MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Triangulation

2012-05-14T22:36:14Z

71.235.91.76: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 39
|prev=Tunnel Vision
|next=Triage
|image=Triangulation Starscream Apex armor.jpg
|caption= "I've never really had a taste for this kind of thing, but I must admit... I'm deeply enjoying the suit!"
|title="Triangulation"
|airdate=[[May 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Optimus Prime hunts for relics in Antarctica and finds himself caught between shifting alliances.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] notes that the second relic is in [[Antarctica]], and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] volunteers to head there. In the ''[[Harbinger]]'', [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is about to operate on himself to insert his new [[transformation cog|T-cog]] when the ship's computer picks up the fact that the [[Decepticon]]s are dispatching teams to four locations. At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] departs through the [[GroundBridge]]. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] announces he's heading for the Antarctic, and announces that [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] will need backup on his mission—[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]].

Starscream uses a GroundBridge remote control to head to the Antarctic on a [[Hoversled (Prime)|hoversled]]. He's quickly spotted by Dreadwing and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] who knock him off his sled. Starscream at first mistakes Dreadwing for Skyquake, and soon has some cuffs slapped on him. The group trudges through the snow to where the relic is located, to find it has already been dug out of the ice and is gone. The Vehicons start searching and find vehicle tracks. They're approached by Optimus, who demands the return of the relic, and the standoff quickly turns into a firefight. After Prime takes out two of the Vehicons and scores a hit on Dreadwing, the Decepticon starts breaking out heavier weapons, and proves to be formidable with a sword. They take a dive off a cliff, following which Optimus brings the ice crashing down, burying Dreadwing. With Starscream's help, Optimus takes care of the remaining two Vehicons, and demands Starscream lead him to the relic.

Optimus and Starscream take a long walk through the ice and snow until they finally reach a human base. Optimus radios home and gets [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to evacuate the human base so he can safely retrieve the relic. Meanwhile, Dreadwing breaks free of the ice and heads out to find Prime. With the base clear, Optimus and Starscream venture inside to find the relic still frozen in a chunk of ice. They're interrupted by Dreadwing. While Optimus and Dreadwing fight, Starscream sets about liberating the relic, which turns out to be the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]. Outside, Dreadwing has Optimus on the ropes and is about to strike when Starscream, now wearing the armor, crashes out of the building.

Both Dreadwing and Optimus attack the rogue Decepticon, but he swats them aside, repeatedly. Optimus suggests to Dreadwing that they will need to cooperate to defeat Starscream. While Dreadwing flies around, Optimus slaps a bomb onto Starscream, but the Apex Armor proves invulnerable even to that. Optimus realizes that Starscream still has a vulnerability—his lack of flight. While Optimus keeps Starscream's attention once more, Dreadwing plants explosives on the ground, and just as Starscream works out that the pair are up to something, the bombs detonate. Starscream disappears into a hole blasted in the ice. With no relic left to claim, Dreadwing and Optimus go their separate ways, though Dreadwing swears to terminate Optimus next time.

At the bottom of the ocean below, Starscream walks along, still protected by the Apex Armor.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (10)

|c3=
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
* [[William Fowler]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
"What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me! Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you straight to the relic." 
''*Optimus cocks his blaster*'' 
"You will lead me there regardless." 
"Hmph! You're welcome!"
:—An excited '''Starscream''' and a totally thankful '''Optimus Prime'''

"I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in [[Cliffjumper (Prime) | Cliffjumper]]."
:—'''Starscream''' really doesn't know [[Partners | when to]] [[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2 | shut up]] [[Armada (episode) | about]] [[Darkness Rising, Part 1 | that]]!

"I will beat the living spark out of you, just so I will never again have to hear you pontificating!"
:—'''Starscream''' says what he thinks of Optimus Prime's speech pattern.

"*''Evil laughs''* That tickled! *''Evil laughs''* Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE! 
"Yet you cannot fly!" 
"Nobody's perfect!" 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Optimus Prime''', the former enjoying the suit a little ''too'' much...

"Cowards! You will not escape my might! (beat) Wait! (beat) You two are up to something!"
:—Genre savvy '''Starscream'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* Starscream is missing his manacles during Optimus and Dreadwing's first battle.

===Continuity errors===
* The Apex Armor was established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles| Exiles]]'' as a relic of Solus Prime; however, Starscream calls it armor of "Decepticon origin".

===Continuity notes===
* This episode happens concurrently with the previous episode and, presumably, with the following two.
* Starscream is preparing to install a new [[T-cog]] into himself at the beginning of the episode, which he scavenged from his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]] after killing him in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
* Starscream refers to [[Orion Pax, Part 2 | helping Orion Pax regain his memory]] and [[Crossfire | giving information]] to the Autobots.
* Starscream mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], who died in "[[Masters & Students]]", and he then attempted to revive him in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
* Starscream enjoyed [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and claims he will reunite Dreadwing with his "beloved twin".
* Dreadwing is still mad at Optimus for Skyquake's demise.
* Optimus refers to how he offered Skyquake a chance of redemption, as well as expressing remorse for the Decepticon's demise from "Masters & Students".

===Transformers references===
* The Apex Armor is a reference to the [[Apex Armor (G1)|item of the same name]] from Generation 1, first introduced with the ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' reissue of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ApexArmorPrime|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] toy and later appearing in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comics.
* This isn't the first time [[Transformers (PS2)|Starscream has visited a research base in the Antarctic, and been at the center of it exploding.]]
* Among the tools Starscream tries to operate on himself with is a [[durabyllium]] drill.

===Real-world references===
* People actually do put flags around archaeological sites in desolate wastelands, in order to find them again.

===Trivia===
* Optimus still hasn't gotten Raf that snowball he promised to give him [[Scrapheap|the other day.]]
* This is the first episode in which [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] does not make an appearance.
* Dreadwing reveals that he has a sword. Whilst a sword has been shown to be included with his toy, this is the first time he has ever used it in-series.
{{epstub}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Triangulation

2012-05-14T22:35:40Z

71.235.91.76: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 39
|prev=Tunnel Vision
|next=Triage
|image=Triangulation Starscream Apex armor.jpg
|caption= "I've never really had a taste for this kind of thing, but I must admit... I'm deeply enjoying the suit!"
|title="Triangulation"
|airdate=[[May 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Optimus Prime hunts for relics in Antarctica and finds himself caught between shifting alliances.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] notes that the second relic is in [[Antarctica]], and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] volunteers to head there. In the ''[[Harbinger]]'', [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] is about to operate on himself to insert his new [[transformation cog|T-cog]] when the ship's computer picks up the fact that the [[Decepticon]]s are dispatching teams to four locations. At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] departs through the [[GroundBridge]]. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] announces he's heading for the Antarctic, and announces that [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] will need backup on his mission—[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]].

Starscream uses a GroundBridge remote control to head to the Antarctic on a [[Hoversled (Prime)|hoversled]]. He's quickly spotted by Dreadwing and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] who knock him off his sled. Starscream at first mistakes Dreadwing for Skyquake, and soon has some cuffs slapped on him. The group trudges through the snow to where the relic is located, to find it has already been dug out of the ice and is gone. The Vehicons start searching and find vehicle tracks. They're approached by Optimus, who demands the return of the relic, and the standoff quickly turns into a firefight. After Prime takes out two of the Vehicons and scores a hit on Dreadwing, the Decepticon starts breaking out heavier weapons, and proves to be formidable with a sword. They take a dive off a cliff, following which Optimus brings the ice crashing down, burying Dreadwing. With Starscream's help, Optimus takes care of the remaining two Vehicons, and demands Starscream lead him to the relic.

Optimus and Starscream take a long walk through the ice and snow until they finally reach a human base. Optimus radios home and gets [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to evacuate the human base so he can safely retrieve the relic. Meanwhile, Dreadwing breaks free of the ice and heads out to find Prime. With the base clear, Optimus and Starscream venture inside to find the relic still frozen in a chunk of ice. They're interrupted by Dreadwing. While Optimus and Dreadwing fight, Starscream sets about liberating the relic, which turns out to be the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]. Outside, Dreadwing has Optimus on the ropes and is about to strike when Starscream, now wearing the armor, crashes out of the building.

Both Dreadwing and Optimus attack the rogue Decepticon, but he swats them aside, repeatedly. Optimus suggests to Dreadwing that they will need to cooperate to defeat Starscream. While Dreadwing flies around, Optimus slaps a bomb onto Starscream, but the Apex Armor proves invulnerable even to that. Optimus realizes that Starscream still has a vulnerability—his lack of flight. While Optimus keeps Starscream's attention once more, Dreadwing plants explosives on the ground, and just as Starscream works out that the pair are up to something, the bombs detonate. Starscream disappears into a hole blasted in the ice. With no relic left to claim, Dreadwing and Optimus go their separate ways, though Dreadwing swears to terminate Optimus next time.

At the bottom of the ocean below, Starscream walks along, still protected by the Apex Armor.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (10)

|c3=
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
* [[William Fowler]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
"What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me! Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you straight to the relic." 
''*Optimus cocks his blaster*'' 
"You will lead me there regardless." 
"Hmph! You're welcome!"
:—An excited '''Starscream''' and a totally thankful '''Optimus Prime'''

"I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in [[Cliffjumper (Prime) | Cliffjumper]]."
:—'''Starscream''' really doesn't know [[Partners | when to]] [[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2 | shut up]] [[Armada (episode) | about]] [[Darkness Rising, Part 1 | that]]!

"I will beat the living spark out of you, just so I will never again have to hear you pontificating!"
:—'''Starscream''' says what he thinks of Optimus Prime's speech pattern.

"*''Evil laughs''* That tickled! *''Evil laughs''* Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE! 
"Yet you cannot fly!" 
"Nobody's perfect!" 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Optimus Prime''', the former enjoying the suit a little ''too'' much...

"Cowards! You will not escape my might! (beat) Wait! (beat) You two are up to something!"
:—Genre savvy '''Starscream'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* Starscream is missing his manacles during Optimus and Dreadwing's first battle.

===Continuity errors===
* The Apex Armor was established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles| Exiles]]'' as a relic of Solus Prime; however, Starscream calls it armor of "Decepticon origin".

===Continuity notes===
* This episode happens concurrently with the previous episode and, presumably, with the following two.
* Starscream is preparing to install a new [[T-cog]] into himself at the beginning of the episode, which he scavenged from his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]] after killing him in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
* Starscream refers to [[Orion Pax, Part 2 | helping Orion Pax regain his memory]] and [[Crossfire | giving information]] to the Autobots.
* Starscream mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], who died in "[[Masters & Students]]", and he then attempted to revive him in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
* Starscream enjoyed [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and claims he will reunite Dreadwing with his "beloved twin".
* Dreadwing is still mad at Optimus for Skyquake's demise.
* Optimus refers to how he offered Skyquake a chance of redemption, as well as expressing remorse for the Decepticon's demise from "Masters & Students".

===Transformers references===
* The Apex Armor is a reference to the [[Apex Armor (G1)|item of the same name]] from Generation 1, first introduced with the ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' reissue of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ApexArmorPrime|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] toy and later appearing in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comics.
* This isn't the first time [[Transformers (PS2)|Starscream has visited a research base in the Antarctic, and been at the center of it exploding.]]
* Among the tools Starscream tries to operate on himself with is a [[durabyllium]] drill.

===Real-world references===
* People actually do put flags around archaeological sites in desolate wastelands, in order to find them again.

===Trivia===
* Optimus still hasn't gotten Raf that snowball he promised to give him [Scrapheap|the other day.]
* This is the first episode in which [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] does not make an appearance.
* Dreadwing reveals that he has a sword. Whilst a sword has been shown to be included with his toy, this is the first time he has ever used it in-series.
{{epstub}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Crossfire (Prime)

2012-04-01T12:29:29Z

71.235.91.76: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 33
|prev=Loose Cannons
|next=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|image=
|caption=
|title="Crossfire"
|airdate=[[March 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Airachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior.'''

==Synopsis==
Airachnid muses to Megatron about Soundwave's inevitable decryption of the [[Project Iacon|Iacon files,]] and requests for her tracking abilities to be enlisted in the search for the resulting coordinates. Megatron dismisses her, and Soundwave replays the audio of her suggestion to leave Megatron [[One Shall Rise, Part 3|earlier]]. He contacts Dreadwing, who replies with an oath of loyalty. The leader orders him to perform a task he normally performs [[Rock Bottom|himself]], but now leaves to his first officer. The Seeker is confused, as Airachnid holds that position, but his mission becomes clear—he is to dispose of the treacherous spider.

Breakdown, Dreadwing, and Airachnid follow the trail of an unconfirmed energon deposit. Airachnid is amused at the heavy backup, and takes the opportunity to grill Breakdown on his lack of skill, and lack of eye. Dreadwing attempts to calm him, but another insult puts him into a frenzy. He jumps at the spider, but is webbed in the face. Dreadwing joins the fray, but is pinned to a tree by Airachnid's webbing, but not before he lets off a blast which collapses a tree on Airachnid. She finds one of her legs damaged, and retreats. Breakdown gives chase, and finds her collapsed in a ravine. As he raises his hammer to finish her, webs—[[MECH|not from Airachnid]]—immobilize it in the air. Airachnid raises a leg to slice him through.

A contingent of MECH soldiers come upon Breakdown's remains.

In a cave, Starscream pities his lot in life as he jumps for a meager scrap of energon. He is interrupted by a nearby rumbling that surprises him—it is an Insecticon, unearthing a large chunk of energon. He orders the brute to hand it over, but it attacks him, forcing him to hide. He witnesses the Insecticon bowing to another surprise—Airachnid. He makes himself known, and she makes her rogue status known, giving Starscream the idea to propose an alliance to overthrow Megatron with the help of her oversized herald. She proposes an alternative—she overthrows Megatron, and orders the Insecticon to destroy Starscream.

At base, Ratchet recieves another [[Orion Pax, Part 2|high frequency message on a restricted band,]] again from Starscream, who promises valuable intel for medical aid. His intel proves none-too-relevant until he mentions the Insecticon, and provides Airachnid's location. Back at base, Arcee
berates Ratchet and Bulkhead for letting him go again, but Optimus is confident in sparing helpless lifeforms, regardless of personal vendettas.

Airachnid contacts Megatron and proposes a challenge. He accepts, and forbids Dreadwing to follow him.

Megatron arrives at the mine, and is beset upon by the Insecticon, who ignores Megatron's orders to stand down and begins to beat him down. Before long, however, the former gladiator is on equal footing with the beast . The Autobots bridge in, and Arcee goes for Airachnid. Below, Megatron gains the upper hand, removing the Insecticon's limbs and finally decapitating it. Megatron announces his superiority, before falling. The Autobots surround him, and Optimus Prime prepares to execute him. Laser blasts fill the air, and Dreadwing, accompanied by a large detachment of Vehicons, surrounds them. They agree to trade their lives for Megatron's. As Dreadwing and Megatron fly off, Megatron shows his appreciation for Dreadwing's disregard of orders.

Arcee follows Airachnid, but finds herself suddenly stuck in a trap. As her rival prepares to finish her, a missile streaks through the air and pushes the spider off Arcee. She escapes as Starscream—intent on payback—continues to fire. Now alone with Arcee, the Seeker recalls her decision to spare him earlier, and cuts her down to settle his debt.

Underground, even as she swears her vengeance, Airachnid comes upon the source of her warrior—an entire nest of Insecticons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (11)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (4)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)
|c3=
*[[MECH|MECH soldiers]] (6)
*[[MECH Commando]] (7)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==

"I know we've never seen ''eyes-to-eye'', but that doesn't mean we can't ''patch'' things up."
:—'''Airachnid''' baits Breakdown with extra-strength puns.

"Easy prey."
:—'''Breakdown''' on the crippled Airachnid

"Never trust a Con, kick Buckethead's bucket!"
:—'''Bulkhead'''

"You and your beast would do well to remember—''I honed my skills in the pits of Kaon!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reminds all that he is not so easily beaten.

"You disobeyed my orders in following me here. You will make a fine first lieutenant."
:—'''Megatron''' might have finally made a good choice for second-in-command.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*Starscream's missiles reappear on his arms after he fires them.

=== Animation and technical errors ===
*When Bulkhead jumps out of the groundbridge with Ratchet following behind, the wrecking ball on his left arm somehow transforms silently and invisibly back to his hand.

===Continuity notes===
*Arcee reminds the team yet again of how Airachnid took [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] away from her.
*Starscream hasn't forgotten how Arcee let him live after their last encounter from "[[Partners]]".
*Soundwave plays dialogue from "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" to remind Megatron what Airachnid thinks of him.
*Airachnid wanting to leave Megatron behind during "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]" has caught up to her.
*MECH comes across the dismembered remains of Breakdown, and cites it as a "[[Operation: Breakdown|familiar face]]".
*Starscream contacts Ratchet the same way he did back in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]", and meets him and Bulkhead in what appears to be the same place. He even references the events of that episode.
*The events of the two-part episode "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1|Operation Bumblebee]]" are brought up while Starscream begs for treatment.
*The "task" Megatron normally performs himself—the disposal of treacherous soldiers—previously occurred in "[[Rock Bottom]]", where Starscream was the recipient.
*Megatron refers to his skills and training as a Kaon gladiator.
*The resolution Optimus Prime made last season to finally kill Megatron still stands.

===Transformers references===

===Real-world references===

===Trivia===

{{epstub}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]
*Breakdown seems to have met his demise. This is the first time in the series this occurs to a character who lasted more than one episode.
** This also marks the [[Operation: Breakdown|second time]] something nasty happens to Breakdown with Knock-Out nowhere in sight.
*Dreadwing is now Megatron's first lieutenant.

Crossfire (Prime)

2012-04-01T12:29:03Z

71.235.91.76: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 33
|prev=Loose Cannons
|next=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|image=
|caption=
|title="Crossfire"
|airdate=[[March 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Airachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior.'''

==Synopsis==
Airachnid muses to Megatron about Soundwave's inevitable decryption of the [[Project Iacon|Iacon files,]] and requests for her tracking abilities to be enlisted in the search for the resulting coordinates. Megatron dismisses her, and Soundwave replays the audio of her suggestion to leave Megatron [[One Shall Rise, Part 3|earlier]]. He contacts Dreadwing, who replies with an oath of loyalty. The leader orders him to perform a task he normally performs [[Rock Bottom|himself]], but now leaves to his first officer. The Seeker is confused, as Airachnid holds that position, but his mission becomes clear—he is to dispose of the treacherous spider.

Breakdown, Dreadwing, and Airachnid follow the trail of an unconfirmed energon deposit. Airachnid is amused at the heavy backup, and takes the opportunity to grill Breakdown on his lack of skill, and lack of eye. Dreadwing attempts to calm him, but another insult puts him into a frenzy. He jumps at the spider, but is webbed in the face. Dreadwing joins the fray, but is pinned to a tree by Airachnid's webbing, but not before he lets off a blast which collapses a tree on Airachnid. She finds one of her legs damaged, and retreats. Breakdown gives chase, and finds her collapsed in a ravine. As he raises his hammer to finish her, webs—[[MECH|not from Airachnid]]—immobilize it in the air. Airachnid raises a leg to slice him through.

A contingent of MECH soldiers come upon Breakdown's remains.

In a cave, Starscream pities his lot in life as he jumps for a meager scrap of energon. He is interrupted by a nearby rumbling that surprises him—it is an Insecticon, unearthing a large chunk of energon. He orders the brute to hand it over, but it attacks him, forcing him to hide. He witnesses the Insecticon bowing to another surprise—Airachnid. He makes himself known, and she makes her rogue status known, giving Starscream the idea to propose an alliance to overthrow Megatron with the help of her oversized herald. She proposes an alternative—she overthrows Megatron, and orders the Insecticon to destroy Starscream.

At base, Ratchet recieves another [[Orion Pax, Part 2|high frequency message on a restricted band,]] again from Starscream, who promises valuable intel for medical aid. His intel proves none-too-relevant until he mentions the Insecticon, and provides Airachnid's location. Back at base, Arcee
berates Ratchet and Bulkhead for letting him go again, but Optimus is confident in sparing helpless lifeforms, regardless of personal vendettas.

Airachnid contacts Megatron and proposes a challenge. He accepts, and forbids Dreadwing to follow him.

Megatron arrives at the mine, and is beset upon by the Insecticon, who ignores Megatron's orders to stand down and begins to beat him down. Before long, however, the former gladiator is on equal footing with the beast . The Autobots bridge in, and Arcee goes for Airachnid. Below, Megatron gains the upper hand, removing the Insecticon's limbs and finally decapitating it. Megatron announces his superiority, before falling. The Autobots surround him, and Optimus Prime prepares to execute him. Laser blasts fill the air, and Dreadwing, accompanied by a large detachment of Vehicons, surrounds them. They agree to trade their lives for Megatron's. As Dreadwing and Megatron fly off, Megatron shows his appreciation for Dreadwing's disregard of orders.

Arcee follows Airachnid, but finds herself suddenly stuck in a trap. As her rival prepares to finish her, a missile streaks through the air and pushes the spider off Arcee. She escapes as Starscream—intent on payback—continues to fire. Now alone with Arcee, the Seeker recalls her decision to spare him earlier, and cuts her down to settle his debt.

Underground, even as she swears her vengeance, Airachnid comes upon the source of her warrior—an entire nest of Insecticons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (11)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (4)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)
|c3=
*[[MECH|MECH soldiers]] (6)
*[[MECH Commando]] (7)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==

"I know we've never seen ''eyes-to-eye'', but that doesn't mean we can't ''patch'' things up."
:—'''Airachnid''' baits Breakdown with extra-strength puns.

"Easy prey."
:—'''Breakdown''' on the crippled Airachnid

"Never trust a Con, kick Buckethead's bucket!"
:—'''Bulkhead'''

"You and your beast would do well to remember—''I honed my skills in the pits of Kaon!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reminds all that he is not so easily beaten.

"You disobeyed my orders in following me here. You will make a fine first lieutenant."
:—'''Megatron''' might have finally made a good choice for second-in-command.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*Starscream's missiles reappear on his arms after he fires them.

== Animation and technical errors ==
*When Bulkhead jumps out of the groundbridge with Ratchet following behind, the wrecking ball on his left arm somehow transforms silently and invisibly back to his hand.

===Continuity notes===
*Arcee reminds the team yet again of how Airachnid took [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] away from her.
*Starscream hasn't forgotten how Arcee let him live after their last encounter from "[[Partners]]".
*Soundwave plays dialogue from "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" to remind Megatron what Airachnid thinks of him.
*Airachnid wanting to leave Megatron behind during "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]" has caught up to her.
*MECH comes across the dismembered remains of Breakdown, and cites it as a "[[Operation: Breakdown|familiar face]]".
*Starscream contacts Ratchet the same way he did back in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]", and meets him and Bulkhead in what appears to be the same place. He even references the events of that episode.
*The events of the two-part episode "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1|Operation Bumblebee]]" are brought up while Starscream begs for treatment.
*The "task" Megatron normally performs himself—the disposal of treacherous soldiers—previously occurred in "[[Rock Bottom]]", where Starscream was the recipient.
*Megatron refers to his skills and training as a Kaon gladiator.
*The resolution Optimus Prime made last season to finally kill Megatron still stands.

===Transformers references===

===Real-world references===

===Trivia===

{{epstub}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]
*Breakdown seems to have met his demise. This is the first time in the series this occurs to a character who lasted more than one episode.
** This also marks the [[Operation: Breakdown|second time]] something nasty happens to Breakdown with Knock-Out nowhere in sight.
*Dreadwing is now Megatron's first lieutenant.