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Triage (episode)

2013-07-27T23:00:16Z

Carbonbased:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 40
|prev=Triangulation
|next=Toxicity
|image=Triage Soundwave visor reflection.jpg
|caption= Look, a crackhead!
|title="Triage"
|airdate=[[May 19]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''During the third relic hunt, Ratchet and Wheeljack get a one-of-a-kind opportunity when Soundwave's Deployer is disabled.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Triage Jackhammer vs Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Black Hawk down.]]
[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] rendezvous with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] in a wooded area to search for the third of four relics. Though Wheeljack rubs Ratchet up the wrong way, they take off in the ''[[Jackhammer (Prime)|Jackhammer]]'' to find the relic and soon pick up [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] as company. After Wheeljack dogfights with Soundwave for a few minutes, Soundwave releases [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] to take over the attack on the ship. Wheeljack is more than happy to chase Laserbeak instead, though as they chase the drone, it almost causes them to hit the side of a mountain, much to Ratchet's panic. He finally scores a hit on Laserbeak, but as it goes down, a random shot hits the ''Jackhammer'', bringing the ship down as well.

[[Image:Prime-TriageRatchet&Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|250px|After this, you wanna go build a [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]?]]
Ratchet is keen to resume the search for the relic, but Wheeljack spots the downed Laserbeak. They examine it, and Wheeljack hits on the idea of planting a grenade in it to provide the Decepticons with a surprise. It gives Ratchet a better idea—implanting a virus to get them access to the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' computer and hack the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] database. He contacts base and asks [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] to prepare a virus. At Raf's suggestion, they implant a grenade into Laserbeak as well to provide a decoy that the Decepticons will find and throw them off the scent of the virus. Wheeljack leaves Ratchet to find Soundwave so he can buy Ratchet time.

Meanwhile, Soundwave has located the relic, the [[Resonance Blaster]], and dug it up. Wheeljack quickly locates him and attacks. They trade blows until Soundwave relieves Wheeljack of a sword and uses his tentacles to throw the Autobot around. Wheeljack manages to use Soundwave's tentacles against each other and cracks the Decepticon's visor with his head. They go flying off the cliff, but Wheeljack finally has Soundwave at his mercy, at least until Soundwave grabs the Resonance Blaster with a tentacle and uses it on Wheeljack.

[[Image:Triage Ratchet holds down Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|left|250px|What was that safe word again?]]
Ratchet and Raf begin uploading the virus into Laserbeak, but as they need it online to do so, the drone activates and tries to fly off, forcing Ratchet to hold it down. Soundwave is about to finish off Wheeljack when he detects activity from Laserbeak and heads off to investigate. Wheeljack has time to warn Ratchet before falling unconscious, and the virus download finishes in time for Ratchet to hide before Soundwave arrives. After some tense moments, the Decepticon picks up Laserbeak, but appears to be alerted to Ratchet. Soundwave's tentacles venture into Ratchet's hiding place, but as it turns out they're merely after a lost piece of Laserbeak. Having retrieved it, Soundwave heads off back to the ''Nemesis''. Ratchet, unable to raise Wheeljack, goes to help his comrade.

[[Image:Triage Knock Out takes cover.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"NO I WILL NOT LISTEN TO SOUNDWAVE SING!!"]]
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is happy with Soundwave's find, though disappointed at [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]]'s and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s performances. Megatron has Knock Out examine Laserbeak and they find the grenade which Knock Out disposes of (after some initial panic). Soundwave returns to working on the Iacon database, where Megatron and Knock Out have a conversation in the back about Soundwave, that he WILL provide the coordinates of the remaining relics. After that, Megatron orders Knock Out to repair Soundwave's vizor. Knock Out frowns at Soundwave secretly.

Returning to the ''Jackhammer'', Ratchet calls for a [[GroundBridge]], having forged a mutual respect with Wheeljack. He bridges back to base, where the computers are busily downloading the Iacon database. A short time later, Raf reports that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is returning to base, but as they open the GroundBridge, Bulkhead comes flying through, his back smoking.

[[Toxicity|To be continued...]]

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (1)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (2)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (4)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (8)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (9)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (10)

|c3=
* [[William Fowler]] (5)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
“I'll be sure to be on my best behavior, Doc." 
"Please don't call me 'Doc'." 
"Whatever you say, Sunshine."
:—'''Wheeljack''' pulls out a rather unfitting nickname for '''Ratchet'''.

"Wait a minute, a grenade inside of Laserbeak, inside of Soundwave? Like a turducken!" 
"I'm sorry?" 
"It's a turkey, stuffed with a duck, stuffed with a... never mind."
:—'''Raf''' fails to enlighten '''Ratchet'''.

"Any last words?" 
"..." 
"Right. Silent type."
:—'''Wheeljack''' remembers only too late that '''Soundwave''' ''isn't'' going to say anything.

"Ah, the Resonance Blaster. Crafted by Decepticon scientists for maximum sonic devastation. Soundwave! You have performed admirably. Unlike Dreadwing here, who somehow managed to lose the Apex Armor to ''Starscream''!" 
:—'''Megatron''' praises Soundwave and scolds Dreadwing.

"Soundwave, if we are to maintain any advantage over the Autobots *''pauses briefly as an explosion rocks the ship and barely lifts an eyebrow''* decoding the remaineder of the Iacon Database must remain your highest priority."
:—'''Megatron''' gives Soundwave a mission as Knock Out deals with a surprise.

"Oh, believe me. Soundwave ''will'' provide the coordinates to the remaining relics." 
"Yes. We are fortunate to have him on our side, Lord Megatron." 
"And see about repairing his cracked visor, will you?" 
''*Knock Out growls as Megatron walks away*''
:—'''Megatron''' talks with '''Knock Out''' about Soundwave.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* The sound normally used for an arm weapon transforming is used as Soundwave straightens his fingers before fighting Wheeljack.
* As Soundwave stands over Wheeljack at the edge of the cliff, Laserbeak can be seen on his chest.
* The ends of Soundwave's tentacles can be seen on his chest as he stands over Wheeljack with the Resonance Blaster on his arm, as if they weren't fully retracted.
* Even though Knock Out lost a wheel in "[[Tunnel Vision]]", he appears to have all four of them when he returns from his failed mission. Perhaps he had a spare?

===Continuity errors===
*It's implied at the end of "[[Loose Cannons]]" that Wheeljack leaves the ''Jackhammer'' back at the Autobot base to explore Earth in his new vehicle mode, but in this episode he has it with him already when Ratchet GroundBridges to him. Perhaps he left it somewhere the other Autobots knew was safe and decided to meet with Ratchet there.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode happens concurrently with the previous two and the following one. Knock Out returns from his mission in "[[Tunnel Vision]]", which was a failure, and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] has already returned after losing the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] to [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] in "[[Triangulation]]". On the Autobot side of things, Bulkhead returns from his mission, which takes place in the [[Toxicity|following episode]], diving through the GroundBridge with severe damage to his back.
*Overall, it appears that the relic hunt in either this episode or "Triangulation" was the first to be completed. Ratchet returns to base before any of the other Autobots, but it is implied that Dreadwing returned to the ''Nemesis'' before Soundwave did.
* Ratchet informs Wheeljack that he "proved his mettle during the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|war for Cybertron]]".

===Real-world references===
* For those who are wondering, [[Wikipedia:Turducken|turducken is real]].
* Rafael was using a command-line interpreter with a black screen that printed white text, a nod to [[Wikipedia:Command Prompt|Command Prompt]].

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Resonanz-Blaster'''" ("The Resonance-Blaster")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Onpa Henkei! Ratchet no Hisaku'''" (音波変形!ラチェットの秘策, "Sonic Transformation! Ratchet's Recipe")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 5|5 January]] [[2013]]
:*Since turduckens aren't as well known in Japan, Raf instead compares Ratchet's plan to the layers of a boiled egg.

===Trivia===
* Laserbeak is named for the first time in-series.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon

2013-06-01T19:26:00Z

Carbonbased: /* Quotes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=17
|prev=The Gloaming
|next=Remain in Light 2 of 5
|caption=''Damn you for ruining our class photo!''
|image=MTMTE17 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 29]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=May 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistants=[[Toni Korde]] and [[Mariel Romero]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}
'''Everything has built to this! As Rodimus leads the ''Lost Light'' crew on a quest straight out of Cybertronian myth, old enemies reappear, old friends return, and new life waits to be born...'''

==Synopsis==

''Somewhere, in a darkened room, Rodimus relates the grim tale of recent events to an unseen listener...''

[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] verifies the [[death clock]]'s scan of [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], sadly confirming that the little 'bot has a fatal case of [[cybercrosis]], brought about by nothing more than old age, which will kill him in just over three days. As the medic details the stages of the disease, including blindness, paralysis, and memory loss, Tailgate flees the medibay in a panic, racing back to his quarters, where he explains his news to [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]]. Cyclonus stoically advises Tailgate to make his peace and face death boldly, but then leaves the room in silence, and stops in the hallway to observe his reflection... which he almost punches in a sudden, furious rage, only to stop and instead tear gouges in his own face with his claws.

Examining security footage to determine what has become of the missing [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], [[Ambulon]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] observe as the comatose Magnus suddenly sits bolt upright with impossible speed and appears to ''float'' to the shuttle bay. [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] reports that the signal from the shuttle Magnus left in has been detected, and the ''[[Lost Light]]'' sets course after it, soon finding that it leads through a colossal wormhole. Rodimus informs the crew that the ship will be going through the portal, giving anyone who wishes the option not to come, but nobody takes it. The ship enters the portal, and what lurks on the other side proves beyond imagining: the lost satellite of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], alleged home to the answer to every question, found at last.

As Rodimus waits in his quarters, morosely examining unread messages from Ultra Magnus on his datapad, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] enters to report his preliminary findings: a lifesign scan, amazingly, suggests the moon is home to a billion lifeforms. Rodimus handpicks a small team to join him on the first expedition to the moon, confidentially informing them that all he really wants to do is find out what became of Ultra Magnus: [[Rung]] (to fill Magnus's role and tell him things he doesn't want to hear); [[Brainstorm]]; [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (in case there's any fighting to be done, though Whirl suspects it's positive discrimination); [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (who [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] urges to search the moon for a solution to his lost memories); Ratchet; and Cyclonus, for his familiarity with the creation myth that Luna 1 is part of. Cyclonus agrees to come only on the condition that Tailgate gets to accompany them, desiring to give his tiny friend a great experience before his death, but he cautions Tailgate to disabuse himself of the notion that the moon may hold a cure to his condition. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] begs to come along, citing his metallurgical skills, but Rodimus refuses, accusing him of having abandoned that function to be a bartender.

Leaving the ''Lost Light'' under the stewardship of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], the Autobots head down to the moon and deploy in [[Mobile Autobot Repair Bay|M.A.R.B.]]s. They soon discover Magnus's shuttle, smashed open from the outside-in, but when Rodimus hops off the M.A.R.B. to examine it, his feet touching the moon's surface for the first time, the incredible happens: the entire moon lights up, as a billion [[spark]]s suddenly flare to life all over its surface. Luna 1, it transpires, is a gigantic "hot spot", a field where sparks are born, that has been fertilized after an ages-long wait when Rodimus touched it. As Rodimus wonders if the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-half he is carrying could have been responsible, the other Transformers look in wonder on the field, the like of which Chromedome remarks had mostly ceased to be by his lifetime, since he was "constructed cold". Tailgate has heard this term thrown around a lot without understanding it, and the others explain that Chromedome was created using the energy from an extant spark, as opposed to "forged", born in a hot spot (which Whirl is eager to point out ''he'' was). Cyclonus calls the group's attention to a spark glowing green, which Brainstorm recognizes as a "superspark"—a vanishingly rare, insanely powerful [[Point One Percenter]]—and immediately begins excavating it over Perceptor's horrified protestations. Everyone discusses whether or not this is the right thing to do, but moral debates are promptly tabled by an explosive, unexpected arrival: a platoon of Decepticons led by [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], who descend from the sky, weapons blazing, decrying Rodimus's team as trespassers!

Back on the ''Lost Light'', the transmission from Rodimus's team is abruptly cut off, but Blaster and Maximus aren't sure if it's the moon or the ship that's being isolated. Down in the ship's oil reservoir, Skids is spending some time alone with this thoughts when suddenly, a familiar phrase gurgles out of the darkness: "Nineteen eighty-four". A platoon of the [[Legislator|giant golden warrior robots]] he last saw just before joining the ''Lost Light'' crew bursts out of the reservoir's black depths, chanting their familiar refrain... but that's not all. More of the robots appear all across the ship: in [[Swerve's]], which he has decided to close down; on the bridge; and everywhere in-between, these ones brandishing huge guns and declaring "Seventeen twenty-one".

''Rodimus pauses in his story, reflecting on how many impossible things happened in one day, and realizes he has not even asked the name of his mystery listener. The older bot introduces himself as [[Dominus Ambus|Ambus]]...''

On Luna 1, as Rodimus's team flees the Decepticon attack, Ratchet's M.A.R.B. is hit and explodes, throwing the medic to the ground. A figure appears before the fallen Ratchet and offers its hand... and Ratchet looks up to see [[Pharma]] looming over him!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (3)
*[[Ambulon]] (4)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (5)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (7)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Rung]] (10)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (11)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (12)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (14)
*[[Grapple]] (15)
*[[Brainstorm]] (16)
*[[Atomizer]] (17)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (18)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (20)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (21)
*[[Dominus Ambus]] (28)
*[[Pharma]] (30)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] (22)
*[[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] (23)
*[[Venom (G1)|Venom]] (24)
*[[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] (25)
*[[Chop Shop]] (26)
*"[[Den-O]]" (27)
|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (1)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (2)
*[[Legislator]]s (29)

}}

==Quotes==

"You're visiting Luna 1 for the '''experience''', nothing else. This can't be about finding a '''cure.'''" 
"'Course not! 'Course it can't. ...'''why''' can't it?" 
"It just '''can't.'''" 
"Right. Fine. So I'm not allowed to '''hope.'''" 
"Listen to me. <big>'''Never. Hope.'''</big> Hope is a '''lie.'''"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tailgate'''

"Time to break out the '''[[M.A.A.B.]]s''' and play 'Hunt the Crewmember.'" 
"Wait—'''M.A.R.B.s''' or '''M.A.A.B.s'''"? 
"'M.A.A.B.s or M.A.A.B.s?' What?" 
"'''M'''obile '''A'''utobot '''R'''epair '''B'''ay, or '''M'''obile '''A'''nti-'''A'''ssault '''B'''attlesuit?" 
"The ones that turn into—the '''cool ones.''' The battlesuits." 
"Right. We don't have any of those."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Brainstorm'''

'''Brainstorm:''' "I was '''anti-apartheid.''' Went on the marches and everything. 'Equal rights for '''knock-offs!''''" 
'''Tailgate:''' "Eh?" 
'''Chromedome:''' "Ignore him—he thinks it's four million years ago and he's being '''progressive.'''"
:-'''moontalk

"What are you—" 
"'''Harvesting''' it." 
"No, because harvesting takes '''skill'''. And '''patience.''' And '''time.''' You can't just—you can't just do '''precisely what you're doing now...!" 
:—'''Perceptor''' and '''Brainstorm'''

"Where are you going to put [the spark], Brainstorm? In your '''briefcase?'''" 
"I '''wasn't''', but if I '''did'''... oh, man. You've just '''blown my mind.'''"
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Brainstorm

"The whole moon was fertilized the moment you stepped off the M.A.R.B."
:-And for the sake of the Cybertronian race itself, please don't ......let Rodimus spawn 4 billion kids.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Popular-but-unseen [[Spoke]] and [[Lockstock]], mentioned in issues [[Before & After|#12]] and [[The Gloaming|#16]], get another name-drop in this issue, where it turns out they're just as well-liked by the ship's medibot—the [[Diagnostic Drone]] seen floating around the ship in multiple past issues (perhaps most prominently [[Rules of Disengagement|issue #7]]—as they are by their crewmates.
*Rodimus likens himself, Magnus and Drift to [[Rossum's Trinity]], the principle of Transformer biology introduced in [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]].
*Following last issue's surprise ending, Tailgate's looming death is revealed to be the result of [[cybercrosis]], a rotting disease first mentioned in [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the ''More than Meets the Eye'' 2012 annual]]. For a dash of added irony, Tailgate was heard to hope in issue #12 that a cure for the disease had ''not'' been found, when expressing dislike of Dominus Ambus's do-goodery.
*Ratchet notes that the cybercrosis has likely curdled Tailgate's [[innermost energon]], which is sure to be the reason it appeared a sickly green color when Tailgate was seen pouring some out in issue #12, compared to the traditional pink-purple of everyone else's in that same issue. It is also pointed out that Tailgate's [[transformation cog]] likely no longer works, which he has not noticed because he hasn't transformed in so long; in fact, we've never seen him ''successfully'' transform at all through the run of the series, as when he last attempted it in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]] he got stuck halfway.
*Ratchet also comments on Tailgate's 'full life', as everybody except Cyclonus still believes he's extremely well-read and accomplished.
*It's not immediately clear what Rung might be referring to when he says he has a sense of ''déjà vu'' at the sight of the portal, but it's appropriate that he would be the one to feel it, as past issues have established him as a "historical constant" who has been around a ''long'' time and been present for nearly every major event in Cybertron history.
*The portal looks a heckuva lot like the one Skids and the gold robots flew out of all the way back in issue #2.
*Having lost his arm in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]], Chromedome is seen with a skeletal replacement on page 7 like that worn by Rodimus in issue #3, after he lost his own limbs. It has been built back up to a proper arm by page 10.
* Fortress Maximus appears to be back in everyone's good graces, as he's seen with the group listening to Rodimus' opt-out speech, and is left in charge of ''Lost Light'' when Rodimus travels to Luna 1.
*Luna 1! This famous missing satellite of Cybertron's has been regularly mentioned across both ''More than Meets the Eye'' and ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' since its legend was introduced in ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]''. Reference is made to the quests that Swerve and Rodimus both undertook for it, which were originally commented on in issue [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|#1]] and the 2012 annual, respectively (though it's not clear if they were both on the ''same'' moonquest or not).
*Callbacks are made to the deaths of [[Polaris]] and [[Shock]] (both from issue #2), [[Animus]] (issue #3) and [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (issue #15) .
*The origin of Luna 1's nickname, "The Seething Moon", is revealed, as it is "seething" with unborn life. We got our first hint toward the sheer scope of what we see here back in [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]], when we saw [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]'s spark emerge from Luna 2. That story saw Overlord's spark denoted as a "Point One Percenter" by its green coloration, which is how the Autobots identify another this issue.
*We get a clear explanation for terminology we've been hearing since ''[[Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory]]'': [[Reproduction#IDW_Generation_1_continuity|"Forged"]] Transformers are those whose sparks were grown naturally from the metal of Cybertron or one of its moons, while Transformers [[Reproduction#IDW_Generation_1_continuity|"constructed cold"]] were created using energy from another's spark. This process, in turn, is revealed to be another name for [[spark splicing]], a population-enhancement program introduced by [[Nova Prime]], mentioned in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]].
*Skids is moping around in the ship's oil reservoir, where he was also seen ruminating in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*The Decepticons who attack Rodimus's team are Lockdown's "[[Titan Hunters]]" from ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''. Ransack was not seen among the group in that issue; his presence here marks the first time all four [[Insecticon (G1)|Deluxe Insecticons]] have appeared together in IDW continuity.
*Dominus Ambus is Rewind's old friend and master, seen in flashbacks in issue #12. He has a new color scheme here, appearing with a white helmet and green face, as opposed to the gold helmet and white face seen in his previous appearance.
*The giant gold robots previously appeared back in issue #2. They've not been named in-story as of yet, but concept art from the first ''More than Meets the Eye'' trade paperback identified them as "Legislators", a term that has gone on to be used in IDW's catalogue solicitations for "Remain in Light".
*Bonkers Autobot doctor Pharma appeared in issues #4 and [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|#5]], in which he got his hands lopped off. He's replaced one of them with a chainsaw. Groovy.

===Transformers references===
*The Legislator's declarations of "seventeen twenty-one" refer to the issues of ''More than Meets the Eye'' that the five-part "Remain in Light" story appears in, starting with this issue, #17, and running until #21.
*[[Pharma]]'s chainsaw hand is not inappropriate, given that he is now apparently working with [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], whose [[Lockdown (Animated)|''Transformers Animated'' counterpart]] counted such a weapon among his arsenal.

===Real-life references===
*''[[Wikipedia:Remain in Light|Remain in Light]]'' is the title of an album by the band [[Wikipedia:Talking Heads|Talking Heads]].
*For the language-fanciers among you, "fecund" means "fertile". The full moon is often described as "fecund" in literature, owing to its mythological connections to fertility; here, that figurative language is given a far more literal double-meaning, as the moon in this story is literally bursting with life waiting to be born.
*Brainstorm has a tiny model of [http://robocop.wikia.com/wiki/Enforcement_Droid_Series_209 ED-209] from ''[[Wikipedia: RoboCop|RoboCop]]'' on his desk.
*Continuing the trend started by "[[V3]]" from ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]'', another new member of the Titan Hunters appears to be based on one of the title characters from the Japanese tokusatsu franchise Kamen Rider, in this case ''[[wikipedia:Kamen Rider Den-O|Kamen Rider Den-O]]''.

===Other notes===
*Like the "[[Duobot|Shock and Ore]]" gag before it, the "M.A.A.B.s or M.A.R.B.s" joke is another one that works better if you imagine it spoken with James Roberts's native British accent, where the pronunciation of the words is virtually identical, versus the more obvious difference a North American accent yields.

===Crew manifest===
*Tailgate discovers he is terminally ill.
*11 deaths, two crewmembers in terminal conditions, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===

For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue alone:
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zNdMc6wGtU Heaven]'' by the aforementioned Talking Heads
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4XHx_boqTI A Comet Appears]'' by [[Wikipedia:The Shins|The Shins]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' The ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew face an onslaught of [[Legislator]]s, art by [[Alex Milne]], colours by [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Rodimus flees a Legislator, art by [[Sean Chen]], colours by [[Tom Chu]].
*'''Cover RI:''' A despondent Tailgate alone beside a porthole, art by [[Nick Roche]], colours by Josh Perez.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE17 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE17 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE17 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

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==External links==
*[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content/more-than-meets-eye-17-full-preview-6586/ Preview]

Darkest Hour (episode)

2013-06-01T19:09:27Z

Carbonbased: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig3|Darkest Hour}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 52
|prev=Regeneration (Prime)
|next=Darkmount, NV
|image=PrimeDarkestHourOPArm.jpg
|caption=WISE FWOM YOUR GWAVE
|title="Darkest Hour"
|airdate=[[November 2]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''When Megatron turns the power of the Omega Lock on Earth, Optimus is forced into making a risky decision that could have inescapable consequences for the entire Autobot team.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DarkestHour-captives.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Jack: It's all because of us. Miko: We're so fragged. Raf: Can I go to the bathroom?]]

The two groups stand on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], locked in a face-off. While the [[Autobot]]s have the [[Omega Key]]s, the [[Decepticon]]s have [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] orders [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] to get ready to expose Jack to Cybertron's toxic atmosphere. Though the kids are ready to sacrifice themselves to save the planet, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] isn't, and the Autobots throw down their weapons. [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] hands over his key in exchange for Miko, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] hands over his for Raf, and Megatron insists that as someone who was entrusted with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], Jack is surely worth ''two'' keys, so Arcee and Smokescreen are compelled to hand over theirs. The exchange done, a [[space bridge]] opens and the Autobots are quickly surrounded by [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]].

On [[Earth]], [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] gets a call from [[June Darby]], worried as she can't get in touch with Jack. Ratchet, unable to get in touch with Optimus and unaware that the kids are on Cybertron, is more concerned with keeping the comm lines clear, and quickly ends the call.

Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave and Knock Out each hold a key, and activate the [[Omega Lock]]. At a touch from Megatron, the lock sends out a beam of energy that recreates a nearby ruin, turning it into a pristine building. Though Optimus requests he be allowed to take the [[human]]s back to Earth, Megatron announces they'll be safer where they are. He has Starscream open up a space bridge portal over the Omega Lock site, and unleashes a mechaforming beam through it... to Earth, just outside of [[Jasper]], [[Nevada]]. A horrified June drops her phone, and the Autobot base's systems go haywire from the energy overload.

[[Image:DarkestHour-June.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I've been watching far too many movies."]]

Miko wonders aloud if the beam will simply restore Earth, but Optimus says that this won't be the case; the beam will instead [[Eco-structuring|cyberform]] the planet, tuning it into another metallic world, and in the process destroy ''all'' indigenous life. Unable to let Earth die, Optimus leaps into action, slicing his way through the guards with his blade and lunging for the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]]. Though Megatron tries to respond with the [[Dark Star Saber]], Optimus neatly cleaves the purloined Prime arm off of the Decepticon leader and sends the Dark blade flying, charging the Lock. Starscream gets his face stamped on as he tries to stop Optimus, and the other two Decepticons dive for cover as the Star Saber finds its mark, resulting in a massive explosion.

The cyberforming beam dissipates, and Ratchet's equipment clears up in time to get a transmission from Optimus requesting a space bridge. As the Decepticons pick themselves out of the rubble, the Autobots retreat through back to Earth. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] quips, earning a quick backhand from Starscream, snarling that he needs to attend to their wounded leader. Starscream's ranting at Optimus's actions is cut of by a burst of maniacal laughter from Megatron... "They can run, but they can never again run ''home''!"

[[Image:DarkestHour-NewKaon.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Always check the (future) neighbors out before you sign the lease.]]

Ratchet is aghast as the Autobots return carrying the children, and even more so when they tell him Optimus has destroyed the Omega Lock. He staggers, lamenting that the sheer depth of loss the war has brought has all come to naught, with Cybertron now doomed to forever be a lifeless husk. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] snaps at Ratchet, claiming it's not his place to question Optimus's battlefield decisions, and Ratchet does not exactly react well to that. The discussion is cut short by a call from an absolutely furious [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]], suggesting they take a look outside. As the Autobots reach the mountaintop via elevator, they find a huge [[Darkmount (Earth)|Cybertronian fortress]] now stands right on their doorstep. Fowler, landing his helicopter next to them, wonders why they picked Jasper. As the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' arrives, the answer becomes painfully clear: the Decepticons have found the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]].

Megatron, still missing his arm, rallies his air troops with a speech damning Optimus for his actions, and Starscream launches his armada of silver-toned Jet Vehicons, followed by the [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] horde. The Autobots retreat into the base, but Fowler jumps back into his helicopter and flies directly through the oncoming Decepticon formations. While he's soon outgunned and being chased by Vehicons, the ''[[Jackhammer (Prime)|Jackhammer]]'' streaks into view—[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] has come to lend a hand, much to the surprise of the Autobots, since their last parting was not exactly on friendly terms.

[[Image:DarkestHour-thisistheplace.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Album|We're going 'til the world stops turning, while we burn it to the ground tonight!]]]]

Optimus orders the Autobots to abandon base via [[GroundBridge]], each departing to different locations in the [[United States of America|USA]] in the hopes that it will allow them to evade capture easier and regroup. Bumblebee and Raf head out first, then Bulkhead and Miko, then Arcee and Jack. Outside, Fowler avoids more Decepticons only to see the ''Nemesis'' moving into position over the Autobot base. At the same time, June is approaching the base by car in search of her son, but is stopped by a low-flying Vehicon. Fowler moves fast, gunning the Decepticon down and pulling June to safety. Though Wheeljack has bought the Autobots time, the numbers are against him, and a pair of seeking missiles from Starscream soon send the ''Jackhammer'' plummeting to Earth in a trail of smoke.

Smokescreen having departed on his own, Ratchet and Optimus are the last ones left in the base. Optimus tells Ratchet to go on, while he will make sure the Decepticons can't follow. Realizing the implications, Ratchet sadly takes his leave. Optimus moves to use the Star Saber to destroy the space bridge controls, but at that moment his task is rendered moot as the ''Nemesis'' fires a colossal cannon, destroying the Autobot base in a huge explosion.

Megatron and Starscream fly down to the remains, landing on the Autobot [[insignia]]. The two gloat over their victory... and not far, all that can be seen of Optimus is his hand sticking out from the burning rubble...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
* [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (2)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
* [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (14)
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (18)
|c2=
* [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (6)
* [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (9)
* [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (10)
* [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (12)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (13)
* [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] (17)
|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (7)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (11)
* [[June Darby]] (15)
* [[William Fowler]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"I guess we should cancel the welcome home party."
:—'''Knock Out''' makes an ill-timed quip.

"Optimus... ''we needed that''."
:—'''Ratchet''' expresses his dismay over Optimus's actions.

"Our opportunity to revive Cybertron has been lost, due to the treachery of Optimus Prime. But from our fortress of New Kaon, we will instead seize control of THIS world! [[Megatron (Animated)|'''Decepticons! Transform and rise up!''']]"
:—'''Megatron''' gives his army a motivational speech as the onslaught begins.

"We're still on the same team Doc. Always have been, always will be."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"And that's how you wreck a Wrecker!"
:—'''Starscream''' bragging as he shoots down Wheeljack's ship.

"I... never imagined it would end like this." 
''[Heads through the GroundBridge]'' 
"Neither did I, old friend."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the breaking of [[Team Prime]].

"This is the place, all right." 
"This was the place." 
"United we stand, divided they fall."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' continue to gloat at what is left of the Autobot base.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* As in previous episodes, Megatron's jet mode retains the fusion cannon even though he no longer has it.
* During Ratchet's last scene before he enters the GroundBridge, part of his helmet goes through his chest.
* When Optimus transforms his arm into his regular sword, the Vehicons behind him are suddenly ground units.
* When Starscream takes off with his Vehicon armada, one of the Vehicons transforms and stops mid-air mid-transformed behind Knock-Out.

===Continuity notes===
* Megatron remembers that Jack was entrusted with the [[Matrix of Leadership]] back in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]". Technically, Jack was entrusted with the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], but the end result is the same.
* Ratchet vaguely references the events of "[[Hurt]]" when expressing surprise at Wheeljack's arrival. This also seems to be the reason why no one enlisted his aid for the events of the previous episode.
* Optimus cuts off Megatron's Prime arm, which he acquired in "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
* Soundwave began narrowing down the location of the Autobots' base through knowledge of their human allies' residences within [[Jasper]] in "[[Hard Knocks]]".

===Transformers references===
* "[[Darkest hour]]", yet again.
* Megatron commands his troops to "Transform and rise up!", a phrase coined by the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]".
* Megatron plans to [[Cyberforming|cyberform]] Earth.

===Real-world references===
* Optimus Prime explains that the Omega Lock will "cyberform your planet in favor of its new matrix, destroying all indigenous life in the process," a reference to the Genesis Device in ''[[wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]''. [[Spock]], describing the effect of the Device on an inhabited world, explains that it "would destroy such life, in favor of its new matrix."

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Entscheidung'''" ("The Choice")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 27|27 February]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kyūkyoku Henkei! Tatakae! Transformers'''" (究極変形!戦え!トランスフォーマー, "Ultimate Transformation! Fight! Transformers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 30|30 March]] [[2013]]
:*The title is a reference to ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'', the Japanese title of the original Generation 1 franchise.
:*'''Cut:''' As the Japanese broadcast of ''Prime'' had to limit the show to only 52 episodes, "Darkest Hour" became the series finale. To accommodate this new role, the entire cliffhanger ending in which the Autobot base is destroyed was cut and the series ends on a more ambiguous tone (the final shot is of Optimus destroying the control panel). Editing like this would make 4Kids blush.

===Trivia===
[[Image:PrimeDarkestHourStarscreamsArmadaSingle.jpg|thumb|250px|ARE YOU SARAH CONNOR?]]
* A new type of Decepticon flyer debuts, sporting a silver and grey paint job. Just where these new awesome-looking Vehicons came from has not yet been explained.
* June has evidently bought a new car, her old one having been destroyed in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]".
* Optimus makes use of his integrated sword for the first time since the arrival of the Star Saber.
* Fowler manages to kill four Decepticons in this episode, two of which he shoots down with the gun on his helicopter. He must have gotten an upgrade after its lackluster performance in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]" and "[[Crisscross]]".

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2013-06-01T18:57:09Z

Carbonbased: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=
|title="Plus One"
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone relic, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with Jack's mother.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PlusOne-surrounded.jpg|left|thumb|300px|You must be new here if you thought those guys would actually pose a threat]]
[[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] picks up a signal from [[Scotland]] and [[GroundBridge]]s [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] back to the [[Autobot]] base. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] asks why he's returned alone, and Wheeljack disdainfully notes that the mission was a failure, and that the rest of his team will be returning via [[Ultra Magnus's ship]]. [[William Fowler|Fowler]] emerges from his office with reports of [[Decepticon]] activity in [[New Mexico]]. With [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime's]] team still in [[Texas]] and the rest of the [[Wrecker]]s still en route, that leaves Arcee and Wheeljack to continue the hunt for [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] remains. They bridge to Fowler's coordinates and end up right in the middle of a squadron of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s. The two Autobots take them out quickly, impressing one another with their skills.

[[June Darby|June]] arrives at the Autobot base to pick up medical supplies being donated by Fowler, who asks her to call him "William". Raf announces that he's discovered a Predacon talon in a museum, kept in storage because scientists didn't know how to classify it. Fowler volunteers to retrieve the fossil, and invites June to accompany him. She's reluctant at first, but is angered by the hypocrisy in [[Jack Darby|Jack]] forbidding her from endangering herself, and agrees to go.

On the outer hull of the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] praises his [[Predaking (Prime)|new pet]] for successfully retrieving the fossil from Scotland. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] reports the discovery of another Predacon energy signature, and Megatron orders him to acquire it. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] arrives to mock Knock Out, but Megatron halts their bickering by telling Starscream to take Knock Out's place on monitor duty. As Megatron and Knock Out return inside the ship, a frustrated Starscream kicks the Predacon's tail. The beast responds with a vicious tail swipe that narrowly misses Starscream and wrecks the ship's communications array.

In a cave in New Mexico, Arcee inquires as to Wheeljack's foul mood. Wheeljack tries to brush off her questions, but Arcee persists, claiming that she knows Wheeljack only pretends to prefer working solo.

Fowler and June emerge from the museum with the Predacon talon in tow, joking about the experience and comparing past relationships. Their bonding is interrupted by the arrival of Knock Out, who renders them unconscious with a beam of light. They awake in the [[Decepticon]]'s trunk moments before he speeds off into the desert, leaving June's cell phone crushed on the ground. Knock Out attempts to request a GroundBridge, but is unable to make contact with the base.

On the ''Nemesis'', Starscream rants about the Predacon disabling their communications network while a couple of Vehicons attempt to repair it. Starscream enters an override code into a nearby computer console to reboot the system, but this only produces a shower of sparks.

Jack is worrying about how long his mother is taking when he receives a call from [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]. She says that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is worried about Wheeljack, and Jack explains that he's on a mission with Arcee. Miko is annoyed that Wheeljack would replace Bulkhead so quickly, but also admits that she expected the two lone wolves to hook up.

June and Fowler bicker within Knock Out's trunk until the Decepticon tells them to stifle themselves. He continues to attempt communication with the ''Nemesis'', and June and Fowler begin devising an escape plan.

While digging in the cave walls, Wheeljack reveals to Arcee that Bulkhead, not [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]], is the source of his current frustration. He feels his onetime partner has gone soft. Arcee tells him that people change and he has to either adapt or rust. She knows [[Tailgate (Prime)|from]] [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|experience]] the pain of losing a partner.

[[File:PlusOne-snatched.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Now kiss!]]

Fowler emerges from Knock Out's trunk and into his vehicle interior, forcing the startled Decepticon to stop at a railroad yard by twisting his steering wheel and slamming on the break. June races from the car with the Predacon talon and Fowler flees in the opposite direction. Knock Out transforms and quickly finds Fowler hiding amongst the freight cars. He grabs Fowler and threatens to kill him if June doesn't reveal herself and the talon.

Jack tries calling his mother and Fowler, but both of their phones go straight to voicemail. Raf innocently suggests they went to a movie.

As he lugs a Predacon spine out of the cave, Wheeljack admits that he was wrong to abandon Bulkhead like he did. Arcee receives a distress call from Jack, who is now in the museum parking lot holding his mother's crushed phone and watching a set of tire tracks lead into the desert.

At the train yard, Knock Out notices a railcar pull away, revealing a defiant June. She tells Knock Out that she hid the fossil in one of the cars, and will only tell him which after he's let Fowler go. Knock Out realizes the fossil is most likely on the departing train car, grabs June, and heads after it.

On the ''Nemesis'', a furious Megatron discovers that communications have been down for hours. No sooner does [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] get the network back online than Knock Out calls again, reporting that he has the Predacon bone in his sights and Wheeljack and Arcee on his tail.

A squad of [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] are GroundBridged to Knock Out's location and open fire on the pursuing Autobots. Wheeljack and Arcee fight back but continue to move forward. Knock Out reaches the freight car where the bone is hidden and launches himself into the air, transforming to robot mode as he does and letting June and Fowler drop. Below, Wheeljack transforms into robot mode, catches them, and transforms back into vehicle mode with the humans inside. Knock Out snatches the fossil and makes it through the Decepticon GroundBridge before Arcee can catch him.

At the Autobot base, Jack is relieved to see his mother, but less excited that she's taken to calling Fowler "Bill". Miko teases that Jack has also lost his Autobot partner to Wheeljack. But Wheeljack and Bulkhead quickly make up, much to Miko and Jack's delight.

Back at the ''Nemesis'', Megatron congratulates Knock Out and chastises Starscream. While Starscream again blames the Predacon's bestial stupidity, the so-called beast is busy entering Starscream's access code into the computer console from earlier, calling up the ship's information on Predacons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (14)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (7)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*[[William Fowler]] (6)
*[[June Darby]] (8)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"I wondered what was taking so long with those sodas."
:—'''Raf''' has gotten used to '''Miko's''' disappearances.

"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet''', the Autobots' secret weapon.

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.
:—'''Wrecker Fact''' #[Insert Number Here] on henchbots.

"I'll have you know, Nurse Darby, I was an [[United States Army|Army Ranger]] and federal agent for [[Unit:E]] three decades before I ever heard the NAME 'Optimus Prime'."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' gives '''June''' his credentials.

'''Megatron''': Knock Out, do not return empty-handed. 
'''Knock Out''': Moi? Don't know the meaning of the word. 
'''Starscream''': Isn't 'empty-handed' two words? 
'''Knock Out''': You would know. Or did your [[Apex Armor (Prime)|missing armor]] turn up?
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' try to impress the boss with a game of "so there"s.

"Knock Out to Lord Megatron. I have secured one vintage Predacon talon. Plus, two of the Autobots' pets, for you to employ as hostages, lab experiments...well, any way you see fit. So go on, Big M, tell me you love me more than Starscream." 
''[Comm static]'' 
"My liege? Hello?" 
''[More static]'' 
"Too familiar?"
:—'''Knock Out''' gets the wrong idea from the communications blackout.

"Frankly, I find it repulsive. The whole idea of you fleshies...[[Reproduction|interfacing]]." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out''' does not approve of humans [[Powerlinx]]ing.

"Bromance trumps romance"
:— '''Jack''' has it figured out

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

===Continuity errors===
* The communication dish on the flight deck of the ''Nemesis'' didn't exist prior to this episode. In addition, it is initially shown to be on the port side of the vessel, but is on the starboard side (and facing the opposite direction) when Soundwave is working on it.
* Predaking copies Starscream's override code to access the communication array, but he was on the wrong side of the dish to see it when Starscream first used it.

===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to '[[Texas|oil country]]' in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* This episode marks the first in-series use of the term "Vehicon".
* Wheeljack ditched his unit, the Decepticons recovered the Predacon fossil, and Starscream lost the Apex Armor in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Jack traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], much to his mother's discomfort, in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]".
* The complex equation Ratchet refers to is more than likely the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] formula, which he's been trying to recreate since "Project Predacon".
* Arcee still has the laser weapon she took from Ultra Magnus's arsenal in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* The files accessed by Predaking are the same primitive renditions of Predacons that Ratchet showed to the others in "Project Predacon".
* While bickering, Starscream calls Knock Out a "wheel-based" something (before Megatron cuts him off). He showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode back in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".

===Transformers references===
* Megatron refers to his upcoming Predacon army as [[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machine]] super-soldiers.

===Cultural references===
* [[Unit:E]] is a reference to a 2011 comic book published by Hasbro, uniting characters from series such as ''[[Jem]]'', ''[[Micronauts]]'' and so on.
* Fowler refers to Warren Gamaliel Harding, who was President of the United States when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.

===Trivia===
* This is the first (aired) Transformers story written by popular animation writer and producer Greg Weisman.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2013-06-01T18:56:06Z

Carbonbased: /* Quotes */

Plus One (Prime)

2013-06-01T18:49:05Z

Carbonbased: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=
|title="Plus One"
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone relic, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with Jack's mother.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:PlusOne-surrounded.jpg|left|thumb|300px|You must be new here if you thought those guys would actually pose a threat]]
[[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] picks up a signal from [[Scotland]] and [[GroundBridge]]s [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] back to the [[Autobot]] base. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] asks why he's returned alone, and Wheeljack disdainfully notes that the mission was a failure, and that the rest of his team will be returning via [[Ultra Magnus's ship]]. [[William Fowler|Fowler]] emerges from his office with reports of [[Decepticon]] activity in [[New Mexico]]. With [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime's]] team still in [[Texas]] and the rest of the [[Wrecker]]s still en route, that leaves Arcee and Wheeljack to continue the hunt for [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] remains. They bridge to Fowler's coordinates and end up right in the middle of a squadron of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s. The two Autobots take them out quickly, impressing one another with their skills.

[[June Darby|June]] arrives at the Autobot base to pick up medical supplies being donated by Fowler, who asks her to call him "William". Raf announces that he's discovered a Predacon talon in a museum, kept in storage because scientists didn't know how to classify it. Fowler volunteers to retrieve the fossil, and invites June to accompany him. She's reluctant at first, but is angered by the hypocrisy in [[Jack Darby|Jack]] forbidding her from endangering herself, and agrees to go.

On the outer hull of the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] praises his [[Predaking (Prime)|new pet]] for successfully retrieving the fossil from Scotland. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] reports the discovery of another Predacon energy signature, and Megatron orders him to acquire it. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] arrives to mock Knock Out, but Megatron halts their bickering by telling Starscream to take Knock Out's place on monitor duty. As Megatron and Knock Out return inside the ship, a frustrated Starscream kicks the Predacon's tail. The beast responds with a vicious tail swipe that narrowly misses Starscream and wrecks the ship's communications array.

In a cave in New Mexico, Arcee inquires as to Wheeljack's foul mood. Wheeljack tries to brush off her questions, but Arcee persists, claiming that she knows Wheeljack only pretends to prefer working solo.

Fowler and June emerge from the museum with the Predacon talon in tow, joking about the experience and comparing past relationships. Their bonding is interrupted by the arrival of Knock Out, who renders them unconscious with a beam of light. They awake in the [[Decepticon]]'s trunk moments before he speeds off into the desert, leaving June's cell phone crushed on the ground. Knock Out attempts to request a GroundBridge, but is unable to make contact with the base.

On the ''Nemesis'', Starscream rants about the Predacon disabling their communications network while a couple of Vehicons attempt to repair it. Starscream enters an override code into a nearby computer console to reboot the system, but this only produces a shower of sparks.

Jack is worrying about how long his mother is taking when he receives a call from [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]. She says that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is worried about Wheeljack, and Jack explains that he's on a mission with Arcee. Miko is annoyed that Wheeljack would replace Bulkhead so quickly, but also admits that she expected the two lone wolves to hook up.

June and Fowler bicker within Knock Out's trunk until the Decepticon tells them to stifle themselves. He continues to attempt communication with the ''Nemesis'', and June and Fowler begin devising an escape plan.

While digging in the cave walls, Wheeljack reveals to Arcee that Bulkhead, not [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]], is the source of his current frustration. He feels his onetime partner has gone soft. Arcee tells him that people change and he has to either adapt or rust. She knows [[Tailgate (Prime)|from]] [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|experience]] the pain of losing a partner.

[[File:PlusOne-snatched.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Now kiss!]]

Fowler emerges from Knock Out's trunk and into his vehicle interior, forcing the startled Decepticon to stop at a railroad yard by twisting his steering wheel and slamming on the break. June races from the car with the Predacon talon and Fowler flees in the opposite direction. Knock Out transforms and quickly finds Fowler hiding amongst the freight cars. He grabs Fowler and threatens to kill him if June doesn't reveal herself and the talon.

Jack tries calling his mother and Fowler, but both of their phones go straight to voicemail. Raf innocently suggests they went to a movie.

As he lugs a Predacon spine out of the cave, Wheeljack admits that he was wrong to abandon Bulkhead like he did. Arcee receives a distress call from Jack, who is now in the museum parking lot holding his mother's crushed phone and watching a set of tire tracks lead into the desert.

At the train yard, Knock Out notices a railcar pull away, revealing a defiant June. She tells Knock Out that she hid the fossil in one of the cars, and will only tell him which after he's let Fowler go. Knock Out realizes the fossil is most likely on the departing train car, grabs June, and heads after it.

On the ''Nemesis'', a furious Megatron discovers that communications have been down for hours. No sooner does [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] get the network back online than Knock Out calls again, reporting that he has the Predacon bone in his sights and Wheeljack and Arcee on his tail.

A squad of [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] are GroundBridged to Knock Out's location and open fire on the pursuing Autobots. Wheeljack and Arcee fight back but continue to move forward. Knock Out reaches the freight car where the bone is hidden and launches himself into the air, transforming to robot mode as he does and letting June and Fowler drop. Below, Wheeljack transforms into robot mode, catches them, and transforms back into vehicle mode with the humans inside. Knock Out snatches the fossil and makes it through the Decepticon GroundBridge before Arcee can catch him.

At the Autobot base, Jack is relieved to see his mother, but less excited that she's taken to calling Fowler "Bill". Miko teases that Jack has also lost his Autobot partner to Wheeljack. But Wheeljack and Bulkhead quickly make up, much to Miko and Jack's delight.

Back at the ''Nemesis'', Megatron congratulates Knock Out and chastises Starscream. While Starscream again blames the Predacon's bestial stupidity, the so-called beast is busy entering Starscream's access code into the computer console from earlier, calling up the ship's information on Predacons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (14)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (15)

|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (7)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)
*[[William Fowler]] (6)
*[[June Darby]] (8)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"I wondered what was taking so long with those sodas."
:—'''Raf''' has gotten used to '''Miko's''' disappearances.

"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet''', the Autobots' secret weapon.

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.
:—'''Wrecker Fact''' #[Insert Number Here] on henchbots.

"I'll have you know, Nurse Darby, I was an [[United States Army|Army Ranger]] and federal agent for [[Unit:E]] three decades before I ever heard the NAME 'Optimus Prime'."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' gives '''June''' his credentials.

'''Megatron''': Knock Out, do not return empty-handed. 
'''Knock Out''': Moi? Don't know the meaning of the word. 
'''Starscream''': Isn't 'empty-handed' two words? 
'''Knock Out''': You would know. Or did your [[Apex Armor (Prime)|missing armor]] turn up?
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' try to impress the boss with a game of "so there"s.

"Knock Out to Lord Megatron. I have secured one vintage Predacon talon. Plus, two of the Autobots' pets, for you to employ as hostages, lab experiments...well, any way you see fit. So go on, Big M, tell me you love me more than Starscream." 
''[Comm static]'' 
"My liege? Hello?" 
''[More static]'' 
"Too familiar?"
:—'''Knock Out''' gets the wrong idea from the communications blackout.

"Frankly, I find it repulsive. The whole idea of you fleshies...[[Reproduction|interfacing]]." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out''' does not approve of humans [[Powerlinx]]ing.

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

===Continuity errors===
* The communication dish on the flight deck of the ''Nemesis'' didn't exist prior to this episode. In addition, it is initially shown to be on the port side of the vessel, but is on the starboard side (and facing the opposite direction) when Soundwave is working on it.
* Predaking copies Starscream's override code to access the communication array, but he was on the wrong side of the dish to see it when Starscream first used it.

===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to '[[Texas|oil country]]' in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* This episode marks the first in-series use of the term "Vehicon".
* Wheeljack ditched his unit, the Decepticons recovered the Predacon fossil, and Starscream lost the Apex Armor in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Jack traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], much to his mother's discomfort, in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]".
* The complex equation Ratchet refers to is more than likely the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] formula, which he's been trying to recreate since "Project Predacon".
* Arcee still has the laser weapon she took from Ultra Magnus's arsenal in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* The files accessed by Predaking are the same primitive renditions of Predacons that Ratchet showed to the others in "Project Predacon".
* While bickering, Starscream calls Knock Out a "wheel-based" something (before Megatron cuts him off). He showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode back in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".

===Transformers references===
* Megatron refers to his upcoming Predacon army as [[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machine]] super-soldiers.

===Cultural references===
* [[Unit:E]] is a reference to a 2011 comic book published by Hasbro, uniting characters from series such as ''[[Jem]]'', ''[[Micronauts]]'' and so on.
* Fowler refers to Warren Gamaliel Harding, who was President of the United States when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.

===Trivia===
* This is the first (aired) Transformers story written by popular animation writer and producer Greg Weisman.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]