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Child's Play (episode)

2009-08-27T13:05:05Z

72.68.68.243: /* Miscellaneous trivia */

{{disambig2|the episode of the Generation 1 cartoon|issue #35 of the Marvel US comic|Child's Play (issue)}}
{{episode
|image=Child's Play Aron Autobots telescope.jpg
|caption=Aron soon realised he was addicted to collecting Robot Heroes.
|series=G1toon
|ep=44
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=40
|title="Child's Play"
|written by=[[Beth Bornstein]]
|production code=700-43
|airdate=[[November 7]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Transformers find themselves on an alien planet where they're no bigger than toys to the inhabitants!'''

:''Japanese title:'' チルドレン・プレイ (''Children Play'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Child's Play Decepticons catch.JPG|left|200px|thumb|There's nothing in the rule book that says a Decepticon can't pitch!]]

At a baseball stadium on [[Earth]], the [[Decepticon]]s are setting up a [[space bridge]], over the objections of the [[human]]s. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] decides to let his troops have some fun: [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] fires baseballs at people from his cannons, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] play catch (using a human), [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] chases a player around the field, and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] starts grabbing people in [[Alternate mode|jet mode]]. The unwholesome family fun is ended when the [[Autobot]]s arrive. As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots attack, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] tries to run a scan on the space bridge, but Megatron shoots the controls. However, Optimus Prime, Perceptor, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], Soundwave, Ravage, Thrust, and Starscream are within the space bridge's confines at the time, and they are sucked into a portal along with the [[energon cube]]s. As Megatron laments the loss of the energon (and fails to notice the bright side of Optimus and Starscream probably being dead), the space bridge self-destructs. [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] leads the remaining Autobots back to the [[Ark (G1)|base]], hoping that [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] can figure out where the others were sent.

Meanwhile, the lost Transformers awaken to find themselves somewhere else. All of a sudden, a large sphere lands atop Starscream. Then a monster attacks, chasing Soundwave. Thrust tries to fly away, but lands in a body of water. Also, Ravage is caught by some plant life. Convinced the Decepticons are no longer a threat, Optimus has the Autobots load the energon into his trailer, and they roll out. They find a building made of relatively poor materials, only to discover something quite shocking: They're in the bedroom of a gargantuan alien child.

[[Image:Child's Play Aron Decepticons bowl.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"If you let us out, we'll give you free candy! Decepticon promise!"]]

The boy, [[Aron]], places Starscream, Soundwave, Ravage, and Thrust in a small bowl, while [[Nitro]] (his pet and the creature that was chasing Soundwave) smells the Autobots. As Aron tells him to stop, the Decepticons escape. Thrust is tied down with a piece of string, Ravage is chased down like a mouse and locked in a small cage with a rodent-like pet to run on a wheel (how embarrassing), and Soundwave is locked in a toy box. Starscream manages to hide in the small toy building and sees the Autobots. Naturally, Screamer fires his [[null-ray]] at the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], causing a fire. Starscream is quickly recaptured, and Inferno douses the fire. Optimus introduces the Autobots to Aron, when the boy's parents arrive. Hiding the Autobots in a desk drawer, Aron shows the Decepticons to his parents. However, Aron is also compelled to show the Autobots.

The Transformers are taken to a lab, where scientists intend to dissect them (starting with the Decepticons). However, Aron steals the Autobots away, with the authorities in pursuit. Aron hides behind a trash can, dodging his pursuers, but a local bully named [[Marty]] comes along. The Autobots hide within a trashcan, and Marty wanders off. Meanwhile, Ravage has picked his locks and frees the other Decepticons. Aron is still being chased by the authorities, so he intends to hide the Autobots at his house. However, Optimus tells Aron that they have to return to Earth, a planet far from this one. Aron wonders if he could see it through his telescope, and Perceptor happens upon an idea. However, Soundwave has overheard them.

[[Image:Child's Play Autobots sewer ride.JPG|left|200px|thumb|''Mr. Toad's Wildrider''—er, ''Wild Ride'']]

The authorities spot Aron, so the Autobots decide to escape by traveling to Aron's house through the sewers. The Decepticons see the Autobots and follow them below. As the two groups fight it out within the sewer, a wave comes along. (Let's not ponder what the wave is made of.) The Decepticons hightail it out, while the Autobots ride the wave in a teacup. Escaping out through a drainage pipe, the Autobots head to Aron's house.

[[Image:Child's Play Starscream alligators.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Crikey! They're REALLY mad now!]]

Using Nitro as a way into Aron's room, Perceptor explains that they can use the energon, along with modifications to his [[light cannon]], to propel them to Earth through the telescope. Once he's ready, however, the Decepticons arrive and grab Bumblebee. Starscream orders Optimus to let them pass, and just as the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] is prepared to let them go, Nitro pounces, freeing Bumblebee but allowing the Decepticons to escape back to Earth...and land right in a lake filled with alligators.
Back on...whatever Aron's planet is called, Aron suggests using his toy rocket ship to go home. Perceptor is able to modify it for interstellar transport, and the Autobots depart, with Optimus telling Aron that whenever he looks into the sky, he'll be seeing them.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (10)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (11)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (15)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (16)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (21)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (24)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (5)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (8)

|c3=
*Spectators (1)
*Baseball players (2)
*[[Chip Chase]] (25)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (26)
|c4=
*[[Nitro]] (17)
*[[Aron]] (19)
*Aron's parents (20)
*Alien authorities (27)
*[[Marty]] (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"Skywarp, think fast!"
:—'''Soundwave''' playing catch with Skywarp...using a human.

"Strike three, Megatron. You're out."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', umpire.

''[The Decepticons return to Earth, landing in a lake]'' 
'''Thrust''': This isn't the type of welcome I had in mind. 
'''Starscream''': Who cares, as long as there aren't any green monsters around. 
''[Alligators converge and attack the Decepticons]'' 
'''Starscream''': AHHH! GET THESE THINGS OFF OF ME! AHHHH! 
:—Starscream just can't win.

'''Smokescreen''': A rocket ship! 
'''Inferno''': A ''toy'' rocket ship. 
'''Perceptor''' Well, anything's worth a try. With some modifications to the propulsion core— 
'''Optimus''': Perceptor, just do it. 
:—Perceptor exhausts Optimus Prime's patience.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Megatron's opening lines ("Since the humans are so eager to play, this stadium will make a perfect space bridge. Why don't you accomodate them?") don't quite flow together, as if something got cut after the first part of the first sentence. (Reversing the order of the first two clauses does help a bit.)
* Thrust gets Optimus Prime's laser sound effect when he's firing baseballs from his arm guns.
* When Skywarp flies up to catch the human Soundwave just threw, he is colored like Starscream.
* Though both of the people Starscream picks up at the baseball game are male, one of the voices screaming for help is distinctly female.
* As Starscream is flying around, the stands keep switching back and forth from being completely full to completely empty.
* As Optimus arrives at the stadium and transforms, his trailer simply vanishes into thin air, with Inferno appearing in its place.
* Starscream's face is the same dark gray as his helmet after he's crushed by the giant ball, rather than its usual light gray.
* Thrust makes no transformation noise after he's swatted out of the air by the cat creature.
* The Autobots driving across Aron's floor are moving ''incredibly'' slowly.
* The Autobots make the "wrong" transformation noise (descending pitch) as they arrive at the "building" and convert to robot mode.
* As Inferno knocks on the "building"'s walls, the intended comedic effect of the wall falling and hitting him and Perceptor is animated as if it were a tidal wave bursting through the wall. After about 1/2 of the "metallic clang" sound effect, the scene instantly cuts to the Autobots walking along as if nothing happened.
* Starscream has Skywarp's colors when Aron drops him in the glass jar. And again when Soundwave joins him. And ''again'' as he and Soundwave break out.
* Starscream swats Ravage aside after Aron drops him in the jar, but Ravage just hangs in mid-air, unmoving.
* As Soundwave is being dropped into the cylinder, some parts of his head are white when they should be dark blue.
* As the Decepticons fly over the city, Starscream's face is obscured by his left arm blaster. But since the view is from the right, the blaster should be ''behind'' his head. The layers are corrected when the shot is re-used a few scenes later, as the Decepticons hunt for Aron's house.
* Like Thrust before him, Starscream gets Prime's laser sound effect when he fires on the Autobots inside the building set.
* In fact, ''nobody'' gets the right sound effects. Ravage has the same 1950s-sounding blast effect used all over the place in "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]" (when he, uh, fires lasers out of his missiles.) So does Prime when he blasts the sewer rat. Inferno gets a Decepticon sound effect when he blasts Starscream in the sewer.
* In the sewer scene, there is at least one shot where the water has not been animated around the characters, thus making them look like half-robots floating in midair.
* The Autobots emit a rocket sound effect as they leap from the tea cup, as if they had flight capabilities.
* As the Decepticons fly to Aron's house, Starscream is colored like Thundercracker.
* The Autobots are supposed to be running toward Nitro, but they aren't actually shown to be moving forward.
* Smokescreen's head crest is colored blue instead of yellow as Bumblebee asks about the cubes.
* When Aron removes the energon cubes from his drawer, his head and left arm disappear.
* As Inferno blasts the energon cubes, his energy beam isn't given a proper glow effect; it's colored black instead.
* Bumblebee vanishes from the shot as the Decepticons flee from Nitro.
* Starscream is colored like Thundercracker (''again'') as they fly up to the light beam.
* As the alligators approach the Decepticons, the back of Starscream's head is the same light gray as his body, instead of its usual dark gray.
* The alligators of the lake the Decepticons landed in are unnaturally huge. They seem as big as Starscream, who is over twenty feet tall, mind you.
* As the Autobots board the rocket from Aron's hands, the cell layering is ''completely'' screwed up. The Autobots just appear out of nowhere in Aron's hands. Bumblebee appears to be growing right out of Aron's skin. Prime walks ''past'' the rocket rather than into it, then phases through its skin to enter it (there's no actual hatchway shown.) Nitro ''also'' phases through the rocket to lick Bumblebee, and both of them sit there, half-submerged in the rocket. Wow!
* The audio seems to slow down for a second as the rocket lifts off.

===Continuity errors===
* Although continuity sets this directly before "[[The Gambler]]", the next episode broadcast was "[[Quest for Survival]]". Strange, that is.
* Nobody thinks to ''flee in a panic'' when the stadium is taken over by giant evil alien robots?
* Thrust confidently declares that "one of my missiles can stop anything!", while firing his... lasers.
* Why doesn't Soundwave shrink when he transforms inside Aron's cylindrical box? He'd have been undetectable!
* A representative of Aron's seemingly modestly-advanced civilization decides that, to figure out ''where'' the Transformers came from, they'll have to ''cut them open''? They thought of this before, say... ''asking them''?
* The physics of Perceptor's improvised space bridge seem a little dodgy. For one thing, shooting energon cubes usually causes them to ''blow up''; in fact, that's exactly what happens earlier in the episode. Second, there doesn't seem to be any mechanism for channeling their energy into the telescope, or for controlling when the beam launches. Third, could that dinky little telescope really be reliably sighted ''exactly'' on Earth, a small (and moving!) planet that's a minimum of several light years away?

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* Somebody ''must'' have been killed when Thrust knocks the huge and explosive scoreboard into the stands.
*When the Autobots are fighting the Decepticons at the baseball field, Brawn picks up Soundwave, who is twice his size, and throws him over his head. Apparently Brawn is called "Brawn" for a good reason.
* Right before Brawn throws him, Soundwave appears to be... stomping on one of the bases?
* While this is just speculation, there seems to be several instances of Brawn beating up on Soundwave in several episodes. In addition to this one, there was Fire on the Mountain and Attack of the Autobots where Brawn seems to be targetting Soundwave for a beating.
* Perceptor demonstrates his rarely-used ability to roll along as a giant vehicular microscope.
* Optimus forgets to name Smokescreen when he introduces the Autobots to Aron. Smokescreen doesn't seem to mind.
* When the Decepticons are flying through the air, Ravage is shown to be "running" next to them. So cute.
* If Transformers as large as Optimus Prime and the Seekers can fit in the palm of Aron's hand, let's not speculate on how tiny a human would be.
*The Aliens recognize the Autobots' alt-modes; strange that they have the same vehicles as we do.
* Smokescreen barely speaks in this episode. Perhaps the writers held him back in light of his upcoming starring role in "[[The Gambler]]"?

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Master Builders (episode)

2009-08-27T12:39:49Z

72.68.68.243: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=32
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=20
|image=MasterBuilders Scrapper Grapple plans.jpg
|caption="Nigel gave me a drawing that said 18 inches. Now, whether or not he knows the difference between feet and inches is not my problem. I do what I'm told." "But you're not as confused as him, are you. I mean, it's not your job to be as confused as Nigel."
|title="The Master Builders"
|production code=#700-31
|airdate=[[October 8]], 1985
|written by=[[David N. Gottlieb]] [[Herb Engelhardt]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Grapple and Hoist ally themselves with the Constructicons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスタービルダー (''Master Builder'')
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Energieturm'''" ("The Energy Tower")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Master builders2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I think you'll need to join Weight Watchers.]]

[[Grapple]] shows [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] a working model of a [[Solar Power Tower]] he wants to build and the two of them take it to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Optimus is occupied at the moment because [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] is teaching him how to play [[basketball]]. Optimus likes Grapple's concept, but rejects the plan because it would be difficult to defend the tower against attack.

The conversation is cut short when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] alerts them that [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] has been shot down by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Hoist and Grapple leave to repair the [[Autobot]] plane. After repairs are finished, they start back, with Grapple attempting to convince Hoist to build the tower with him, regardless of Prime's orders, but Hoist points out they can't do it alone

Their conversation is cut short when they are trapped by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] says they've left the [[Decepticon]]s and proposes a joint project. Grapple, enamored with his solar tower idea, agrees, but wants proof of their partnership. They promise to bring proof back and fly off.

[[Image:Master builders prime basketball.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin', all cool/and shootin' some b-ball outside of the school...]]

On their return to Decepticon headquarters, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] confronts the Constructicons with video tape of their conversation with Grapple. They all swear loyalty to Megatron, and insist they plan to betray the Autobots. Satisfied with their explanation, Megatron lets them go with a present. They return to Grapple and Hoist with "proof", an entire truckload of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Convinced that they are working in good faith, Grapple and Hoist agree to the partnership. The Constructicons are soon stealing construction materials from the humans for the project.

Meantime, Optimus is playing basketball with [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. After he shuts Tracks down during a drive to the net, Prime notices that Tracks needs maintenance, but no one knows where Hoist is. The Autobot leader sends Powerglide out to find the missing Autobots. Powerglide finds the solar tower and reports back.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Devastator finishing touch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

Grapple is in his element, directing the Constructicons as the tower is built, and blissfully unaware of their deception. The Constructicons merge to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] in order to place the sun-focusing sphere at the top of the tower. With the last piece in place, the tables turn. Megatron attacks Grapple and Hoist and claims the tower as his own. The Decepticons get to work collecting the energy.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Grapple sunset.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Someday I want to build something that doesn't get trashed!]]

The Autobots arrive and attack, quickly overwhelming the Decepticons, who retreat behind the tower. The Autobots follow, to find that the Constructicons have formed Devastator and he's not so easy to defeat. Prime tricks Devastator into trying to kick Smokescreen but he kicks the tower instead. A few more rounds of laser fire send Devastator crashing into the tower, demolishing it. Megatron and the Constructicons retreat.

The Autobots dig in the debris to try and find Grapple and Hoist. [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] discovers them encased in a sheet of metal and punches it apart. Grapple and Hoist apologize for the trouble they've caused. Prime is in a forgiving mood, but says they have to clean up the mess themselves. As the others drive off, Grapple and Hoist fondly remember the tower.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (1)
*[[Grapple]] (4)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (21)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (22)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (26)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (27)

|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (14)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (17)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (18)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Construction Foreman]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Move over, blue skies. Here comes old Powerglide, king of the cloud chasers, sultan of the stratosphere, ace of the air."
:—'''Powerglide''', king of self-esteem.

"Well, if he's not impressed, I'll... be ''de''pressed."
:—'''Grapple''' worries about whether Optimus Prime will agree on his proposal for a Solar Tower.

"Am I 'drooling' correctly?" 
"The word is 'dribbling', Optimus!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''' play basketball.

'''Bonecrusher''': We'll just help ourselves if you don't mind. 
'''Long Haul''': Or even if you do! 
'''Construction foreman:''' Who me? M-mind? Why should I! hehe... he. [''tears up his blueprints'']
:—The Constructicons rob a hapless building site.

"As soon as my Power Tower is finished, I must find a place to sign my name... in very large letters."
:—'''Grapple''' as the Solar Power Tower is approaching completion.

"Watch out Spike! I'm driving for a layoff!" 
"It's called a layup, Prime! And watch out for Tracks!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gets basketball lessons from '''Spike'''.

"'Get this.' 'Bring that.' I thought I was finally gonna ''build'' somethin'!"
:—'''Long Haul''' after being told to bring another solar panel.

"Man, look at that! That's so tall, the top is in a different time zone than the bottom!"
:-Observing the Solar Power Tower, '''Spike''' demonstrates that you don't need to understand geography if your best friends are giant robots.

"There'll be other towers to design and build, Grapple." 
"It ''was'' magnificent... for a little while, wasn't it, Hoist?" 
"Incredible. Absolutely incredible."
:—'''Hoist''' and '''Grapple''', amid the ruins of the Solar Power Tower.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Near the end, when they're about to dig [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Grapple]] out of the rubble of the solar tower, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] is given [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s colors; although he doesn't speak you can recognize it as Cliffjumper by the spoiler across his chest.

* When the [[Autobot]]s are approaching the [[Solar Power Tower]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] is not to be seen at all, when they finally transform to robots, one of the first shots shows Inferno, but none after. Probably meant to have been [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] in that shot.

* After Grapple and Hoist apologise to Prime, Hoist's right arm is missing.

* In a bizarre stylistic decision, the Constructicons' second combination sequence does not feature the transforming sound. Instead, as they convert to their combined forms, they get a sound effect normally reserved for energy effects. Each one glows blue after transforming, accompanied by an even more bizarre tinkling noise.

* As usual, the apportionment of Devastator's components is off; Long Haul forms about 90% of the torso, with Hook forming the remainder (it should be split almost evenly between them.) Everyone else is correct, which puts this episode ahead of most of its contemporaries.

* Not that Devastator isn't [[Scale|out of whack]] in every episode, but when he goes to kick Smokescreen you can clearly see that one of [[Scrapper (G1)|Devestator's legs]] is roughly three times the size of the Autobot.

===Transformers references===
* Scrapper claims that the Constructicons admired Grapple's work back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Constructicon (G1)|Hmmm...]]

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masterbuilder.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Master Bait—uh, Builders]]
* When remastered for DVD by [[Rhino Entertainment]], the re-created title card for the episode was incorrectly rendered as "The Master Builder". This title appeared on all associated material included with the DVD set, and can be seen in the screen shot at right.
* Apparently the Decepticons equip random rocks with video cameras.
* The Autobots shoot lasers out of their headlights when they drive into battle, yet that idea never crossed their minds in "[[The Autobot Run]]".
* Megatron has a compartment in his chest that holds a pair of binoculars.
* Megatron gave the Constructicons his energon because he says that it's his most precious possession. Was anyone else expecting the [[fusion cannon]]?
* Seriously, can you imagine the [[Scale|size]] of the ball that the Autobots need to play basketball?

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_master_builders.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]
* [http://imdb.com/title/tt0808858/ IMDb's page for this episode]
* [http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep32/ Teletran93's page for this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Master Builders}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Exponential Generator

2009-08-26T13:04:33Z

72.68.68.243: /* Fiction */

:''The Exponential Generator is a piece of technology in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CountdownExtinction Generator.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Before JaAm, there was...uh...this stuff.]]
The '''Exponential Generator''' was a device created by the [[human]] scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]] in his secret laboratory on [[Earth]]. Its precise specifications are unknown, but it had an almost unlimited power output; some speculate that it had the ability to destroy the entire universe.<ref>Narration from promo reel at the end of the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.</ref>

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] learned from Doctor Arkeville of the generator in his secret laboratory. Locating the device, Starscream wired the generator to build up to an overload which would have destroyed the entire planet [[Earth]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] discovered the generator and attempted to use it as a source of power not realizing of the overload. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] made Megatron aware of this and the two launched the weapon into space where it exploded, incidentally knocking Starscream back towards Earth after attempting to escape - tough luck. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

===''Binaltech''===
When [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole [[Autobot]] Binaltech bodies for himself and [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], the two were banned from the human [[electro-cell]] recharging centers and had to rely on unstable Exponential Generator technology.

===Trivia===
Although not EXACTLY the same thing, in the GI Joe Episode "Raise the Flagg", an item looking exactly like the exponential generator shows up and performs a similar function of powering the sunken Cobra helicarrier that has been beneath the ocean.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Victor Caroli

2009-08-20T21:52:08Z

72.68.68.243:

'''Victor Caroli''' is an American voice actor. In addition to his work on ''Transformers'' he was also the narrator for the TV series ''Robotix'' and the quasi-satanic centaur villain '''Tirac''' in the ''[[My Little Pony]]'' pilot. Recently, he has been the narrator for select Hot Wheels commercials. He can also currently be heard as the narrator on the show Extreme Forensics on the Investigation Discovery channel.

==Generation 1==
*Narrator, [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]
*Narrator, cartoon [[Commercial bumper|commercial bumpers]]
*Narrator, numerous toy [[Commercial|commercials]]
*Narrator, [[The Transformers: The Movie promo|''The Transformers: The Movie'' promotional trailer]]
*Narrator, ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (UK version)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ([[Pretender|Classic Pretenders]] commercial only)

==Generation 2==
*Narrator, numerous [[toy]] commercials

==Beast Wars==
*Narrator, early toy [[Commercial|commercials]]

==External links==
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0139027/ Victor Caroli at IMDB]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Caroli, Victor}}
[[Category:Voice actors]]

Neil Ross

2009-08-20T21:50:50Z

72.68.68.243:

[[Image:NeilRoss1.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Save my bones for Davy Jones!]]
'''Neil Ross''' is an American voice actor (though born in the UK). He is best known for several roles, including Shipwreck, Dusty and [[Hector Ramirez]] from ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'', ''Inhumanoids'' and ''Jem & the Holograms'', [[Wolverine|Inexplicably Australian Wolverine]] from ''Pryde of the X-Men'', Keith from ''Voltron'', Rambo from ''Rambo the Animated Series'' and, fittingly enough, [[Han Solo]] in various ''[[Star Wars]]'' video games.

==Generation 1==
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]]
*[[Fracas]]
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]]
*[[Monzo]]
*[[Pointblank]]
*[[Sixshot]]
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]

==External links==
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0743719/ Neil Ross at IMDB]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ross, Neil}}
[[Category:Voice actors]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2009-08-14T13:59:11Z

72.68.68.243: /* Technical or animation glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|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")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]

[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station on [[India]]'s coast. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|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)|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)|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)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|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)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|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==
"Laserbeak, where are your manners? Our guest needs a seat."
:—'''Megatron''' kicks a chair toward his captive, Sparkplug.

'''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!"
:—'''Prowl'''

"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.

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

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

===Technical or animation glitches===
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots.

*When Shockwave changes positions while talking to Megatron, there is an outline of his previous position on the screen.

*When the fake Optimus Prime appears at the Decepticon base, Skywarp speaks with Starscream's voice.

*When the Autobots are rescuing Sparkplug, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.

*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 mistakenly colored as Skywarp.

*When the Autobots first see the slaves, there is one brief moment in which Optimus Prime is drawn without his faceplate.

*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.

*After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but instead of his regular voice, it is Prowl's voice.

===Logic Problems===
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam, yet the Autobots are fine.

*Spike trips over a wrench and goes sprawling on the floor of the Ark. 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.

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off [[Wikipedia:Malabar Coast|Malabar Coast]], which is located in southern [[Wikipedia:India|India]].

===Trivia===
[[Image:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3%281984%29.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
* Like "[[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 above. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!

* In 2001, predating the releases of the full seasons, [[Rhino Entertainment]] released the three part set of "The Ultimate Doom" on DVD and VHS, along with a DVD/VHS release of "[[The Rebirth, Part 1|The Rebirth]]". No clue why a pic of [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] holding [[Sixshot]] from '''those''' episodes is on the cover of this set, though.

==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]]