up higher in cycle mode. The Hasbro version of the mold actually [[Retool|retooled]] his wheel struts to adjust for the rear wheel rubbing against the back end due to this mis-assembly. The development line-art shown on Hasbro's web site by entering Ransack's [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] shows the intended assembly. Some fans have made the adjustment themselves, as it is only a metal pin keeping the wheel struts attached to the main body of the cycle. However, this does take a bit of force, plus carries the risk of damage to the strut pieces, which use a softer type of plastic. The error appears to have been finally corrected when the mold was redecoed into "[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]" [[Rattrap]] for [[BotCon 2006]].

* Ransack's English-language vocal characterization appears to have been patterned after [[wikipedia:David_Lander|David Lander]]'s portrayal of Andrew "Squiggy" Squigman in ''[[wikipedia:Laverne & Shirley|Laverne & Shirley]]''.

* Ransack's robot-mode CGI model appears in the viewscreen of the Hasbro version of the [[Real Gear Robots]] toy [[Spy Shot 6]].

* Ransack appears on a Transformers Cybertron wallpaper on Monkeybar TV... Yet he's with the Autobots.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Ransack/ransack.htm Ransack at TFU.info]

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Entertainers]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Saboteurs]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]

Stunticon (G1)

2010-03-14T05:59:18Z

70.68.108.172: /* IDW comics continuity */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Stunticon}}
:''The Stunticons are a [[Decepticon]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:Stunticons magami.jpg|right|400px|thumb|"Roads? Where we're going... we don't need... roads."]]
The '''Stunticons''' are a group of five rebellious Decepticon automobiles that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] can barely control. They are the mortal enemies of the [[Autobot]] [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]].

The Stunticons consist of:

*The merciless [[Motormaster]] (leader)
*The victory obsessed [[Drag Strip]]
*The gloom ridden [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
*The psychotic [[Wildrider]]
*The paranoid [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]

They can combine to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]].

:''Japanese name'': '''Stuntron'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Sztuntikon'''

==Fiction==
{{charstubfiction}}

===American cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
[[Image:Stunticons.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Unfortunately, this image lost the Clint Eastwood reference to [[A Fistful of Energon|the poncho]].]]
In envy of the Autobots' vehicular modes, Megatron stole various human vehicles and customized them so he could have his own car team, the Stunticons. Before they were given [[Spark|life]], he brought them out for a test drive via remote control, forcing them to flip, somersault, fly off the road, drive up cliffs and bash through forests without a scratch. The Stunticons having satisfied Megatron's idea of normalcy, he headed to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to get Cybernetic personalities for them. On activation, they swore loyalty to Megatron... or at least agreed to do what he told them to.

Their first mission was to steal the [[Superfuel|superfuel]] from the humans. As they smashed up the superfuel facility, the human guards immediately assumed that they were Autobots, since the Decepticons could not possibly [[Constructicon (G1)|transform]] [[Astrotrain (G1)|into]] [[Blitzwing (G1)|land vehicles]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} Whilst the Autobots were marooned on Cybertron, the Decepticons returned to [[Earth]] with the newly awakened Stunticons who began wreaking havoc and damaging the Autobots' good name by attacking the US military base containing the experimental rocket fuel. Eventually, the Autobots returned with the newly built [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] whose combined form [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] defeated the Stunticon combiner Menasor... with a little help from [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

Despite this defeat, the Stunticons were the key component in Megatron's elaborate scheme to hold a [[Europa 2000|fake charity race]] from Paris to Istanbul so he could steal US driver [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]]'s car which would be melted down to house the powerful [[Pearl of Bahoudin]]. One by one, the Stunticons disabled the Autobot participants assigned to protect Cahnay, but the downfall of Megatron's plan came when he ordered the Stunticons to stop going after the remaining Autobots. Menasor was eventually defeated by the Autobots and Cahnay. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}}

When Megatron was infected with [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] after a trip to the lost Autobot colony of [[Antilla]], the Stunticons were assigned to capture the Autobot scientist [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], who had developed the powerful anti-corrosion [[Corrostop]]. After Megatron cured himself and infected the Autobots with the disease, Menasor attacked the Statue of Liberty in [[New York City]] with the ancient [[Lightning Bug]] heat ray, intent on stopping the Autobots from matter-duplicating more Corrostop from the layer they sprayed on the statue. Superion defeated Menasor and destroyed the Lightning Bug. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] was banished for yet another failed coup, he returned with a powerful new Decepticon team called the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who were able to outfight Autobot and Decepticon alike. Needing a trump card, Megatron attempted to call on the Stunticons to help, but they refused as the rebellious Decepticons were busy having a demolition derby with various human-owned cars. However, the Stunticons belatedly arrived after the Combaticons' combined form of [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] defeated [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and forced Megatron to acknowledge Starscream as the new Decepticon leader. Realizing that Starscream would not stop at Megatron, the Stunticons merged into Menasor and disabled Bruticus in one mighty punch. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

{{storylink|Masquerade}}
{{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}}
{{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}
{{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}
{{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}
{{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===

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

The Stunticons decided to have a little fun and tear up a baseball stadium in Japan. Luckily, the Autobots' plucky young ally [[Kenji]] was present to radio for assistance. All the combiner teams assembled, and it was Menasor and Bruticus against Superion and Defensor! Defensor was forced to break apart by the combined Decepticon attack, but Superion and Kenji got the idea to shoot out the Decepticons' legs. [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] and [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] took advantage of the empty combiner ports and took over as Menasor's legs, launching him into the ocean. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5}}

While posing as Autobots, [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] and the Stunticons rampaged through the city streets, smearing the good name of their adversaries. Later, [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] posed as humans to rally people against the Autobots, and Motormaster's brigade staged an attack on the rally to drive the point home. The Autobot fire engines [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] arrived, however, and used their water hoses to wash off the Decepticons' fake insignia. Enraged, Motormaster planned to combine into Menasor...only to see the other Stunticons were already retreating into the distance. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7}}

====''Scramble City'' OVA====

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====

The Stunticons participates in Galvatron's siege on Cybertron. They managed to gain the high ground against the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s and [[Throttlebot]]s, and rained laser fire down on their opponents. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Later, the Stunticons formed Menasor to fight their Autobot counterparts, but were steamrolled by the might and firepower of the Battleship Maximus. Transporting back to Earth, they attempted to interfere with Hot Rod's quest for the Matrix. They were confronted by the Aerialbots in the desert, but the battle of their combiner forms eventually led them to the Arctic. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When [[Vector Sigma]] began perfecting the new super-metal [[Cybertonuron]] on Cybertron, Galvatron ordered another all-out attack on the planet to seize the metal for the Decepticons before the Autobots could make use of it. The Stunticons journeyed to Cybertron with the strike force, and confronted their old enemies, the Aerialbots. The Aerialbots got the drop on the Stunticons by forming Superion and lashing out before the Stunticons could form Menasor as well. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They were still in a firefight sometime later, as [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] passed by looking for [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and the Decepticon [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} In [[San Francisco]], the Stunticons assisted Bruticus in using a carnivorous plant to distract the Autobots from [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s plans on [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]]. They fought against the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s and [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

Much later, the Stunticons assembled in the desert as their Ninja Commander [[Sixshot]] began issuing orders. They assembled as Menasor, and took part in the escalating Decepticon war effort as five separate Autobot outposts were attacked simultaneously at Sixshot's command. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

====''Zone'' OVA, manga and story pages====

Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], [[Emperor of Destruction|Decepticon Emperor]] [[Violen Jiger]] gathered together the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]], upgrading them with powerful new armor and weaponry, then sent them forth to conquer planets. The Stunticons were among those summoned, but only in the form of Menasor. {{storylink|Zone (story page)|Zone Part 1}} {{storylink|Zone (manga)|Transformers: Zone}} {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Stunticonsmarvelg1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Soundwave not included.]]
{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
At some point in Cybertron's recent history, the Stunticons were deemed psychotic and too dangerous to function in society, and as a result were placed into perpetual stasis lock inside of a prison facility. Later, in an attempt to create a diversion while he set his final plans in motion, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arranged for the release of the Stunticons. They formed into Menasor and ran amuck for awhile, until [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived and began insulting them. Unable to reconcile with this, the five Stunticons began to bicker with each other over whose fault it was that they were failing, temporarily stopping Menasor and allowing Ultra Magnus to ram the combiner in the chest, forcing him to separate into his component parts and disabling the Stunticons. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
When [[Teletran 3]] went out of control and started zapping random Transformers into different points in Earth's timeline, the Stunticons found themselves laying dormant in mid-1930's [[Chicago]]... except Breakdown, who kept his consciousness and waited for the [[G.I. Joe (team)|various]] [[Cobra|humans]] sent to retrieve the lost Decepticons. While Motormaster was missing, Breakdown woke three of his comrades and the Stunticons chased the humans and Optimus Prime across the city. Eventually they found Motormaster, and were promptly transported back to present-day Cybertron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2}}

Some time later, the Stunticons were recruited by [[Serpent O.R.]], and helped him capture some pesky Autobots and G.I. Joes. Motormaster later attended a Decepticon gathering organized by their new leader, and attacked an Autobot peace ceremony in the form of Menasor. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3}} After the giant helped [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] and [[Predaking]] take down [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], he brought [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] to Optimus Prime. A short while later, Drag Strip was seen among the Decepticon forces preparing to defend their base from a combined Autobot/G.I. Joe assault, while Breakdown completely failed to guard some human prisoners. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}} Motormaster helped defend Serpent O.R. from Optimus Prime's fury, but it didn't end well. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Motormaster, Dead End and Wildrider were among the Cybertronians who answered the call to join Megatron in [[Kaon]]'s underground pit-fighting ring, and later participated in the first street battle against Autobot forces. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}} As the war broke out, Dead End and Drag Strip were seen fighting Autobots as Motormaster attempted to challenge [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

Many years later, the Stunticons were abandoned on [[Earth]] following a failed Decepticon invasion. Motormaster, Wildrider and Dead End were all captured and deactivated by [[Skywatch]] {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}, and were soon joined by Breakdown. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} Drag Strip managed to avoid capture, and joined a mixed group of Autobots and Decepticons trying to get off the planet. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Said team later rescued Motormaster, Wildrider and Dead End as well. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Stunticons-collectallfive.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Learn to count, the Decepticon way!]]
* '''Stunticons''', 1986
**[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]
**[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
**[[Drag Strip]]
**[[Motormaster]]
**[[Wildrider]]
***''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-50''' through '''D-54'''

: As a [[Scramble City]] [[combiner]] team, the Stunticons consist of four small "limbs", sold carded at the $5 price point, and a single larger leader toy that forms the combined robot's torso, sold boxed for roughly $12. They were available in 1986 and 1987.

: The smaller Stunticons, like their Aerialbot counterparts, share a general transformation scheme involving pulling out the back of the vehicle to form legs, and flipping the hood out of the way to reveal the robot head. Dead End and Breakdown share an additional step, requiring rotating their legs at the knees and pushing the legs back in so they aren't incredibly tall and skinny. All four feature shoulder articulation and not much else. Each comes with a small pistol for the robot mode, and a ''huge'' double-barreled cannon which plugs into the back of the vehicle mode.

: The four smaller cars are fairly close in [[scale]], but Motormaster throws the whole equation off. He's a tiny truck compared to his teammates, a point which becomes doubly obvious alongside the much-larger truck form of the original Optimus Prime toy, his supposed arch-rival.

: The Stunticons are ''slightly'' less prone to being produced as [[Knockoff|knockoffs]] than the other Scramble City teams. Inexplicably, three members of the group (Motormaster, Breakdown and Drag Strip) are frequently packaged by bootleggers with two members of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]. Drag Strip was named "Brain Man" in at least one such set.

{{-}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2 Menasor and G2 Defensor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Generation 2 Defensor and Menasor|Yowza.]]]]
* [[Redeco]]s of all five Stunticons were planned for release in 1994, but were canceled. ''Generation 2'' Stunticon and Protectobot limbs have surfaced over the years in what appears to be finished packaging. (Motormaster and [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] have never appeared in finished packaging, but unpainted prototypes have surfaced.) However, these are still exceedingly rare pieces, and all told it is believed that less than a dozen of each team member were produced, with one exception: Breakdown, who was available in relatively small numbers (about 300 pieces) as a [[BotCon 1994]] [[exclusive]]. While no plans for a giftset are known, Menasor would have been constructed using these toys.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Alternators===
* '''Dead End''' (Alternators, 2004)
{{main|Dead End (G1)#Alternators}}

===Classics===
* '''Menasor''' (Legends, 2006)
{{main|Menasor (G1)#Classics}}

===Titaniums===
* '''Menasor''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
{{main|Menasor (G1)#Titaniums}}

===Universe (2008)===
* '''Decepticon Drag Strip''' ("Special Edition" Deluxe, 2008)
{{main|Drag Strip#Universe (2008)}}

===Gentei! Gentei!===
*'''Stuntron Wildrider''' (Deluxe, 2008)
{{main|Wildrider#Gentei! Gentei!}}

[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Generation 2]]
[[Category:Stunticons| ]]

The Insecticon Syndrome

2010-03-14T01:59:54Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=29
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=21
|prev2=The Master Builders
|next2=A Prime Problem
|image=Insectsyndromefeeding.jpg
|caption=I think they have a special shampoo for that.
|title="The Insecticon Syndrome"
|production code=#700-28
|airdate=[[October 9]], 1985
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Insecticons feed on a source of power which causes them to grow... and will cause them to explode if not cured.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロン・シンドローム (''Insectron Syndrome'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Beachcomber branch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|J'ACCUSE!]]

At a park, [[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], a park ranger has called for help. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] respond, driving along a rocky road (and Bumblebee is especially having trouble). The ranger shows the Autobots some trees that appeared to have been chewed on by something. Beachcomber quickly realizes that something ''did'' chew on the trees, but not by an animal—it was the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Meanwhile, the Insecticons are hiding in their current lair/hive/base thingy. They complain that the trees didn't fill them up the way that they wanted to, so the Insecticons decide to go feast on some redwoods. Meanwhile, Jeff is having trouble accepting the possibility of giant robotic insects (even though he's talking to a trio of [[Transformer|giant robotic cars]]). Suddenly, another ranger calls him, saying he's seeing giant robotic insects. The [[Autobot]]s proceed to [[roll out]].

Meanwhile, the [[Decepticon]]s are searching for their Insecticon "allies". [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] has come up with a plan that will require their unique abilities. As [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] spots the Autobots, Megatron takes it as a chance to observe them in action. As the other ranger barely dodges a falling tree, the Autobots arrive. The Autobots and Insecticons throw down, until the Insecticons push a log down a hill that nearly crushes the Autobots. Our heroes jump into a river to avoid death, but they then fall over a waterfall...at least, that's what the Insecticons believe, for Hound used his [[Hologram|holograms]] to make it appear that the Autobots and humans fell over. After that, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. He explains that he intends to attack [[Iron Mountain]], a human military base, but offers the Insecticons to gorge themselves at the [[Nova Power Plant]] if they help them. Overhearing this, the Autobots contact the [[Ark (G1)|base]].

[[Image:G1 InsecticonSyndrome Bombshell Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here's your problem, ma'am. See that? Termites.]]

Receiving their signal, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads a strike force to the Nova Power Plant. Unfortunately, the Decepticons are already there. The [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] quickly down the helicopters the humans have to defend the base, while Megs, Soundwave, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] go to stop the Autobots. The Insecticons reach the [[Nova Power Core]], which they proceed to drain. However, the [[proton]]s within the core cause them to [[Size changing|grow in size]], making them as [[Scale|large]] as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Soundwave overhears what is happening, but [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] implants him with a [[cerebro-shell]]. The Insecticons proceed to kick the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and the Autobots are forced to retreat with their fallen comrades. Megatron is pleased with the Insecticons' new power, unaware that the Insecticons plan to off him.

At the base, the [[Autobot]]s use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to calculate what will happen to the Insecticons. It says that the energy from the Power Core will cause the Insecticons to explode unless something is done. However, the Autobots receive a distress signal from Iron Mountain, where the Decepticons are attacking. If the Insecticons explode there, they'll kill everyone there. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack quickly work on an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Inferno on hound.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hound's a bottom? Who'da thunk it?]]

At Iron Mountain, the Decepticons attack. However, the human defenses are surprisingly advanced for simple flesh creatures. Finally, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] takes control of the human weapons, causing them to attack the base. The Autobots arrive, but are quickly buried in rubble by the Insecticons. Entering the base, Soundwave manages to access the computer. Megatron declares that it's time to eliminate the Insecticons, only to discover that his army has been taken over by the Insecticons. Bombshell fires a cerebro-shell into [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], but Megatron manages to grab the shell fired at him and destroy it. Having finally dug themselves out, the Autobots explain the explosive situation to Megatron. Fortunately, Ratchet and Wheeljack have arrived with an antidote.

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Shrapnel explode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ahhh, my head asplode. Asplode.]]

Heading into Iron Mountain, the Insecticons begin to reach critical mass, and will explode at any minute. As Megatron [[Transformation|transforms]] into [[Alternate mode|gun mode]] for Optimus to use, the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] uses the Decepticon leader to fire the antidotes into Bombshell and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]. However, Shrapnel manages to avoid his cure, so Spike bravely manages to get the cure into Shrapnel...who blows up anyway. The cures cause the cerebro-shells to deactivate, but also erase the information Soundwave downloaded. Bombshell uses a special shell to cause Shrapnel to reassemble, and the Insecticons run away, with the angry Decepticons in pursuit. With the Decepticons defeated, the day is saved.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (1)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (7)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (8)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (14)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Jeff (ranger)|Jeff]], the young park ranger (4)
*[[Mike]], the old park ranger (9)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Gigantic robot insects that eat trees? YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING!"
:—'''Jeff the Park Ranger's''' suspension of disbelief is ruined.

"The Insecticons have done well." 
"Yes...perhaps they should lead us." 
"You test my patience, Starscream."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' after the Insecticons defeat some Autobots.

"Why, if it isn't Megatron, and his merry mechanical men!"
:—'''Bombshell'''

"Oh boy, a robotoid turkey shoot!"
:—'''Inferno''' takes aim at Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.

"Power has made the Insecticons obnoxious." 
"''And'' invincible."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"What's the matter, Megatron? Weakling humans too tough for you, for you?"
:—'''Shrapnel''' to Megatron, after the latter has been shot by a human weapon, human weapon.

"Ohhhh....that Nova Power Core is giving me heartburn...that is, if I have a heart." 
"If you have a ''brain'', you'll realize that we've got a battle to fight!"
:—'''Bombshell''' and '''Megatron'''

"Guys, you all right?" 
"Just great...if you don't mind two tons of Inferno sitting on your head plates." 
"Look, you get ten tons of boulders off my shoulder struts, and I'll get off your noggin."
:—'''Spike''', '''Hound''' and '''Inferno'''

"No one gets into my [[cranial chamber]]!" 
"Auugh, my cerebro-shell! My precious shell!" 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Bombshell'''

"We Insecticons, know how to get... it... together!!"
:—'''Bombshell''' delivers a cheesy line after reassembling Shrapnel.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* In the second binocular view of the Insecticons, Shrapnel's "cockpit" isn't colored yellow.
* Shrapnel's transformation to robot mode gets only half a transformation noise, and it's not timed to line up with the animation.
* Kickback is supposed to be in insect mode when he lands to kick the log after the Autobots, but he's drawn in robot mode, lying on his back!
* Starscream's Decepticon insignias are incorrectly the right way up when the Decepticons first approach the Insecticons.
* Megatron is missing his chest insignia during the line "At the Nova Power Plant".
* Two Skywarps are shown flying against the human helicopters.
* Buzzsaw and Laserbeak both leave Soundwave's chest with no chest-opening sound effect and no transformation noise.
* Bombshell is shown during Kickback's "making me grow" line, though given the lack of lip flap for the insect-mode Insecticons, it's not an incontrovertible mistake.
* The animation is not especially consistent about how much the Insecticons have grown. Inside the power core, they're gargantuan; when they enslave Soundwave, they're only a few heads taller than him. During the attack on Iron Mountain they're the same size as the other Decepticons.
* As Shrapnel gets Soundwave into a full nelson, Soundwave has a purple Autobot insignia.
* A trace of Ironhide's accent slips into Peter Cullen's delivery as Optimus Prime orders Bumblebee, Inferno, Beachcomber, and Jazz to help him.
* Jazz has a Decepticon insignia during a shot in Autobot Headquarters after they discover the Insecticons are time bombs, just before the second commercial break.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Teletraan I supplies a 3/4 view of the Decepticons attacking Iron Mountain. The view travels with them as they fly.
* Starscream's wings are mounted much too high on his shoulders as he watches Soundwave absorb the computer info.
* When Bombshell turns to order his slaves to fire, he gets a whirring sound effect as if he were sitting on a moving platform.
* Megatron's upper gun body is black instead of light gray after he transforms in Prime's arms.
* Shrapnel loses his last-word-repeating gimmick as he summons the lightning.
* As he watches Spike run up to Shrapnel, Optimus calls him "Pike". Or maybe "Bike". [[A Prime Problem|For real]].
* Bumblebee's nose is yellow instead of white as Spike makes his awful, horrible joke.

===Continuity errors===
* Soundwave eavesdrops on the Insecticons ''with a Transformer-sized stethoscope''. As if this weren't implausible enough, he's wearing and using it in proper human fashion ''even though he doesn't have ears''.
* Wheeljack and Ironhide climbing the transmission towers does not appear to serve any rational purpose.
* Spike [[The Immobilizer|once again]] gets a wrist watch that shows up only in the shots where he needs to tell the time.
* From the time Spike looks at his watch and issues the 30-second warning to the point where Shrapnel explodes, about 1 minute and 46 seconds pass. As well, when he gives Shrapnel his 10-second warning, it takes about 47 seconds until he detonates. (On a minor note, it takes Spike 6 out of the available 10 seconds to ''say'' that Shrapnel is going to explode.) Either their estimates on when the Insecticons would explode were off, or seconds are longer in this episode than they are elsewhere.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] disappears from the episode after he is shown trapped by the boulders. Maybe he's still stuck there?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode features the first appearances of [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. However, no explanation of their origins is given.
* Where's the trailer go?
** At the start of the Nova Power Plant attack, in a head-on shot, Prime's trailer just rolls off behind him and disappears over the horizon.
* Bombshell sure gets upset when one of his (presumably limitless) cerebro-shells is destroyed. This is the closest the cartoon ever got to showing his tech spec weakness, which notes that the shells can be used against him.
* This is not [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|the first time]] that Optimus Prime has fired Megatron in gun mode, nor [[The Core|the first time]] that they've teamed up to save their skins. Nor would it be [[The Revenge of Bruticus|the last time]].
* It's also not the first time that the Decepticons have [[A Plague of Insecticons|chased the Insecticons off into the sunset]].
* According to Spike, the Insecticons have "[[trilithium stomach]]s".
* After he climbs up the electrical tower and gets electrocuted, Ironhide's forearm panel pops open and the word "Ironhide" is written on the circuits inside.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** During the battle in the park, Bombshell and Kickback both launch and fly with ''Millennium Falcon'' engine noises.
** The sound of a lightsaber igniting is used as Prime blasts away the rocks pinning down the other Autobots.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Insectsyndromespikeshoot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember kids, guns are awesome!]]
* Spike totally gets his own laser gun in this ep.
* Amongst the text that comes up on the Iron Mountain computer is a mess of BASIC programming commands and repeated "Syntax error"s.

==Home video releases==
*''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution (VHS, 2000)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Insecticon Syndrome}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Prime Problem

2010-03-14T01:53:47Z

70.68.108.172: /* Other notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=27
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=22
|prev2=The Insecticon Syndrome
|next2=City of Steel
|image=Primedeux.jpg
|caption=Double your pleasure...
|title="A Prime Problem"
|production code=#700-26
|airdate=[[October 2]], 1985
|written by=[[Dick Robbins]] [[Bryce Malek]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron creates a clone of Optimus Prime to lure the Autobots to their doom.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 二人のコンボイ (''Ninin no Convoy'', "Two Convoys")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PrimeProblem Decepticons at crevasse.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All right, who wants to dive first?]]

The Decepticons discover a crevasse in the [[Earth]] from which is emanating strange energy readings. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] stops [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] from diving straight in, and orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to send in an [[autoscout]]. They quickly determine that the crevasse is full of dangerous [[korlonium crystal]]s, which destroy anything with electronic [[circuits|circuitry]] on contact, and decide to try to trick the [[Autobot]]s into entering the crevasse. To that end they retire to their nearby [[Incredibly tall rocket|temporary operations base]].

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots show up at the scene shortly, but before they can learn more about the lights, they are attacked by a Decepticon squad led by Starscream. Megatron dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who knocks Prime over a cliff with a few well-aimed shots and puts him out of commission. The Decepticon then beams holographic pictures of the Autobot leader back to Megatron, who uses them to create a [[Optimus Prime clone|remote-controlled clone]].

[[Image:PrimeProblem Megatron prime splitscreen.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Speed, I will not let you race in this race!]]

While the real Optimus is still clambering out of the pit he fell into, the clone leads the Autobots back to base. There are some awkward moments when the clone addresses [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] as "[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]", fails to work [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], and doesn't even remember giving Teletraan I a check up earlier that day, but the Autobots are distracted by the perimeter alarm sounding — the real Optimus Prime has arrived back at base. Under the clone's leadership, the Autobots prepare to shoot the real Prime as an impostor, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] stops them, announcing that no one's shooting anyone until they determine who's really Optimus Prime.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Twin primes rev up.jpg|left|200px|thumb|THIS is how you REALLY blow off steam!]]

Teletraan I scans both Primes, but is unable to determine which of them is fake. The clone excels at sharp-shooting, and when it's the real Prime's turn, the rocky outcrop they're using as a target falls on him. Fortunately Optimus shrugs the rubble off. A race to the end of the flats and back is even less conclusive. Any further tests are interrupted by Teletraan I reporting an increase in activity from the crevasse — in reality the work of Megatron's [[energy amplifier]]s. Ironhide announces he's taking command while Optimus Prime's identity is uncertain and the Autobots set out for the crevasse.

Naturally, they soon run into a Decepticon ambush. From the Decepticon base, Megatron and Starscream watch the fight. Megatron has decided that to win the Autobots' trust completely, the false Prime will have to destroy a Decepticon. Furthermore he's picked Starscream to take the fall. Starscream isn't too enthusiastic about this plan, and makes a run for it. He's seen leaving the base by [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], who then watch Laserbeak drag the protesting Decepticon back to base, enabling the pair to slip in unnoticed. Megatron explains the part of his plan that he neglected to mention earlier: that the Prime clone will only be destroying a clone of Starscream. Windcharger and Spike watch the production of Starscream's clone, and start back to warn the Autobots, but are spotted — Spike is captured by Laserbeak while Windcharger falls into the crevasse.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No bacon on the salad!]]
Out on the battlefield, both Autobots and Decepticons alike are surprised when the [[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]] joins in and immediately challenges one of the Optimus Primes to a duel to the death. The Decepticon at first gets the upper hand, but is blown apart when he stops to gloat. The rest of the Decepticons flee. Now convinced that the clone is the real thing after the battle, the Autobots follow the clone to the crevasse, ignoring the warnings from the real Optimus. But before they are led to their doom, Windcharger pulls up from the crevasse and reveals the truth, letting them know that the Decepticons have Spike captive.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Prime pats Spike.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime rubs Spike's head for good luck.]]

The clone says to disregard Windcharger's report and Spike's plight, and orders the Autobots forward into the crevasse. Ironhide declares the clone to be the fake, because the real Prime would save Spike. The Autobots shoot the fake Optimus into oblivion and follow Prime on a rescue mission. The Decepticon rocket base quickly launches, dropping Spike in mid-air, but fortunately [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is able to execute a mid-air rescue. Optimus assures Spike that he's the real thing, and pets the boy like a puppy.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (7)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (8)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (18)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
*[[Bluestreak]] (20)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (21)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (22)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (27)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (30)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (31)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (32)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (33)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Autoscout]] (4)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (12)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (13)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (14)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime clone]] (17)
*[[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]] (29)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"It's just such ignorance which forever relegates you to the ranks of underlings, Starscream!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"All the danger you can handle is already here, Floptimus Prime!"
:—'''Starscream''' comes up with a clever insult.

"I'm sorry there are only three of you. Clobbering less than four Decepticons at a time is boring."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

''"Laserbeak... you tin-foil turkey!"''
:—'''Optimus Prime''' dishes out the trash talk like a pro.

'''Optimus Prime clone''': Bumblebee, come over here. The computer's not responding to my input.... Bumblebee, I'm speaking to you. 
'''Ironhide''': You talking to me? 
'''Optimus Prime clone''': Of course. 
'''Ironhide''': But I'm not Bumblebee, I'm Ironhide, Prime. 
'''Optimus Prime clone''': I meant Ironhide, naturally.
:—The fake Optimus Prime totally flubs Ironhide's name, even though Ironhide's the only other one there, and the Southern-fried lug still doesn't get it...

"I don't mind hitting the dirt, but I don't enjoy eating it!"
:—'''Gears'''

"No, DO NOT! ARGH, my magnificent creation, vaporized! With Prime's replica destroyed, we must escape, now!"
:—'''Megatron''', not being at all melodramatic.

"Is it really you, Optimus Prime? I mean ''really?''" 
"Yes, Spike. This time I am definitely me. Or I. Myself. Oh, whoever I am. Put 'er there, partner."
:—A cautious but hopeful '''Spike''' questions '''Optimus Prime''', who doesn't do the best job of keeping a sentence together.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* The entire episode has strangely desaturated colors, even the indoor scenes. The outdoor scenes are mostly washed with a dusk-like yellow and blue, even away from the strange light of the crystals.

* Soundwave's optics turn white a couple of times, first when ejecting the autoscout, and then when ejecting Laserbeak for the first time.

* A strange animation shortcut has Optimus pick up Thundercracker to throw him. The camera angle changes, and suddenly it's Starscream that he's throwing. The next shot shows all three Seekers lying defeated, so it may or may not be an actual error. (The same color/character changing trick is used in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".)

* When Megatron orders him to eject Laserbeak, Soundwave's chest is blue instead of light gray. (The subsequent animation of Soundwave turning and ejecting the cassettebot is recycled from the episode's opening scene, and recycled again when Soundwave sends Laserbeak to retrieve Starscream.)

* Improbable viewpoints:
** Does Megatron have a camera that flies alongside Laserbeak to take a video of him? How else to account for the third-person camera angle that he gets on his screen as he talks to Laserbeak? Considering how often Laserbeak himself is dispatched for the purpose of obtaining video footage, this would be ludicrous.
** Megatron seems to have filled the whole valley with [[The Master Builders|cameras in rocks]]. He's able to keep constant tabs on the battle from a variety of viewpoints, including one head-on shot of the Autobots that travels with them as they run! There's no indication that these are the viewpoints of his troops (one comes right from just a foot or two above ground level.)

* When the Prime clone is first shown, it is several heads taller than Megatron. They should be the same height.

* Megatron has blue eyes as he tests out his voice control of the clone.

* The clone's eyes are white instead of blue when Ironhide stops the Autobots from destroying Prime.

* Teletraan I's initial statement ("Detail comparison forthcoming") is strangely muffled, as if coming over an AM radio broadcast.

* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he says "take your positions".

* After the clone announces that they'll spring any traps that need to be sprung, the real Prime's mouthplate disappears.

* Starscream's arm lasers disappear and reappear as he agrees with Megatron's plan to have the clone destroy a Decepticon.

* Starscream sports a red Decepticon [[insignia]] when he objects to Megatron's plan.

[[Image:Starscream clone G1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|So often, in fact, you'd be hard-pressed to get a screencap that didn't show it that way.]]
* Starscream's chest-cockpit is repeatedly colored entirely yellow, missing the bit of gray that it's supposed to have near the bottom. In fact, through the course of the episode, it's colored wrong more frequently than right.

* As he and Spike climb the mountain and spot Laserbeak, Windcharger is sporting [[Shattered Glass|a red Decepticon insignia]].

* Windcharger's head is a darker gray than his body when he ducks to avoid Laserbeak outside the mountain, and again when Ratchet identifies the fake Prime.

* Laserbeak makes no transformation sound as he returns to Soundwave's chest compartment.

* The animators seem to have forgotten that the [[incredibly tall rocket]] is a ship / base. Soundwave is seen entering the control room through a rocky tunnel.

* The clone Prime, after ordering Jazz to "hit the deck", just stands there for a remarkably long time doing nothing.

* Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray as he orders Starscream to say his line.

* After the fake Starscream is destroyed by the fake Optimus, Starscream is seen standing next to the other Decepticons (it's not even a coloring error as Thundercracker and Skywarp are both standing next to him).

* In a hilariously placed dialogue flub, Optimus calls Trailbreaker "Trailblazer", just as he's trying to convince the Autobots that he's the real Prime.

* A moment later, as Megatron tosses Spike out of the ship, Peter Cullen's delivery of Prime's line makes it sound like Prime is calling Spike "Splick."

* Powerglide catches Spike by swooping beneath him a second before Spike hits the rocks. But slamming into a metal airplane really wouldn't be much better for a human than slamming into the rocky ground.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Primeproblem prime and clone.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"I'm the real Optimus Prime, Stick." "It's ''Spike'', Prime. Now if only we could devise a way to figure out who's the real you!"]]
[[Image:IncrediblyTallRocket1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Decepticons already blew through all their camouflage budget.]]
[[Image:PrimeProblem Corlonium crystals.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Even more powerful than the Earth's molten core? The ruby crystals of Burma? Oil? Explosive meteorites? Volcanoes?]]
* The basic premise of the episode—that nobody can tell which Optimus Prime is real—requires all the Autobots (and Spike) to be ''incredibly'' stupid. Nobody thought to take the two Primes into separate rooms and grill them about things only the real Prime would know? Not even ''Prime himself'' thinks to suggest this? Even after Windcharger and Spike observe that something's very wrong with Prime, nobody puts two and two together when the real Prime shows up? The fake Prime's bloodthirsty response doesn't make it flagrantly obvious who's the fake? Nobody thinks to mark one of the Primes to tell them apart? Races and sharpshooting contests are supposed to prove who's who? Nobody gets suspicious at how easily Starscream is utterly annihilated?
** On the other hand, the ''real'' Optimus Prime calls Trailbreaker "Trailblazer" and Spike "Splick," so maybe we should cut the Autobots a little slack.

* Megatron makes it even easier for the Autobots; he calls Ironhide "Bumblebee", despite being able to identify Ironhide by name in "[[The Autobot Run]]", and flagrantly sets himself for discovery by mucking around with Teletraan I, asking ridiculously leading questions of the Autobots, and responding to the real Prime's appearance with an uncharacteristic "KILL IT NOW" reaction.

* Furthermore, why didn't Megatron just have Laserbeak kill, capture or disable Optimus Prime while he was down, thus avoiding all the "two Optimus Primes" trouble in the first place??

* Heck, if it's so easy to make perfect reproductions of the strongest Autobot, why not just make a ton of them and overwhelm the Autobots? Why not just make a ton of ''Megatron'' clones and overwhelm the Autobots?

* Megatron describes the crystals as "the most rare and dangerous form of raw energy in this [[solar system]]". More dangerous and rare than [[electro-cell]]s, [[Crystal of Power|Crystals of Power]], the [[Energy crystal|crystals]] on [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], the [[Sun]], etc.? Really?

*It doesn't make much sense that Megatron knows about the korlonium crystals and Starscream doesn't, considering it's established that Starscream is a ''scientist'' and has visited the [[Solar System]] before.

* Though the [[incredibly tall rocket|temporary base]] is mostly camouflaged as a mountain peak, there are some mechanical bits at its base that remain undisguised. Luckily for Megatron, nobody seems to notice.

* "It is Optimus Prime!" declares a shocked Soundwave as the clone is revealed. Was he just not paying attention to what Megatron was doing for the last few minutes, up to and including his saying "Now to begin the '''''cloning''''' process!"?

* As Megatron feeds lines to the newly-created clone, the clone's vocal inflections don't really match those of Megatron.

* Megatron should be saying everything that the clone says on-screen, but is silent as the clone first meets up with Jazz and Trailbreaker.

* The cloning machine also somehow manages to clone Prime's trailer even though Prime was scanned in his robot mode.

* After the Decepticons retreat, why does the Prime clone lead the Autobots back to [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], instead of investigating the energy source that drew them there in the first place?

[[Image:PrimeProblem Jazz is in the way.jpg|200px|thumb|right|"Y'know, I'd trust you more if you'd stop pointing your gun at me for no reason."]]
* Only Jazz and Trailbreaker are seen withdrawing alongside the Prime clone, even though half a dozen Autobots are present at the battle.

* It's only an error retroactively, but when both Primes get X-rayed, neither one possesses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] in his chest cavity. In fact their chest interior design is completely different than the design from [[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]].

* If the clone is completely remote controlled, then what is clone Optimus Prime doing while Megatron is not wearing his control helmet? (seen several times, such as the beginning of the second battle and when Megatron gloats to Spike.)

* The clone's order for Jazz to "hit the deck" is completely useless; Jazz wasn't even remotely in Prime's way. (After this moment of tactical idiocy, Megatron takes a moment to gloat about his "brilliant scenario of Autobot destruction". We dare say this is ''ironic!'')

* Powerglide and Warpath both just show up out of nowhere during the final battle.

===Other notes===
[[Image:Autoscout2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Totally toy-makable. Hasbro, we're waiting!]]
[[Image:G1 APrimeProblem Warpath shot.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Hound, do we know that guy?" "Huh? There was a guy?"]]
* This episode features the only appearance of the [[Autoscout]], a cassette drone launched by Soundwave.

* The episode goes an unusually long time before featuring its first [[scene transition]], which finally comes around the six minute mark.

* This episode has the first appearances of [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. However, no explanation of their origins is made, which is made all the more irksome by the fact that this episode was written by the show's own dang story editors. Warpath gets no lines at all.

* Man, Starscream sure is eager to throw away the life of one of his fellow Decepticons, huh? He suggests it be "a trusted officer", which pretty much narrows the selection down to Soundwave. Make of that what you will!

* Laserbeak is pretty hardcore. Optimus is easily able to overpower Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp with his bare hands, yet a few blasts from Laserbeak take him down. Laserbeak also manages to open a pretty nice can of whoop-ass on Starscream when Starscream tries to run away; then he captures Spike and causes Windcharger to fall to his near-death.

* Based on the absurdity of this episode, "WE MUST HAVE A RACE" has become a popular fandom meme any time two things might be remotely confused with one another.

==Home video releases==
* ''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 1: Prime Threat (VHS, 1999)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime Problem}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Scalpel (ROTF)

2010-03-13T22:06:04Z

70.68.108.172: /* Trivia */

{{faction|decepticonfilm}}
:''Scalpel is the cutest widdle Decepticon in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] continuity.
[[Image:ScalpelCA.jpg|thumb|300px|''[["Weird Al" Yankovic|Like a surgeon - HEY! Cuttin' for the very first time...]]'']]

The tiny '''Scalpel''', also known as "the '''Doctor'''", looks harmless enough with his big, inquisitive eyes. But beware—in the world of the Transformers, things are not what they seem! Scalpel has vast databases of anatomical and mechanical knowledge, being familiar with most species in the galaxy. He's extremely adept at getting to the root of a problem and can handily disassemble most technological devices... or life-forms. Unfortunately, when he goes to put them back together, he always has a few parts left over. This has left most of the Decepticons reluctant to come to him for care, in spite of his duties as their field medic.

{{bigquote|Ve must haff ze brain on ze table! Chop-chop!|Scalpel mutilates for science!|[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]}}

==Fiction==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
:''Voice actor'': [[John Di Crosta]] (English), [[Naoki Tatsuta]] (Japanese), [[Santiago Ziesmer]] (German), [[Fabrizio Mazzotta]] (Italian)

[[Image:ROTFfilm-Scalpelmicroscope.jpg|left|thumb|250px|That's me, a very expensive microscope just hangin' out in an old warehouse.]]

Scalpel was transported to the [[Laurentian Abyss]] by [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] and [[Long Haul (ROTF)|four]] [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|of]] [[Rampage (ROTF)|the]] [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]]. Once the Decepticons reached the sea floor, Scalpel was released to assess the extent of the damage done to [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. After a cursory examination, Scalpel concluded that they would need spare parts, and ordered the death of the [[Ze little one|smallest]] Constructicon. Once he had the "donated" parts and the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] shard stolen by Ravage, he rebuilt Megatron into a more powerful—and very much alive—form.

[[Image:ROTF must have brain.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It's only fair to warn you; I have no idea what I'm doing.]]
Later, at a factory in the same city as [[Sam Witwicky]]'s university, Megatron ordered Scalpel to examine Sam, in hopes of finding out what he had learned from the All Spark information downloaded into his brain. Using several ''extremely'' invasive techniques, Scalpel deduced that Sam's mind was definitely full of handy-dandy information. And the best way to get said information was to examine Sam's brain...while it was laid out on the table. Scalpel's attempt was interrupted by the timely arrival of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].
{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{note|Though the movie itself does not show Scalpel's fate, [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|the novel]] and [[Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation issue 2|comic adaptations]] show him being blasted to scrap by Optimus Prime.}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Image:RotF Scalpel Scout Toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Percep-who? Nah, he got a gig on CSI.]]
*'''Scalpel''' (Scout, 2009)

:Scalpel transforms from a dissecting microscope to a creepy, almost cute insectoid robot with detachable "glasses". He has six insectoid legs that will pop off if you look at them funny, and two adorable transcluscent 'arms'. His microscope mode is slightly different from the one featured in the movie. He is ''seriously'' mis-transformed in-package, presumably because there was no other way he was going to fit on the card otherwise.

:A running change has given later versions shorter antennae which fold away better during transformation. It's not clear which version is more common or whether the running change has spread to markets outside the US.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Scalpel/scalpel.htm More information on Scalpel at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*The combination of Germanic accent, monocle-like eyes and murderous personality all give Scalpel the air of a Nazi-scientist stereotype, not unlike a [http://reboot.wikia.com/wiki/Herr_Doktor certain other doctor] before him.

*In the Movie itself and the novelization he is simply called "the Doctor". He goes unnamed in the comic adaptation.

*While his toy is grossly out of scale as a microscope usable by a ''human'' character, it's perfectly sized for Voyager and Leader class figures to use.

*The only reason his toy has pop-off glasses is because [[Hisashi Yuki]] thinks it's funny.

*In the [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 2|second issue of the movie adaptation]], Scalpel suddenly has a mouth, complete with teeth. And he looks really weird because of it.

*His microscope mode in the movie is ''totally'' different from his toy's.

[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Medics]]
[[Category: Revenge of the Fallen characters]]

Auto Berserk

2010-03-08T04:48:25Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=33
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=24
|prev2=City of Steel
|next2=Microbots
|image=AutoBerserk Red Alert glowing circuits.jpg
|caption=The voices in my head just told me to kill you!
|title="Auto Berserk"
|production code=#700-32
|airdate=[[October 16]], 1985
|written by=[[Antoni Zalewski]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After having his logic circuits damaged in battle, Red Alert feels rejected by the Autobots and allies himself with Starscream.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ネガベイターを奪え! (''Negavator o Ubae!'', "Capture the Negavator!")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Wahre Freunde'''" ("True Friends")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:AutoBerserk controlroom battle.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sure is nice to have the G1 series on DVD, huh, Red?]]

After the [[Autobot]]s successfully test a new super-weapon called the [[Negavator]], they are attacked by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and the [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]], who attempt to steal it for the [[Decepticon]]s. While most of the Autobots exit the bunker to fight, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] stays behind to guard the facility and operate the Negavator. At first, [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] stays to protect Red Alert, but he is eventually lured away by the call of battle, despite Red's protestations. Defeated, the Decepticons retreat, but not before [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] fires a rocket into the control room, which causes the console Red Alert was operating to explode. The Autobots return to assist him, but the odder-than-normal Red Alert brushes off their help, accusing Inferno of betraying him. However, Red Alert's injuries go deeper than the surface. His logic chips have been affected, and he begins to feel as though everyone is against him.

[[Image:AutoBerserk RedAlert consoleexplode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|IT'S OVER 9000!]]

As the Autobots escort the Negavator back to [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the Decepticons launch a sneak attack in a ravine that Red Alert does not detect due to his insecurities and his damaged state of mind. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] are buried under the rubble caused by Rumble's landslide while the Decepticon jets attempt to take on the remaining Autobots, only to be thwarted when [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] sprays a dark cloud of exhaust over them, obscuring their sensors and causing them to crash. With the Decepticons defeated a second time, Megatron retreats, leaving [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] behind. When Optimus Prime questions Red Alert about his lack of a warning on the attack, Red instead accuses the Autobots of wanting to do away with him and runs off at the suggestion that they repair his logic circuits. Starscream, observing this turn of events, follows Red into the city.

[[Image:AutoBerserk Ironhide Not RedAlert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|For me? Aw, you shouldn't have.]]

As the other Autobots try to find Red in the city, Starscream successfully gains the trust of the paranoid Autobot by sharing his similar situation, and together they form a partnership to steal the Negavator and bring both Optimus Prime and Megatron to account for their respective betrayals. Meanwhile, the Autobots have brought the Negavator back to the bunker and secured it in the lowest level while they recharge. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and Inferno are concerned that Red Alert's logic circuits will explode if they do not find him soon. Red leads Starscream to a secret entrance into the bunker, but they are unaware they are being observed by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and, in turn, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who seems to be content to let the pair of traitors do the dirty work for him.

[[Image:AutoBerserk RedAlert on Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|SURPRISE PIGGYBACK RIDE!]]

Inside the bunker, Red Alert and Starscream narrowly avoid death at the hands of the [[tunnel drone]], but manage to set off the alarms in the process, alerting the Autobots. Commandeering the Negavator, they blast their way out of the holding chamber and use the elevator to arrive on the top level. Awaiting them are the other Autobots, who mistakenly believe Red Alert is some kind of hostage to Starscream until he tells them their intentions. At this point, Megatron and Decepticons enter, causing a sputtering Starscream to agree with Megatron that he was merely delivering the weapon to his leader. When Red Alert realizes Starscream's duplicity, he attempts to fire the Negavator, only to be pulled out of the cockpit and blasted with the Decepticon's [[null-ray]]. The null-ray blast serves to stabilize Red's [[Circuits#Logic_circuits|logic circuits]], unbeknownst to the Decepticons, who attempt to force him to use the Negavator on the Autobots. Unfortunately for Megatron, Red Alert instead sets the self-destruct mechanism on the superweapon, causing the Decepticons to flee.

[[Image:AutoBerserk Infernosaves RedAlert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Don't bother trying to crucify yourself, Inferno. You'll never get that last nail driven in.]]

The Autobots run as the Negavator explodes. Discovering that Red Alert is still inside, Ironhide, then Optimus Prime attempt to enter the blaze to save their friend, but Inferno insists on doing it himself, perhaps as penance for his earlier desertion of Red. Inferno saves Red Alert from being crushed even as the remorseful Red tells the gun-slinging fire truck to leave him behind. Outside, the other Autobots cheer as Inferno carries the injured Red Alert out of the flames. Red attempts to apologize for all the trouble he has caused them, but Optimus Prime is the one who accepts the blame, for it was his insistence on testing the Negavator that started their problems. Prime declares they are glad to have Red Alert back, and commends both him and Inferno for their bravery. Red replies that with friends like the Autobots, it's easy to be brave.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Grapple]] (9)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (10)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (11)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]
**[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (13)
**[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (14)
**[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
**[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] / [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] † (16)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (19)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (20)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (21)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (23)

†-''Soundwave'' calls for ''Buzzsaw'', but ''Laserbeak'' ejects

|c3=
*Army Officer #1 (5)
*Army Officer #2 (6)
*Fire Chief (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"Someday I want to build something that doesn't get trashed!"
:—'''Grapple''', digging out the ruins of his bunker.

"I'm fine! It's just an electroglitch that comes and goes. Comes and goes."
:—'''Red Alert''' demonstrates that he's definitely ''not'' fine.

"Why can't anyone see it?! '''Inferno wants my job!'''"
:—'''Red Alert''' spirals down into paranoia...

'''Inferno''': You need immediate repairs! 
'''Red Alert''': Don't give me any of that. You just want to disassemble me for spare parts! Never! I won't let you!
:— ...and hits bottom...

'''Hoist''': Let me fix you! 
'''Red Alert''': Get back. I know ''just'' how you want to fix me!
:— ...and then grabs a shovel.

"I've got ''morons'' on my team!"
:—'''Megatron''', and he didn't know this untill now?

'''Ramjet''': Hey! My circuits electric blew just out! 
'''Skywarp''': Too mine! I'm blind flying! 
'''Starscream''': Away move, before collide we!
:—Seekers the, by Smokescreen scrambled.

'''Fire chief''': Hey! That's my car! Put it back where ya found it! 
'''Ironhide''': Aw, sorry, chief; it looked like a friend of mine! 
[''Transforms and drives off''] 
'''Fire chief''': No two ways about it—I gotta take that vacation!
:—Ironhide mistakes a real car for Red Alert

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* After Soundwave transforms in front of the Army general, his cheek guards are blue instead of gray.
* When Soundwave is ejecting his tapes:
** His eject button is blue instead of gray. (And again as he prepares to take the Negavator.)
** A Frenzy-colored Ravage tape is the first one out.
** Frenzy sort of comes out twice, but the second Frenzy's colors are replaced with Ravage's half-way out.
* Grapple's helmet colors change in this episode, from the orange seen in his previous appearances, to a more toy-based dark gray (with non-toy-based orange "horns"), used from this episode on.
* As he flees from the Negavator's shots, Soundwave's eyeband is white, then blue (instead of its proper red.)
* Frenzy's Decepticon sigil is yellow as he fires alongside Ravage.
* Grapple's mouth doesn't move for the first half of his "This'll teach you" line.
* Frenzy is about twice his usual size as he tackles Optimus.
* For some reason, Optimus's rifle gets only half of its usual sound effect as Optimus defends the Negavator, making it sound a bit like Megatron's fusion cannon.
* Rumble's eyeband is white as he climbs onto the Negavator.
* While Red Alert is talking to Prime after being damaged, the background switches from the grey of the bunker to orange like the Ark and back again.
* Hoist's feet are white instead of green as he climbs aboard the Negavator.
* As Megatron berates him, Soundwave has some bits of white on his upper helmet that shouldn't be there.
* As the seekers walk into the Decepticon control room, Starscream's helm is white.
* The voice that says "The smoke is sticking to us" doesn't belong to any of the Transformers present.
* Smokescreen gets the wrong (decending pitch) transformation noise as he returns to robot mode.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as the smoke starts to wear off of him.
* The back of Ramjet's head is all dark gray as Megatron calls him a moron. The lower half should be white.
* As the Decepticons fly away from the canyon, Skywarp and Dirge fly past... followed by Thundercracker, who is in Dirge's colors for a split second, then changes to Skywarp's colors.
* As the Decepticons retreat for the second time in the show, Ramjet mispronounces Starscream's name as "Starscweam".
* Starscream gets no transformation sound as he finishes returning to robot mode, nor as he takes off from his cliff.
* Ironhide also gets the ascending pitch transformation noise as he returns to vehicle mode.
* After the second commercial break, Starscream has gone from Red Alert's right to his left.
* Thrust's robot-mode colors are off consistently for the whole episode. His air intakes and shoulders are colored red instead of dark grey, and his face is a darker gray than normal.
* As Prime calls for the Autobots to return to headquarters, Hoist's feet, then his tires, are white (instead of green / black, respectively.)
* When the tunnel drone passes over the hole Starscream and Red Alert jumped down, its tentacles are missing.
* As the elevator doors open, a flash of blue light that should presumably be over Red Alert's horns appears next to the Negavator.
* Starscream's eyes are blue as he grapples with Red Alert
* As the Autobots fire on the Decepticons, the white parts of Thrust's thighs are colored red.
* No transformation noise as Starscream retreats.
* Megatron and 5 jets are seen flying away; there should be six jets.
* White feet on Hoist again as the Autobots prepare to evacuate the bunker.
* White tires on Hoist again as the Autobots look at the smoke coming from the bunker.
* When Ironhide walks past Optimus Prime with the intention of rescuing Red Alert from the fire of the Negavator's destruction, his right arm clips right through Prime's left arm.
* After having spoken the final line of the episode, Red Alert's mouth keeps moving during the fadeout.

===Continuity errors===
* Rumble, Hoist and Megatron all use the Negavator's cockpit at various points in the episode, and somehow every time it's the right size for whomever's controlling it.
* When Soundwave is ejecting his tapes and calling their names, he calls for Buzzsaw, but Laserbeak is ejected instead and seen throughout the episode.
* Prime orders Red Alert to "analyze that noise"... in reference to a rock that just landed right in front of him.
* Judging by the dialog, the script seems to call for the Autobots to lose sight of Red as they chase him through the city. The animation to convey this, however, simply isn't there. The Autobots are ''right behind'' Red, then in the very next shot, they're pulling up to the burning building. With the not-Red Alert fire chief's car in plain sight the whole time, Hoist says "Oh no!" as if they've lost sight of Red, only for Ironhide to chime in "I see 'im!" a second later.
* It's pretty unlikely that a fire chief's car would be a Lamborghini Countach, but we can really lay that one at the feet of Hasbro/Takara, who developed the toy that became Red Alert.
* In Act 3, the Negavator's effect suddenly changes from "cleanly vaporize" to "cause big explosion".
[[Image:AutoBerserk OptimusPrime closedeyes.jpg|right|200px|thumb|My eyes! The goggles do nothing!]]
* It's always bizarre when the Autobots cough in reaction to smoke; it happens here as they leave the bunker. Optimus even squeezes his eyes shut.
* Megatron became fairly acquainted with Grapple in "[[The Master Builders]]"; how does he not recognize him hiding amongst his troops in the final battle for the Negavator?

===Continuity notes===
* Soundwave heaves out four of his current five cassettes in one go, the most we've seen thus far in the series.
* Gadgets and powers:
** The "horns" on Red Alert's head light up when his sensors detect Decepticon activity nearby... at least, that's how they work when he's not going loony.
** Optimus Prime's gun apparently has a "machine gun" setting.
** Hoist extends a pair of tentacle-like grapplers from his tow truck form to clear out the rubble of the bunker.
** Later, he extends a multi-segment crane arm with a huge grappling claw on the end. Grapple has the same claw attached to his crane arm.
** Smokescreen's smoke emerges from nozzles hidden behind his rear lights, rather than the usual tailpipe. It gets to show off its "magnetic" properties, adhering to the Seekers after they fly through it.
** Smokescreen uses his other ability as well, blowing out the Seekers' electrical circuits with blasts that he fires from his fists.
* Frenzy actually tackles Optimus Prime. Strong little guy. Or nuts.
* This is one of the few times, possibly the only time, when Megatron criticizes Soundwave.

===Real-world references===
*Red Alert cops the tagline of Clint Eastwood's character Dirty Harry: "Go ahead, Soundwave... make my day."
*Megatron's line about "morons" is a verbatim quote from the 1970s classic ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid''.
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** X-Wing diving whine can be faintly heard as Buzzsaw strafes the bunker.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst and X-Wing diving as Soundwave's crew retreats.
** ''Falcon'' engine roar for Rumble's missile.

** ''Falcon'' engine burst and Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding, as Megatron launches to take the Negavator.
** TIE Fighter roar as Ramjet descends toward the Negavator.
** Death Star turbolaser as the Autobots drive off the Decepticons in the canyon.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Starscream takes off from his cliffside perch.

===Trivia===
*And just why were the peaceful Autobots working on a highly destructive super weapon anyways? No wonder Red Alert was paranoid.
* This is Red Alert's biggest role in Transformers fiction, and has shaped many fans' perception of him... despite the fact that he was off his rocker for most of it.

==Home video releases==
*''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil (VHS, 1999)

==External links==
* [http://imdb.com/title/tt0808814/ IMDb's page for this episode]
* [http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep33/ Teletran93's page for this episode]
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/auto_berserk.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Auto Berserk

2010-03-08T04:46:56Z

70.68.108.172: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=33
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=24
|prev2=City of Steel
|next2=Microbots
|image=AutoBerserk Red Alert glowing circuits.jpg
|caption=The voices in my head just told me to kill you!
|title="Auto Berserk"
|production code=#700-32
|airdate=[[October 16]], 1985
|written by=[[Antoni Zalewski]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After having his logic circuits damaged in battle, Red Alert feels rejected by the Autobots and allies himself with Starscream.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ネガベイターを奪え! (''Negavator o Ubae!'', "Capture the Negavator!")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Wahre Freunde'''" ("True Friends")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:AutoBerserk controlroom battle.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sure is nice to have the G1 series on DVD, huh, Red?]]

After the [[Autobot]]s successfully test a new super-weapon called the [[Negavator]], they are attacked by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and the [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]], who attempt to steal it for the [[Decepticon]]s. While most of the Autobots exit the bunker to fight, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] stays behind to guard the facility and operate the Negavator. At first, [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] stays to protect Red Alert, but he is eventually lured away by the call of battle, despite Red's protestations. Defeated, the Decepticons retreat, but not before [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] fires a rocket into the control room, which causes the console Red Alert was operating to explode. The Autobots return to assist him, but the odder-than-normal Red Alert brushes off their help, accusing Inferno of betraying him. However, Red Alert's injuries go deeper than the surface. His logic chips have been affected, and he begins to feel as though everyone is against him.

[[Image:AutoBerserk RedAlert consoleexplode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|IT'S OVER 9000!]]

As the Autobots escort the Negavator back to [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the Decepticons launch a sneak attack in a ravine that Red Alert does not detect due to his insecurities and his damaged state of mind. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] are buried under the rubble caused by Rumble's landslide while the Decepticon jets attempt to take on the remaining Autobots, only to be thwarted when [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] sprays a dark cloud of exhaust over them, obscuring their sensors and causing them to crash. With the Decepticons defeated a second time, Megatron retreats, leaving [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] behind. When Optimus Prime questions Red Alert about his lack of a warning on the attack, Red instead accuses the Autobots of wanting to do away with him and runs off at the suggestion that they repair his logic circuits. Starscream, observing this turn of events, follows Red into the city.

[[Image:AutoBerserk Ironhide Not RedAlert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|For me? Aw, you shouldn't have.]]

As the other Autobots try to find Red in the city, Starscream successfully gains the trust of the paranoid Autobot by sharing his similar situation, and together they form a partnership to steal the Negavator and bring both Optimus Prime and Megatron to account for their respective betrayals. Meanwhile, the Autobots have brought the Negavator back to the bunker and secured it in the lowest level while they recharge. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and Inferno are concerned that Red Alert's logic circuits will explode if they do not find him soon. Red leads Starscream to a secret entrance into the bunker, but they are unaware they are being observed by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and, in turn, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who seems to be content to let the pair of traitors do the dirty work for him.

[[Image:AutoBerserk RedAlert on Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|SURPRISE PIGGYBACK RIDE!]]

Inside the bunker, Red Alert and Starscream narrowly avoid death at the hands of the [[tunnel drone]], but manage to set off the alarms in the process, alerting the Autobots. Commandeering the Negavator, they blast their way out of the holding chamber and use the elevator to arrive on the top level. Awaiting them are the other Autobots, who mistakenly believe Red Alert is some kind of hostage to Starscream until he tells them their intentions. At this point, Megatron and Decepticons enter, causing a sputtering Starscream to agree with Megatron that he was merely delivering the weapon to his leader. When Red Alert realizes Starscream's duplicity, he attempts to fire the Negavator, only to be pulled out of the cockpit and blasted with the Decepticon's [[null-ray]]. The null-ray blast serves to stabilize Red's [[Circuits#Logic_circuits|logic circuits]], unbeknownst to the Decepticons, who attempt to force him to use the Negavator on the Autobots. Unfortunately for Megatron, Red Alert instead sets the self-destruct mechanism on the superweapon, causing the Decepticons to flee.

[[Image:AutoBerserk Infernosaves RedAlert.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Don't bother trying to crucify yourself, Inferno. You'll never get that last nail driven in.]]

The Autobots run as the Negavator explodes. Discovering that Red Alert is still inside, Ironhide, then Optimus Prime attempt to enter the blaze to save their friend, but Inferno insists on doing it himself, perhaps as penance for his earlier desertion of Red. Inferno saves Red Alert from being crushed even as the remorseful Red tells the gun-slinging fire truck to leave him behind. Outside, the other Autobots cheer as Inferno carries the injured Red Alert out of the flames. Red attempts to apologize for all the trouble he has caused them, but Optimus Prime is the one who accepts the blame, for it was his insistence on testing the Negavator that started their problems. Prime declares they are glad to have Red Alert back, and commends both him and Inferno for their bravery. Red replies that with friends like the Autobots, it's easy to be brave.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Grapple]] (9)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (10)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (11)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]
**[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (13)
**[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (14)
**[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
**[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] / [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] † (16)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (19)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (20)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (21)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (23)

†-''Soundwave'' calls for ''Buzzsaw'', but ''Laserbeak'' ejects

|c3=
*Army Officer #1 (5)
*Army Officer #2 (6)
*Fire Chief (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"Someday I want to build something that doesn't get trashed!"
:—'''Grapple''', digging out the ruins of his bunker.

"I'm fine! It's just an electroglitch that comes and goes. Comes and goes."
:—'''Red Alert''' demonstrates that he's definitely ''not'' fine.

"Why can't anyone see it?! '''Inferno wants my job!'''"
:—'''Red Alert''' spirals down into paranoia...

'''Inferno''': You need immediate repairs! 
'''Red Alert''': Don't give me any of that. You just want to disassemble me for spare parts! Never! I won't let you!
:— ...and hits bottom...

'''Hoist''': Let me fix you! 
'''Red Alert''': Get back. I know ''just'' how you want to fix me!
:— ...and then grabs a shovel.

"I've got ''morons'' on my team!"
:—'''Megatron''', as he finaly gets it.

'''Ramjet''': Hey! My circuits electric blew just out! 
'''Skywarp''': Too mine! I'm blind flying! 
'''Starscream''': Away move, before collide we!
:—Seekers the, by Smokescreen scrambled.

'''Fire chief''': Hey! That's my car! Put it back where ya found it! 
'''Ironhide''': Aw, sorry, chief; it looked like a friend of mine! 
[''Transforms and drives off''] 
'''Fire chief''': No two ways about it—I gotta take that vacation!
:—Ironhide mistakes a real car for Red Alert

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* After Soundwave transforms in front of the Army general, his cheek guards are blue instead of gray.
* When Soundwave is ejecting his tapes:
** His eject button is blue instead of gray. (And again as he prepares to take the Negavator.)
** A Frenzy-colored Ravage tape is the first one out.
** Frenzy sort of comes out twice, but the second Frenzy's colors are replaced with Ravage's half-way out.
* Grapple's helmet colors change in this episode, from the orange seen in his previous appearances, to a more toy-based dark gray (with non-toy-based orange "horns"), used from this episode on.
* As he flees from the Negavator's shots, Soundwave's eyeband is white, then blue (instead of its proper red.)
* Frenzy's Decepticon sigil is yellow as he fires alongside Ravage.
* Grapple's mouth doesn't move for the first half of his "This'll teach you" line.
* Frenzy is about twice his usual size as he tackles Optimus.
* For some reason, Optimus's rifle gets only half of its usual sound effect as Optimus defends the Negavator, making it sound a bit like Megatron's fusion cannon.
* Rumble's eyeband is white as he climbs onto the Negavator.
* While Red Alert is talking to Prime after being damaged, the background switches from the grey of the bunker to orange like the Ark and back again.
* Hoist's feet are white instead of green as he climbs aboard the Negavator.
* As Megatron berates him, Soundwave has some bits of white on his upper helmet that shouldn't be there.
* As the seekers walk into the Decepticon control room, Starscream's helm is white.
* The voice that says "The smoke is sticking to us" doesn't belong to any of the Transformers present.
* Smokescreen gets the wrong (decending pitch) transformation noise as he returns to robot mode.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as the smoke starts to wear off of him.
* The back of Ramjet's head is all dark gray as Megatron calls him a moron. The lower half should be white.
* As the Decepticons fly away from the canyon, Skywarp and Dirge fly past... followed by Thundercracker, who is in Dirge's colors for a split second, then changes to Skywarp's colors.
* As the Decepticons retreat for the second time in the show, Ramjet mispronounces Starscream's name as "Starscweam".
* Starscream gets no transformation sound as he finishes returning to robot mode, nor as he takes off from his cliff.
* Ironhide also gets the ascending pitch transformation noise as he returns to vehicle mode.
* After the second commercial break, Starscream has gone from Red Alert's right to his left.
* Thrust's robot-mode colors are off consistently for the whole episode. His air intakes and shoulders are colored red instead of dark grey, and his face is a darker gray than normal.
* As Prime calls for the Autobots to return to headquarters, Hoist's feet, then his tires, are white (instead of green / black, respectively.)
* When the tunnel drone passes over the hole Starscream and Red Alert jumped down, its tentacles are missing.
* As the elevator doors open, a flash of blue light that should presumably be over Red Alert's horns appears next to the Negavator.
* Starscream's eyes are blue as he grapples with Red Alert
* As the Autobots fire on the Decepticons, the white parts of Thrust's thighs are colored red.
* No transformation noise as Starscream retreats.
* Megatron and 5 jets are seen flying away; there should be six jets.
* White feet on Hoist again as the Autobots prepare to evacuate the bunker.
* White tires on Hoist again as the Autobots look at the smoke coming from the bunker.
* When Ironhide walks past Optimus Prime with the intention of rescuing Red Alert from the fire of the Negavator's destruction, his right arm clips right through Prime's left arm.
* After having spoken the final line of the episode, Red Alert's mouth keeps moving during the fadeout.

===Continuity errors===
* Rumble, Hoist and Megatron all use the Negavator's cockpit at various points in the episode, and somehow every time it's the right size for whomever's controlling it.
* When Soundwave is ejecting his tapes and calling their names, he calls for Buzzsaw, but Laserbeak is ejected instead and seen throughout the episode.
* Prime orders Red Alert to "analyze that noise"... in reference to a rock that just landed right in front of him.
* Judging by the dialog, the script seems to call for the Autobots to lose sight of Red as they chase him through the city. The animation to convey this, however, simply isn't there. The Autobots are ''right behind'' Red, then in the very next shot, they're pulling up to the burning building. With the not-Red Alert fire chief's car in plain sight the whole time, Hoist says "Oh no!" as if they've lost sight of Red, only for Ironhide to chime in "I see 'im!" a second later.
* It's pretty unlikely that a fire chief's car would be a Lamborghini Countach, but we can really lay that one at the feet of Hasbro/Takara, who developed the toy that became Red Alert.
* In Act 3, the Negavator's effect suddenly changes from "cleanly vaporize" to "cause big explosion".
[[Image:AutoBerserk OptimusPrime closedeyes.jpg|right|200px|thumb|My eyes! The goggles do nothing!]]
* It's always bizarre when the Autobots cough in reaction to smoke; it happens here as they leave the bunker. Optimus even squeezes his eyes shut.
* Megatron became fairly acquainted with Grapple in "[[The Master Builders]]"; how does he not recognize him hiding amongst his troops in the final battle for the Negavator?

===Continuity notes===
* Soundwave heaves out four of his current five cassettes in one go, the most we've seen thus far in the series.
* Gadgets and powers:
** The "horns" on Red Alert's head light up when his sensors detect Decepticon activity nearby... at least, that's how they work when he's not going loony.
** Optimus Prime's gun apparently has a "machine gun" setting.
** Hoist extends a pair of tentacle-like grapplers from his tow truck form to clear out the rubble of the bunker.
** Later, he extends a multi-segment crane arm with a huge grappling claw on the end. Grapple has the same claw attached to his crane arm.
** Smokescreen's smoke emerges from nozzles hidden behind his rear lights, rather than the usual tailpipe. It gets to show off its "magnetic" properties, adhering to the Seekers after they fly through it.
** Smokescreen uses his other ability as well, blowing out the Seekers' electrical circuits with blasts that he fires from his fists.
* Frenzy actually tackles Optimus Prime. Strong little guy. Or nuts.
* This is one of the few times, possibly the only time, when Megatron criticizes Soundwave.

===Real-world references===
*Red Alert cops the tagline of Clint Eastwood's character Dirty Harry: "Go ahead, Soundwave... make my day."
*Megatron's line about "morons" is a verbatim quote from the 1970s classic ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid''.
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** X-Wing diving whine can be faintly heard as Buzzsaw strafes the bunker.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst and X-Wing diving as Soundwave's crew retreats.
** ''Falcon'' engine roar for Rumble's missile.

** ''Falcon'' engine burst and Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding, as Megatron launches to take the Negavator.
** TIE Fighter roar as Ramjet descends toward the Negavator.
** Death Star turbolaser as the Autobots drive off the Decepticons in the canyon.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Starscream takes off from his cliffside perch.

===Trivia===
*And just why were the peaceful Autobots working on a highly destructive super weapon anyways? No wonder Red Alert was paranoid.
* This is Red Alert's biggest role in Transformers fiction, and has shaped many fans' perception of him... despite the fact that he was off his rocker for most of it.

==Home video releases==
*''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil (VHS, 1999)

==External links==
* [http://imdb.com/title/tt0808814/ IMDb's page for this episode]
* [http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep33/ Teletran93's page for this episode]
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/auto_berserk.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

2010-03-05T05:28:24Z

70.68.108.172: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=37
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=28
|image=DesertionDinobots1 resignation.JPG
|caption=Like nobody saw this coming miles away.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"
|production code=#700-36
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

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

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART I (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART I'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART I")

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Trivia===
*The hangar that the Decepticons are hiding in is labeled "hangar" in huge white letters. This is so you know that it is, indeed, a hangar and not a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|well hidden Decepticon base]].
* Mirage totally goes toe-to-toe with Megatron and manages to hold his own for a bit. Impressive!

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1

2010-03-05T05:27:48Z

70.68.108.172: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=37
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=28
|image=DesertionDinobots1 resignation.JPG
|caption=Like nobody saw this coming miles away.
|title="Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"
|production code=#700-36
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

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

:''Japanese title:'' ダイノボットの逃亡 PART I (''Dinobot no Tōbō PART I'', "Desertion of the Dinobots PART I")

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Trivia===
*The hangar that the Decepticons are hiding in is labeled "hangar" in huge white letters. This is so you know that it is, indeed, a hangar and not a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|well hidden Decepticon base]].
* Mirage totally goes toe-to-toe with Megatron and manages to hold his own for a bit. Impressive!

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Prime Problem

2010-02-05T04:29:21Z

70.68.108.172: /* Other notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=27
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=22
|image=Primedeux.jpg
|caption=Double your pleasure...
|title="A Prime Problem"
|production code=#700-26
|airdate=[[October 2]], 1985
|written by=[[Dick Robbins]] [[Bryce Malek]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron creates a clone of Optimus Prime to lure the Autobots to their doom.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 二人のコンボイ (''Ninin no Convoy'', "Two Convoys")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PrimeProblem Decepticons at crevasse.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All right, who wants to dive first?]]

The Decepticons discover a crevasse in the [[Earth]] from which is emanating strange energy readings. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] stops [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] from diving straight in, and orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to send in an [[autoscout]]. They quickly determine that the crevasse is full of dangerous [[korlonium crystal]]s, which destroy anything with electronic [[circuits|circuitry]] on contact, and decide to try to trick the [[Autobot]]s into entering the crevasse. To that end they retire to their nearby [[Incredibly tall rocket|temporary operations base]].

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots show up at the scene shortly, but before they can learn more about the lights, they are attacked by a Decepticon squad led by Starscream. Megatron dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who knocks Prime over a cliff with a few well-aimed shots and puts him out of commission. The Decepticon then beams holographic pictures of the Autobot leader back to Megatron, who uses them to create a [[Optimus Prime clone|remote-controlled clone]].

[[Image:PrimeProblem Megatron prime splitscreen.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Speed, I will not let you race in this race!]]

While the real Optimus is still clambering out of the pit he fell into, the clone leads the Autobots back to base. There are some awkward moments when the clone addresses [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] as "[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]", fails to work [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], and doesn't even remember giving Teletraan I a check up earlier that day, but the Autobots are distracted by the perimeter alarm sounding — the real Optimus Prime has arrived back at base. Under the clone's leadership, the Autobots prepare to shoot the real Prime as an impostor, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] stops them, announcing that no one's shooting anyone until they determine who's really Optimus Prime.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Twin primes rev up.jpg|left|200px|thumb|THIS is how you REALLY blow off steam!]]

Teletraan I scans both Primes, but is unable to determine which of them is fake. The clone excels at sharp-shooting, and when it's the real Prime's turn, the rocky outcrop they're using as a target falls on him. Fortunately Optimus shrugs the rubble off. A race to the end of the flats and back is even less conclusive. Any further tests are interrupted by Teletraan I reporting an increase in activity from the crevasse — in reality the work of Megatron's [[energy amplifier]]s. Ironhide announces he's taking command while Optimus Prime's identity is uncertain and the Autobots set out for the crevasse.

Naturally, they soon run into a Decepticon ambush. From the Decepticon base, Megatron and Starscream watch the fight. Megatron has decided that to win the Autobots' trust completely, the false Prime will have to destroy a Decepticon. Furthermore he's picked Starscream to take the fall. Starscream isn't too enthusiastic about this plan, and makes a run for it. He's seen leaving the base by [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], who then watch Laserbeak drag the protesting Decepticon back to base, enabling the pair to slip in unnoticed. Megatron explains the part of his plan that he neglected to mention earlier: that the Prime clone will only be destroying a clone of Starscream. Windcharger and Spike watch the production of Starscream's clone, and start back to warn the Autobots, but are spotted — Spike is captured by Laserbeak while Windcharger falls into the crevasse.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No bacon on the salad!]]
Out on the battlefield, both Autobots and Decepticons alike are surprised when the [[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]] joins in and immediately challenges one of the Optimus Primes to a duel to the death. The Decepticon at first gets the upper hand, but is blown apart when he stops to gloat. The rest of the Decepticons flee. Now convinced that the clone is the real thing after the battle, the Autobots follow the clone to the crevasse, ignoring the warnings from the real Optimus. But before they are led to their doom, Windcharger pulls up from the crevasse and reveals the truth, letting them know that the Decepticons have Spike captive.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Prime pats Spike.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime rubs Spike's head for good luck.]]

The clone says to disregard Windcharger's report and Spike's plight, and orders the Autobots forward into the crevasse. Ironhide declares the clone to be the fake, because the real Prime would save Spike. The Autobots shoot the fake Optimus into oblivion and follow Prime on a rescue mission. The Decepticon rocket base quickly launches, dropping Spike in mid-air, but fortunately [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is able to execute a mid-air rescue. Optimus assures Spike that he's the real thing, and pets the boy like a puppy.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (7)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (8)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (18)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
*[[Bluestreak]] (20)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (21)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (22)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (27)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (30)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (31)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (32)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (33)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Autoscout]] (4)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (12)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (13)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (14)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime clone]] (17)
*[[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]] (29)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"It's just such ignorance which forever relegates you to the ranks of underlings, Starscream!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"All the danger you can handle is already here, Floptimus Prime!"
:—'''Starscream''' comes up with a clever insult.

"I'm sorry there are only three of you. Clobbering less than four Decepticons at a time is boring."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

''"Laserbeak... you tin-foil turkey!"''
:—'''Optimus Prime''' dishes out the trash talk like a pro.

'''Optimus Prime clone''': Bumblebee, come over here. The computer's not responding to my input.... Bumblebee, I'm speaking to you. 
'''Ironhide''': You talking to me? 
'''Optimus Prime clone''': Of course. 
'''Ironhide''': But I'm not Bumblebee, I'm Ironhide, Prime. 
'''Optimus Prime clone''': I meant Ironhide, naturally.
:—The fake Optimus Prime totally flubs Ironhide's name, even though Ironhide's the only other one there, and the Southern-fried lug still doesn't get it...

"I don't mind hitting the dirt, but I don't enjoy eating it!"
:—'''Gears'''

"No, DO NOT! ARGH, my magnificent creation, vaporized! With Prime's replica destroyed, we must escape, now!"
:—'''Megatron''', not being at all melodramatic.

"Is it really you, Optimus Prime? I mean ''really?''" 
"Yes, Spike. This time I am definitely me. Or I. Myself. Oh, whoever I am. Put 'er there, partner."
:—A cautious but hopeful '''Spike''' questions '''Optimus Prime''', who doesn't do the best job of keeping a sentence together.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* The entire episode has strangely desaturated colors, even the indoor scenes. The outdoor scenes are mostly washed with a dusk-like yellow and blue, even away from the strange light of the crystals.

* Soundwave's optics turn white a couple of times, first when ejecting the autoscout, and then when ejecting Laserbeak for the first time.

* A strange animation shortcut has Optimus pick up Thundercracker to throw him. The camera angle changes, and suddenly it's Starscream that he's throwing. The next shot shows all three Seekers lying defeated, so it may or may not be an actual error. (The same color/character changing trick is used in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".)

* When Megatron orders him to eject Laserbeak, Soundwave's chest is blue instead of light gray. (The subsequent animation of Soundwave turning and ejecting the cassettebot is recycled from the episode's opening scene, and recycled again when Soundwave sends Laserbeak to retrieve Starscream.)

* Improbable viewpoints:
** Does Megatron have a camera that flies alongside Laserbeak to take a video of him? How else to account for the third-person camera angle that he gets on his screen as he talks to Laserbeak? Considering how often Laserbeak himself is dispatched for the purpose of obtaining video footage, this would be ludicrous.
** Megatron seems to have filled the whole valley with [[The Master Builders|cameras in rocks]]. He's able to keep constant tabs on the battle from a variety of viewpoints, including one head-on shot of the Autobots that travels with them as they run! There's no indication that these are the viewpoints of his troops (one comes right from just a foot or two above ground level.)

* When the Prime clone is first shown, it is several heads taller than Megatron. They should be the same height.

* Megatron has blue eyes as he tests out his voice control of the clone.

* The clone's eyes are white instead of blue when Ironhide stops the Autobots from destroying Prime.

* Teletraan I's initial statement ("Detail comparison forthcoming") is strangely muffled, as if coming over an AM radio broadcast.

* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he says "take your positions".

* After the clone announces that they'll spring any traps that need to be sprung, the real Prime's mouthplate disappears.

* Starscream's arm lasers disappear and reappear as he agrees with Megatron's plan to have the clone destroy a Decepticon.

* Starscream sports a red Decepticon [[insignia]] when he objects to Megatron's plan.

* Starscream's chest-cockpit is repeatedly colored entirely yellow, missing the bit of gray that it's supposed to have near the bottom. In fact, through the course of the episode, it's colored wrong more frequently than right.

* As he and Spike climb the mountain and spot Laserbeak, Windcharger is sporting [[Shattered Glass|a red Decepticon insignia]].

* Windcharger's head is a darker gray than his body when he ducks to avoid Laserbeak outside the mountain, and again when Ratchet identifies the fake Prime.

* Laserbeak makes no transformation sound as he returns to Soundwave's chest compartment.

* The animators seem to have forgotten that the [[incredibly tall rocket]] is a ship / base. Soundwave is seen entering the control room through a rocky tunnel.

* The clone Prime, after ordering Jazz to "hit the deck", just stands there for a remarkably long time doing nothing.

* Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray as he orders Starscream to say his line.

* After the fake Starscream is destroyed by the fake Optimus, Starscream is seen standing next to the other Decepticons (it's not even a coloring error as Thundercracker and Skywarp are both standing next to him).

* In a hilariously placed dialogue flub, Optimus calls Trailbreaker "Trailblazer", just as he's trying to convince the Autobots that he's the real Prime.

* A moment later, as Megatron tosses Spike out of the ship, Peter Cullen's delivery of Prime's line makes it sound like Prime is calling Spike "Splick."

* Powerglide catches Spike by swooping beneath him a second before Spike hits the rocks. But slamming into a metal airplane really wouldn't be much better for a human than slamming into the rocky ground.

===Continuity errors===
* The basic premise of the episode—that nobody can tell which Optimus Prime is real—requires all the Autobots (and Spike) to be ''incredibly'' stupid. Nobody thought to take the two Primes into separate rooms and grill them about things only the real Prime would know? Not even ''Prime himself'' thinks to suggest this? Even after Windcharger and Spike observe that something's very wrong with Prime, nobody puts two and two together when the real Prime shows up? The fake Prime's bloodthirsty response doesn't make it flagrantly obvious who's the fake? Nobody thinks to mark one of the Primes to tell them apart? Races and sharpshooting contests are supposed to prove who's who? Nobody gets suspicious at how easily Starscream is utterly annihilated?
** On the other hand, the ''real'' Optimus Prime calls Trailbreaker "Trailblazer" and Spike "Splick," so maybe we should cut the Autobots a little slack.

* Megatron makes it even easier for the Autobots; he calls Ironhide "Bumblebee", despite being able to identify Ironhide by name in "[[The Autobot Run]]", and flagrantly sets himself for discovery by mucking around with Teletraan I, asking ridiculously leading questions of the Autobots, and responding to the real Prime's appearance with an uncharacteristic "KILL IT NOW" reaction.

* Furthermore, why didn't Megatron just have Laserbeak kill, capture or disable Optimus Prime while he was down, thus avoiding all the "two Optimus Primes" trouble in the first place??

* Heck, if it's so easy to make perfect reproductions of the strongest Autobot, why not just make a ton of them and overwhelm the Autobots? Why not just make a ton of ''Megatron'' clones and overwhelm the Autobots?

* Megatron describes the crystals as "the most rare and dangerous form of raw energy in this [[solar system]]". More dangerous and rare than [[electro-cell]]s, [[Crystal of Power|Crystals of Power]], the [[Energy crystal|crystals]] on [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], the [[Sun]], etc.? Really?

*It doesn't make much sense that Megatron knows about the korlonium crystals and Starscream doesn't, considering it's established that Starscream is a ''scientist'' and has visited the [[Solar System]] before.

* Though the [[incredibly tall rocket|temporary base]] is mostly camouflaged as a mountain peak, there are some mechanical bits at its base that remain undisguised. Luckily for Megatron, nobody seems to notice.

* "It is Optimus Prime!" declares a shocked Soundwave as the clone is revealed. Was he just not paying attention to what Megatron was doing for the last few minutes, up to and including his saying "Now to begin the '''''cloning''''' process!"?

* As Megatron feeds lines to the newly-created clone, the clone's vocal inflections don't really match those of Megatron.

* Megatron should be saying everything that the clone says on-screen, but is silent as the clone first meets up with Jazz and Trailbreaker.

* The cloning machine also somehow manages to clone Prime's trailer even though Prime was scanned in his robot mode.

* After the Decepticons retreat, why does the Prime clone lead the Autobots back to [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], instead of investigating the energy source that drew them there in the first place?

* Only Jazz and Trailbreaker are seen withdrawing alongside the Prime clone, even though half a dozen Autobots are present at the battle.

* It's only an error retroactively, but when both Primes get X-rayed, neither one possesses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] in his chest cavity. In fact their chest interior design is completely different than the design from [[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]].

* If the clone is completely remote controlled, then what is clone Optimus Prime doing while Megatron is not wearing his control helmet? (seen several times, such as the beginning of the second battle and when Megatron gloats to Spike.)

* The clone's order for Jazz to "hit the deck" is completely useless; Jazz wasn't even remotely in Prime's way. (After this moment of tactical idiocy, Megatron takes a moment to gloat about his "brilliant scenario of Autobot destruction". We dare say this is ''ironic!'')

* Powerglide and Warpath both just show up out of nowhere during the final battle.

===Other notes===
* This episode features the only appearance of the [[Autoscout]], a cassette drone launched by Soundwave.

* The episode goes an unusually long time before featuring its first [[scene transition]], which finally comes around the six minute mark.

* This episode has the first appearances of [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. However, no explanation of their origins is made, which is made all the more irksome by the fact that this episode was written by the show's own dang story editors. Warpath gets no lines at all.

* Man, Starscream sure is eager to throw away the life of one of his fellow Decepticons, huh? He suggests it be "a trusted officer", which pretty much narrows the selection down to Soundwave (or mayyyybe Reflector but than again MAYBE Rumble). Make of that what you will!

* Laserbeak is pretty hardcore. Optimus is easily able to overpower Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp with his bare hands, yet a few blasts from Laserbeak take him down. Laserbeak also manages to open a pretty nice can of whoop-ass on Starscream when Starscream tries to run away; then he captures Spike and causes Windcharger to fall to his near-death.

* Based on the absurdity of this episode, "WE MUST HAVE A RACE" has become a popular fandom meme any time two things might be remotely confused with one another.

==Home video releases==
* ''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 1: Prime Threat (VHS, 1999)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime Problem}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Prime Problem

2010-02-05T04:28:10Z

70.68.108.172: /* Other notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=27
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=22
|image=Primedeux.jpg
|caption=Double your pleasure...
|title="A Prime Problem"
|production code=#700-26
|airdate=[[October 2]], 1985
|written by=[[Dick Robbins]] [[Bryce Malek]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron creates a clone of Optimus Prime to lure the Autobots to their doom.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 二人のコンボイ (''Ninin no Convoy'', "Two Convoys")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PrimeProblem Decepticons at crevasse.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All right, who wants to dive first?]]

The Decepticons discover a crevasse in the [[Earth]] from which is emanating strange energy readings. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] stops [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] from diving straight in, and orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to send in an [[autoscout]]. They quickly determine that the crevasse is full of dangerous [[korlonium crystal]]s, which destroy anything with electronic [[circuits|circuitry]] on contact, and decide to try to trick the [[Autobot]]s into entering the crevasse. To that end they retire to their nearby [[Incredibly tall rocket|temporary operations base]].

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots show up at the scene shortly, but before they can learn more about the lights, they are attacked by a Decepticon squad led by Starscream. Megatron dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who knocks Prime over a cliff with a few well-aimed shots and puts him out of commission. The Decepticon then beams holographic pictures of the Autobot leader back to Megatron, who uses them to create a [[Optimus Prime clone|remote-controlled clone]].

[[Image:PrimeProblem Megatron prime splitscreen.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Speed, I will not let you race in this race!]]

While the real Optimus is still clambering out of the pit he fell into, the clone leads the Autobots back to base. There are some awkward moments when the clone addresses [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] as "[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]", fails to work [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], and doesn't even remember giving Teletraan I a check up earlier that day, but the Autobots are distracted by the perimeter alarm sounding — the real Optimus Prime has arrived back at base. Under the clone's leadership, the Autobots prepare to shoot the real Prime as an impostor, but [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] stops them, announcing that no one's shooting anyone until they determine who's really Optimus Prime.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Twin primes rev up.jpg|left|200px|thumb|THIS is how you REALLY blow off steam!]]

Teletraan I scans both Primes, but is unable to determine which of them is fake. The clone excels at sharp-shooting, and when it's the real Prime's turn, the rocky outcrop they're using as a target falls on him. Fortunately Optimus shrugs the rubble off. A race to the end of the flats and back is even less conclusive. Any further tests are interrupted by Teletraan I reporting an increase in activity from the crevasse — in reality the work of Megatron's [[energy amplifier]]s. Ironhide announces he's taking command while Optimus Prime's identity is uncertain and the Autobots set out for the crevasse.

Naturally, they soon run into a Decepticon ambush. From the Decepticon base, Megatron and Starscream watch the fight. Megatron has decided that to win the Autobots' trust completely, the false Prime will have to destroy a Decepticon. Furthermore he's picked Starscream to take the fall. Starscream isn't too enthusiastic about this plan, and makes a run for it. He's seen leaving the base by [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], who then watch Laserbeak drag the protesting Decepticon back to base, enabling the pair to slip in unnoticed. Megatron explains the part of his plan that he neglected to mention earlier: that the Prime clone will only be destroying a clone of Starscream. Windcharger and Spike watch the production of Starscream's clone, and start back to warn the Autobots, but are spotted — Spike is captured by Laserbeak while Windcharger falls into the crevasse.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No bacon on the salad!]]
Out on the battlefield, both Autobots and Decepticons alike are surprised when the [[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]] joins in and immediately challenges one of the Optimus Primes to a duel to the death. The Decepticon at first gets the upper hand, but is blown apart when he stops to gloat. The rest of the Decepticons flee. Now convinced that the clone is the real thing after the battle, the Autobots follow the clone to the crevasse, ignoring the warnings from the real Optimus. But before they are led to their doom, Windcharger pulls up from the crevasse and reveals the truth, letting them know that the Decepticons have Spike captive.

[[Image:PrimeProblem Prime pats Spike.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime rubs Spike's head for good luck.]]

The clone says to disregard Windcharger's report and Spike's plight, and orders the Autobots forward into the crevasse. Ironhide declares the clone to be the fake, because the real Prime would save Spike. The Autobots shoot the fake Optimus into oblivion and follow Prime on a rescue mission. The Decepticon rocket base quickly launches, dropping Spike in mid-air, but fortunately [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] is able to execute a mid-air rescue. Optimus assures Spike that he's the real thing, and pets the boy like a puppy.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (7)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (8)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (18)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (19)
*[[Bluestreak]] (20)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (21)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (22)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (26)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (27)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (28)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (30)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (31)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (32)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (33)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Autoscout]] (4)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (12)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (13)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (14)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (15)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime clone]] (17)
*[[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]] (29)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"It's just such ignorance which forever relegates you to the ranks of underlings, Starscream!"
:—'''Megatron'''

"All the danger you can handle is already here, Floptimus Prime!"
:—'''Starscream''' comes up with a clever insult.

"I'm sorry there are only three of you. Clobbering less than four Decepticons at a time is boring."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

''"Laserbeak... you tin-foil turkey!"''
:—'''Optimus Prime''' dishes out the trash talk like a pro.

'''Optimus Prime clone''': Bumblebee, come over here. The computer's not responding to my input.... Bumblebee, I'm speaking to you. 
'''Ironhide''': You talking to me? 
'''Optimus Prime clone''': Of course. 
'''Ironhide''': But I'm not Bumblebee, I'm Ironhide, Prime. 
'''Optimus Prime clone''': I meant Ironhide, naturally.
:—The fake Optimus Prime totally flubs Ironhide's name, even though Ironhide's the only other one there, and the Southern-fried lug still doesn't get it...

"I don't mind hitting the dirt, but I don't enjoy eating it!"
:—'''Gears'''

"No, DO NOT! ARGH, my magnificent creation, vaporized! With Prime's replica destroyed, we must escape, now!"
:—'''Megatron''', not being at all melodramatic.

"Is it really you, Optimus Prime? I mean ''really?''" 
"Yes, Spike. This time I am definitely me. Or I. Myself. Oh, whoever I am. Put 'er there, partner."
:—A cautious but hopeful '''Spike''' questions '''Optimus Prime''', who doesn't do the best job of keeping a sentence together.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* The entire episode has strangely desaturated colors, even the indoor scenes. The outdoor scenes are mostly washed with a dusk-like yellow and blue, even away from the strange light of the crystals.

* Soundwave's optics turn white a couple of times, first when ejecting the autoscout, and then when ejecting Laserbeak for the first time.

* A strange animation shortcut has Optimus pick up Thundercracker to throw him. The camera angle changes, and suddenly it's Starscream that he's throwing. The next shot shows all three Seekers lying defeated, so it may or may not be an actual error. (The same color/character changing trick is used in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".)

* When Megatron orders him to eject Laserbeak, Soundwave's chest is blue instead of light gray. (The subsequent animation of Soundwave turning and ejecting the cassettebot is recycled from the episode's opening scene, and recycled again when Soundwave sends Laserbeak to retrieve Starscream.)

* Improbable viewpoints:
** Does Megatron have a camera that flies alongside Laserbeak to take a video of him? How else to account for the third-person camera angle that he gets on his screen as he talks to Laserbeak? Considering how often Laserbeak himself is dispatched for the purpose of obtaining video footage, this would be ludicrous.
** Megatron seems to have filled the whole valley with [[The Master Builders|cameras in rocks]]. He's able to keep constant tabs on the battle from a variety of viewpoints, including one head-on shot of the Autobots that travels with them as they run! There's no indication that these are the viewpoints of his troops (one comes right from just a foot or two above ground level.)

* When the Prime clone is first shown, it is several heads taller than Megatron. They should be the same height.

* Megatron has blue eyes as he tests out his voice control of the clone.

* The clone's eyes are white instead of blue when Ironhide stops the Autobots from destroying Prime.

* Teletraan I's initial statement ("Detail comparison forthcoming") is strangely muffled, as if coming over an AM radio broadcast.

* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he says "take your positions".

* After the clone announces that they'll spring any traps that need to be sprung, the real Prime's mouthplate disappears.

* Starscream's arm lasers disappear and reappear as he agrees with Megatron's plan to have the clone destroy a Decepticon.

* Starscream sports a red Decepticon [[insignia]] when he objects to Megatron's plan.

* Starscream's chest-cockpit is repeatedly colored entirely yellow, missing the bit of gray that it's supposed to have near the bottom. In fact, through the course of the episode, it's colored wrong more frequently than right.

* As he and Spike climb the mountain and spot Laserbeak, Windcharger is sporting [[Shattered Glass|a red Decepticon insignia]].

* Windcharger's head is a darker gray than his body when he ducks to avoid Laserbeak outside the mountain, and again when Ratchet identifies the fake Prime.

* Laserbeak makes no transformation sound as he returns to Soundwave's chest compartment.

* The animators seem to have forgotten that the [[incredibly tall rocket]] is a ship / base. Soundwave is seen entering the control room through a rocky tunnel.

* The clone Prime, after ordering Jazz to "hit the deck", just stands there for a remarkably long time doing nothing.

* Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray as he orders Starscream to say his line.

* After the fake Starscream is destroyed by the fake Optimus, Starscream is seen standing next to the other Decepticons (it's not even a coloring error as Thundercracker and Skywarp are both standing next to him).

* In a hilariously placed dialogue flub, Optimus calls Trailbreaker "Trailblazer", just as he's trying to convince the Autobots that he's the real Prime.

* A moment later, as Megatron tosses Spike out of the ship, Peter Cullen's delivery of Prime's line makes it sound like Prime is calling Spike "Splick."

* Powerglide catches Spike by swooping beneath him a second before Spike hits the rocks. But slamming into a metal airplane really wouldn't be much better for a human than slamming into the rocky ground.

===Continuity errors===
* The basic premise of the episode—that nobody can tell which Optimus Prime is real—requires all the Autobots (and Spike) to be ''incredibly'' stupid. Nobody thought to take the two Primes into separate rooms and grill them about things only the real Prime would know? Not even ''Prime himself'' thinks to suggest this? Even after Windcharger and Spike observe that something's very wrong with Prime, nobody puts two and two together when the real Prime shows up? The fake Prime's bloodthirsty response doesn't make it flagrantly obvious who's the fake? Nobody thinks to mark one of the Primes to tell them apart? Races and sharpshooting contests are supposed to prove who's who? Nobody gets suspicious at how easily Starscream is utterly annihilated?
** On the other hand, the ''real'' Optimus Prime calls Trailbreaker "Trailblazer" and Spike "Splick," so maybe we should cut the Autobots a little slack.

* Megatron makes it even easier for the Autobots; he calls Ironhide "Bumblebee", despite being able to identify Ironhide by name in "[[The Autobot Run]]", and flagrantly sets himself for discovery by mucking around with Teletraan I, asking ridiculously leading questions of the Autobots, and responding to the real Prime's appearance with an uncharacteristic "KILL IT NOW" reaction.

* Furthermore, why didn't Megatron just have Laserbeak kill, capture or disable Optimus Prime while he was down, thus avoiding all the "two Optimus Primes" trouble in the first place??

* Heck, if it's so easy to make perfect reproductions of the strongest Autobot, why not just make a ton of them and overwhelm the Autobots? Why not just make a ton of ''Megatron'' clones and overwhelm the Autobots?

* Megatron describes the crystals as "the most rare and dangerous form of raw energy in this [[solar system]]". More dangerous and rare than [[electro-cell]]s, [[Crystal of Power|Crystals of Power]], the [[Energy crystal|crystals]] on [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], the [[Sun]], etc.? Really?

*It doesn't make much sense that Megatron knows about the korlonium crystals and Starscream doesn't, considering it's established that Starscream is a ''scientist'' and has visited the [[Solar System]] before.

* Though the [[incredibly tall rocket|temporary base]] is mostly camouflaged as a mountain peak, there are some mechanical bits at its base that remain undisguised. Luckily for Megatron, nobody seems to notice.

* "It is Optimus Prime!" declares a shocked Soundwave as the clone is revealed. Was he just not paying attention to what Megatron was doing for the last few minutes, up to and including his saying "Now to begin the '''''cloning''''' process!"?

* As Megatron feeds lines to the newly-created clone, the clone's vocal inflections don't really match those of Megatron.

* Megatron should be saying everything that the clone says on-screen, but is silent as the clone first meets up with Jazz and Trailbreaker.

* The cloning machine also somehow manages to clone Prime's trailer even though Prime was scanned in his robot mode.

* After the Decepticons retreat, why does the Prime clone lead the Autobots back to [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], instead of investigating the energy source that drew them there in the first place?

* Only Jazz and Trailbreaker are seen withdrawing alongside the Prime clone, even though half a dozen Autobots are present at the battle.

* It's only an error retroactively, but when both Primes get X-rayed, neither one possesses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] in his chest cavity. In fact their chest interior design is completely different than the design from [[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]].

* If the clone is completely remote controlled, then what is clone Optimus Prime doing while Megatron is not wearing his control helmet? (seen several times, such as the beginning of the second battle and when Megatron gloats to Spike.)

* The clone's order for Jazz to "hit the deck" is completely useless; Jazz wasn't even remotely in Prime's way. (After this moment of tactical idiocy, Megatron takes a moment to gloat about his "brilliant scenario of Autobot destruction". We dare say this is ''ironic!'')

* Powerglide and Warpath both just show up out of nowhere during the final battle.

===Other notes===
* This episode features the only appearance of the [[Autoscout]], a cassette drone launched by Soundwave.

* The episode goes an unusually long time before featuring its first [[scene transition]], which finally comes around the six minute mark.

* This episode has the first appearances of [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. However, no explanation of their origins is made, which is made all the more irksome by the fact that this episode was written by the show's own dang story editors. Warpath gets no lines at all.

* Man, Starscream sure is eager to throw away the life of one of his fellow Decepticons, huh? He suggests it be "a trusted officer", which pretty much narrows the selection down to Soundwave (or mayyyybe Reflector but than again MAYBE Ravage). Make of that what you will!

* Laserbeak is pretty hardcore. Optimus is easily able to overpower Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp with his bare hands, yet a few blasts from Laserbeak take him down. Laserbeak also manages to open a pretty nice can of whoop-ass on Starscream when Starscream tries to run away; then he captures Spike and causes Windcharger to fall to his near-death.

* Based on the absurdity of this episode, "WE MUST HAVE A RACE" has become a popular fandom meme any time two things might be remotely confused with one another.

==Home video releases==
* ''[[The Original Transformers]]'' — Volume 1: Prime Threat (VHS, 1999)

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime Problem}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Ransack (ROTF)

2009-12-22T03:30:24Z

70.68.108.172: /* Titan Magazines */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Ransack}}
:''Ransack is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] portion of the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Titan2_Ransacktransforms.jpg|right|300px|thumb|That magnificent 'con being a flying machine.]]

Early in the development of flight technology on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], countless ages ago, '''Ransack''' was a pioneer. One of the first flying aces, his ruthlessness was feared by all. These days, though, he's old and outdated.

{{bigquote|I'm a Seeker. Far, far older than either of you... a whole other, superior order of Cybertronian lifeform! Have some respect!|An angry Ransack berates [[Mudflap (ROTF)|the]] [[Skids (ROTF)|twins]]|[[Transformers Comic issue 2.2]]}}
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===Titan Magazines===
[[Image:Titan2_Ransackversusdirt.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Take that, dignity!]]
One of [[the Fallen]]'s agents on Earth, Ransack hadn't heard from the Fallen in a long time. Having no new orders and recognising no other commander, he stayed on Earth for ''decades''. He also shows some knowledge of [[Jetfire (ROTF)|someone who switched sides]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

He was sent to murder [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] before they could warn the other Autobots of the upcoming plans. First bombing the interstate they were driving on, he went on to pursue them into the countryside, soon strafing them in an open field. A proud [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]] and servant of his lord, he got a bit pissed at these young whippersnappers dissing his alternate mode and was likely ''more'' pissed off when they temporarily disabled him with dirt.

Recovering quickly, and helped by their lack of energon, he soon had them ran to ground and was about to execute them. At that moment, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] arrived and sent him running. Ransack warned that in the long run, ''he'd'' be the winner... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

[[Image:Titan7_Ransacktowed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

Later, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] would try to get information from the Seeker, who refused to pass it on: he'd only talk to the Fallen! The twins, at this point pretending to have defected, hunted him down for Soundwave and Ransack was glad for the chance to finish them off. Skids ended the fight quickly by lying they had been sent by the Fallen to bring him back in, with Mudflap adding the Fallen was incapacitated; having not heard from his master in a long time and wanting to come in from the cold, Ransack was easily conned.

Unfortunately for him, that's when [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] attacked, blowing his wings out and taking him prisoner! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' novelization===
When [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] transported [[Sam Witwicky]]'s group through a [[Space bridge|transspacial portal]] to Egypt, the energy discharge caught the attention of Ransack, who followed them through his own portal. Ransack flew towards the group until his engine sputtered out and he crashed in front of Jetfire. Ransack then transformed and started to pick a fight with Jetfire, calling him a yellow-bellied traitor. Taking the "yellow" comment the wrong way, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] wanted to intervene, but Sam convinced him that the dispute was between the two of them and they shouldn't get involved.

Declaring that they were going to settle things right there and then, Ransack took a shot at Jetfire...which bounced off him, causing no damage. Jetfire abruptly ended the conflict by stomping Ransack to [[death]].

Jetfire later identified himself and Ransack as [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]]s. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Scout Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-RansackScout.jpg|right|thumb|300px|So Hasbro said to themselves, "We can make just about anything for the movie line and people'll buy it? Well, let's go for friggin' broke."]]
*'''Ransack''' (Scout Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-09'''

: Ransack is part of the second wave of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Scout Class figures. He transforms into a German [[:wikipedia:Albatros D.III|Albatros D.III]] biplane. This means he's really awesome. He has a non-firing weapon on each arm and totally metal details around the very large Decepticon [[insignia]]s on his wings. His official battle mode may be designed to give him mechanically-aided robot-mode [[flight]] capabilities.

:The ball joints on his shoulders are especially loose, and the pegs that hold his hands in place in vehicle mode (as well as the joints in his elbows) are much stronger. As such, his arms are going to pop off about 90% of the time while converting the figure.

:His weapons are swapped on his [[package art|card art]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Ransack/ransack.htm More information on Ransack at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ROTF Ransack BattleMode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Battle mode.]]
* Ransack was apparently going to be in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie]] at one point. [[Ben Procter]] designed his robot mode. Instead of a biplane, Ransack was supposed to transform into a [[Ford Model T Seeker|Ford Model T]].<ref name="procter">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=2772 Ben Procter's concept designs for ROTF]</ref> Later, on the Special Features of the Revenge of the Fallen's DVD release, a scale chart was visible that showed Ransack as one of the Decepticons for the film, this time in his biplane design. His height was listed as 12'.

* Ransack's ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' [[Ransack (G2)|counterpart]] also has a propeller-driven airplane [[alternate mode]], though it's a single-wing fighter. The name Ransack has thus been used for both the only WWI era and WWII era Transformer planes.

* Ransack is not named in the novelization, but he is described as an elderly biplane with Decepticon insignias on his wings.

* While his [[bio]] doesn't say he's a [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]], both the novelization and Titan Magazines have made him one. Also, in the movie, a picture [[Agent Simmons]] produces of a presumed Seeker contains a biplane.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Elderly Transformers]]
[[Category: Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Ransack (ROTF)

2009-12-22T03:29:35Z

70.68.108.172: /* Titan Magazines */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Ransack}}
:''Ransack is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] portion of the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Titan2_Ransacktransforms.jpg|right|300px|thumb|That magnificent 'con being a flying machine.]]

Early in the development of flight technology on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], countless ages ago, '''Ransack''' was a pioneer. One of the first flying aces, his ruthlessness was feared by all. These days, though, he's old and outdated.

{{bigquote|I'm a Seeker. Far, far older than either of you... a whole other, superior order of Cybertronian lifeform! Have some respect!|An angry Ransack berates [[Mudflap (ROTF)|the]] [[Skids (ROTF)|twins]]|[[Transformers Comic issue 2.2]]}}
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===Titan Magazines===
[[Image:Titan2_Ransackversusdirt.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Take that, dignity!]]
One of [[the Fallen]]'s agents on Earth, Ransack hadn't heard from the Fallen in a long time. Having no new orders and recognising no other commander, he stayed on Earth for ''decades''. He also shows some knowledge of [[Jetfire (ROTF)|someone who switched sides]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

He was sent to murder [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] before they could warn the other Autobots of the upcoming plans. First bombing the interstate they were driving on, he went on to pursue them into the countryside, soon strafing them in an open field. A proud [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]] and servant of his lord, he got a bit pissed at these young whippersnappers dissing his alternate mode and was likely ''more'' pissed off when they temporarily disabled him with dirt. Yeah.

Recovering quickly, and helped by their lack of energon, he soon had them ran to ground and was about to execute them. At that moment, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] arrived and sent him running. Ransack warned that in the long run, ''he'd'' be the winner... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

[[Image:Titan7_Ransacktowed.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

Later, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] would try to get information from the Seeker, who refused to pass it on: he'd only talk to the Fallen! The twins, at this point pretending to have defected, hunted him down for Soundwave and Ransack was glad for the chance to finish them off. Skids ended the fight quickly by lying they had been sent by the Fallen to bring him back in, with Mudflap adding the Fallen was incapacitated; having not heard from his master in a long time and wanting to come in from the cold, Ransack was easily conned.

Unfortunately for him, that's when [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] attacked, blowing his wings out and taking him prisoner! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' novelization===
When [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] transported [[Sam Witwicky]]'s group through a [[Space bridge|transspacial portal]] to Egypt, the energy discharge caught the attention of Ransack, who followed them through his own portal. Ransack flew towards the group until his engine sputtered out and he crashed in front of Jetfire. Ransack then transformed and started to pick a fight with Jetfire, calling him a yellow-bellied traitor. Taking the "yellow" comment the wrong way, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] wanted to intervene, but Sam convinced him that the dispute was between the two of them and they shouldn't get involved.

Declaring that they were going to settle things right there and then, Ransack took a shot at Jetfire...which bounced off him, causing no damage. Jetfire abruptly ended the conflict by stomping Ransack to [[death]].

Jetfire later identified himself and Ransack as [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]]s. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Scout Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-RansackScout.jpg|right|thumb|300px|So Hasbro said to themselves, "We can make just about anything for the movie line and people'll buy it? Well, let's go for friggin' broke."]]
*'''Ransack''' (Scout Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-09'''

: Ransack is part of the second wave of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Scout Class figures. He transforms into a German [[:wikipedia:Albatros D.III|Albatros D.III]] biplane. This means he's really awesome. He has a non-firing weapon on each arm and totally metal details around the very large Decepticon [[insignia]]s on his wings. His official battle mode may be designed to give him mechanically-aided robot-mode [[flight]] capabilities.

:The ball joints on his shoulders are especially loose, and the pegs that hold his hands in place in vehicle mode (as well as the joints in his elbows) are much stronger. As such, his arms are going to pop off about 90% of the time while converting the figure.

:His weapons are swapped on his [[package art|card art]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Ransack/ransack.htm More information on Ransack at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ROTF Ransack BattleMode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Battle mode.]]
* Ransack was apparently going to be in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie]] at one point. [[Ben Procter]] designed his robot mode. Instead of a biplane, Ransack was supposed to transform into a [[Ford Model T Seeker|Ford Model T]].<ref name="procter">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=2772 Ben Procter's concept designs for ROTF]</ref> Later, on the Special Features of the Revenge of the Fallen's DVD release, a scale chart was visible that showed Ransack as one of the Decepticons for the film, this time in his biplane design. His height was listed as 12'.

* Ransack's ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' [[Ransack (G2)|counterpart]] also has a propeller-driven airplane [[alternate mode]], though it's a single-wing fighter. The name Ransack has thus been used for both the only WWI era and WWII era Transformer planes.

* Ransack is not named in the novelization, but he is described as an elderly biplane with Decepticon insignias on his wings.

* While his [[bio]] doesn't say he's a [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]], both the novelization and Titan Magazines have made him one. Also, in the movie, a picture [[Agent Simmons]] produces of a presumed Seeker contains a biplane.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Elderly Transformers]]
[[Category: Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Female Autobots

2009-12-01T04:30:05Z

70.68.108.172: /* Orange female */

{{picsneeded|Alt modes of the two unnamed ones}}
{{factions|autobot|quintesson}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot resistance group led by Elita One|information on female Transformers in general|Female Transformer}}
:''The Female Autobots are a team with a rather self-explanatory designation in the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Femaleautobots.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Amazon Autobots on Beta Moon?]]
The '''Female Autobots'''<ref>[[Elita One]]'s 1996 [[:Image:ElitaOne-MCAxiskit.jpg|MC Axis Kit]] gives her a function of "Female Autobot Commander," apparently cementing that "Female Autobots" is the actual ''name'' of the unit and not just a description.</ref> are a team of [[female Transformers]] that made its debut in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 episode]] "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". In that appearance, it was an [[Autobot]] resistance group stationed on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the command of [[Elita One]]. In its cancelled return to fiction in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave comics]] however, the team was working for the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]].

{{bigquote|Female Autobots? I thought they were extinct.|The ever-observant [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]|"[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]"}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Woman Cybertrons'''<ref name="TV">[http://www.allspark.com/content/stories/tfpulp/TV%20Magazine%2087-02/tvmag02_87_06.jpg TV Magazine: Transformers 2010, Part 3 at Allspark.com.]</ref>

==Members==
The team as it originally appeared consisted of six members. Later fiction has thus far always omitted the two unnamed ones and often times placed Arcee among the group's ranks.
[[Image:G1femmes.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

*[[Elita One]]
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]
*[[Firestar]]
*[[Moonracer]]
*[[#Green female|Unnamed Green Female Autobot]] (''cartoon'')
*[[#Orange female|Unnamed Orange Female Autobot]] (''cartoon'')
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (''Dreamwave comics & Diamond Select profile, possibly the MC Axis comics'')

Given his supportive role to the team in the cartoon, [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] might be considered a member in that continuity as well.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
The Female Autobots were destroyed by a missile strike during the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s launch. Or so everyone thought...

Skip four million years into the future. By 1985, they have formed a resistance group on Cybertron, operating in secret. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] discovered their continued existence (thanks to Moonracer) and tracked them back to their underground headquarters. A subsequent attempt by the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to capture Elita One resulted in the destruction of said headquarters, but also a reunion with the Autobots stationed on [[Earth]].

Once the Decepticons were dealt with, the Female Autobots relocated to a new secret headquarters provided by Alpha Trion and chose to remain on Cybertron to continue the fight there. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

===MC Axis mini-comics===
The team had taken out a humongous Decepticon and Moonracer boasted about their success, claiming that they alone could retake Cybertron. Only Elita One didn’t share in her team’s exultation as she knew they were only hiding and that the war was wearing them out.

At another time, Arcee showed off to Firestar and Moonracer how 'badass' she is by taking out a Decepticon the other two hadn’t even noticed yet. She then continued to berate them that war seemed to be too tough for females in particular. Firestar was horrified at realizing that three beautiful women were at three times as much risk. ''Just... what?'' {{storylink|MC Axis (pack-in comic)|MC Axis pack-in comic}}

===Dreamwave Comics continuity===
[[Image:G1Dreamwaveongoing11.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hey, watch where you point that thing.]]
The "Female Autobots" were an elite squad of warriors under the command of the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]]. Arcee functioned as a sleeper agent of theirs. {{storylink|Unreleased Dreamwave issues|Generation One issue 11}}<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/comics/view.php?comic_id=746 Generation One #11 summary at Seibertron.com]</ref><ref name="UDGOM">[http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/dreamwave/guide/?s=g1_vol_3_unpub Unpublished Dreamwave Generation One Material at TFarchive.com.]</ref>

{{Note|[[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] filed for bankruptcy and stopped producing Transformers books right as the Female Autobots arc was beginning.}}
{{-}}
==Unnamed members==
In addition to the better known four Female Autobots, the team as it originally appeared had two more members. Both have no name,<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/5821789ca800431a/68758ddf3993e5ac Secrets of the Original Scripts, Part Five]</ref> got no lines and apart from their looks, there isn't much known about them. Within the cartoon, they seem to fulfill a more supportive/defensive role for the team, though they fight when it is required of them. They can often be seen standing or working together, so one could conclude they're friends.

===Green female===
[[Image:Femaleautobot green.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Green Elf needs energon, badly!]]
She tried to board the Ark with Elita One and the others, but failed and was thought destroyed until four million years later.

She could be seen manning a series of monitors in the team's original headquarters when Chromia and co. returned from their mission. When their base had been destroyed, she and her orange colleague freed Moonracer from the debris. Sticking with the rest of the team, she did her share in the fight against the Decepticons and could again later be seen manning a series of monitors in the team's new base.

{{-}}
===Orange female===
[[Image:Femaleautobot orange.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Whoa, panty shot!]]
She's purple and orange, like [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. And she doesn't do much, like Huffer. She's the only member of Elita One's squad that is not present in the flashback of the Ark's launch and generally has the least screentime of all Female Autobots (mostly with her back turned to the camera when she's not in the background or obscured by someone else). She also has the least consistent design of all of them.

The orange one could be seen looking at a clipboard in the team's original headquarters when Chromia and co. returned from their mission. When their base had been destroyed, she and her green colleague freed Moonracer from the debris. Along with the rest of the team, she did her share in the fight against the Decepticons and could later be seen manning a series of monitors all the way in the back of the team's new base.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:Art of War 2u.jpg|right|150px|thumb|[[Lady Jaye]]'s riding Arcee. So wrong and yet so right.]]
* The Female Autobots were the [[Transformers brand|brand]]'s first [[female Transformers]], though they were not its first [[Auntie|female Cybertronians]]. Or its first [[Nightbird (G1)|female robots]] for that matter.
* The Club Udon special edition cover to [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War]] [[The Art of War issue 2|issue 2]], which is dedicated to the ladies of the two brands, surprisingly features what appears to be the orange female with the green female's colors. Possibly, one (or both) of them also exist in the Joe/Transformers continuity.
* The Female Autobots were present in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|season 3]] chain of command chart published in [[TV Magazine]]'s ''[[Transformers 2010 (story page)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010]]'' [[Story page|story pages]]. {{storylink|Transformers 2010 (story page)|Part 3}}
* Had [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] not gone bankrupt, the Female Autobots (i.e. the main four) would have received [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|MTMTE profiles]] in the [[Unreleased Dreamwave issues|Generation One 2004 Datatracks Annual]].<ref name="UDGOM" />
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]