MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Scorpinok (episode)

2011-06-11T11:52:59Z

74.180.20.69: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig2|the third episode of the [[Energon (cartoon)|Energon animated series]]|the characters whose names you can't spell correctly|Scorponok (disambiguation)}}

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=3
|prev=Energon Stars
|next=Megatron's Sword
|title="Scorpinok"
|japanese=メガザラックの罠
|romaji=MegaZarak no Wana
|translation=MegaZarak's Trap
|image=Scorpinok Scorponok.jpg
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[January 23|23 January]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 14]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''At Desert City, the Autobots fend off the first Terrorcon attack against Earth.'''

==Synopsis==
Somewhere in space, a giant ship thing of some sort emerges from some kind of glowing spatial space thing. In space. Within, as [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] prepares to depart, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] gives him a "little gift": a holographic image showing a fried husk.

[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] wonders where he's being taken. Alpha Q tells him that they merely require his services... and he doesn't get a say in the matter.

On his [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] orbital station, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] searches video records for evidence of where Tidal Wave and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] went. Suddenly, he observes a comet-like object, which abruptly vanishes.

[[Image:Energon-Tidal-Wave-Meets-Scorponok.jpg|230px|thumb|left|Scorponok tells Tidal Wave they can resurrect Megatron. Unfortunately for Scorponok, he will shortly discover he was telling the truth.]]

In [[Ocean City]], [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] briefs his troops on the mining operations underway there and in [[Plains City]] and [[Desert City]]. He sends [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] to defend the other two stations. [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] passes along Carlos's comet sighting. [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] continues to grumble about his assignment, and Prime gives him a short dressing-down. Elsewhere, [[Misha Miramond|Meeka]] refuses to leave her city, to [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]'s frustration.

Aboard his comet-ship, Scorponok explains that they need Tidal Wave's help in reviving someone. Tidal Wave asks who, and Scorponok shows him the hologram—the corpse of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. Scorponok explains to Tidal Wave that his superior needs his help to revive Megatron, via large quantities of [[energon (Energon)|energon]]. Tidal Wave is ready and willing.

Hot Shot arrives at Desert City, reassures Meeka, and briefs some generic troops on the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] threat. Jetfire does likewise at [[Plains City]]. An enemy force is detected just then; the [[Autobot]]s wonder where they're headed, but Kicker is certain they're bound for Desert City. Optimus believes his intuition, and they prepare to move out. The [[Omnicon]]s power them up and provide them with extra [[energon weapon]]s.

[[Image:Energon-Ironhides-1st-Energon-Weapon.jpg|230px|thumb|right|This'll last a whole battle, right?]]

Hot Shot's troops defend Desert City as Tidal Wave leads a fleet of Terrorcons. Hot Shot is miffed to see that their former ally is attacking. That anger turns to shock when he hears Tidal Wave say "must revive Megatron". Scorponok soon arrives as well. As Tidal Wave advances, the Autobots fall back to defend the mine entrance.

Meeka frets as the battle closes in on the research center. The [[Omnicon]]s hurry as well, but decide not to abandon their posts. Gotta respect bots who will keep working in the face of certain death.

The Terrorcons break through, head into the mine, and begin munching away at all the tasty, yummy, energony goodness. Prime and company drive down out of the sky and head for the mine entrance. Tidal Wave attacks them, but Prime holds him off while the others head for the mine.

Prime demands an explanation from Tidal Wave, getting a "Must revive Megatron" in response. Scorponok introduces himself for no reason, then immediately orders Tidal Wave to destroy Prime. Kicker and Ironhide find Hot Shot. Informed that Meeka is still in the [[Extraterrestrial Research and Development Center|R&D center]], Kicker heads that way with Ironhide following.

[[Image:Energon-Ironhide-Faces-Sunset.jpg|230px|thumb|left|]]

The Omnicons create a special [[energon star]] to revive Hot Shot. The group loads him up and heads out the back exit from the mines just ahead of the swarming Terrorcons, only to find themselves face-to-claw with the mighty Scorponok. Ironhide attempts to hold him off but is no match for the titan. The Omnicons give him the energon star meant for Hot Shot, but Scorponok leads the Terrorcons away before Ironhide can attack them. Tidal Wave tries to grab a raw energon star and gets a shock for his troubles.

Ironhide is awarded a [[Spark of Combination|Combination Spark]] for his bravery, making him a full-fledged member of Prime's team.

At Ocean City, Demolishor wonders if Tidal Wave is right—can Megatron be re-awakened?
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (8)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (9)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (11)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (17)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (4)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (6)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (12)
*[[Misha Miramond|Meeka]] (13)
*Scientist (19)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson]] (1)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (2)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb drones]] (3)
*[[Battle Ravage|Battle Ravage drones]] (5)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (15)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave!(...)"
:—'''Tidal Wave''' works really hard to not forget his name.

"Tidal Wave! Tidal Wave! Where are you taking me?!"
:—'''Tidal Wave''' demands answers in his own unique style.

"Hey, let me put it this way. 'Worried' is putting it mildly."
:—'''Hot Shot''', master orator

"Man! Why doesn't that girl ever ''listen'' to me?!" 
"Hm. That kid might want to eat more fiber."
:—'''Kicker''', observed by '''Demolishor'''

"Wouldn't a cannon have been simpler?"
:—'''Ironhide''' comments on the Omnicons' energon weapons.

"You can never have too many weapons."
:— '''Optimus Prime''', champion of the Autobot ideals of peace and justice.

"Man that kid really gets under my armor!"
:—'''Ironhide''''s reaction is not exactly unique among the Autobots.

"This just doesn't make any sense. How is it possible Tidal Wave said 'reanimated'?"
:—'''Demolishor''' questions Tidal Wave's potential to have a vocabulary.

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
Amazingly, almost nothing:

* Jetfire mentions the enemy's penchant for rushing blindly toward energon, not mentioned in the dub but pretty clear from the animation.
* "Meeka" and her fellow scientist are worried about getting attacked because of the energon star the Omnicons are working to create, a point lost in the dub.
* At the end of the battle, Ironhide originally comments on Tidal Wave's intelligence, prompting Kicker to make a similar crack about Ironhide. This is why Ironhide is visibly frustrated at the end of the scene.

===Pain count===
* "Uh?": 7
* Stock footage: 3
* "It's time to:" 2
* Gimme a break: 1
* We're a team: 3

===Animation and technical errors===
[[Image:E3_titlecard.jpg|thumb|]]
* What is that chick's name? Mika? Meeka? Misha? Whatever.
* The Terrorcons' energon stars are animated differently in ''Super Link''. In ''Energon'', the entire Terrorcon glows purple as the star is generated; in ''Super Link'', just the star itself lights up.
* After Skyblast gives Optimus an energon star, Optimus thanks Strongarm.
* When Ironhide runs toward the mine entrance, the background is animated so slowly it appears to be staying still. A more visible scroll was used in the ''Super Link'' version.
* When Tidal Wave is shocked by a raw energon star, the background shows a night sky. All other shots show early evening.
* Nobody can spell "[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]", apparently.
* The whereabouts of the missing "o" in "Scorpinok" (and the source of the "i") would eventually be revealed in "[[Imprisoned Inferno|Improsoned Inferno]]".
* When the Omnicon pushes the ore cart, his feet don't touch the floor.

===Continuity errors===
* The disappearing comet is Scorponok and Alpha Q's ship, but its disappearing act is never explained.
* So, did Tidal Wave retreat, or what? He's last shown getting zapped by the energon star he attempts to grab.

===Trivia===
* The Street Action Mini-Cons make an appearance in their combined form as Perceptor, and Sureshock as Kicker's ATV, but they're never mentioned by name (besides Sureshock) or given anything to do beyond acting as Kicker's vehicle(s).
* There's a lot of sweet looking generic bots shown in Desert City and Plains City.
**Multiple generic [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlocks]] and "[[Padlock (Energon)#Orange jet Autobot|orange jet Autobots]]" are among Hot Shot's troops at Desert City.
* The identities of Skyblast and Strongarm are very confused after this episode. They're clearly shown in Ocean City, but identical 'bots with identical voices are also shown in Desert City at the same time. Apparently there's just a lot of the same dude running around.
* Seriously. The energon powerups are totally useless. Ironhide hits ''one Terrorcon'' with his energon weapon, and it promptly fades away.
* "Out of energon" doesn't have the same meaning in this series as any other.
* Nobody seems to give a crap about all the generics who get shot up in this episode, seemingly exploding and dying after a single hit. Only Hot Shot matters!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount)
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 001 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Out of His Head

2011-06-09T21:25:31Z

74.180.20.69: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 14
|prev=Sick Mind
|next=Shadowzone (episode)
|image=OutOfHisHead-evileye.jpg
|caption=If looks could kill.
|title="Out of His Head"
|airdate=[[May 7]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''Megatron attempts to resurrect himself using Dark Energon by controlling Bumblebee's mind.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OutOfHisHead-basketball.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Let's play some basketball. ]]
[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] concludes his tests on [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] and gives their leader a clean bill of health. Optimus thanks Ratchet and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]], while [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] is unsure whether she managed to successfully end [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s life during their mission on the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]]. In truth and unknown to any of the others, Megatron's psyche still dwells in Bumblebee's processor, and he's determined to reclaim his own body.

[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] referees a basketball game between Bumblebee and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. Bulkhead easily sinks the first basket, but as Bumblebee goes to shoot, he suddenly flashes back to the [[space bridge]] explosion. When Bulkhead interrupts the vision, he gets the ball thrown at his head. Bumblebee apologizes and they play on. Later on, Bumblebee freezes as Megatron takes control. Megatron wonders how he escaped the destruction of the space bridge, and he recalls [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] pulling the sliver of [[Dark Energon]] from his chest. Now knowing what he needs to restore his body, Megatron vows take revenge upon his subordinate.

On the Decepticon warship, [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] taunts Megatron's body with the Dark Energon sliver, announcing that he has come up with a new, epic plan that will convince the other Decepticons that he's worthy of leadership. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] arrives in time to hear the tail end of the speech.

Waiting outside his house, [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] calls [[Jack Darby|Jack]], who is already in class, to complain that Bumblebee hasn't picked him up for school. Bumblebee is at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], being puppeted by Megatron to crush a piece of equipment. Ratchet is irritated by the destruction, and Bumblebee explains his visions of Megatron. Ratchet induces a power-down to allow Bumblebee's mind time to rest. While he's explaining this to Optimus and Raf, they get a call from [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]], who says that [[Decepticon]]s have broken into the [[Kauai Naval Observatory]] in [[Hawaii]] and stolen the [[Heuck Nigoghossian telescope]]'s primary lens. Fortunately, the lens has a tracking device, and the Autobots trace it to the [[Arctic]], where there's a massive, unmineable [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposit—unmineable unless the glacier it's in is melted, something that would devastate coastal cities.

Indeed, the Decepticons have already created a heat ray with the lens, and Starscream begins melting the glacier in question.

[[Image:OutOfHisHead-vigil.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''While You Were Beeping'', starring Sandra Bullock.]]

Raf chats with the shut-down Bumblebee, despite Ratchet pointing out that Bumblebee can't hear him. Raf asserts that Bumblebee is family and shows off a photo of his parents and siblings.

Optimus, Arcee and Bulkhead walk through the Arctic and locate the Decepticon warship, which is warming things up with its heat ray.

Ratchet leaves Raf and Bumblebee to find parts to repair the equipment Bumblebee damaged. While he's gone, Bumblebee suddenly powers up and heads to the main control room, where he activates the [[GroundBridge]]. Ratchet and Raf are surprised to find him departing through the GroundBridge and wonder where the diminutive [[Autobot]] is going. Bumblebee arrives at the battlefield where Optimus and Ratchet once fought Megatron's army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]], in search of the Dark Energon shard Megatron used to raise the dead. Ratchet attempts to use the GroundBridge to follow Bumblebee, but once he activates it, Bumblebee promptly steps back through, carrying the Dark Energon, and decks the medic. Having placed Raf out of the way, Bumblebee runs back through the GroundBridge. Ratchet realizes that Megatron's mind has taken over Bumblebee, and he tracks the scout to coordinates in the Arctic. Raf insists on going too.

Atop the Decepticon warship, Starscream spots Bulkhead and Arcee. Knock Out orders [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] to deal with the two Autobots, and the big 'Con starts laying into them. Meanwhile, the unseen Optimus scales a nearby cliff.

Ratchet and Raf arrive in the Decepticon ship to find disabled [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s everywhere. They reach the lab, where Bumblebee has hooked himself up to Megatron's body, but when Ratchet attacks Bumblebee, he's knocked across the room. Raf manages to encourage Bumblebee to retake control, but it's only a brief respite. Ratchet yanks the life support cable from Megatron, only to again be tossed across the room. Despite a last-ditch attempt by Raf to stop Bumblebee, the scout plunges the Dark Energon shard into Megatron's body, and Megatron awakens. A group of Vehicons arrives to find Megatron has risen from the dead, and he orders them to terminate the Autobots, as he has his own "extermination to perform". Under fire from the Vehicons, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Raf retreat.

[[Image:OutOfHisHead-grabby.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Exit, stage lef—GURRK!"]]

Optimus reaches the top of his cliff and takes a flying leap onto the Decepticon ship. On the ground, Arcee and Bulkhead continue to battle Breakdown. Starscream and Knock Out spot Optimus coming towards them across the hull of the ship, and Starscream turns the heat ray on the Autobot leader. Undeterred, Optimus drives all the way up to the heat ray and slices it with his sword, causing the whole thing to explode. Optimus is thrown to the ground, only to face the rage of Starscream, who begins diving towards him, missiles at the ready. Starscream is intercepted halfway through the dive by Megatron, who takes his disloyal lieutenant back to the Decepticon warship. Faced with his old leader, Starscream attempts to flee in his vehicle mode, only for Megatron to grab him by the tail and toss him against the ship. Even the promise of nearby Autobots to destroy isn't enough to distract Megatron, who begins dragging Starscream away by the head.

Watching the still-blazing ship depart, Optimus radios Ratchet for a bridge, but Ratchet, Bumblebee and Raf appear nearby.

Later at base, Ratchet finishes checking over Bumblebee, who thanks Raf for helping to rescue him.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (12)
*[[William Fowler]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==


"Lucky for us Megatron was still alive. 
''<Bumblebee says something>'' 
"Yeah, I actually said that."
:—'''Arcee''' surprising us all.

"Prime! You spot any Decepticons wearing hula skirts lately?!" 
"No, Special Agent Fowler, ''why''?
:—'''Agent Fowler''' says something that makes sense in context that '''Optimus Prime''' hasn't received yet.

"Hm, hm. Yes, very nice."
:—'''Ratchet''' is unimpressed with Raf's picture of his family.

"Yes! I love when a plan comes together!"
:—'''Starscream''', fan of the A-Team.

"Decepticons! Your rightful lord and master has returned!"
:—'''Megatron''' reawakens.

"Megatron's greatest mistake was ever allowing you to live, Prime!"
:—'''Starscream''', a few seconds before Megatron shows up.

"Lord Megatron? You are...you're healed! Praise the Allspark! It is a miracle!" 
"Oh, it will be a miracle alright, Starscream...if you survive what I have planned for you!
:—'''Starscream''' discovers that '''Megatron''' [[Megatron Rising - Part 2|doesn't]] [[Mission Accomplished|tolerate]] [[A Fistful of Energon|traitors]] [[Endgame, Part I|anymore.]]

"But the Autobots! Optimus! Right there, waiting for you!" 
"My greatest mistake? I've made a few. But there is one I do not intend to make again!"
:—A desperate '''Starscream''' and a surprisingly self-aware '''Megatron'''.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*One has to wonder how Raf and the Autobots make it back to their base, seeing as how no-one was there and Jack and Miko are unable to get to the base by themselves. Maybe they called Agent Fowler for a favor?

*If this is in the movieverse, how can 'Bee not talk, and Mega-bee talk?

===Animation or technical errors===
*Starscream's eye is misaligned when he spots Arcee and Bulkhead approaching.
*Starscream's thruster is not producing any flames or exhaust when Megatron grabs him as he tries to fly away.
*When Ratchet rips away the life support tube from Megatron's chest, we see the buckled hole left from his wounds during the space bridge accident. However, after the the Dark Energon shard restores Megatron to life, we see his chest armor completely fixed and sporting a snazzy fresh Decepticon [[insignia|sigil]]. Looks like Dark Energon can be used not only to power evil Decepticon tyrants, but as a super polish as well.

===Continuity notes===
* Arcee hasn't forgotten her trip to the Arctic in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
* It seems that Megatron was conscious (and able to perfectly remember) when Starscream extracted the fragment of Dark Energon from his chest in "[[Masters & Students]]".
* The fight with the Dark Energon zombies took place in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]".
* Bulkhead and Bumblebee play with a hollowed-out version of the ball he used for lobbing with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] in "[[Con Job]]".
* Raf doesn't know how he understands Bumblebee, as stated in his [[Raf's Notes|notebook]].

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime recalls their "end run on [[Polyhex]]."
* An enraged Megatron carrying away Starscream to inflict horrible punishment? Just like old [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|times]]!
* Starscream announces the beginning of "[[The Reign of Starscream|the reign of Lord Starscream]]".

===Foreign dubbing===

===Real-world references===
*The Heuck Nigoghossian telescope is named for ''Prime'' directors Vinton Heuck and [[Shaunt Nigoghossian]].
*Starscream [[Wikipedia:The A-Team|loves it when a plan comes together.]]

===Trivia===
* In the real world, large telescopes use mirrors, not lenses.
* Raf apparently has seven people in his family, including himself. He also has at least two sisters.
* Sierra's friend sits in front of Jack in at least one class (or perhaps homeroom). And yet she is still unnamed.
* Even Raf doesn't know how he understands Bumblebee. [[Sari Sumdac|He's a robot]], isn't he?
* Jack's ringtone is the same as in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]".
* Raf finally gets to see snow. But does Optimus remember the snowball [[Scrapheap (episode)|he promised to give him]]?

==Home video releases==

==External links==

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Predatory

2011-06-09T12:09:00Z

74.180.20.69: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 12
|prev=Speed Metal
|next=Sick Mind
|image=Airachnid.jpg
|caption="So we have this episode that's really ''Predator''-y. What should we call it?" "Hmm..."
|title="Predatory"
|airdate=[[April 16]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]], [[Kirk Van Wormer]] (co-director)
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Arcee takes Jack on a routine mission, Airachnid turns up, putting him in danger.'''

==Synopsis==
A mysterious object streaks through the [[Solar System]] and crashes in a remote part of the northern [[United States of America|United States]]. Trudging through the forest nearby are [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Jack Darby]], out searching for an underground [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposit that [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] has detected. Jack complains about the mosquitoes, but Arcee picks up some strange readings and they quickly come upon the crashed spaceship. Telling an increasingly unnerved Jack to stay where he is, Arcee moves in closer to examine it, and suffers a flashback containing a [[Airachnid|menacing figure]] as she realizes whose ship it is. She attempts in vain to contact [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] to request a [[GroundBridge]]. Leaving Jack by the ship, Arcee walks out into the trees to find a trail left by her mystery assailant, and again flashes back to a past time when she had been captured. Jack interrupts her, and she transforms before driving them both at high speed through the trees for a distance. When she still can't contact base, she drops Jack off on the other side of a deep crevasse and heads back. Jack starts climbing down the side of the crevasse. Arcee, scouting among the trees, finds a tree stump covered in an acidic compound, and has another flashback.

[[Image:Predatory-Airachnidscratch.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Hellooo, alternate headsculpt!]]

''On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Arcee runs through ruined buildings while radioing [[Delta Team]] for backup. She trades banter with her partner [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] before asking directions, but before she can complete her next sentence, she's stuck to a nearby wall by a glob of webbing. She finds herself chained up, a prisoner of [[Airachnid]], who scratches her face with an acid-emitting talon.''

Elsewhere, Airachnid moves in on an unsuspecting camper in a tent. As she jumps to strike, she's tackled by Arcee, and the pair roll downhill to a clearing. Amused to be reunited with the Autobot after all this time, Airachnid reveals her new hobby: collecting the heads of endangered species, though most of them weren't endangered until she got to them. Now she has her sights set on a human for her next trophy. Enraged, Arcee begins fighting her, but Jack arrives, distracting Arcee long enough for Airachnid to web her to a nearby rock. Arcee cuts her arm free and zaps Airachnid before informing Jack that he's more a liability than a partner. Jack responds that he doesn't believe her and he can tell she's afraid, and Arcee flashes back again.

''Finding Arcee a tough nut to crack, Airachnid has a couple of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] drag in a severly battered Tailgate, and demands the information she wants, or Tailgate dies. Arcee, however much she wants to save her partner, doesn't know the attack coordinates, and Airachnid calmly kills him.''

Airachnid recovers from the battle and closes in and says she'd heard about [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s fate, then twists the knife by asking Arcee if she has a problem with losing partners. As Jack flees, Airachnid promises to finish Arcee later, after she's added her human companion's head to her trophy collection. As Airachnid leaves, Arcee flashes back once more...

[[Image:Predatory-ArceeBeeCliff.jpg|thumb|250px|Color-coded for your sake.]]

''As Airachnid moves in on her living prisoner, [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] burst in to execute a dramatic rescue. Though they gun down the Vehicon guards, Airachnid makes her escape. The Autobots free Arcee and carry her out as she laments that she couldn't save her partner.''

Arcee is overcome with grief at having put Jack's life in peril, realizing that she should have just... kept... driving! Her lament gives her the insight she needs to free herself, pulling at the webbing enough to transform to cycle mode and peel out at full throttle, eventually breaking her bonds.

[[Image:AirachnidUpsideDown.jpg|left|thumb|250px|No consideration for personal space.]]

Meanwhile, Jack ducks behind a fallen tree in an attempt to evade Airachnid, but she easily finds him. He continues running, and though he's scared, keeps looking for ways to fight back (though he quickly dismisses his Swiss Army knife as a viable weapon). Eventually, he reaches Airachnid's ship and hides against it as she enters, believing him to have snuck inside. While clambering through the trench left by the ship's landing, he finds a puddle of [[energon (fuel)|energon]] leaking from a port on its underside. Grabbing a nearby stick, he uses his pocket knife and flint to set fire to it, then throws it into the leaking port. Airachnid, now standing on top of the ship, yells his name as the ship explodes.

Jack is thrown clear, but just as he's beginning to relax, a still-burning Airachnid pins him to a nearby tree with webbing. She moves in, ready for the kill, but Arcee comes barreling through the trees and beats her with feet and fists, finally sending the Decepticon flying through the forest, creating her own trail of debris. Arcee cuts down Jack, but then they hear the sound of drilling, and find Airachnid has burrowed into the ground and escaped.

Arcee says she admires Jack's bravery, and as she radios base for a GroundBridge, saying she needs to get her ''partner'' back to safety. As Jack notices the choice of words, Arcee quips that he's still the ''junior'' partner in this team.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (1)
*[[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] (4, flashback)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (8, flashback)
*[[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (9, flashback)
|c2=
*[[Airachnid]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (7, flashback)
|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*Camper (5)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid's specimens]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"I may not have stinger-proof metal skin, Arcee, but in a pinch, I can use my multi-function pocket knife and magnesium fire-starter to cook up some freeze-dried mac and cheese."
:—'''Jack''' subtly plants a [[wikipedia:Chekhov's gun|Chekhov's gun]].

"These days, I travel solo in pursuit of my new hobby." 
"I got a look at your souvenir case." 
"You mean my trophies. I collect endangered species. Of course, they aren't really endangered...until they meet me."
:—'''Airachnid''' shares her favorite pastime with '''Arcee'''.

"So much for closure."
:—'''Arcee''' is annoyed as Airachnid gets away.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* When Jack steps in the Energon puddle, his foot stays on top of it.

===Continuity errors===

===Transformers references===

===Foreign dubbing===

===Real-world references===
*This episode contains four or five possible references to the ''[[Predator (alien)|Predator]]'' franchise: Airachnid's ship entering Earth's atmosphere resembles the movie's opening scene, Airachnid coming to Earth with the sole purpose of hunting humans echoes the Predator's motive, Airachnid's trophy case of heads is similar to one seen in ''Predator 2'', and the scene in which Jack uses a personally made flaming "arrow" to ignite energon resembles a tactic used by Arnold Schwarzenegger's character Dutch in the first film. The title "Predatory" may also be just as much a reference to ''Predator'' as it is to [[Predacon (disambiguation)|Predacon]]s.
* The sound effects used for when Airachnid spews her webbing are the same used for [[Spider-Man]] in the 2008 ''[[Wikipedia:Spectacular Spider-Man (TV series)|Spectacular Spider-Man]]'' TV series, in which Josh Keaton (Jack) voiced the title character.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Predatory-Airachnidship.jpg|thumb|250px| The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout.
Down came the Jack, and ''blew'' the spider up.]]
*This is the first episode not to feature Optimus, Bulkhead, Raf or Miko.
*Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Bumblebee didn't have different robot bodies on Cybertron, retaining all of their Earth vehicle-specific [[kibble]] long before reaching Earth. This seems to be [[Skyquake (Prime)|intentional]].
*With its scratches and angled spikes positioned against burnt trees, [[Airachnid's ship]] resembles a hairy spider in one shot.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==

==External links==

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Portent

2010-12-22T22:01:52Z

74.180.20.69: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=47
|prev=Drift (episode)
|next=Cramp
|title="Portent"
|japanese=信頼 (ぺんだんと) - portent
|romaji=Shinrai [Pendanto]
|translation=Faith (Pendant)
|image=Portent.JPG
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-47
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigenori Kurī]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 28]], [[2003]] (English) [[November 21|21 November]] 2003 (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream, Hot Shot and the rest continue their pursuit of Thrust, arriving at a portal to a strange organic area. The rest of the Autobots gather to fight Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Sshot-47-4-corpse.jpg|left|175px|thumb|This was the ''lucky'' one.]]
In the mysterious tunnels within [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the kids explain to Hot Shot and Wheeljack that it was Starscream who brought the kids to where they are. Hot Shot advises the kids to return to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' where it's safer, but the kids argue they can be useful, eventually convincing their gigantic metal pals. The group radios back to Prime with their status, where Billy and Fred feel neglected.

Meanwhile, Jetfire and Hoist continue to order [[Autobot]]s to withdraw from their positions. Blurr relays to Jetfire orders from Optimus to assist Hot Shot and Wheeljack below. Galvatron is satisfied with the Autobots' retreat, allowing his forces to easily take over Cybertron.

[[Image:Sshot-71-1-face.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Face hugger. ([http://www.allspark.com Allspark]-type-hugging)]]
Thrust, still running from Starscream, dives through a strange portal. Starscream bravely follows into the unknown. On the other side, in an organic-looking area with Transformer husks around, Sideways finally appears. Starscream arrives soon after. Next, Hot Shot's group prepares to follow through the portal, Alexis making sure to put on a [[Good Luck Necklace|good luck charm]] first.

Sideways and Starscream come face to face. As is tradition, before the battle, Starscream declines an offer to join up with [[Unicron]]'s side of the conflict. Sideways attacks Starscream with a swarm of [[bot-spider]]s. Hot Shot's team runs to assist, but Wheeljack and Hot Shot are attacked by more of the parasites.

[[Image:Sshot-71-1-tendrils.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Tentacles in an anime. Can't think of anything funny about that.]]
The kids try to rouse the Mini-Con weapons into freeing themselves from Thrust's possession, and whistling from Perceptor helps the effort. Thrust and Sideways ignore the kids and leave, their tracks covered by tendrils. With no other options, Hot Shot and Wheeljack connect their backs and form a completely silly looking cyclone. Alexis lets Starscream join the team because she's Starscream's friend.

Sideways plugs the Mini-Con into Unicron's core processor, angry at Thrust for having not grabbed the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

As the team moves through the caverns, they run into more suspiciously organic obstacles, separating Starscream and Alexis from the rest of the crew. Starscream goes airborne to fly Alexis to safety, but Alexis (stupid) hops off Starscream (really stupid) to retrieve her good luck charm she dropped (very stupid). Starscream saves her.

[[Image:Sshot-47-5-crowd.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Just because Jhi loves generics.]]
Everybody manages to make their way to the surface, finding themselves to be on Cybertron's moon. The surface shatters and quakes, with Jetfire arriving just in time to save Hot Shot, Wheeljack, the Mini-Cons, and the kids. From a distance, it becomes evident that Unicron has been gestating inside of the Moon from the start. On Cybertron's surface, Wheeljack departs. Starscream begins to depart as well, but Alexis stops him, begging him to stay. Starscream thinks it wouldn't be fair if he betrayed them again, but Alexis knows he wouldn't do that. Starscream ponders to himself for a moment before turning back to her and thanking her for trusting and believing in him. As he leaves, Alexis says his name sadly and clutches her pendant.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] (17)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (18)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (20)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (4)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (5)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (6)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (19)
*[[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] (21)
*[[Unicron]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"All right! Well that was some fireworks display, fellas, but who said you can start the party without me?" 
"Show-off."
:—'''Jetfire''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"At any cost, Unicron must be stopped, or the result will be devastating. The fate of all Transformers in the universe lie in the balance."
:—'''Blurr'''

"You were wondering what kind of place this is. Well, for you it's a graveyard. Goodbye, Starscream!"
:—'''Sideways''' welcomes Starscream to Unicron.

"Unicron will awaken and both the Autobots and Decepticons will be destroyed. They will become a distant memory. The Mini-Cons' true destiny will be revealed. Those who helped will be rewarded and all others will suffer Unicron's wrath."
:—'''Sideways''' makes with the spoilers.

'''Hot Shot:''' "How 'bout joining with us?" 
'''Starscream:''' "I'll have to pass. I don't want to risk betraying you a second time. It wouldn't be fair." 
'''Alexis:''' "I know you wouldn't do that, you wouldn't betray your friends, would you?" 
'''Starscream:''' "I'm — not sure. I'm not sure of anything... anymore. You trusted me Alexis, and I thank you for that." 
'''Alexis:''' "...Oh Starscream."

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and technical errors===
* Carlos calls Grindor "Sureshock", and later Alexis refers to Sureshock as "Grindor".

* When the kids speak to Optimus Prime, the neck segments of their space suits are missing.

* The Unicron tendrils vary in color between grey, orange, and grey and black.

* Encountering Sideways in the organic cavern, Wheeljack's face is grey for a second.

* Rad spies on Thrust holding the Requiem Blaster, the blaster is colored like part of Thrust.

* When Hot Shot and co. are fleeing from the wave of acid, his thighs are gray for a moment instead of black.

* When Alexis jumps off Starscream, her visor frame is colored greyish instead of pink.

* When Wheeljack turns his back on Hot Shot at the end, his back looks nothing like it should.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Sshot-47-3-charm.jpg|right|175px|thumb|What is it with every woman in Transformers being in pink? Are the artists color blind?]]
* Alexis's explanation about Starscream escorting the kids is perhaps a strong exaggeration of Starscream briefly encountering the kids last episode.

* Alexis says her necklace is made from a Cybertronian's rock, but wouldn't it make a lot more sense if it were made from the rock Starscream brought back from [[Mars (episode)|Mars]]? As seen in the next episode, given its importance to her and its relationship to Starscream, this is likely a dubbing error.

* When they mention the crumbling moon, they look up at Cybertron.

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Portent" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 5]], 2003.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Remorse

2010-12-21T00:15:52Z

74.180.20.69: /* Animation and/or technical glitches */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=40
|prev=Crisis
|next=Depart
|title="Remorse"
|japanese=悔恨 (あせり) - remorse
|romaji=Kaikon [Aseri]
|translation=Regret (Impatience)
|image=
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-40
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Yukio Okazaki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3|3 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[October 17]], 2003 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots mourn the loss of Optimus Prime, and Hot Shot is hit particularly hard.'''

==Synopsis==
The Decepticons celebrate the destruction of Autobot leader Optimus Prime. While Cyclonus laughs, Megatron and Starscream stay calm, regretting the victory (for different reasons). Acting glad, Megatron orders his crew to return to Cybertron.

In the Autobot base, the kids have trouble coming to terms with the death of Optimus, Fred openly crying. Rad understands that Optimus knew he would die, and he mourns that nobody on Earth would know that Optimus died to save all humans.

A week later, the Autobots are still sad, but repressing their sadness to get work done has increased tensions. Hot Shot gets frustrated with how passively the other Autobots have been handling Prime's death, and goes to the teleporter room to meet with Jetfire. He recalls the time he accused Optimus of letting the Decepticons getting the upper hand by letting Starscream join the Autobots. Jetfire returns from his mission to the Decepticons' now-abandoned moon-base, and Hot Shot promptly demands Jetfire take him to space to vengefully hunt down the Decepticons.

The other Autobots arrive and try to stress how important it is that the spaceship be finished. But Hot Shot just tells his friends to shut up. Scavenger, insulted, throws Hot Shot to the ground. He commands Hot Shot to be silent as he drags the younger Autobot away. The two teleport away, and Jolt follows. The rest of the kids and Autobots are left to wonder what Scavenger intends to do.

Alexis determines Scavenger and Hot Shot to be on an abandoned highway. There, Scavenger brutalizes Hot Shot, and demands he fights back. Hot Shot avoids most of Scavenger's punches, but doesn't retaliate. The kids and Autobots watch as Hot Shot is thrown around. Hot Shot finally fights back when Scavenger mentions Optimus. When the two Transformers press their weight against each other, Scavenger mentions that it was Hot Shot that made him switch to the Autobots. Between punches, Scavenger explains that Optimus had integrity, and that's why Starscream was allowed to join the Autobots.
Alexis, watching the fight with the Autobots (who refuse to help Hot Shot) figures out that Hot Shot blames himself for Optimus Prime's death.

Hot Shot retreats away from Scavenger, still convinced that Optimus needs to be avenged. Blurr encounters Hot Shot on the freeway, but Hot Shot escapes again. The kids try to reason with the Autobots that abusing Hot Shot won't help Hot Shot overcome his own anxieties - but Red Alert is adamant that aggressive therapy is needed.

Side Swipe blocks Hot Shot's path and prepares to open fire against his brother. The Mini-Cons join in on forming the barricade, bringing Hot Shot to an advanced stop. Even Jolt abandons Hot Shot to join the other Minis. Hot Shot remembers Optimus Prime's word about trusting the Mini-Cons. Thanks to the Mini-Cons, Hot Shot has a moment of clarity and recalls what the war with the Decepticons is about.

Hot Shot apologizes to the assembled Mini-Cons and Autobots. He wants to re-join and help in the fight against the Decepticons as part of the team again. With the Autobots' morale revitalized, Jetfire announces that he's making Hot Shot the new Autobot commander. Scavenger arrives and starts to take a swing at the new commander, but Hot Shot doesn't move an inch. Scavenger cuts his punch before hitting, and gives Hot Shot his approval.

Later that evening, Jetfire tries to give Hot Shot the Matrix, but Hot Shot declines to accept it. Instead, he announces that he'll only lead the Autobots until the team gets back to Cybertron. Working together, the team gets back to work and gets ready to stop the Decepticons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (12)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (16)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (18) (flashback)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (20)
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (21)
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (22)
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (23)
*[[Liftor]] (24)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (25)
*[[Comettor]] (26)
*[[Oval]] (27)
*[[Spiral]] (28)
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (29)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
"Do you have any idea why I left the Decepticons and came over to the Autobots?" 
"Better money?" 
"I joined because of you."
:—'''Scavenger''' and '''Hot Shot'''

"That complete lack of fear has served you well, Hot Shot."
:—'''Scavenger''' hasn't been paying attention.

"Wow, either I'm overheating or I just heard Optimus speak to me directly from the other side." 
"Hey, that doesn't surprise me. In fact, I bet Optimus woulda chosen you to become the next commander of the Autobots."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Jetfire''' in a WTF moment

"Yo, Autobots! Saddle up! We're going back to Cybertron!"
:—'''Hot Shot'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* During his first line in the episode, Hot Shot has enormous hips.
* When Scavenger tells Hot Shot they're not friends, he's wearing a Decepticon symbol.
* When Hot Shot asks Optimus for help in his vision, you can see the corner of a Decepticon symbol instead of an Autobot one.

===Continuity errors===
* Contrary to what Scavenger said in this episode, he was never REALLY a Decepticon, only an Autobot spy.

===Trivia===
*Flashback footage in this episode is taken from "[[Vow]]", specifically of Optimus walking towards Megatron and the Mini-Cons.
*In Germany this episode followed [[Carnival]] confusing a hell of a lot of kids. RTL II - the channel that aired the show - stated that Hasbro insisted on having the entire series aired in just two months to better promote the toyline. Great business practice there, Hasbro Germany.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Rescue

2010-12-19T12:51:38Z

74.180.20.69: /* Real-world references */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=35
|prev=Regeneration
|next=Mars (episode)
|title="Rescue"
|japanese=救出 (かいほう) - rescue
|romaji=Kyūshutsu [Kaihō]
|translation=Rescue (Release)
|image=
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-35
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 26]], [[2003]] (English) [[September 5|5 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Autobots attack the Decepticon base on the Moon and make a discovery.'''

==Synopsis==
By himself, Demolishor grumpily cleans up the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]' base after Starscream's rampage. Turning around, he is surprised to see Starscream standing right behind him, and he drops some of the items he was carrying on his own foot. He is then introduced to Starscream's new running crew: the [[Autobot|Autobots]]. Naturally, Demolishor activates the alarm.

The Autobots and Decepticons meet in Megatron's throne room. Megatron fires the [[Requiem Blaster]] at Starscream, but Smokescreen blocks the shot with the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]. A bright light from the impact fills the room, blinding the Autobots long enough for Megatron to retreat, leaving his troops behind to finish the battle. The Autobots and Decepticons engage in battle with each other, with Side Swipe attempting to take on Tidal Wave on his own. While Starscream is blinded by his vengeance, Laserbeak and Hot Shot are assigned to locate Perceptor.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-35-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hot Shot masters the [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumble Kick]]!!]]
Perceptor plays Jerry, running away from Demolishor's Tom. When Demolishor backs Perceptor into a corner, Laserbeak flies into Demolishor's face just long enough to ruin the Decepticon's aim. While Demolishor stumbles about, Hot Shot arrives to punch him down. Perceptor runs ahead and finds himself in an encounter with Tidal Wave, and again Hot Shot comes to the Mini-Con's rescue. But because of Tidal Wave's power and size, Hot Shot has more difficulty taking the Decepticon down. Perceptor then leaves.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-35-2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Good guys, bad guys, and explosions as far as the eye can see...]]
Perceptor finds all his captured Mini-Con brothers in a hidden underground facility, where they're being put to work to assemble a gigantic spaceship. Perceptor has some blippy dialogue with the other Mini-Cons, during which Megatron attacks. When Perceptor is grasped by the neck, the Mini-Cons begin one of their irregular chants, like the one played when the Requiem Blaster was first formed. The Minis all stop working on the space ship and surround an annoyed Megatron. When Megatron attempts to punish the insolent machines, Hot Shot attacks, covering the Mini-Cons' escape. Tidal Wave arrives just in time to watch Megatron and Hot Shot race out, but Smokescreen shows up to keep Tidal Wave company.

Side Swipe and Perceptor guide all the emancipated Mini-Cons through the Decepticons' warp gate to the Autobot base.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-35-3.jpg|left|200px|thumb|If this is the power of teamwork, leave everyone out.]]
Megatron and Hot Shot continue to battle. Megatron is finally about to deactivate the Autobot, but Starscream slices Megatron's cannon off. Against both Hot Shot and Starscream, Megatron falls. With the Mini-Cons safe, Optimus calls his forces to return back to the Autobot base, but Starscream would rather stay to finish off Megatron. Starscream agrees to return with the Autobots, but is left feeling upset about it.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (5)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (7)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (19)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (20)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (9)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (10)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (11)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (14)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (15)
*[[Rad White]] (16)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (17)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (18)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (22)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (23)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (24)
*[[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (25)
*[[Spiral]] (26)
*[[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (27)
*[[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (28)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (29)
*[[Oceanglide]] (30)
*[[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (31)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (32)
* Enslaved Mini-Cons
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy, what a showoff! So who died and put Mr. Conehead in charge?" 
"Stop your whining, Cyclonus."
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"It's time to put that old locomotive out of his misery."
:—'''Hot Shot''', referring to Tidal Wave, apparently

"This is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard in my life."
:—'''Alexis''' on hearing the Mini-Cons sing

"Thank you, Tidal Wave appreciates."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' after being helped out of a hole by Smokescreen.

"All right, nothing like sweet victory."
:—'''Rad'''

"That's gonna leave a mark."
:—'''Hot Shot''', landing on his butt.

"It seems you're trapped. Like a rat. This amuses me. Sayonara, Autobot."
:—'''Megatron''', about to slag Hot Shot

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
[[Image:Screenshot-arm-35-4.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Do we ''really'' want to know what's happening?]]
*After Demolishor pushes the alarm button, for a shot, Starscream's [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] is drawn in the distinct shape of his regular wing-blade.

* [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] and [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] are among the Mini-Cons in Megatron's construction facility, but earlier, the Autobots were using the Skyboom Shield, which includes them both as components.

* Tidal Wave's size in robot mode is incredibly inconsistent from shot to shot.

*When Smokescreen hits the stuck Tidal Wave, Tidal Wave is horribly miscolored for a moment.

*Lots of animation short-cuts are used to depict the Mini-Con hordes, including:
**Looped sequences, making it appear as though the same Mini-Cons are running past repeatedly.
**In one shot of Mini-Cons teleporting into the Autobot base, the majority of them have the same upper body.
**In the shot following, Carlos and four [[Spiral|Spirals]] are on screen at the same time.

*As Starscream and Hot Shot take him down, Megatron is momentarily drawn with Tidal Wave's Dark Fleet Armor components on his arms.

===Transformers references===
* Thrust is called a "[[conehead]]", a term occasionally used for group of [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] his [[Thrust (G1)|namesake]] was part of.
* Side Swipe is nicknamed "Swiper," a possible reference to [[Andrew Frankel]].

===Real-world references===
*Smokescreen says with his new armor, he just keeps going and going, just like a certain pink, sandal-wearing, drumming bunny.

===Trivia===
*The Skyboom Shield reappears for the first time since it was knocked out of Optimus' hands in "[[Desperate]]".
*Scavenger, Blurr and Side Swipe are barely seen during the battle. Blurr in particular is only shown in a few panning shots of the Autobots firing.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Past II

2010-12-18T21:05:20Z

74.180.20.69: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=32
|prev=Past
|next=Sacrifice
|title="Past II"
|japanese=過去 (けっちゃく)-後編 - past, part 2
|romaji=Kako [Kecchaku]-Kōhen
|translation=Bygone Days (Conclusion)-Latter Part
|image=
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-32
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigenori Kurī]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 5]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 15|15 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot refuses to do to Side Swipe what he didn't to Wheeljack.'''

==Synopsis==
Wheeljack fires a shot into Hot Shot's chest at close range, to finalize his switch to the [[Decepticon]]s. His business for the day concluded, Wheeljack vanishes, leaving an injured Hot Shot wondering how his friend could have made such a dramatic turn for the worse. Unable to cope with the trauma, he blacks out.

Hot Shot wakes up in the [[Autobot]]s' infirmary, having been brought back to the Autobots' base by Side Swipe. Wondering how he could have been so betrayed, Hot Shot tries to recall the last time he saw Wheeljack.

''On a fiery battlefield on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Wheeljack is left held down while Hot Shot runs to get some help to help lift the debris. But after getting out of the blaze, Hot Shot's superior refuses to allow Hot Shot to return. Ignoring his superior's orders and threats, Hot Shot runs back into the fire, but passes out from the heat. Later, he wakes up alone''.

Optimus reveals to Blurr that he knew about Hot Shot losing his friend, which is why Hot Shot was one of the troops chosen to come to Earth. Back in the infirmary, Side Swipe tries to convince Hot Shot to forgive himself, even if Wheeljack won't. Trying to collect his thoughts, Hot Shot drives out on his own, and runs into Thrust.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-32-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Guys, I think you're both using the wrong expression.]]
Wheeljack and Hot Shot meet up at an abandoned industrial station. Wheeljack relates the Transformer's obsession with wars to the human's own tendency to wage wars. The two battle, but Hot Shot shows an initial reluctance to fight back. When Wheeljack draws his weapon, Hot Shot offers to let Wheeljack execute him with no resistance. Side Swipe interferes, and a failed attempt to save Hot Shot sets the industrial complex on fire. Wheeljack laughs and takes advantage of the situation by abducting Side Swipe. As Wheeljack carries Side Swipe into the inferno, he mockingly suggests Hot Shot save his sidekick.

Hot Shot crawls through the burning factory looking for his friend. Thrust tries to play a part in Wheeljack's grudge match, but Wheeljack blasts the Decepticon jet away - revealing his own location to Hot Shot. Working his way through the flames and metal, Hot Shot locates and frees Side Swipe. The two barely manage to get away as the container Side Swipe was set on explodes. Meanwhile, Wheeljack encounters Megatron.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-32-2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Anybody ever tell you that you look like Mojo Jojo?"]]
On the moon, Wheeljack pledges his loyalty to the Decepticon family.

At the Autobot base, Side Swipe declares himself "like family" to Hot Shot and chases Hot Shot for hugs. The other kids have a laugh at Alexis becoming too attached to the video game she learned to play from Billy and Fred.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*Hot Shot's teammates (7)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (8)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (14)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (15)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (9)
*[[Rad White]] (10)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've come to get my revenge."
:—'''Wheeljack''', who isn't out for revenge, no sir.

"I wonder what's clogging up his tailpipe. Boy, those Autobots sure are a moody bunch."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Side Swipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" 
"No, don't come up here, it's too dangerous! Would ya get out of here? This tank is gonna explode!" 
"No chance pal, I'm coming to save ya?" 
"Then would ya hurry up?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Side Swipe'''

"I think somebody needs a hug!"
:—'''Side Swipe''', chasing Hot Shot.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
[[Image:Screenshot-arm-32-3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]], Hot Shot is still a good guy.]]
* Hot Shot is briefly drawn with a Decepticon logo.

===Continuity errors===
* How did Hot Shot know to meet Wheeljack where he did? Blame a bad translation.

===Transformers references===
* At one point when playing the game, Alexis hums the [[Theme song|opening theme]].

===Trivia===
*So the video game the kids are playing somehow involves recovered Mini-Cons as puppets, forcing them to battle each other? Are we sure these are the good guys?
*When Alexis realizes she's playing the game too much, you see a stylized Megatron on the screen.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Linkup

2010-12-05T13:07:16Z

74.180.20.69: /* Animation and/or technical glitches */

{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=26
|prev=Tactician
|next=Detection
|title="Linkup"
|japanese=合身 (りんくあっぷ) - link up
|romaji=Gasshin [Link Up]
|translation=Fusion (Link Up)
|image=Armada_ep_26_jet_optimus.JPG
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-26
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 29]], [[2003]] (English) [[July 4|4 July]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''With Optimus in the repair bay, Jetfire is the Autobots' best hope against the Decepticons.'''

:''Polish title:'' "'''Połączenie'''"

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] has been badly damaged in a recent battle with the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], and the prognosis is uncertain. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] tells the kids that [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] will take over Optimus's role while the leader is in the repair bay. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] is not impressed by Jetfire's overconfident bragging, and neither are the kids.

[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is also unimpressed, but at the failure of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]'s plan. [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] are merely amused by its failure, and Thrust blames it on a miscalculation in the form of Jetfire. He says he'll come up with a new plan and takes some shooting stars as a sure sign of victory.

The [[Autobot|Autobots]] discuss Thrust and how he led the Decepticons to victory on the planets [[Vector]], [[Orga]] and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]], almost wiping out the Autobots. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] thinks that while they have Jetfire on their team, they don't have anything to worry about on that score. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] attempts to report to Jetfire, but the Autobot doesn't speak [[Mini-Con]], and [[Rad White|Rad]] has to translate that there's a suspicious bot flying over the base. They soon recognise Thrust, and Jetfire immediately runs off to confront the Decepticon.

Thrust takes off as soon as he sees Jetfire coming, goading the Autobot into following. Unsurprisingly, they reach a zone where the Decepticons are waiting, and the kids plead with Jetfire not to fire on the swarm of Mini-Cons accompanying them. He assures them he won't and shoots at Cyclonus, who protests that Thrust said the Autobot wouldn't fire with the Mini-Cons around. Thrust orders the Mini-Cons to attack, and soon Jetfire is being strafed with laser fire. Starscream closes in, but Jetfire is able to dodge the null laser cannon.

At base, the Autobots puzzle over how they're going to help Jetfire, when [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] spots an island near where the battle is taking place. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], Hot Shot and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] warp to the island, and Smokescreen prepares to fire his longarm cannon, but is blasted by Demolishor and [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]. Demolishor boasts that Thrust's plan is to steal the Skyboom shield and opens fire on the Autobots, who are forced to use the shield for cover.

[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], still at base, admires the Decepticons' trap, but the kids think he should take action. Rad contacts Red Alert in the repair bay, informs him of the situation, and lets him know they need Optimus.

[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] arrives on the island and tells his men to get on with it and demand the Shield from the Autobots. At Hot Shot's goading, Megatron calls the Star Saber to him and begins the attack anew. Hot Shot suggests they should withdraw. Smokescreen is confident the Skyboom Shield will protect them, but the other two Autobots talk him into withdrawing. The trio begin their escape, hampered by the Decepticons' weapons fire.

Jetfire attempts to come to their aid, but is surrounded by the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] and is again almost blasted by Starscream. He flies towards the Decepticon, but is grazed by a blast from the null laser cannon. Again surrounded by the Mini-Cons, he's unable to take a shot at Thrust.

Red Alert reports that Optimus is almost combat ready, and Carlos stresses the urgency of the situation.

On the island, Megatron has Smokescreen pinned down while Blurr and Hot Shot are busy with Demolishor and Sideways.

While Red Alert and Scavenger are about to join the battle, an alarm indicates that someone's in the launch area: Optimus Prime! Though Red Alert and the kids protest that he's not ready, Optimus asks to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates.

As Thrust and Starscream prepare to finish off Jetfire, Optimus appears overhead. The Autobot leader freefalls towards Jetfire, and the pair [[Powerlinx|combine]]. After making short work of Starscream, Optimus flies to the island and knocks Megatron into the ocean. For an encore, he picks up Demolishor and drops the protesting Decepticon into the water as well. Sideways wisely retreats. The impressed kids cheer.

Optimus suggests to Jetfire that he might want to be a bit more cautious next time, to which the Autobot says he's learnt his lesson.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (15)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (16)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] (24)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
*[[Rad White]] (9)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (18)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (19)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (20)
*[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] (22)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==

"He'll be signing autographs later."
:—'''Hot Shot''' on Jetfire's smug boasting

"It's time for you to taste my plasma blaster. See if this makes your teeth whiter and brighter."
:—'''Jetfire''', shooting at Cyclonus

"I am Demolishor, the fierce Decepticon warrior!"
:—'''Demolishor''' introduces himself 26 episodes too late.

"In your dreams! If you want it, why don't you come and get it? That is, unless you're a little bit of a wimp. Well, are ya?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' taunts Megatron. Brave lad.

"They don't call him Starscream for nothing."
:—'''Optimus''' after Starscream falls screaming through the clouds

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
* Although numerous minor changes were made to the animation in ''Micron Legend'', "Linkup" is one of the most prominent examples. Multiple scenes were completely redrawn and reanimated with higher quality animation, in comparison to the ''Armada'' airings. Among the changes: problems such as Jet Optimus being drawn in his Super Mode colors, along with having the wrong legs, have been fixed, while numerous close-up shots were also redrawn. <ref>[http://www.geocities.co.jp/Playtown-Knight/6670/my_micron/armada-legend.html Comparisons between screenshots]</ref>

===Animation and/or technical glitches===
*In the overhead shot of Hot Shot, Blurr and Smokescreen retreating, Smokescreen doesn't have the Skyboom Shield.
*Thrust refers to the Air Military Mini-Con Team as the Air ''Defence'' Mini-Con Team (who are busy being the Star Saber).
*The combined form of Optimus and Jetfire is referred to throughout as "Jet Convoy", the Japanese name for Jet Optimus.
*Jet Optimus is drawn incorrectly twice. When firing at Starscream, his chest is colored red instead of white, and has a Decepticon [[insignia]]. Later, when Jet Optimus is landing on the island, he is shown with his lower body being his trailer, instead of it being Jetfire.
*Multiple times, Carlos' eyes have whites.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus didn't really seem so badly damaged at the end of "[[Tactician]]" that he'd require a whole episode in the repair bay.

===Transformers references===
===Real-world references===
===Trivia===
*"Linkup" first aired in the United States on [[January 31]], [[2003]].
*Shooting stars on the moon are not possible, because it has no atmosphere for objects to burn up in.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Vow

2010-12-04T14:01:49Z

74.180.20.69: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=22
|prev=Decisive Battle
|next=Rebellion
|title="Vow"
|japanese=伝心 (ふれあい) - vow
|romaji=Denshin [Fureai]
|translation=Understanding Heart (Connectedness)
|image=Arm_ep_22_op_beatup.JPG
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-22
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 25]], [[2003]] (English) [[June 6|6 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Megatron tries to lead Optimus into a trap while the kids believe the Decepticon-aligned Mini-Cons want to defect.'''

:''Polish title:'' "'''Zasadzka'''"

==Synopsis==
[[Rad White|Rad]] wonders where the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] came from and why the [[Autobot|Autobots]] won't provide the kids with any answers. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] won't even let them into the base. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] steps out to tell them it's too dangerous.

[[Image:Arm_ep22_megatron_and_minicons.JPG|left|180px|thumb|Full tank / Not even a quarter tank.]]
[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] attempts to run a battle simulation on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], powerlinking with four [[Mini-Con]]s and instructing the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]] to run interference while he attacks a hologram of Prime. [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] looses off a shot at his leader, just to remind him there'll be other Autobots on the battlefield too. After shooting at Prime for a bit, Megatron snarls at the Land Military team for not obeying his orders.

Optimus briefs his men on the planned setup for their mission, which will include [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] staying back with the Skyboom Shield ready to launch off his long arm launcher. The briefing is interrupted by the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]] who want to know why they're not coming on the mission too, but Optimus says it's because it's too risky.

The kids wander away from the Autobot base, complaining about not being allowed in. The three Street Action Mini-Cons soon catch up with them and let the kids know they've received a transmission from the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons. [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]'s theory that the Mini-Cons on the Moon are lonely and want to join up with their friends on Earth gains traction. While Rad and Fred go to tell Optimus, the rest of the kids run with their Mini-Cons towards the warp gate.

On the Moon, Megatron confirms with the Land Military team that they've made contact with the Mini-Cons on Earth. Teleporting them and four other Mini-Cons to Earth, he tells his men that he'll split up the Autobots and then contact them with further instructions.

Fred and Rad are unable to get into the Autobot base until Rad uses [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to let Optimus know what's up. Optimus and Hot Shot pop out to let the pair know they're going to take care of it and to stay put.

The rest of the kids reach the area of the warp gate in time to see the Land Military team teleport in and then promptly teleport out again. When [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] steps forward, Optimus appears to tell them to go back, and Megatron teleports in. The Decepticon invites Optimus to come in his direction before disappearing again. Although Optimus again warns the kids, Fred doesn't think there's anything to be afraid of. Walking over to where Megatron was, Fred is teleported out as well, followed by Rad. The other Autobots follow suit, much to the annoyance of [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] who feels left out.

The Decepticons find that one of the Mini-Cons seems to be messing with their teleport signal. Although [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is concerned for his leader, Sideways and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] are unenthusiastic.

In the Autobot base, Alexis tells [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] that she can't raise a signal from Laserbeak.

[[Image:Arm_ep22_op_rad_fred.JPG|right|180px|thumb|Prime goes down on one knee]]
The four missing Autobots arrive with Rad and Fred in a heavily forested area and immediately come under fire from Megatron, who teleports out. Optimus and the boys teleport out, closely followed by Hot Shot, leaving Blurr and Smokescreen wondering how the plan is going to work now. Hot Shot arrives alone in an icy wasteland. Rad and Fred arrive in a mountainous area and are saved from falling by Optimus. He explains that the Mini-Cons may be difficult to lure away from Megatron as they regard him as a father figure. The trio are soon teleported again, this time to a ghost town. Megatron tells them to follow him, then teleports out with his Mini-Con forces. A couple of Mini-Cons stay behind long enough to beep at the kids.

[[Image:Arm_ep_22_op_and_minicons.JPG|left|180px|thumb|]]
Arriving in a desert, the Mini-Cons seem to be on the verge of deserting Megatron until he threatens to slice them in half. Once Optimus and the boys arrive, he forces the Mini-Cons to attack. Rad and Fred manage to persuade Optimus to stop firing back and, once the boys are out of harm's way, he lowers his weapons, walking towards the Mini-Cons. As Megatron gloats, the Mini-Cons pause in their attack, and he has to prompt them to resume firing. Optimus falters but continues on until finally the Mini-Cons stop firing. Megatron interprets this as an invitation for him to finish Prime off himself.

Alexis and Demolishor are both able to finally contact the battle field, as the Mini-Cons hear Optimus' empassioned plea and turn their weapons on Megatron. Optimus opens fire on Megatron as well, though the latter is protected by the Star Saber. The rest of the Autobots warp in with the Skyboom Shield which Hot Shot uses to block Megatron's attack. The Decepticon leader retreats.

Back at base, Optimus undergoes repairs and says that the energy released when the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield clashed was the cries of the enslaved Mini-Cons. The Autobots must work as a team to free the remaining enslaved Mini-Cons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (21)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (22)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)
*[[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] (19)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (27)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (5)
*[[Rad White]] (6)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (7)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (8)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Dualor]] (11)
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (12)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (13)
*[[Oval]] (14)
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
*[[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (16)
*[[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (17)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (18)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (23)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (24)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"But we should do something. I really don't like sitting on the sidelines like this. After all, I am a man of action, you know."
:—'''Carlos''', man of action.

"I say this calls for a sandwich!"
:—'''Fred''', man of food.

"No, wait, Fred's right!"
:—'''Rad''' says the unthinkable.

"Ah! They're shooting at us!" 
"I know that! Promise you won't leave me!"
:—'''Rad''' being hugged in panic by Fred.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation or technical errors===
In the shot where Demolisher tells the other Decepticons to readjust the equipment, Sideways' helmet has the hand thingies he had as an Autobot.

===Continuity errors===
===Transformers references===
===Real-world references===
===Trivia===
*"Vow" first aired in the United States on [[January 27]], [[2003]].
*Wreckage and Knock Out, of the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]], haven't been seen prior to this episode.
*Optimus can't understand Mini-Con speech.
*There's no exact translation to 伝心—伝 itself can mean 1) "tradition", "legend", 2) "biography", "life", and 3) "method", "way", courtesy of [http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C Jim Breen's J-E online Dictionary]. 以心伝心 (''ishindenshin'') means "tacit understanding."

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Rattrap (BW)

2010-07-14T12:32:08Z

74.180.20.69:

{{faction|maximal}}
{{disambig2|the Maximal energon miner/warrior|the Autobot informant|Rattletrap}}
:''Rattrap is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Rattrap-S1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm not a rat. If I'm any rodent, it's the loyal capybara, king of the rats...no, wait.]]
It's not so much that '''Rattrap''' is a coward... he just doesn't want to die. He's seen enough battles to know the score, so he's not afraid to tell his commanding officer to shove it if he's not fond of the odds. He prefers to sneak around unseen, in gutters or trenches or trash barges or what have you—whatever keeps him out of harm's way. He shouldn't be so worried. When he does encounter conflict, he deals with it masterfully with the arsenal of guns and bombs he keeps on himself at all times. He feels naked without them.

It's hard to like Rattrap, especially if you're his commanding officer. He's sarcastic, irreverent, and rude. Plus he smells (''why'' he smells is a mystery). He's also not the most trusting or forgiving sort, so he's not the best choice to take on a diplomatic run. He'd sooner shoot a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] or [[Decepticon]] than talk to them. Despite his tough-as-nails attitude, he has a [[Transformer romance|strong affection]] for his fellow Maximal [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]].

{{quote|We're all gonna die.|—Rattrap, Every episode, ever.}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Rattle''' (ラットル ''Rattoru'')
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Rattrape''', '''Rattrap''' (Transmetal)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Dà Hūi Shǔ''' (大灰鼠, "Big Grey Rat"... yep, really [[:Image:RattrapLOVEScheetor.jpg|big]].)
:''Italian name:'' '''Rattilus''' (original toy), '''Metal Rattilus''' (Transmetal)
:''Polish name:'' '''Szczurotron''' (loosely translates as "Rattron")
:''Spanish name:'' '''Ratatrampa'''

==Fiction==
===Toy Bio===
Rattrap is a highly respected, top-notch soldier who is used mostly for reconnaissance, continually prowling the city streets for any Predacon activities. In order to keep up his strength, he's always eating "grunge and grime and any wretched refuse he may encounter along the way." Eeeeewwww....{{storylink|Rattrap#Toys|Rattrap bio}}
{{note|The on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon and its backstory. They seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}
===Cartoon continuity===
He was the best miner in the Vespa system. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[Image:Timelines-rattrap.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Remember kids, always wear your helmet when you transform into a bicycle.]]

While preparing for an exploration mission on board the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], the Maximal who would later be called Rattrap and [[Cheetor (BW)|his young companion]] were stuck aboard a space station for weeks, running various errands before their mission could officially begin. After acquiring additional [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for their trip, they returned to the ''Axalon'' where their captain, [[Optimus Primal]], notified his crew they had to travel first to the [[Alpha Quadrant]] to rid themselves of [[Rampage (BW)|some mysterious cargo]].

In the middle of Rattrap's objections, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by the [[High Council]]. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a historic Maximal artifact, had been stolen by a rogue group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] led by a Predacon criminal who had dubbed himself [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. As the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship with the capabilities to take down the [[Darksyde|Predacons' stolen ship]], Rattrap and his team were ordered to pursue.

However, before long, their ship was attacked by a mysterious ship (piloted by secret Predacon operatives [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], though unknown to them). After taking some damage, Rattrap was elated to see the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', a second ship, arrive and help deter their unknown attackers. However, the ''Chromia 10'' and its pilots were severely damaged in the scuffle before Rattrap was able to destroy the unknown Predacon ship with the ''Axalon'''s forward guns.

The battle over momentarily, Rattrap's ship was hailed by Megatron's, and the Predacon criminal introduced himself quickly to them before his ship opened fire on the Maximals. The ''Darksyde'' disappeared through a [[transwarp]] portal, and Rattrap and the Maximals followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese), [[Orlando Viggiani]] (Portuguese), [[Paulo Porto]] (Portuguese, in some episodes), [[Claudio Moneta]] (Italian), [[Robert Missler]] (German), [[Pierre Laurent]] (French)

[[Image:BWPart1 coverfire.jpg|right|230px|thumb|That's what friends are for!]]
After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of Rattrap's crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies. The Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures; Rattrap took the form of a (very oversized) rat, and was dismayed to find that they were going to have to use the disguises to avoid the energon radiation. Forced into battle, he refused [[Optimus Primal]]'s order to rescue [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] on the grounds he'd get shot up. When Optimus went to do the job himself, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had to hold up Rattrap to get the rat to provide covering fire. Afterwards, Rattrap was unrepentant, pointing out that they'd all come out of it alive.

[[Image:BeastWars2 Dinobot Rattrap glaring.jpg|left|220px|thumb|How's the weather up there?]]
On the way back to base, the Maximals ran into the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] who challenged Primal to a fight over leadership. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Rattrap objected to Primal's decision to subsequently let Dinobot join their group, accusing Dinobot of trying to kill Rhinox when the Predacon accidentally caused a rock fall. Primal had some harsh words with him. During a battle atop a mountain laced with energon, Rattrap found himself having a beast mode fight against [[Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

After Cheetor got himself blasted by Scorponok and got Rhinox's new comlink trashed, Rattrap didn't hesitate to mock the cat for his mistakes. When Cheetor ran off to fix it, though, Rattrap found himself going after him to stop him from doing anything stupid - which failed miserably, as Cheetor was captured by Tarantulas long before Rattrap reached him. The rat and the spider engaged in a heated duel in Tarantulas' underground lair, with Rattrap gaining the upper hand by using a heat box to fool the spider's thermal scanner. After rescuing Cheetor, Rattrap gave an alibi to Optimus about their whereabouts, but then chewed out the cat for almost getting them both scrapped. He left to munch some garbage, but earned a new friend when Cheetor thanked him for saving his life. {{storylink|The Web}}

During an energon storm, Rattrap tried fruitlessly to raise Optimus, only for their leader to arrive and scrub the mission Cheetor was due to go out on. At least this time it was Dinobot who goaded Cheetor into going out, but all of the Maximals were later thanking the cat for saving their lives later on. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} When Optimus went semi-missing in action, swallowed by a [[Vok probe|alien probe]], Rattrap objected strenuously to Dinobot nominating himself as new leader. A vote was left stalemated until Optimus managed to get a signal to the base and named Rattrap group commander in his absense. After a moment of initial indecision, Rattrap commanded capably in Primal's absence (even earning Dinobot's grudging respect). When Primal returned, he offered his compliments as well. Rattrap's response: "Eh, command's a pain in the tail, especially with this pack of hyenas. You can keep it!" {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

Over time, Rattrap grew to respect his commander grudgingly, with the earliest glimmers showing through when Primal and Rattrap infiltrated a flying mountain that was loaded with supercharged Energon. Primal bravely distracted a super-powered Terrorsaur while Rattrap planted explosives to destroy the mountain (and had a brief tussle with Tarantulas). Optimus then got them both off of the exploding mountain with a fearless beast-mode leap off the edge, which ended with them dangling in the treetops far below. Rattrap commented that Primal "did pretty good up there—but don't tell anyone I said so." {{storylink|Power Surge}} Rattrap was a member of the party sent out to attempt to capture a stasis pod after Optimus Primal was taken out as soon as he left the base. The group was cut off from the pod when [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and Terrorsaur took out a snow bridge, and Rattrap radio'd base to break the bad news. Fortunately Dinobot and Primal were able to set up a transmitter, and by the time Rattrap and the others got to the pod, the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]], who was able to help them fight the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[Image:TerrorsaurcagedRT.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Despite all of Terrorsaur's rage, Rattrap is still just a rat in a cage.]]
Suspicious of why the Predacons had managed to ambush three straight Maximal operations, Optimus sent Rattrap on an undercover mission into the ''[[Darksyde]]'', under the guise of not trusting Rattrap and him defecting to the Predacons. Captured by Terrorsaur as part of the mission, Rattrap pleaded his loyalty to him and was taken to the base, where he knocked out [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] with a transformation-disabling device, allowing Terrorsaur to seize power. After he was locked in the lower chambers and Megatron made his escape, Rattrap broke out and continued his mission, discovering that the Predacons had acquired a Maximal decoder chip which allowed them to hack the Maximals' communications. He was almost caught by Tarantulas but disabled him and signaled Optimus, who attacked the Predacon base with the other Maximals. In the firefight, Rattrap was forced to fire on Optimus, blasting him from the sky and seemingly confirming his traitorous ways. Dinobot almost destroyed him, but two timely breaks allowed Rattrap and the Maximals to escape. Back on the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus congratulated Rattrap on a job well done, adding that he didn't need to make his "defection" that believable (as he rubbed where Rattrap had shot him). Rattrap's response was "Eh, what can I say? I was trying to miss." {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[Image:Coc getshorty.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Frenzy is red!" "Maximal lies!"]]
Rattrap distrusted Dinobot and insulted him at every turn. Dinobot wantonly returned in kind, constantly bickering with the "vermin". Dinobot and Rattrap's arguments ranged from being a minor irritation at times to causing serious chaos in the Maximal ranks at others. Rattrap's taunts caused a berserk Dinobot to damage the control module of the newly activated Sentinel defense system, which promptly drove the Maximals out of their own base. Under the circumstances, Rattrap's rarely seen sense of nobility and fair play came to the fore; recognizing the predicament as his own fault, he immediately volunteered to stay inside the base and deactivate Sentinel. His considerable skills at infiltration and demolition allowed him to reach the central computer core and order Sentinel to stand down, though very nearly at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

When Primal was hit by one of [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]'s [[Cyberbee]]s, injecting a virus and turning Primal into a berserker, Rattrap unexpectedly became the voice of reason, telling Cheetor and Dinobot to settle down. He objected to Dinobot's idea to set their enraged leader on the Predacons, but it became academic when Primal escaped and headed for the ''Darksyde'' anyway. Rattrap and the other Maximals provided cover fire for Cheetor, as the young Maximal mounted a rescue. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}} During an attempt by the Maximals to build a communications tower to contact a [[temporal probe]], which the [[Maximal High Council]] had sent to search for the ''Axalon'', Rattrap managed to save Dinobot's life by blasting [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] over a cliff. Unfortunately he was promptly hit by the same [[transformation lock lens]] which had disabled Dinobot's robot mode. Ultimately the tower was destroyed by Megatron. {{storylink|The Probe}}

[[Image:Victory Megatron crushes Rattrap.jpg|right|thumb|270px]]
Rattrap planted a spy cam in the ''Darksyde'', and the Maximals were surprised to watch the Predacons apparently manage to blow themselves up. He proceeded to try to push as many of Dinobot's buttons as possible, but without getting a rise. The Maximals managed to salvage enough to get their own ship working. As Rattrap was telling Tigatron about a "sweet little hole-in-the-wall", it was revealed that the Predacons weren't slagged after all. Megatron managed to get on board and blasted everyone but Rattrap, attempting to crush the Maximal with his bare hands (or at least his beast-mode jaws). Fortunately Rhinox came around in time to come to Rattrap's rescue, though the ship still crashed. Afterwards, Rattrap and Dinobot resumed their usual bickering. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After Rhinox was captured by the Predacons, Rattrap managed to tap into his friend's comlink, and the Maximals listened in horror as Rhinox was converted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter]]. Though Rattrap was determined that they should go in there immediately, Primal held them back, allowing the evil-ized Rhinox to wreak havoc in the Predacon base. {{storylink|Dark Designs (episode)|Dark Designs}} Tricked by a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], Primal sent Rattrap with the clone to investigate a possible Predacon base. Instead, while Rattrap was crossing a log over a lava flow, the clone kicked the log out from under him. Rattrap survived, landing on a rock and using a grenade to get himself out of the chasm. He swiftly warned Primal and Cheetor, but by the time they reached base, Dinobot had already... dealt with the clone. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[Image:The Trigger Rattrap optimus.jpg|left|230px|thumb|You call it "hi-jacking". I call it "forced donation".]]
Rattrap and the other Maximals later welcomed [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} During a contact with Tigatron, Rattrap was alarmed to hear his comrade was under Predacon attack. After news came in by Cyberbee that Tigatron had discovered an alien-built [[Brigadoon|flying island]], the Maximals were alarmed to hear that Blackarachnia and Scorponok were trying to take control of it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Rattrap and Primal headed for the island, tangling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way, Rattrap commandeering Terrorsaur as his new ride. After they reached the island, Blackarachnia took control of it. Rattrap's leg became trapped, and he told Tigatron to go on, dealing with the problem himself by using the island's own defense system. This also provided a crucial distraction, allowing Tigatron to destroy the island's power source. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Megatron's latest gambit involved the Predacons stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to remain in their beast modes at all time. The Maximals soon succumbed to their base animal insincts, wandering out into the jungle, but were aided by Tigatron, who helped them to delete the block between their instincts and Maximal programming. Rhinox and Rattrap improvised a ratball special during the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

Rattrap was part of the group of Maximals who were searching for energon when Scorponok triggered an explosion, blinding them all. Lead by Rhinox, they attempted to make their way back to the ''Axalon'', but were attacked by a snake. Though Rattrap failed to rescue Cheetor, he did manage to save his companion in a way, by proving a more attractive meal. Luckily for him, Rhinox got rid of the snake. They continued on, managing to nearly reach the Maximal base when they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide the other Maximals in fighting the Predacons off while blinded. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, the Predacons mounted an attack with the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body. The Predacons triumphed, expelling the Maximals into the wilderness, however the Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[Image:Low Road Rattrap Dinobot fight.jpg|thumb|right|230px|YOU THERE! STFU!]]
Another costly incident resulted when Rattrap and Dinobot were ordered to clear rampant wild bean vines growing outside the Maximal base. A prank by Rattrap quickly turned into a brawl between the two. Their struggle continued even when the Predacons launched a sneak attack, requiring Rhinox to exit the base to provide covering fire for them. Tarantulas used the distraction to inject Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which eventually wore down his systems to the point of near-deactivation. Primal ordered Rattrap and Dinobot to find Tarantulas's lair and retrieve an antidote, commenting: "They'll either learn to work together or they'll destroy each other...right now, I don't care which." Despite continuing their argument the whole time, Rattrap and Dinobot managed to find [[Tarantulas's lair]], and retrieve the counter-virus. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called for a truce, Rattrap was sent with Airazor to infiltrate the ''Darksyde'' to find out what was going on. They were immediately detected and asked to leave, but they'd provided the necessary distraction for Tigatron to get into the Predacon base. Rattrap later took part in a (non-violent) operation to aid Tigatron's escape, and Tigatron reported that Megatron had discovered that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Rattrap and Airazor were first to reach the alien landing site, but Rattrap was blasted, while Airazor became trapped in the "nutty alien bungalow" which sprouted up. After dealing with Waspinator in a not at all non-violent manner, Rattrap attempted to cut into the structure using a laser, but was unsuccessful. fortunately Scorponok's sting allowed him to enter the construct with Optimus, and he was able to pull Airazor out, only to find the truce was over and he was at Predacon gunpoint.

[[Image:OtherVoices1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|RataTOING!!!]]
Rattrap and Airazor were subsequently able to overpower the Predacons and make a retreat when Optimus's escape from the bungalow provided a distraction. High above, one of the moons opened up, revealing what Rattrap would later dub the "[[Planet Buster]]". {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Returning to base, the Maximals discovered it had been compromised, and Rattrap and Airazor found Blackarachnia in the hold with a spacecraft Tarantulas had constructed from a stasis pod. Optimus would later pilot the stasis pod, using it to destroy the Planet Buster and save the Maximals, though at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

The destruction of the Planet Buster caused a [[quantum surge]], mutating Cheetor and Rattrap into new [[Transmetal]] forms. Rattrap gained a new wheeled mode which afforded him more speed. Almost immediately, Megatron, who had also received an upgrade, attacked, and the two Maximals found their new forms being tested in battle. Rattrap was able to use his wiles to trip Megatron, but ended up being crashed into by Cheetor. {{storylink|Aftermath}} After finding a stasis pod containing a [[blank]], Rhinox put himself into some sort of trance-like state. With everyone else out in the field, Rattrap was left alone in the base, and Cheetor naturally soon radio'd to warn him that the Predacons were on their way. Naturally any use of the base defenses would interfere with what Rhinox was doing, so, joined by Dinobot, Rattrap set out to defend the base with Cheetor. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

[[Image:Coming of the Fuzors 2 Dinobot Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Outnumbered two to one, the trio fought on, capturing [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], one of the two [[Fuzor]]s who had revived and been co-opted into the Predacon forces by Megatron. Though Dinobot favored termination, Rattrap and Cheetor had Silverbolt put in a [[CR chamber]]. The Maximals continued to defend the base, and were on the verge of defeat, until Optimal Primal appeared, reborn in a Transmetal body, and fought the Predacons off. Resuming command, Optimus asked Rattrap to remove his junk from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With Silverbolt now a Maximal, he and Rattrap were out patrolling when they were sent to investigate a Predacon signal and tangled with Blackarachnia, Tarantulas and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. To Rattrap's chagrin, his comrade refused to strike Blackarachnia because of her gender. When the cave the Predacons were protecting exploded, Rattrap congratulated Silverbolt on his shot, but Silverbolt denied doing anything. {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

Rattrap's relationship with Dinobot was sorely tested when when Dinobot temporarily returned to the Predacon side. For one long moment, as Dinobot was faced with a test of Predacon loyalty at Megatron's behest, Rattrap truly believed that Dinobot was about to slag him. But Dinobot proved unable to kill his erstwhile teammate; he instead turned on Megatron. Optimus left the final decision over whether Dinobot could stay a Maximal to Rattrap, who reluctantly agreed. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[Image:OtherVisits2 Rattrap with gun.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Rattrap and Dinobot were assigned to knock out a Predacon jamming tower. They eventually managed it, but by then Tigatron and Airazor had been shot into space by an alien device. After rendezvousing back at base, the Maximals headed out to the site, where the alien device sprouted into a huge [[Metal Hunter|construct]] and blasted everyone with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetals and Fuzors recovered quickly, and Primal and Rattrap worked to drop the [[refractive web]] which Tarantulas had placed over the machine. Unfortunately they were too late to prevent Megatron taking control of ship, and Primal was taken prisoner. Rattrap was able to take Tarantulas captive, returning the Predacon to the ''Axalon'', where they formulated a plan of attack. While the other Maximals provided a distraction, Tarantulas and Rattrap got on board the ship, and Rattrap was able to rescue Optimus. The craft itself was destroyed when Tarantulas sabotaged the transwarp drive, but luckily Primal and Rattrap got clear in time. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[Image:CodeofHero Rattrap salutes.jpg|thumb|right|260px]]
Rattrap still give Dinobot grief about his recent betrayal—not the usual flippant insults, either, but genuine barbs that cut Dinobot to the quick. Rattrap's words helped motivate Dinobot into what would ultimately be his heroic final sacrifice to save the future of the human race. Rattrap arrived at the battlefield along with the other Maximals to find Dinobot damaged beyond recovery. His reaction was perhaps the strongest of any of the team. The two shared final words of both insult and reconciliation, Rattrap gingerly holding Dinobot's hand as he died. As Dinobot's spark left his body, Rattrap was the first to stand and, with utter sincerity, salute the fallen hero. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While searching for a jamming tower, Rattrap, Cheetor and Silverbolt discovered a crashed stasis pod containing a [[Transmutate (character)|strangely mutated Transformer]]. As they fought the Predacons over, it, it let out a sonic cry which shorted out the Maximals. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[Image:Rattrap-slimpickins5.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rattrap fights to prevent Predacon infiltration, subversion, and pollution of the Maximals' precious bodily fluids.]]
When Rhinox's calculations suggested that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Maximals celebrated their impending rescue. Instead they got Predacon secret agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who Rattrap trusted only slightly less than he initially did Dinobot. Despite his misgivings, Rattrap took part in the assault on the ''Darksyde'', and was present for Megatron's apprehension. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Rattrap raised the alarm when Cheetor was knocked out by Silverbolt, who wanted to go capture Blackarachnia himself. A while later, Rattrap's distrust of Ravage proved well founded — Ravage was turned against them by Megatron, and Rattrap had to radio a warning to Primal. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

As Ravage's Transwarp cruiser attacked the ''Axalon'', Rattrap used his wheeled beast mode to launch himself out of the base and onto Ravage's ship. Tearing his way through its hull, he tossed a pair of magnetic bombs right into the hands of the startled Tarantulas, who could do nothing but scream as they blew him to bits and destroyed the cruiser's engines. Rattrap bailed out as the Transwarp cruiser crashed its destructive way to earth, having pretty much single-handedly saved the Maximals and their base from destruction.

The next day, as the Maximals tried to infiltrate the Autobot vessel the Ark, Rattrap fired the shot that brought down the Ark's shields and—almost—gave the Maximals a chance to stop Megatron's last-ditch scheme to alter history. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Though Blackarachnia turned against Megatron and assisted the Maximals in starting to repair the damage Megatron had done to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Rattrap was not particularly sympathetic, threatening to shoot her, even on pain of injury by Silverbolt. When Optimus hesitated in shooting Megatron, Rattrap volunteered to do it himself, and Primal batted him aside. Later still, Rattrap spared no sarcasm in mocking Silverbolt, after the other Maximal gave a long melodramatic speech over Blackarachnia, offering the services of his invisible violin. The Maximals were forced to move in to the cavern housing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] after [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] destroyed the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[Image:Rattrap-subaquatic2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Beast Noirs]]
Rattrap wasn't impressed with new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], declaring him rude and joking the Predacons would make fish sticks out of him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Rattrap was picked for a mission to enter the submerged remains of the ''Axalon'' and retrieve Sentinel, mostly because he was the only one small enough to fit in the [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] which Blackarachnia had built. Attacked by Rampage, he was glad to see Depth Charge coming to the rescue, though Depth Charge was more interested in fighting Rampage than helping with the mission. Extracting the Sentinel module, Rattrap returned to the surface where Silverbolt was waiting, however the pair quickly ran into a group of Predacons whole stole Sentinel. Though Rattrap and Silverbolt got it back, they collided with Depth Charge, resulting in Sentinel falling into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]'s hands. Rattrap later had some uncomplimentary things to say about Depth Charge, but was forced to admit the other Maximal ''had'' saved his life. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

Rattrap's suspicions of Blackarachnia continued when he spotted her lurking around restricted areas. When later telling Rhinox about it, Rattrap made it clear he still didn't trust the ex-Predacon. He and Rhinox found themselves defending the base alone against a Predacon incursion, when the others were all out battling a group of [[Cyber raptor]]s. Just as it seemed the Predacons would triuph, Depth Charge arrived to lend a hand, and saved Rattrap's bacon. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Rattrap monitored Cheetor, after the latter had turned up, having been missing presumed killed. He was startled by noises coming from Cheetor's quarters, and was even more shocked when a strange feral beast burst through the door, apparently spiriting away Cheetor. A while later, Cheetor once again returned, but it was clear all wasn't right, and Rattrap was surprised to discover that the young bot had been mutated by the strange properties of the [[transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Blackarachnia didn't appreciate Rattrap's insinuations about her loyalty when the Maximals were investigating the possibility of removing her Predacon shell program. His suspicions were seemingly confirmed a while later, when Silverbolt's scan detected Blackarachnia heading for Predacon territory. Although Rattrap's first instinct was to tell Optimus, Silverbolt managed to talk him out of it by bringing up Rattrap's friendship with Dinobot. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[Image:Go with the Flow Rattrap Una.jpg|thumb|250px|left]]
Rattrap was amused by Cheetor's attempts to educate [[Chak]] and [[Una]], two young [[Protohuman]]s. When Una was kidnapped by the Preds in order to complete Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], Rattrap was teamed up with Depth Charge to go rescue the kid. During the flight, they were shot down by Megatron's cannon, disabling Depth Charge and leaving Rattrap to go on alone. Though outnumbered by the Predacons, Rattrap was aided by Una herself, and the pair made their escape, using Depth Charge as a raft. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} When Blackarachnia's shell program began to degrade, and she downloaded the Ark's access codes into Optimus, Rattrap commented "You couldn't pay me to let that spider inside my processor," which prompted Cheetor and Silverbolt to tell him to keep his opinions to himself. He still defended the base to try and prevent the operation to save Blackarachnia from failing, even if it did fail in the end (she got better). {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw Quickstrike taking control of Optimus Primal, disabling the other Maximals and locking them in a cage. Blackarachnia released them all in time to fight off a newly-upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

When the Predacon base was destroyed by the arrival of [[Tigerhawk]], Rattrap was the first, and only Maximal prepared to celebrate, but was puzzled when anyone failed to return his high-five. {{storylink|Other Victories}} He was skeptical that Tigerhawk's arrival had anything to do with the [[Covenant of Primus]], and was later dismayed to learn that Megatron had pulled an ace out out of his sleeve, in the form of the ancient [[Decepticon]] warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', and they were going to have to defend the Ark against the oncoming attack. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

With the ''Nemesis'' airborne, the Maximals were forced to try to implement [[Operation Eternity]]. Rattrap found himself having to pack up his collection of Predacon parts, which has particularly full of Waspinator bits, as Rhinox explained that they might need to move the Ark. The Maximals struggled to get the ship working, and Blackarachnia found that Rattrap's sword-tail made a perfect power conduit... once she snipped off the tip. OW. Of course, it quickly melted when they tried and failed to fire up the engines.

As the victorious Maximals left Earth in a refitted Autobot shuttle, Rattrap was more than surprised to learn that [[Dinobot II|old chopper face's clone]] was responsible for saving them, but very happy—they were going home, and they wouldn't have to see Megatron until after they got there, as he was strapped to the roof of their shuttle. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

Rattrap should have known that nothing was ever that easy for them.
{{-}}

====Dreamwave Summer Special====
[[Image:AintNoRat Rattrap target.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]
As Rattrap piloted the Autobot shuttle back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he observed his companions sleeping in back, and drifted off himself, beginning to dream...
:''Out testing an experimental vehicle built by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Rattrap ran into [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who yanked him out of the small craft. Rattrap's appeals to the Predacon's honor appeared to have an effect, and Dinobot halted his blow for a few moments, before appearing to resume his attack. They were interrupted when a [[Bonecrusher (BW)|bison]] knocked them both from a cliff, and Rattrap was saved from falling to his death by a [[Optimus Minor|monkey]]. Bonecrusher, Optimus Minor and [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] introduced themselves to a startled Rattrap, but Optimus Minor asked him not to tell Primal, as the three Maximals did not wish to fight in the Beast Wars.''
Rattrap was woken up by Primal, but wouldn't elaborate on what he had been dreaming. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}
{{--}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
{{Note|This takes place after "[[Master Blaster]]"}}
Not long after Megatron combined his spark with that of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression. For Rattrap, this simply meant that his complaining became even more incessant until Cheetor started chasing him around. Eventually Optimus Primal was able to help them overcome the device's effects, and they fought off Megatron instead. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

{{Note|This takes place during "[[Spark of Darkness]]"}}
While [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] and Rattrap were bickering in the [[technorganic orchard]], Megatron's spark animated a [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]] and attacked them. After a brief scuffle, the thing exploded, sending the pair diving for cover. Rattrap later worked out that Megatron's spark had become depolarised and attempted to repolarise it. Unfortunately his attempts clued Megatron in to what had happened, and before Rattrap ultimately succeeded, Megatron used the knowledge to destroy Rhinox. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese), [[Alexandre Moreno]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:MasteroftheHouse Rattrap.jpg|thumb|270px|left]]
After the Beast Wars ended, the Maximals finally made it back to Cybertron, only to be shot down, hunted and attacked by legions of [[Vehicon (BM)|mindless tank drone Transformers]]. The drones unleashed a virus on the Maximals, devolving them back into their organic beast forms and erasing any prior memory of the event. Rattrap was hiding in a [[Monorail transport|monorail car]] when [[Optimus Primal|Primal]] stumbled upon him. Primal's newfound intuition soon reunited the pair with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Primal then led them to the ancient [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] computer, which reformatted them into new, techno-organic bodies, curing the virus.

In his new form, Rattrap became a large green rat with a "toolkit" on his back, containing such things as flashlights and computer ports. When they first faced a platoon of [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]]s, the Maximals discovered that they were unable to transform. Rattrap asked if maybe they could return the upgrade, but Optimus soon stumbled on the fact that they needed to focus their inner selves in order to transform. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Optimus set about teaching the other Maximals how to transform, but Rattrap had an immense amount of trouble, unable to get anything to happen. Their base discovered, the Maximals split up to find a new one, Rattrap accompanying Optimus on his search. When they later tried to gain entry to the [[Council Citadel]], Rattrap found his inability to transform caused him to be pretty much useless in battle. He was only saved from some Tank drones by Optimus interrupting [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s concentration. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

The other Maximals kept the Vehicons busy while Rattrap broke into the [[Cybertron Archives]], only to find the ancient library had been wiped clean. After a disorderly retreat, Rattrap followed Blackarachnia to the spaceport, where they encountered three new [[Vehicon general]]s. They managed to evade the trio and accessed the spaceport records of their arrival, discovering that there had been six of them on the shuttle. Blackarachnia headed for the shuttle's location, and Rattrap overheard a communication from Megatron indicating that he was going to access her mind when she accessed the shuttle computer. Rattrap dashed to the shuttle and cut the connection in time, and the pair were subsequently rescued from the three generals by Optimus and Cheetor. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[Image:Mercenary Pursuits Rattrap 2heads.jpg|right|230px|thumb]]
The discovery of information about [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] reawakened memories of them in the Maximals, who set out to find the missing pair. During the search, Rattrap found a transformation enhancer in a laboratory and, frustrated at his inability to transform, used it. Unfortunately it caused unpredictable effects, resulting in the four Maximals being captured by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. Taken to Megatron, the Maximals were in danger of having their sparks extracted, however Rattrap's spontaneous random transformations broke him free of the energon bonds, and he was able to free everyone. With the help of Tankor, who Optimus temporarily convinced to help them, the Maximals escaped. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Rattrap's failure to master transforming continued to frustrate him, causing him to snap at Primal and bluntly suggest the Maximal leader save his concern for Rhinox and Silverbolt. The Maximals subsequently encountered another Maximal, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who had survived Megatron's purge. After a brief battle with [[Sonic Attack Jet|Aero drones]], during which Rattrap was forced to hide, Nightscream took the Maximals to the tree he had been living off. Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Optimus ate fruit from the tree, causing their beast instincts to overcome them, until Cheetor blasted the tree. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

[[Image:Rattrap bm robotmode.jpg|left|280px|thumb|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]
With Optimus Primal weakened after reformatting Nightscream, Cheetor was left in charge, and he, Rattrap and Blackarachnia went on a mission to a Vehicon factory in search of information. While under orders to access the computer, Rattrap saw Nightscream in what looked like deadly peril... and finally found that his concern for others allowed him to transform. Though he realised straight away that his new robot mode lacked weapons, he attempted to save Nightscream anyway, only to discover he'd bungled an ambush his friends were planning. While trying to stop the factory operating, he managed to send a massive surge through the computer system, destroying the factory.

Back at base, he was chewed out by Cheetor, and compounded the problem by transforming to robot mode within the base, potentially allowing the Vehicons to track their position. Though he suddenly realised that the power surge he'd caused had made Megatron weak, the other Maximals refused to follow his suggestion that pressing to the attack might be a good idea, and he would later overhear them discussing what to do about him. Upset, he left the base and went to Megatron, offering to protect the Vehicon leader overnight in return for "noisemakers", and was provided with a massive armored suit. This almost brought him to blows with the other Maximals, until Primal arrived and talked him down, telling the other Maximals that Rattrap was stronger than they knew. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

The Maximals found a factory full of empty Transformer bodies, which Rattrap examined and discovered that the sparks had been ripped out. After another skirmish with the Vehicons, Blackarachnia revealed she'd discovered that the three generals held the sparks of their missing friends. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}} While Nightscream and Blackarachnia kept the other Vehicon generals busy, Rattrap and Cheetor went on a special mission. Rattrap hacked into Tankor's processor, unlocking memories about what had happened when they reached Cybertron. It didn't take long before he realised that Tankor was actually Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent}} Though Cheetor was skeptical, they revived Tankor, only to find themselves being chased across the city by the enraged Vehicon. Eventually, Primal was able to reawaken Rhinox's personality, only for the Maximals to discover their friend had turned against him. Though Rattrap was about to reprogram Tankor, he was prevented by Optimus, and could only watch as their friend left. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

[[Image:Survivor Rattrap takes cover.jpg|thumb|220px|right]]
While Rattrap was trying to extract memories from Nightscream, the young Maximal's snide comments about the fact they had lost the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] angered him. The Maximals attempted to find the chamber containing the fruit tree again, leading to a fight with the Vehicons during which everyone was knocked out, and Nightscream abducted. The Maximals managed to find him, leading them to battle more Vehicons, and the discovery of a [[fossil cave]] which they would use for their base. {{storylink|Survivor}} With Optimus and Cheetor now constantly coming to blows over leadership decisions, Rattrap would often find himself in the middle of their arguments. The latest such argument was cut short when the Maximals discovered a quantity of [[organic goo]], which was followed by the appearance of Tankor, who used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn Nightscream into [[technomatter]] before himself overloading. As they'd discovered that the organic goo would cure the technomatter sickness, Rattrap accompanied Primal and Cheetor in trying to obtain a [[Vehicon Mole|mole drone]] in order to drill for more goo. Having commandeered one and cured the technomatter, Rattrap found himself in the middle of another argument, and this time left them to it, forcing them to talk about their disagreement. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[Image:Catalyst Rattrap vine uhoh.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Searching the computers for more locations to find the organic goo, Rattrap stumbled on a catalyst planted there by Tankor. He used to to superaccelerate the plant growth, only to find himself literally carried away by the vines, and having to be rescued by the other Maximals. They would later use the fast-growing vines to rescue Blackarachnia, against Optimus's wishes, an act that almost spelled doom for the orchard. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} Nonetheless, Rattrap used the catalyst to create plant-bombs that ensnared Vehicons in instant-growth vines. When Optimus discovered the location of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which would end all technological life on Cybertron, the other Maximals persuaded him not to use it. Instead, they had Rattrap attempt to hack into the computers to found a way to disable the Keys. Unfortunately Tankor had other plans, and disabled Rattrap by zapping him into technomatter. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

Restored to technorganic health when the conflicting energies of the Keys and the Plasma Energy Chamber cancelled each other out, the Maximals visited the Council Citadel, where they discovered the remains of Optimus, Megatron and Tankor. Rattrap checked out the city's central core and reported it was flat-lining. Though he was greatly discouraged, Cheetor announced they had to find the lost sparks. After an altercation with the two remaining Vehicon generals, the Maximals went to the Oracle chamber, where they found Primal floating with in the Oracle. Though he asked for them to forgive him, Rattrap told him there was nothing to forgive. With some encouragement from the Maximals and an encounter with the Matrix, Optimus chose life, returning to them.

[[Image:PrometheusUnbound Rattrap harness.jpg|right|250px|thumb]]
Returning to the surface, the Maximals were startled when a giant [[Grand Mal|likeness of Megatron]] floated into view. {{storylink|Fallout}} While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, the other Maximals went to look for the Vehicon generals, and found [[Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]] who had seemingly no control over his transformations into a huge beast dubbed Savage. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Noble made Rattrap extremely uneasy and he had little sympathy for Nightscream's friendship with the beast. The Maximals broke into the Council Citadel, eventually reaching the throne room, where Rattrap tapped into Megatron's [[control harness]] and attempted to access the encrypted data. He was pulled from the harness by Noble, who it turned out was Megatron himself, trapped in his own organic half. Megatron used [[spark extractor]]s to remove his spark, and soon took up residence in the giant floating head, reactivating the Vehicon drones. After the Maximals retreated to a safe place, Rattrap expressed his sorrow to Nightscream that Noble had turned out to be a con job. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

Rattrap developed a new device, combining a spark extractor with a [[DNA scanner]], which he hoped to use to reformat the Vehicon generals back into their friends. While searching for Nightscream, he spotted the young Maximal being dragged away by Savage, who was by then sparkless and operating completely on instinct. Believing the worst, Rattrap attempted to quietly rescue Nightscream, but accidentally alerted Savage. The pair fled, and managed to lose Savage by diverting his attention to [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. They found that Blackarachnia had used Rattrap's device to turn [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] back into [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap was overjoyed to have at least one of their friends back. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. With Optimus's help, they realised what was happening and managed to work together to overcome the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

A spaceship crash led the Maximals to discover [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal formatted as a plant-based life form, who was able to lend a hand with the failing technorganic crops. {{storylink|Home Soil}} Though the Maximals were finding they had an easier time dealing with just Thrust, Megatron soon introduced two new Vehicon generals — [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] — who almost got the better of the Maximals until a vision prompted Botanica to lend a hand. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike}}

[[Image:Sparkwar2 Rattrap generators.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Searching for a way to evade the Vehicons, Rattrap developed [[scrambled field generator]]s, which hid their life signs. Rattrap and Botanica were paired up to search for the lost sparks, but spent most of their search bickering, only to encounter Strika. Fleeing, they hid in a handy building which turned out to contain a holographic entertainment unit, much to Rattrap's delight. While he was immersed in the illusion, Strika attacked. Botanica yanked him out of the holographic world, and he subsequently used the device to keep Strika occupied. Though he was inordinately pleased with himself, Botanica dragged him from the building, saying the hologram wouldn't hold Strika for long. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

As the Maximals intended to infiltrate the floating head in search of the missing sparks, Rattrap provided upgraded versions of his scrambled field generators. They were used to great effect, as Rattrap, Primal, Blackarachnia and Botanica snuck aboard the flying head, only to discover that Megatron had begun to devour the missing sparks as part of his ascension. After Megatron made the mistake of killing Noble, Nightscream used his sonic attack to blast and apparently dissipate Megatron's spark. With the floating head plummeting, Rattrap managed to activate the manual controls so that Optimus could take control of it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege}}

After the Maximals had celebrated their foe's demise, Optimus assigned Botanica and Rattrap to tend to the [[technorganic orchard]], much to Rattrap's dismay. He continued to complain, even as he worked on the orchard, and got into an intense argument with Botanica, which abruptly ended when they accidentally [[Kiss|locked lips]]. Startled and embarrassed, they both decided to delete their memories of the incident. As it turned out, Megatron wasn't gone after all, and his spark possessed a Cycle drone, which wreaked havoc in the orchard until Botanica destroyed it. Rattrap swiftly found a way to track the spark, and managed to repolarize it, allowing it to finally possess a body for good — that of a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[Image:BMEndgame1 Rattrap Botanica dying.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Soon the Maximals found themselves sieged aboard the giant head. The ship's shields cut Botanica from Cybertron's organic core, slowly starving her. Desperate to save her, Rattrap loaded her into a lifepod and used a device to eject her through the shields. Unfortunately this also allowed Megatron to learn the shield harmonics, enabling the Vehicons to bypass the shields as well. Rattrap defended his actions, but the ship was doomed. He erected a stasis field around the spark containment unit as the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral}} With the ship completely depowered, Botanica showed up with a power cable, and Rattrap was extremely happy to see her, though he clumsily hid it. As they prepared to defend the ship, Botanica thanked Rattrap for saving her life. Optimus was able to get the Oracle to provide them with spark powerups.

[[Image:Rattrap bm treehugger.jpg|left|250px|thumb|A little man and a big plant.]]
During the battle against the Vehicon drones, Botanica sensed Mole drones attacking the orchard, and took Rattrap and Nightscream down to fight them off. The Mole drones moved in on Botanica, but Rattrap used his spark power to whisk her out of danger. Megatron was able to use his access to the Oracle to cut off the Maximals' spark power, and, overcome by the Mole drones, Rattrap and Botanica had their sparks ripped out by Cycle drones. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall}}

Though no longer able to physically help, the Maximals were able to offer brief words of encouragement to Primal during his final battle with Megatron. When Primal's sacrifice triggered the reformatting of Cybertron, their sparks were freed and quickly returned to their bodies. As they witnessed the newly greened Cybertron and the restored population, Rattrap leapt joyfully into Botanica's arms. So he's a tree hugger. Deal with it. His and Botanica's romantic moment was interrupted by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (now regular wasp size and with his [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] head) complaining about how he never gets what he wants, Rattrap just swatted him away. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future}}

{{--}}

====''Universe''====
{{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

{{charstubfiction}}

[[Image:Rattrap legs.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Legs! Precious, beautiful legs!]]

Rattrap was among the Maximals gathered at Memorial Spaceport to greet the wayward [[Autobot]]s [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] back to Cybertron approximately one year after the reformatting of Cybertron. He welcomed Trailbreaker back in his own unique fashion (involving intoxicants, naturally). Seconds later, Rattrap bore witness as the five travelers were abducted by Unicron. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[Image:Escape-extraRattrap.jpg|right|thumb|150px|THERE. ARE. TWO. RATTRAPS.]]

A technorganic Rattrap from another universe was among those who were abducted by Unicron. He was freed along with the others and presumably returned to his home universe.

When Optimus Primal was restored to life and returned to Cybertron with the abductees, Rattrap was there to witness their arrival. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}} Despite Primal's miraculous return, some of the Maximals voiced concerns that he might not be the same 'bot they once knew, but Rattrap vowed that this time, he was with Primal all the way.

Not long after, needing to blow off steam, Rattrap headed down to the [[Undercity]]. While firing off a blaster at nothing in particular, he was attacked on Cybertron by Blackarachnia, who had been abducted and corrupted by the Chaos Bringer. Rattrap noted that he'd never trusted Blackarachnia, and she replied that he was right not to do so. She was seconds away from delivering a killing strike, but Rattrap was saved by the recently resurrected [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. After the spider was driven off, Depth Charge started to leave. Rattrap pleaded with him that there was obviously something big afoot, but Depth Charge would not be swayed, taking his leave as the injured Rattrap passed out. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:11rattrap.GIF|right|142px|thumb|This is why Japan shouldn't touch the fiction. No seriously guys, we [[Dickbot the blender guy|got this]].]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]]. Now a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap proceeded to freak out all over the Maximal base as [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] attacked in force with his army of [[Cobra Soldier]]s and [[Scorpion Soldier]]s. With [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]'s defenses gradually depleting, Rattrap remarked that they were all going to die.

Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared above the base, only to be attacked by Sentinel. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] moved to shut Sentinel down and let her in, but Rattrap stopped him, saying that if he shut it down, they'd die for sure. Rhinox angrily reminded him that Maximals don't turn their backs on one another and shut Sentinel down. Feeling a bit guilty, Rattrap proceeded to use himself to cushion Airazor's crash-landing.

With the defenses down, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was able to sneak in and attack. Ripping off Rattrap's arm, Blackarachnia was only spurred to leave after seeing what she thought was Rhinox committing suicide. As the base collapsed, Rattrap, Airazor and Rhinox were kept safe by a small force field, protecting a machine Rhinox hoped would return Optimus Primal to his old body. As Rhinox brought Primal's spark out of [[Transwarp space]], Rattrap blasted it from a laser cannon toward a dish positioned by Airazor, allowing Primal to return to his new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game===
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the first season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
{{Note|Rattrap is a playable character in the Maximal mode of this game for normal gameplay.}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{Note|Due to the nature of this game, a player may select various individual characters to perform the feats required in every level, and complete the game's narrative. Thus, any playable Maximal can fill the role of protagonist in Maximal Mode, and any playable Predacon can fill the role of protagonist in Predacon Mode. As such, each character's page only list said character's actions when they fill the role of antagonist during gameplay. To view the various feats Rattrap can accomplish throughout gameplay in Maximal Mode, it is told on the pages of the [[Megatron (BW)|several]] [[Scorponok (BW)|Predacons]] [[Tarantulas|included]] [[Blackarachnia (BW)|as]] [[Inferno (BW)|opponents]] in this game, as well as the game's main antagonists, the [[Skriix]], wherein Rattrap fills the role of the nameless Maximal. To view the plot as a whole view the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)]] page.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals'' video game===
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the second season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}[[Image:N64_Rattrap.jpg|frame|right|Rattrap in the N64 Game]]
''Voice Actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), ??? (Japanese)

Rattrap displays an otherwise unseen ability to quickly burrow underground in his beast mode, and subsequently errupt from the earth in order to surprise his opponent.

The Beast Wars were ultimately won thanks to a spy mission successfully completed by Rattrap. The resulting sneak attack meant the end of Megatron, who perished in the battle's explosive finale. The remaining Predacon troops were subsequently taken prisoner. The Beast warriors then boarded the ancient Autobot shuttle, and returned to Cybertron. Back on his home planet, Rattrap can finally enjoy peace and tranquility, as he relaxes at restaurants, taverns and bars, proclaiming: "Ahh... Ya know, we're all gonna di... dine!" {{storylink|Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals}}
{{note|Each character possessed an alternate ending, displayed if the N64 version of the game was beaten with said character. Each character has only their own ending listed on their pages, see the other characters' pages for Rattrap's fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Rattrapbeastwarsbasic.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Less cute than advertised.]]
*'''Rattrap''' (Basic, 1996/1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-5'''
**''Accessories'': 2-part pistol

: Part of the first wave of ''Beast Wars'' product, Rattrap transforms from a large rat to robot mode with a spring-action, [[Autotransformation|one-step transformation]]. His beast mode "shell" halves each hide a part of his handgun.

: In Japan, the initial releases of Rattrap were identical to the [[Hasbro]] version. At the very end of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' line (early 1997), several toys were given altered decos to make them more show-like. For Rattrap, this mainly meant his robot-mode head got a humongous glob of shiny copper paint (that didn't really match his copper plastic in tone). This copper was also used on his hands. His eyes were changed to red and dark gray paint added to his beast mode nose.

: This mold was also used to make [[Packrat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BasicJ2pack}}
*'''Rattle Vs Terrorsaurer''' (Vs pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-5'''
**''Accessories'': 2-part pistol

: In Japan, Rattrap was available both separately and in a two-pack with the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. This set contained the pre-[[redeco]]ed versions, identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|Transmetal1}}
[[Image:BWRattrapTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Find one without a chrome shedding problem, win a prize!]]
*'''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1998/1999)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-43'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Part of the second wave of Deluxe [[Transmetal]]s, Rattrap transforms from semi-organic robot to a robotic rat. He has a third "beast-vehicle" form, folding his hind feet up into the extending rear wheels, flipping up his front legs, and pulling out a pair of [[Exhaust port|exhaust pipes]]. (Eyuw, the smell!) His beast-mode tail becomes a whip for robot mode. Despite the show's portrayal, his hubcaps are not removable, nor does he have a handgun. Transmetal Rattrap is one of several toys notable for being subject to severe chrome-flaking over time.

: There is a minor variant to this toy: about midway through the production run, a small "catch" was added to the neck's swivel joint to lock his robot head in place in robot mode. This [[retool]]ed version was then used for all subsequent releases of the toy.

: For the Japanese ''Beast Wars Metals'' release of Transmetal Rattrap, the chrome was given a much more maroon tone and the tan changed into gray. Also, the "RATTRAP" [[tampograph]] on his beast-mode back was changed to "CYBERTRON" with the [[Maximal]] [[Insignia|faction symbol]]. The orange used was also darker and more subdued.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More informatio non Transmetal Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MetalsVs}}
[[Image:BW-toy RattrapVsTerrorMetals.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Flash Showdown: Metals Rattle VS Metals Terrorsaurer'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-43'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: In Japan, Transmetal Rattrap was available both as an individual and in a "VS" pack with Terrorsaur. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|WalMart}}
[[Image:Walmartrattrappackrat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yoink!]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: The first store-[[exclusive]] Transformer in the ''Beast Wars'' line, Transmetal Rattrap was given a deep blue color scheme. He was only available as a [[Walmart]] exclusive, even having the Walmart logo emblazoned on the bubble as part of the design.

: This toy was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a Transmetal form for [[Packrat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/WalmartRattrap/walrat.htm More information on Walmart Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Puzzle}}
[[Image:BW-toy RattrapPuzzle.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rattrap Cheesepants]]
* '''Metals Rattle Special Version''' (Pack-in Deluxe, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: The Deluxe Transmetal Rattrap toy was given a white and orange deco and packed in with a 500-piece ''Beast Wars Metals'' jigsaw puzzle from Central Hobby.

:Oddly, this toy uses the Hasbro "RATTRAP" tampograph on the rat-mode back rather than the Takara "CYBERTRON" and symbol mark. This is likely due to the fact it was released long before Metals was released in Japan.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Cybertron/PuzzleRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on puzzle Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FK}}
[[Image:Rattrap transmetal2000.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not actually a black repaint.]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 2000)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: As part of the second "[[Fox Kids]]" Transmetals series, this version of Rattrap was one of the last releases in the original retail ''Beast Wars'' line. The toy got a more primary red color scheme, with bright gray robot bits and deep blue chrome.

: This toy was released in Japan as part of a [[JafCon]] convention exclusive set (without changes) along with the "Fox Kids" Transmetals versions of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/FKTMRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Fox Kids Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BMtoy-RattrapMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Is that whiteface?]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Happy Meal, 2000)

: Part of the ''Beast Machines'' McDonald's Happy Meal promotion, Rattrap transforms into a technorganic rat modeled more after the cartoon model than the toy. As such, his robot mode does not have normal legs, only extendable wheels. His toy also features light piping that in theory illuminates the Maximal [[spark]] on his stomach. Being made of softer plastic and having no removable parts, he is very suitable for the younger set.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on McDonald's Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BMtoy-RattrapRedRooster.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ever want to know what the children would look like?]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Little Red Rooster meal, 2000)

: The McDonald's Happy Meal Rattrap was also released in Australia through the Red Rooster restaurant rai—uh, chain. Like the other three pieces used, it came in four color schemes: the original colors (with opaques replacing the transparents), a reversed red-with-green, a deep blue with very light blue, and a light blue with deep blue.

:These versions of the mould were retooled from the original, removing almost all arm articulation (and a step in the transformation), plugging up the light piping, and reducing the number of parts and plastic colours used by the toy. Oddly, even though Little Red Rooster Meal Rattrap no longer has light piping he has a red paint ap (on all 4 versions) on his back to simulate the red circle of transluscent plastic on the original's back.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Red Rooster's Rattraps at TFU.info (scroll down)]''
{{-}}

[[Image:Rattrapbeastmachinesmega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nobody's truly disabled so long as they have <strike>courage</strike> a third mode!]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Mega, 2001/2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BR-03'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Rattrap was the last release in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toyline before the change to the "Battle for the Spark" packaging, not appearing on shelves until long after the rest of his Season 1 compatriots. Reportedly, Rattrap was delayed for redesign purposes.

:Rattrap transforms into a large [[technorganic]] rat. In beast mode, turning his tail moves his head and ears. In robot mode, he has a flip-down visor and moving jaw. His robot legs can also fold up so he can use his wheels, which also have flip-out blades. His beast tail becomes a hand-held whip. He possesses an orange spark crystal, concealed within his body, making it visible only in mid-transformation.

: This toy was later released as part of the [[Takara]]-exclusive [[Beast Machines (toyline)|''Beast Wars Returns'' line]], made available only at Japanese Toys "R" Us stores. So far, it appears that there are no notable differences between the Hasbro and Takara versions aside from packaging.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Beast Machines Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW10th-Rattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not phallic at all.]]
* '''Rattrap''' (10th Anniversary, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Part of the second wave of ''Beast Wars'' 10th Anniversary product, the original [[#TM1|Transmetal Rattrap toy]] was given a slight deco modification, mainly a brighter, more neutral gray plus a Maximal sigil on his chest. He came with the right arm to the "build-a-bot" [[Transmutate (character)|Trans-Mutate]], plus a DVD of the episode "[[A Better Mousetrap]]".
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on 10th Anniversary Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-RattrapDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Mmmm, cheese wheel.]]
* '''Dawn of Future's Past''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Blaster, "Golden Disc Key"

: "Axalon Rattrap" is a redeco of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], transforming into a Cybertronic motorcycle. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]]—or in this set's case, a [[Golden Disc Key]]—into the rear portion of his bike mode flips out a pair of non-firing guns. This assembly detaches to form a hand-held blaster in robot mode. This is thus far the only version of the ''Cybertron'' Ransack mold to have the "correct" rear wheel assembly position.

: Rattrap came in a boxed 5-pack with "Axalon" versions of [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]], [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and "[[Darksyde]]" [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. This set was also made available as a bagged set in more limited numbers.

: This mold was also the basis for non-toy characters [[Quickslinger]] and [[Rattletrap]], and the "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]" video incarnation of [[Tarantulas]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/BCRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Timelines Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==

*'''Beast Wars Movie Coin''' (1997)
:Released only in Japan, Rattrap was one of three characters from Beast Wars to receive a movie coin, the other two being Rhinox and Scorponok.
::*''[http://www.tfmuseum.com/tf-02112.html Rattrap Movie Coin at TFMuseum.com]''

* '''Beast Wars magnet set''' (1997)

: The original cast of ten from the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon was rendered in adorable [[super-deformed]] style for a set of magnets. Awwwww.
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Rattrap was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].

===Kabaya candy toys===
*'''Rattle''' (candy toy kit, 1997)

: Part of a set of four [[Kabaya]] [[candy toy]]s, this version of Rattrap, based on [[#Basic1|the original toy]], is an unpainted and unassembled plastic kit that transforms (and partially re-assembles) from rat to robot mode, though much smaller (and cheaper) than the original toy. It is cast entirely in grayish-tan and pale yellow plastics, as are the other three toys in the set: [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]].

*'''Rattle''' (candy toy, 1997)

: A tiny plastic Rattrap figurine molded onto an irregularly-shaped stand was released by Kabaya. Labeled toy 5 of 6, the other characters in his wave were Dinobot, Cheetor, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Rhinox. As always, terrible candy is included.

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|More creepy than cute.]]
* '''Rattrap vs. Megatron''' (2008)

: Part of the "Beast Wars Series", Rattrap comes packaged with [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]]. Like most of the ''Robot Heroes'' line, his design is a mix between the toy and cartoon depictions, notably having a grayish rather than copper-colored head. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Robot Heroes Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Concept-Rattrap.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Handi-capable!]]

* In an extremely strange precursor of things to come in ''Beast Machines'', Mainframe's original concept for Rattrap during ''Beast Wars'' was to capitalize on the exposed "brain" of the toy and make Rattrap a deeply flawed character. Originally, Rattrap's scanning and transformation technology was to fail, leaving him basically half-formed, with an exposed brain, wiring, "veins", an asymetrical body, arms of uneven lengths, and malformed organic sections in robot mode. On top of all that, he was hooked up to a "colostomy bag-like heating cable" to stress his need for life support. Rattrap's overall story arc would have been, of course, about him accepting and overcoming his near-fatal flaws. This approach was entirely nixed by the limits of CGI in rendering convincing organic innards at the time...and the fact that his model would have been massively far off from the actual toy probably also factored into it. However, the idea of a defective Transformer ''was'' later revisited in season 2 with the introduction of [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]]. The idea of Rattrap dealing with the limitations of an "inferior" body seems to surface in Beast Machines as well.

* On Transmetal Wal-Mart Rattrap/Packrat: According to [[3H Productions|3H]], they were on the phone discussing exclusives with their at-the-time Hasbro contact, when he (the Hasbro guy) realized that the not-yet-released blue Wal-Mart Rattrap could have been named Packrat. However, it was a few days too late to make the change without a massive production delay. Had he simply been looking at the right wall of his office a few days earlier, which had the Packrat/[[Fractyl]] box-set on it...{{fact}}

* At one point in the series, Rattrap says, "What in the name of my great-aunt [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is going on!?" This is an in-joke referring to [[Susan Blu]], who was not only voice director on ''Beast Wars'', but the voice of Arcee in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]] and Transmutate in the ''Beast Wars'' episode [[Transmutate (episode)|of the same name]]. He was originally going to say the line again when he saw Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (and she was to reply, "Not your great-aunt Arcee!") in the early script of "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]", but the lines were cancelled.<ref>Page 96, "Beast Wars Glossary" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>

* In the jovial Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', one of Rattrap's most notable "shticks" was that he would constantly break the fourth wall by "smelling" what the audience was eating. For instance, he would randomly announce "Smells like the Suzuki's are having curry". The Japanese found this very amusing. The rest of the world; ''not so much''.

* To piggyback on the popularity of the ''[[Pokeformers|Pokémon]]'' phenomenon of the late '90s, or perhaps just to parody it, Rattrap's beast mode in the ''[[Beast Wars Metals (manga)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' manga was redesigned to resemble ''Pikachu'' heavily. While many characters received "humorous" redesigns for the manga, Rattrap's remains the most reviled.

* Rattrap makes a blink-and-you'll-miss-him cameo appearance in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage", an episode of Mainframe's ''Shadow Raiders''. He's standing next to Emperor Sternum in a long shot, but sneakily turns into a different animation model entirely for the close-up. The scamp!

* By splicing together footage for their promo, [[Toonami]] allowed Rattrap the distinct pleasure of shooting Jonny Quest and sending him plummeting to a gruesome demise.

* In Beast Machines, he appears to use his robot mode tail as an interface like R2-D2 from Star Wars.
==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm Rattrap at TFU.info]

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Rattrap (BW)

2010-07-14T12:29:48Z

74.180.20.69:

{{faction|maximal}}
{{disambig2|the Maximal energon miner/warrior|the Autobot informant|Rattletrap}}
:''Rattrap is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Rattrap-S1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm not a rat. If I'm any rodent, it's the loyal capybara, king of the rats...no, wait.]]
It's not so much that '''Rattrap''' is a coward... he just doesn't want to die. He's seen enough battles to know the score, so he's not afraid to tell his commanding officer to shove it if he's not fond of the odds. He prefers to sneak around unseen, in gutters or trenches or trash barges or what have you—whatever keeps him out of harm's way. He shouldn't be so worried. When he does encounter conflict, he deals with it masterfully with the arsenal of guns and bombs he keeps on himself at all times. He feels naked without them.

It's hard to like Rattrap, especially if you're his commanding officer. He's sarcastic, irreverent, and rude. Plus he smells (''why'' he smells is a mystery). He's also not the most trusting or forgiving sort, so he's not the best choice to take on a diplomatic run. He'd sooner shoot a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] or [[Decepticon]] than talk to them. Despite his tough-as-nails attitude, he has a [[Transformer romance|strong affection]] for his fellow Maximal [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]].

{{quote|We're all gonna die.|—Rattrap, Every episode, ever.}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Rattle''' (ラットル ''Rattoru'')
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Rattrape''', '''Rattrap''' (Transmetal)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Dà Hūi Shǔ''' (大灰鼠, "Big Grey Rat"... yep, really [[:Image:RattrapLOVEScheetor.jpg|big]].)
:''Italian name:'' '''Rattilus''' (original toy), '''Metal Rattilus''' (Transmetal)
:''Polish name:'' '''Szczurotron''' (loosely translates as "Rattron")
:''Spanish name:'' '''Ratatrampa'''

==Fiction==
===Toy Bio===
Rattrap is a highly respected, top-notch soldier who is used mostly for reconnaissance, continually prowling the city streets for any Predacon activities. In order to keep up his strength, he's always eating "grunge and grime and any wretched refuse he may encounter along the way." Eeeeewwww....{{storylink|Rattrap#Toys|Rattrap bio}}
{{note|The on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon and its backstory. They seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}
===Cartoon continuity===
He was the best miner in the Vespa system. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[Image:Timelines-rattrap.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Remember kids, always wear your helmet when you transform into a bicycle.]]

While preparing for an exploration mission on board the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], the Maximal who would later be called Rattrap and [[Cheetor (BW)|his young companion]] were stuck aboard a space station for weeks, running various errands before their mission could officially begin. After acquiring additional [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for their trip, they returned to the ''Axalon'' where their captain, [[Optimus Primal]], notified his crew they had to travel first to the [[Alpha Quadrant]] to rid themselves of [[Rampage (BW)|some mysterious cargo]].

In the middle of Rattrap's objections, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by the [[High Council]]. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a historic Maximal artifact, had been stolen by a rogue group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] led by a Predacon criminal who had dubbed himself [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. As the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship with the capabilities to take down the [[Darksyde|Predacons' stolen ship]], Rattrap and his team were ordered to pursue.

However, before long, their ship was attacked by a mysterious ship (piloted by secret Predacon operatives [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], though unknown to them). After taking some damage, Rattrap was elated to see the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', a second ship, arrive and help deter their unknown attackers. However, the ''Chromia 10'' and its pilots were severely damaged in the scuffle before Rattrap was able to destroy the unknown Predacon ship with the ''Axalon'''s forward guns.

The battle over momentarily, Rattrap's ship was hailed by Megatron's, and the Predacon criminal introduced himself quickly to them before his ship opened fire on the Maximals. The ''Darksyde'' disappeared through a [[transwarp]] portal, and Rattrap and the Maximals followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese), [[Orlando Viggiani]] (Portuguese), [[Paulo Porto]] (Portuguese, in some episodes), [[Claudio Moneta]] (Italian), [[Robert Missler]] (German), [[Pierre Laurent]] (French)

[[Image:BWPart1 coverfire.jpg|right|230px|thumb|That's what friends are for!]]
After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of Rattrap's crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies. The Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures; Rattrap took the form of a (very oversized) rat, and was dismayed to find that they were going to have to use the disguises to avoid the energon radiation. Forced into battle, he refused [[Optimus Primal]]'s order to rescue [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] on the grounds he'd get shot up. When Optimus went to do the job himself, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had to hold up Rattrap to get the rat to provide covering fire. Afterwards, Rattrap was unrepentant, pointing out that they'd all come out of it alive.

[[Image:BeastWars2 Dinobot Rattrap glaring.jpg|left|220px|thumb|How's the weather up there?]]
On the way back to base, the Maximals ran into the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] who challenged Primal to a fight over leadership. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Rattrap objected to Primal's decision to subsequently let Dinobot join their group, accusing Dinobot of trying to kill Rhinox when the Predacon accidentally caused a rock fall. Primal had some harsh words with him. During a battle atop a mountain laced with energon, Rattrap found himself having a beast mode fight against [[Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

After Cheetor got himself blasted by Scorponok and got Rhinox's new comlink trashed, Rattrap didn't hesitate to mock the cat for his mistakes. When Cheetor ran off to fix it, though, Rattrap found himself going after him to stop him from doing anything stupid - which failed miserably, as Cheetor was captured by Tarantulas long before Rattrap reached him. The rat and the spider engaged in a heated duel in Tarantulas' underground lair, with Rattrap gaining the upper hand by using a heat box to fool the spider's thermal scanner. After rescuing Cheetor, Rattrap gave an alibi to Optimus about their whereabouts, but then chewed out the cat for almost getting them both scrapped. He left to munch some garbage, but earned a new friend when Cheetor thanked him for saving his life. {{storylink|The Web}}

During an energon storm, Rattrap tried fruitlessly to raise Optimus, only for their leader to arrive and scrub the mission Cheetor was due to go out on. At least this time it was Dinobot who goaded Cheetor into going out, but all of the Maximals were later thanking the cat for saving their lives later on. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} When Optimus went semi-missing in action, swallowed by a [[Vok probe|alien probe]], Rattrap objected strenuously to Dinobot nominating himself as new leader. A vote was left stalemated until Optimus managed to get a signal to the base and named Rattrap group commander in his absense. After a moment of initial indecision, Rattrap commanded capably in Primal's absence (even earning Dinobot's grudging respect). When Primal returned, he offered his compliments as well. Rattrap's response: "Eh, command's a pain in the tail, especially with this pack of hyenas. You can keep it!" {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

Over time, Rattrap grew to respect his commander grudgingly, with the earliest glimmers showing through when Primal and Rattrap infiltrated a flying mountain that was loaded with supercharged Energon. Primal bravely distracted a super-powered Terrorsaur while Rattrap planted explosives to destroy the mountain (and had a brief tussle with Tarantulas). Optimus then got them both off of the exploding mountain with a fearless beast-mode leap off the edge, which ended with them dangling in the treetops far below. Rattrap commented that Primal "did pretty good up there—but don't tell anyone I said so." {{storylink|Power Surge}} Rattrap was a member of the party sent out to attempt to capture a stasis pod after Optimus Primal was taken out as soon as he left the base. The group was cut off from the pod when [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and Terrorsaur took out a snow bridge, and Rattrap radio'd base to break the bad news. Fortunately Dinobot and Primal were able to set up a transmitter, and by the time Rattrap and the others got to the pod, the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]], who was able to help them fight the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[Image:TerrorsaurcagedRT.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Despite all of Terrorsaur's rage, Rattrap is still just a rat in a cage.]]
Suspicious of why the Predacons had managed to ambush three straight Maximal operations, Optimus sent Rattrap on an undercover mission into the ''[[Darksyde]]'', under the guise of not trusting Rattrap and him defecting to the Predacons. Captured by Terrorsaur as part of the mission, Rattrap pleaded his loyalty to him and was taken to the base, where he knocked out [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] with a transformation-disabling device, allowing Terrorsaur to seize power. After he was locked in the lower chambers and Megatron made his escape, Rattrap broke out and continued his mission, discovering that the Predacons had acquired a Maximal decoder chip which allowed them to hack the Maximals' communications. He was almost caught by Tarantulas but disabled him and signaled Optimus, who attacked the Predacon base with the other Maximals. In the firefight, Rattrap was forced to fire on Optimus, blasting him from the sky and seemingly confirming his traitorous ways. Dinobot almost destroyed him, but two timely breaks allowed Rattrap and the Maximals to escape. Back on the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus congratulated Rattrap on a job well done, adding that he didn't need to make his "defection" that believable (as he rubbed where Rattrap had shot him). Rattrap's response was "Eh, what can I say? I was trying to miss." {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[Image:Coc getshorty.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Frenzy is red!" "Maximal lies!"]]
Rattrap distrusted Dinobot and insulted him at every turn. Dinobot wantonly returned in kind, constantly bickering with the "vermin". Dinobot and Rattrap's arguments ranged from being a minor irritation at times to causing serious chaos in the Maximal ranks at others. Rattrap's taunts caused a berserk Dinobot to damage the control module of the newly activated Sentinel defense system, which promptly drove the Maximals out of their own base. Under the circumstances, Rattrap's rarely seen sense of nobility and fair play came to the fore; recognizing the predicament as his own fault, he immediately volunteered to stay inside the base and deactivate Sentinel. His considerable skills at infiltration and demolition allowed him to reach the central computer core and order Sentinel to stand down, though very nearly at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

When Primal was hit by one of [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]'s [[Cyberbee]]s, injecting a virus and turning Primal into a berserker, Rattrap unexpectedly became the voice of reason, telling Cheetor and Dinobot to settle down. He objected to Dinobot's idea to set their enraged leader on the Predacons, but it became academic when Primal escaped and headed for the ''Darksyde'' anyway. Rattrap and the other Maximals provided cover fire for Cheetor, as the young Maximal mounted a rescue. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}} During an attempt by the Maximals to build a communications tower to contact a [[temporal probe]], which the [[Maximal High Council]] had sent to search for the ''Axalon'', Rattrap managed to save Dinobot's life by blasting [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] over a cliff. Unfortunately he was promptly hit by the same [[transformation lock lens]] which had disabled Dinobot's robot mode. Ultimately the tower was destroyed by Megatron. {{storylink|The Probe}}

[[Image:Victory Megatron crushes Rattrap.jpg|right|thumb|270px]]
Rattrap planted a spy cam in the ''Darksyde'', and the Maximals were surprised to watch the Predacons apparently manage to blow themselves up. He proceeded to try to push as many of Dinobot's buttons as possible, but without getting a rise. The Maximals managed to salvage enough to get their own ship working. As Rattrap was telling Tigatron about a "sweet little hole-in-the-wall", it was revealed that the Predacons weren't slagged after all. Megatron managed to get on board and blasted everyone but Rattrap, attempting to crush the Maximal with his bare hands (or at least his beast-mode jaws). Fortunately Rhinox came around in time to come to Rattrap's rescue, though the ship still crashed. Afterwards, Rattrap and Dinobot resumed their usual bickering. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After Rhinox was captured by the Predacons, Rattrap managed to tap into his friend's comlink, and the Maximals listened in horror as Rhinox was converted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter]]. Though Rattrap was determined that they should go in there immediately, Primal held them back, allowing the evil-ized Rhinox to wreak havoc in the Predacon base. {{storylink|Dark Designs (episode)|Dark Designs}} Tricked by a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], Primal sent Rattrap with the clone to investigate a possible Predacon base. Instead, while Rattrap was crossing a log over a lava flow, the clone kicked the log out from under him. Rattrap survived, landing on a rock and using a grenade to get himself out of the chasm. He swiftly warned Primal and Cheetor, but by the time they reached base, Dinobot had already... dealt with the clone. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[Image:The Trigger Rattrap optimus.jpg|left|230px|thumb|You call it "hi-jacking". I call it "forced donation".]]
Rattrap and the other Maximals later welcomed [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} During a contact with Tigatron, Rattrap was alarmed to hear his comrade was under Predacon attack. After news came in by Cyberbee that Tigatron had discovered an alien-built [[Brigadoon|flying island]], the Maximals were alarmed to hear that Blackarachnia and Scorponok were trying to take control of it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Rattrap and Primal headed for the island, tangling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way, Rattrap commandeering Terrorsaur as his new ride. After they reached the island, Blackarachnia took control of it. Rattrap's leg became trapped, and he told Tigatron to go on, dealing with the problem himself by using the island's own defense system. This also provided a crucial distraction, allowing Tigatron to destroy the island's power source. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Megatron's latest gambit involved the Predacons stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to remain in their beast modes at all time. The Maximals soon succumbed to their base animal insincts, wandering out into the jungle, but were aided by Tigatron, who helped them to delete the block between their instincts and Maximal programming. Rhinox and Rattrap improvised a ratball special during the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

Rattrap was part of the group of Maximals who were searching for energon when Scorponok triggered an explosion, blinding them all. Lead by Rhinox, they attempted to make their way back to the ''Axalon'', but were attacked by a snake. Though Rattrap failed to rescue Cheetor, he did manage to save his companion in a way, by proving a more attractive meal. Luckily for him, Rhinox got rid of the snake. They continued on, managing to nearly reach the Maximal base when they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide the other Maximals in fighting the Predacons off while blinded. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, the Predacons mounted an attack with the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body. The Predacons triumphed, expelling the Maximals into the wilderness, however the Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[Image:Low Road Rattrap Dinobot fight.jpg|thumb|right|230px|YOU THERE! STFU!]]
Another costly incident resulted when Rattrap and Dinobot were ordered to clear rampant wild bean vines growing outside the Maximal base. A prank by Rattrap quickly turned into a brawl between the two. Their struggle continued even when the Predacons launched a sneak attack, requiring Rhinox to exit the base to provide covering fire for them. Tarantulas used the distraction to inject Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which eventually wore down his systems to the point of near-deactivation. Primal ordered Rattrap and Dinobot to find Tarantulas's lair and retrieve an antidote, commenting: "They'll either learn to work together or they'll destroy each other...right now, I don't care which." Despite continuing their argument the whole time, Rattrap and Dinobot managed to find [[Tarantulas's lair]], and retrieve the counter-virus. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called for a truce, Rattrap was sent with Airazor to infiltrate the ''Darksyde'' to find out what was going on. They were immediately detected and asked to leave, but they'd provided the necessary distraction for Tigatron to get into the Predacon base. Rattrap later took part in a (non-violent) operation to aid Tigatron's escape, and Tigatron reported that Megatron had discovered that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Rattrap and Airazor were first to reach the alien landing site, but Rattrap was blasted, while Airazor became trapped in the "nutty alien bungalow" which sprouted up. After dealing with Waspinator in a not at all non-violent manner, Rattrap attempted to cut into the structure using a laser, but was unsuccessful. fortunately Scorponok's sting allowed him to enter the construct with Optimus, and he was able to pull Airazor out, only to find the truce was over and he was at Predacon gunpoint.

[[Image:OtherVoices1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|RataTOING!!!]]
Rattrap and Airazor were subsequently able to overpower the Predacons and make a retreat when Optimus's escape from the bungalow provided a distraction. High above, one of the moons opened up, revealing what Rattrap would later dub the "[[Planet Buster]]". {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Returning to base, the Maximals discovered it had been compromised, and Rattrap and Airazor found Blackarachnia in the hold with a spacecraft Tarantulas had constructed from a stasis pod. Optimus would later pilot the stasis pod, using it to destroy the Planet Buster and save the Maximals, though at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

The destruction of the Planet Buster caused a [[quantum surge]], mutating Cheetor and Rattrap into new [[Transmetal]] forms. Rattrap gained a new wheeled mode which afforded him more speed. Almost immediately, Megatron, who had also received an upgrade, attacked, and the two Maximals found their new forms being tested in battle. Rattrap was able to use his wiles to trip Megatron, but ended up being crashed into by Cheetor. {{storylink|Aftermath}} After finding a stasis pod containing a [[blank]], Rhinox put himself into some sort of trance-like state. With everyone else out in the field, Rattrap was left alone in the base, and Cheetor naturally soon radio'd to warn him that the Predacons were on their way. Naturally any use of the base defenses would interfere with what Rhinox was doing, so, joined by Dinobot, Rattrap set out to defend the base with Cheetor. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

[[Image:Coming of the Fuzors 2 Dinobot Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Outnumbered two to one, the trio fought on, capturing [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], one of the two [[Fuzor]]s who had revived and been co-opted into the Predacon forces by Megatron. Though Dinobot favored termination, Rattrap and Cheetor had Silverbolt put in a [[CR chamber]]. The Maximals continued to defend the base, and were on the verge of defeat, until Optimal Primal appeared, reborn in a Transmetal body, and fought the Predacons off. Resuming command, Optimus asked Rattrap to remove his junk from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With Silverbolt now a Maximal, he and Rattrap were out patrolling when they were sent to investigate a Predacon signal and tangled with Blackarachnia, Tarantulas and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. To Rattrap's chagrin, his comrade refused to strike Blackarachnia because of her gender. When the cave the Predacons were protecting exploded, Rattrap congratulated Silverbolt on his shot, but Silverbolt denied doing anything. {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

Rattrap's relationship with Dinobot was sorely tested when when Dinobot temporarily returned to the Predacon side. For one long moment, as Dinobot was faced with a test of Predacon loyalty at Megatron's behest, Rattrap truly believed that Dinobot was about to slag him. But Dinobot proved unable to kill his erstwhile teammate; he instead turned on Megatron. Optimus left the final decision over whether Dinobot could stay a Maximal to Rattrap, who reluctantly agreed. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[Image:OtherVisits2 Rattrap with gun.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Rattrap and Dinobot were assigned to knock out a Predacon jamming tower. They eventually managed it, but by then Tigatron and Airazor had been shot into space by an alien device. After rendezvousing back at base, the Maximals headed out to the site, where the alien device sprouted into a huge [[Metal Hunter|construct]] and blasted everyone with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetals and Fuzors recovered quickly, and Primal and Rattrap worked to drop the [[refractive web]] which Tarantulas had placed over the machine. Unfortunately they were too late to prevent Megatron taking control of ship, and Primal was taken prisoner. Rattrap was able to take Tarantulas captive, returning the Predacon to the ''Axalon'', where they formulated a plan of attack. While the other Maximals provided a distraction, Tarantulas and Rattrap got on board the ship, and Rattrap was able to rescue Optimus. The craft itself was destroyed when Tarantulas sabotaged the transwarp drive, but luckily Primal and Rattrap got clear in time. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[Image:CodeofHero Rattrap salutes.jpg|thumb|right|260px]]
Rattrap still give Dinobot grief about his recent betrayal—not the usual flippant insults, either, but genuine barbs that cut Dinobot to the quick. Rattrap's words helped motivate Dinobot into what would ultimately be his heroic final sacrifice to save the future of the human race. Rattrap arrived at the battlefield along with the other Maximals to find Dinobot damaged beyond recovery. His reaction was perhaps the strongest of any of the team. The two shared final words of both insult and reconciliation, Rattrap gingerly holding Dinobot's hand as he died. As Dinobot's spark left his body, Rattrap was the first to stand and, with utter sincerity, salute the fallen hero. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While searching for a jamming tower, Rattrap, Cheetor and Silverbolt discovered a crashed stasis pod containing a [[Transmutate (character)|strangely mutated Transformer]]. As they fought the Predacons over, it, it let out a sonic cry which shorted out the Maximals. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[Image:Rattrap-slimpickins5.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rattrap fights to prevent Predacon infiltration, subversion, and pollution of the Maximals' precious bodily fluids.]]
When Rhinox's calculations suggested that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Maximals celebrated their impending rescue. Instead they got Predacon secret agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who Rattrap trusted only slightly less than he initially did Dinobot. Despite his misgivings, Rattrap took part in the assault on the ''Darksyde'', and was present for Megatron's apprehension. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Rattrap raised the alarm when Cheetor was knocked out by Silverbolt, who wanted to go capture Blackarachnia himself. A while later, Rattrap's distrust of Ravage proved well founded — Ravage was turned against them by Megatron, and Rattrap had to radio a warning to Primal. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

As Ravage's Transwarp cruiser attacked the ''Axalon'', Rattrap used his wheeled beast mode to launch himself out of the base and onto Ravage's ship. Tearing his way through its hull, he tossed a pair of magnetic bombs right into the hands of the startled Tarantulas, who could do nothing but scream as they blew him to bits and destroyed the cruiser's engines. Rattrap bailed out as the Transwarp cruiser crashed its destructive way to earth, having pretty much single-handedly saved the Maximals and their base from destruction.

The next day, as the Maximals tried to infiltrate the Autobot vessel the Ark, Rattrap fired the shot that brought down the Ark's shields and—almost—gave the Maximals a chance to stop Megatron's last-ditch scheme to alter history. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Though Blackarachnia turned against Megatron and assisted the Maximals in starting to repair the damage Megatron had done to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Rattrap was not particularly sympathetic, threatening to shoot her, even on pain of injury by Silverbolt. When Optimus hesitated in shooting Megatron, Rattrap volunteered to do it himself, and Primal batted him aside. Later still, Rattrap spared no sarcasm in mocking Silverbolt, after the other Maximal gave a long melodramatic speech over Blackarachnia, offering the services of his invisible violin. The Maximals were forced to move in to the cavern housing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] after [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] destroyed the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[Image:Rattrap-subaquatic2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Beast Noirs]]
Rattrap wasn't impressed with new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], declaring him rude and joking the Predacons would make fish sticks out of him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Rattrap was picked for a mission to enter the submerged remains of the ''Axalon'' and retrieve Sentinel, mostly because he was the only one small enough to fit in the [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] which Blackarachnia had built. Attacked by Rampage, he was glad to see Depth Charge coming to the rescue, though Depth Charge was more interested in fighting Rampage than helping with the mission. Extracting the Sentinel module, Rattrap returned to the surface where Silverbolt was waiting, however the pair quickly ran into a group of Predacons whole stole Sentinel. Though Rattrap and Silverbolt got it back, they collided with Depth Charge, resulting in Sentinel falling into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]'s hands. Rattrap later had some uncomplimentary things to say about Depth Charge, but was forced to admit the other Maximal ''had'' saved his life. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

Rattrap's suspicions of Blackarachnia continued when he spotted her lurking around restricted areas. When later telling Rhinox about it, Rattrap made it clear he still didn't trust the ex-Predacon. He and Rhinox found themselves defending the base alone against a Predacon incursion, when the others were all out battling a group of [[Cyber raptor]]s. Just as it seemed the Predacons would triuph, Depth Charge arrived to lend a hand, and saved Rattrap's bacon. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Rattrap monitored Cheetor, after the latter had turned up, having been missing presumed killed. He was startled by noises coming from Cheetor's quarters, and was even more shocked when a strange feral beast burst through the door, apparently spiriting away Cheetor. A while later, Cheetor once again returned, but it was clear all wasn't right, and Rattrap was surprised to discover that the young bot had been mutated by the strange properties of the [[transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Blackarachnia didn't appreciate Rattrap's insinuations about her loyalty when the Maximals were investigating the possibility of removing her Predacon shell program. His suspicions were seemingly confirmed a while later, when Silverbolt's scan detected Blackarachnia heading for Predacon territory. Although Rattrap's first instinct was to tell Optimus, Silverbolt managed to talk him out of it by bringing up Rattrap's friendship with Dinobot. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[Image:Go with the Flow Rattrap Una.jpg|thumb|250px|left]]
Rattrap was amused by Cheetor's attempts to educate [[Chak]] and [[Una]], two young [[Protohuman]]s. When Una was kidnapped by the Preds in order to complete Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], Rattrap was teamed up with Depth Charge to go rescue the kid. During the flight, they were shot down by Megatron's cannon, disabling Depth Charge and leaving Rattrap to go on alone. Though outnumbered by the Predacons, Rattrap was aided by Una herself, and the pair made their escape, using Depth Charge as a raft. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} When Blackarachnia's shell program began to degrade, and she downloaded the Ark's access codes into Optimus, Rattrap commented "You couldn't pay me to let that spider inside my processor," which prompted Cheetor and Silverbolt to tell him to keep his opinions to himself. He still defended the base to try and prevent the operation to save Blackarachnia from failing, even if it did fail in the end (she got better). {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw Quickstrike taking control of Optimus Primal, disabling the other Maximals and locking them in a cage. Blackarachnia released them all in time to fight off a newly-upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

When the Predacon base was destroyed by the arrival of [[Tigerhawk]], Rattrap was the first, and only Maximal prepared to celebrate, but was puzzled when anyone failed to return his high-five. {{storylink|Other Victories}} He was skeptical that Tigerhawk's arrival had anything to do with the [[Covenant of Primus]], and was later dismayed to learn that Megatron had pulled an ace out out of his sleeve, in the form of the ancient [[Decepticon]] warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', and they were going to have to defend the Ark against the oncoming attack. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

With the ''Nemesis'' airborne, the Maximals were forced to try to implement [[Operation Eternity]]. Rattrap found himself having to pack up his collection of Predacon parts, which has particularly full of Waspinator bits, as Rhinox explained that they might need to move the Ark. The Maximals struggled to get the ship working, and Blackarachnia found that Rattrap's sword-tail made a perfect power conduit... once she snipped off the tip. OW. Of course, it quickly melted when they tried and failed to fire up the engines.

As the victorious Maximals left Earth in a refitted Autobot shuttle, Rattrap was more than surprised to learn that [[Dinobot II|old chopper face's clone]] was responsible for saving them, but very happy—they were going home, and they wouldn't have to see Megatron until after they got there, as he was strapped to the roof of their shuttle. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

Rattrap should have known that nothing was ever that easy for them.
{{-}}

====Dreamwave Summer Special====
[[Image:AintNoRat Rattrap target.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]
As Rattrap piloted the Autobot shuttle back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he observed his companions sleeping in back, and drifted off himself, beginning to dream...
:''Out testing an experimental vehicle built by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Rattrap ran into [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who yanked him out of the small craft. Rattrap's appeals to the Predacon's honor appeared to have an effect, and Dinobot halted his blow for a few moments, before appearing to resume his attack. They were interrupted when a [[Bonecrusher (BW)|bison]] knocked them both from a cliff, and Rattrap was saved from falling to his death by a [[Optimus Minor|monkey]]. Bonecrusher, Optimus Minor and [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] introduced themselves to a startled Rattrap, but Optimus Minor asked him not to tell Primal, as the three Maximals did not wish to fight in the Beast Wars.''
Rattrap was woken up by Primal, but wouldn't elaborate on what he had been dreaming. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}
{{--}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
{{Note|This takes place after "[[Master Blaster]]"}}
Not long after Megatron combined his spark with that of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression. For Rattrap, this simply meant that his complaining became even more incessant until Cheetor started chasing him around. Eventually Optimus Primal was able to help them overcome the device's effects, and they fought off Megatron instead. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

{{Note|This takes place during "[[Spark of Darkness]]"}}
While [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] and Rattrap were bickering in the [[technorganic orchard]], Megatron's spark animated a [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]] and attacked them. After a brief scuffle, the thing exploded, sending the pair diving for cover. Rattrap later worked out that Megatron's spark had become depolarised and attempted to repolarise it. Unfortunately his attempts clued Megatron in to what had happened, and before Rattrap ultimately succeeded, Megatron used the knowledge to destroy Rhinox. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese), [[Alexandre Moreno]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:MasteroftheHouse Rattrap.jpg|thumb|270px|left]]
After the Beast Wars ended, the Maximals finally made it back to Cybertron, only to be shot down, hunted and attacked by legions of [[Vehicon (BM)|mindless tank drone Transformers]]. The drones unleashed a virus on the Maximals, devolving them back into their organic beast forms and erasing any prior memory of the event. Rattrap was hiding in a [[Monorail transport|monorail car]] when [[Optimus Primal|Primal]] stumbled upon him. Primal's newfound intuition soon reunited the pair with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Primal then led them to the ancient [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] computer, which reformatted them into new, techno-organic bodies, curing the virus.

In his new form, Rattrap became a large green rat with a "toolkit" on his back, containing such things as flashlights and computer ports. When they first faced a platoon of [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]]s, the Maximals discovered that they were unable to transform. Rattrap asked if maybe they could return the upgrade, but Optimus soon stumbled on the fact that they needed to focus their inner selves in order to transform. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Optimus set about teaching the other Maximals how to transform, but Rattrap had an immense amount of trouble, unable to get anything to happen. Their base discovered, the Maximals split up to find a new one, Rattrap accompanying Optimus on his search. When they later tried to gain entry to the [[Council Citadel]], Rattrap found his inability to transform caused him to be pretty much useless in battle. He was only saved from some Tank drones by Optimus interrupting [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s concentration. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

The other Maximals kept the Vehicons busy while Rattrap broke into the [[Cybertron Archives]], only to find the ancient library had been wiped clean. After a disorderly retreat, Rattrap followed Blackarachnia to the spaceport, where they encountered three new [[Vehicon general]]s. They managed to evade the trio and accessed the spaceport records of their arrival, discovering that there had been six of them on the shuttle. Blackarachnia headed for the shuttle's location, and Rattrap overheard a communication from Megatron indicating that he was going to access her mind when she accessed the shuttle computer. Rattrap dashed to the shuttle and cut the connection in time, and the pair were subsequently rescued from the three generals by Optimus and Cheetor. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[Image:Mercenary Pursuits Rattrap 2heads.jpg|right|230px|thumb]]
The discovery of information about [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] reawakened memories of them in the Maximals, who set out to find the missing pair. During the search, Rattrap found a transformation enhancer in a laboratory and, frustrated at his inability to transform, used it. Unfortunately it caused unpredictable effects, resulting in the four Maximals being captured by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. Taken to Megatron, the Maximals were in danger of having their sparks extracted, however Rattrap's spontaneous random transformations broke him free of the energon bonds, and he was able to free everyone. With the help of Tankor, who Optimus temporarily convinced to help them, the Maximals escaped. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Rattrap's failure to master transforming continued to frustrate him, causing him to snap at Primal and bluntly suggest the Maximal leader save his concern for Rhinox and Silverbolt. The Maximals subsequently encountered another Maximal, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who had survived Megatron's purge. After a brief battle with [[Sonic Attack Jet|Aero drones]], during which Rattrap was forced to hide, Nightscream took the Maximals to the tree he had been living off. Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Optimus ate fruit from the tree, causing their beast instincts to overcome them, until Cheetor blasted the tree. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

[[Image:Rattrap bm robotmode.jpg|left|280px|thumb|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]
With Optimus Primal weakened after reformatting Nightscream, Cheetor was left in charge, and he, Rattrap and Blackarachnia went on a mission to a Vehicon factory in search of information. While under orders to access the computer, Rattrap saw Nightscream in what looked like deadly peril... and finally found that his concern for others allowed him to transform. Though he realised straight away that his new robot mode lacked weapons, he attempted to save Nightscream anyway, only to discover he'd bungled an ambush his friends were planning. While trying to stop the factory operating, he managed to send a massive surge through the computer system, destroying the factory.

Back at base, he was chewed out by Cheetor, and compounded the problem by transforming to robot mode within the base, potentially allowing the Vehicons to track their position. Though he suddenly realised that the power surge he'd caused had made Megatron weak, the other Maximals refused to follow his suggestion that pressing to the attack might be a good idea, and he would later overhear them discussing what to do about him. Upset, he left the base and went to Megatron, offering to protect the Vehicon leader overnight in return for "noisemakers", and was provided with a massive armored suit. This almost brought him to blows with the other Maximals, until Primal arrived and talked him down, telling the other Maximals that Rattrap was stronger than they knew. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

The Maximals found a factory full of empty Transformer bodies, which Rattrap examined and discovered that the sparks had been ripped out. After another skirmish with the Vehicons, Blackarachnia revealed she'd discovered that the three generals held the sparks of their missing friends. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}} While Nightscream and Blackarachnia kept the other Vehicon generals busy, Rattrap and Cheetor went on a special mission. Rattrap hacked into Tankor's processor, unlocking memories about what had happened when they reached Cybertron. It didn't take long before he realised that Tankor was actually Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent}} Though Cheetor was skeptical, they revived Tankor, only to find themselves being chased across the city by the enraged Vehicon. Eventually, Primal was able to reawaken Rhinox's personality, only for the Maximals to discover their friend had turned against him. Though Rattrap was about to reprogram Tankor, he was prevented by Optimus, and could only watch as their friend left. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

[[Image:Survivor Rattrap takes cover.jpg|thumb|220px|right]]
While Rattrap was trying to extract memories from Nightscream, the young Maximal's snide comments about the fact they had lost the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] angered him. The Maximals attempted to find the chamber containing the fruit tree again, leading to a fight with the Vehicons during which everyone was knocked out, and Nightscream abducted. The Maximals managed to find him, leading them to battle more Vehicons, and the discovery of a [[fossil cave]] which they would use for their base. {{storylink|Survivor}} With Optimus and Cheetor now constantly coming to blows over leadership decisions, Rattrap would often find himself in the middle of their arguments. The latest such argument was cut short when the Maximals discovered a quantity of [[organic goo]], which was followed by the appearance of Tankor, who used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn Nightscream into [[technomatter]] before himself overloading. As they'd discovered that the organic goo would cure the technomatter sickness, Rattrap accompanied Primal and Cheetor in trying to obtain a [[Vehicon Mole|mole drone]] in order to drill for more goo. Having commandeered one and cured the technomatter, Rattrap found himself in the middle of another argument, and this time left them to it, forcing them to talk about their disagreement. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[Image:Catalyst Rattrap vine uhoh.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Searching the computers for more locations to find the organic goo, Rattrap stumbled on a catalyst planted there by Tankor. He used to to superaccelerate the plant growth, only to find himself literally carried away by the vines, and having to be rescued by the other Maximals. They would later use the fast-growing vines to rescue Blackarachnia, against Optimus's wishes, an act that almost spelled doom for the orchard. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} Nonetheless, Rattrap used the catalyst to create plant-bombs that ensnared Vehicons in instant-growth vines. When Optimus discovered the location of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which would end all technological life on Cybertron, the other Maximals persuaded him not to use it. Instead, they had Rattrap attempt to hack into the computers to found a way to disable the Keys. Unfortunately Tankor had other plans, and disabled Rattrap by zapping him into technomatter. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

Restored to technorganic health when the conflicting energies of the Keys and the Plasma Energy Chamber cancelled each other out, the Maximals visited the Council Citadel, where they discovered the remains of Optimus, Megatron and Tankor. Rattrap checked out the city's central core and reported it was flat-lining. Though he was greatly discouraged, Cheetor announced they had to find the lost sparks. After an altercation with the two remaining Vehicon generals, the Maximals went to the Oracle chamber, where they found Primal floating with in the Oracle. Though he asked for them to forgive him, Rattrap told him there was nothing to forgive. With some encouragement from the Maximals and an encounter with the Matrix, Optimus chose life, returning to them.

[[Image:PrometheusUnbound Rattrap harness.jpg|right|250px|thumb]]
Returning to the surface, the Maximals were startled when a giant [[Grand Mal|likeness of Megatron]] floated into view. {{storylink|Fallout}} While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, the other Maximals went to look for the Vehicon generals, and found [[Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]] who had seemingly no control over his transformations into a huge beast dubbed Savage. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Noble made Rattrap extremely uneasy and he had little sympathy for Nightscream's friendship with the beast. The Maximals broke into the Council Citadel, eventually reaching the throne room, where Rattrap tapped into Megatron's [[control harness]] and attempted to access the encrypted data. He was pulled from the harness by Noble, who it turned out was Megatron himself, trapped in his own organic half. Megatron used [[spark extractor]]s to remove his spark, and soon took up residence in the giant floating head, reactivating the Vehicon drones. After the Maximals retreated to a safe place, Rattrap expressed his sorrow to Nightscream that Noble had turned out to be a con job. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

Rattrap developed a new device, combining a spark extractor with a [[DNA scanner]], which he hoped to use to reformat the Vehicon generals back into their friends. While searching for Nightscream, he spotted the young Maximal being dragged away by Savage, who was by then sparkless and operating completely on instinct. Believing the worst, Rattrap attempted to quietly rescue Nightscream, but accidentally alerted Savage. The pair fled, and managed to lose Savage by diverting his attention to [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. They found that Blackarachnia had used Rattrap's device to turn [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] back into [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap was overjoyed to have at least one of their friends back. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. With Optimus's help, they realised what was happening and managed to work together to overcome the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

A spaceship crash led the Maximals to discover [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal formatted as a plant-based life form, who was able to lend a hand with the failing technorganic crops. {{storylink|Home Soil}} Though the Maximals were finding they had an easier time dealing with just Thrust, Megatron soon introduced two new Vehicon generals — [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] — who almost got the better of the Maximals until a vision prompted Botanica to lend a hand. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike}}

[[Image:Sparkwar2 Rattrap generators.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Searching for a way to evade the Vehicons, Rattrap developed [[scrambled field generator]]s, which hid their life signs. Rattrap and Botanica were paired up to search for the lost sparks, but spent most of their search bickering, only to encounter Strika. Fleeing, they hid in a handy building which turned out to contain a holographic entertainment unit, much to Rattrap's delight. While he was immersed in the illusion, Strika attacked. Botanica yanked him out of the holographic world, and he subsequently used the device to keep Strika occupied. Though he was inordinately pleased with himself, Botanica dragged him from the building, saying the hologram wouldn't hold Strika for long. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

As the Maximals intended to infiltrate the floating head in search of the missing sparks, Rattrap provided upgraded versions of his scrambled field generators. They were used to great effect, as Rattrap, Primal, Blackarachnia and Botanica snuck aboard the flying head, only to discover that Megatron had begun to devour the missing sparks as part of his ascension. After Megatron made the mistake of killing Noble, Nightscream used his sonic attack to blast and apparently dissipate Megatron's spark. With the floating head plummeting, Rattrap managed to activate the manual controls so that Optimus could take control of it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege}}

After the Maximals had celebrated their foe's demise, Optimus assigned Botanica and Rattrap to tend to the [[technorganic orchard]], much to Rattrap's dismay. He continued to complain, even as he worked on the orchard, and got into an intense argument with Botanica, which abruptly ended when they accidentally [[Kiss|locked lips]]. Startled and embarrassed, they both decided to delete their memories of the incident. As it turned out, Megatron wasn't gone after all, and his spark possessed a Cycle drone, which wreaked havoc in the orchard until Botanica destroyed it. Rattrap swiftly found a way to track the spark, and managed to repolarize it, allowing it to finally possess a body for good — that of a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[Image:BMEndgame1 Rattrap Botanica dying.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Soon the Maximals found themselves sieged aboard the giant head. The ship's shields cut Botanica from Cybertron's organic core, slowly starving her. Desperate to save her, Rattrap loaded her into a lifepod and used a device to eject her through the shields. Unfortunately this also allowed Megatron to learn the shield harmonics, enabling the Vehicons to bypass the shields as well. Rattrap defended his actions, but the ship was doomed. He erected a stasis field around the spark containment unit as the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral}} With the ship completely depowered, Botanica showed up with a power cable, and Rattrap was extremely happy to see her, though he clumsily hid it. As they prepared to defend the ship, Botanica thanked Rattrap for saving her life. Optimus was able to get the Oracle to provide them with spark powerups.

[[Image:Rattrap bm treehugger.jpg|left|250px|thumb|A little man and a big plant.]]
During the battle against the Vehicon drones, Botanica sensed Mole drones attacking the orchard, and took Rattrap and Nightscream down to fight them off. The Mole drones moved in on Botanica, but Rattrap used his spark power to whisk her out of danger. Megatron was able to use his access to the Oracle to cut off the Maximals' spark power, and, overcome by the Mole drones, Rattrap and Botanica had their sparks ripped out by Cycle drones. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall}}

Though no longer able to physically help, the Maximals were able to offer brief words of encouragement to Primal during his final battle with Megatron. When Primal's sacrifice triggered the reformatting of Cybertron, their sparks were freed and quickly returned to their bodies. As they witnessed the newly greened Cybertron and the restored population, Rattrap leapt joyfully into Botanica's arms. So he's a tree hugger. Deal with it. His and Botanica's romantic moment was interrupted by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (now regular wasp size and with his [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] head) complaining about how he never gets what he wants, Rattrap just swatted him away. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future}}

{{--}}

====''Universe''====
{{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

{{charstubfiction}}

[[Image:Rattrap legs.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Legs! Precious, beautiful legs!]]

Rattrap was among the Maximals gathered at Memorial Spaceport to greet the wayward [[Autobot]]s [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] back to Cybertron approximately one year after the reformatting of Cybertron. He welcomed Trailbreaker back in his own unique fashion (involving intoxicants, naturally). Seconds later, Rattrap bore witness as the five travelers were abducted by Unicron. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[Image:Escape-extraRattrap.jpg|right|thumb|150px|THERE. ARE. TWO. RATTRAPS.]]

A technorganic Rattrap from another universe was among those who were abducted by Unicron. He was freed along with the others and presumably returned to his home universe.

When Optimus Primal was restored to life and returned to Cybertron with the abductees, Rattrap was there to witness their arrival. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}} Despite Primal's miraculous return, some of the Maximals voiced concerns that he might not be the same 'bot they once knew, but Rattrap vowed that this time, he was with Primal all the way.

Not long after, needing to blow off steam, Rattrap headed down to the [[Undercity]]. While firing off a blaster at nothing in particular, he was attacked on Cybertron by Blackarachnia, who had been abducted and corrupted by the Chaos Bringer. Rattrap noted that he'd never trusted Blackarachnia, and she replied that he was right not to do so. She was seconds away from delivering a killing strike, but Rattrap was saved by the recently resurrected [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. After the spider was driven off, Depth Charge started to leave. Rattrap pleaded with him that there was obviously something big afoot, but Depth Charge would not be swayed, taking his leave as the injured Rattrap passed out. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:11rattrap.GIF|right|142px|thumb|This is why Japan shouldn't touch the fiction. No seriously guys, we [[Dickbot the blender guy|got this]].]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]]. Now a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap proceeded to freak out all over the Maximal base as [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] attacked in force with his army of [[Cobra Soldier]]s and [[Scorpion Soldier]]s. With [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]'s defenses gradually depleting, Rattrap remarked that they were all going to die.

Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared above the base, only to be attacked by Sentinel. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] moved to shut Sentinel down and let her in, but Rattrap stopped him, saying that if he shut it down, they'd die for sure. Rhinox angrily reminded him that Maximals don't turn their backs on one another and shut Sentinel down. Feeling a bit guilty, Rattrap proceeded to use himself to cushion Airazor's crash-landing.

With the defenses down, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was able to sneak in and attack. Ripping off Rattrap's arm, Blackarachnia was only spurred to leave after seeing what she thought was Rhinox committing suicide. As the base collapsed, Rattrap, Airazor and Rhinox were kept safe by a small force field, protecting a machine Rhinox hoped would return Optimus Primal to his old body. As Rhinox brought Primal's spark out of [[Transwarp space]], Rattrap blasted it from a laser cannon toward a dish positioned by Airazor, allowing Primal to return to his new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game===
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the first season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
{{Note|Rattrap is a playable character in the Maximal mode of this game for normal gameplay.}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{Note|Due to the nature of this game, a player may select various individual characters to perform the feats required in every level, and complete the game's narrative. Thus, any playable Maximal can fill the role of protagonist in Maximal Mode, and any playable Predacon can fill the role of protagonist in Predacon Mode. As such, each character's page only list said character's actions when they fill the role of antagonist during gameplay. To view the various feats Rattrap can accomplish throughout gameplay in Maximal Mode, it is told on the pages of the [[Megatron (BW)|several]] [[Scorponok (BW)|Predacons]] [[Tarantulas|included]] [[Blackarachnia (BW)|as]] [[Inferno (BW)|opponents]] in this game, as well as the game's main antagonists, the [[Skriix]], wherein Rattrap fills the role of the nameless Maximal. To view the plot as a whole view the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)]] page.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals'' video game===
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the second season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}[[Image:N64_Rattrap.jpg|frame|right|Rattrap in the N64 Game]]
''Voice Actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), ??? (Japanese)

Rattrap displays an otherwise unseen ability to quickly burrow underground in his beast mode, and subsequently errupt from the earth in order to surprise his opponent.

The Beast Wars were ultimately won thanks to a spy mission successfully completed by Rattrap. The resulting sneak attack meant the end of Megatron, who perished in the battle's explosive finale. The remaining Predacon troops were subsequently taken prisoner. The Beast warriors then boarded the ancient Autobot shuttle, and returned to Cybertron. Back on his home planet, Rattrap can finally enjoy peace and tranquility, as he relaxes at restaurants, taverns and bars, proclaiming: "Ahh... Ya know, we're all gonna di... dine!" {{storylink|Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals}}
{{note|Each character possessed an alternate ending, displayed if the N64 version of the game was beaten with said character. Each character has only their own ending listed on their pages, see the other characters' pages for Rattrap's fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Rattrapbeastwarsbasic.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Less cute than advertised.]]
*'''Rattrap''' (Basic, 1996/1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-5'''
**''Accessories'': 2-part pistol

: Part of the first wave of ''Beast Wars'' product, Rattrap transforms from a large rat to robot mode with a spring-action, [[Autotransformation|one-step transformation]]. His beast mode "shell" halves each hide a part of his handgun.

: In Japan, the initial releases of Rattrap were identical to the [[Hasbro]] version. At the very end of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' line (early 1997), several toys were given altered decos to make them more show-like. For Rattrap, this mainly meant his robot-mode head got a humongous glob of shiny copper paint (that didn't really match his copper plastic in tone). This copper was also used on his hands. His eyes were changed to red and dark gray paint added to his beast mode nose.

: This mold was also used to make [[Packrat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BasicJ2pack}}
*'''Rattle Vs Terrorsaurer''' (Vs pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-5'''
**''Accessories'': 2-part pistol

: In Japan, Rattrap was available both separately and in a two-pack with the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. This set contained the pre-[[redeco]]ed versions, identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|Transmetal1}}
[[Image:BWRattrapTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Find one without a chrome shedding problem, win a prize!]]
*'''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1998/1999)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-43'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Part of the second wave of Deluxe [[Transmetal]]s, Rattrap transforms from semi-organic robot to a robotic rat. He has a third "beast-vehicle" form, folding his hind feet up into the extending rear wheels, flipping up his front legs, and pulling out a pair of [[Exhaust port|exhaust pipes]]. (Eyuw, the smell!) His beast-mode tail becomes a whip for robot mode. Despite the show's portrayal, his hubcaps are not removable, nor does he have a handgun. Transmetal Rattrap is one of several toys notable for being subject to severe chrome-flaking over time.

: There is a minor variant to this toy: about midway through the production run, a small "catch" was added to the neck's swivel joint to lock his robot head in place in robot mode. This [[retool]]ed version was then used for all subsequent releases of the toy.

: For the Japanese ''Beast Wars Metals'' release of Transmetal Rattrap, the chrome was given a much more maroon tone and the tan changed into gray. Also, the "RATTRAP" [[tampograph]] on his beast-mode back was changed to "CYBERTRON" with the [[Maximal]] [[Insignia|faction symbol]]. The orange used was also darker and more subdued.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More informatio non Transmetal Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MetalsVs}}
[[Image:BW-toy RattrapVsTerrorMetals.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Flash Showdown: Metals Rattle VS Metals Terrorsaurer'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-43'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: In Japan, Transmetal Rattrap was available both as an individual and in a "VS" pack with Terrorsaur. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|WalMart}}
[[Image:Walmartrattrappackrat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yoink!]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: The first store-[[exclusive]] Transformer in the ''Beast Wars'' line, Transmetal Rattrap was given a deep blue color scheme. He was only available as a [[Walmart]] exclusive, even having the Walmart logo emblazoned on the bubble as part of the design.

: This toy was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a Transmetal form for [[Packrat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/WalmartRattrap/walrat.htm More information on Walmart Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Puzzle}}
[[Image:BW-toy RattrapPuzzle.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rattrap Cheesepants]]
* '''Metals Rattle Special Version''' (Pack-in Deluxe, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: The Deluxe Transmetal Rattrap toy was given a white and orange deco and packed in with a 500-piece ''Beast Wars Metals'' jigsaw puzzle from Central Hobby.

:Oddly, this toy uses the Hasbro "RATTRAP" tampograph on the rat-mode back rather than the Takara "CYBERTRON" and symbol mark. This is likely due to the fact it was released long before Metals was released in Japan.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Cybertron/PuzzleRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on puzzle Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FK}}
[[Image:Rattrap transmetal2000.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not actually a black repaint.]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 2000)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: As part of the second "[[Fox Kids]]" Transmetals series, this version of Rattrap was one of the last releases in the original retail ''Beast Wars'' line. The toy got a more primary red color scheme, with bright gray robot bits and deep blue chrome.

: This toy was released in Japan as part of a [[JafCon]] convention exclusive set (without changes) along with the "Fox Kids" Transmetals versions of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/FKTMRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Fox Kids Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BMtoy-RattrapMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Is that whiteface?]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Happy Meal, 2000)

: Part of the ''Beast Machines'' McDonald's Happy Meal promotion, Rattrap transforms into a technorganic rat modeled more after the cartoon model than the toy. As such, his robot mode does not have normal legs, only extendable wheels. His toy also features light piping that in theory illuminates the Maximal [[spark]] on his stomach. Being made of softer plastic and having no removable parts, he is very suitable for the younger set.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on McDonald's Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BMtoy-RattrapRedRooster.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ever want to know what the children would look like?]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Little Red Rooster meal, 2000)

: The McDonald's Happy Meal Rattrap was also released in Australia through the Red Rooster restaurant rai—uh, chain. Like the other three pieces used, it came in four color schemes: the original colors (with opaques replacing the transparents), a reversed red-with-green, a deep blue with very light blue, and a light blue with deep blue.

:These versions of the mould were retooled from the original, removing almost all arm articulation (and a step in the transformation), plugging up the light piping, and reducing the number of parts and plastic colours used by the toy. Oddly, even though Little Red Rooster Meal Rattrap no longer has light piping he has a red paint ap (on all 4 versions) on his back to simulate the red circle of transluscent plastic on the original's back.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Red Rooster's Rattraps at TFU.info (scroll down)]''
{{-}}

[[Image:Rattrapbeastmachinesmega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nobody's truly disabled so long as they have <strike>courage</strike> a third mode!]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Mega, 2001/2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BR-03'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Rattrap was the last release in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toyline before the change to the "Battle for the Spark" packaging, not appearing on shelves until long after the rest of his Season 1 compatriots. Reportedly, Rattrap was delayed for redesign purposes.

:Rattrap transforms into a large [[technorganic]] rat. In beast mode, turning his tail moves his head and ears. In robot mode, he has a flip-down visor and moving jaw. His robot legs can also fold up so he can use his wheels, which also have flip-out blades. His beast tail becomes a hand-held whip. He possesses an orange spark crystal, concealed within his body, making it visible only in mid-transformation.

: This toy was later released as part of the [[Takara]]-exclusive [[Beast Machines (toyline)|''Beast Wars Returns'' line]], made available only at Japanese Toys "R" Us stores. So far, it appears that there are no notable differences between the Hasbro and Takara versions aside from packaging.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Beast Machines Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW10th-Rattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not phallic at all.]]
* '''Rattrap''' (10th Anniversary, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Part of the second wave of ''Beast Wars'' 10th Anniversary product, the original [[#TM1|Transmetal Rattrap toy]] was given a slight deco modification, mainly a brighter, more neutral gray plus a Maximal sigil on his chest. He came with the right arm to the "build-a-bot" [[Transmutate (character)|Trans-Mutate]], plus a DVD of the episode "[[A Better Mousetrap]]".
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on 10th Anniversary Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-RattrapDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Mmmm, cheese wheel.]]
* '''Dawn of Future's Past''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Blaster, "Golden Disc Key"

: "Axalon Rattrap" is a redeco of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], transforming into a Cybertronic motorcycle. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]]—or in this set's case, a [[Golden Disc Key]]—into the rear portion of his bike mode flips out a pair of non-firing guns. This assembly detaches to form a hand-held blaster in robot mode. This is thus far the only version of the ''Cybertron'' Ransack mold to have the "correct" rear wheel assembly position.

: Rattrap came in a boxed 5-pack with "Axalon" versions of [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]], [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and "[[Darksyde]]" [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. This set was also made available as a bagged set in more limited numbers.

: This mold was also the basis for non-toy characters [[Quickslinger]] and [[Rattletrap]], and the "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]" video incarnation of [[Tarantulas]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/BCRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Timelines Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==

*'''Beast Wars Movie Coin''' (1997)
:Released only in Japan, Rattrap was one of three characters from Beast Wars to receive a movie coin, the other two being Rhinox and Scorponok.
::*''[http://www.tfmuseum.com/tf-02112.html Rattrap Movie Coin at TFMuseum.com]''

* '''Beast Wars magnet set''' (1997)

: The original cast of ten from the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon was rendered in adorable [[super-deformed]] style for a set of magnets. Awwwww.
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Rattrap was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].

===Kabaya candy toys===
*'''Rattle''' (candy toy kit, 1997)

: Part of a set of four [[Kabaya]] [[candy toy]]s, this version of Rattrap, based on [[#Basic1|the original toy]], is an unpainted and unassembled plastic kit that transforms (and partially re-assembles) from rat to robot mode, though much smaller (and cheaper) than the original toy. It is cast entirely in grayish-tan and pale yellow plastics, as are the other three toys in the set: [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]].

*'''Rattle''' (candy toy, 1997)

: A tiny plastic Rattrap figurine molded onto an irregularly-shaped stand was released by Kabaya. Labeled toy 5 of 6, the other characters in his wave were Dinobot, Cheetor, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Rhinox. As always, terrible candy is included.

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|More creepy than cute.]]
* '''Rattrap vs. Megatron''' (2008)

: Part of the "Beast Wars Series", Rattrap comes packaged with [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]]. Like most of the ''Robot Heroes'' line, his design is a mix between the toy and cartoon depictions, notably having a grayish rather than copper-colored head. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Robot Heroes Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Concept-Rattrap.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Handi-capable!]]

* In an extremely strange precursor of things to come in ''Beast Machines'', Mainframe's original concept for Rattrap during ''Beast Wars'' was to capitalize on the exposed "brain" of the toy and make Rattrap a deeply flawed character. Originally, Rattrap's scanning and transformation technology was to fail, leaving him basically half-formed, with an exposed brain, wiring, "veins", an asymetrical body, arms of uneven lengths, and malformed organic sections in robot mode. On top of all that, he was hooked up to a "colostomy bag-like heating cable" to stress his need for life support. Rattrap's overall story arc would have been, of course, about him accepting and overcoming his near-fatal flaws. This approach was entirely nixed by the limits of CGI in rendering convincing organic innards at the time...and the fact that his model would have been massively far off from the actual toy probably also factored into it. However, the idea of a defective Transformer ''was'' later revisited in season 2 with the introduction of [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]]. The idea of Rattrap dealing with the limitations of an "inferior" body seems to surface in Beast Machines as well.

* On Transmetal Wal-Mart Rattrap/Packrat: According to [[3H Productions|3H]], they were on the phone discussing exclusives with their at-the-time Hasbro contact, when he (the Hasbro guy) realized that the not-yet-released blue Wal-Mart Rattrap could have been named Packrat. However, it was a few days too late to make the change without a massive production delay. Had he simply been looking at the right wall of his office a few days earlier, which had the Packrat/[[Fractyl]] box-set on it...{{fact}}

* At one point in the series, Rattrap says, "What in the name of my great-aunt [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is going on!?" This is an in-joke referring to [[Susan Blu]], who was not only voice director on ''Beast Wars'', but the voice of Arcee in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]] and Transmutate in the ''Beast Wars'' episode [[Transmutate (episode)|of the same name]]. He was originally going to say the line again when he saw Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (and she was to reply, "Not your great-aunt Arcee!") in the early script of "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]", but the lines were cancelled.<ref>Page 96, "Beast Wars Glossary" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>

* In the jovial Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', one of Rattrap's most notable "shticks" was that he would constantly break the fourth wall by "smelling" what the audience was eating. For instance, he would randomly announce "Smells like the Suzuki's are having curry". The Japanese found this very amusing. The rest of the world; ''not so much''.

* To piggyback on the popularity of the ''[[Pokeformers|Pokémon]]'' phenomenon of the late '90s, or perhaps just to parody it, Rattrap's beast mode in the ''[[Beast Wars Metals (manga)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' manga was redesigned to resemble ''Pikachu'' heavily. While many characters received "humorous" redesigns for the manga, Rattrap's remains the most reviled.

* Rattrap makes a blink-and-you'll-miss-him cameo appearance in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage", an episode of Mainframe's ''Shadow Raiders''. He's standing next to Emperor Sternum in a long shot, but sneakily turns into a different animation model entirely for the close-up. The scamp!

* By splicing together footage for their promo, [[Toonami]] allowed Rattrap the distinct pleasure of shooting Jonny Quest and sending him plummeting to a gruesome demise.

* In Beast Machines, he appears to use his robot mode tail like R2-D2 from Star Wars.
==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm Rattrap at TFU.info]

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Go with the Flow

2010-07-10T11:32:33Z

74.180.20.69:

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=47
|image=Go With the Flow title shot.JPG
|caption=You just ''know'' this won't end well.
|title="Go with the Flow"
|production company= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate= [[February 18]], 1999
|written by= [[Bob Forward]]
|directed by= [[Cal Shumiatcher]]
|animation studio= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''The Predacons build a cannon that could destroy the Maximals, but require an organic life-form to finish the construction.'''

:''French-Canadian title:'' '''La Tendance''' ("The Trend")
:''Japanese title:'' びりびりー!しびればびれぶー (''Biribirii! Shibire Babire Bū'', "Zzzap! Tingly Tongly Too!")<ref>The title puns on ''shibireru'' (to be numb/tingly, as from an electric shock) and the nonsense spell "Bibbity bobbity boo" from Disney's ''Cinderella''.</ref>
:''Latin-American title:'' '''Sigue la Corriente'''
:''Italian title:'' '''Il raggio distruttore''' ("The destroyer beam")
:''Brazilian name:'' '''Seguindo a Correnteza''' ("Following the Current")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Phineas J. Whoopee, you're a genius!]]
Quietly, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] sneaks through the forest. He whispers his activation code to switch into his robot mode, and is ambushed by [[Chak]], the [[protohuman]]. Cheetor laughs at his company, and the two are joined by [[Una]], putting Cheetor in a hammer-lock. [[Rattrap]] arrives and makes fun of Cheetor's attempts to teach the primitives self-defense. Cheetor moves on to trying to instruct the kids in basic engineering principles, language, and comedy through self-abuse. On a mountaintop, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s army works to assemble a new, powerful weapon capable of destroying the [[Maximal]]s, but because the "bi-polar energon source" to the device is installed before the shielding, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s can't get near the machine they have erected. In order to complete the weapon, [[Tarantulas]] suggests recruiting the two educated protohumans on whom who he happens to have been spying.

[[Image:Go with the Flow Waspinator Una.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This is one of two operations Una had to do.]]
[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] attack the two Maximals. Waspinator captures Una and brings her back to Megatron. [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] arrives to aid his two allies against Inferno, but with one of the humans captured already, Inferno retreats. The danger gone, Cheetor radios back to the Maximal base to report on the attack. Optimus calls Cheetor home and sends Depth Charge and Rattrap on a mission to retrieve the abducted child.

En route to the Predacon development, Una recalls Cheetor's self-defense lesson, and with her primitive spear, she removes several of Waspinator's wasp-mode limbs. Megatron is entirely unconcerned with the well-being of his underling, but hopes the girl is still in functional condition when she arrives. Once she is dropped off, Megatron orders the [[disruptor cannon]] fired on just low enough a setting to knock Rattrap and Depth Charge out of the sky. But even at a low setting, the unfinished weapon causes harm to the Predacons, forcing Megatron to order it shut down.

Depth Charge and Rattrap crash-land in a forest, lucky to be alive, but Depth Charge is no longer flight-capable. Rattrap leaves the manta and races off on his own to finish rescuing the damsel. Megatron begins his plot and instructs Una on how to install the shielding that the energy weapon needs in order to function. Una experiments in using the shielding plates as both fashion accessories and cuisine, but doesn't entirely comprehend the meaning of each of his precise instructions. After a fancy screen transition to show the passing of time, Una has completed the shielding installation in an adorably haphazard manner. As a final step, she installs the stabilizer crystal.

[[Image:Go with the Flow Rattrap Una.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This is the second one.]]
Rattrap arrives to save the girl and stop Megatron, but [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]] prepares to devour the intruder. Tarantulas approaches Una to kill her, too. She squashes the spider by knocking over a huge piece of machinery, but then falls off her platform. Rattrap drives through Dinobot's legs and transforms in time to catch the girl. Together, the two drive out of the Predacons' territory.

At the site where Depth Charge crashed, Una helps Rattrap unearth Depth Charge by recommending that he use a lever. With
teamwork, they slide Depth Charge into a lake and then use the giant Maximal as a raft to ride away from the attacking Predacons. They escape from their pursuers by falling down a waterfall, tossing mud in Waspinator's face so he flies blindly into Inferno. The combined airborne mess of Predacons then lands on the Dinobot clone.

[[Image:GowiththeFlow Sunset.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I can't believe we've gone this far without making a "monkey throws poop" joke!]]
Megatron prepares to fire the disruptor cannon and destroy his enemies. As the massive gun charges, the Maximals prepare for the worst. But the machine malfunctions, and instead of destroying the Maximals, it explodes in place—because Una stole the stabilizer crystal. With the Predacons slagged, Una and the two Maximals float into the sunset.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal|Maximals]]|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (1)
*[[Rattrap]] (4)
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] (11)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (12)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (13)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (14)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (5)
*[[Tarantulas]] (6)
*[[Dinobot II]] (7)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (9)
*[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (10)

|h3=[[Protohuman]]s|c3=
*[[Chak]] (2)
*[[Una]] (3)

}}

==Quotes==
"Sit down and keep quiet." 
"Yeah, yeah, story of my life."
:—'''Cheetor''' and '''Rattrap'''

"Peh, educational stuff. I'd rather watching things explode."
:—'''Rattrap''' speaks for the intended audience.

"My disruptor ray shall destroy them."
:—'''Megatron''', proving that he really ''is'' using every trick in the book.

"Waspinator to Megatron. Waspinator has female fleshy-bot, but there is problem." 
"She'd better not be injured." 
"No, she injuring Waspinator." 
"Ah, situation normal, then. Yes."
:—'''Waspinator''' to '''Megatron''', and Megatron has picked up the running gag.

"Waspinator want to re-negotiate contract!"
:—'''Waspinator''', getting hacked to bits.

[''chuckles''] "I ain't dead." 
"This day's just full of disappointments."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Depth Charge''' after the crash.

"What are you lookin' at?"
:—'''Depth Charge''' to a butterfly that lands on him.

"Triumph is before me!" 
"And da rat is behind ya!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Rattrap'''

"The disruptor cannon is now operational. And as it happens, our
targets are right in line with the Maximal base. We shall destroy both
in a single, glorious onslaught of energon devastation!"
:—'''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Technical and animation errors===
*When Rattrap says, "...and die horrible, agonizing deaths!" before they crash into the forest, Depth Charge is also mouthing the words.
*When Depth Charge hits the rocks at the base of the waterfall (immediately before Dinobot says "Target immobilized!"), his right flipper very briefly clips through another nearby rock.
*Rhinox is looking through the parascope at the the mountain, while the image is displayed on almost all of the screens at the Maximals' base.

===Continuity errors===
*Dinobot slices Rattrap's tail, but later it seems to be full-length as Rattrap uses it to paddle Depth Charge.

===Transformers references===
*Rattrap's interaction with Depth Charge is somewhat reminiscent of his ongoing rivalry with the deceased [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].

===Real-world references===
*"This Bot tries for positive programming." "Time to change channels, frisky!" These lines are references to human television.

===Trivia===
*Why didn't Inferno just wait until Waspinator had finished installing the shielding plate before plugging in the main power source?
*[[Cybertronix]]:
**On Cheetor's blackboard: Seemingly random letters and numbers
**On Megatron's first piece of graphics showing the firing of the cannon: "SCREAMIN ROCKS", "A BIG GUN IN A MOUNTAIN", "FIRE".
**And again, shortly before the fatal firing: "DEREK", "NIKKI DAWN", "HOT STUFF".
*Shortly after Depth Charge crashes, a puff of smoke appears to emit from Rattrap's, er, tailpipe.
*In a moment of apparent premonition, Cheetor's spark chamber pops open just before the alarms start sounding.
*This episode was used in place of the planned episode "[[Dark Glass]]".
*The moral of the episode is, effectively, "It's good to steal."
*When Rattrap rescues Una from falling, Silverbolt's 'rescue' theme plays.
* Richard Newman is not credited for playing Rhinox in this episode. Presumably because his one line of a calm and earnest "Oh no." is something Rhinox has said before and is quite probably just lifted from that earlier episode.
*There appears to be some sort of Star Wars stormtrooper helmet symbol on Cheetor's board when he puts Chak and Una behind some rocks during the attack.
==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers: Metals'' — Love Typhoon ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Universal]])
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers: Metals'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Third Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 3 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

Feral Scream Part 2

2010-07-09T21:58:34Z

74.180.20.69:

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=45
|image=Feral Scream 2 title shot.JPG
|caption=Hi! I upgraded your cat.
|title="Feral Scream Part 2"
|production company= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate= [[February 7]], 1999
|written by=[[Jules Dennis]]
|directed by=[[Steve Sacks]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''Cheetor is behaving oddly after the accident, and a new Transmetal 2 creature is stalking both camps.'''

:''French-Canadian title:'' '''Hurlement 2''' ("Scream 2")
:''Japanese title:'' たつんだ!チータス (''Tatsunda! Cheetus'', "Cheetus Arises!")
:''Spanish title:'' '''La Llamada de la Naturaleza (Parte 2)'''
:''Latin-American title:'' '''El Llamado de la Naturaleza Segunda Parte'''
:''Italian title:'' '''Mille emozioni - Parte 2''' ("Many emotions - Part Two")
:''Brazilian name:'' '''Grito Animal Parte 2''' ("Animal Scream Part 2")

==Synopsis==
Primal checks on Cheetor, who is napping after he collapsed in front of the Maximals' current base, heavily damaged from the fight with the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. After making sure Cheetor's okay, Primal has a discussion with Rattrap, mentioning that Cheetor has refused to use the CR Chamber. Rattrap figures he wants to prove something, but Optimus is suspicious. He decides to discuss it with Cheetor in the morning, while Rattrap decides to take a little rat nap.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Cheetor mutate.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The [[JaAm]] proceeds to mutate Cheetor.]]
Cheetor doesn't sleep soundly, though. From the cat's chest, a strange appendage grows, and Cheetor dreams of himself revealed to (and reviled by) the other Maximals (except Optimus) as an ugly, mutated monstrosity. Cheetor awakens, glad his dream was unreal, but finds himself caught in a green light expanding out of his spark.

Rattrap, awakened by the noise, heads to the lower level to see what's wrong. Before he reaches Cheetor's room, a large cat monster bursts out of it and knocks Rattrap over, then rushes away. Optimus comes to help Rattrap, who (incorrectly) assumes that the big ugly monster has gotten Cheetor.

In the Predacon base, Megatron hears the roar of the roaming beast and checks the radar. He figures out that Cheetor has been upgraded, explaining who his nemesis from the most recent battle was. Waspinator is sent to capture the cat-bot.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Optimus mean.jpg|right|200px|thumb|See this? This is my unhappy face.]]
Silverbolt returns to the Maximals' base, having failed to locate Cheetor (and jealous of Blackarachnia's concern for the feline). Having already surmised what is going on, Optimus confronts Depth Charge, and forces an account of the relevant events out of him. Depth Charge explains that Cheetor removed some device from the Predacon machine, but was caught in the overload. Depth Charge also says that he destroyed the transmetal driver.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Dinobot Waspinator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Dinobot II and Waspinator watch a train go by.]]
Awakening in a cave, Cheetor finds himself back in his usual Transmetal form again, completely repaired, but with fragmented, disturbing memories of what happened the previous night. Later, Dinobot and Waspinator find the cave, and after shredding Waspinator, Dinobot proceeds to hunt the Maximal. But inside the cave, he finds Cheetor has already left.

Optimus orders the Maximals to search for Cheetor in [[Grid Alpha Two]], but Cheetor shows up outside the Maximal base. He tries to explain that he's taken care of "the monster". Optimus, being less gullible than Cheetor is clever, indicates he wants Cheetor to take him to the creature's remains. Away from the other Maximals, Primal and Cheetor talk, but before Cheetor can admit the truth, Primal's chest is fried by Dinobot.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why are teenagers so freaking cocky?]]
The emotional stress of Cheetor's concern tears the cat back into his Transmetal 2 form, and he easily blasts away Waspinator away. The two Transmetals 2 duel with each other, slashing each other in their beast modes. When Rattrap and Silverbolt arrive, Dinobot is smart enough to retreat.

Optimus reaches out to the feral Cheetor, coaxing him back to his senses. Back at the Maximal base, Cheetor tries to keep his cool while he flirts with Blackarachnia. Cheetor misinterprets her affection as something personal, when really she's more interested in his technology—and how she can [[Crossing the Rubicon|get some of it for herself]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (1)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (2)
*[[Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] (7)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (9)
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] (10)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Dinobot II]] (4)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (5)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, Optimus. Hey, how's our boy?" 
"Finally asleep, despite the damage. I don't understand why he won't use the CR Chamber." 
"Well, uh, maybe he's tryin' to prove somethin'." 
"Hmm, I think it goes deeper than that."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Optimus Primal''' discuss Cheetor.

"That meddling feline destroyed my machinery and improved himself in the process!" 
"Mmm, improved." [''pointedly looks at Dinobot'']
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Waspinator''' also discuss Cheetor.

"Any sign of our tabby?" 
"Oh, not so much as a whisker. Your...concern does you credit." 
"I'm full of surprises." [''winks'']
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Silverbolt''' also discuss—oh, you know.

"You listen, hardhead. Cheetor's gone, and I think you know something, so you will talk, or I will rip out your core processor and extract the information personally."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' gets scary-mad at Depth Charge.

"Ooooohhh, Waspinator detects stink of unnatural Transmetal!" 
[''Dinobot growls''] 
"Oops! Waspinator exclude present company!"
:—'''Waspinator''' makes '''Dinobot''' angry.

"Wait! Need plan! Waspinator in charge!" 
"I ''am'' the plan."
:—Waspinator and Dinobot, shortly before the former is shredded by the latter.

"I don't see why we have to do this. Don't you trust me?" 
"Normally, yes–but at the moment, I think you're hiding something." 
"I'm not hiding ANYTHING!" [''struggles to keep his transformation under control''] "Why is everyone givin' me such a hard time?" 
"Because we care, and because I think I know the truth. I just want you to trust me enough to tell me." 
"All right, all right! It's like this..."
:—'''Cheetor''' and '''Optimus Primal''' have a meaningful moment.

'''Optimus Primal:''' Cheetor! Watch out for the other bot! 
'''Cheetor:''' Which bot? Oh, you mean this one right here?
:—Cheetor didn't bother to look behind him. Why does Waspinator even bother?

"I think it's time to shred some Pred."
:—'''Cheetor''' [[Wheelie (G1)|has fun rhyming]].

'''Cheetor:''' ''(Noticing Silverbolt and Rattrap looking at his new form)'' You lookin' at somethin'?! 
[''Silverbolt and Rattrap look at each other''] 
'''Rattrap:''' Oh, joy...cyber-puberty.
:—<s>Rebellious teen</s> Transmetal 2 Cheetor seems to have quite an attitude.

==Notes==
*It's pretty stupid of the Maximals not to realize that the robot cat that came from Cheetor's room actually is Cheetor.

===Real-world references===
*In response to a threat from Dinobot II, Cheetor says, "I don't think so." While perhaps not an intentional reference, that was something of a catchphrase for Bob on [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s ''ReBoot''. [[Ian James Corlett]] (Cheetor) voiced the character during its third and fourth seasons.

===Transformers references ===
*Back in "[[Call of the Wild]]", the Maximals were driven feral while in their beast modes, just as Cheetor is here.

===Trivia===
*The contents of Cheetor's room:
** A photo of himself and Primal from the first season.
** A big trophy with a Predacon insignia on the base.
** A model of solar system with haphazardly-orbiting planets.
** What could possibly be a model of a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian city]].
** A photo of Blackarachnia.
** A potted plant.
** Three spare tail-clubs.
** A miniature model of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''.
** A clock with a kind of holographic display to indicate the stages of a Solar cycle.
** A model Douglas DC-3.
*During Cheetor's nightmare, after Blackarachnia says "it's hideous," Rattrap makes motions as though he's going to puke.
*Megatron's observation that Cheetor is moving at Mach 2 seems a bit absurd. Yes, turning Transmetal 2 is portrayed as one heck of an upgrade and Cheetor has a rocket on his back, but a quadruped running at that speed is still fairly ridiculous.
*Waspinator was able to find Cheetor, while Silverbolt didn't. So Waspinator is a better tracker than Silverbolt? More likely, Megatron's scan of Cheetor's "moonlight stroll" narrowed the search zone, whereas the Maximals had no information about his trajectory.
*[[Cybertronix]]
**The text under Rattrap's monitors is mirrored at first, but doesn't say anything particular notable.
**Unsurprisingly, the text which flashes briefly on Megatron's monitor when he asks for magnification says "MAGNIFY".
*Waspinator has a sling when he tells Dinobot to "stand aside, Waspinator will take kitty-bot to Megatron."

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers: Metals'' — Yeah, I'm Back! ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Universal]])
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers: Metals'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Third Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Vol. 2 (Universal) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 3 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

Go with the Flow

2010-07-09T21:58:02Z

74.180.20.69:

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=47
|image=Go With the Flow title shot.JPG
|caption=You just ''know'' this won't end well.
|title="Go with the Flow"
|production company= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate= [[February 18]], 1999
|written by= [[Bob Forward]]
|directed by= [[Cal Shumiatcher]]
|animation studio= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''The Predacons build a cannon that could destroy the Maximals, but require an organic life-form to finish the construction.'''

:''French-Canadian title:'' '''La Tendance''' ("The Trend")
:''Japanese title:'' びりびりー!しびればびれぶー (''Biribirii! Shibire Babire Bū'', "Zzzap! Tingly Tongly Too!")<ref>The title puns on ''shibireru'' (to be numb/tingly, as from an electric shock) and the nonsense spell "Bibbity bobbity boo" from Disney's ''Cinderella''.</ref>
:''Latin-American title:'' '''Sigue la Corriente'''
:''Italian title:'' '''Il raggio distruttore''' ("The destroyer beam")
:''Brazilian name:'' '''Seguindo a Correnteza''' ("Following the Current")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Go with the Flow Cheetor kids.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Phineas J. Whoopee, you're a genius!]]
Quietly, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] sneaks through the forest. He whispers his activation code to switch into his robot mode, and is ambushed by [[Chak]], the [[protohuman]]. Cheetor laughs at his company, and the two are joined by [[Una]], putting Cheetor in a hammer-lock. [[Rattrap]] arrives and makes fun of Cheetor's attempts to teach the primitives self-defense. Cheetor moves on to trying to instruct the kids in basic engineering principles, language, and comedy through self-abuse. On a mountaintop, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s army works to assemble a new, powerful weapon capable of destroying the [[Maximal]]s, but because the "bi-polar energon source" to the device is installed before the shielding, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s can't get near the machine they have erected. In order to complete the weapon, [[Tarantulas]] suggests recruiting the two educated protohumans on whom who he happens to have been spying.

[[Image:Go with the Flow Waspinator Una.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This is one of two operations Una had to do.]]
[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] attack the two Maximals. Waspinator captures Una and brings her back to Megatron. [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] arrives to aid his two allies against Inferno, but with one of the humans captured already, Inferno retreats. The danger gone, Cheetor radios back to the Maximal base to report on the attack. Optimus calls Cheetor home and sends Depth Charge and Rattrap on a mission to retrieve the abducted child.

En route to the Predacon development, Una recalls Cheetor's self-defense lesson, and with her primitive spear, she removes several of Waspinator's wasp-mode limbs. Megatron is entirely unconcerned with the well-being of his underling, but hopes the girl is still in functional condition when she arrives. Once she is dropped off, Megatron orders the [[disruptor cannon]] fired on just low enough a setting to knock Rattrap and Depth Charge out of the sky. But even at a low setting, the unfinished weapon causes harm to the Predacons, forcing Megatron to order it shut down.

Depth Charge and Rattrap crash-land in a forest, lucky to be alive, but Depth Charge is no longer flight-capable. Rattrap leaves the manta and races off on his own to finish rescuing the damsel. Megatron begins his plot and instructs Una on how to install the shielding that the energy weapon needs in order to function. Una experiments in using the shielding plates as both fashion accessories and cuisine, but doesn't entirely comprehend the meaning of each of his precise instructions. After a fancy screen transition to show the passing of time, Una has completed the shielding installation in an adorably haphazard manner. As a final step, she installs the stabilizer crystal.

[[Image:Go with the Flow Rattrap Una.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This is the second one.]]
Rattrap arrives to save the girl and stop Megatron, but [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]] prepares to devour the intruder. Tarantulas approaches Una to kill her, too. She squashes the spider by knocking over a huge piece of machinery, but then falls off her platform. Rattrap drives through Dinobot's legs and transforms in time to catch the girl. Together, the two drive out of the Predacons' territory.

At the site where Depth Charge crashed, Una helps Rattrap unearth Depth Charge by recommending that he use a lever. With
teamwork, they slide Depth Charge into a lake and then use the giant Maximal as a raft to ride away from the attacking Predacons. They escape from their pursuers by falling down a waterfall, tossing mud in Waspinator's face so he flies blindly into Inferno. The combined airborne mess of Predacons then lands on the Dinobot clone.

[[Image:GowiththeFlow Sunset.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I can't believe we've gone this far without making a "monkey throws poop" joke!]]
Megatron prepares to fire the disruptor cannon and destroy his enemies. As the massive gun charges, the Maximals prepare for the worst. But the machine malfunctions, and instead of destroying the Maximals, it explodes in place—because Una stole the stabilizer crystal. With the Predacons slagged, Una and the two Maximals float into the sunset.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal|Maximals]]|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (1)
*[[Rattrap]] (4)
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] (11)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (12)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (13)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (14)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (5)
*[[Tarantulas]] (6)
*[[Dinobot II]] (7)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (9)
*[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (10)

|h3=[[Protohuman]]s|c3=
*[[Chak]] (2)
*[[Una]] (3)

}}

==Quotes==
"Sit down and keep quiet." 
"Yeah, yeah, story of my life."
:—'''Cheetor''' and '''Rattrap'''

"Peh, educational stuff. I'd rather watching things explode."
:—'''Rattrap''' speaks for the intended audience.

"My disruptor ray shall destroy them."
:—'''Megatron''', proving that he really ''is'' using every trick in the book.

"Waspinator to Megatron. Waspinator has female fleshy-bot, but there is problem." 
"She'd better not be injured." 
"No, she injuring Waspinator." 
"Ah, situation normal, then. Yes."
:—'''Waspinator''' to '''Megatron''', and Megatron has picked up the running gag.

"Waspinator want to re-negotiate contract!"
:—'''Waspinator''', getting hacked to bits.

[''chuckles''] "I ain't dead." 
"This day's just full of disappointments."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Depth Charge''' after the crash.

"What are you lookin' at?"
:—'''Depth Charge''' to a butterfly that lands on him.

"Triumph is before me!" 
"And da rat is behind ya!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Rattrap'''

"The disruptor cannon is now operational. And as it happens, our
targets are right in line with the Maximal base. We shall destroy both
in a single, glorious onslaught of energon devastation!"
:—'''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Technical and animation errors===
*When Rattrap says, "...and die horrible, agonizing deaths!" before they crash into the forest, Depth Charge is also mouthing the words.
*When Depth Charge hits the rocks at the base of the waterfall (immediately before Dinobot says "Target immobilized!"), his right flipper very briefly clips through another nearby rock.
*Rhinox is looking through the parascope at the the mountain, while the image is displayed on almost all of the screens at the Maximals' base.

===Continuity errors===
*Dinobot slices Rattrap's tail, but later it seems to be full-length as Rattrap uses it to paddle Depth Charge.

===Transformers references===
*Rattrap's interaction with Depth Charge is somewhat reminiscent of his ongoing rivalry with the deceased [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].

===Real-world references===
*"This Bot tries for positive programming." "Time to change channels, frisky!" These lines are references to human television.

===Trivia===
*Why didn't Inferno just wait until Waspinator had finished installing the shielding plate before plugging in the main power source?
*[[Cybertronix]]:
**On Cheetor's blackboard: Seemingly random letters and numbers
**On Megatron's first piece of graphics showing the firing of the cannon: "SCREAMIN ROCKS", "A BIG GUN IN A MOUNTAIN", "FIRE".
**And again, shortly before the fatal firing: "DEREK", "NIKKI DAWN", "HOT STUFF".
*Shortly after Depth Charge crashes, a puff of smoke appears to emit from Rattrap's, er, tailpipe.
*In a moment of apparent premonition, Cheetor's spark chamber pops open just before the alarms start sounding.
*This episode was used in place of the planned episode "[[Dark Glass]]".
*The moral of the episode is, effectively, "It's good to steal."
*When Rattrap rescues Una from falling, Silverbolt's 'rescue' theme plays.
* Richard Newman is not credited for playing Rhinox in this episode. Presumably because his one line of a calm and earnest "Oh no." is something Rhinox has said before and is quite probably just lifted from that earlier episode.
*There appears to be some sort of Star Wars stormtrooper helmet on Cheetor's board when he puts Chak and Una behind some rocks.
==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers: Metals'' — Love Typhoon ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Universal]])
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers: Metals'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Third Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 3 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

Feral Scream Part 2

2010-07-09T21:12:36Z

74.180.20.69:

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=45
|image=Feral Scream 2 title shot.JPG
|caption=Hi! I upgraded your cat.
|title="Feral Scream Part 2"
|production company= [[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate= [[February 7]], 1999
|written by=[[Jules Dennis]]
|directed by=[[Steve Sacks]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''Cheetor is behaving oddly after the accident, and a new Transmetal 2 creature is stalking both camps.'''

:''French-Canadian title:'' '''Hurlement 2''' ("Scream 2")
:''Japanese title:'' たつんだ!チータス (''Tatsunda! Cheetus'', "Cheetus Arises!")
:''Spanish title:'' '''La Llamada de la Naturaleza (Parte 2)'''
:''Latin-American title:'' '''El Llamado de la Naturaleza Segunda Parte'''
:''Italian title:'' '''Mille emozioni - Parte 2''' ("Many emotions - Part Two")
:''Brazilian name:'' '''Grito Animal Parte 2''' ("Animal Scream Part 2")

==Synopsis==
Primal checks on Cheetor, who is napping after he collapsed in front of the Maximals' current base, heavily damaged from the fight with the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. After making sure Cheetor's okay, Primal has a discussion with Rattrap, mentioning that Cheetor has refused to use the CR Chamber. Rattrap figures he wants to prove something, but Optimus is suspicious. He decides to discuss it with Cheetor in the morning, while Rattrap decides to take a little rat nap.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Cheetor mutate.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The [[JaAm]] proceeds to mutate Cheetor.]]
Cheetor doesn't sleep soundly, though. From the cat's chest, a strange appendage grows, and Cheetor dreams of himself revealed to (and reviled by) the other Maximals (except Optimus) as an ugly, mutated monstrosity. Cheetor awakens, glad his dream was unreal, but finds himself caught in a green light expanding out of his spark.

Rattrap, awakened by the noise, heads to the lower level to see what's wrong. Before he reaches Cheetor's room, a large cat monster bursts out of it and knocks Rattrap over, then rushes away. Optimus comes to help Rattrap, who (incorrectly) assumes that the big ugly monster has gotten Cheetor.

In the Predacon base, Megatron hears the roar of the roaming beast and checks the radar. He figures out that Cheetor has been upgraded, explaining who his nemesis from the most recent battle was. Waspinator is sent to capture the cat-bot.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Optimus mean.jpg|right|200px|thumb|See this? This is my unhappy face.]]
Silverbolt returns to the Maximals' base, having failed to locate Cheetor (and jealous of Blackarachnia's concern for the feline). Having already surmised what is going on, Optimus confronts Depth Charge, and forces an account of the relevant events out of him. Depth Charge explains that Cheetor removed some device from the Predacon machine, but was caught in the overload. Depth Charge also says that he destroyed the transmetal driver.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Dinobot Waspinator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Dinobot II and Waspinator watch a train go by.]]
Awakening in a cave, Cheetor finds himself back in his usual Transmetal form again, completely repaired, but with fragmented, disturbing memories of what happened the previous night. Later, Dinobot and Waspinator find the cave, and after shredding Waspinator, Dinobot proceeds to hunt the Maximal. But inside the cave, he finds Cheetor has already left.

Optimus orders the Maximals to search for Cheetor in [[Grid Alpha Two]], but Cheetor shows up outside the Maximal base. He tries to explain that he's taken care of "the monster". Optimus, being less gullible than Cheetor is clever, indicates he wants Cheetor to take him to the creature's remains. Away from the other Maximals, Primal and Cheetor talk, but before Cheetor can admit the truth, Primal's chest is fried by Dinobot.

[[Image:Feral Scream 2 Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why are teenagers so freaking cocky?]]
The emotional stress of Cheetor's concern tears the cat back into his Transmetal 2 form, and he easily blasts away Waspinator away. The two Transmetals 2 duel with each other, slashing each other in their beast modes. When Rattrap and Silverbolt arrive, Dinobot is smart enough to retreat.

Optimus reaches out to the feral Cheetor, coaxing him back to his senses. Back at the Maximal base, Cheetor tries to keep his cool while he flirts with Blackarachnia. Cheetor misinterprets her affection as something personal, when really she's more interested in his technology—and how she can [[Crossing the Rubicon|get some of it for herself]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (1)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (2)
*[[Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] (7)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (9)
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] (10)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Dinobot II]] (4)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (5)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, Optimus. Hey, how's our boy?" 
"Finally asleep, despite the damage. I don't understand why he won't use the CR Chamber." 
"Well, uh, maybe he's tryin' to prove somethin'." 
"Hmm, I think it goes deeper than that."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Optimus Primal''' discuss Cheetor.

"That meddling feline destroyed my machinery and improved himself in the process!" 
"Mmm, improved." [''pointedly looks at Dinobot'']
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Waspinator''' also discuss Cheetor.

"Any sign of our tabby?" 
"Oh, not so much as a whisker. Your...concern does you credit." 
"I'm full of surprises." [''winks'']
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Silverbolt''' also discuss—oh, you know.

"You listen, hardhead. Cheetor's gone, and I think you know something, so you will talk, or I will rip out your core processor and extract the information personally."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' gets scary-mad at Depth Charge.

"Ooooohhh, Waspinator detects stink of unnatural Transmetal!" 
[''Dinobot growls''] 
"Oops! Waspinator exclude present company!"
:—'''Waspinator''' makes '''Dinobot''' angry.

"Wait! Need plan! Waspinator in charge!" 
"I ''am'' the plan."
:—Waspinator and Dinobot, shortly before the former is shredded by the latter.

"I don't see why we have to do this. Don't you trust me?" 
"Normally, yes–but at the moment, I think you're hiding something." 
"I'm not hiding ANYTHING!" [''struggles to keep his transformation under control''] "Why is everyone givin' me such a hard time?" 
"Because we care, and because I think I know the truth. I just want you to trust me enough to tell me." 
"All right, all right! It's like this..."
:—'''Cheetor''' and '''Optimus Primal''' have a meaningful moment.

'''Optimus Primal:''' Cheetor! Watch out for the other bot! 
'''Cheetor:''' Which bot? Oh, you mean this one right here?
:—Cheetor didn't bother to look behind him. Why does Waspinator even bother?

"I think it's time to shred some Pred."
:—'''Cheetor''' [[Wheelie (G1)|has fun rhyming]].

'''Cheetor:''' ''(Noticing Silverbolt and Rattrap looking at his new form)'' You lookin' at somethin'?! 
[''Silverbolt and Rattrap look at each other''] 
'''Rattrap:''' Oh, joy...cyber-puberty.
:—<s>Rebellious teen</s> Transmetal 2 Cheetor seems to have quite an attitude.

==Notes==
*It's pretty stupid of the Maximals not to realize that the robot cat that came from Cheetor's room actually is Cheetor.

===Real-world references===
*In response to a threat from Dinobot II, Cheetor says, "I don't think so." While perhaps not an intentional reference, that was something of a catchphrase for Bob on [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s ''ReBoot''. [[Ian James Corlett]] (Cheetor) voiced the character during its third and fourth seasons.

===Transformers references ===
*Back in "[[Call of the Wild]]", the Maximals were driven feral while in their beast modes, just as Cheetor is here.

===Trivia===
*The contents of Cheetor's room:
** A photo of himself and Primal from the first season.
** A big trophy with a Predacon insignia on the base.
** A model of solar system with haphazardly-orbiting planets.
** What could possibly be a model of a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian city]].
** A photo of Blackarachnia.
** A potted plant.
** Three spare tail-clubs.
** A miniature model of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''.
** A clock with a kind of holographic display to indicate the stages of a Solar cycle.
** A model Douglas DC-3.
*During Cheetor's nightmare, after Blackarachnia says "it's hideous," Rattrap makes motions as though he's going to puke.
*Megatron's observation that Cheetor is moving at Mach 2 seems a bit absurd. Yes, turning Transmetal 2 is portrayed as one heck of an upgrade and Cheetor has a rocket on his back, but a quadruped running at that speed is still fairly ridiculous.
*Waspinator was able to find Cheetor, while Silverbolt didn't. So Waspinator is a better tracker than Silverbolt? More likely, Megatron's scan of Cheetor's "moonlight stroll" narrowed the search zone, whereas the Maximals had no information about his trajectory.
*[[Cybertronix]]
**The text under Rattrap's monitors is mirrored at first, but doesn't say anything particular notable.
**Unsurprisingly, the text which flashes briefly on Megatron's monitor when he asks for magnification says "MAGNIFY".
*Waspinator has a sling when he tells Dinobot to "stand aside, Waspinator will take kitty-bot to Megatron."
==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers: Metals'' — Yeah, I'm Back! ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Universal]])
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers: Metals'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Third Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Vol. 2 (Universal) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 3 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

Shelfwarmer

2010-07-02T11:50:38Z

74.180.20.69:

{{disambig2|toys from a long time ago that still haven't been sold|toys that have lots of [[kibble]]|Shellformer}}
[[Image:ShelfwarmersTRUGermany.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You ''know'' something is wrong when you see toys from no less than ''four'' different lines, released several years apart, all side by side on the same store shelf.]]
'''Shelfwarmer''' is a colloquial term for a toy that either fails to sell well or is over-produced, leaving residual quantities on store shelves for months or even years after its original release, generally far in excess of other toys from the same [[wave]]s. Just like a "benchwarmer" in sports, who contributes nothing to the game except sitting on a bench and keeping it warm with his butt, a "shelfwarmer" does the same thing to a toy store shelf by sitting on it for prolonged periods of time.

A related term is '''pegwarmer''', used to refer to toys packaged on cards (which thereby hang on pegs), rather than in boxes.

==Shelfwarmers and you==
The inherent problem with just coming up with a list of shelfwarmers is that... well...it varies from locality to locality. Some toys will sell like gangbusters in one state or country, and yet warm shelves forever in other places. On occasion, a toy that's considered rare and hard to find in the United States can very well end up as a shelfwarmer in other countries. (''Energon'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] is a rather infamous example of this.) Usually, this is due to the toy being only shipped to US stores in limited quantities, often even getting [[Shortpacking|shortpacked]], whereas European stores get those toys in solid [[Case|cases]], with nothing but multiples of the same one or two toys.

Toys might even shelfwarm based on the store to which they're distributed, disappearing instantly in [[Target]], but sitting for months in Wal-Mart.

This has led to some heated (or at least obstinate) debates online over which toys are/were vicious shelfwarmers. But nearly everyone agrees that [[Injector]] just wouldn't go away until he was marked down to only a buck.

==Shelfwarmers in Generation 1==
The toy industry and the [[fandom]] were very different things during the original toy line's run. Due to the much much ''slower'' turnaround time on retail toy shelves in the Eighties, any given toy could stay on the shelves for two, three, or even four years, and this would be a sign not of shelfwarming, but of the toy's longevity and success. Toys like Optimus Prime and Starscream stayed on the toy shelves for many years because they '''were''' popular, not because they weren't, with chains getting new shipments of older product on a regular basis. This makes it hard to gauge if there were shelfwarmers—toys that outstayed their welcome—compared to the toys in modern lines, which are only meant to have a shelf life of a few months.

That said, there certainly were some Transformers which stayed on toy shelves during Generation 1 for way longer than should be expected. The most prominent example would be the [[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]], over-produced in such numbers that even today they are legion in the aftermarket. The smaller [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] were also seen to hang around on shelves long after they had ceased to ship. During the 1986 and 1987 Christmas shopping seasons, animal-based Transformers (such as Sky Lynx, the Decepticon Headmasters, and surprisingly, the Predacons!) were known to linger on shelves longer than their vehicular counterparts.

==Shelfwarmers in ''Beast Wars''==
It was ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' that stuck the concept of shelfwarmers in the fandom's head. The fandom was maturing, communicating thanks to the internet, and starting to notice these sorts of patterns. At the same time, the attitude of retailers was changing, and the distribution system as well as a consequence, and toys no longer had the multi-year shelf lives they had in the 1980s. Toys now shipped in multiple [[wave]]s per [[size class]], and toys that were on the shelves an entire year were suddenly unsuccessful.

Toys that were noted for their shelfwarmosity in ''Beast Wars'' included [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], [[Injector]], [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]] and [[Transquito]]. Some reports even had Transquitos holding six or seven years after their initial release. Now ''that's'' a shelfwarmer.

==Shelfwarmers in later series==
As the fandom became more aware of the concept of shelfwarmers and [[Hasbro]] changed its strategies in selling toys to retailers, documenting what is a shelfwarmer and what isn't became more and more acute. Toys had much shorter shelf lives, which Hasbro extended by adding [[Redeco|redecos]] and [[Retool|retools]], and by revamping lines and packaging on a much swifter basis. ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' had the "Unicron Battles" as a mid-line [[subline imprint]] with a new packaging style roughly halfway through its lifespan, and then the entire line became ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' roughly six months after that. Turnover times have become swifter and swifter.

In addition, fans have become more and more impatient with toys. In more recent times, the term "shelfwarmer" has started to become more specialized, basically to mean, "Toy that stays on the shelves longer than its casemates." That said, there are still some toys that just didn't sell, even in the more recent Transformers series, and which haunted shelves for many long days. In addition, as said before, distribution is slightly different in other countries than it is in the USA, so some toys don't ''have'' any casemates their turnover frequency could be judged against — which is also part of the problem: For example, ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie]] [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ended up as royal shelfwarmers in many European stores because they were the ''only'' toys from their respective [[Size class|size classes]] those stores would ever get from Hasbro. It really did not help that they even shipped ''after'' the movie line ended.

Each series has had its own quintessential shelfwarmers to varying degrees. In North America, ''Armada'' clogged shelves with flocks of [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeaks]] and fleets of [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreens]]; ''Energon'' made sure you couldn't help but find [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]; ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' gave us unmoving armies of [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflaps]], and in the [[Universe (2008 franchise)| Universe toyline]], any of the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] redecos stayed on shelves for years on end, and you can still find [[Dropshot (Universe)| Dropshots]] on the shelves of Wal-Marts. During the Christmas shopping period following the 2007 movie, [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]]s could be found in hordes, even as ''everything'' Transformers (including leftover ''Cybertron'' and ''Classics'' stock) was disappearing from shelves.

==Demand vs. availability==
As was already touched upon earlier, there are some toys which were very hard to get in some regions, but available so freely in other regions that they warmed shelves. Certain toys were in ''desperate'' demand in the fandom when they were difficult to get, but didn't do so well when released more widely. One online example of this phenomenon is [[Battle Unicorn]]. This ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toy was part of the very last wave of that series' product, and was barely shipped to retailers. As such, it was ''very'' hard to get; so rare, in fact, that the online store Big Bad Toy Store made a large special order for them from Hasbro—but despite the fandom's previous clamouring for the toy, they're ''still'' sitting on a lot of that stock.

The original releases of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Tracks (G1)|Autobot Tracks]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Meister]], which only shipped in two [[wave]]s each, also demanded a high rise in aftermarket prices... until Hasbro decided to re-release them as part of a semi-relaunch of the ''Alternators'' line. Now, Tracks and Meister suddenly became major shelfwarmers.

A similar thing happened with ''Alternators'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]: In North America, he was released only at the San Diego Comic Con and via the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website (for the few people who were able to get him from there), and was very difficult to get. Fans of the ''Alternators'' line who really, desperately wanted the toy were furious about its release only at a non-Transformers convention and complained at length about it not being easily available. Then suddenly the toy turned up in Australia. It hit the retail store Toyworld in massive numbers, and at half the price of usual Alternators. But...no one wanted it. The American fans had gotten over it by that point, and no one in Australia gave a damn.

Boy, did that thing sit around for ''ages''. It was still available in some stores as of September 2009!

==The new movie and shelfwarmers==
As stated before, Transformers fans are much more aware of shelfwarming than in previous days, and they are very quick (if not ''too'' quick) to call toys shelfwarmers. Any toy that sits on a shelf longer than its casemates is likely to be labeled as a shelfwarmer by the fandom nowadays. (Silly fans. Wait...this article is written ''by'' fans. Uh...)

With the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]], the playing field was changed slightly. Suddenly, Transformers were '''big''' again. Toys were in short supply, and any toys that stayed on the shelves for very long did so very conspicuously. That said, even some of the least popular and most expensive toys shifted incredibly quickly around the [[Christmas]] period. Then the movie hype ended.

Movie hype is a very fickle thing, indeed; toys which were incredibly popular months before suddenly were out of the public consciousness. This meant (depending on your region, and availability, remember) that some of the later 2007 movie toys would stay on the shelves for months and months, and in some cases even as the 2009 movie toys hit the shelves. And more often than not, share the same shelves with their new counterparts, dooming them from ever getting out of the store. Think about it, would you rather have the original leader class [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] or the shiny new one from ROTF? [[Mudflap (Movie)|Mudflap]] and especially Tuner Mudflap are usually shelfwarmers at Walmart.

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Meantime (Movie)

2010-06-27T20:16:02Z

74.180.20.69:

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
:''Meantime is a [[Decepticon]] [[Real Gear Robot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Meantime robot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He hates the all, the all of you. The plants of green and the skies of blue.]]
'''Meantime''' is one of many small robots who was once a normal machine brought to life by the power of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]]. Gifted with incredible time-based powers, and cursed with the petty humor to never use them to their fullest. Not only can he slow time around him, but also speed it up and even stop it...and selectively use this on other things too! He'd be almost invaluable to the Decepticons...if he chose to use his powers for something OTHER than making humans get into accidents, then "rewinding" time to watch them do it again.

{{bigquote|Time to Waste|Meantime's packaging tagline.}}

: ''French-Canadian name'': '''Transfo-Temps'''
:''Spanish name'': '''Transfo-Tiempo'''

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007) ===
* '''Meantime''' (Real Gear Robots, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-16'''

[[Image:Meantime alt.jpg|right|175px|thumb|"Transforms into a battle station! A galactic shuttle! A cosmic tank!"]]
:Meantime transforms into a (non-functional) digital wristwatch of a made-up model. Like all [[Real Gear Robots]] toys, his robot mode is apparently at 1:1 scale. Meantime's display reads the time of 5:17 and 40 seconds, with a date of Wednesday, January 2nd. The display face flips around to display the time properly as a watch, and then again to align for robot mode. He has an Auto-Morph feature as well: Pulling his legs down makes his head and shoulders rise as part of the transformation. You'll need the tiny wrists of a little girl to pull off wearing him in watch mode without cutting off all the circulation to your hand.

:This mold was also used to make [[Midnighter XR-4]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/Meantime/meantime.htm More information on Meantime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
* The time of 5:17 refers to [[May 17|May 17th]], the date when the second [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'']] theatrical trailer was released on the internet.
* The next time [[January 2|January 2nd]] falls on a Wednesday is 2013. Your Meantime figure acts as a functional watch for one second, roughly every seven years.
* Meantime appears to be wearing a miniature version of himself on his left wrist. This feature doesn't appear in any of Hasbro's stock photographs.
*Meantime, along with [[Longview]] is the only Real Gear Robot not to have letters and numbers after his name.
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Real Gear Robots]]
[[Category:Watches]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Longview (Movie)

2010-06-27T20:13:46Z

74.180.20.69:

{{factions|autobotfilm}}

{{disambig2|the Autobot Real Gear Robot|the Decepticon Mini-Con|Longview (Universe)}}
:''Longview is an [[Autobot]] [[Real Gear Robot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Longview robot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"[[Green Day|Bite my lip and close my eyes, take me away to Paradise. I'm so damn bored I'm going blind, and I smell like...]]"]]
'''Longview''' is one of many small robots who was once a normal machine brought to life by the power of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]]. Not only has he got super-duper eyes for which to spy on [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], but apparently he can [[Iron Man|predict the future]]! He's just ''that smart''.

{{bigquote|Observe. Anticipate. Defend.|Longview's packaging tagline}}

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Jumelles'''
:''Spanish name'': '''Binoculares'''

==Fiction==
===Titan Magazines===
[[Image:LongviewPOW.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I predict continuity issues.]]
Longview was held as a prisoner of war in an automated Decepticon outpost on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], some time prior to the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]]'s launch into space. He was rescued by a team of raw Autobot recruits being trained by [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 5|Lost In Space 3: Ironhide}}

{{note|Of course, this could be a different robot who '''coincidentally''' looks like Longview, what with the being not tiny and not born on [[Earth]]. [[Easter egg]]s can really be something of a headache sometimes.}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
[[Image:Longview alt.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Longview always has his 'nocs]]
*'''Longview''' (Real Gear Robots, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-08'''

: Longview transforms into a set of yellow non-functioning binoculars. While he is constructed to allow light to shine all the way from the lens to the eyepiece, the image is way too small and blurry to see much of anything. He features a flip-up/down panel that reveals a viewscreen; the [[Hasbro]] version shows ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] in assault-vehicle mode (though upside-down), while the [[Takara]] version has [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]'s head and shoulders. While supposedly at 1:1 scale, he is far too small for normal sized adult to use as a pair of binoculars, implying he may be scaled down.

: This mold was also used to make [[Farsight T-20]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Longview/longview.htm More information on Longview at TFU.info]''

*'''Robo Recon Team''' (Multi-pack, 2007)

: Longview was also available in a Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] two-pack with [[Spy Shot 6]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The appearance of Crumplezone in the Hasbro Longview's imager is evidence of the Real Gear Robots' original release plan as late-series additions to the ''Cybertron'' toyline.
*Longview, along with [[Meantime]], is the only Real Gear Robot not to have letters and numbers after his name.
==External links==
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=Products/Detail&product_id=19646 Longview at Hasbro.com]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Real Gear Robots]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]

Archibald Witwicky

2010-06-26T21:18:38Z

74.180.20.69:

{{picsneeded|Prequel comic pic}}
:''Archibald Amundsen [[Witwicky]] is a [[human]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Archibald Witwicky movie.JPG|right|300px|thumb|That be the smell of treasure, lads.]]
Captain '''Archibald Amundsen Witwicky''' <ref>Archibald's middle name 'Amundsen' is given in the Jr. novelization of the 2007 movie. The Iceman file stolen by Frenzy in the movie itself shows the name 'Capt. Witwicky, Amundsen'</ref> led the ''National Arctic Circle Expedition'' in 1897.

He basically went bonkers after [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] burned out his eyes, and spent the rest of his life in an asylum. He died August 13, 1938.

Archy's great-great-grandson [[Sam Witwicky]] thinks he is lame, and wants to eBay his priceless heirlooms to buy [[Bumblebee (Movie)|a car]].

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{quote|... I didn't come all this way to 'leave well 'nuff alone!'|Words that Witwicky would later regret}}

In 1897, Captain Archibald Witwicky led National Arctic Circle Expedition where they ship became frozen in the ice. Crewmember [[Danco]] noticed that their dogs were keenly interested in whatever lay beneath the frozen wastes and called Witwicky over to investigate. Despite Danco's well-founded caution in light the expedition's foul luck, Witwicky bravely dug into the ice, and what he saw underneath changed him. For the next three months, Witwicky filled one hundred and seventy-six pieces of paper with strange patterns and glyphs. By 1898, Witwicky was in a secure hospital in Boston, interviewed by two representatives of [[First Seven|a group of weird people]] who were interested in his tales about a "devil man". The group managed to discredit Witwicky and sent his effects to his family. {{Storylink|Movie Prequel issue 2|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 2}}

Witwicky spent the rest of his life in the [[Psychopathic Institute for the Long-Term Insane|most politically incorrect asylum]] in [[Louisiana]], raving about taglines yet to be written and movies yet to be produced. Decades after his death, Archibald's descendant [[Ron Witwicky|Ronald]] presented his [[Sam Witwicky|son]] with the explorer's personal effects. The boy was not impressed with the junk from a "crazy man", and later sought to auction them off to fund the purchase of a [[Bumblebee (Movie)|car]]. {{Storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 3}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Patrick Viall]]

{{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.}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) movie===
:''Actor:'' [[William Morgan Sheppard]] (English) [[Hiroshi Arikawa]] (Japanese-language dub voice)

[[Image:Movie2007_Megatron_ArchibaldWitwicky.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"I am FROZEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!]]

During the National Arctic Circle Expedition, Witwicky's ship became frozen in the water. As the crew chipped the ship free, he told his crew "no sacrifice, no victory!" (all the while standing and doing nothing to help). During the attempt, the dogs were attracted to a break in the ice, which Witwicky and a dog fell through. As he got his bearings, he came face to face with "[[Megatron (Movie)|a great discovery]]"...at which point said discovery used his navigational system to burn the coordinates of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] into his [[glasses]], which had the byproduct of rendering Witwicky blind and insane. Witwicky spent the rest of his life in psychiatric hospitals, drawing [[Cybertronian languages|strange symbols]] and ranting about an [[Megatron (Movie)|Ice man]].

110 years after his discovery, his descendant Sam Witwicky tried to raise money for a car by auctioning off his equipment, including his compass, his telescope, and (for some bizarre reason) his glasses. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|''Transformers''}}

==Trivia==
*Archibald's middle name is a reference to [[wikipedia:Roald_Amundsen|Roald Amundsen]], the leader of the first successful expedition to the South Pole, and not [[Mitchell Amundsen]] the film's director of photography.

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Witwicky, Archibald}}
[[Category:Fiction-only characters]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Witwicky family|Archibald Witwicky]]

Archibald Witwicky

2010-06-26T21:11:57Z

74.180.20.69:

{{picsneeded|Prequel comic pic}}
:''Archibald Amundsen [[Witwicky]] is a [[human]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Archibald Witwicky movie.JPG|right|300px|thumb|That be the smell of treasure, lads.]]
Captain '''Archibald Amundsen Witwicky''' <ref>Archibald's middle name 'Amundsen' is given in the Jr. novelization of the 2007 movie. The Iceman file stolen by Frenzy in the movie itself shows the name 'Capt. Witwicky, Amundsen'</ref> led the ''National Arctic Circle Expedition'' in 1897.

He basically went bonkers after [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] burned out his eyes, and spent the rest of his life in an asylum. He died August 13, 1938.

Archy's great-great-grandson [[Sam Witwicky]] thinks he is lame, and wants to eBay his priceless heirlooms to buy [[Bumblebee (Movie)|a car]].

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{quote|... I didn't come all this way to 'leave well 'nuff alone!'|Words that Witwicky would later regret}}

In 1897, Captain Archibald Witwicky led National Arctic Circle Expedition where they ship became frozen in the ice. Crewmember [[Danco]] noticed that their dogs were keenly interested in whatever lay beneath the frozen wastes and called Witwicky over to investigate. Despite Danco's well-founded caution in light the expedition's foul luck, Witwicky bravely dug into the ice, and what he saw underneath changed him. For the next three months, Witwicky filled one hundred and seventy-six pieces of paper with strange patterns and glyphs. By 1898, Witwicky was in a secure hospital in Boston, interviewed by two representatives of [[First Seven|a group of weird people]] who were interested in his tales about a "devil man". The group managed to discredit Witwicky and sent his effects to his family. {{Storylink|Movie Prequel issue 2|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 2}}

Witwicky spent the rest of his life in the [[Psychopathic Institute for the Long-Term Insane|most politically incorrect asylum]] in [[Louisiana]], raving about taglines yet to be written and movies yet to be produced. Decades after his death, Archibald's descendant [[Ron Witwicky|Ronald]] presented his [[Sam Witwicky|son]] with the explorer's personal effects. The boy was not impressed with the junk from a "crazy man", and later sought to auction them off to fund the purchase of a [[Bumblebee (Movie)|car]]. {{Storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 3}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Patrick Viall]]

{{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.}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) movie===
:''Actor:'' [[William Morgan Sheppard]] (English) [[Hiroshi Arikawa]] (Japanese-language dub voice)

[[Image:Movie2007_Megatron_ArchibaldWitwicky.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"I am MEGATROOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!]]

During the National Arctic Circle Expedition, Witwicky's ship became frozen in the water. As the crew chipped the ship free, he told his crew "no sacrifice, no victory!" (all the while standing and doing nothing to help). During the attempt, the dogs were attracted to a break in the ice, which Witwicky and a dog fell through. As he got his bearings, he came face to face with "[[Megatron (Movie)|a great discovery]]"...at which point said discovery used his navigational system to burn the coordinates of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] into his [[glasses]], which had the byproduct of rendering Witwicky blind and insane. Witwicky spent the rest of his life in psychiatric hospitals, drawing [[Cybertronian languages|strange symbols]] and ranting about an [[Megatron (Movie)|Ice man]].

110 years after his discovery, his descendant Sam Witwicky tried to raise money for a car by auctioning off his equipment, including his compass, his telescope, and (for some bizarre reason) his glasses. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|''Transformers''}}

==Trivia==
*Archibald's middle name is a reference to [[wikipedia:Roald_Amundsen|Roald Amundsen]], the leader of the first successful expedition to the South Pole, and not [[Mitchell Amundsen]] the film's director of photography.

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Witwicky, Archibald}}
[[Category:Fiction-only characters]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Witwicky family|Archibald Witwicky]]

Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys

2010-06-20T20:50:58Z

74.180.20.69:

'''[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]''' starred in a couple of movies that made millions of dollars. Woohoo!

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
As a tribute to his immense popularity, Optimus Prime is the only ''Movie'' Transformer with a toy in every regular category (Legend, Fast Action, Deluxe, Voyager, and Leader.) This is excluding his Cyber Stomper and transformable gun toys.

====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Legends Prime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Shortening the smokestacks is good; [[For safety reasons|it makes the toy safer]]. But removing ONE and keeping the other? Crazy.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2007)
**''Japanese name:'' '''EZ Collection Optimus Prime'''

: Legends class Optimus Prime is an ''extremely'' simplified toy of the extremely complex movie design. As such, he features numerous unavoidable inaccuracies, such as not transforming or even looking very much like the original design or the larger toy versions in robot mode. However, proportionally Legends class Optimus Prime is not far off from the real truck and the Leader class toy's vehicle mode, aside from missing a smokestack on the driver's side. He is articulated at the shoulders and upper legs via [[Ball joint|ball joints]].

{{-}}
[[Image:TargetGenerationsLegends.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Say, have we met?" "No, I'm not from around here." "I can tell. You look ''way'' more realistic than I do."]]
*'''Generations Legends''' (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime]], Movie Legends Optimus Prime, [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Legends of Cybertron Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Movie Legends Megatron]].

{{-}}
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Get ready for the safety recall, folks.]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Toys'R'Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of Optimus Prime, [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]].

{{-}}
*'''Nightwatch Optimus Prime vs. Stealth Starscream''' (Legends Allspark Battles two-pack, 2008)

: The previously-released Legends Class Optimus Prime toy is redecoed to match the Leader class Nightwatch Optimus Prime deco. He comes with a predominantly black and silver redeco of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]].
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Movie ProtoformOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Until I find my feet, I have to use these giant robot hands.]]
*'''Protoform Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-05'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun with flame attachment

:Based upon the "[[Protoform]]" (Cybertronian) appearances of the Transformers in the Movie, Protoform Optimus Prime transforms into his "entry" mode. This mode somewhat resembles a cybertronic truck, with false wheels sculpted onto the sides, and Optimus Prime's trademark windows in front. A flame decoration piece fits to the back of the "vehicle", creating the illusion of a flaming comet's tail. The bottom of the vehicle has small wheels to roll the toy across smooth surfaces. Oddly, it has NO [[Automorph|automorph]] gimmick at all, a feature most main-line figures have.

:In robot mode he resembles previous Optimus characters: his angular chest windows are reminiscent of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], while his near-animalistic limbs and color scheme are evocative of ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Optimus Primal]]. He has excellent articulation due to his many ball joints, and is armed with a rifle. The flame attachment can fit onto the end of the (non-firing) gun barrel.

:Some packaging variants of this figure (perhaps a Wal-Mart exclusive) included a free movie poster depicting a Cybertronian eye overlooking Earth. While an added sticker to the outer plastic bubble says "Exclusive movie poster!", it is more of a preview of upcoming figures.

:This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as a [[Optimus Prime's ancestor|member]] of the [[Dynasty of Primes]] in [[Tales of the Fallen issue 4|''Tales of the Fallen'' #4]].

{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition''' (C3xHobby Convention exclusive Deluxe, Japan 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Gun with missile and flame attachment

:An extensive redeco of the Protoform Optimus Prime mold that was exclusively available at the Japanese C3xHobby Convention in August of 2007, and later offered by [[E-Hobby|e-Hobby]] in limited quantities. Most of the body is made out of transparent turquoise plastic in order to mimic its frozen state in the "coldness" of space, while orange paint is used on the front end of the "entry" mode, mimicking the heat effects of sudden atmospheric entry. The flame attachment is made out of clear ''blue'' plastic, with the tail end being covered in ''gold'' paint.

{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Deluxe three-pack''' (multi-pack, UK 2007)

:This three-pack, which was available at general retail in the United Kingdom, contains an unchanged Deluxe Class Protoform Optimus Prime together with equally unchanged Deluxe Class [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]] and [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]] toys.

{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Voyager OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The last one of you out of here gets a...gets a lead salad!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-13'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles

:The mid-range Voyager class ''Movie'' Optimus Prime toy transforms into an amalgamation of the Kenworth W900 and the Peterbilt 379, making this toy fairly inaccurate to the actual vehicle Optimus Prime turned into. Because of the smaller size and lessened complexity, the Voyager class Optimus Prime features a significantly different transformation sequence compared to the Leader class toy, and indeed, the actual CGI design. However, as the actual truck cabin no longer forms his chest, the cabin now features a small interior with opening doors and a non-removable cowboy-hat-bedecked driver figurine that flips out of the seat when the driver's side door is opened.

: In robot mode, Voyager class Optimus Prime is proportionally more accurate to his CGI design than the leader class toy and has a more accurate headsculpt. However, due to the aforementioned lessened complexity, significant sacrifices had to be made, such as "cheats" to the transformation sequence to achieve this. He is thus less accurate overall than he initially appears. In addition to previously mentioned changes, he carries much of the truck's front hood, grill and fenders on his back like a backpack. Nevertheless, he maintains a superb level of articulation and posability.

: Optimus Prime is armed with two large rifles formed out of a combination of both smokestacks and fuel tanks. These rifles peg into his lower arms with grips for his open hands. The under-slung fuel tanks can fire spring-loaded projectiles. In vehicle mode, both smokestack rifles can be deployed as twin cannons, and this mechanism can also be used to store the rifles and deploy them as shoulder guns in robot mode.
{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Robovision OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|We'd hate to see what those smokestacks looked like BEFORE Hasbro shortened them.]]
*'''Robo-Vision Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles

: A Target-[[Exclusive|exclusive]] repaint of the Voyager Class Optimus Prime toy, this limited edition version boasts a "Supermetal finish", resulting in silver metallic paint covering much of his paintable gray/silver plastic, a much higher contrast in his red and blue plastic colors and improved 'flame' paint decorations.

: Unusually for the smaller Voyager Class of toys, [[Robo-Vision]] Optimus Prime comes packed in robot mode in a special hexagonal column box with many windows, similar to the original packaging for ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime. The package also includes a [[Robo-Vision Decoder]]. Strangely, this Target exclusive preceded the release of the regular Voyager by a large margin, coming out on [[June 2]], 2007 with the initial wave of movie toys.

:This toy has been retroactively declared part of the ''Premium Series'' of more [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] redecos of core characters from the movie.

{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Bumblebee and Optimus Prime''' (Argos exclusive two-pack, UK 2007)

:A two-pack, exclusiveliy available at Argos stores in the United Kingdom, which contains an unchanged Voyager Class Optimus Prime and an equally unchanged Deluxe Class Concept Camaro [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Battle damage three-pack''' (Sam's Club exclusive three-pack, 2007)

:A three-pack, exclusive to Sam's Club stores, consisting of redecos of Voyager Class Optimus Prime and Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], both with a battle damage deco, and an unchanged Voyager Class [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]].

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Voyager Firststrike OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''First Strike Optimus Prime''' (Voyager Class, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles

: Released as part of the ''Allspark Power'' refresh of the movie line, First Strike Optimus Prime is a extensive redeco of Voyager class Optimus Prime in a colour scheme based upon ''Generation 1'' and ''Classics'' Optimus Prime. The included toy bio describes this coloring as Prime paying tribute to the markings he wore as a young soldier when the war began. Due to the transformation scheme, this figure actually ends up being ''less'' like its G1 counterpart in robot mode, a sacrifice made for the slavish redeco of the vehicle mode. You can't have your cake and eat it too, folks.

{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Autobot Optimus Prime''' ("international market" exclusive Voyager-sized toy, 2008)

:A single-packed version of the battle damaged Voyager Optimus Prime toy from the Sam's Club exclusive three-pack. Although the assortment number and the general packaging style seemed to indicate that this might be a Best Buy exclusive, this has been confirmed to be an "international market" exclusive. It has been released in Asia, but will presumably not be available in the USA outside the Sam's Club three-pack.

{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Freeway Brawl Optimus Prime (Two-Pack)''' ("Screen Battles" Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles

: A second Target-[[Exclusive|exclusive]] repaint of the Voyager Class Optimus Prime toy, the grey molded pieces now are beige-grey and multiple parts that previously molded blue and red (the chest, shoulder pads, and leg interiors) had their mold colors swapped with extra [[Paint operation|paint applications]] to make up the difference. As such, the toy has very few visual differences from the regular release of the mold. This version was only available in a pack with an unchanged Deluxe Class [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]].

{{-}}

====Leader Class toys====
[[Image:MovieLeader OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Y'think Prime got a makeover? We have it on good authority that Movie [[Roller]] is a kicked-out low-rider with a jammin' sound system and neon-purple undercarriage lighting.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile

: The largest 2007 ''Transformers'' movie Optimus Prime toy, Leader Class Optimus Prime featured, at the time, the most accurate representation of the CGI designs' complex transformation sequence. He transforms into a heavily-customized [http://www.peterbilt.com/index_gal_mod_desc.asp?model=model379 Peterbilt 379] conventional extended-hood, and unusually for a mainline figure, he has rubber tires on all his wheels. His Ion Blaster weapon is stored in the rear of the truck's bunk, exposed like an engine block. Though Optimus has no trailer, he has a hole where the fifth wheel (known among fans as a 'hitch') is sculpted in the rear of the truck, should owners find a suitable trailer to use. Due to [[For safety reasons|safety reasons]], the tips of his long smokestacks are made of rubber. A switch on top of the cab roof activates horn sounds and window lights.

: Featuring a complex transformation, essentially the front and back ends of the truck fold and converge to become Optimus Prime's legs, as much of the truck rear is connected to the robot thighs via a series of folding panels. The rear wheel cowlings feature a hinge joint in the middle of them so they do not impede his knee articulation. The halves of the rear cabin of the cab, directly connected to the smokestacks, rotate and connect to his torso and unfold into his arms. As with most mainline Movie toys, Optimus Prime features [[Automorph]] gimmicks, and due to his price point, he has three of them. Firstly, during initial transformation, rotating his front fenders to become his heels flips the top parts of the grill to become his toes. Secondly, sliding out the double-barrel cannon in his right forearm flips out his spring-loaded Ion Blaster, which lands into place for his right hand. (The Ion Blaster can actually be popped off his forearm fairly easily, as it is held in place by a simple clip.) Optimus's final Automorph, located in his torso, is activated by flipping the silver lever on his stomach, activating a series of spring-loaded actions where the truck windows are pushed apart and the lever between them is raised, enabling the head to spring up from the chest cavity. At this point, yellow LEDs light up the chest windows and Optimus Prime's eyes, accompanied by a "powering up" sound effect.

: Optimus Prime has a wide range of articulation for a relatively bulky figure. He has ratcheting joints in his shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, with swivel joints and ball joints supporting them in his biceps, lower knee joints and ankles. Again, unusually for a mainline figure, especially at the Leader price point, his hands have individually articulated fingers and thumbs.
{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Optimus Prime bonus pack''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

:A Costco exclusive special pack of Leader Class Optimus Prime with Legends Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]] as bonus figures. All three toys are unchanged from their respective original releases.
{{-}}

[[Image:Movie G4Contest Chrome OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|Completists, eat your heart out!]]
*'''Chrome Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile

: Two custom-made pieces (presented in robot and vehicle mode) by the [[Hasbro]] ''Transformers'' team as the grand prize for G4TV and [http://www.jumpcut.com Jumpcut]'s contest for fans to remix selected Transformers clips. Won by [http://www.TFW2005.com/ TFW2005.com] member James Zahn, this one-of-a-kind (well, two-of-a-kind) piece is an almost fully [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] Leader-class Optimus Prime in red, silver and blue (based heavily upon Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), presented with a custom display base with an embossed silver Autobot insignia and a perspex display case.

:It is certainly one of the rarest Transformers toys ever, and unless you are James, you will never own one.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Leader Nightwatch OptimusPrime 2007.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Either this is [[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]] or [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]].]]
*'''Nightwatch Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, UK 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile

: The first Nightwatch Optimus Prime is an extensive redeco of the previously released Leader-class Optimus Prime, replacing most of his red and blue with different shades of blue and black. In fact, he resembles the original [[Diaclone]] Powered Convoy color scheme of ''Generation 1'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s truck cab. The previously blue and red flames have been replaced with silver flames, while various other decos have been replaced by copper.

: This version was released in the UK several months before the ''AllSpark Power'' version. Available exclusively through Argos stores, it came in an American-style box with the original Movie packaging design. This version was also released by TakaraTomy in Japan.
{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Leader Nightwatch OptimusPrime 2008.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ultra Prime or Nemesis Magnus?]]
*'''Nightwatch Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, USA 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile

: The second Nightwatch Optimus Prime was released as part of the "[[AllSpark Power]]" second half of the Movie line. He is similar to the UK version of Nightwatch Prime, replacing most of his red and blue with different shades of blue and black, retaining his resemblance to Diaclone Powered Convoy in most respects. However, the subdued black and copper on the first Nightwatch Prime have been replaced with gold and a ''very'' bright blue, to signify the All Spark energy affecting the Transformers. The translucent parts were also cast in purple translucent plastic instead of black translucent plastic.

: Another difference is that this version comes in an ''AllSpark Power''-style box instead of the original style.
{{-}}

[[Image:Premium movie OP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Cyclonus (G1)|Bunny-ears]] Prime.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' ("Premium Series" Leader Class, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Detachable, Retractable "energy sword"

: The Premium Series Optimus Prime is both a retool and a redeco of the Leader Class Optimus Prime toy. The major selling point is a more movie-accurate head sculpt with longer ears and detailing based on the final CG head design, and a flip-out energy sword to replace the ion blaster that was included with previous versions of the toy. This energy sword is detachable and attaches where the Ion Blaster did, compatible with non-premium Optimus Prime Leader-class-based releases. Because his ears are much longer, the truck roof panel that hides his head now has two holes cut into so the head can fit inside the cabin.

:The paint deco is...unfocused, to say the least. In vehicle mode, the grill, headlights, and bumpers (and thus his feet) are painted silver, yet the red in the small Autobot insignia has been removed. There is silver paint on the fuel tanks (toy battery cover), but not on the other tool boxes and equipment in the same location. There is also silver paint on all 6 wheel rims, the air cleaners and the windscreen visor. In robot mode, the silver paint is mainly located on his thighs and crotch, though in order to save on costs, the dark blue and gold paint on his thighs and knee joints have been sacrificed.

: Unlike the initial ''Premium Series'' toys, this one was available as part of the regular mass retail Leader class assortment.
{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Leader OptimusPrimeBattleMode.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He loves his lips so much, he won't let anyone sculpt them on his toys.]]
*'''Optimus Prime Battle Mode''' (Leader Class, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-21'''
**''Accessories:'' Detachable, Retractable "energy sword"

:The TakaraTomy version of Premium Series Optimus Prime has a considerably different deco from Hasbro's release. Similar to the unique chrome Optimus Prime, Optimus Prime Battle Mode features vacuum-metallized parts for nearly all of the silver truck parts, for a greater resemblance to the polished chrome on the real prop trucks. Unfortunately, as his feet are the front fenders and grill, this will likely lead to chipping. In robot mode, he retains several decos that were removed from Hasbro's Premium Optimus Prime for cost reasons, such as the blue and gold decos on his thighs. Finally, the flip-out energy sword is coloured gold to reflect its "powered up" appearance.
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:Movie FAB OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Okay mommy, me got my backback and big gun thingy. Me go to robot school now?" ]]
* '''Power Hook Optimus Prime''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''QC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' 1 Missile

:[[Fast Action Battler]] Power Hook Optimus Prime is a (roughly) Deluxe-class made for children of younger ages than the rest of the mainline and were designed to have quick conversion and action feature. He has a little string attached to his missle that was tied to his "backpack" for easy storage and so the little ones wouldn't lose the missle.

:He is rather inaccurate to Optimus Prime's design.
{{-}}

[[Image:Movie LeaderfortheAges 2pack.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The more things change, the more they, uh, get bigger guns.]]
* '''Leader for the Ages''' (Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 1 gun, 1 Missile

: This Wal*Mart-[[Exclusive|exclusive]] two-pack contains the ''Fast Action Battler'' Power Hook Optimus Prime toy, designated "2007 Optimus Prime", and the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] toy from ''The Ultimate Battle'' DVD two-pack. Both toys are identical to their normal individual releases.

: For some reason the ''Classics'' Optimus toy is designated "1984 Optimus Prime" on the packaging, even though it was released in 2006... but, well, he ''looks'' like Prime from '84, so hey, what the hell.

{{-}}
[[Image:Mov2007-toy FAB FireBlastPrime.JPG|right|300px|thumb|[[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus]], is that you?]]
*'''Fire Blast Optimus Prime''' (Fast Action Battler, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 1 Missile

: Fire Blast Optimus Prime is a [[Redeco|redeco]] of the previously released Power Hook Optimus Prime fast action battler. The color scheme is loosely based upon ''Generation 1'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], explained rather oddly in the card bio as being the camouflage Optimus took while hunting Decepticons on Mars post-movie. ...Because there are so many longnose cabs driving around Mars. Yeah.
{{-}}

====Cyber Slammers toys====
[[Image:Movie_CyberSlammers_Prime_toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Cyber Slammer, 2007)

: [[Cyber Slammer]]s Optimus Prime is an amazingly cute truck that transforms into an amazingly cute Autobot. "Slam" his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along for a while, then snaps back up into robot mode. Sure to please the toddler you brought with you to the PG-13 movie! Like most Cyber Slammers, Prime manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.

{{-}}
====Cyber Stompin' Robots====
[[Image:Movie Cyberstompin Prime toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Rescue Heroes!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Cyber Stompin' Robot, 2007)

:[[Cyber Stompin' Robots|Cyberstompin']] Optimus Prime is a non-convertible action figure made for younger children. He has light-up eyes, sounds, a launching fist feature and a "targeting scope" in his back. The scope worked similarly to a ''View Master'', and when you look through the scope, you see an image of Megatron.
{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====
[[Image:Optimusprimemovierobotreplicas.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Sword attachment arm sadly not included.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Robot Replica, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster arm

: As part of the [[Robot Replicas]] line, this version of Optimus is a non-transforming action figure that utilizes [[Revoltech]]-style jointing. The sculpt hews much closer to the movie CGI model than is possible with the full transforming toys, plus the universal jointing of the line allows for his forearm to be replaced with his hand-cannon... or bits from other Robot Replicas.

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Megatron vs. Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2007)

: This [[Walmart]]-exclusive two-pack includes "battle-damaged" redecos of Robot Replicas Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].
{{-}}

====Trans-Scanning====
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TS-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Display stand

: [[Trans-scan|Trans-scanning]] Optimus Prime is a Japanese-exclusive figure with many interchangeable parts. At its most basic, the figure is a spindly skeleton referred to as a "Core Body". To this skeleton, two sets of armor pieces can be attached to create one of two forms for Optimus Prime: his [[Protoform|protoform]] mode or his Earth mode.

: The protoform mode consists of eight pieces of metallic blue plastic that plug into the arms, chest, pelvis and legs of the figure. With these pieces attached, the figure can be manipulated in a manner that might charitably be called "transformation" into his meteor-like "entry mode," accomplished by doing little more than tucking the head out of sight and folding the chest back. This blue-and-grey lump can be mounted on a three-piece stand that comes with the figure, allowing you to display it in mid-plummet. Optimus Prime's Earth mode, meanwhile, is made up of many armor pieces (including a particularly large backpack) that form a rather [[Kibble|kibbly]] robot mode, which can then transform into a truck approximating a Peterbilt 379. We would go into what an abominable, unintuitive, parts-massaging ''mess'' this transformation is, but we wouldn't want to fill up the rest of the page.

: Optimus Prime also includes a pair of interchangeable, open-palmed hands that can be swapped out for the clenched fists that are in place in-package. The Core Body mold was re-used for the simultaneously released Trans-Scanning [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Trans-Scanning|Bumblebee]] figure.
{{-}}

====Other toys====
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Cake topper, 2007)

: Yes, a cake topper. This toy was only available by purchasing a ''Transformers''-brand cake (or set of 24 cupcakes) with delicious blue-and-red flame-pattern frosting. The toy transforms from semi cab to robot.
{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Spychanger, 2007)

:This toy is a redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' Spychanger [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]], painted to resemble ''Movie'' Optimus Prime. Of note is the [[Tampograph|tampographed]] detailing on his chest resembling ''Movie'' Prime's distinctive chest design. He was only available exclusively in Japan with a pre-order for the ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' DVD and HD-DVD.
{{-}}

====Micro IR ''Transformers'' Cars====
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime MicroIR.jpg|right|150px|thumb|That gun doesn't look very safe...]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2007)

: Made under license by [[RadioShack]]. The three-function infrared remote, in Optimus Prime's signature colors, gives you control of the truck with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a truck styled after the Movie character, it also transforms to robot mode. The top of the gun-shaped IR remote serves as a display stand, though the gun itself can't stand freely. The tip of the gun can also unscrews to reveal a hidden ball-point pen.
{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Movie TitaniumRM Prime.jpg|right|130px|thumb|"Groovy!"]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Masters, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Movie-style Autobot sigil display stand.

: Partially constructed of die-cast metal, this small three inch figurine of Optimus Prime has a CGI-accurate sculpt compared to the larger toys, owing to the fact it does not need to transform at all. He is sculpted with his Ion Blaster in his right fist, and is articulated at the neck, shoulders and waist. He comes with a small movie-style Autobot sigil display stand.
{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Ultimate Optimus Prime 3-Pack''' (3" Robot Masters multi-pack, 2007)

: This Target-exclusive set contains the normal 3" [[Titanium Series]] Optimus Prime figurine (see above), a Protoform Optimus Prime figurine, and Optimus Prime in his Earth-mode truck form, making this the first time a character has appeared in their alternate mode as part of the Robot Masters sub-series.
{{-}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF Legends OptimusPrime.jpg|right|301px|thumb|AT LAST! Two smokestacks!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''EZ-01'''
[[Image:ROTF Legends Prime Jetfire combo.jpg|thumb|left|Don't I look awesome with my corpse backpack?]]

:''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Legends class Optimus Prime is an all-new, much more accurate mold compared to the 2007 Legends class Prime, having a much greater accuracy in both robot and vehicle mode. In particular, his vehicle mode isn't inexplicably missing one smokestack like the 2007 toy.

: The top of the truck's bunk (ending up on his back in robot mode) has a slot to combine with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. For some reason, this isn't mentioned in the instructions, though they're hardly needed.

: During the May 30 launch event for the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline in [[Japan]], Legends Optimus were given out to attendees. The only difference is a sticker on the packaging commemorating the event.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Legends_OptimusPrime_Battledamage.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''EZ-01'''

: A "Battle Damaged" variant featured in the second wave of EZ Collection (the Japanese name for Legends class toys), with more elaborate, weathered paint applications.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF-toy_Legends_PowerArmorPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Power Armor Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2009)

:This [[redeco]] of Legends class Optimus Prime features a slightly darkened colour scheme and red legs.

{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Defender Optimus Prime''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

:A redeco of Legends Optimus Prime replacing his red plastic with more blue and silver, but sprucing things up a bit with red flame [[paint operation]]s. This toy was only available in Japan as part of their ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' promotion in March 2010. It was given away for free to customers who purchased ''Animated'' merchandise at Edion, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores.
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Voyager_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Look! I got a tan!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles

:Voyager Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of the toy from the [[Movie (toyline)|first movie's toyline]]. Like several redecos or retools of 2007 movie toys, there has been some effort to make this release noticeably different from the previous releases, though the toy ends up looking less accurate to the actual movie appearance than those previous releases. Optimus Prime has a sort of faded Autobot sigil on the side of the truck's bunk, and Chinese characters on the roof (ending up on his knee in robot mode.) The word "上海将军" means "Shanghai General" while "大将" means "Grand general".

{{charstubtoys|Needs info about the Japanese release, which is slightly different.}}
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Voyager_DefenderOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|Kaboom, yo. Ka-friggin-boom.]]
*'''Defender Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles

:This redeco of Voyager class Optimus Prime swaps out the red and some of the silver plastic with black and blue, changes the blue flames to red and silver.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Voyager_JetPowerOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|301px|Use your friends wisely.]]
*'''Jet Power Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UA-01'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles, sword, Jetfire armour parts

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

=====Mini-figure=====
[[Image:ROTF mini figure Optimus Prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He won't be [[Decapitation|taking]] [[The Fallen|anybody's]] faces at THAT size.]]
*'''Stratosphere''' (Voyager, 2009)
:Voyager class [[Stratosphere]] comes with a transformable Optimus Prime mini-figure that deploys from his cargo bay, based upon scenes from the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie. It is actually smaller than [[Smallest Transforming Transformers]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]. Go figure!

{{--}}

{{-}}

====Leader Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF Leader OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I will not stop telling you that I am Optimus Prime. Ever!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-01'''

:''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Leader-class Optimus Prime is an entirely different mold from the first movie's Leader-class Optimus Prime. While striving for vehicle realism and painstaking accuracy to his visual portrayal in the live-action films, this Optimus Prime is so complex, even the instructions won't help. Transforming him back into a truck is probably more complicated than shown in the movie and can only be considered ''torture''. Like the previous Prime, it is loaded with features, though it ditches the first movie's [[Automorph]]ing for the new [[Mech Alive]] gimmick. When a grey tab on his midriff is pressed, Prime's entire pectoral region "flexes", lights in his chest and eyes glow, and he declares "I am Optimus Prime" in [[Peter Cullen]]'s voice. For the European release of the figure, to get past the language barrier, the Cullen sound clip is abbreviated to just "Optimus Prime"; in some regions, including Quebec and the UK (but only after a month or two), both versions were made available. A transformation sound effect activates when his torso is transformed, and once Prime is in truck mode, an almost unnoticeable button (a small square located beside the screw for the battery compartment, undocumented in his instructions) is revealed, which activates engine-idling noises. Each arm features flip-out blades that trigger when a button on the forearm is pressed. Each of these blades has a [[Cyberglyphics|Cyberglyphic]] symbol on it. The blades severely restrict Prime's arm articulation when retracted, as they get in the way of the kibble, but as there is very little one can do with Prime's arms without causing the blades to deploy, this is hardly noticeable. One detail not reflected in most of Hasbro's photos is that the sun visors above Prime's windows are mounted on ball joints and can be positioned like they are in his CG design. The hood halves on his arms can slide up on their hinges and the blue panels at the back of Prime's lower legs can be pulled out slightly as well for further screen accuracy. Overall, the robot mode of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' leader class Optimus Prime toy is slightly taller and considerably more athletic-looking than the 2007 ''Transformers'' Leader-class Optimus Prime toy.

[[Image:ROTF_Leader_Jetfire_PowerUpPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Who's your daddy? He is.]]

:Optimus Prime can also combine with Leader-class [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] to form his super mode by slightly transforming his backpack and feet. Sadly, this takes away from his leg articulation, because otherwise he could never support the massive backpack he has in this mode. However, fans have created alternate configurations that increase leg articulation and movie-accuracy.

:Like several new-mold ''Revenge of the Fallen'' toys, Optimus Prime suffers from some cost-cutting measures that affected the final production version of the mold. According to Hasbro's stock photos/back-of-box photo of the hand-painted [[prototype]], the toolboxes on the sides of his legs were designed to fold away further for a sleeker, cleaner look. Additionally, the rear tires would have been able to split in half, with the inner half of the tire going inside the outer half to recreate the thin tires seen on Prime's CG design. Some articulation was lost on the toy between Hasbro stock photography and the final release. His fingers are no longer articulated; instead, the entire hand is now one molded piece. Finally, the lower arms appear to have been originally designed so that his hands could slide in or out of them during transformation. Sadly, he also lacks rubber tires, which the original movie Prime did have.

:The TakaraTomy release of Optimus Prime replaces the red plastic from his neck down to the middle of his pectorals with gray plastic. The smokestacks also are a different shade of gray, and are more opaque than the Hasbro release.

:The [[instructions]] for this toy are infamous for being amazingly vague and unclear in their visual depiction of the transformation steps.

:This version also can attach [[Energon Star]]s.
{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Limited Edition Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2009)

:This release of Optimus Prime was available at the May 23, 2009 midnight launch of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline at the [[Shanghai]] Toys 'R' Us. Limited to 576 pieces, this piece was presented in a wooden box with a numbered certificate, Autobot sigil dog tag, and of course, the leader class Optimus Prime toy. The toy itself was unchanged.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Leader_OptimusPrime_BlackVersion.jpg|thumb|right|300px|It's like Optimus and The Fallen had some illegitimate love child.....]]
*'''Optimus Prime Black Version''' (Leader, 2009)

:An [[exclusive]] to Amazon.co.jp bundled with the Japanese release of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVD, this redeco of Optimus Prime is another in a long line of [[Black repaint|black repaints]], swapping most of his red and blue plastic for black, some of his bright grey plastic for a cool grey and blue, covered with gold and silver flames. His orange blades are now translucent blue. Despite being a black repaint, the figure's color scheme homages Leader class Jetfire rather than any previous black Optimus Prime figure.

:TakaraTomy improved upon the original Leader-class Optimus Prime instruction sheet by including supplementary photographed steps that were previously vague or neglected in the original release.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Leader_BusterOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|Reinforcing the belief that Takara makes better toys than Hasbro.]]
*'''Buster Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-24'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 fuel tank/exhaust assemblies - combine into [[Ion blaster]]

:This version of Leader-class Optimus Prime features a new lower face sculpt that lacks a [[faceplate]], as well as the replacement of his fuel tank/exhaust assemblies with new, transforming versions that can combine into his ion blaster/barrage cannon. To the simultaneous pleasure and displeasure of people who had already purchased the first release of Leader-class ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Optimus Prime, Buster Optimus Prime features an extensive paint job that closely matches Prime's appearance on the big screen, including covering almost all of his grey plastic with silver paint or chrome, expanding and outlining all of the flame tampographs white for greater accuracy to [[ILM]]'s computer model, and generally painting in small details, nooks and crannies that were neglected on the first release due to cost-cutting reasons. The red and blue plastic colors also vary from the original release, to better match his film appearance.

:TakaraTomy improved upon the original Leader-class Optimus Prime instruction sheet by including supplementary photographed steps that were previously vague or neglected in the original release.
{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
* '''Jetfire''' / '''Buster Optimus Prime''' (Leader 2-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 2 fuel tank/exhaust assemblies - combine into [[Ion blaster]]

:This [[TakaraTomy]] Asian market [[exclusive]] Leader-class two-pack consists of a redecoed [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] and an altered Buster Optimus Prime. Buster Optimus Prime is almost identical to the single-pack Japanese release of the toy, but has a head with a faceplate, unlike the standalone Buster Prime. This head contains more paint details than the first release of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Leader-class Optimus Prime. The flames are outlined with light blue instead of white for accuracy to the physical truck prop (though it ends up being inaccurate in robot mode). Jetfire has a subtle, more [[show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] colour scheme.
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:ROTF FAB OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Two blades means ''twice'' the [[Decapitation|fun]]!]]
*'''Double Blade Optimus Prime''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

:Double Blade Optimus Prime is an all-new [[Fast Action Battler]]s version of Optimus Prime, with a much more accurate sculpt and a less-inaccurate transformation. He features two spring-loaded energy swords and a projectile launcher with a single [[missile]].

:For whatever reason, his elbows have been molded so as not to bend, despite actually having real pinned elbow joints. The plastic section in the way, however, can be easily sliced out to restore full functionality.
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF-toy_FAB_PowerArmorOptimus.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Power Armor Optimus Prime''' (Fast Action Battler, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

:Power Armor Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of Double Blade Optimus Prime, coloring much of the toy black.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Battle Chargers====
[[Image:ROTF_BattleChargers_OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Battle Charger, 2009)

:[[Robot Powered Machines|Battle Charger]] Optimus Prime is, much like the first movie line's [[Cyber Slammers]] Prime, a superdeformed truck from which a robot mode springs up as you play. The toy uses a [[pull-back motor]], and when pulled back and released, the toy's roof will flip open and Optimus Prime's cutesified robot mode will pop up.
{{-}}

{{picsneeded}}
*'''Cyber Armor Optimus Prime''' (Battle Charger, 2009)

:A redeco of the first Battle Charger with parts of the truck colored silver, such as the hood and hubcaps.
{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:ROTF GravityBots OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh no, Optimus let himself go [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|again]]!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Gravity Bot, 2009)

:''[[Gravity Bot]]s'' Optimus Prime is an extremely simplified version of Optimus with a small tab on the bottom of his feet that when he placed on his feet will automatically transform him to robot mode. There is also one on his back side that when placed upon will transform him to his vehicle mode.
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF-toy_GravityBots_BattleSteelPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Battle Steel Optimus Prime''' (Gravity Bot, 2010)

:A redeco of Gravity Bots Optimus featuring a gray hood with red flames.
{{-}}

====Mega Power Bots====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_MegaPowerBots_JetpowerOptimus.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Jetpower Optimus Prime''' (Mega Power Bot, 2009)

:[[Mega Power Bots]] Jetpower Optimus Prime represents the Autobot leader in his combined form with Jetfire. Designed for younger children, he is a large, bulky, non-transforming figure with limited articulation. Pressing the Autobot insignias on his chest and arm plays various sound effects and cause blue lights to flash in his head and gun.

:As a Mega Power Bot, Optimus features what his package claims to be a transformation: his wings can flip up to become his "flight mode".
{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====
[[Image:ROTF RobotReplicas OptimusPrime.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Finally, he's got the sword! Now where's the other one?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Robot Replica, 2009)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010_ROTF_Legends_Fireburst_Optimus_Prime.jpg|thumb|300px|Prime can't deal with you!]]
*'''Fireburst Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2010)

:Fireburst Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Optimus Prime, retaining all the functionality of the previous releases, including the undocumented ability to combine with Jetfire.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010_ROTF_Voy_BattleBladesOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Battle Blades Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' Matrix of Leadership, 2 smokestack-gun assemblies

Battle Blades Optimus is a brand new mold that attempts to replicate the ROTF leader's design,he is much more movie accurate than the previous voyager. His blades are made of soft plstic.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Leader Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010_ROTF_LeaderOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|Reinforcing the belief that Hasbro makes better toys than Takara.]]
*'''Battle Hooks Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2010)

: This retool of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Leader-class Optimus Prime features the head from Buster Optimus Prime and has had his blades replaced with semi-articulated hooks for face-destroying action! He also sports black splotches on his body and head to signify battle damage.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Activators====
[[Image:TF2010-toy_Activators_OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Activator, 2010)

:A small and simple toy, ''[[Activators]]'' Optimus Prime features [[autotransformation]] from truck to robot, activated by a button on his roof.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Power Bots====
[[Image:TF2010-toy_PowerBots_OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2010)

:''[[Power Bots]]'' Optimus Prime is similar to the Mega Power Bot from ''Revenge of the Fallen'', but depicts Prime's regular form with his swords deployed. He does not transform, but plays various sounds if you press his Autobot insignia or move his arms.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers'' 3D Battle-Card Game===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (3D Battle-Card, 2007)
**''Card number:'' '''9'''

:Optimus Prime is a 54-point "Rare" piece in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]. Constructed of punch-out pieces from randomly packed plastic cards (two full robots per pack), he can be assembled into his truck mode or into a long-legged robot mode.

:His card construction was not reused.

===Transformers (2007)===
*'''Transformers Gummy Candy''' (2006)

:Made by the [[Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company]] at the behest of [[Hasbro]]'s Cap Candy Company unit, this large Optimus Prime-shaped [[Transformers Gummy Candy|gummy candy]] was available throughout 2006 to 2007. Also available was an [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]-shaped gummy candies.

{{-}}
[[Image:MoviePrime Voicechanger helmet.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hardly ''anyone'' was wearing these damn things at [[BotCon 2007]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime Voice Changer''' (2007)

:A highly CG-accurate sculpt of Optimus Prime's head with a built in voice-changer. It also has several sound effects and quotes from the movie. The voice-changer has three settings, giving more accurate alteration of the user's voice (though this is still debatable; most voice changing technology is pretty crummy, at least in toys). Much like the Ultimate Bumblebee figure, this toy will hate your wallet too. While it only costs 30 bucks, if it's anything like another Hasbro voice changer, it will suck batteries up like they were [[Energon Cube|some kind of square candy holder.]]

: There are two versions of the voice changer helmet with two different pre-recorded voices. An earlier release features the voice of [[Ron Hayden]], while the later release features the voice of [[Peter Cullen]]. The latter version has modified packaging under the 'Try Me!' blurb, stating it has 'Real Movie Voice!', though the updated version has also appeared in the original packaging without the 'Real Movie Voice!' notice.

{{-}}
[[Image:MoviePrime BattleRigBlaster.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Nor carrying these!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster''' (2007)
**''Accessories:''

:The Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster transforms from a superdeformed amalgamation of his ''Movie'' truck and G1 Optimus Prime's truck (indeed pulling G1 Prime's trailer) to a fully G1 robotic forearm and hand with a built in Nerf style gun. By simply placing your hand inside the back of the trailer (I need an adult!) and pulling back on the front of the truck, the gun transforms and folds back into a weapon. It comes with three [[Nerf]] N-Strike size whistle darts which can be stored inside the trailer. Although not shown in the image, the truck front splits in half in gun-mode, while the grille acts as a sight. This toy was marketed as 'Optimus Prime Big Rig Blaster' overseas.

{{-}}
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime RPBlaster.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Pew, Pew!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Blaster''' (2007)
**''Accessories:''

: An extensive [[redeco]] of the ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] role-play Blaster, this toy "transforms" basically by extending. It fires suction-cup-tipped Nerf darts and is a Wal*mart exclusive.

{{-}}
[[Image:Movie TFHandHeldGame.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Behold, the Autobot Gameboy of Leadership!]]
*'''Transformers Electronic Hand Held Game''' (2007)

:This LCD game features 10 levels and a design based on Optimus Prime.

{{-}}

*'''Optimus Prime Globe''' (2007)

[[Image:Optimus Prime globe.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I'm dreaming of an Autobot Christmas...]]
: A snow globe containing an Optimus Prime figurine based upon one of lower-detail licensing/promotional renders of Optimus Prime, complete with [[Optimus Primal|funky munky]] pose.

{{-}}
====ZipZaps® Micro RC====
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime ZipZaps.jpg|right|150px|thumb|In Soviet Russia, Prime controls YOU!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''6000182'''

: Optimus Prime is one of the first Transformers characters licensed by [[RadioShack]] for their ZipZaps line of pocket-size radio control cars. As a ZipZap, Optimus can be customized, trimmed, and tuned with any other accessories available for the brand. He has working headlights and requires four "AAA" batteries for the charger.

{{-}}
====Battling Robots Bubble Bath====
[[Image:Optimus prime bubblebath.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Bathtime fun is the right of all sentient beings.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2007)

:Optimus Prime's torso attaches to the bottle of bubble bath. His elbows bend, and his arms have a punching gimmick, to allow him to battle evil even in the shower. Pushing a lever on either side makes the respective fist punch forward. He's removable, though not as easily held without the bottle below his waist.

{{-}}

====XKites====
[[Image:Movie_XKites_OptimusPrime_SkyDelta52.jpg|thumb|200px|A Jetpower prime prototype. They cut this model due to the lack of any legs.]]
*'''SkyDelta 52 Transformers Kite''' (2007)

:[[XKites]] made several poly delta kites with stock images of ''Transformers'' characters printed on them. This model had a 52" wingspan and a fibreglass airframe, and featured an image of Optimus Prime.
{{-}}

====Basic Fun====
*'''Articulated keychain''' (2007)

: Produced by [[Basic Fun]], this keychain is a likeness of Optimus Prime's robot mode with articulated arms, legs, head, waist, and a keyring sticking out of his ass.

*'''Slide puzzle keychain''' (2007)

: Produced by Basic Fun, this keychain is a likeness of Optimus Prime's robot mode attached to a sliding puzzle frame. The puzzle itself is the Autobot symbol.

*'''Talking keychain''' (2007)

: Produced by Basic Fun, this keychain features several clips of Prime's voice.

*'''Projector carabiner''' (2007)

: Yet another Basic Fun joint, this is a carabiner that shines a Bat-Signal like image of Optimus Prime onto a flat surface. Neat.
====Transformers Movie Danglers====
[[Image:Movie Optimus Prime dangler.jpg|right|174px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2007)

:Released by [[Tomy Yujin]] in November 2007 as part of the [[Danglers Collection]], this toy is a weird plastic [[Super-deformed|super-deformed]] version of Optimus Prime that pops out his vehicle mode when you squeeze him. This little figurine has a little strap on it so that it can be put on cell phones or portable gaming devices.

{{-}}
====Transformers Movie Screen Cleaners====
[[Image:Movie Optimus Prime Screencleaner.jpg|right|102px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2008)

:Released by Tomy Yujin on January 2008, this dangler is a faction logo-shaped screen cleaner for your cell phone, with a stock image of Optimus Prime printed on the other side.And he's on fire, too.Burn, baby, burn!

{{-}}
====Unleashed====
[[Image:Movie2007_Unleashed_OptimusPrime.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2008)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

====Health Science Labs====
*'''Bye-Bye Boo-Boo''' (2009???)
[[Image:Bye-Bye Boo-Boo.jpg|right|150px|thumb|[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Yet]] [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|another]] [[Jetfire (G1)|frozen]] [[Megatron (Movie)|Transformer]].]]

:'''Bye-Bye Boo-Boo''' is a therapeutic icey thingy. It helps make your boo-boo's all better so you feel all better! The outside looks like [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and feels really soft. It has a [[Wikipedia:Cold_pack|squishy thing]] you can pull out too. But remember, you gotta put it the freezer for two WHOLE hours before you can use it.

{{-}}

===Burger King===
[[Image:MovieMerchandise-BurgerKingOptimus.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2007)
:The BK tie-in toy of Optimus Prime is essentially two toys in one. The first part of the toy consists of two truck halves, which snap together around a sculpted robot-mode Optimus Prime. The truck is squat and primarily blue, with outbursts of chalk-gray paint and red flames. Pulling back and letting go activates the gimmick: Prime "drives" forward and bursts from the truck mode, "transformed" to robot mode. This gimmick has marginal success.

:The "robot mode" of Optimus Prime is where the pullback motor and working wheels of the toys lie. Optimus is sculpted in blue plastic, pre-posed in an odd, crouching position with zero points of articulation. His right knee is bent back, with his right arm touching his knee, while the left side has the leg forward and the left hand holding onto his butt. The toy is as sparsely painted as the truck, with light blue eyes and chest windows, gray hands and feet among other parts, and red forearms. Two panels on his back have red flame tongues on them. He looks like he's scratching his butt.

{{-}}

[[Image:ROTFMerchandise-BurgerKingOptimus.jpg|right|thumb|200px|"No need for you to give me your face—I have a spare."]]
*'''Ultimate Prime''' (2009)
:This small statuette of Optimus comes with a Blackbird plane representing Jetfire's alternate mode. The plane splits in two, and the two parts can be clipped onto Optimus to replicate the climax to ''Revenge of the Fallen''. The front section of the plane has a black Optimus face which sits in front of Optimus's own face.
{{--}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===
*'''Optimus Prime Voice Changer''' (2009)

{{charstubtoys}}

[[Image:3D-optimus-prime-costume.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Trick or treat, smell my feet, GIVE ME YOUR FACE!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Halloween costume''' (2009)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_OptimusPrime_Popboxstatue.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime Statuette''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' One set of open hands (left & right), one set of closed fists (left & right), two Energon Swords (left & right)

:Released by [[PopBox Collectables]], this rather expensive, 12-inch tall polystone statue of Optimus Prime features over 100 individual parts, is hand-painted with water-slide decals of his flame patterns, and features two sets of hands and Energon Swords. The statue comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity, for those people who want proof that some factory in China produced this expensive piece of mass-market merchandising.

:His head is hilariously over-sized... for a Transformer. If he were human, it would be fine.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}
====RPMs - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Commander Series=====
[[Image:ROTF RPMs OptimusPrime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)
**''Number:'' '''01 of 04'''

:Optimus Prime's first toy in the ''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' subline is a "Mini-Vehicle"—a small, non-transforming version of his vehicle mode. A sculpted image of Prime's robot mode can be seen on the truck's underside. He features through-axle construction similar to the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]]s, letting him zip along smooth surfaces (and compatible racetrack sets) at high speed.

{{-}}

=====Battle Series=====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_OptimusPrime_vs_Bonecrusher.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs. Bonecrusher''' (2009)
**''Number:'' '''03 of 08'''

:Mini-Vehicle Optimus Prime was also available in a two-pack with [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. The toy is identical to its "Commander Series" release.

{{-}}
=====Radio Control=====
[[Image:ROTF RPMradiocontrol OptimusPrime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

: Radio Control Optimus Prime is a non-transforming remote-control car with a controller shaped like his robot mode. Batteries (of Hasbro's own [[Powrfuel]] brand) were included for the controller, but not for the car.

{{-}}

====Robo-Q Transformers====
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

:This tiny radio-controlled [[Robo-Q]] Optimus Prime figure can be charged by directly plugging him into the back of the controller unit, and on a full charge he can waddle around a flat surface. The figure features lights while the controller has sounds.

{{-}}

====Transformers Wacky Wobblers====
[[Image:WackyWobblers_ROTFOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

: This Optimus Prime [[wikipedia:Bobblehead|bobblehead]] is part of the popular ''[[Wacky Wobblers]]'' line produced by [[wikipedia:Funko|Funko]]. Naturally, has a big ol' wobbly head but not much else.

{{-}}

====Transformers Backpacks====
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

:Made by [[Fab Starpoint]], these backpacks are allegedly "engineered for style, safety, comfort...and saving the Universe!" One design is black with red and blue highlights and a stock image of Optimus Prime, while the other features a much more fiery colour scheme, covered with Cybertronic hieroglyphs and a stock image of Optimus Prime with his energy sword drawn.
{{-}}

====Basic Fun====
*'''Articulated keychain''' (2009)

: Produced by [[Basic Fun]], this keychain is a likeness of Power Up Optimus Prime's robot mode with articulated arms, legs, head, waist, and a keyring sticking out of his ass.

*'''Mini Figural Clip-Ons''' (2009)
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}
====Figure Collection====
[[Image:ROTF-Merchandise Figure Collection Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Stand
:The [[Figure Collection]] edition of Optimus Prime is based on his [[#Leader_Class_toys_2|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Leader class toy]], and has his sword molded onto his right arm.

{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
[[Image:TF2010_roleplay_OpCyberSword.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime Cyber Sword''' (Roleplay, 2010)

:This role play toy weapon of Optimus Prime's Energon Sword features a handle like a traditional sword, rather than attaching to the user's arm in some manner.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Roleplay, 2010)

:A simple plastic mask based on Optimus Prime's face.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}
*'''Optimus Prime Complete Child's Costume''' (Roleplay, 2010)

:An Optimus Prime costume consisting of a printed suit and a plastic mask (different from the one above).

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH Prime vs Blackout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Booga-booga!]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Blackout''' (2007)

: Packaged with [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], Optimus Prime is the standard [[Robot Heroes|Robot Hero]] style of cute and cuddly. His arm is in the Ion Cannon mode, and unlike many Robot Heroes, he's not crouching. He's highly posable for a Robot Hero figure, featuring four points of articulation: both shoulders swivel, his neck turns, and he has a waist joint. This toy was later redecoed into Best Buy Exclusive "Battle Damage" Optimus Prime and Walmart Exclusive "Allspark Power" Optimus Prime.

{{-}}
[[Image:Rhscorpprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's cute as he violently decapitates [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|rage-filled mechanoids]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Scorponok''' (2007)

: Packaged with [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], Optimus Prime is now brandishing his sword arm weapon instead of the Ion Cannon. Sadly, the weapon is not film-accurate, being silver instead of orange. Notably, this is the only piece of Optimus Prime merchandise to have a mouth instead of a mouthplate. It is articulated at the neck and shoulders.

{{-}}
[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BestBuy Cliffjumper OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Otherwise known as Needs-a-Bathimus Prime.]]
*'''"Battle Damage" Optimus Prime & Cliffjumper''' (Best Buy Movie DVD Exclusives)

: Packaged with [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], this is a redeco of the first Robot Heroes figure in a battle damage paint job. It has all the articulation of the initial release, and boasts an extensive amount of paint apps, including a thorough "dirt wash" on the entire toy. It was sold exclusively in Best Buy stores, packaged with the two-disc special edition of the [[Transformers (2007)|film]]

{{-}}
[[Image:Robotheroesfinalbattle.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Remember that part of the movie where Prime glows blue with Allspark Power?]]
*'''The Final Battle''' (2008)

: Packaged with redecoed versions of Autobot Jazz, Autobot Ratchet, Blackout, and Megatron. It retains all four points of articulation. The new deco is very similar to the original, but with added outbursts of Allspark Blue paint. The five-pack was sold exclusively at Wal*Mart.

{{-}}
[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BarricadeVsOptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Two-fisted justice!]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Barricade''' (2008)

: Packaged with [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], this is the first Optimus Prime Robot Heroes figure to be unarmed. Sculpted in a two-fisted stance akin to the one he had when first arriving in Mission City, it boasts sharper sculpted detail than its predecessors. Articulation is the standard three points: both shoulders and his head.

{{-}}
*'''Optimus Prime & Blackout''' (2009)
[[Image:Robotheroesoptimusblackout.jpg|right|thumb|300px|After two years, Blackout's still trying to purple nurple him.]]

:Mirroring the very first ''Movie'' Robot Heroes Optimus Prime pack, he comes with Blackout. While Blackout is a [[Redeco|redeco]] of the previous mold, Optimus Prime is an all-new sculpt with two swords, reflecting the other Optimus Prime toys in the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline.
{{-}}
[[Image:RobotHeroes_BattlefortheAllspark.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Big-rig Prime.]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (2009)

:Packaged in a set depicting the battle in [[Mission City]] with [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Ratchet (Movie)|Autobot Ratchet]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], plus new figures of [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] in fighter mode and Bumblebee in vehicle mode, this is the first Optimus Prime Robot Heroes figurine in vehicle mode. He has a very big behind.

{{-}}
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronfallenprimejetfireironhide.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The most adorable corpse suit ever.]]
*'''Battle for the Fallen''' (box set, 2009)
:This ''Robot Heroes'' box set of figures comes with [[The Fallen]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (tank mode), Jetpower Optimus Prime, and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] (truck mode).

{{-}}
[[Image:Robotheroestwinswidewaysprimedemolishorsideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Otherwise known as the "What Geneva Convention?" set.]]
*'''Shanghai Shootout''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
:Shanghai Shootout replicates the opening action scene from ''Revenge of the Fallen'', featuring figurines of [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]/[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] (ice cream truck), [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] (vehicle mode), Optimus Prime, [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]], and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] (vehicle mode). Demolishor is a slightly-oversized figure and the centerpiece of the box set.

{{-}}

===Mighty Muggs===
[[Image:MightyMuggs_MovieOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

: This [[super-deformed]], non-transformable Optimus Prime figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in his neck and arms. Like the rest of his wave, Optimus Prime was an exclusive at Diamond Distributors and [[Toys"R"Us]] stores.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/index.php?f_series_id=64&f_subgroup=&f_name=optimus&f_type=exact Galleries of various different Optimus Prime toys from the Movie]
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Robo-VisionOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Convention guests]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys with sound]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Optimus Prime (Animated)

2009-11-30T01:20:42Z

74.180.20.69:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{Template:Disambig3|Optimus Prime}}

:''Optimus Prime is an [[Autobot]] in the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:OptimusPrimeAnimated.JPG|right|thumb|300px|"Freedom... [[Megatron (BW)|Yeesss]]..."]]

A washout from the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]], '''Optimus Prime''' was reassigned to [[space bridge]] repair duty under the supervision of [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]. He is a relatively naive and idealistic young leader, prone to long-winded "inspirational" speeches who leads a small and inexperienced Autobot [[space bridge]] maintenance team. Recently, his crew has landed on [[Earth]], adopted jobs as semi-official superheroes and currently live in an abandoned Sumdac Systems warehouse.

Despite his humble "Bot Next Door" persona, he performs his job with a dedicated seriousness. He transforms into a red truck cab that can be fitted with many kinds of "[[trailer]]" attachments (most notably one that makes him look like a fire engine) and wields a kick-ass, rocket-propelled, extendable battle axe, as well as multiple arm mounted modifications, including grappler cables, fire extinguishers and bola-whip throwers. Despite his formidable abilities and skills, not everyone thought so highly of the young Prime. [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] sneers at Optimus's lowly repair job, and [[Supreme Commander]] [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] once held the young officer in low regard. More than anything, Prime wanted to be a hero. He's had the speeches, he had the moves...but what was he missing? Maybe [[Stan Bush|The Touch]]?

But since coming to Earth, Optimus has learned the truth about heroism. It's not about glory and destiny, it's about doing the right thing and going to your limit and beyond. Ratchet, for all his cynicism, knows that Prime is a hero, and after seeing him in action, Ultra Magnus himself admitted that Optimus has excellent leadership skills.

{{Quote|So, this is what it feels like to be a hero...|Optimus upon his death|"[[Transform and Roll Out]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[David Kaye]] (English), [[Bernd Vollbrecht]] (German), [[Krzysztof Korzeniowski]] (Polish), [[Marco Balzarotti]] (Italian)

''During his training days at the [[Autobot Academy]], Optimus impressed Ultra Magnus with his performance in a computer simulated battle against [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. Although Optimus "died" in the battle, causing his boisterous pal Sentinel to make a crack at his expense, Magnus pointed out that Optimus had just scored higher on the test than anyone in Academy history, and let Optimus know he had great hopes for him.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 5#Survival Skills|Survival Skills}}

[[Image:Alongcameaspiderthreefriends.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Whoa-oh! Surprise hug from Mr. Freaky-Big!"]]

A thousand stellar cycles ago, Optimus and [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Elita-1]] accompanied Sentinel on an unpermitted mission to [[Archa Seven|a forbidden organic planet]] in search of a lost [[Decepticon]] [[Twilight (Animated)|ship]] rumored to be carrying a huge payload of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] [[energon cube|cubes]]. The mission was declared a wash when the trio discovered that the planet was infested with giant spiders, but the trio found that their retreat was not an easy one. Separated from Sentinel in the chaos of a spider attack, Optimus and Elita found the Decepticon ship and its coveted energon cubes, only to be surrounded by another swarm of spiders. Optimus had Elita download his grappler abilities so that they could bring a giant stalactite down on the creatures, causing the energon cubes to explode in the process. As they attempt to swing their way to safety, however, Elita's download timed out and she plummeted back down into the heart of the conflagration, just as Sentinel arrived to bear witness. Knowing that to go after her would mean death, Optimus held Sentinel back from pursuing Elita and forcibly dragged him back to the surface just before they were caught in the explosion. {{storylink|Along Came a Spider}}

Sentinel never forgave Optimus for making him leave Elita behind, and bore a grudge against him for the next thousand years, constantly belittling him and sniping at him. When the failed mission came to the attention of Ultra Magnus, the two were brought to a military tribunal. Sentinel gladly placed the blame for Elita-1's death at Optimus' feet, and gallantly, Optimus took the fall for leading the mission. He was discharged from the Academy, never to join the Elite Guard. Luckily for Optimus, Magnus thought that maybe the bot he once had such high hopes for still had some potential, and gave him the rank of "Prime" and his own ship...a rusted out junker filled with the incompetent young bots [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]], plus a crotchety old medic, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]].

During one of their routine [[Space Bridge]] terminal repair missions, Optimus Prime's crew stumbled upon a bot named [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] who was trying to complete his [[Cyber-Ninja]] training. Unfortunately, an [[energon cube]] explosion destroyed his ship, so Optimus offered Prowl a place on his crew. The would-be cyber-ninja expressed frustration at the constant curveballs life had thrown at him thus far, and Optimus noted that he could easily relate to that sentiment.
{{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

[[Image:Ani crew.JPG|left|thumb|300px|Call me Captainimus Prime!]]

Fifty years ago, Prime and his crew came across the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] while repairing a space bridge and brought the artifact aboard their ship. During transport, they were discovered by the [[Decepticon]]s, and [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] came after them. He proved too strong to take head on (in spite of [[Starscream (Animated)|his subordinate]] planting a bomb on his chassis), but when [[Teletran-1]] neared [[Earth]], Prime knocked Megatron overboard. The Autobots stayed in stasis for the next 50 years until they were accidentally awakened by an apparent intruder. Optimus and the Autobots took on Earth vehicles as alternate modes in an attempt to assimilate with what they believed to be the local dominant culture. Prime and his team were able to dispatch a bio-mechanical insectoid that was attacking Detroit. They were hailed as heroes for it.

[[Image:Sariprime.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Insert what where?!]]

Over the next several weeks, the Autobots got to learn human culture and customs, doing their best to prevent disasters and save lives. Eventually, Starscream came for the AllSpark, and Optimus found that the schemer could pack quite a punch. The Autobot officer was still able to keep Starscream from getting the artifact, though at the cost of his life. However, he was quickly revived by [[Sari Sumdac]] and her AllSpark-influenced [[AllSpark Key|key]]. Later, the Autobots helped rebuild parts of Detroit that were destroyed in their battle with Starscream. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

Unfortunately for Optimus, he had gained a reputation outside of Earth's atmosphere—not as a hero, but as the slayer of Megatron. The Decepticon [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] placed a large bounty on his head, and pretty soon, [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] came to collect. He captured Prime and stole his axe and grapplers. Fortunately, Ratchet saved him, finally getting the old bot to open up more. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}}

[[Image:TFA ep9 Optimus and Blackarachnia rooftop.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Optimus Prime is all left feet, but that's still not as many as Blackarachnia.]]

During the Autobots' first [[Halloween]] on Earth, the Decepticon [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] ambushed [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] and kidnapped Sari. When Optimus Prime tried to fight Blackarachnia, she dodged all his moves, as she had trained with him. Prime was shocked to learn that Blackarachnia was his old Autobot Academy classmate Elita-1, who hadn't died but been mutated while fighting off the giant arachnids those many years ago. Blackarachnia tried to use Sari's AllSpark key to remove the organic aspects from her biology, but the key began to drain the life from everything organic around and nearly killed Blackarachnia herself. Prime removed the key, saving Blackarachnia and the organics. Still calling her Elita, Prime tried to convince her to return to the Autobots so they could try and help her. She repaid that kindness by injecting him with venom and telling him that she would never trust him again. Prime was left to reflect on the friend he'd failed not once, but twice. {{storylink|Along Came a Spider}}

When Decepticon energy signals were detected near the city, the Autobots quickly realized that their options were limited. Bulkhead mentioned that the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] might help, forcing [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] to reveal how the two moved them to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]]. Prime's reaction was...displeased, to say the least. Ranting that all he had to command were insubordinate malfunctions, Prime also concluded that the Key was no longer safe with Sari, and he ordered Ratchet to take it from her. As Sari ran off crying, Bumblebee mouthed off that their situation was an indication that Prime was unfit for command.

[[Image:Megatron Rising Optimus rant.JPG|right|170px|thumb|[[wikipedia:Red_Forman|Dumbasses]]!]]

Heading to Dinobot Island, Prime did not get off to a good start with [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]], mostly because Grimlock considered him lunch. After Prowl smoothed things over, Prime tried to convince them to help the Autobots fight the Decepticons, but Grimlock was uninterested. Receiving word from Ratchet that the Key had been stolen, Prime ordered Ratchet to guard the AllSpark while the Autobots headed back for the mainland. Prime himself also began to wonder if he was fit for command, seeing as all his decisions had blown up in his face. When Bumblebee contacted the Autobots to inform them that Starscream was at [[Sumdac Tower]], he refused Prime's order to hold back and went to attack the Decepticon on his own. Prime dryly noted that the day just kept getting better and better.

Then everything pretty much went to Hell when Megatron burst out of Sumdac Tower, to the shock and horror of just about everyone. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

Quickly regaining their composure, the Autobots attacked. Megatron beat the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of them. Though Optimus fared slightly better, Megatron still brought him down fairly quickly. They were only able to escape when Megatron punished Starscream for his betrayal. Taking refuge within Sumdac Tower, [[Isaac Sumdac|Professor Sumdac]] explained his role in Megatron's revival and helped repair the Autobots with residual key energy. After Bumblebee called Prime to answer for his earlier assessment of them, Prime admitted he was wrong and asked them for forgiveness. When Ratchet and Sari showed up with Teletran-1, the Autobots took flight, hoping to lure the Decepticons away from Earth to prevent human casualties. Unfortunately, the Decepticons shot down the vessel and caused it to crash on Dinobot Island.

[[Image:Megatron Rising Optimus Megatron Key shove.JPG|left|200px|thumb|"Now, light our darkest hour!"]]

As the Autobots took on the Decepticons, Optimus faced down Megatron, which went as well as the first time. When Megatron got into the Autobots' ship, he took the AllSpark and placed the powerful artifact within him, using it as a weapon against Prime. However, Megatron had dropped the key, and Sari threw it to Prime. The Autobot officer used the key to send a surge of energy through the AllSpark, causing it to disperse while still in Megatron. With the threat passed, Prime apologized to Sari and returned the key, saying it was too important to be trusted with an Autobot. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

After the battle with the Decepticons, the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]] arrived to take the AllSpark back to Cybertron. Optimus explained that the AllSpark had been dispersed and that the Decepticons had been defeated. Sentinel Prime accused Optimus of lying and took every chance he could to belittle his former friend, but [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] decided to investigate their claims. Optimus took them to Dinobot Island, but the Autobots did not make a good impression on the Dinobots. Before they could investigate, they received a message from Ratchet, saying that [[police drone]]s had gone haywire at a Sumdac Systems manufacturing plant. Optimus managed to get Sari inside and shut off the assembly line, but the key was stuck in the console. Before Optimus could help, Sentinel pushed him aside and promised to see Optimus charged for high treason. Tired of Sentinel's slag, Optimus finally stuck up for himself and told Sentinel where to shove it, destroying the console the key was stuck in and revealing an AllSpark fragment. Ultra Magnus accepted the shard as proof of Optimus Prime's claims. Though Sentinel still refused to believe him, Magnus said that Optimus Prime displayed many qualities that Sentinel himself could use. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}

[[Image:Returnofheadmaster optimuslaughs.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ha ''Ha!'' [[Decapitation]].]]

When Sentinel and Optimus were at a press conference with [[Augustus Edsel|Mayor Edsel]], they received a call about a Decepticon sighting in old Detroit. After Sentinel mangled the roads en route, he told Optimus to split up and search on his own. Hours later, Optimus received a communication to from Sentinel to dismiss the police and come to Sentinel's location alone—and not to laugh when he got there. What Optimus found was Sentinel Prime's severed head, with his [[Structure|body]] having been stolen by the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]]. He promised to help Sentinel find his body without letting Ultra Magnus or the other Autobots know, but not before taking a moment or two to enjoy the situation.

Heading for Sumdac Tower, Optimus confronted [[Porter C. Powell]], who denied knowing where Masterson was and told him the Autobots were no longer welcome at the facility. Optimus left, but immediately tapped in on Powell and Masterson's phone conversation, letting Optimus track Masterson to the docks. After encountering mini-Headmasters in the form of [[Tutor Bot]] and [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]], Optimus was able to get aboard the ship before it sailed away. Finding the Headmaster with Sentinel Prime's body, Optimus Prime proceeded to beat the living slag out of his attacker, much to Sentinel's discomfort. Finally defeating the mad scientist, Optimus reattached Sentinel's head to his body, but Masterson walked away due to legal technicalities. When Ultra Magnus asked them about it the next day, Optimus covered for Sentinel, saying that Sentinel had volunteered to use himself as bait to capture Masterson, and Magnus praised their bravery. In an awkward moment, Sentinel thanked Optimus for all he'd done, and the two shook hands amicably. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}}

[[Image:Sentinel vs Optimus%2C with Jazz in the middle.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Jay Leno VS. Bruce Campbell, Battle of [[chin]]s.]]

When word of Decepticon attacks came after learning that Megatron was still alive, Ultra Magnus decided that Optimus and his Autobots would be needed elsewhere repairing damaged space bridges. The Elite Guard also wanted Optimus to...leave out that whole destruction of the AllSpark and Megatron's survival thing for the time being. When they detected an AllSpark shard energy signature in a human train, the Elite Guard went to retrieve it. Detecting Starscream, Optimus realized it was a trap and was forced to place stasis cuffs on Sentinel Prime to leave the Elite Guard's ship. Meeting up with his crew, he helped them remove the shard and save the humans. Magnus and Sentinel, who by now had broken out of his cuffs, were about to rip Optimus a new one for insubordination, assault, and the lack of evidence over the Decepticons—at which point Starscream's body crashed mere meters away from them, having been offlined by Megatron (again). When Starscream knocked out Ultra Magnus, Optimus took command (much to Sentinel's displeasure). He managed to place the stasis-cuffs on Starscream, and Ultra Magnus decided that Optimus Prime and his team would be allowed to stay on Earth, locate the remaining AllSpark shards, and arrest the remaining Decepticons. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

Later on, when Bulkhead brought [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] and [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] back to Autobot headquarters, Optimus was not impressed with their antics and demanded that they leave. Optimus warned Bulkhead that the duo were not worth spending time with and that they were not capable of learning the ways of an Autobot. After the Constructicons were 'persuaded' by Megatron that their talents would be better utilized in the Decepticon ranks, Prime was furious and despite Bulkhead's insistence that they were his friends, Optimus questioned that they didn't know any better.

Unfortunately, he was proved right when Mixmaster and Scrapper showed up and demanded that they hand over the AllSpark fragments, to which Prime naturally refused. A struggle ensued (in which Ratchet and Bumblebee insisted Prime was 'their dipstick') and Mixmaster held Bumblebee hostage and demands the AllSpark. Prime tried to stall for time and Bulkhead handed over the fragments, to Prime's dismay. Bulkhead then 'had one for the road' and his scheme came to light. With the fragments retrieved, Optimus consoled a distraught Bulkhead and assured him that as long as the Constructicons (now having lost their memory due to the explosion caused by the tainted oil) were not wearing Decepticon badges, they still had a choice. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

[[Image:Animated Black Friday Prime Meltdown.jpg|right|175px|thumb|At the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall melt.]]

After learning that the Dinobots helped Meltdown escape, Prime took Prowl and Bumblebee to investigate Dinobot Island. There, he learned that Blackarachnia was manipulating the Dinobots, and had struck a deal with Meltdown to remove her organic half. However, Meltdown needed a genetic modifier. Blackarachnia, having poisoned Prowl and Bumblebee with her venom, told Prime to help Grimlock get the modifier in exchange for the antivenom that would save his Autobots. Though Prime tried to convince Grimlock of Blackarachnia's evil intentions, Grimlock would hear none of it. Returning to the mainland, Prime revoked his "protector of humanity" title long enough for Grimlock to "convince" [[Porter C. Powell]] to tell them where the modifier was. When Powell realized it was valuable, Prime was tempted to let Grimlock finish him off, but decided the Autobots didn't have time. Returning to Dinobot Island, Meltdown turned the tables on them, revealing that he planned to remove Blackarachnia's organic half, and sicced [[Fusion creature|his experiments]] on Prime and Grimlock. With the other Dinobots help, they sent the mutants packing. Prime then removed the modifier before Meltdown could finish his experiments, and exposure to the modifier caused Meltdown to break apart. Blackarachnia urged Optimus to come closer, but Grimlock's jealousy caused him to attack, allowing Blackarachnia to flee. When Prime went to Prowl and Bumblebee, he found the anti-venom, and saved their sparks. Although Powell tried to have Prime arrested, Fanzone refused to do anything about it. Because she left the anti-venom, however, Optimus Prime was hopeful that somewhere beneath the anger and betrayal of Blackarachnia, there was still something left of Elita-1. {{storylink|Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday}}

When Bulkhead was kidnapped by Megatron, Bumblebee brought home [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]], an Elite Guard intelligence agent who had been assigned to monitor the Decepticons and investigate Optimus Prime's crew (good odds on [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|the one]] who gave Blurr his orders). When Blurr revealed where the Decepticons were, and that they were building a space bridge with Isaac Sumdac's help, Prime ordered Ratchet and Sari to get the ship back online, while he and the others went to rescue Bulkhead and stop the Decepticons. Before he left, he admitted that he wasn't sure if Professor Sumdac was willingly cooperating with the Decepticons, but promised Sari that he would bring him home alive. Heading to the mines, they were ambushed by Blitzwing and Lugnut, who were incapacitated by Blurr. Reaching the control room, the Autobots were incapaciated by the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]]. Fortunately, the Decepticons were too busy with the sudden arrival of Starscream and [[Starscream clone|his clones]] to immediately kill them. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Managing to free himself, Optimus found himself in the odd position of fighting side by side with Megatron. But the battle went against the Autobots, with Blurr and a pair of clones sucked into the space bridge and the other Autobots incapacitated. In typical Decepticon fashion, Megatron used Prime as a human shield against the clones. After the battle, Megatron decided to use Prime as a test to see if the space bridge worked, where Prime would eliminated by [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] if it did. Fortunately, Prowl managed to get free from his stasis cuffs and shatter Optimus Prime's, allowing him to grapple Megatron. However, the power cut out, forcing Megatron to use the severed head of Starscream to further power the bridge, causing an overload. Prime managed to slap stasis cuffs on Megatron, taking him into the bridge, but the Autobots were nearly sucked in when [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] arrived and sacrificed himself to save them. As the bridge self-destructed, the Autobots managed to escape before the mountain came down on top of them. Though mourning the losses of Omega and Blurr, Megatron's plot was foiled, and the Autobots could breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Sighs of relief which turned to gasps of shock and horror when Sari noticed that the skin of her arm had been torn...revealing robotic circuitry underneath! {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

Leaving the mine, Optimus carried Sari and Isaac with him as the Professor explained what he knew of Sari's origins: years ago, Sumdac found a body of liquid metal, which he touched, and Sari emerged. Remembering all too well the horror story of human manufacturing, Optimus pointed out several flaws in Isaac's story. Optimus provided the necessary muscle to prevent Porter C. Powell and Henry Masterson from trying anything funny when Isaac returned to Sumdac Tower and fired the two, and was on hand to witness Sari activated some sort of weapons system to eject them. Horrified, Sari decided she was better off with her "fellow machines", and Optimus promised to keep her safe until she was ready to talk. Realizing that she wasn't going to talk, Optimus tricked Sari into going to [[Burger Bot]], alerting Sumdac that they were heading there. Unfortunately, the Headmaster had found his Headmaster unit and Starscream's body, and attacked the trio. After a short battle, Optimus tricked Masterson into transforming, saying that a "n00b" like him couldn't do it. The attack managed to reconcile Isaac and Sari, and Optimus took them home, where Prowl revealed his theory that Sari was a protoform merged with Sumdac's DNA.

Later, Ratchet turned up with an unconscious Bulkhead and claims of a missing Bumblebee. Bulkhead theorized that Bumblebee had activated the [[plasmadynamic thruster]], sending him across the universe, and used a [[recall beacon generator]] to bring him home. Unfortunately, Bumblebee was swallowed by a [[rock creature|rock-like alien]]. As the Autobots tried to figure out how to stop the creature without harming Bumblebee, Sari used the Key to upgrade herself into a more powerful mech. She defeated the monster, but overloaded and was unable to control her movements, seriously injuring Bumblebee. The Autobots were able to remove the Key, only to discover Sari kept going and the Key had been drained. Ratchet was forced to deactivate Sari with his EMP generator.

Returning to the plant, Optimus informed Isaac of Sari's condition, deciding that this family was done keeping secrets from each other. Unfortunately, Megatron arrived, commanding Omega Supreme. Optimus and the others led Megatron out of the city, where he and Prowl boarded Omega, removing Megatron's influence. Unfortunately, Starscream took over Omega Supreme, and decided to conquer Cybertron. Optimus latched aboard the departing vessel, and shoved the plasmadynamic thruster into Omega, sending him warping across the galaxy randomly, ending the threats of Megatron and Starscream for a while. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

After reprimanding Bumblebee for playing video games while on monitor duty, Optimus led the Autobots out on a search mission when they detected a Cybertronian energy signature. While Optimus was away, he received an emergency call from Bumblebee, revealing that Wasp was at the plant. By the time the Autobots returned, Wasp had switched places with Bumblebee. Unable to convince his teammates of the ruse, Bumblebee fled, and just as Optimus and his remaining Autobots gave chase, Sentinel Prime and Jazz cut them off. Sentinel was unwilling to listen to Optimus's claims that Wasp was innocent and Longarm Prime was the real traitor, and he took off for Wasp. Optimus had their group split up to try and find Wasp first, ordering Ratchet to come with him while Bulkhead and Prowl went to check another section of the city. While searching, Optimus and Ratchet discovered two Cybertronian fliers and assumed they were Decepticons. Only after fighting with the pair did they learn that [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] and [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] were Elite Guard members who had been upgraded with flight protocols duplicated from Starscream.

As Optimus, Ratchet, and Jazz watched Sentinel flail about on the wet roads, still ignoring pleas to warn Cybertron about Longarm, Optimus asked how Jazz was able to stand the obnoxious Prime, and was surprised to learn that the Elite Guard ninja ignored "only half" of what Sentinel said. When the jet twins reported to Sentinel that Bulkhead and Prowl were working with Wasp, Sentinel ordered all of Optimus's crew arrested, despite Optimus putting it as simply as possible: Wasp wasn't a double agent, so Bulkhead and Prowl couldn't be his fellow double agents. Once they reached the others, Optimus had to deal with Sentinel's insistence on arresting them all to let Ultra Magnus sort them out, despite Prowl and Bulkhead now believing that Wasp and Bumblebee had switched places. Overruling Sentinel's demands, Optimus had everyone return to the plant, as that's where Wasp had to be if 'Bee's story was true. By the time they returned, Wasp had read up on Bumblebee's files and so was able to relate a number of 'Bee's adventures to prove he was the real deal. When Bulkhead had Bumblebee and Wasp play ''[[Ninja Gladiator]]'' to see who the real one was, Prime had no better suggestion. Wasp choked and escaped, and Jazz finally realized that Optimus had been telling the truth about Longarm being a double agent. An oblivious Sentinel asked why they hadn't told him this in the first place, and Optimus sighed in exasperation. {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}}

With the Elite Guard remaining on Earth, the Autobots began a search for the rest of Megatron's Decepticons. During one search, Optimus saw an unfamiliar shadow with a strange helmet. Following it, Optimus, Prowl, and Jazz discovered Sentinel Prime had captured [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]] without making a sound. Despite his notorious ego, Sentinel refused to elaborate on the capture, and even bolted the clone's mouth shut when he started to talk. Returning to the Elite Guard ship, Optimus discovered that Sentinel had also captured Blitzwing and Swindle, as well, and was equally vague on the details. After helping Prowl investigate the mysterious helmeted figure, Optimus returned to the ship where he, Jazz, and Prowl were shocked to discover that Sentinel had captured Lugnut. Now convinced that Sentinel was lying to them, Optimus and the others eventually followed him to [[Tigatron Stadium]], where they discovered a stasis-cuffed Sentinel, the [[Ramjet (Animated)|Liar Starscream]], Lockdown (wearing the mysterious helmet), and that Sentinel had been having Lockdown capture the Decepticons in exchange for parts of the Elite Guard ship. After a battle, the clone was captured, but Lockdown escaped. Returning to the Elite Guard ship, the Autobots made contact with Cybertron, learning that Shockwave had attacked Ultra Magnus and stolen the [[Magnus Hammer]] in the process. Optimus decided not to inform Cybertron Command of Sentinel's misconduct, but instead gave Prowl all the credit for the captures. Sentinel expressed annoyance that he didn't get any credit for the captures, and Optimus told his former friend that when the smoke cleared, there would be a reckoning between the two Primes. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[Image:PredaconsRising-BASentinelOptimus.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Hail hail, the gang's all here!]]

However, Sentinel remained on Earth, convinced that Wasp knew something about the attack on Ultra Magnus. Efforts to locate Wasp were hampered by Sentinel's refusal to recognize Optimus's authority on Earth, claiming he was the ''primer'' Prime. However, things came to a head when the Dinobot Swoop captured Wasp and took him to Dinobot Island. Realizing that Blackarachnia might be involved, Optimus tried to warn Sentinel about her, but he refused to listen, as usual. Reaching the island, Optimus found Blackarachnia draining Sentinel of his powers, and offered himself in Sentinel's place. Blackarachnia didn't care; as far as she was concerned, she had every right to slag them both for abandoning her. She also revealed that she had made Wasp into the technorganic Waspinator in the hopes that if she could change him back, she could change back into Elita-1. However, Waspinator heard this, and tried to attack Blackarachnia. Reaching critical mass, Blackarachnia wrapped herself and Waspinator into a cocoon to contain the transwarp explosion. The Autobots were barely able to avoid the blast radius, which appeared to destroy most of Dinobot Island. Optimus concluded that Blackarachnia sacrificed herself to save them, but Sentinel thought that she sacrificed Waspinator to escape. Although Sentinel did not press the issue, Optimus could see that he was deeply hurt by what he had experienced.

A short time later, the Elite Guard were preparing to leave, and Optimus Prime's crew were seeing them off. Optimus actually defended Sentinel when the twins poked fun at him, saying that for all his flaws, Sentinel was a good bot at spark. Sentinel later came out to talk to Optimus privately, and Optimus apologized, both for not telling Sentinel about Elita's survival, and for not letting Sentinel go back to try and rescue her. In turn, Sentinel apologized for coming up with the idea to go to the planet, but admitted that the time was past for apologies. Optimus ended the conversation on a lighter note, saying that Cybertron needed a leader, and for better or worse, Sentinel Prime was that leader. Sentinel agreed, and the two Primes finally appeared to bury the hatchet. {{storylink|Predacons Rising}}

Optimus Prime's mood soon soured as the [[Christmas]] season rolled in, and the latest must-have product from Porter C. Powell was advertised all over the city—the all-singing, all-dancing [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]]! After following a lone Soundwave and almost getting decapitated by a train, he decided he was obsessing over nothing and rejoined the other Autobots for some [[oilnog]]... not realizing it had been spiked by another Soundwave, forcing Optimus and the others into taking an early [[Stasis lock|stasis nap]].

[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part 1 Optimus Human.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Worst. Hangover. ''Ever!'']]

As Optimus woke up the next morning, he discovered, to his horror, that he and the others had inexplicably become human. Despite his hopes, Ratchet could find no rational explanation for their transformation. Deciding the best course of action was to head to Sumdac Tower, the Auto''men'' set off into the city. A quick stop at the Burger Bot turned to them fleeing from an attacking Decepticon armada, followed by Optimus and Prowl saving a woman and [[Gary|her son]] from a burning building, to (badly) fighting off an attacking Starscream and finally—perhaps worst of all—having to take public transportation to Sumdac Tower. However, no sooner had they arrived at their destination then they witnessed the tower blasted to ruins... by a Megatron-controlled Cybertron!

But just as the Autobots seemed on the brink of destruction, Optimus came to a realization—none of what they had experienced was real, but a virtual reality simulation! They took out the Decepticons together with superhuman feats, Optimus destroying Megatron himself with a well aimed axe into his cannon. As the dust settled and the Decepticons disappeared, they "imagined" themselves into their real forms once again. But as soon as they had made the transformation, a giant Soundwave scooped them up into the sky, blasting them all with energy.

In the real world, Optimus and his crew were all prisoners of the real Soundwave in the basement of the Autobot hideout, as part of the sonic warrior's plan to reprogram them into being Decepticons. As their captor started to accelerate the reprogramming, Optimus opened his eyes to reveal them glowing red... {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

[[Image:PrimeReadyToRock.jpg|thumb|left|200px| "I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!"]]

A wire from an attack Sari had made on Soundwave disrupted the connection, but after a failed escape attempt by Prowl, Soundwave reverted all the Autobots to their human forms and used his toy replica drones scattered around Detroit to begin hypnotising the human population.

Looking for a way to interface with Soundwave to escape and locating it in the form of his vehicle mode, Optimus gave the order to pursue the Decepticon utilizing the conveniently placed vehicles on which their own alternate modes were based. Unfortunately, Optimus didn't know how to drive extremely well. He still was able to pursue Soundwave, albeit with the fire hose out of control.

When Optimus and his group finally cornered Soundwave, it was revealed to be a trap: Hundreds of Soundwave's vehicle modes surrounded the Automen, and when the Autobots attempted to escape, their vehicles' seat belts wrapped around them as Soundwave began to reprogram them again.

Controlling the reprogrammed Autobots like puppets, Soundwave used them in a battle with Sari and the [[Substitute Autobot]]s, whom at first they soundly defeated. When Sari ordered the Substitute Autobots to attack all the Autobots at once, however, Soundwave began having trouble multitasking, until he decided to use just Optimus against them. Optimus ''soundly'' defeated the Substitute Autobots again and was about to kill Sari when the freed Prowl used his shuriken to blast Ratbat out of Soundwave's hands, liberating the rest of the Autobots. Optimus then grabbed Laserbeak, forced him into guitar mode, and engaged in a brief (''epic'') Battle of the Bands scenario before using Laserbeak to slice Soundwave and Ratbat in half, destroying the Decepticon's control over the citizens of Detroit. He and Sari then exchanged mutual new appreciation of each other's daily difficulties, Sari better understanding the stresses of command, Optimus now realizing the rigors of being human. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

[[Image:TFAni Decepticon Air Swindle Optimus Hand.jpg|thumb||180px|right|"GIVE ME YOUR FACE!"]]
Optimus later congratulated Professor Sumdac and Bulkhead for completing a space bridge terminal in record time, and he was amazed when Sari single-handedly and expertly recalibrated the transwarp sequencers. However, he soon received a message from Sentinel Prime, who had accidentally freed several Decepticon prisoners on the Elite Guard ship, which decrypted to "Broken Lance", the coded distress call Sentinel used to use in their Academy days. Using the space bridge terminal to get to the ship, Optimus promptly emerged from Swindle's chest, having arrived in the pocket dimension which Swindle used to hold all his stock. Taking an elevator to the ship's energon storage chamber, Optimus slightly destabilized some energon cubes by perforating them with his axe, then put them in the elevator car and sliced the cables, so it exploded near the bottom just as the Decepticons pried open the doors. Slightly charred from the backblast, Optimus entered one of the service ducts and worked his way back to the brig area, grumbling as he did so.

Soon after, Prime freed his fellow Autobots and told Jazz to rewire the decontamination unit on the bridge as a freezing chamber to trap the Decepticons. At the same time, taking a cue from Sentinel's coded transmission, he made his Autobot symbol blink in [[Cybertronian optical code|Cybertronian Optical Code]] to tell Jazz that the decontamination chamber would be the only part of the bridge ''not'' to get frozen. After convincing the Elite Guard to surrender to the Decepticons (but not before using Sentinel as a slingshot against Lugnut), he endured Blitzwing locking them in the decontamination chamber and gloating all the while—until Blitzwing pressed the button and all the Decepticons on the bridge were frozen. Sentinel offered Optimus the Elite Guard spot that would be left when Sentinel became Magnus, but Prime declined, saying that he still had plenty to do on Earth. Optimus then returned to Earth on the Elite Guard's ship, and he and Sentinel traded salutes before they went their separate ways.
{{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

[[Image:EndGamePart1-Autobotscantfly.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Optimus cannot fly!! What is [[To sell toys|happening?]]]]
When Bulkhead detected Omega Supreme on the Moon, Ratchet tried to convince Optimus to use the [[Magnus Hammer]] against Megatron to rescue Omega and Arcee. Optimus felt unworthy due to his discharge from the [[Autobot Academy]] and ban from the Elite Guard, and instead requested that Ratchet build him a modification to [[#Wingblade|let him fly]]. As part of a counter to Ratchet's protest that "Autobots don't fly", Prowl volunteered his boosters to use as a basis for Optimus's mods. When Ratchet ran into trouble on the jetpack, Sari used her Allspark powers to find the problem, and Ratchet soon had an attachable winged jetpack for Optimus to test out. Optimus loved the new ability to fly, shouting "Yessssss!" as he slipped the surly bonds of Earth, but he was shot down by [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]]. With a jetpack that didn't even give him an advantage over a Starscream clone, and with Megatron's [[Lugnut Supreme]]s fast approaching, Optimus decided he no longer had a choice and picked up the Magnus Hammer, ready to stand up in this [[darkest hour]]. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

Though hesitant about taking to the air given his previous performance, Optimus took to the skies with Prowl to drive the Lugnut Supremes away from Sumdac Tower while Ratchet, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Sari went to the Moon to sever Megatron's access to Omega Supreme. After a little trouble, Optimus was able to use the Magnus Hammer to cause a tornado that threw the clones to Dinobot Island, damaging one and rendering the other two unable to fly. However, they were still online and resumed their march to Sumdac Tower. Optimus instructed Prowl and Jazz to enter the clones and remove their AllSpark fragments while he himself fought Megatron. Unfortunately, when Omega was severed from the clones, it activated their hidden function as ''Starscream'' clones, complete with bombs capable of destroying everything within one hundred square miles. Omega returned in time to destroy one clone, and Prowl and Jazz used processor-over-matter to assemble stray AllSpark fragments and power a shield strong enough to contain the remaining clone. Meanwhile, Optimus and Megatron continued to duke it out, eventually being encased in the shield with the third clone. As the final clone's bomb began to detonate, a flash of light removed Optimus from the blast. He was found minutes later by the Autobots, and they were triumphant until they saw the price of victory: Prowl had merged his spark with the AllSpark fragments to save them all. As Optimus ran toward his fallen comrade, Megatron appeared and blasted the Autobot captain. Ratchet tossed the Magnus Hammer to Optimus, who beat the Decepticon leader down. Megatron goaded Optimus to finish it, but Optimus instead destroyed Megatron's fusion cannon, saying that killing him would be too easy. Instead, Optimus Prime and his crew, along with Sari and Omega Supreme, returned to Cybertron with Megatron, Shockwave, and Lugnut as prisoners, before cheering crowds (and a not-so-cheery Sentinel Prime) who hailed them as heroes. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

===Toy bios===
Optimus Prime prefers to fight fairly and in the open. At the same time, he knows bad guys ''don't'', so he utilizes his "night mode" to sneak up on them without being seen. Good lesson, there. {{storylink|#BumperBattlerNightwatch|Nightwatch Optimus Prime}}

===Titan Magazines===
[[Image:SPROK%21.JPG|left|200px|thumb|No Country for Old Toys.]]
Optimus was swiftly overpowered by Starscream and his [[Starscream clone|army of clones]], as were all the Autobots. The Dinobots arrived to save the day in return for lodgings during a rainy spell, leaving Optimus to desperately ask Ratchet for the weather forecast ''every day''. (The forecast being rain, rain, rain...) {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17#Dino-MIGHT!|Dino-MIGHT!}}

Later, Detroit was hit by severe earthquakes and Optimus led the Autobots in a rescue operation, himself holding up a collapsing bridge all by himself. These earthquakes turned out to be the work of the supervillain [[Quake-Maker]]. Optimus fought him but was easily beaten up—but forget Optimus, because the ''awesome'' Elite Guard operative [[Afterburn]] arrived, swiftly taking control of the Autobots and taking the villain down. Optimus was left a bit upset that Afterburn was so much better than him. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 1|Burnout}}

He appears to have been so upset that he didn't bother turning up afterwards, letting Afterburn dominate things. Prime's big contribution was to give everyone the day off. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 3|Crossroads!}}

Later on, he ran afoul of the angry and impressively-moustached General Macadam, who was throwing a fit over Swoop buzzing a [[United States Air Force|USAF jet]]. Optimus gave the Dinobot a grilling over this... realising too late that Swoop, having been booted from Dinobot Island, had come for a job. Later on, Prime got ''very'' amused when Macadam angrily asked for help stopping the hijacked [[Wraith-X]], and had Bumblebee bring in Swoop for it.

There was no time to celebrate though, as ''Megatron'' assaulted their headquaters! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Divebomb}} It turned out Afterburn, who Megatron slaughtered, was a Decepticon infiltrator and a sparkless drone one at that, and he'd given their location away! Optimus and the gang held off a full Decepticon assault. In the aftermath, Optimus tried to boost Bumblebee's spirits by telling him he'd been a true hero in fighting Megatron, and that Afterburn hadn't been a ''real'' Transformer so his death was no biggie. It was quite dodgy how easily Optimus wrote the guy off, to be frank... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Megatron's Revenge}}

Optimus would go on to watch the race at [[Crazy Coyote Canyon]] to find the "King of Speed", and told Bulkhead he could join in if he wanted. He probably regretted this when Bulkhead won and Prime had to carry him in a victor's lap... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
[[Image:TFAnimated Deluxe CybertronPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay. I sleep all night and I work all day."]]
*'''CYBERTRON Mode Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Ion-axe

:Based on his pre-[[Earth]] Cybertronian look, the first version of ''Animated'' Optimus Prime transforms into a half-track Cybertronic truck which resembles the [http://www.fleetwatch.co.za/magazines/Feb2005/78-WW-Feb05.htm Mitsubishi Fuso Hybrid concept truck] with some heavy sci-fi influences. As a half-track, instead of rear wheels, he has molded, caterpillar-linked tracks with smaller wheels inside for rolling along smooth surfaces. The hitch assembly becomes his axe, which can be wielded with one blade (for the rocket-boosted look) or have the single blade split to form a double-bladed axe. The truck roof can be mounted on his left arm as a shield or spread apart and attached to the axe to become giant energon blades.

:Prime's axe weapon is stored by partially folding the axe at the grey hinge near the handle peg, then placing the handle peg in a hole on the back of the cab (actually his two fists' holes, thus helping them hold it in position) with the blade facing down and a grey peg facing up, acting as a "fifth wheel" (known as a trailer hitch among fans), should one find a suitable trailer to attach onto it. The peg also resembles the rocket thruster on the back of Prime's axe in robot mode. The figure's superb range of articulation and long axe-handle actually allow Optimus to wield his weapon two-handed. This is sheer awesomeness.

{{-}}{{anchor|DVDpack}}
[[Image:TFAnimated Deluxe BattleBegins Prime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[http://youtube.com/watch?v=OHxyZaZlaOs And he "axed" him for help...]]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Megatron: The Battle Begins''' (Entertainment Pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Ion-Axe

:The Deluxe-class Earth Mode Optimus Prime has a very similar engineering design to the Deluxe-class Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime figure. He has a battle-damaged deco and comes with a Deluxe-class Cybertron Mode Megatron figure as well as [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)/DVD#Pack-in disc|a DVD]] featuring the first episode of ''Transformers Animated''. He has a distinctively more "[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]" look than other ''Animated'' Primes, given the addition of smokestacks (a detail absent from the animation model) and a lack of black beneath the silver stripes. Like deluxe Megatron, he features a punching/axe slashing gimmick, where twisting his spring-loaded waist will make it snap back for a "robot punch." There are actually 4 wheels on his legs, so that the tires are always on the outside. Unfortunately, he can't skate on them like in the show. His axe (which is the most show-accurate out of all of his toys) stores in his aft section. As with Cybertron Mode Optimus, this figure even has enough articulation to hold his long-handled axe two-handed and raise it over his head for a massive chop. ''Brilliant.''

:If you want to be pedantic about it, the battle implied by the battle-pack pairing is technically a timeline impossibility, insofar as it depicts Earth Mode Optimus versus Cybertron Mode Megatron. It is also [[Scale|scaled]] incorrectly, as Megatron was shown as being notably larger than Optimus in ''[[Transform and Roll Out]]''

: This toy was later re-released without changes in a [[#2packBlackarachnia|2-pack with Blackarachnia]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Activator}}

[[Image:TFAnimated Activators EarthPrime toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Domo-arigato, mister roboto!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Activators, 2008)

: Part of the second wave of [[Activators]], this toy is a smaller-scale Optimus Prime with a push-button, spring-loaded [[autotransformation]] from vehicle to robot mode. He has no axe accessory. Aww...

{{-}}
[[Image:Animated-toy_ArmorUpOptimusPrime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Armor Up Optimus Prime''' (Activators, 2009/10)

: A redeco of Activators Optimus, this Optimus is an homage to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#The Battlestars story pages and comic|Star Convoy]].
{{-}}{{anchor|Voyager}}

[[Image:TFAnimated Voyager EarthOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey, whatever happened to that [[mouthplate]]?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Ion Axe/backpack, water cannon

:Part of the second wave of Voyager class toys, this Optimus transforms into a futuristic Earth-mode fire truck (well, the front half of one, at least). His rear portion includes a giant extinguisher cannon, which can become a hand weapon and [[Water-squirting gimmick|really squirts water]]. His trailer also transforms into a giant, very non-[[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] double-bladed ion axe. These weapons can store on his back, giving the appearance of wings and a jet pack. Like his deluxe-class toys, Prime can also hold his axe two-handed, albeit not as easily achieved compared to the deluxe versions. The toy features a mouthplate which can slide up to cover his face or retract down below. He also has an [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] feature: Pressing a button on his...butt...flips down and rotates his...crotch...into the proper position for robot mode. Please, Hasbro, no more features in those areas.

:Voyager Optimus is the most [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] of the various ''Animated'' Optimuses (apart from his weapons, although his fist-holes are the same size as the Deluxe versions, so he can "borrow" their more accurate axes), and certainly the most [[Scale|scale-accurate]] when displayed alongside other figures that only exist in one primary [[size class]] like [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] or [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]]. The original release of this toy was notable amongst ''Animated'' figures for its lack of a faction symbol in either mode; later waves of the figure, however, have included a silver-on-white Autobot sigil on the robot mode's left shoulder to more closely reflect the animation model's detailing.

{{anchor|Wingblade}}
*'''Wingblade Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2010?)
**''Accessories'': 'Wingblade' jetpack, Magnus Hammer

: Wingblade Optimus Prime is a [[Retool|retool]] of Deluxe ''The Battle Begins'' Two-pack Optimus Prime in much the same style as [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Hydrodive Bumblebee]] and [[Prowl (Animated)|Samurai Prowl]]. This retool is designed to represent Optimus as he appeared in "[[Endgame, Part I]]" and "[[Endgame, Part II|II]]", and as such has his jetpack, and instead of the character's signature axe, a slightly scaled down version of the [[Magnus Hammer]]. In vehicle mode, the Wingblade jetpack folds down to become Optimus' firetruck trailer, but it is currently unknown how the hammer is stored. One can guess that it stores the same way as the two Deluxe Optimus' axes do—in between his legs. His Wingblade jetpack and Magnus Hammer are compatible with the original Voyager Class toy in robot mode, but obviously the vehicles are distinctly different shapes.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Supreme}}

[[Image:TFAnimated RolloutCommand OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Be sociable, have a [[Pepsi Convoy|Pepsi]]!]]
*'''Roll-Out Command Optimus Prime''' (Supreme, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Ultra-Axe

:This super-sized Prime figure is sculpted around one major gimmick: Rolling the toy forward in vehicle mode causes the cab to spin around, slowly unfolding into the robot mode torso. The legs are subsequently transformed manually, completing the robot mode. Pressing the Autobot [[insignia]] between Prime's windows and the lights on his roof both activate assorted electronic effects, including red LEDs in his lightbar, yellow LEDs in his headlights and eyes, and sound effects including engine revving noises, a siren, and four speech clips featuring the voice of David Kaye. In robot mode, Prime's (non-retractable) [[mouthplate]] jiggles up and down in time with his speech.

:Prime is armed with a particularly cartoon-accurate axe, which can be held in either hand, but which specifically interacts with his right one. Placing the axe in his fist and pressing the button on the back of his hand triggers the axe's pop-out translucent blades and rocket jet. Pushing down on the tab built into the back of his right shoulder extends the arm out fully, and releasing it lets Prime swing his axe down, accompanied by an electronic slashing noise. The left arm has a similar effect, except pushing the tab thrusts his arm forward in a punch, with accompanying sound effect.

:While Prime's legs have a high range of articulation like most ''Animated'' toys, his torso is heavily beholden to its gimmicks and features no effective articulation whatsoever; the only manipulable part of his body above his waist that isn't part of a gimmick is his right elbow.

:Many (all?) copies of this figure have the moving mouthplate default to the "down" position when not moving, rather than "up" or "at rest" as the box photography would indicate. This leads to the unfortunate impression that Optimus is either always mid-sentence...or a slack-jawed yokel.

:This mold was used to make the first prize of the [[Hasbro UK exclusive limited Edition Handmade Samples]].

{{anchor|BumperBattler}}

[[Image:BumperBattlers OptimusPrime toy.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Bumper Battlers Optimus Prime''' (Bumper Battlers, 2008)

:Like all Bumper Battlers is a simple one-step Transformer aimed at younger kids. He transforms by pushing the front bumper of his truck mode, which flips up a robot torso and upper thighs. Yup, that's right—if you smash him into a wall or other toys he will transform. Good luck finding a loose, mint version of this toy when you're on your nostalgia trip 10 years from now.

:In robot mode he actually has some limited articulation in his wrists, and his neck. Plus he's holding an adorable little axe in one hand.

:The toy has a sound chip that can be activated in either mode. It has two massive strings of phrases, battle sounds and voice effects, actived by either pressing his Autobot insignia or pressing his bumper (which also transforms him). Some phrases are recombined for more variation.

{{anchor|McD}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toys, 2008)

:A simple version of Optimus Prime with a very simple transformation sequence. You transform him by pulling down the legs, pulling out the arms from his back and flipping up the head. Rather unusual amongst the ''Animated'' McDonald's toys, which typically have one show-accurate mode and one non-show-accurate mode, Optimus manages to pull off both modes with reasonable show-accuracy. He too is deprived of an axe, as is generally the case with McDonald's toys lacking accessories.

{{anchor|Legends3pack}}
*'''Stealth Lockdown''' (Animated 3-pack, 2008)

: A ''Universe'' Legends-class Optimus Prime came packaged with this version of [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], as well as a Legends [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]. The only difference from the ''Universe'' release is that this Prime has a silver Autobot insignia.

{{anchor|BumperBattlerNightwatch}}
[[Image:Ani-toy BumperBattlers NightwatchPrime.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Able to enter the Gloom at will.]]
*'''Nightwatch Optimus Prime''' (Bumper Battlers, 2008)

:A redeco of the original Bumper Battlers toy in dark purple and black with [[Neon|lime green]] windows and accents. The sound effects are new, and seemingly utilize an actor who is not David Kaye.

{{-}}

{{anchor|2packBlackarachnia}}
*'''The Revenge of Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe 2-pack, 2008)

: This two-pack features an unchanged Battle Damaged Deluxe Optimus, from the ''Battle Begins'' two-pack, and an unchanged Deluxe [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]].

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Universe2008-toy LegendsAniPrime.JPG|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2008)

: Part of the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'' series]], this [[Legends Class|Legends-class]] version of Optimus is a simple version of the larger Earth-mode Optimus design. He is part of the third wave of Legends-class figures. He joins Activator Optimus and McOptimus in the axeless Primes club.

: This toy can also be found as part of the ''Animated'' [[Lockdown (Animated)|Stealth Lockdown]] three-pack with Legends [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], and as part of a ''Universe'' three-pack with Legends Bumblebee and Legends [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]].
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Animated===
[[Image:Ani-toy OptimusBattleBlaster.JPG|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime Battle Blaster''' (2008)

: This toy is a simple fire truck which transforms into a thing with a nominal resemblance to a gun and can be fitted around one's hand.

{{-}}

==Notes==
* The twin cylinder-shaped protrusions connected to Optimus's small antennae are inspired by the head design of the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]] rendition of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], as opposed to the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|traditional]] single cylinder.

* Optimus Prime features design elements from two different incarnations of [[Optimus Primal]]. The "skin" color of his face (and to a lesser extent, the presence of a retractable faceplate) is taken from Primal's first [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]] body, while the way his lips are drawn is inspired by Primal's [[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]] body. [[Derrick Wyatt]] thought since Prime is more of an inexperienced leader, he wanted to infuse some elements from Primal's design, who had a similar role in his series. <ref>[http://community.livejournal.com/tf_animated/271043.html#cutid1 Derrick Wyatt Q&A at the tf_animated livejournal community]</ref>

* Optimus was killed off after only [[Transform and Roll Out|one episode]] (three if you want to get technical) ''and'' revived 1 minute and 15 seconds later. That's gotta be [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|a new record]].

* At the end of "Transform and Roll Out", Prime's spark is contained in the same place ordinarily reserved for the [[Matrix (disambiguation)|Matrix]] in other continuities.

* Despite nominally being a fire truck, Prime's alt mode features a detachable cab that can mount a number of different trailers, such as [[Headmaster (episode)|a lookalike of Generation 1 Optimus's trailer]] and a [[The Elite Guard|dump truck]]. Presumably, this would make his alt mode not a fire truck, but a semi-truck ''outfitted'' as a fire truck. Score one for the old fans!

* Like his Generation 1 counterpart, this Optimus's trailer almost invariably disappears COMPLETELY when he transforms, assuming it's there to begin with. This even happens when it isn't his trailer, such as in "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]". Even Prime himself is just as confused as to where it goes, as evidenced by "[[Career Day]]" [[Subspace]] shunting? [[Unicron Singularity]]? Or...something more?

* Optimus Prime's bio on his Happy Meal toy at McDonald's says he is a '''FIRE TRUCK CAB'''.

* According to the packaging call-outs for Cybertron Mode, DVD two-pack and Voyager Optimus Prime, his weapon is an "Ion-Axe" (or "Ion Axe"). However, on Roll Out Command Optimus Prime, Optimus's weapon is an "Ultra-Axe". The ''[[AllSpark Almanac]]'' labels it a [[Solitarium]] weapon.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/CybModeOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]

==References==
<references />

[[Category: Animated characters]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]