MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Talk:Darkest Hour (episode)

2012-11-07T19:26:46Z

Barryvp:

==Byline==
"Megatron comes up with a complex plan and once it's put together, Optimus is placed in a position where he is forced to make a risky decision that, if not carefully considered, could have an inescapable effect on the entire Autobot team."

:...can we reword this as something like "Megatron enacts a scheme that forces Optimus to make a decision which could endanger his team"? As it is now...I'm not sure how to define it, but it just doesn't work.[[Special:Contributions/192.249.47.177|192.249.47.177]] 14:13, 18 October 2012 (EDT)
::It might be easier to rephrase once the episode airs (the blurbs we get via TV listings often turn out to be oddly focused). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:57, 18 October 2012 (EDT)

While should be White for the Vehicon color. {{unsigned|Burningsirius}}

The tv blurb is actually as ridiculous: "Megatron sets a plan in motion forcing Optimus to make a decision that has a devastating effect on the entire Autobot team." I say we just leave it. {{unsigned|Kuptrion}}

== Independence Day ==

I think this is kind of reaching.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 15:25, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
: Yes. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 15:38, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
::I thought it looked more like the Project Damocles satellite, but I wasn't sure if the resemblance was close enough for it to be worth noting. [[User:One|One]] 16:47, 3 November 2012 (EDT)

== Continuity Error? ==

How is it a continuity error that Megatron knew exactly where to find the base? They've been looking for it for some time now, and they were able to find all three of the humans. Given it has a big metallic hole in it, I can imagine that once they find the general area it was easy enough to locate it.--[[User:Kagimizu|Kagimizu]] 17:20, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
:It isn't an "error" exactly, the writers just neglected to tell us how the Decepticons found the base. The big metallic hole isn't a giveaway, since it is a converted human installation. Does Cybertron have no air at all? If so, then the humans talking is an error, unless the cylinders they are in have microphones and radio transmitters for some reason. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 18:01, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
::Megatron described Cybertron as having a toxic atmosphere in the previous episode, didn't he? So unless the cylinder walls were really thick, there's no reason the children wouldn't be heard. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] 18:04, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
::Maybe they worked out it was the Autobot base because there were Autobots standing on top of it? They knew the general area, which is why Megatron stuck the fortress near Jasper. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:09, 3 November 2012 (EDT)

== Soundwave ==

If anyone wants confirmation that his tentacles can fire lasers, look here: http://i.imgur.com/3KJxm.jpg Sorry for poor quality. [[User:KodanDude|KodanDude]]

==Megatron's arm==
I noticed somebody wrote, his (Megatron) right arm (the Prime's) was cut of, meaning he can no longer use the Dark Star Saber. This isn't true. He would no longer be able to use the Forge of Solus Prime but the Dark Star Saber was fashioned from a Prime weapon, but you need not be a prime to hold it surely? It is just a lump of dark Energon, molded into a weapon. Surely if anything it is better to not be a prime when using an "evil" substance, or was the person referring to practicality, having only one arm, and Megatron uses it a lot in his right arm solely? Still, there is no reason Megatron couldn't still wield it in his left even if he does get a new one in season 3 which he surely does.
:You are correct, I've removed that bit. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 20:32, 6 November 2012 (EST)

Thanks! Just thought I should mention-

Talk:Darkest Hour (episode)

2012-11-07T00:55:10Z

Barryvp:

==Byline==
"Megatron comes up with a complex plan and once it's put together, Optimus is placed in a position where he is forced to make a risky decision that, if not carefully considered, could have an inescapable effect on the entire Autobot team."

:...can we reword this as something like "Megatron enacts a scheme that forces Optimus to make a decision which could endanger his team"? As it is now...I'm not sure how to define it, but it just doesn't work.[[Special:Contributions/192.249.47.177|192.249.47.177]] 14:13, 18 October 2012 (EDT)
::It might be easier to rephrase once the episode airs (the blurbs we get via TV listings often turn out to be oddly focused). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:57, 18 October 2012 (EDT)

While should be White for the Vehicon color. {{unsigned|Burningsirius}}

The tv blurb is actually as ridiculous: "Megatron sets a plan in motion forcing Optimus to make a decision that has a devastating effect on the entire Autobot team." I say we just leave it. {{unsigned|Kuptrion}}

== Independence Day ==

I think this is kind of reaching.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 15:25, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
: Yes. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 15:38, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
::I thought it looked more like the Project Damocles satellite, but I wasn't sure if the resemblance was close enough for it to be worth noting. [[User:One|One]] 16:47, 3 November 2012 (EDT)

== Continuity Error? ==

How is it a continuity error that Megatron knew exactly where to find the base? They've been looking for it for some time now, and they were able to find all three of the humans. Given it has a big metallic hole in it, I can imagine that once they find the general area it was easy enough to locate it.--[[User:Kagimizu|Kagimizu]] 17:20, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
:It isn't an "error" exactly, the writers just neglected to tell us how the Decepticons found the base. The big metallic hole isn't a giveaway, since it is a converted human installation. Does Cybertron have no air at all? If so, then the humans talking is an error, unless the cylinders they are in have microphones and radio transmitters for some reason. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 18:01, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
::Megatron described Cybertron as having a toxic atmosphere in the previous episode, didn't he? So unless the cylinder walls were really thick, there's no reason the children wouldn't be heard. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] 18:04, 3 November 2012 (EDT)
::Maybe they worked out it was the Autobot base because there were Autobots standing on top of it? They knew the general area, which is why Megatron stuck the fortress near Jasper. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:09, 3 November 2012 (EDT)

== Soundwave ==

If anyone wants confirmation that his tentacles can fire lasers, look here: http://i.imgur.com/3KJxm.jpg Sorry for poor quality. [[User:KodanDude|KodanDude]]

I noticed somebody wrote, his (Megatron) right arm (the Prime's) was cut of, meaning he can no longer use the Dark Star Saber. This isn't true. He would no longer be able to use the Forge of Solus Prime but the Dark Star Saber was fashioned from a Prime weapon, but you need not be a prime to hold it surely? It is just a lump of dark Energon, molded into a weapon. Surely if anything it is better to not be a prime when using an "evil" substance, or was the person referring to practicality, having only one arm, and Megatron uses it a lot in his right arm solely? Still, there is no reason Megatron couldn't still wield it in his left even if he does get a new one in season 3 which he surely does.

Legacy (episode)

2012-09-27T14:51:14Z

Barryvp:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 46
|prev=The Human Factor
|next=Alpha; Omega
|image=Legacy-ohcrap.jpg
|caption=Not the biggest fan of the Zoidberg meme.
|title="Legacy"
|airdate=[[September 21]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Jack is assigned to help Smokescreen adapt to life on Earth while Megatron tries to secure the Star Saber without letting the Autobots know of its existence.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Image:Legacy-cellphonecamera.jpg|left|thumb|300px|No pictures, NO PICTURES!!!]]

[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] and [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] race down a Nevada road in search of an [[energon]] signal. Though Bumblebee tries to encourage Smokescreen to slow down, the rookie breaks the speed limit and almost runs into another vehicle. The driver jumps out to threaten Smokescreen, who promptly [[transformation|transforms]] and threatens him back. Bumblebee transforms to stop Smokescreen and the truck driver takes the opportunity to snap a picture of the pair. Back at base, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] locates the picture on the [[Internet]] and says [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] can deal with it later. The other [[Autobot]]s lecture Smokescreen about the concept of secrecy and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] says they need to help Smokescreen acclimate to [[Earth]] through learning about [[human]] society. Jack is duly assigned to help Smokescreen and the pair head out, though [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] complains that she thinks Jack will be at risk because Smokescreen has the most obvious [[alternate mode]] ever.

Driving through [[Jasper]], Jack tries to educate Smokescreen on traffic lights, though Smokescreen is unable to stop joking around. When [[Vince]] hauls up beside them, Jack attempts to be inconspicuous, but Vince notices anyway and throws a burger at them. Smokescreen soon talks Jack into some retribution, and when they arrive back at base, Jack has a photo of Vince's burger-covered car. Arcee isn't impressed with their progress so far.

[[Image:PrimeLegacySmokescreen.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Though many tried for the sword with all their strength, none could move the sword, nor stir it.]]

On the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has finished decoding another set of coordinates from the Iacon database. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] gets a decoy ready. Thus when Optimus is also almost finished decoding the same coordinates, the base sensors pick up an Iacon locator beacon in [[China]]. Optimus takes Arcee, Bumblebee and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to investigate. Meanwhile, Megatron has [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] and [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] busy excavating the real relic. Hoping it is of Decepticon origin, Megatron is shocked to see it is the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]]. Desperate to keep it from Optimus, Megatron tries to pull it free, but his efforts are to no avail and it remains firmly entrenched in the rock. Even trying to destroy the rock fails, as the sword's energy is rendering it invulnerable. Realizing that it will only respond to a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Megatron intends to uproot the entire mountain if necessary.

[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] picks up the signal from the Saber, but is unable to contact Prime. Prime's team is trying to track the first signal, unaware that it's the decoy being carried around by Soundwave. Smokescreen and Jack arrive back at base having pulled a prank on Jack's boss. When Ratchet reports the situation, Smokescreen volunteers to check out the second signal, and takes Jack along with him in secret. They find the Decepticons trying break the mountain down to a smaller size, and Smokescreen recognizes the Star Saber. Despite Jack's concerns, knowing that something is up if Megatron hasn't pulled the sword out, Smokescreen charges in as the Decepticons are preparing to lift the remaining rock with the ''Nemesis''. The Autobot proves as successful in extracting the sword as Megatron was, and is promptly captured by the Decepticons. While Jack tries to notify Ratchet, he is soon found and pursued by Insecticons. Ratchet gets enough from Jack's message to know what they've found and they're in serious trouble, and [[GroundBridge]]s to Optimus's location just as the team there are realizing they were being led on a wild goose chase.

[[Image:Legacy-PrimeStarSaber.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Use the Force, Optimus."]]

As the ''Nemesis'' starts lifting the massive rock holding the Star Saber, Megatron begins interrogating Smokescreen with little effect. Prime's team suddenly arrives and starts laying into the Decepticons troops. Megatron looks around for Optimus himself, and spots the Autobot leader rapidly scaling the mountain in pursuit of the Star Saber, so he and some jet Vehicons take off to try to intercept. The other Autobots finish off the rest of the Decepticon troopers and Arcee rescues Jack from the Insecticons. Despite the best efforts of Megatron and his troops, Optimus manages to grab hold of the Star Saber which activates and pulls free of the rock. Megatron orders the rock dropped on him, but even as the other Autobots shout warnings, Prime merely uses the Star Saber to slice the whole thing in half. In shock, Megatron helplessly looks on as Prime follows up by taking a swing, unleashing a wave of energy at the ''Nemesis'', destroying part of its engine array and nearly causing the ship to crash into the mountainside. The Decepticons hastily retreat as their leader laments over his failure and believes it is now their darkest hour.

The Autobots return to base, where Arcee is very unhappy with Smokescreen and Jack. She has Ratchet send the latter home and Optimus makes plain to the former that endangering humans is forbidden. As he reminds them of the importance of protecting humans, the sword begins to glow on its own, and Optimus goes into a trance-like state. Stating that he's receiving a message, Prime identifies the caller: [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]].
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (12)
*[[Decepticon Miner|Miners]] (13)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] (14)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (15)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (16)

|c3=
*Truck driver (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (4)
*[[Vince]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"...I just pulled a Miko."
:—'''Jack''' realizes what he just did.

"Who in the Pits of [[Kaon]] is that?''
:—'''Megatron''' meets the new guy.

"All this leg-work is giving me itchy fists!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' is back on form.

"I loosened it up for him."
:—Keep telling yourself that, '''Smokescreen'''.

"We Decepticons... now face our darkest hour."
:—'''Megatron''', finding himself in need of a light.

"How epic was that?"
:—'''Smokescreen''' relays the viewer's feelings.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===

*Whilst Optimus is explaining why it was all their fault the incident had occured in the beginning of this episode, you can see the side parts of his back pass through his arms on both sides.
* Smokescreen has the same [[license plate]] as [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] and [[June Darby|June]].
* Optimus would not have been able to realign his flight trajectory when he took a glancing shot in his truck mode and transformed into robot mode; he would have continued spinning while flying.
* Arcee's right arm silently changes into a blaster as the Decepticons begin firing at the Autobots at the pod site.

===Continuity notes===
* Yet another picture of the Autobots ends up on the internet, and again Bumblebee is in it, as in "[[One Shall Fall]]" and "[[New Recruit]]".
* Arcee mentions that [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] is in the process of relocating [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and his family, since the Decepticons learned where he lives in [[The Human Factor|the previous episode]].
* Bulkhead is now fully recovered from his injuries received in "[[Toxicity]]".
* Jack asks Arcee if she still remembers Vince since her first encounter in "[[Speed Metal]]".
* Jack refers to his uncharacteristic lack of foresight as "pulling a [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]", a nod to her repeated habit of running into trouble.
* Another relic of [[Solus Prime]] is uncovered; the first was the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] found in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]", and the second was the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] found in "[[Triangulation]]".
* Bulkhead returns the favor to Smokescreen from the previous episode.
* Optimus receives a message from Alpha Trion, who was first mentioned by Smokescreen in "New Recruit".
* This is the first time we hear Megatron refer to Optimus as just "Prime" when he flies off to intercept him.

===Continuity errors===
* Ratchet is reluctant to send Smokescreen by himself to investigate the second relic, but concedes since he has no other choice. He seems to have forgotten about [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. However, given Ratchet's anger at Wheeljack for the events of "[[Hurt]]", he may simply be too stubborn to ask him for help (and he didn't like him before anyway, although at the end of "Triage" they did seem to have a new found mutual respect for each other. no matter how small).

===Transformers references===
* Jack mentions [[Robots In Disguise]].
* This episode marks yet another use of the phrase "[[darkest hour]]", only this time it's the Decepticons who get to use it.
* The first "[[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]" sword was the combined form of the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] in ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Transformers: Armada]]'', while the [[Thirteen]]-affiliated iteration was first mentioned in "[[The Coming Storm: Part 1]]." Technically, the name originated from [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], the Autobot [[Supreme Commander]] from ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Transformers: Victory]]''.

===Real-world references===
* The Star Saber's location and its inability to be removed except by a Prime is a reference to ''[[wikipedia:Excalibur#Excalibur and the Sword in the Stone|Excalibur]]''.
* The truck driver referred to Smokescreen's alternate mode as from the Indy 500, a motor racing competition. Even though Smokescreen's altmode is nothing like an open-wheel Indy car.

===Trivia===
* Bumblebee warns Smokescreen about the speed limit, but apparently didn't think it was important to warn him that he's driving into oncoming traffic.
* Vince's behavior hasn't changed since the events of "Speed Metal". Some people just don't learn their lessons.
* The fact that Team Prime seems reliant on Raf for their data manipulation is a bit weird, given Fowler's presumed government contacts. Makes you wonder what they did before they before the kids turned up...
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

The Human Factor

2012-09-15T15:45:26Z

Barryvp: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig2|the episode of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''|the story originally published in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (Marvel US)]] #68|The Human Factor!}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 45
|prev=New Recruit
|next=Legacy
|image=300px-Cylas and Megatron.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Human Factor"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Silas is given a new lease on life and approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.'''

==Synopsis==
Within a [[MECH]] base, a small team of surgeons and technicians hook [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'s reassembled remains up to their computer and infuse them with electricity and Energon. Breakdown awakens, only it's not Breakdown—MECH has implanted [[Silas]] within the Decepticon's corpse. Silas is impressed with their ingenuity, but decides that as he is no longer human and no longer needs their services—by shooting them.

Some time later, Silas drives up to the entrance to a military facility, stopping at the gate to introduce himself. Meanwhile in the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are trying to encourage [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to keep up his recuperation, despite the Wrecker's belief at being replaced. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] suggests he uses the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] for extra strength and power, but Bulkhead sees it as a crutch and knocks it aside, causing it to damage the computer system. As Ratchet grumbles over the negative atmosphere, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] talks with [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] on the phone and is surprised to learn that Raf's been grounded for his slipping grades.

The Decepticons on the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', namely [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], are likewise surprised when Breakdown's signal shows up on their scanners. Knock Out is sent to investigate with some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], and finds the military base wrecked. Moments after they arrive, what appears to be Breakdown strides out of the smoke. In response to the Decepticons' reaction to his marred appearance, "Breakdown" asks in Silas's voice to be taken to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] briefs the Autobots on the theft of the [[Project Damocles]] satellite apparently by Breakdown assisted by a human whom Fowler believes is Silas. Ratchet strongly dismisses the idea of Decepticons and humans pairing together, rebuffed only by Jack's reasoning of the alliance working for the Autobots. Aboard the warship, Megatron is introduced to the Breakdown/Silas combo, now calling himself Silas as in "Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis". Though Megatron is disgusted of such an abomination and Knock Out is keen to dissect SIlas in revenge for Breakdown, the MECH commander wants to strike a deal with the Decepticons and offers the Damocles weapon as a token of friendship. As Fowler's briefing in the Autobot base ends, the Autobots realize they must protect the satellite's interface codes, currently stored on servers in [[Colorado]].

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has already gotten to the Colorado base, clearing it using a recording of Fowler's voice, and by the time the Autobots get there, the place is already heavily guarded by Decepticons. SIlas points out to Megatron that since Soundwave is now connected to the mainframe, he can operate the satellite. The Damocles satellite is duly launched from the ''Nemesis'', and Soundwave starts targeting the Autobots on the ground. His first shot narrowly misses Smokescreen, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] contacts base for backup. Bulkhead is ready to go but Ratchet stops him as Optimus is actually after ''technical'' help to disable the satellite. Ratchet decides Raf is required for this mission and so Raf gets unexpected visitors in the form of Fowler, Miko and Jack.

While the Autobots try to keep Soundwave distracted, Bulkhead attempts to talk Ratchet into sending him to help. Ratchet finally concedes, but has his own ideas. While Raf works on a way to crash the satellite and Fowler tries to work out a way to get to the toilet without Raf's mom seeing, the Decepticons detect Raf's hacking attempt. When they track the source to [[Jasper]], Megatron sends Silas to deal with the matter, despite Silas's chagrin. Silas soon hauls up outside Raf's house and takes aim, only for Bulkhead to come barreling down the street and slam him into a nearby drainage canal. After a tense reintroduction, Bulkhead realizes his opponent is not Breakdown—and is shocked to find that it is actually Silas operating the Con's body. The pair start fighting, but Bulkhead's weakness quickly begins to show.

Ratchet contacts Optimus who is still running from the Damocles beam, to report that Bulkhead needs backup. Indeed, the Wrecker is still not operating fully and not doing well against Silas, but the addition of Smokescreen to the fight helps. Megatron, impatient at Cylas's failure, orders Soundwave to target the source of the hack. The Autobots take advantage of the cessation of the Damocles attack to try to storm the command center. The kids, meanwhile, spot that the satellite has moved and is now aiming at them. Raf manages to get the satellite's thrusters under his control, and the shot does little more than knock the corner off the [[KO Burger]] sign before the satellite starts reentry. Their celebration is interrupted by Raf's mom, but luckily they break out the "study group" defense. Meanwhile, the Autobots break into the command center in time to see Soundwave leaving. Elsewhere, Silas begins to lose his fight and is called back to the ''Nemesis''. Bulkhead and Smokescreen see the satellite's reentry and congratulate each other.

Back on the ship, Megatron announces that Silas has earned his place at the table—Knock Out's dissection table, that is—explaining that the MECH commander was correct about the human factor tipping the war's scales, but in the Autobots' favor. Silas is then zapped from behind and dragged away for "study", much to his fearful displeasure and Knock Out's delight.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*MECH troopers (1)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Raf's mom]] (10)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)

|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Bulkhead! I ''needed'' that!"
:—'''Ratchet''' ''still'' hasn't learned that saying that phrase won't change anything.

"What? No! If my mom sees you..." 
"Relax, I trained in covert ops." 
"I don't care if you were trained by ninjas! My mom has eyes on the back of ''your'' head." 
:—'''Raf''' tells '''Agent Fowler''' why he can't use the restroom.

"FYI, you're low on TP."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' on Raf's toilet paper.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Knock Out detects Breakdown's signal, the image of Breakdown on the screen is that from this episode. As the Decepticons didn't know what he looked like after MECH got through with him, Breakdown's image should have at least still had the optic patch.[[User:Barryvp|Barryvp]] 11:45, 15 September 2012 (EDT) Although this may not be a mistake, we don't know everything about Cybertronians and especially with their "Computer element" what's to say whatever method their scanners use to "detect" Breakdown's signal doesn't send updated images and more through some complex system, much like real life technology is capable of similar things.
* On the same screen as Breakdown's image, the map of the United States shows the state of Louisiana inside Texas, with an empty spot where it's supposed to be. The same map error reappears when Soundwave begins operating the Damocles satellite.
* When Silas targets the window of Raf's room, his zoomed-in view is from the wrong angle. To be able to see Jack and the others within, he would have to be firing from the opposite side.
* The final shot of the satellite fires parallel to Raf's house. To do this, the satellite would have to be in position below the equator. When it fires, it is shown to be above North America, and burns up in the skies above Jasper not long after. In addition, the beam is constant, even though it should be changing position with the satellite.
*There are 4 Autobots (without Smokescreen) arriving through the Groundbridge but in the next scene Smokescreen's there, with a total of 5 bots.
*Silas can talk after being zapped with the energon prod, a phenomenon that didn't appear on other robots such as Optimus Prime. This may not be an error, as the human inside 'Breakdown' might not have been electrocuted.

===Continuity notes===
* The base in which Silas is revived is the same one used in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* MECH was preparing to save Silas using Breakdown's corpse at the end of "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Smokescreen offers Bulkhead the use of the Apex Armor, which he took from Starscream in the [[New Recruit|previous episode]].
* Bulkhead uses the [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball from "[[Con Job]]" as a medicine ball.
* Knockout references the events of "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and wants vengeance for it.
* Project Damocles, and Silas' role in it, was first mentioned in "[[Grill]]".
* Soundwave displays the picture he took of Jack, Miko, and Raf back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".

===Transformers references===
* This isn't the [[Autobot Spike|first time]] a human mind was placed in a robot body to preserve it.
* Nor is this the [[Novo|first MECH operative]] who would control a mechanical body.

===Real-world references===
*The surging electricity and twitching hand during Silas' revival reflects toward the animation of Frankenstein's monster.
*The missing-eye appearance on Breakdown's face resembles that of the ''Terminator''.
*Silas's request phrase of "take me to your leader" is a stereotypical phrase used in early sci-fi movies involving aliens arriving to Earth from another world.

===Trivia===
*Cylas' right eye is white.
*Cylas' shoulder cannon glows yellow like that of Nemesis Prime's cannons. The eyes don't count, since they were yellow anyway.
*Aww, Knock Out is willing to avenge Breakdown.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Human Factor}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]
*Raf's full name is Rafael Jorge Gonzales Esquivel.
*Satellites name, Damocles, may be a reference to the Sword of Damocles, a sword which hung over a throne in which Damocles sat in to strike fear into him, showing how 'fortunate' the king was. This one functions the same way as it hovers in the upper atmosphere and could strike anytime.