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A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:51:35Z

98.211.167.203: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream]] (28)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrpnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:51:03Z

98.211.167.203: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.
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==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream]] (28)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrpnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:50:37Z

98.211.167.203: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

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==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream]] (28)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrpnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:48:58Z

98.211.167.203: /* Continuity notes */

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:48:00Z

98.211.167.203: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream]] (28)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrpnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
* It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:46:24Z

98.211.167.203: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream]] (G1)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrpnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
* It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:45:15Z

98.211.167.203: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream (G1)[[Media:Example.ogg]]
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrpnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
* It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2010-07-28T05:44:17Z

98.211.167.203: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug Hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 19]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' インセクトロンの謎 (''Insectron no Nazo'', "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''A Praga de Insecticons''' ("The Plague of Insecticons")

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[Image:Inseticon Base.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]

However, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]] —[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a fragmentation grenade which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[Image:Optimus ram.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]

Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby oil refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[Image:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]

At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to vehicle mode, while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[Image:Tanker throw.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]

Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[starscream (G1)[[Image:Example.jpg]]
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch...with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
[[Image:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
* Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
* Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His robot mode colour scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are coloured black instead become purple when he transforms.
* Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.
* The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
* The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
* Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
[[Image:Ark silver.jpg|right|200px|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
* In the establishing shot of [[Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.
* As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
* As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
[[Image:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
* As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
* In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
* After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
* As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
* Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
* Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
* In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
* As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
* Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
* As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
* Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
* Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
* Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
* As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
* When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
* When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
* Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
* Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
* In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
* The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
* Shrapnel's bug-mode front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
* Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
* Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
* Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
* Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
* Sunstreaker is red instead of yellow as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
* Wheeljack is in Bombshell's color as the Autobots start to run for cover.
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
* Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
* Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
* Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
* Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
* Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
* Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
* Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
* Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.
* In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:
* A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
* Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in vehicle mode, then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
** Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "... was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
** The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
** The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
* ''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
* How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
* How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
* As per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
* Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
* Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
* Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!

===Continuity notes===
* It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|right|200px|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[Image:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
** Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
** The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new alternate mode through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
** Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''Macross'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
** Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene.
** Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
** Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
** It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and his control beams, the later destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
** Ironhide puts out a fire with foamy gassy white stuff that he fires from both retracted wrists.
** Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
** As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
*** They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves almost out of nothing. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell also seems to be involved, blowing up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones. Of note, this power was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups, and was created solely for the cartoon.
*** Shrapnel uses his grenade launcher, firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as "a shrapnel grenade" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
*** Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
*** Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. True to his tech spec, the Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
* Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
* The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
* The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Wikipedia:Bali|Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]].
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
** X-Wing diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
** Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
** Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
** X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
** Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
** X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
** Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

==Trivia==
* Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
* Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.
* The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Skystalker (ROTF)

2010-04-14T01:29:21Z

98.211.167.203: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig2|the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Decepticon|the Generation 1 Decepticon Micromaster|Skystalker (G1)}}

:''Skystalker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

'''Skystalker''' thoroughly enjoys double-teaming [[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]] with his parter [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]]—mainly because Divebomb's new biplane form means he takes all the heat, while Skystalker has all the fun. In this case, "fun" means using his stealth drone form to sneak up on Scattorshot and snag him into the air.

==Toys==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkystalkerScout.jpg|thumb|300px|Ha, my cunning "head in the cockpit" disguise allows me to blend in seamlessly with my surroundings!]]
*'''Skystalker''' (Scout Class, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right axes

:Skystalker transforms from a robot into a flying-wing-style stealth jet drone similar to the [[wikipedia:RQ-170 Sentinel|RQ-170 Sentinel]]. The two axes that peg into his palms as weapons for his robot mode integrate into the stealth jet's wings for vehicle mode. The robot mode feet are spring-loaded so the heels and toes collapse down and together when the feet are lifted off the ground. This is presumably to simulate the bird-like snatch-and-carry-off activity mentioned in his bio.

:The instructions include a "battle mode", which is essentially the vehicle mode with the robot legs untransformed.

:The toy is designed to interact with the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' line's [[Mindwipe (ROTF)|Mindwipe]].

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Mindwipe (ROTF)

2010-04-11T22:55:54Z

98.211.167.203: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig2|the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Decepticon|the Generation 1 Decepticon Headmaster|Mindwipe (G1)}}
:''Mindwipe is an [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CyberMissions5-Mindwipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|TEAM MINDWIPE]]

'''Mindwipe''' isn't like the other Decepticons. While they focus on attacking your body, he prefers to go for the mind. Using the power of hypnosis, he subverts the programming and wills of his opponents and directs them to perform his dirty work. This makes him very much a hands-off individual. Staying aloft and away from the action below, he allows his near-zombified minions to fight his battles for him. The only being immune to his abilities is [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the Matrix-bearer. But when the universe shuts a door, it opens a window, and if Mindwipe can't attack the Autobot leader directly...well, his nearest and dearest work just as well.

==Fiction==
===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bronco D. Jackson]]
{{spoiler|Cyber Missions 5|27 April 2010}}

When [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] stumbled into the cave where Mindwipe had been hiding out, Mindwipe promptly hypnotised the Autobot and made him start gathering up the [[energon (fuel)|energon]] crystals which littered the cave floor. This situation didn't last for long, as Optimus Prime came in search of Ironhide and blasted Mindwipe from the ceiling. Mindwipe's blustering at this unwanted intrusion was interrupted by a punch from Prime. Recovering, he responded by trying to hypnotise Prime as well, but his mojo was not strong enough to overcome Prime's will. Mindwipe transformed and attempted to flee, only to be blasted by Optimus. His hold over Ironhide was broken. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 5}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Image:Mindwipe_ROTF_Voyager_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|One, one stealth jet. Ah ah ah.]]
*'''Mindwipe''' (Voyager, 2010)

:Mindwipe transforms from a bat-like robot into something similar to a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-117A Nighthawk|F-117 Nighthawk]] stealth ground attack aircraft. He has two flip-out swords/daggers slung under his arms that he can deploy to use as weapons. [[Skystalker (ROTF)|Skystalker]] can attach to the top of Mindwipe's alternate mode. Although not noted in the instructions, his feet can pivot to make him more stable.

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]

Brawn (ROTF)

2010-04-11T22:53:34Z

98.211.167.203: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{factions|autobotfilm|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Brawn}}
:''Brawn is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF_Brawn_Deluxe.jpg|thumb|350px|Macho-bot.]]

'''Brawn''' lives to pit himself against physical challenges and to prove his mighty strength. In his opinion, the Autobot alliance with [[N.E.S.T.]] is a great thing, as it gives him ready opportunity to do just that. Brawn possesses special indestructible fists that he's dying to put to the test against the legendary Decepticon powerhouse [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]].

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
*'''Brawn''' (Deluxe, 2010)

:Brawn transforms into a [[NEST]] [[Wikipedia:Hummer HX|Hummer HX]] attack vehicle. He is armed with a pair of removable pistols (which, in an undocumented feature, can be stored on his shoulder [[kibble]]) and a non-removable machine gun that can be positioned to aim over either shoulder in robot mode and be mounted on his roof in vehicle mode.

==Notes==
*Brawn's overall design and color scheme are of course an homage to his [[Brawn (G1)|G1 counterpart]].
*Brawn's design appears to have been used as the basis for the [[Robot Powered Machines]]-original character [[Rollbar (RPM)|Rollbar]].

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]