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Hurt

2025-06-29T19:41:07Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */ Talk during the lull of a battle is still talk during battle

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 42
|prev=Toxicity
|next=Out of the Past
|image=Hurt-Mikosleeps.jpg
|caption=And you could have it all, my empire of dirt.
|title="Hurt"
|season=2
|season ep=16
|airdate=[[August 24]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Mairghread Scott]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrhW1gMPBKA
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Miko and Wheeljack embark on a quest for revenge.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:HurtDecepticonsRoundup.jpg|leftt|300px|thumb|This is one of the closest times you'll get to seeing the entire Decepticon cast in one shot. Don't get used to it.]]
[[New York City|Manhattan]]. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are on their way back from their successful relic mission. While Miko is feeling victorious and listening to rock music, she announces she's ready to get back to hanging with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]. As they arrive through the [[GroundBridge]], they almost run into Bulkhead's body, still laying by the entrance as [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] attempts to revive the [[Wreckers|Wrecker]] with defibrillators. [[William Fowler|Fowler]] has to restrain Miko as Ratchet explains what has happened to Bulkhead while the other [[Autobot]]s drag Bulkhead to the medical bay. Miko blames herself for not going with Bulkhead, but Fowler points out there's nothing she could have done against [[Hardshell]].

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] rages that only [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] brought back a relic. Hardshell claims that, though he failed to secure the [[Tox-En]], Bulkhead was terminated in the process, which does please Megatron. Hardshell and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] almost come to blows over the effectiveness of [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s.

[[Image:Hurt-KnockOutbuffs.jpg|left|thumb|200px|It's in Knock Out's contract to periodically throw the Tumblr shippers a bone.]]

Fowler is called away to cover up the activities in [[New York City|New York]], but makes [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] promise to keep him updated. Arcee reports that [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] is coming in, which causes Miko to storm off as she believes the others are giving up on Bulkhead. As Ratchet reports that Bulkhead is stable, Wheeljack arrives and promises to go after whoever did this. Optimus, however, refuses to say who's responsible. Wheeljack rushes off anyway, but doesn't get far in the ''[[Jackhammer (Prime)|Jackhammer]]'' before Miko reveals herself. Though Wheeljack's immediate instinct is to take her back to the base, Miko makes a deal to tell him who's responsible for Bulkhead's damage, if he takes her with him.

Hardshell boasts to his fellow Insecticons, but they overhear a couple of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s badmouthing them. Knock Out's buffing session is thus interrupted by an all-out brawl between the two groups, and he ends up being punched by an Insecticon.

Miko and Wheeljack find an [[energon]] mine that Wheeljack intends to attack to draw out Hardshell. Miko goes in first, using [[miko's phone|her phone]] to transmit footage back to Wheeljack. Mid-way through her recon, Wheeljack himself assaults the cave, leaving her to duck for cover while Vehicon parts fly everywhere. He makes swift work of the Decepticon contingent.

Knock Out takes his concerns about the Insecticons to Megatron, insisting they be confined somewhere. Hardshell is defiant, but the discussion is interrupted by a transmission from the mine—Wheeljack informs Megatron that the mine is his and he's going to attack more mines until the Decepticons give him Hardshell. To underscore the threat, he blows up the mine. Megatron is more upset at the news that Bulkhead might not be dead, and announces Hardshell owes him a [[spark]].

[[Image:Hurt-WheeljackHardshell.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Hold still! There's a bug on your... oh wait...]]
As they head to the next mine, Miko and Wheeljack discuss Bulkhead's chances, but Miko's so tired she falls asleep mid-conversation. She wakes up when they arrive, but Wheeljack leaves her in the ship with instructions to use the auto-pilot to return to the Autobot base. She watches from the cockpit as Wheeljack approaches the mine and calls out Hardshell, who promptly appears on the clifftop above. Wheeljack and Hardshell clash, though the latter is wise to the former's grenade trick. The much-larger Insecticon soon gets the better of Wheeljack, tossing him about and landing solid blows, until the Autobot is left lying on the ground. With the fight's outcome clear, Miko goes to press the autopilot, but instead uses the controls to fire off a couple of missiles that strike Hardshell. As Wheeljack stands, more Insecticons appear at the clifftop, and he has to limp back to the ''Jackhammer''. The swarm follows the ship, but Wheeljack throws a box of grenades at them, and the explosions dissipate the swarm. He congratulates Miko by welcoming her to the Wreckers, but she remains despondent over Bulkhead's condition.

Some time later, the pair drag themselves back into the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]]. Ratchet sadly reports that Bulkhead will survive, but may never be fully-functional again. While Miko rushes to her friend's side, Wheeljack opts to leave, not wanting to see Bulkhead that way.

Megatron looks down in fury at the corpse of Hardshell, and is shocked when he's told that the one responsible is a human girl.

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

}}

==Quotes==
"Let me guess. You and Raf spend all your drive-time listening to chiptunes." 
"''Wraaaaaaaa''?"
:—'''Miko''' and '''Bumblebee''' on music.

"Pit-bound scavengers." 
"Scrap-eaters."
:—Two '''Vehicons''' and their take on Insecticons.

"Detailing was so much easier when Breakdown was around!"
:—'''Knock Out''' gives fangirls an inch.

"Sorry kid, but Bulkhead's ''gonna'' wake up. And he'll file off my rivets if you're not there when he comes to." 
:—'''Wheeljack''' on Bulkhead's condition.

"Talk during battle is a sign of weakness." 
"Only when you're too primitive to do two things at once."
:—'''Hardshell''' and '''Wheeljack''' exchange smack talk.

"I thought I told you to hit autopilot." 
"Bad things happen to bots when I leave their side."
:—'''Wheeljack''' shows concern for '''Miko''', who is [[Rock Bottom|not entirely]] [[Toxicity|wrong]].

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Miko, Jack, Bumblebee, and Arcee return from their mission, which occurred in "[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|Tunnel Vision]]". They are followed shortly by Optimus, whose mission took place in "[[Triangulation]]". Bulkhead is suffering from [[Tox-En]] poisoning from the [[Toxicity|previous episode]]. On the Decepticon side, Hardshell is the last to return from his mission, which is also shown in the previous episode.
*Miko mentioned their success in obtaining the [[phase shifter]] from "Tunnel Vision", which happened to be sitting next to her at the time.
*Knock Out refers to [[Crossfire (Prime)|Breakdown's demise]].
*Wheeljack shows the newfound respect for Ratchet that he gained in "[[Triage (episode)|Triage]]".
*Knock Out comments that it has been a long time since a Decepticon extinguished an Autobot's spark. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream's]] murder of [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] was the first and last successful termination of an Earth-bound Autobot by a Decepticon, which occurred all the way back in the [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|series premiere]].
*Hardshell easily predicts Wheeljack's "one grenade, one shot" strategy, having watched his men fall victim to Bulkhead's own grenade booby trap in the previous episode.
*Hardshell is still missing the mandible Bulkhead punched off in "Toxicity".

===Transformers references===
*A Vehicon mentions the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]].

===Real-world references===
*Energon mine [[TVC 15]] is named after the {{w|David Bowie}} song {{w|TVC 15|of the same name}}.
*Hardshell growls [[Jurassic Park|like a]] ''[[Tyrannocon Rex|Tyrannosaurus rex]]'' during his fight with Wheeljack.
*Miko asks Bumblebee if he and Raf listen to chiptunes, electronic music which intentionally sounds like an 8-bit video game console synthesizer.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Fowler comments that Hardshell sucker punched Bulkhead, although he never heard Hardshell's name in the previous episode.
*When Hardshell promises Megatron that Bulkhead was killed by his own hand, in the background, only one of Dreadwing's optics are blinking, making it look as if the Seeker's winking at the camera.
*How could Wheeljack have possibly missed the massive group of Insecticons on his approach to the mine? If they were already there when he arrived, he should have seen them when he landed. If they came in later, the synchronized buzzing of nearly a hundred Insecticons should have been audible to him.
*When Wheeljack retreats into his ship after his fight against Hardshell, he sits down without a grenade at his hip. As he's standing up to open his case of grenades, he suddenly has one in its usual spot, despite not picking up a new one in the interim. His swords, which he also lost in the battle, are back despite him not picking them up.
*As Wheeljack limps towards his ship, he has his mouthplate retracted. However, when he gets on the ship, his mouthplate is back out again. In the next scene, it's retracted again.
*Wheeljack's blades simply disappear once Hardshell knocks them from his hands.
*When Wheeljack kills the last Vehicon at the energon mine, the sound of his blade being extracted from the Vehicon's chest is slightly out of sync with the action itself.
*When Miko fires missiles at Hardshell, they simply appear in midair below the ''Jackhammer'', instead of being disengaged from some point on the ship.
*Wheeljack rather dramatically limps into the base on foot. But after he decides not to see Bulkhead, he just transforms and roars out, showing no ill effects from the fight.
*One of the Insecticons informs Megatron that "a human girl" is responsible for Hardshell's demise, even though it is highly unlikely that they saw Miko piloting the ''Jackhammer''.

===Trivia===
*Wheeljack's "one grenade, one shot" strategy is actually more of a "one grenade at a time, one shot" strategy, as Wheeljack says when Miko sees his case of grenades in the ''Jackhammer''.
*Miko is the second human in the series to have killed an Insecticon, Jack having destroyed the first one on Cybertron in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]". So... Raf... no pressure, then?

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vengeance'''" ("Revenge")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Rachefeldzug'''" ("The Vendetta")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 26|26 January]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Adauchi Henkei! Yūki aru Tsuiseki'''" (仇討変形!勇気ある追跡, "Revenge Transformation! The Brave Chase")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ferido'''" ("Hurt")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 24|24 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ferito'''" ("Wounded"), "'''La Vendetta'''" (2017 airing, "The Revenge")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 6|6 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 21 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 10: Bulkheads Mission ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Unclear Objectives ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 3: Toxicity ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 3: La course aux reliques (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 3: Il Tox-En (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Toxicity

2025-06-29T19:39:37Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 41
|prev=Triage (episode)
|next=Hurt
|image=Toxicity Tox-En.jpg
|caption=Despite the title, this episode has nothing to do with System of a Down.
|title="Toxicity"
|season=2
|season ep=15
|airdate=[[May 26]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKbBAPlRDIg
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Bulkhead encounters life-threatening danger during the last relic hunt.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:HardshellTeaser.jpg|left|thumb|250px|He watches too much of ''Tales from the Crypt''.]]
With other teams dispatched to find relics, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] visits the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] hive and calls for a volunteer. [[Hardshell]] steps forward and Megatron sends him and three others to find the fourth and final relic. The four Insecticons arrive in a volcanic region on the equator and immediately split up.

At the Autobot base, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] watches [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] leave [[Jack Darby|with]] [[Bumblebee (WFC)|her]] [[Arcee (WFC)|team]] before he is dispatched to the area at the equator. Though he arrives at the correct coordinates, there's no relic there, but his search is interrupted by the approach of Hardshell. The Insecticon attacks Bulkhead and, after a brief exchange of words, the pair fight. Although he takes a few hits, the Wrecker flattens Hardshell, knocking a mandible off the Insecticon in the process. Bulkhead then heads downhill, realizing that an old lava flow may have taken the relic in the same direction. He keeps [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] updated back at base via radio. Meanwhile, Hardshell comes to and heads off with the other Insecticons to find their target.

Though leaking energon from his fight, Bulkhead manages to find the relic. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a toxic form of [[Energon]] known as [[Tox-En]], which Megatron could refine into a lethal bio-weapon. Though Fowler suggests bringing it to base, Bulkhead realizes that he's going to have to dispose of it himself, "Wrecker style". Hardshell and the other Insecticons find the vessel shortly after, but as one of them goes to grab the small piece of Tox-En within, the grenade Bulkhead left behind explodes, leaving him fatally riddled with Tox-En shrapnel. Hardshell lets Megatron know about the Tox-En, but Megatron wants to know why Hardshell doesn't have the stuff yet.

Bulkhead, meanwhile, runs away from the volcano with the rest of the Tox-En, leaving a trail of leaking energon to throw off the Insecticons. As he turns and starts to head up the volcano, Bulkhead strikes up a conversation with Fowler about their past war-time careers and discovers they've more in common than they'd previously thought. However, as Bulkhead continues his journey, he begins to feel the effects of the toxic energon and almost succumbs to its spark-sapping properties. After Agent Fowler convinces him to keep going for the sake of duty and family, namely Miko, Bulkhead trudges on.

[[Image:Prime-Hardshellvolcanovent.jpg|right|250px|thumb| Hardshell [[Master Blaster|is not so easily destroyed]].]]
Meanwhile, Hardshell figures out the false trail, and he and the other Insecticons fly uphill. They catch up to Bulkhead, who has just arrived at the volcano's mouth, and surround him. Bulkhead throws a grenade at one Insecticon and jabs the Tox-En into Hardshell. The third Insecticon charges in bug mode, but Bulkhead decks it with the Tox-En and jabs the chunk into its shell before turning back to face Hardshell. Receiving the news that Miko is safe, Bulkhead begins sparring with Hardshell, though they are both now weakened from the toxic energon. Though Hardshell manages to get the better of Bulkhead, as he moves to finish the Wrecker off, Bulkhead works up the strength to throw Hardshell over to the Tox-En before flinging the monster towards a hole in the caldera crust leading down into the molten lava. Bulkhead then throws the Tox-En to Hardshell, and the dizzied Insecticon falls into the volcano, destroying the toxic relic. As Bulkhead heads for the [[GroundBridge]], Hardshell climbs out of the volcano and shoots the Autobot in the back, sending him flying through the GroundBridge to land within the Autobot base, his back burning. Ratchet, Raf, and Fowler see the smoke coming out of Bulkhead and run to his aid.

[[Hurt|To be continued...]]

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (8)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (2)
*[[Hardshell]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*''[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]'' (15)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Jack Darby]] (10)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (12)
|c4=
*''[[Scraplet]]s'' (14)
}}



==Quotes==
"I can haz cheeseburger!"
:—Yes, '''Agent Fowler''' actually said that.

"Yeess, the Wrecker leaks from his wounds."
:—'''Hardshell''' pulling a [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] on us.

"When were you ever behind enemy lines?" 
"I wasn't always a 'Bot sitter." 
"Huh. Next you're gonna tell me that your mother doesn't tuck you in bed at night." 
"Not since basic training."
:—'''Bulkhead''' finds out that '''Agent Fowler''' knows things about being a soldier.

"Look soldier. You know as well as I do there's the mission. And the reason why you take the mission!..." 
"Honor... duty..." 
"Family. Which is why you need to do whatever it takes to finish this job and come home safely."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' tries to encourage a faltering '''Bulkhead'''.

"Wrecker! Put down the rock, and allow us to put you out of your misery!" 
(''Insecticons surround Bulkhead, who sighs and takes out a grenade'') 
"Gotta swat some flies..."
:—'''Hardshell''' confronts '''Bulkhead''' at the volcano's crater.

"Fowler... mission accomplished. Though you might have to... tuck me in."
:—Half-dead from Tox-En poisoning, and all '''Bulkhead''' needs is a nap? ''Hardcore''.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This is the final episode of the four-part relic-hunting arc, all four parts of which happen concurrently. This episode focuses on Bulkhead and Fowler. Fowler's handling of [[Vogel]] in "[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|Tunnel Vision]]" and the Antarctic research base in "[[Triangulation]]" are shown from his point of view. Raf is also seen programming the virus that Ratchet installs in [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] in "[[Triage (episode)|Triage]]". The ending scene is the same as in "Triage".
* All four relic mission episodes start with the letter "T".
* The room currently occupied by the Insecticon hive was previously used to store [[Dark Energon]] way back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]".
* During Bulkhead's first fight with Hardshell, the Insecticon delivers an attack that looks eerily similar to how [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] killed [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. The actual hit is obscured (the camera is set behind Hardshell), but it doesn't seem to do any visible damage (although this could be why Bulkhead was leaking energon after the fight). At the end of the fight, meanwhile, Bulkhead clocks Hardshell with a wicked uppercut, knocking off one of his mandibles. The scene plays out in a suspiciously similar fashion to how [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] lost one of his horns to a [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]"; the mandible even sticks point-first in the ground.
* Fowler makes mention of his old Army Ranger days, which he first mentioned in "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Bulkhead flashes back to scenes from previous episodes when Fowler is trying to get him to continue the mission. First, he remembers several instances where his life was threatened, including:
** Leading [[Scraplet]]s through the GroundBridge into the Arctic in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
** Getting his Energon drained by the [[Energon Harvester|energon harvester]] in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".
** Clashing with [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] in "[[Out of His Head]]".
** Getting blown back by the malfunctioning GroundBridge in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
** Protecting Miko from falling rocks in "[[Rock Bottom]]".
** Clashing with Breakdown in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".
** Being wired to one of [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]]'s bombs in "[[Loose Cannons]]".
** Getting attacked by Scraplets in "Scrapheap".
* Shortly after the above, Bulkhead remembers several interactions with Miko, including:
** Miko assuring him that she's protected before Bulkhead heads down a slope in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
** Bulkhead showing Miko a new battle scar in "[[Metal Attraction]]".
** Miko revealing herself from inside Bulkhead's chest in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]".
** Bulkhead trying to dissuade Miko from using him as a role model in "Deus ex Machina".
** An exhausted Miko trying to clear rubble in "[[Rock Bottom]]".
** Miko trying to get an amnesiac Bulkhead to remember her in "[[T.M.I.]]".
* Bulkhead's tactic of hiding a grenade in the Tox-En container is similar to the one proposed by Wheeljack in "Triage". Wrecker style, indeed.

===Transformers references===
* During Bulkhead's flashback to the victims of Megatron's refined Tox-En weapon, one of the corpses in the foreground looks a lot like [[Ironhide (Animated)|an Ironhide from another continuity]]. The reddish one behind it looks similar to the [[generic]] impaled by Megatron during Ratchet's flashback to the beginning of the Great War in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]".
* Green-tinted energon that emits visible fumes and is toxic to Cybertronians was previously seen in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''. Given Bulkhead's flashback, Megatron's refined, weaponized version of Tox-En may be a small-scale version of the energon gas that plagued that series' version of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
* In a likely coincidence (but with a chance of being intentional given the "[[Binder of Revelation]]"), in the [[TakaraTomy]] [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|''Prime'' toyline]], some of the [[Arms Micron]]s have [[Arms Micron#Energon Crystals|Energon Crystals dubbed "Poison" energon]]... which are an ugly dark green color, much like the poisonous Tox-En introduced in this episode.
* Both Megatron and Hardshell say [[Megatron (BW)|"YESSSSSS"]].

===Real-world references===
* While still recovering from the shock he received in "[[Flying Mind]]", Fowler blurts out "I can has cheeseburger", a popular cat-based internet meme.
* Considering its green coloration, mineral-like composition, and fatal effects from prolonged exposure, Tox-En is essentially Cybertronian Kryptonite.

===Errors===
* After Hardshell punches Bulkhead during their first fight, the latter's cannons transform into maces without the usual sound effects.
* In the establishing shot of the Tox-En before the commercial break, there are two samples in the container; the larger one which Bulkhead takes with him, and the smaller one he leaves as a booby trap. After the commercial break, the same shot shows only the larger sample.
* When Megatron receives Hardshell's report on the Tox-En, [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] is standing behind him, with his visor undamaged. This clashes with the continuity of the arc; Soundwave should either be absent from the ship (if he's still embroiled in his relic hunt) or sporting a cracked visor from his battle with [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], as a later scene in this episode indicates that [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] is still on his own relic hunt.
* When Bulkhead incapacitates one of the Insecticons with the Tox-En ("Here, hold this!"), it is in its beetle alt-mode. After it manages to shake the Tox-En off its body, it is suddenly in robot mode after the shot of the crystal rolling on the ground. Although he could have transformed off screen.
* Speaking of that Insecticon, its fate is somewhat ambiguous. It falls over in a way that suggests that it's unconscious or dead, but Hardshell acts as though it is still online. Either way, it doesn't appear for the rest of the episode.
* In "[[Triangulation]]", Bulkhead is shown running through the GroundBridge for his mission. However, in this episode he is shown just walking through the bridge.
* It has been shown previously that Insecticons have blasters, and they show awareness of Tox-En's debilitating effects on their bodies... so why don't any of them try attacking Bulkhead from range, reducing the risk of Tox-En exposure? Even if they're trying to avoid hitting the Tox-En, they could certainly at least flank Bulkhead and attack from opposite sides.
* As Fowler tries to contact Bulkhead during the battle in the volcano's caldera, we see Ratchet and Raf downloading the Iacon database in the background (as seen in [[Triage (episode)|the previous episode]]). However, when the same scene was shown in "Triage", Fowler was silent for the duration of Ratchet and Raf's conversation.
* On multiple occasions, Bulkhead uses the Tox-En against his opponents, sticking it in or on them, which results in a "sizzling" sound and them being in pain and immediately collapsing, as if the Tox-En was akin to acid. However, Bulkhead himself has prolonged, continued handling of the Tox-En for most of the episode and simply sounds like he's come down with rapid-onset flu.
* In this episode, Bulkhead describes himself as being contagious, due to Tox-En exposure. During Ratchet's triage activities in [[Hurt|the next episode]], there is no indication of any decontamination activities or any exposure to the other Autobots, and it's never mentioned again.

===Trivia===
* Bulkhead finally finds something even ''worse'' than Scraplets.
* Apparently, Bulkhead has been inside Decepticon barracks at some point, possibly on a mission for the Wreckers back on Cybertron. They are very, very smelly, but not as much as the landscape near an active volcano.
* Bulkhead tells Fowler that the relic would likely survive a dip in molten rock while hunting for it in a cooled lava flow. Not only is this technically untrue (the Tox-En only survived its fall due to its container), but a drop into lava is exactly how Bulkhead disposes of the relic in the end.
* Given Tox-En's description as a bioweapon, its use would be a war crime according to human conventions. Bulkhead quite rightly wants to destroy it, but that doesn't stop him from ''using'' it several times. This is the second episode in a row where the Autobots do something ethically questionable in pursuit of relics.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Energon toxique'''" ("Toxic Energon")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bulkheads Mission'''" ("Bulkhead's Mission")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dokuen Henkei! Mushi no Ō Hardshell'''" (毒炎変形!虫の王・ハードシェル, "Toxic Flame Transformation! Hardshell, King of the Insects")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2013]]
:*Hardshell's personality is changed to be less serious and more hyper and talkative, in line with the other Japanese Insecticons.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Toxidez'''" ("Toxicity")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 21|21 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il Tox-En'''" ("The Tox-En"), "'''Tossicità'''" (2017 airing, "Toxicity")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 5|5 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 21 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 10: Bulkheads Mission ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 3: Toxicity ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 3: La course aux reliques (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 3: Il Tox-En (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Tunnel Vision (episode)

2025-06-29T19:36:22Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the event in the ''[[Transformers: Earth Wars|Earth Wars]]'' mobile game|Tunnel Vision (Earth Wars)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 38
|prev=Flying Mind
|next=Triangulation
|image=TunnelVisionInWayOfTrain.jpg
|caption="Tell my Decepti-wife I hate her!!!" Hate means love to a Decepticon, of course.
|title="Tunnel Vision"
|airdate=[[May 5]], [[2012]]
|season=2
|season ep=12
|written by=[[Andrew Robinson|Andrew R. Robinson]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WbvWgHA_Mo
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''As Team Prime splits up to find the four Iacon relics simultaneously, Jack, Miko, Arcee, and Bumblebee go deep into New York's subways to beat Knock Out and an Insecticon to the first relic.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TunnelVisionHearItForNewYork.jpg|left|250px|thumb|What, did the plague hit? Where the hell are all the people?]]
The [[Team Prime|Autobot team]], having obtained the same coordinates for four [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] relics as the [[Decepticon]]s, plan their next course of action. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] suggests a dispersal so they can obtain all the relics simultaneously. Despite initial resistance from [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]], the [[New York City|New York]] site and the relic contained beneath its streets are selected for Arcee and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] to scout. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] volunteers her knowledge of subways and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] his ability to cover for the mission; all four prepare to roll out.

Having moved away from Manhattan, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] assigns [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] the discreet task of obtaining the relic there. At a disadvantage without [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], Knock Out is unwillingly appointed an [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] partner, along with a small detachment of [[Decepticon Miner|Vehicon miners]]. Beyond frustrated with Knock Out's lack of concern beyond his paint job, Megatron sends them off.

In a New York alleyway, Arcee, Bumblebee, Jack and Miko bridge in. They quickly locate a construction site where they can enter the vast subway network. As they walk, Bumblebee nearly steps on a third rail, but Jack warns him of the danger just in time. A familiar sound echoes through the tunnels—a [[Energon Driller|Decepticon drill]], which Miko pinpoints the direction of. She tears off through an access tunnel, Jack in tow. On the other side, they are confronted by [[Vogel]], a sweeper train operator, and Miko constructs a hasty lie that saves their tail. He offers to take them for a ride.

[[File: TunnelVisionElectricWire.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Don't do the stanky leg.]]
Vogel's personality soon becomes clear as he recounts tales of monsters that creep through the subways—including the mole men, who he believes are amassing their armies. Miko and Jack make an escape jumping off the back of the train, Vogel totally oblivious.

Arcee and Bumblebee find Knock Out and the miners, but don't see the Insecticon creeping up behind them. It attacks the duo, alerting Knock Out to their presence. Arcee and Knock Out exchange blows while Bumblebee occupies the Insecticon; Arcee makes a grab for the relic, but is knocked out by an electron prod to the back. Bumblebee is also quickly floored by the Insecticon. Satisfied, Knock Out cracks the relic's packaging and prepares to field-test the device on his new subjects.

[[Image:TunnelVisionArceeShock.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Stay away from the cookie jar.]]
While bickering with Jack in the tunnel about his sojourn to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Miko inadvertently reveals that she feels like she doesn't contribute enough to the team. The two are stopped in their tracks by the sound of footsteps. It's Vogel, none too happy about being ditched. Miko, capitalizing on the man's conspiratorial bent, gets Jack to tell him the truth. Vogel is enthralled and they all board his train to find their friends.

Knock Out's field test is interrupted by the arriving sweeper. The Insecticon sidesteps it, but Knock Out is hit and dragged a distance between the wall and train, suffering serious cosmetic damage. Arcee and Bumblebee, now conscious, start fighting back as Knock Out peels out with the relic. Arcee goes after the train with the Insecticon following while Bumblebee chases after the fleeing medic.

On the train, Vogel reveals that the brake line went out and that their course is for a dead end. Arcee is able to catch up with the train and jump onto the back of it. Informed of the approaching wall, she drives ahead for the turn switch. Trying to change the tracks, she snaps the lever, forcing her to change the track alignment physically. She succeeds just in time and with the train safe, she faces her foe. Recalling Bumblebee's previous encounter, Arcee lures the Insecticon into touching the third rail, which instantly kills it.

[[Image:TunnelVisionHappyEnding.jpg|right|thumb|250px| Vogel can't keep running people over. He's not famous enough to get away with it.]]
Knock Out faces off against the Autobot scout in a chase. Bumblebee accidentally activates the relic during a tussle which clamps onto his wrist. The train barrels in and heads straight for an oblivious Bumblebee, whom it passes right through without a scratch. It instead strikes Knock Out, grinding his face and body on the pavement for a good distance before the train comes to a stop. Horrified at his total cosmetic disfigurement, he flees, minus a wheel.

The relic is revealed to be a [[phase shifter]], which allows the user to pass through solid objects. The problem turns to Vogel, who knows about the Cybertronians. A hasty call forces [[William Fowler|Fowler]], who's now awake back at base, to deputize the worker as a "deputy of interstellar relations". Vogel is ecstatic about his new position even when he is told to maintain complete radio silence until he is called upon. As Vogel watches the Autobots and the kids leave, he ponders the idea of robots disguised as vehicles while looking at his sweeper train.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (7)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (8)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s (9)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (12)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (13)
*[[William Fowler]] (14)
*[[Vogel]] (15)
|}}

==Quotes==

"Well, I've actually been in subway stations. I grew up in a major metropolis. Unlike Mr. 'I've never been outside of Jasper, Nevada'." 
"I ''have'' been to Cybertron." 
"Cybertron doesn't have subways! ... Does it?"
:—'''Miko'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s argument against '''Jack''' soon falls short.

'''Knock Out:''' "You have lovely features. Perfect for a painful little procedure I like to call the ''nip and tuck.''" 
''*Arcee dodges, and kicks Knock Out*'' 
'''Arcee:''' "Dodge and kick." 
''*Arcee runs for the relic, but gets plugged in the back by Knock Out's prod*'' 
'''Knock Out:''' "Shock and drop."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Arcee''' carry on witty repartee.

"You scratch my face, I scratch yours!" 
''*Arcee and Bumblebee cock their blasters*''
:—'''Knock Out''' tries and fails to reference a [[Speed Metal|previous episode.]]

''*Vogel watches the Autobots and kids leave*'' 
"Robots who turn into vehicles. Hmmm..." 
''*Vogel turns to look at his sweeper train*''
:—It's okay, '''Vogel''', we've all done it before.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Agent Fowler is still recovering from getting zapped in the [[Flying Mind|previous episode]].
*Knock Out wants to retrieve the relic in [[Crossfire (Prime)|memory of Breakdown]].
*Megatron refers to Knock Out's [[Speed Metal|"racing excursions"]]. It seems that someone on the ''Nemesis'' (most likely Soundwave) informed Megatron of Knock Out's hobbies since their leader emerged from stasis.
*Miko's starting to [[Convoy (episode)|hate trains]].
*Knock Out refers to how Bumblebee was unable to transform in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]".
*The phase shifter was alluded to in "[[Sick Mind]]" by Megatron when he was trying to figure out why he couldn't attack Bumblebee while they were in his subconscious, but he called it [[phase displacement armor]] instead.
*Near the end of the episode, Fowler appears to be communicating with someone, telling them to "[[Toxicity|dump that rock and come on home]]". A later episode will reveal that he is talking to Bulkhead.

===Transformers references===
*The Autobots receive help from a human labourer wearing a yellow [[hard hat]].

===Real-world references===
*The zoom-in from the sweeper train to the dead end references the elevated train scene in ''{{W|Spider-Man 2}}''.
*Jack's description of the third rail on subway trains is real, as is the fatality of touching it.
*Knock Out's "nip and tuck" line to Arcee is a colloquial phrase for cosmetic surgery.
*Jack claiming to be the "Face" and his explanation for it might be a resemblance to Templeton Peck from ''The A-Team'', who was also mostly known as 'Face'.
*Vogel shouting "Welcome to Earth!" as he prepares to attack Arcee is an echo of when Will Smith's character in ''Independence Day'' punches an alien near the end of the movie.
*Vogel's name is most likely a reference to [[Hub Network|The Hub]]'s [[Mike Vogel]].

===Errors===
*After the phase shifter attaches itself to Bumblebee, he stands straight up while inspecting it. However, his position is reversed when he stands: Knock Out is now in front of him instead of behind when the runaway sweeper train comes around the corner.
*The scratch marks from Knock Out's first encounter with the sweeper train seem to have disappeared after his transformation into vehicle mode onwards.
*Jack and Miko tell Arcee and Bumblebee to stay away from the third rail or they will be fried. However, they touch it multiple times throughout the episode, then Arcee uses it to kill the Insecticon.
*Vogel's fire axe ends up back on the wall without him actually putting it there.

===Trivia===
*This is the first episode that we see Knock Out mention his [[Breakdown (WFC)|partner's]] death.
*There is a surprising lack of trains in the tunnels of New York. Not to mention humans on New York's streets.
*Insecticons are revealed to have blasters in their robot modes. Unlike most transforming guns seen so far, their blasters emerge from their forearms.
*In [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|the first episode]], the Autobots take on the burden of watching over and protecting the [[human]] children because they witnessed them in robot-mode or got caught in the crossfire of a Decepticon battle. Vogel, despite having the same "qualifications", is dispatched with a hasty cover story and left to fend for himself without Autobot protection. Apparently, you only get a "guardian" if you're tiny and cute.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliens dans le métro'''" ("Aliens in the Subway")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Im Untergrund von New York'''" ("At the Subsurface of New York")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 12|12 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dakkai Henkei! Daitokai Chika no Tatakai'''" (奪回変形!大都会・地下の戦い, "Recovery Transformation! Battle in the Metropolis Underground")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 22|22 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vida nos Tuneis'''" ("Life in the Tunnels")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 18|18 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vista Tunnel'''" ("Tunnel Sight"). "'''Visioni nel Tunnel'''" (2017 airing, "Visions in the Tunnel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 23|23 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 19 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Operation Bumblebee (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Flying Mind

2025-06-29T19:34:29Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 37
|prev=Armada (episode)
|next=Tunnel Vision (episode)
|image=FlyingMind-DecepticonsOnDeck.jpg
|caption=Alright, forget the bigger ship! Can we get a smaller ship instead?
|title="Flying Mind"
|season=2
|season ep=11
|airdate=[[April 28]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKD9GaH0Pso
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Megatron's attempt to repair the ''Nemesis'' has an unexpected side effect, forcing Raf, Jack, and Miko to put themselves in harm's way.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Optimus Flying Mind.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Optimus is the ''best'' at freeze tag.]]
With the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' down, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] discovers that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|an Autobot]] was responsible for the crash. Despite [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s protests, Megatron infuses [[Dark Energon]] into the ship's power core, hoping its regenerative effects will cut down on the lengthy time it would take to get the ship airworthy. Meanwhile, the [[Autobot]]s feel this might well be the time to strike. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] reluctantly decides to use the [[spark extractor|Spark Extractor]] to terminate the Decepticons for good.

The Dark Energon infusion of the ''Nemesis'' works perfectly, bringing the ship to full operational status in minutes. The energy is detected by the Autobots, who immediately set out with [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]]. They arrive to find the 'Con warship already airborne, and it begins firing on them. The Autobots attempt to get close enough to use the Spark Extractor, but the ship hits them one by one with a [[Stasis Beam|stasis beam]], surprising Knock Out that the ship possesses such a weapon, sending them into [[stasis lock]].

[[Image:FlyingMindHumanAid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Everybody clap their hands!]]
Megatron is pleased at being able to get the Spark Extractor back, but when he orders the ship to move closer, it abruptly changes course, and it is quickly discovered that the ''Nemesis'' is ignoring its pilots and flying ''itself''. When Megatron demands the ship's computer be overridden, the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] at the helm is electrocuted. The ship suddenly speaks up with its own voice, announcing it is in charge and on a mission. Knock Out notes it's decoding the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] database. Furious, Megatron demands they retake control, but when [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] attempts to do so, the ship retaliates and he's sent into stasis lock. When Megatron orders the Decepticons to sever all connections to the ship's mainframe, beams of energy sweep through the ship, disabling almost every last one of the 'Cons.

Back at base, Fowler notes that the ''Nemesis'' is heading towards North America, with its cloaking field down, no less, and the decision is made to try and contact Megatron to see what's up. On the warship, Knock Out is put into stasis lock while checking on the Iacon data, and Megatron attempts to disable the ship's power core, only to be put in stasis lock as well. When Ratchet contacts the ''Nemesis'', the ship responds and helpfully lets them know its mission is to find the missing Iacon artifacts of Decepticon origin. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the humans believe it's the opportune moment to download a copy of the Iacon database, so Fowler and the kids [[GroundBridge]] on board the ship, determining that the ship cannot detect humans, as it left Fowler unmolested while leaving the battle earlier. They find the [[Project Iacon]] console, and clambering up Knock Out, plug in the [[transfer drive]] Ratchet gave them. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] notices the ship is heading for [[New York City|Manhattan]], the location of the first artifact, and if they don't stop it somehow, the ''Nemesis'' will destroy whatever part of the city lies atop the long-buried relic. While trying to change the ship's course, Fowler is electrically shocked into unconsciousness, but the ship, still scanning for Cybertronian-based life forms, is unable to detect the kids.

[[Image:FlyingMindSecondOpinion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Welcome to the [[Knock Out (Prime)#Beast Hunters|food chain!]]]]
Though Ratchet wants to bridge the kids back, Jack realizes they have to do something now, and head to the ship's power core, hoping to de-activate the ''Nemesis's'' intelligence by dumping the dark energon out of the fuel supply. There they find the frozen Megatron, and Jack discovers that the manually-operated fuel injection valve is locked in place by Megatron's frozen hand. While he's still trying, the ship finally detects [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], assuming them to be vermin that are infesting it. As a manipulator arm starts chasing them, they hide among the [[energon cube]]s, but the arm moves the containers aside, eventually exposing them. Jack manages to attract its attention and trick it into hitting Megatron. The Decepticon leader topples over, dragging the lever down and reversing the [[energon]] flow. [[Image:Lower Manhattan Flying Mind.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Man, why can't the aliens attack Jersey for a change?]] Though the ship tries to use the manipulator arm to move the lever back, it's not fast enough to do so before its intelligence is lost. As the ship "shifts into neutral", the stasis locked Transformers inexplicably begin recovering, and the kids make all haste back through the corridors. While Miko and Raf help a still-loopy Fowler through the Ground Bridge, Jack goes after the transfer drive, but he's still struggling with it as Knock Out comes back online. Jack's saved from an untimely end when Ratchet appears through the GroundBridge and clobbers Knock Out, taking Jack and the transfer drive with him, just in time to miss the arrival of Megatron, who is rather unhappy with Knock Out.

Ratchet gives the now-recovered Optimus the good news about the data they retrieved, but they realize they must act quickly, as Megatron has no more scruples than his ship about harming human life, and the ''Nemesis'' is even now bearing down on Manhattan...

[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|To be continued]]...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (11)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (14)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (6)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (15)

|c3=
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
* [[Jack Darby]] (8)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
* [[William Fowler]] (10)

|c4=
* "[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]" (15)
|}}

==Quotes==

"And when the Insecticons backed off, I got inspired by my proximity to the power core, and did what I do best." 
"You trashed Megatron's ride like a rock star in a hotel room."
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Miko''' discussing Bulkhead's victory.

"If the ship isn't cloaked, maybe the communications relays are open and-" 
"Ehp, eph, are you suggesting that we just ''call'' Megatron and ask him what's happening up there?!
:—'''Jack's''' logic is questioned by '''Ratchet''', while all the other humans shrug, "Why not?"

"Doc Knock is ''knocked out!''"
:—'''Miko''' makes the joke we've all been waiting to hear.

"On your feet, soldier!" 
"...and beavers and ducks and walnuts and Grandma..."
:—'''Miko''' helping a debilitated '''Fowler'''.

"Say ''ahhh!''" 
"I'm here to offer a second opinion!"
:—Seeing '''Knock Out's''' attempt to operate on Jack, '''Ratchet''' gives him the hint that he might want to consider going back to medical school.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The Insecticons joining the Decepticons, Bulkhead's damage to the ''Nemesis'' power core and the ship's crash all took place in the [[Armada (episode)|previous episode]].
* Megatron makes note of Optimus's increasing ruthlessness and how he would no longer waste a chance to strike, likely referring to his near-termination by Optimus in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]".
* The Decepticons found their Dark Energon supply back in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]", but it hasn't seen much use since the [[Unicron#Prime cartoon|Unicron]] revelation.
* Soundwave has been trying to decrypt the Iacon database since Optimus Prime recovered his memory in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]", and has apparently made very little progress.
* Though the ''Nemesis'' is established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles]]'' to be a stasis-locked [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]], its identity is left unstated here, as it does not refer to itself by name. [[Bob Skir]] has stated it was not meant to be Trypticon waking up.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DaZTNszyGU Moonbase 2 interview with Bob Skir]</ref> Confusing matters further, the ''[[Transformers: The Art of Prime]]'' book shows that a unique Trypticon wire-frame CGI design was created for this episode, which (barely) appears in the episode itself on the ship's monitors while the children are on board.
* The Autobots attempt to use the [[spark extractor]], which they acquired in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]".
* This is the first time Knock Out has used his drill weapon since [[Deus ex Machina|his premiere episode]].
* The ''Nemesis'' deploys paralyzing beams that work in a similar way to the [[Immobilizer]]. For Optimus, Bumblebee and Bulkhead, it thus isn't the first time in the series when they encounter this type of weapon.

===Transformers references===
* (tbd)

===Real-world references===
* The ''Nemesis''{{'}}s stasis beam uses the same sound effect of the Zat'ni'katel (or "Zat Gun") from ''Stargate SG-1''.
* Miko refers to Knock Out as "Doc Knock," likely in reference to "Doc Ock," a common nickname of ''[[Spider-Man]]'' villain Doctor Octopus.
* The ship gaining sentience, turning on the crew, and its defeat all bear similarities to HAL 9000 from the film, ''2001: A Space Odyssey''.
* The grid design that immobilizes Dreadwing and the Vehicons is similar to the laser hallways from ''Resident Evil''.

===Animation and technical errors===
* When Jack realizes that the ''Nemesis'' will have to tear down Manhattan to get to the first Iacon relic, the camera zooms out to show all four, including Fowler and Rafael on the control panel. However Knock Out, who should be frozen right behind the two on the control panel, is nowhere to be seen.
* In the previous episode, Bulkhead drove from the ''Nemesis'' crash site back to base rather than use the GroundBridge, suggesting the crash occurred not far away, or at the very least, on the same continent. In this episode, Fowler says the ''Nemesis'' is crossing the Atlantic Ocean and heading for North America.
* How does Jack on the ''Nemesis'' talk to Ratchet back at base without a cell phone? He appears to be using an earpiece, but there's no indication that he received one. Agent Fowler appears to do the same, earlier on.
* In the base, Ratchet appears to be monitoring the vitals of the humans. Unless they've suddenly become Cybertrionians, there's no explanation for how he can do this.
* When stasis-locked Megatron gets knocked over, his hand, still clutching the release lever, opens to allow him to fall all the way down. The rest of him stays completely stiff even upon hitting the ground.
* The Dark Energon infusion travels up the pipes to the main column, which is between them and the energon input receptacle, instead of going down their length from the column.

===Trivia===
* The ''Nemesis''{{'}}s voice is listed only as "Warship" in this episode's credits.
* It seems the amount of power required to stasis lock a Transformer isn't enough to kill a human, as the ship was unaware carbon-based life forms were aboard when Fowler was electrocuted, and was presumably trying the same trick it used on Soundwave.
* No clear reason is given for ''why'' the ''Nemesis'' independently considers gathering the Iacon relics to be "Priority One."
** The ''Nemesis'' is also pretty selective in its mission, as the Spark Extractor it ignored was also an Iacon relic ''and'' a Decepticon artifact.
* The Prime Production team actually bought the script idea from [[Bob Skir]] because they loved it. Skir isn't a fan of the title "Flying Mind" but also acknowledges that he couldn't come up with anything better.{{fact}}

===Gadgets and powers===
* The ''Nemesis'' is equipped with at least 6 blaster cannons on its underbelly.
* It also has stasis beams there as well as on its interior, at least in the bridge and the engine room, deployable from the walls and launched from satellite-like dishes. The effect is similar to that of the [[Immobilizer]], only with the target being electrocuted on impact.
* It can electrocute Cybertronians operating its computer terminals.
* For disabling larger groups of hostile units, it can launch laser grids with the same paralyzing function which sweep across its corridors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Perte de contrôle'''" ("Loss of Control")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das fliegende Gehirn'''" ("The flying Brain")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8|8 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jinrai Henkei! Senkan Nemesis no Hanran'''" (神雷変形!戦艦ネメシスの反乱, "Thunder God Transformation! Rebellion of the Battleship Nemesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Voadora'''" ("Flying Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 17|17 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Volante'''" ("Flying Mind"), "'''Una Mente Volante'''" (2017 airing, "A Flying Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Studios|Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 19 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Flying Mind

2025-06-29T19:32:14Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */ This is just a really common phrase

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 37
|prev=Armada (episode)
|next=Tunnel Vision (episode)
|image=FlyingMind-DecepticonsOnDeck.jpg
|caption=Alright, forget the bigger ship! Can we get a smaller ship instead?
|title="Flying Mind"
|season=2
|season ep=11
|airdate=[[April 28]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKD9GaH0Pso
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Megatron's attempt to repair the ''Nemesis'' has an unexpected side effect, forcing Raf, Jack, and Miko to put themselves in harm's way.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Optimus Flying Mind.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Optimus is the ''best'' at freeze tag.]]
With the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' down, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] discovers that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|an Autobot]] was responsible for the crash. Despite [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s protests, Megatron infuses [[Dark Energon]] into the ship's power core, hoping its regenerative effects will cut down on the lengthy time it would take to get the ship airworthy. Meanwhile, the [[Autobot]]s feel this might well be the time to strike. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] reluctantly decides to use the [[spark extractor|Spark Extractor]] to terminate the Decepticons for good.

The Dark Energon infusion of the ''Nemesis'' works perfectly, bringing the ship to full operational status in minutes. The energy is detected by the Autobots, who immediately set out with [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]]. They arrive to find the 'Con warship already airborne, and it begins firing on them. The Autobots attempt to get close enough to use the Spark Extractor, but the ship hits them one by one with a [[Stasis Beam|stasis beam]], surprising Knock Out that the ship possesses such a weapon, sending them into [[stasis lock]].

[[Image:FlyingMindHumanAid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Everybody clap their hands!]]
Megatron is pleased at being able to get the Spark Extractor back, but when he orders the ship to move closer, it abruptly changes course, and it is quickly discovered that the ''Nemesis'' is ignoring its pilots and flying ''itself''. When Megatron demands the ship's computer be overridden, the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] at the helm is electrocuted. The ship suddenly speaks up with its own voice, announcing it is in charge and on a mission. Knock Out notes it's decoding the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] database. Furious, Megatron demands they retake control, but when [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] attempts to do so, the ship retaliates and he's sent into stasis lock. When Megatron orders the Decepticons to sever all connections to the ship's mainframe, beams of energy sweep through the ship, disabling almost every last one of the 'Cons.

Back at base, Fowler notes that the ''Nemesis'' is heading towards North America, with its cloaking field down, no less, and the decision is made to try and contact Megatron to see what's up. On the warship, Knock Out is put into stasis lock while checking on the Iacon data, and Megatron attempts to disable the ship's power core, only to be put in stasis lock as well. When Ratchet contacts the ''Nemesis'', the ship responds and helpfully lets them know its mission is to find the missing Iacon artifacts of Decepticon origin. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the humans believe it's the opportune moment to download a copy of the Iacon database, so Fowler and the kids [[GroundBridge]] on board the ship, determining that the ship cannot detect humans, as it left Fowler unmolested while leaving the battle earlier. They find the [[Project Iacon]] console, and clambering up Knock Out, plug in the [[transfer drive]] Ratchet gave them. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] notices the ship is heading for [[New York City|Manhattan]], the location of the first artifact, and if they don't stop it somehow, the ''Nemesis'' will destroy whatever part of the city lies atop the long-buried relic. While trying to change the ship's course, Fowler is electrically shocked into unconsciousness, but the ship, still scanning for Cybertronian-based life forms, is unable to detect the kids.

[[Image:FlyingMindSecondOpinion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Welcome to the [[Knock Out (Prime)#Beast Hunters|food chain!]]]]
Though Ratchet wants to bridge the kids back, Jack realizes they have to do something now, and head to the ship's power core, hoping to de-activate the ''Nemesis's'' intelligence by dumping the dark energon out of the fuel supply. There they find the frozen Megatron, and Jack discovers that the manually-operated fuel injection valve is locked in place by Megatron's frozen hand. While he's still trying, the ship finally detects [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], assuming them to be vermin that are infesting it. As a manipulator arm starts chasing them, they hide among the [[energon cube]]s, but the arm moves the containers aside, eventually exposing them. Jack manages to attract its attention and trick it into hitting Megatron. The Decepticon leader topples over, dragging the lever down and reversing the [[energon]] flow. [[Image:Lower Manhattan Flying Mind.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Man, why can't the aliens attack Jersey for a change?]] Though the ship tries to use the manipulator arm to move the lever back, it's not fast enough to do so before its intelligence is lost. As the ship "shifts into neutral", the stasis locked Transformers inexplicably begin recovering, and the kids make all haste back through the corridors. While Miko and Raf help a still-loopy Fowler through the Ground Bridge, Jack goes after the transfer drive, but he's still struggling with it as Knock Out comes back online. Jack's saved from an untimely end when Ratchet appears through the GroundBridge and clobbers Knock Out, taking Jack and the transfer drive with him, just in time to miss the arrival of Megatron, who is rather unhappy with Knock Out.

Ratchet gives the now-recovered Optimus the good news about the data they retrieved, but they realize they must act quickly, as Megatron has no more scruples than his ship about harming human life, and the ''Nemesis'' is even now bearing down on Manhattan...

[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|To be continued]]...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (11)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (14)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (6)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (15)

|c3=
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
* [[Jack Darby]] (8)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
* [[William Fowler]] (10)

|c4=
* "[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]" (15)
|}}

==Quotes==

"And when the Insecticons backed off, I got inspired by my proximity to the power core, and did what I do best." 
"You trashed Megatron's ride like a rock star in a hotel room."
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Miko''' discussing Bulkhead's victory.

"If the ship isn't cloaked, maybe the communications relays are open and-" 
"Ehp, eph, are you suggesting that we just ''call'' Megatron and ask him what's happening up there?!
:—'''Jack's''' logic is questioned by '''Ratchet''', while all the other humans shrug, "Why not?"

"Doc Knock is ''knocked out!''"
:—'''Miko''' makes the joke we've all been waiting to hear.

"On your feet, soldier!" 
"...and beavers and ducks and walnuts and Grandma..."
:—'''Miko''' helping a debilitated '''Fowler'''.

"Say ''ahhh!''" 
"I'm here to offer a second opinion!"
:—Seeing '''Knock Out's''' attempt to operate on Jack, '''Ratchet''' gives him the hint that he might want to consider going back to medical school.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The Insecticons joining the Decepticons, Bulkhead's damage to the ''Nemesis'' power core and the ship's crash all took place in the [[Armada (episode)|previous episode]].
* Megatron makes note of Optimus's increasing ruthlessness and how he would no longer waste a chance to strike, likely referring to his near-termination by Optimus in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]".
* The Decepticons found their Dark Energon supply back in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]", but it hasn't seen much use since the [[Unicron#Prime cartoon|Unicron]] revelation.
* Soundwave has been trying to decrypt the Iacon database since Optimus Prime recovered his memory in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]", and has apparently made very little progress.
* Though the ''Nemesis'' is established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles]]'' to be a stasis-locked [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]], its identity is left unstated here, as it does not refer to itself by name. [[Bob Skir]] has stated it was not meant to be Trypticon waking up.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DaZTNszyGU Moonbase 2 interview with Bob Skir]</ref> Confusing matters further, the ''[[Transformers: The Art of Prime]]'' book shows that a unique Trypticon wire-frame CGI design was created for this episode, which (barely) appears in the episode itself on the ship's monitors while the children are on board.
* The Autobots attempt to use the [[spark extractor]], which they acquired in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]".
* This is the first time Knock Out has used his drill weapon since [[Deus ex Machina|his premiere episode]].
* The ''Nemesis'' deploys paralyzing beams that work in a similar way to the [[Immobilizer]]. For Optimus, Bumblebee and Bulkhead, it thus isn't the first time in the series when they encounter this type of weapon.

===Transformers references===
* (tbd)

===Real-world references===
* The ''Nemesis''{{'}}s stasis beam uses the same sound effect of the Zat'ni'katel (or "Zat Gun") from ''Stargate SG-1''.
* Miko refers to Knock Out as "Doc Knock," likely in reference to "Doc Ock," a common nickname of ''[[Spider-Man]]'' villain Doctor Octopus.
* The ship gaining sentience, turning on the crew, and its defeat all bear similarities to HAL 9000 from the film, ''2001: A Space Odyssey''.
* The grid design that immobilizes Dreadwing and the Vehicons is similar to the laser hallways from ''Resident Evil''.

===Animation and technical errors===
* When Jack realizes that the ''Nemesis'' will have to tear down Manhattan to get to the first Iacon relic, the camera zooms out to show all four, including Fowler and Rafael on the control panel. However Knock Out, who should be frozen right behind the two on the control panel, is nowhere to be seen.
* In the previous episode, Bulkhead drove from the ''Nemesis'' crash site back to base rather than use the GroundBridge, suggesting the crash occurred not far away, or at the very least, on the same continent. In this episode, Fowler says the ''Nemesis'' is crossing the Atlantic Ocean and heading for North America.
* How does Jack on the ''Nemesis'' talk to Ratchet back at base without a cell phone? He appears to be using an earpiece, but there's no indication that he received one. Agent Fowler appears to do the same, earlier on.
* In the base, Ratchet appears to be monitoring the vitals of the humans. Unless they've suddenly become Cybertrionians, there's no explanation for how he can do this.
* When stasis-locked Megatron gets knocked over, his hand, still clutching the release lever, opens to allow him to fall all the way down. The rest of him stays completely stiff even upon hitting the ground.
* The Dark Energon infusion travels up the pipes to the main column, which is between them and the energon input receptacle, instead of going down their length from the column.

===Trivia===
* The ''Nemesis''{{'}}s voice is listed only as "Warship" in this episode's credits.
* It seems the amount of power required to stasis lock a Transformer isn't enough to kill a human, as the ship was unaware carbon-based life forms were aboard when Fowler was electrocuted, and was presumably trying the same trick it used on Soundwave.
* No clear reason is given for ''why'' the ''Nemesis'' independently considers gathering the Iacon relics to be "Priority One." Other enigmatic plot points, including the ship revealing it possesses weaponry that Knock Out note he was previously unaware of, and the way in which the ship abruptly, cryptically hangs up on Ratchet when he asks "for what purpose" it's gathering the relics, combine to make it feel like this was the beginning of some kind of dropped sub-plot, as it's never brought up again.
* The ''Nemesis'' is also pretty selective in its mission, as the Spark Extractor it ignored was also an Iacon relic ''and'' a Decepticon artifact.
* You'd think Megatron would at least order his troops to capture the frozen Autobots.
* The Prime Production team actually bought the script idea from [[Bob Skir]] because they loved the idea of this episode a lot.
* [[Bob Skir]] isn't a fan of the title of this episode "Flying Mind" but he also acknowledges that he couldn't come up with anything better either.

===Gadgets and powers===
* The ''Nemesis'' is equipped with at least 6 blaster cannons on its underbelly.
* It also has stasis beams there as well as on its interior, at least in the bridge and the engine room, deployable from the walls and launched from satellite-like dishes. The effect is similar to that of the [[Immobilizer]], only with the target being electrocuted on impact.
* It can electrocute Cybertronians operating its computer terminals.
* For disabling larger groups of hostile units, it can launch laser grids with the same paralyzing function which sweep across its corridors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Perte de contrôle'''" ("Loss of Control")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das fliegende Gehirn'''" ("The flying Brain")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8|8 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jinrai Henkei! Senkan Nemesis no Hanran'''" (神雷変形!戦艦ネメシスの反乱, "Thunder God Transformation! Rebellion of the Battleship Nemesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Voadora'''" ("Flying Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 17|17 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Volante'''" ("Flying Mind"), "'''Una Mente Volante'''" (2017 airing, "A Flying Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Studios|Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 19 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Armada (episode)

2025-06-29T19:26:16Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */ Unneeded speculation

{{disambig3|Armada}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 36
|prev=Grill (episode)
|next=Flying Mind
|image=Armada-clonessurroundMegatron.jpg
|caption=Megatron remembers seeing this scenario on Tumblr.
|title="Armada"
|season=2
|season ep=10
|airdate=[[April 21]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Matt Wayne]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kr9dLdsSBU
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Bulkhead is trapped on the ''Nemesis'' amid dual attempts on Megatron's life.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] recovers consciousness, and realizes he's on the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''. Unable to contact base, he begins to explore, but while hiding from [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], he runs into [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. Starscream is reluctant to help, and strikes at Bulkhead, so Bulkhead returns the favor by jumping on Starscream and blindly beating the ex-con to death. Guiltily justifying his actions by muttering that Starscream left him no choice, Bulkhead returns to his exploration.

[[Image:Armada-protoforms.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Quick! Reprogram them into Combaticons!]]

Some 24 hours before, Starscream reaches the wreck of the ''[[Harbinger]]'' in his search for [[energon]]. Instead, he finds a laboratory containing five [[protoform]]s. Elsewhere, Bulkhead picks up a strong energon reading. Starscream finds information in the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> computer on cloning, and fires up the lab equipment. Soon, five [[Starscream clone (Prime)|duplicates of himself]] stand before him. Meanwhile, Bulkhead, clambering into a hole he's found, realizes there's boxed energon at the bottom of it, and that the ''Nemesis'' is arriving overhead, ready to pick it up. As he struggles, he falls among the energon and, losing consciousness, is transported up to the Decepticon ship with it.

Starscream discovers that his clones are complete duplicates of himself, personality, memories, and all. The one significant difference seems to be that the clones have intact [[transformation cog]]s, and thus can fly. As the ''Harbinger'' is able to track where the ''Nemesis'' is, he sends his clones to eliminate [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] once and for all. The five clones board the ''Nemesis'' and split up, one of them running into Bulkhead, who terminates the clone. The original Starscream is dismayed to discover that he feels the same pain his clones feel. Bulkhead locates a comm unit and attempts to use it to contact the other Autobots, only to set off an alarm and bring Vehicons running. As he escapes, the Vehicons are distracted by another Starscream clone, but unbeknownst to anyone, Bulkhead has inadvertently triggered a Decepticon beacon.

The beacon is detected by [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]], who releases her [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] army from their [[stasis pod]]s to go terminate Megatron. The activity is detected by the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] [[GroundBridge]] to the location to investigate, discovering Airachnid in the middle of sending her troops. She sets some of the Insecticons after the trio, but Arcee bursts through the explosions and begins pursuing her. Optimus and Bumblebee begin mowing down Insecticons.

Bulkhead crawls through a service duct, and spots Megatron. Megatron starts heading for the bridge in response to reports that Starscream's there.

Arcee continues her pursuit of Airachnid, despite having to contend with two Insecticons. After the Insecticons are taken out, Airachnid disappears underground, and Arcee follows.

On the ''Nemesis'' bridge, Megatron finds himself face-to-faces with the four remaining Starscream clones. He offers to make them all [[second-in-command]] if they terminate Starscream for him, but the clones are stable enough to keep to the mission. Before they can open fire, the ship is attacked by Insecticons. The distraction is all Megatron needs, and he starts taking out clones. The last of the clones manages to escape as the Insecticon attack intensifies, and Megatron finally checks on what's going on outside.

[[Image:Armada-armadasurroundMegatron.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Megatron also remembers ''this'' from Tumblr.]]

Optimus and Bumblebee finish off the last of the Insecticons that were attacking them, and start looking for Arcee. Their comrade is currently deep underground hunting Airachnid. Arcee exchanges fire with her foe, and manages to manoeuvre Airachnid onto one of the open stasis pods, which promptly closes and puts the rogue Decepticon on ice. The Insecticons attacking the ''Nemesis'' all immediately stop their attack, drop on to the ship's hull, and proclaim their loyalty to a bemused Megatron.

Within the ''Nemesis'', Bulkhead finds the ship's power core, and severely damages it with his mace, causing it to explode. The ship slowly begins its descent. As he runs to the exit, Bulkhead encounters the Starscream clone, who promptly takes off. Bulkhead is puzzled at the fact that Starscream is alive and can transform. Once the ''Nemesis'' has crashed to earth, Bulkhead is able to drive off and speed away. He soon reaches base, where the Autobots are inspecting the stasis-locked Airachnid.

The last Starscream clone returns to the ''Harbinger'' and lets the original Starscream know the mission failed. He's about to shoot his progenitor, when Starscream turns and blasts him, complaining about the shared pain he experiences as he finally terminates him.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (7)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (10)
|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (11)
|c4=
*[[Starscream clone (Prime)|Starscream clones]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (5)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is for [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]! For [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]! For ''everything''."
:—'''Bulkhead''' delivers some much-deserved payback unto Starscream. Well, actually his clone, but what's the difference?

"My genetic code provides my clones with a [[Transformation cog|T-Cog]] I no longer possess and all I get is their agony?!"
:—'''Starscream''' laments over the side-effects of cloning.

"Exterminating you was so gratifying the first three times."
:—'''Megatron''' approaching the last of Starscream's clones.

"When you extinguish my spark, make it hurt. You know I would extend that courtesy to you."
:—'''Airachnid''', creepy to the last.

'''Bulkhead:''' Guys, you are not gonna believe the day I had! 
''Bulkhead spots Airachnid in stasis, then looks at Ratchet and Arcee'' 
'''Bulkhead:''' Oh, you too, huh?
:—It's been a busy day for everyone.

'''Starscream Clone:''' You... knew I would attempt to terminate you? 
'''Starscream:''' I feel your pain, really I do. 
''Starscream fires a missile at his clone, killing him but also still affecting the original Starscream'' 
'''Starscream:''' Aaargh!! Scrap that hurt! 

:—That's our Starscream.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Starscream returns to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', first seen in "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]", the episode in which he defected.
*Starscream references sneaking on board the ''Nemesis'' and meeting Optimus Prime in "[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]".
*Starscream mentions [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and [[Crossfire (Prime)|sparing Arcee's life]]... ''again''.
*Bulkhead pounds Starscream (well, his clone really, but still...) for killing Cliffjumper and damaging Bumblebee's T-cog in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
*Starscream laments over losing his T-cog in "Operation Bumblebee, Part 2".
*Airachnid had apparently repaired her [[Crossfire (Prime)|severed limb]]. It didn't last.
*In "[[Grill (episode)|Grill]]", Agent Fowler said the next time Arcee and Airachnid meet, only one is going to walk away. That's exactly what happened.
*The Starscream clones lack the facial scar of the original Starscream that was given to him by [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] in "[[Partners]]".

===Transformers references===
*Starscream follows in the footsteps of his [[Starscream (Animated)|''Animated'' predecessor]], who also once cloned [[Starscream clone (Animated)|multiple copies of himself]].
*Starscream's clones are mentally linked to him via [[binary bonding]].
*The crash of the ''Nemesis'' on a cliff edge resembles the one of [[Axalon (BW)|a certain other Transformer spacecraft]].

===Real-world references===
*Starscream's activation of the clones, with all the electricity and cackling, seems inspired by ''[[Frankenstein]]''.
*The ''Nemesis'' has [http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Jefferies_tube Jefferies tubes].

===Errors===
*When Airachnid commands the Insecticon rear guard to fight, six are seen flying off the group. In the next scene, there are five.
*Previously, one Insecticon was so powerful that it was able to fight toe-to-toe with Megatron (deprived of his fusion cannon). The Insecticons in this episode are considerably weaker, enough that several go down in one hit and another is taken out by crashing into a tree. You can do plenty of rationalizing—the Autobots have an open battlefield and their ranged weapons which Megatron did not, a lot of Insecticons die from crashing out the air rather than from attacks—but this downgrade is nothing special, being a [[tvtropes:Main/ConservationOfNinjutsu|widely observed phenomenon]] with armies of generic henchmen in fiction of all kinds. The Insecticons' position as freakishly powerful is restored in "[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|Tunnel Vision]]" and "[[Toxicity]]", but gone in "[[New Recruit]]".

===Trivia===
*The Insecticons speak for the first time. They're still vermin, though.
*This is the second time Arcee has basically "saved" Megatron, and her defeat of Airachnid adds the Insecticon hive to the Decepticon ranks.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Armada'''" ("The Armada")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Angriff auf Megatron'''" ("Attack on Megatron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mugen Henkei! Zōshoku suru Teki'''" (無限変形!増殖する敵, "Infinite Transformation! Multiplying Enemies")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 8|8 December]] [[2012]]
*Starscream's clones have a different speech pattern from the real deal, speaking in a kind of countryside dialect.
*The Japanese-dubbed Insecticons continue being very talkative even in a swarm, filling any scene they appear in with buzzing onomatopoeia when they fly and cries of "You got me!" when they die.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Exercito'''" ("The Army")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 14|14 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Armata'''" ("Army"), "'''L'Armata'''" (2017 airing, "The Army")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 19|19 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 18 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 2: Battle for Supremacy ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Grill (episode)

2025-06-29T19:19:18Z

Eucryphia: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''G.I. Joe'' human|Grill (G.I. Joe)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 35
|prev=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|next=Armada (episode)
|image=Grill Fowler sits back down.jpg
|caption=Seriously, I really need the bathroom.
|title="Grill"
|season=2
|season ep=9
|airdate=[[April 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Kevin Altieri]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l985DOX524M
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Agent Fowler has some explaining to do under the threat of military tribunal and Team Prime's termination.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Grill too close private.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Since I joined these bots, I have seen slag that'll turn you '''white'''!"]]
[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] steps into [[Bryce|General Bryce]]'s office to provide some explanations. Bryce first asks about [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s recent death, and Fowler clarifies that the body the military have is [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]], though Bryce has trouble swallowing it. Fowler explains a bit about [[MECH]] and wonders if some of MECH's men are special forces like [[Silas]]. Under further questioning, Fowler relates more about the [[Autobot]]s and their war, and his own involvement in helping [[Team Prime]]. Bryce asks him to run through the identities of the Autobots in Team Prime, and comes to the death of [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. Bryce reiterates that all they have to go on regarding Optimus Prime's recent defection to the [[Decepticon]]s is Fowler's report, and the current debriefing is a result of concerns about the potential danger the Autobots pose, with the possibility of a military tribunal later and potentially the termination of Team Prime.

[[Image:Grill Optimus through window.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Hey, Sam, you find those glasses ye- Oops. Sorry, uh, wrong house."]]
Fowler insists that the Autobots are very careful about protecting [[human]]s, but lets slip about the kids. He quickly covers the mistake by claiming they're civilians working with the Autobots and valuable team members, carefully leaving out the fact that they're minors. Bryce seems mollified, but asks why [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] hasn't been terminated yet, which leads Fowler to mention [[Unicron/Aligned|Unicron]]. Bryce decides that Fowler needs a psychological evaluation, though after Fowler clarifies that he didn't say "[[unicorn]]", the evaluation is called off. Fowler also relays how both [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] and [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] have gone rogue, and that the Autobots have gained valuable intel from the former. Though he says Optimus thinks [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] could be converted, Fowler doesn't agree. When questioned about Optimus's recent defection, Fowler is confident that Optimus is firmly an Autobot. He mentions the current Decepticon hunt for ancient Transformer artifacts, and has Optimus himself look through the window and converse with Bryce. General Bryce is convinced and dismisses Fowler.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in clips from previous episodes.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* ''[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'' (12)
* ''[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'' (13)
* ''[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]'' (17)
* ''[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'' (19)
* ''[[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'' (31)

|c2=
*''[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]'' (7)
*''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]'' (11)
*''[[Decepticon Miner]]s'' (18)
*''[[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]]'' (20)
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'' (21)
*''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (22)
*''[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'' (25)
*''[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'' (27)
*''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]'' (28)
*''[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]'' (29)
*''[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]]'' (32)
*''[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'' (33)

|c3=
* [[William Fowler]] (1)
* [[Bryce|General Bryce]] (2)
* [[Daley|Private Daley]] (3)
* ''[[MECH Surgeon]]'' (6)
* ''[[Silas]]'' (8)
* ''[[MECH Commando]]'' (9)
* ''[[MECH Navigator]]'' (10)
* ''[[Miko Nakadai]]'' (14)
* ''[[Jack Darby]]'' (15)
* ''[[Raf Esquivel]]'' (16)
* ''[[Museum security guard|Guard]]'' (23)
* ''[[June Darby]]'' (24)

|c4=
* ''[[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]]'' (5)
* ''[[Scraplet]]s'' (26)
* ''[[Unicron]]'' (30)
|}}

==Quotes==
"Soldier, too close."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' doesn't like close ups of his face

"It defies all logic, Bill. Dark energon? Then you go on record saying that you believe in magical horses with horns on their heads." 
"What?" 
"Do you deny previously reporting that Megatron helped defeat a unicorn?" 
"Oh? That's what you...? Uni''cron''! The ultimate evil! Permission to strike this from the record." 
:—'''General Bryce''' makes the second Unicron/[[unicorn]] joke in 25 years, and '''Agent Fowler''' avoids a psychological evaluation.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Being a [[clip show]], this episode shows bits from virtually every episode of the series up to this point.
* Like Miko in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]", General Bryce mistakes "Unicron" for "[[unicorn]]".
* Fowler refers to the Autobots as "autonomous robotic organisms", just as Optimus previously did in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]".
* Fowler's dialogue makes a reference to the title of "[[Loose Cannons]]".
* We finally get an explanation for why Fowler can fly a jet without a flight suit. At some point (most likely before "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]"), Ratchet modified the air pressure regulators in [[Fowler's V-tol|Fowler's jet]]. Fowler also makes a comment about the jet being a VTOL, which explains the maneuvers it made in "Loose Cannons".

===Transformers references===
* At one point, Fowler refers to Nemesis Prime as a "[[knockoff]]".

===Trivia===
* As previously revealed on the package of the Ultimate Opponents Entertainment Pack, [[Silas]]'s real name is Leland Bishop. Newly revealed in this episode is his former military rank of Colonel.
* Aside from all the clips shown in this episode, the only Transformer to appear physically in this episode is Optimus Prime.
* A shot of Airachnid screaming Jack's name from "[[Predatory]]" is played without dialog, presumably to avoid having to pay [[Gina Torres]] an additional fee.
* When Bryce asks Fowler for a headcount of the Autobots, [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] isn't mentioned, despite Fowler's knowledge of his presence on Earth (he even had a face-to-face discussion with Jackie!).
* General Bryce mentions that the "five-stars" are upset. In real life, the {{w|Five-star rank#US five-star ranks|five-star rank}} is not currently active in the United States military, being last awarded in 1950 to General {{w|Omar Bradley}}.
* The camera is shown to be on its last battery throughout the episode. The battery promptly runs out as soon as Optimus Prime appears.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Question de confiance'''" ("Matter of Trust")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The name of Unicron is pronounced differently just for this episode, in order to make the unicorn joke work. It is pronounced the English way to make it rhyme with the equivalent of unicorn (licorne).

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Agent Fowler im Verhör'''" ("Interrogating Agent Fowler")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 6|6 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tokumei Henkei! Fowler no Sōsa File'''" (特命変形!ファウラーの捜査ファイル, "Mission Transformation! Fowler's Investigation Files")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1|1 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Interrogatório'''" ("The Interrogation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 13|13 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Graticola'''" ("Grill"), "'''Sotto pressione'''" (2017 airing, "Under Pressure")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 18|18 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 18 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 8: Der falsche Prime ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 2: Battle for Supremacy ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Clip shows]]
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Grill (episode)

2025-06-29T19:19:03Z

Eucryphia: /* Transformers references */ I'm pretty sure "war for Cybertron" just refers to the Great War

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''G.I. Joe'' human|Grill (G.I. Joe)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 35
|prev=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|next=Armada (episode)
|image=Grill Fowler sits back down.jpg
|caption=Seriously, I really need the bathroom.
|title="Grill"
|season=2
|season ep=9
|airdate=[[April 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Kevin Altieri]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l985DOX524M
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Agent Fowler has some explaining to do under the threat of military tribunal and Team Prime's termination.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Grill too close private.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Since I joined these bots, I have seen slag that'll turn you '''white'''!"]]
[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] steps into [[Bryce|General Bryce]]'s office to provide some explanations. Bryce first asks about [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s recent death, and Fowler clarifies that the body the military have is [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]], though Bryce has trouble swallowing it. Fowler explains a bit about [[MECH]] and wonders if some of MECH's men are special forces like [[Silas]]. Under further questioning, Fowler relates more about the [[Autobot]]s and their war, and his own involvement in helping [[Team Prime]]. Bryce asks him to run through the identities of the Autobots in Team Prime, and comes to the death of [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. Bryce reiterates that all they have to go on regarding Optimus Prime's recent defection to the [[Decepticon]]s is Fowler's report, and the current debriefing is a result of concerns about the potential danger the Autobots pose, with the possibility of a military tribunal later and potentially the termination of Team Prime.

[[Image:Grill Optimus through window.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Hey, Sam, you find those glasses ye- Oops. Sorry, uh, wrong house."]]
Fowler insists that the Autobots are very careful about protecting [[human]]s, but lets slip about the kids. He quickly covers the mistake by claiming they're civilians working with the Autobots and valuable team members, carefully leaving out the fact that they're minors. Bryce seems mollified, but asks why [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] hasn't been terminated yet, which leads Fowler to mention [[Unicron/Aligned|Unicron]]. Bryce decides that Fowler needs a psychological evaluation, though after Fowler clarifies that he didn't say "[[unicorn]]", the evaluation is called off. Fowler also relays how both [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] and [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] have gone rogue, and that the Autobots have gained valuable intel from the former. Though he says Optimus thinks [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] could be converted, Fowler doesn't agree. When questioned about Optimus's recent defection, Fowler is confident that Optimus is firmly an Autobot. He mentions the current Decepticon hunt for ancient Transformer artifacts, and has Optimus himself look through the window and converse with Bryce. General Bryce is convinced and dismisses Fowler.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in clips from previous episodes.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* ''[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'' (12)
* ''[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'' (13)
* ''[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]'' (17)
* ''[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'' (19)
* ''[[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'' (31)

|c2=
*''[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]'' (7)
*''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]'' (11)
*''[[Decepticon Miner]]s'' (18)
*''[[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]]'' (20)
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'' (21)
*''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (22)
*''[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'' (25)
*''[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'' (27)
*''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]'' (28)
*''[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]'' (29)
*''[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]]'' (32)
*''[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'' (33)

|c3=
* [[William Fowler]] (1)
* [[Bryce|General Bryce]] (2)
* [[Daley|Private Daley]] (3)
* ''[[MECH Surgeon]]'' (6)
* ''[[Silas]]'' (8)
* ''[[MECH Commando]]'' (9)
* ''[[MECH Navigator]]'' (10)
* ''[[Miko Nakadai]]'' (14)
* ''[[Jack Darby]]'' (15)
* ''[[Raf Esquivel]]'' (16)
* ''[[Museum security guard|Guard]]'' (23)
* ''[[June Darby]]'' (24)

|c4=
* ''[[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]]'' (5)
* ''[[Scraplet]]s'' (26)
* ''[[Unicron]]'' (30)
|}}

==Quotes==
"Soldier, too close."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' doesn't like close ups of his face

"It defies all logic, Bill. Dark energon? Then you go on record saying that you believe in magical horses with horns on their heads." 
"What?" 
"Do you deny previously reporting that Megatron helped defeat a unicorn?" 
"Oh? That's what you...? Uni''cron''! The ultimate evil! Permission to strike this from the record." 
:—'''General Bryce''' makes the second Unicron/[[unicorn]] joke in 25 years, and '''Agent Fowler''' avoids a psychological evaluation.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Being a [[clip show]], this episode shows bits from virtually every episode of the series up to this point.
* Like Miko in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]", General Bryce mistakes "Unicron" for "[[unicorn]]".
* Fowler's dialogue makes a reference to the title of "[[Loose Cannons]]".
* We finally get an explanation for why Fowler can fly a jet without a flight suit. At some point (most likely before "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]"), Ratchet modified the air pressure regulators in [[Fowler's V-tol|Fowler's jet]]. Fowler also makes a comment about the jet being a VTOL, which explains the maneuvers it made in "Loose Cannons".

===Transformers references===
* At one point, Fowler refers to Nemesis Prime as a "[[knockoff]]".

===Trivia===
* As previously revealed on the package of the Ultimate Opponents Entertainment Pack, [[Silas]]'s real name is Leland Bishop. Newly revealed in this episode is his former military rank of Colonel.
* Aside from all the clips shown in this episode, the only Transformer to appear physically in this episode is Optimus Prime.
* A shot of Airachnid screaming Jack's name from "[[Predatory]]" is played without dialog, presumably to avoid having to pay [[Gina Torres]] an additional fee.
* When Bryce asks Fowler for a headcount of the Autobots, [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] isn't mentioned, despite Fowler's knowledge of his presence on Earth (he even had a face-to-face discussion with Jackie!).
* General Bryce mentions that the "five-stars" are upset. In real life, the {{w|Five-star rank#US five-star ranks|five-star rank}} is not currently active in the United States military, being last awarded in 1950 to General {{w|Omar Bradley}}.
* The camera is shown to be on its last battery throughout the episode. The battery promptly runs out as soon as Optimus Prime appears.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Question de confiance'''" ("Matter of Trust")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The name of Unicron is pronounced differently just for this episode, in order to make the unicorn joke work. It is pronounced the English way to make it rhyme with the equivalent of unicorn (licorne).

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Agent Fowler im Verhör'''" ("Interrogating Agent Fowler")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 6|6 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tokumei Henkei! Fowler no Sōsa File'''" (特命変形!ファウラーの捜査ファイル, "Mission Transformation! Fowler's Investigation Files")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 1|1 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Interrogatório'''" ("The Interrogation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 13|13 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Graticola'''" ("Grill"), "'''Sotto pressione'''" (2017 airing, "Under Pressure")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 18|18 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 18 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 8: Der falsche Prime ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 2: Battle for Supremacy ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Clip shows]]
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Loose Cannons

2025-06-29T19:14:57Z

Eucryphia: /* Home video releases */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 32
|prev=Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
|next=Crossfire (Prime)
|image=LooseCannons Wheeljack Dreadwing splitscreen.jpg
|caption=Do we need to disambiguate with "[[Deep Metal]]"?
|title="Loose Cannons"
|season=2
|season ep=6
|airdate=[[March 24]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itKth8Ac7lY
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Wheeljack returns to Earth to look for a new Decepticon named Dreadwing.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:LooseCannons Wheeljack fires back.jpg|thumb|left|250px|If I'm coming back, I'm coming back with a BANG!]]
[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] calls the Autobots, furious about a Transformer fight outside [[Omaha]] with possible collateral damage. As the Autobots are all at base, [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] suggests the [[Decepticon]]s are to blame, however a video feed reveals the combatants as a [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]-type Decepticon and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Fowler demands that the situation be handled pronto.

Fowler reaches the battleground in [[Fowler's V-tol|his jet]] first and demands the pair stop, only to be fired on by Wheeljack. A [[GroundBridge]] opens up, and the Autobots step out to help Wheeljack. Outgunned, the Decepticon seizes the opportunity to scan Fowler's jet and make his escape. Wheeljack fires after him, blowing up a gas station. Though Wheeljack believes that [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] was to blame for the explosion, he's informed otherwise.

[[Image:LooseCannons Wheeljack undergoes repairs.jpg|thumb|right|250px|So... do I get a lollipop?]]
Back at base, Ratchet repairs Wheeljack, who apologizes for the damage and explains his pursuit of Dreadwing. He had found his fellow [[Wreckers|Wrecker]] [[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]], only for his friend to be blown up by Dreadwing. After several solar systems worth of pursuit, Wheeljack caught up with the Decepticon on [[Earth]]. Optimus infers that Dreadwing has come to pay allegiance to Megatron. He tries to stem Wheeljack's hotheadedness, and Fowler arrives to admonish Wheeljack for nearly blowing their cover. Wheeljack doesn't take well to being called part of the team, and walks off, followed by Bulkhead who intends to placate him. Optimus does his best to smooth things over with Fowler.

Dreadwing rendezvous with the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] welcomes his loyalty, but Dreadwing reveals he has come to Earth to avenge his [[spark]]-twin Skyquake. When Megatron confirms Skyquake's death, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] vows to make every Autobot on Earth pay, but Megatron would rather Dreadwing follow his orders.

As Wheeljack works on his [[Jackhammer (Prime)|ship]], Bulkhead attempts to change his mind about the planet. Inside the Jackhammer, a challenge comes through over the commlink from Dreadwing. Wheeljack straps in to meet the 'Con, and convinces Bulkhead to come as well.

[[Image:LooseCannons Dreadwing tricks Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|left|250px|He's right behind me, isn't he?]]
Dreadwing faces off against Wheeljack, both determined to finish their business. They exchange fire, and Dreadwing runs, leading Wheeljack past a series of proximity bombs that the Autobot evades. Dreadwing runs into a dead end, but it turns out to be a trap—as Bulkhead appears atop the crevice, a last bomb on the cliff face explodes, burying the two Wreckers under rubble as Dreadwing flies clear.

At base, Ratchet finds Bulkhead's transmission over a thousand miles away. At Optimus's inquiry, he says that no response has been made.

In the crevice, Optimus helps Wheeljack out of a pile of boulders and reprimands him for endangering Bulkhead. Ratchet informs Optimus over comm that Bulkhead's signal has moved.

Wheeljack and Optimus fly to Bulkhead's location, a shipping depot. They find him in an unfortunate predicament, strapped to a crate with a bomb wired into his chest. Wheeljack gets to work defusing the bomb. From the top of a crane, Dreadwing looks on. He receives a transmission from Megatron, and reveals what he's doing. Meanwhile, Bulkhead tries to stop Wheeljack from continuing his attempts to defuse the bomb and the pair notice that Optimus is gone.

Megatron allows Dreadwing to continue his plan, though he muses to Soundwave that he does not expect Dreadwing to come back. At the depot, Dreadwing notices Optimus is missing in time for the Autobot leader to appear nearby and appeal to Dreadwing's sense of honor. Dreadwing refuses the offer of defection, and fires upon Prime, who escapes into the maze of containers.

[[Image:LooseCannons Optimus pins Dreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|What was that "safe word" again?]]
Realizing that Wheeljack is unlikely to defuse the bomb, Bulkhead takes matters into his own hands, punching out Wheeljack, tearing out of his restraints, and running away from his friend. Elsewhere, Dreadwing continues to spar with Optimus, but loses him from his sights. Bulkhead heads towards the water to muffle the explosion, but is stopped by Wheeljack, who has come to the realization that Optimus has the right idea—they need Dreadwing to defuse the bomb.

Searching the dock, Dreadwing is ambushed by Optimus crashing down on top of him with a shipping crane. Pinned, Dreadwing is surrounded by the three Autobots. Though he claims he would rather destroy himself if it will avenge his brother, Optimus calls his bluff, and he defuses the bomb. However, not about to leave empty handed, Dreadwing sets off the many bombs he had placed throughout the port, and flies off. Wheeljack wonders who will clean that up.

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron gloats about Dreadwing's defeat, but seems mildly surprised that the Seeker still lives. Dreadwing, in the wake of his defeat, pledges his total loyalty to Megatron.

At the base, Wheeljack apologizes for his misjudgment about Optimus earlier. The Autobots, sans Ratchet, convince Wheeljack to stay on Earth, though he opts to explore the planet. He's soon driving away with a new alternate mode.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*''[[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]]'' (11)
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (7)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (12)
*''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (13)
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'' (14)
|c3=
*[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"I don't care if [[Abraham Lincoln]] is back! We have to contain the situation before we all wind up on the eleven o'clock news."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' demands that the Autobots stop Wheeljack and Dreadwing.

"Not this again!"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' gets his vehicle scanned by a 'Con for a third time.

'''Wheeljack''': You know Wreckers don't call for backup. 
'''Wheeljack''' and '''Bulkhead''': They call for clean-up!
:—The remaining Wreckers provide an alternative to "Wreck and Rule!"

'''Optimus:''' If you will not take orders from me, that is one thing. But when you place one of my Autobots in danger... 
'''Wheeljack:''' With all due respect, sir, Bulkhead knew the risks; every Wrecker does. I'm sure he's just... uh... somewhere in this rubble.
:—'''Wheeljack''' reassures Optimus about Bulkhead's condition... well, sort of.

"I will be quite surprised if we ever set eyes upon Dreadwing again."
:—'''Megatron''' putting his faith into his soldier.

"Sorry, Jackie. It's 'cause I love ya."
:—'''Bulkhead''' shows the tough love.

"Sorry, fishies!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' runs towards water with a bomb attached.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode features the first on-screen use of the term "[[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]]".
*Bulkhead brings up Optimus, Bee and Fowler's fight with Skyquake, and Arcee mentions his zombified resurrection at Starscream's hand which occurred in "[[Masters & Students]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
*Soundwave shows scenes of Optimus and Bumblebee's fight with Skyquake in "Masters & Students".
*It seems odd that Dreadwing could feel his twin Skyquake dying, but didn't sense his twin's resurrection at the hands of Starscream.

===Transformers references===
*Wheeljack namedrops former Wreckers [[Impactor (Prime)|Impactor]], [[Roadbuster (Prime)|Roadbuster]], [[Rotorstorm (Prime)|Rotorstorm]], and [[Pyro (Prime)|Pyro]]. The Generation 1 incarnations of these four characters are all Wreckers from various continuities: [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] were original members of the group when it was first introduced in "[[Target: 2006]]", while [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]] and [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] joined in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''. Like their ''Prime'' counterparts, all four characters have indeed been seen to die while serving as Wreckers in one continuity or another. Seaspray being a Wrecker, meanwhile, is a new addition.
*Wheeljack namedrops the [[Dromedon System]] and the planets [[Maderan]] and [[Sandokan]].
*Dreadwing is referred to as a [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]].
*Dreadwing references the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]].
*Bulkhead called [[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]] "ol' barnacle butt", which references the deceased Autobot's hovercraft-mode in the Generation 1 continuity.

===Real-world references===
*Fowler compares the activities of the Wreckers to "black ops", a term for covert military operations. In popular culture, black ops are generally seen as being dirty business that regular soldiers aren't able to carry out, and units that carry them out are often independent of the normal chain of command. Describes the Wreckers pretty well.
*Fowler mentions [[Abraham Lincoln]].
*Wheeljack calls Earth a marble. One of Earth's nicknames is the Blue Marble.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Wheeljack faces Dreadwing in the forest, the scar on his left shoulder (that was inflicted by Dreadwing in their first showdown on Earth) seems to have disappeared. Few moments later it's there again.
*When Ratchet finds Bulkhead's signal, the state of Louisiana is missing on the U.S. map where the signal is located.
*When Wheeljack is chasing Dreadwing through the chasm, his grenade can be seen on his hip, despite it having been used earlier.
*When Ratchet is fixing the scar on Wheeljack's arm, Wheeljack's shoulder clips through his chest.

===Trivia===
*Fowler ''really'' needs to stop flying that jet of his around Decepticons who look like they turn into jets. He seems to be getting tired of it.
*Wheeljack finally takes an Earth-based vehicle mode, which is helpful since he becomes a recurring character after this point.
*Dreadwing's proximity bombs have plates resembling his wings.
*This episode was available as a pack-in with packaging variants of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], [[Kup (WFC)|Kup]], [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]], [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]], the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. The figures themselves were unaltered.
*After a mention in this episode, writers considered having Seaspray reappear in the third season of '' Prime''. However, time constraints prevented more Wreckers being introduced into the show.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-sdcc-2013-transformers-prime-beast/20764/news.html Tformers.com: SDCC 2013 - ''Transformers Prime Beast Hunters'' Hasbro Panel]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Retour de Wheeljack'''" ("Wheeljack Returns")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das wandelnde Pulverfass'''" ("The walking Powder-Keg")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 30|30 October]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kenbaku Henkei! Wheeljack to Dreadwing'''" (剣爆変形!ホイルジャックとドレッドウイング, "Explosive Sword Transformation! Wheeljack and Dreadwing")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 10|10 November]] [[2012]]
:*'''Cut:''' The opening scene of Fowler contacting the Autobots about the fight between Dreadwing and Wheeljack.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gatilho Solto'''" ("Loose Trigger")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 10|10 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cannone sciolto'''" ("Molten cannon"), "'''Mine Vaganti'''" ("Loose Mines", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 15|15 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 16 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 8: Der falsche Prime ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 2: Battle for Supremacy ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Loose Cannons

2025-06-29T19:14:25Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 32
|prev=Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
|next=Crossfire (Prime)
|image=LooseCannons Wheeljack Dreadwing splitscreen.jpg
|caption=Do we need to disambiguate with "[[Deep Metal]]"?
|title="Loose Cannons"
|season=2
|season ep=6
|airdate=[[March 24]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itKth8Ac7lY
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Wheeljack returns to Earth to look for a new Decepticon named Dreadwing.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:LooseCannons Wheeljack fires back.jpg|thumb|left|250px|If I'm coming back, I'm coming back with a BANG!]]
[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] calls the Autobots, furious about a Transformer fight outside [[Omaha]] with possible collateral damage. As the Autobots are all at base, [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] suggests the [[Decepticon]]s are to blame, however a video feed reveals the combatants as a [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]-type Decepticon and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Fowler demands that the situation be handled pronto.

Fowler reaches the battleground in [[Fowler's V-tol|his jet]] first and demands the pair stop, only to be fired on by Wheeljack. A [[GroundBridge]] opens up, and the Autobots step out to help Wheeljack. Outgunned, the Decepticon seizes the opportunity to scan Fowler's jet and make his escape. Wheeljack fires after him, blowing up a gas station. Though Wheeljack believes that [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] was to blame for the explosion, he's informed otherwise.

[[Image:LooseCannons Wheeljack undergoes repairs.jpg|thumb|right|250px|So... do I get a lollipop?]]
Back at base, Ratchet repairs Wheeljack, who apologizes for the damage and explains his pursuit of Dreadwing. He had found his fellow [[Wreckers|Wrecker]] [[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]], only for his friend to be blown up by Dreadwing. After several solar systems worth of pursuit, Wheeljack caught up with the Decepticon on [[Earth]]. Optimus infers that Dreadwing has come to pay allegiance to Megatron. He tries to stem Wheeljack's hotheadedness, and Fowler arrives to admonish Wheeljack for nearly blowing their cover. Wheeljack doesn't take well to being called part of the team, and walks off, followed by Bulkhead who intends to placate him. Optimus does his best to smooth things over with Fowler.

Dreadwing rendezvous with the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] welcomes his loyalty, but Dreadwing reveals he has come to Earth to avenge his [[spark]]-twin Skyquake. When Megatron confirms Skyquake's death, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] vows to make every Autobot on Earth pay, but Megatron would rather Dreadwing follow his orders.

As Wheeljack works on his [[Jackhammer (Prime)|ship]], Bulkhead attempts to change his mind about the planet. Inside the Jackhammer, a challenge comes through over the commlink from Dreadwing. Wheeljack straps in to meet the 'Con, and convinces Bulkhead to come as well.

[[Image:LooseCannons Dreadwing tricks Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|left|250px|He's right behind me, isn't he?]]
Dreadwing faces off against Wheeljack, both determined to finish their business. They exchange fire, and Dreadwing runs, leading Wheeljack past a series of proximity bombs that the Autobot evades. Dreadwing runs into a dead end, but it turns out to be a trap—as Bulkhead appears atop the crevice, a last bomb on the cliff face explodes, burying the two Wreckers under rubble as Dreadwing flies clear.

At base, Ratchet finds Bulkhead's transmission over a thousand miles away. At Optimus's inquiry, he says that no response has been made.

In the crevice, Optimus helps Wheeljack out of a pile of boulders and reprimands him for endangering Bulkhead. Ratchet informs Optimus over comm that Bulkhead's signal has moved.

Wheeljack and Optimus fly to Bulkhead's location, a shipping depot. They find him in an unfortunate predicament, strapped to a crate with a bomb wired into his chest. Wheeljack gets to work defusing the bomb. From the top of a crane, Dreadwing looks on. He receives a transmission from Megatron, and reveals what he's doing. Meanwhile, Bulkhead tries to stop Wheeljack from continuing his attempts to defuse the bomb and the pair notice that Optimus is gone.

Megatron allows Dreadwing to continue his plan, though he muses to Soundwave that he does not expect Dreadwing to come back. At the depot, Dreadwing notices Optimus is missing in time for the Autobot leader to appear nearby and appeal to Dreadwing's sense of honor. Dreadwing refuses the offer of defection, and fires upon Prime, who escapes into the maze of containers.

[[Image:LooseCannons Optimus pins Dreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|What was that "safe word" again?]]
Realizing that Wheeljack is unlikely to defuse the bomb, Bulkhead takes matters into his own hands, punching out Wheeljack, tearing out of his restraints, and running away from his friend. Elsewhere, Dreadwing continues to spar with Optimus, but loses him from his sights. Bulkhead heads towards the water to muffle the explosion, but is stopped by Wheeljack, who has come to the realization that Optimus has the right idea—they need Dreadwing to defuse the bomb.

Searching the dock, Dreadwing is ambushed by Optimus crashing down on top of him with a shipping crane. Pinned, Dreadwing is surrounded by the three Autobots. Though he claims he would rather destroy himself if it will avenge his brother, Optimus calls his bluff, and he defuses the bomb. However, not about to leave empty handed, Dreadwing sets off the many bombs he had placed throughout the port, and flies off. Wheeljack wonders who will clean that up.

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron gloats about Dreadwing's defeat, but seems mildly surprised that the Seeker still lives. Dreadwing, in the wake of his defeat, pledges his total loyalty to Megatron.

At the base, Wheeljack apologizes for his misjudgment about Optimus earlier. The Autobots, sans Ratchet, convince Wheeljack to stay on Earth, though he opts to explore the planet. He's soon driving away with a new alternate mode.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*''[[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]]'' (11)
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (7)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (12)
*''[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'' (13)
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'' (14)
|c3=
*[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"I don't care if [[Abraham Lincoln]] is back! We have to contain the situation before we all wind up on the eleven o'clock news."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' demands that the Autobots stop Wheeljack and Dreadwing.

"Not this again!"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' gets his vehicle scanned by a 'Con for a third time.

'''Wheeljack''': You know Wreckers don't call for backup. 
'''Wheeljack''' and '''Bulkhead''': They call for clean-up!
:—The remaining Wreckers provide an alternative to "Wreck and Rule!"

'''Optimus:''' If you will not take orders from me, that is one thing. But when you place one of my Autobots in danger... 
'''Wheeljack:''' With all due respect, sir, Bulkhead knew the risks; every Wrecker does. I'm sure he's just... uh... somewhere in this rubble.
:—'''Wheeljack''' reassures Optimus about Bulkhead's condition... well, sort of.

"I will be quite surprised if we ever set eyes upon Dreadwing again."
:—'''Megatron''' putting his faith into his soldier.

"Sorry, Jackie. It's 'cause I love ya."
:—'''Bulkhead''' shows the tough love.

"Sorry, fishies!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' runs towards water with a bomb attached.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode features the first on-screen use of the term "[[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]]".
*Bulkhead brings up Optimus, Bee and Fowler's fight with Skyquake, and Arcee mentions his zombified resurrection at Starscream's hand which occurred in "[[Masters & Students]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
*Soundwave shows scenes of Optimus and Bumblebee's fight with Skyquake in "Masters & Students".
*It seems odd that Dreadwing could feel his twin Skyquake dying, but didn't sense his twin's resurrection at the hands of Starscream.

===Transformers references===
*Wheeljack namedrops former Wreckers [[Impactor (Prime)|Impactor]], [[Roadbuster (Prime)|Roadbuster]], [[Rotorstorm (Prime)|Rotorstorm]], and [[Pyro (Prime)|Pyro]]. The Generation 1 incarnations of these four characters are all Wreckers from various continuities: [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] were original members of the group when it was first introduced in "[[Target: 2006]]", while [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]] and [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] joined in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''. Like their ''Prime'' counterparts, all four characters have indeed been seen to die while serving as Wreckers in one continuity or another. Seaspray being a Wrecker, meanwhile, is a new addition.
*Wheeljack namedrops the [[Dromedon System]] and the planets [[Maderan]] and [[Sandokan]].
*Dreadwing is referred to as a [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]].
*Dreadwing references the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]].
*Bulkhead called [[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]] "ol' barnacle butt", which references the deceased Autobot's hovercraft-mode in the Generation 1 continuity.

===Real-world references===
*Fowler compares the activities of the Wreckers to "black ops", a term for covert military operations. In popular culture, black ops are generally seen as being dirty business that regular soldiers aren't able to carry out, and units that carry them out are often independent of the normal chain of command. Describes the Wreckers pretty well.
*Fowler mentions [[Abraham Lincoln]].
*Wheeljack calls Earth a marble. One of Earth's nicknames is the Blue Marble.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Wheeljack faces Dreadwing in the forest, the scar on his left shoulder (that was inflicted by Dreadwing in their first showdown on Earth) seems to have disappeared. Few moments later it's there again.
*When Ratchet finds Bulkhead's signal, the state of Louisiana is missing on the U.S. map where the signal is located.
*When Wheeljack is chasing Dreadwing through the chasm, his grenade can be seen on his hip, despite it having been used earlier.
*When Ratchet is fixing the scar on Wheeljack's arm, Wheeljack's shoulder clips through his chest.

===Trivia===
*Fowler ''really'' needs to stop flying that jet of his around Decepticons who look like they turn into jets. He seems to be getting tired of it.
*Wheeljack finally takes an Earth-based vehicle mode, which is helpful since he becomes a recurring character after this point.
*Dreadwing's proximity bombs have plates resembling his wings.
*This episode was available as a pack-in with packaging variants of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], [[Kup (WFC)|Kup]], [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]], [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]], the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. The figures themselves were unaltered.
*After a mention in this episode, writers considered having Seaspray reappear in the third season of '' Prime''. However, time constraints prevented more Wreckers being introduced into the show.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-sdcc-2013-transformers-prime-beast/20764/news.html Tformers.com: SDCC 2013 - ''Transformers Prime Beast Hunters'' Hasbro Panel]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Retour de Wheeljack'''" ("Wheeljack Returns")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das wandelnde Pulverfass'''" ("The walking Powder-Keg")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 30|30 October]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kenbaku Henkei! Wheeljack to Dreadwing'''" (剣爆変形!ホイルジャックとドレッドウイング, "Explosive Sword Transformation! Wheeljack and Dreadwing")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 10|10 November]] [[2012]]
:*'''Cut:''' The opening scene of Fowler contacting the Autobots about the fight between Dreadwing and Wheeljack.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gatilho Solto'''" ("Loose Trigger")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 10|10 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cannone sciolto'''" ("Molten cannon"), "'''Mine Vaganti'''" ("Loose Mines", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 15|15 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 16 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 8: Der falsche Prime ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 2: Battle for Supremacy ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Operation Bumblebee, Part 2

2025-06-29T19:12:29Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 31
|prev=Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
|next=Loose Cannons
|image=OperationBumblebee2-Forge.jpg
|caption=[[Thor|Whosoever holds this hammer, if they be worthy, shall possess the power of Bulkhead.]]
|title="Operation Bumblebee, Part 2"
|season=2
|season ep=5
|airdate=[[March 17]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR_DwyQRIkc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Bumblebee discovers that MECH and Starscream are responsible for his troubles while Ratchet confronts demons from his Cybertronian past.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OperationBumblebee2 Starscream MECH find Energon.jpg|thumb|left|250px|How much of this does Starscream get?]]
With [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] on a medical bed, [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] tells [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] off for taking the scout into battle. When Bumblebee comes around, he faces Ratchet's ire as well, and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] grounds Bumblebee until his [[transformation cog|T-cog]] can be recovered. Ratchet has another idea though—he offers to donate his own T-cog in a transplant. Though Optimus is uncertain, Ratchet convinces him.

[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] is pleased with the new device [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] has secured—a [[force field]] generator—although Megatron's demonstration leaves him startled.

Elsewhere, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] and [[Silas]] find an [[energon]] deposit, though Silas would appreciate it if Starscream didn't talk so much.

Ratchet selects [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] to do the operation, though she's less than enthusiastic. She starts by putting Ratchet in induced [[stasis lock|stasis]], but before she can do the same for Bumblebee, an alarm signals the appearance of another relic from the [[Vaults]] of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. Optimus calls a halt to the operation so he, Arcee and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] can investigate. No sooner have they left than [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] contacts the base. He's disappointed only Bumblebee's there to take his call, but passes on the news that he's got the possible coordinates of a [[MECH]] base. Unable to understand Bumblebee, he searches for someone who speaks English, but Ratchet is barely coherent, still recovering from stasis. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] volunteers to pass the message on.

[[Image:OperationBumblebee2 Breakdown Knockout find Forge.jpg|thumb|right|250px|At this point, a "Hammertime" joke is too easy, so we won't make one.]]
Optimus and his team reach the top of a mountain to find Knock Out and [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] uncovering the [[Forge of Solus Prime]]. With it, the Autobots could conceivably create a new T-cog for Bumblebee.

MECH infuses the newly-found energon into their creation, but as it begins to stir, Bumblebee bursts through the door. Though unarmed, Bumblebee throws an industrial-sized barrel at Starscream, knocking him flat, and proceeds to shrug off the weapons fire from the MECH goons.

As Knock Out and Breakdown free the forge, the Autobots charge them. While Bulkhead tackles Breakdown, Optimus and Arcee find they have a bit of a problem getting past Knock Out's shield generator, and he pushes them back towards the edge of the cliff.

Bumblebee knocks a bunch of MECH troopers flat, jumps on their robot and tears his T-cog from its innards. No sooner is this done than he's hit by a blast from Starscream. As MECH withdraw, Starscream grabs the T-cog and threatens to destroy it.

[[Image:OperationBumblebee2 Starscream threatens T-cog.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Look at your T-cog, now back to me...]]
Ratchet recovers, only to find Fowler shouting at him about MECH coordinates, and the kids reveal Bumblebee has gone to deal with it.

Meanwhile, Bumblebee has had enough of Starscream's gloating and belts the ex-Decepticon, knocking him flat. As the T-cog flies up into the air, Bumblebee jumps for it, but a quick blast by Starscream spells the end of that attempt. While Starscream leaves, Bumblebee is left with his shattered T-cog. Starscream meets up with MECH outside the compound, but Silas is less than impressed with him for losing the T-cog, and Starscream is soon surrounded by MECH troops.

Optimus and Arcee are forced back to the cliff edge. While Breakdown is distracted by their predicament, Bulkhead takes the opportunity to grab the Forge of Solus Prime and smack the Decepticon with it. Breakdown lands on Knock Out and for a few moments Bulkhead stands triumphant, at least until Megatron steps out of the [[GroundBridge]] and blasts him. Collecting the Forge, the Decepticons leave. Ratchet reports the situation with MECH to Optimus.

[[Image:OperationBumblebee2 Bumblebee damaged T-cog.jpg|thumb|right|250px|My Precious...]]
Starscream comes around to find MECH gone. When he sees Optimus's team arrive at the MECH base, he tries to transform, only to find his T-cog had been taken, and runs off panicking into the woods. Meanwhile, Bumblebee walks out to join his comrades, sadly holding his own damaged T-cog. Optimus radios Ratchet to prepare for surgery.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron attempts to use the Forge, only to discover that it requires the power of a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] to work. Despite this hitch, the warlord takes comfort in the knowledge that the Forge is safely away from the hands of the Autobots–and more specifically, Optimus Prime.

Ratchet finishes operating, restoring Bumblebee's old cog. Though Bumblebee's first few attempts to transform fail, he eventually manages it, and takes Raf for a drive. Ratchet, for his part, seems happy that it worked.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (8)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (9)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (16)
|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (3)
*[[Silas]] (10)
*[[Jack Darby]] (12)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (13)
*[[William Fowler]] (14)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (17)
|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==

"You and I both know there exists a way to make him whole again." 
"A transplant, but that would require a donor." 
"You need look no further than the Autobot standing before you."
:—'''Ratchet''' tells '''Optimus Prime''' that he is willing to make a sacrifice

"I... think I just leaked a little transmission fluid."
:—'''Knock Out''' sums up how intimidating his master truly is

"Do you ever ''not'' speak?"
:—'''Silas''' says what we're all thinking to Starscream

"What! Do I hear a Fuzor in need of voice-box repair?" 
"What's a Fuzor!? What's going on over there!?" 
"I am able! Just ask Bantor! He was all mandrill before I...put a tiger in his tank..." *''crashes back against the berth''*
:—'''Ratchet''' manages to confuse Fowler while in half-stasis

"Oh! Get me someone who speaks anything ''other'' than BLEEP!"
:—'''Fowler''' at his limit

"I am not one of your foot-soldiers! I am a ''consultant!"''
:—'''Starscream''' doesn't like taking orders from humans

"Mine's bigger!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' compares hammers with Breakdown

"Time to jet—because I ''can''!"
:—'''Starscream''', who really should learn to keep his mouth shut

{{-}}

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* ''Once more'', Starscream mentions being the one to "offline" [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]].

===Transformers references===
* While delirious, Ratchet refers to [[Fuzor]]s, and even names [[Bantor (Prime)|Bantor]], a reference to [[Bantor (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Bantor]]. That said, [[Jeffrey Combs]] mispronounces the word as "Foo-zor"; [[Ernie Hudson]] delivers the correct "Fuse-or."
* Optimus mentions [[Solus Prime]], one of the [[Thirteen]].
* Knock Out unfavorably compares the results of Megatron's failed forging experiment to a "[[Fortress Maximus (disambiguation)|Fortress-Maximus]] Grade [[Nucleon Shock Cannon]]".
* Megatron once again calls Optimus by his pre-Prime name "Orion Pax" from the previous episodes during his gloating.

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out broadly references award shows such as the {{w|Academy Awards}}.
* "Put a tiger in your tank" was a slogan of {{w|Exxon}}.

===Errors===
* Once again, Starscream's eyes are completely red for the first half of the episode. It's only after Bumblebee hits him with a barrel that they are only red circles. Maybe hitting him with a heavy object is the key to making them normal.
* As the Autobots spy on Knockout and Breakdown unearthing the Forge, Optimus's left hand can clearly be seen disloged from his wrist.
* After the Autobots pass through the GroundBridge to MECH's headquarters in search of Bumblebee, Optimus had his battle mask drawn. When the camera pans to show Starscream behind them, his mask retracts silently, and almost invisibly.

===Trivia===
* When Agent Fowler relays the information on MECH's whereabouts to Bumblebee, he says it slowly and condescendingly, as if he believes Bumblebee has trouble understanding English, rather than just being mute. Gee, nice.
* During the fight in the hangar, Bumblebee punches several MECH soldiers, sending them flying through the air. Silas survived this, so it stands to reason everyone else did, too. Cartoons, everybody! (A soldier didn't crack the prototype's lens; that was his rifle.)
* This is only the [[One Shall Fall|second episode]] that Ratchet laughs in.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Opération Bumblebee, Partie 2'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Operation Bumblebee, Teil 2'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Yūkan Henkei! Gun'i no Ketsudan'''" (勇敢変形!軍医の決断, "Brave Transformation! The Surgeon's Decision")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 3|3 November]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Operação Bumblebee, Parte 2'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 7|7 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Operazione Bumblebee, Parte 2'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 12|12 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 16 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 7: Orion Pax ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Ultimate Bumblebee (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 1: Orion Pax ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Operation Bumblebee (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Operation Bumblebee, Part 1

2025-06-29T19:10:14Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 30
|prev=Orion Pax, Part 3
|next=Operation Bumblebee, Part 2
|image=OperationBumblebee1 Bumblebee's new ride.jpg
|caption="Listen, this isn't what it looks like..."
|title="Operation Bumblebee, Part 1"
|season=2
|season ep=4
|airdate=[[March 10]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9DbMo0uxwc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Bumblebee questions his worthiness to his team after he is compromised.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OperationBumblebee1 extractor yoink.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Yoink!]]
[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] stake out a [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] mining operation overseen by [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. Optimus isn't about to let Megatron have whatever gave off the signal that led him and Ratchet here, and he confronts Megatron just as the Vehicons break earth and hand the package to him. Megatron advises Optimus to stow his weapons; the device they've unearthed is a deadly [[spark extractor]], capable of sapping the spark from the body of every Cybertronian in its radius. He takes the opportunity to gloat about how Optimus—ahem, ''Orion''—led him to it before stepping through the [[GroundBridge]], and ordering the Vehicons to hold Ratchet and Optimus off. Close by, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] speeds over a cliff and through the attacking Vehicons, before driving into the GroundBridge. He transforms and grabs the package from Megatron's hand, before turning around and bolting. Megatron runs after him, but upon arriving outside the vortex, finds his troops destroyed and all three [[Autobot]]s gone.

Back at base, Bumblebee brags about his vehicular acrobatics. Ratchet informs Optimus of the reason for the Autobot homing beacon on the device—it was sealed away in Iacon during the war, but was jettisoned offworld when the [[Decepticon]]s raided the city. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] asks if Optimus remembers if he transcribed any other coordinates, but Optimus regrets that he does not. Ratchet posits that Megatron said he decrypted multiple targets to play havoc with Optimus' psyche.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron laments over the loss of the spark extractor, and regrets that he did no more than destroy Bumblebee's [[voice box]] back on Cybertron. [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] reminds Megatron that there are still two contacts on [[Earth]] to investigate.

[[Image:OperationBumblebee1 Bumblebee's operation.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''Doctor''': So what are we transplanting today? '''Silas''': A T-cog--er, I mean liver. '''Doctor''': A liver? In a robot? '''Silas''': And?]]
On the road, Bumblebee sounds off to [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to rendezvous with him at the coordinates of the new distress beacon. Upon arriving, however, the only device present is an upright beacon. Suddenly, Bumblebee is stunned by a large electrical blast, and he falls unconscious. [[Silas]] and a [[MECH]] team emerge from the shadows, including a [[MECH Surgeon]] who starts work on Bumblebee. Unseen by the troops below, Starscream arrives and transforms on an overlooking cliff. As MECH spots Bulkhead incoming, the surgeon finishes his work, and the team departs in a helicopter. Bulkhead arrives and asks Bumblebee who did it, but Bumblebee doesn't recall. Bulkhead advises pursuit, and transforms to roll—but Bumblebee doesn't. Antsy at the hold-up, Bulkhead asks Bumblebee why he's not transforming, and Bumblebee replies that he can't.

Back at base, Ratchet scans Bumblebee and discovers that his [[transformation cog|T-cog]] is missing. The Autobots quickly work out MECH is behind it, and Optimus tells Bumblebee he's going to have to rely on his friends for a while. Bumblebee is very depressed. Optimus is worried about what Megatron might unearth next.

[[Image:OperationBumblebee1 Silas meets Starscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"So, which of us should be called Scarface?"]]
MECH install Bumblebee's T-cog into the robot they've built, but when they power it up and have it scan a helicopter, the robot is unable to transform. Starscream, who has been spying on them, reveals himself and proposes an alliance. He explains the T-cog requires [[energon]] to work. He intends to supply MECH with information on energon so they can work out a way to find energon deposits.

Bumblebee is making a pain of himself bugging Ratchet, who asks [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] to keep him busy. Unfortunately all of their entertainment reminds Bumblebee of his missing vehicle mode. Raf makes another attempt to make Bumblebee feel better, but is undermined by Arcee and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] racing into the base at high speed. Ratchet has to stop Bumblebee from going out for a walk, but feels guilty at his inability to fix his fellow Autobot. Some time later, Ratchet picks Raf up outside [[Memorial High School|school]], much to the boy's discomfort.

[[Image:OperationBumblebee1 Bumblebee runs after Knock Out.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Robots in mirror are closer than they appear.]]
On monitoring duty, Bulkhead detects a signal, and Bumblebee insists on going with him to investigate.

Raf asks how Bumblebee's voice box was damaged, and Ratchet tells how Bumblebee was captured at [[Tyger Pax]] and given a working over by the Decepticons. Though a [[Ratchet (WFC)|field medic]] saved the scout, it wasn't enough to save his voice box.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee track the signal to a cave. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] soon comes barreling out, closely followed by [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]. While Bulkhead tackles the latter, Bumblebee attempts to chase Knock Out on foot. He soon finds he can't even transform his arms to deploy his guns, and is forced to continue the pursuit by using an old truck as an impromptu go-kart. Unfortunately it loses a wheel, and as Knock Out speeds off with the pilfered device, Bumblebee is sent flying off a cliff.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (9)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (18)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (19)
|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (6)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (12)
*[[Sierra]] (14)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (15)
*[[Starter Guy]] (16)
*[[Vince]] (17)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:UrbanaOffendsBumblebee01.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
"The new Urbana 500. It won't just rock your world. It will transform it."
:—The '''commercial narrator''' hates Bumblebee

"Taking the "auto" out of an Autobot is ''so'' not a good thing."
:—'''Miko'''

"...You want to ride with the siren on?" 
"No, thank you."
:—'''Ratchet''' attempts to cheer up '''Raf'''

"Still don't know how you talked me into this. You're worse than Miko."
:—'''Bulkhead''' on Bumblebee's persuasiveness

"Bumblebee, where's your famous horsepower? Show me some ''speed''!"
:—'''Knock Out''', unintentionally striking a nerve

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This marks the first mention of Megatron being responsible for destroying Bumblebee's capacity to speak at [[Tyger Pax]], having been established in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' for the Aligned continuity.
* Megatron calls Optimus by his pre-Prime name "Orion Pax" from the previous episodes. The three sets of coordinates the Decepticons are investigating here are likewise the fruits of [[Project Iacon]].
* We first heard about [[Project Chimera]] in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]", the events of which Starscream makes mention of. Here we finally see what the project is: an attempt to create a MECH-designed Transformer.
** Project Chimera's fingers and right shoulder armor look ''very'' similar to Optimus's. We see why in a [[Nemesis Prime (episode)|later episode]].
* The old pickup truck Bumblebee uses to chase Knock Out was first seen in "[[Convoy (episode)|Convoy]]", and again in "[[Metal Attraction]]" and "[[New Recruit]]".
* MECH's attacks on Breakdown and Arcee are brought up, which happened in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and "[[Crisscross (episode)|Crisscross]]", respectively. Starscream also brings up MECH's attack on Breakdown when he meets them face to face.
* Starscream compares facial scars with Silas, having gotten his from Arcee in "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]".
* Optimus has finally been repaired from the damage he got in his battle with Megatron in "[[One Shall Fall]]".
* It is revealed that several artifacts were jettisoned into space during the war, explaining why [[Energon Harvester|earlier]] [[polarity gauntlet|devices]] were found on Earth.

===Transformers references===
[[Image:OperationBumblebee1 spark extractor.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Behold, the latest handheld gaming system: THE SEGA MATRIX, with the ability to transform into any gaming system in the world, even those NOT made by [[Sega|SEGA]]!]]

* The ''device du jour'' today is the spark extractor, courtesy of ancient Decepticons. However, unlike the [[spark extractor|original]], this one seems to be more of a bomb-like device, sapping the sparks of everyone in its radius. It might not be a coincidence that the device showed up in an episode written by [[Marty Isenberg]], given that he was one of the two showrunners of the [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|series]] it originated from.
* The T-cog is a reference to the [[transformation cog]] of Generation 1 lore. It was first referred to in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]", in which the lack of a transformation cog meant that [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] was stuck in city mode.
* Ratchet also has to explain to Bumblebee that the Autobots are "[[Robots in Disguise (disambiguation)|Robots In Disguise]]", which is why he can't leave the base while his T-Cog is missing.
* The reason behind the loss of Bumblebee's voice is near identical to the explanation given for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|another Bumblebee]]. In fact, several of the visuals for the flashback scene are lifted almost directly from [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1]].

===Real-world references===
* Megatron uses the term "mutually assured destruction", a longtime slogan for the effect of nuclear war.
* Knock Out references Rent-A-Car, a real-world car rental service, though given what a generic name it has, this may be a coincidence.

===Errors===
* In "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]", [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] refers to Bumblebee as a custom muscle car, but in this episode he is revealed to be an apparently-uncustomized [[Urbana 500]].
* Though Ratchet has standard vehicle instrumentation, the needles don't move, at least while they're in shot. His speedometer is showing a higher reading as they slowly move away from the school than later when they're driving down the street.
* When Optimus draws his weapon at the start of the episode, he draws his left cannon. When he charges Megatron he's then wielding his right cannon.
* When Jack drives Arcee into the Autobot Base and puts his foot down, it disappears through the floor.
* [[Orion Pax, Part 1|Again]], Optimus Prime/Orion Pax is referred to as an "ar-KIVE-ist," this time by Bulkhead.
* Bumblebee, Ratchet and Starscream's Cybertronian modes, again, have Earth vehicle kibble.

===Trivia===
* Bumblebee's car mode is revealed as the [[Urbana 500]].
* This is the first time a fight has happened ''inside'' the GroundBridge. Seeing as it's quite long, this may explain how in other episodes, characters sometimes exit the GroundBridge in a different order than they entered it.
* Bumblebee's door wings move with his emotions just like with Starscream. They act like animal ears.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Opération Bumblebee, Partie 1'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Operation Bumblebee, Teil 1'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 25|25 October]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Henkei Funō!? Bumblebee SOS'''" (変形不能!?バンブルビーSOS, "Unable to Transform!? SOS Bumblebee")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 27|27 October]] [[2012]]
*This is the first episode to mix up the theme of the titles by putting "Henkei" first.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Operação Bumblebee, Parte 1'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 6|6 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Operazione Bumblebee, Parte 1'''" ("Operation Bumblebee, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 15 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 7: Orion Pax ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Ultimate Bumblebee (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 1: Orion Pax ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Operation Bumblebee (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Crossfire (Prime)

2025-06-29T19:04:43Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|Crossfire (Forged to Fight)}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 33
|prev=Loose Cannons
|next=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|image=Crossfire Megatron and Insecticon close together.jpg
|caption=You'll get caught up in the...
|title="Crossfire"
|season=2
|season ep=7
|airdate=[[March 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECmgR8eEB7s
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Airachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Crossfire MECH finds Breakdown.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Finally I can get ahead in this organization."]]
[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] muses to [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] about [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s inevitable decryption of the [[Project Iacon|Iacon files,]] and requests for her tracking abilities to be enlisted in the search for the resulting coordinates. Megatron dismisses her, and Soundwave replays the audio of her suggestion to leave Megatron [[One Shall Rise, Part 2|earlier]]. He contacts [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]], who replies with an oath of loyalty. The leader orders him to perform a task he normally performs [[Rock Bottom|himself]], but now leaves to his first officer. The Seeker is confused, as Airachnid holds that position, but his mission becomes clear—he is to dispose of the treacherous spider.

[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], Dreadwing, and Airachnid follow the trail of an unconfirmed [[energon]] deposit. Airachnid is amused at the heavy backup, and takes the opportunity to grill Breakdown on his lack of skill, and lack of eye. Dreadwing attempts to calm him, but another insult puts him into a frenzy. He jumps at the spider, but is webbed in the face. Dreadwing joins the fray, but is pinned to a tree by Airachnid's webbing, but not before he lets off a blast which collapses a tree on Airachnid, damaging one of her legs and forcing her to retreat. Breakdown gives chase, and finds her collapsed in a ravine, but as he raises his hammer to finish her, he is snagged by a webbing booby trap the renegade fembot has laid for him. Immobilized, Breakdown can do nothing to stop Airachnid from slicing him to pieces. She leaves his remains behind, which are presently discovered by a contingent of [[MECH]] soldiers.

[[Image:Crossfire Starscream and Airachnid plot.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"This is going to be awesome! With this Insecticon we can off Megatron and take over the whole thing!" "Insecticon, eat him."]]
In a cave, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] pities his lot in life as he jumps for a meager scrap of energon. He is interrupted by a nearby rumbling that surprises him—it is an [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]], unearthing a large chunk of energon. He orders the brute to hand it over, but it attacks him, forcing him to hide. He witnesses the Insecticon bowing to another surprise—Airachnid. He makes himself known, and she makes her rogue status known, giving Starscream the idea to propose an alliance to overthrow Megatron with the help of her oversized herald. She proposes an alternative—she overthrows Megatron, and Starscream dies. She orders the Insecticon to kill him.

At the base, [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] receives another [[Orion Pax, Part 2|high frequency signal with an embedded message,]] again from Starscream, who promises valuable intel in exchange for medical aid. His intel proves none-too-relevant until he mentions the Insecticon, and provides Airachnid's location. Back at base, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] berates Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] for letting him go again, but [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] is confident in sparing helpless lifeforms, regardless of personal vendettas.

[[Image:Crossfire Optimus aims at Megatron.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"One shall stand, one sha-oh, wait, too late."]]
Airachnid contacts Megatron and proposes a challenge, which he accepts, forbidding Dreadwing to follow him. Making his way to the mine, the Decepticon leader is immediately assaulted by the Insecticon, who ignores Megatron's orders to stand down and begins to beat him down. Though he does not initially fare well, it does not take long for the former gladiator to put himself on equal footing with the beast. The Autobots bridge in, and Arcee goes for Airachnid, chasing her off into the adjoining tunnels while the other Autobots watch as Megatron triumphs over the Insecticon, tearing off its limbs and head. The Autobots surround Megatron as he falls, exhausted. Prime mulls over the idea of ending his life when suddenly, Dreadwing and a large detachment of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] descend into the cavern. Prime agrees to trade the Autobots' lives for Megatron's, but once the trade is made, Megatron orders the Vehicons to attack, and departs with Dreadwing, noting his appreciation for Dreadwing's disregard of orders.

[[Image:Crossfire Airachnid strings up Arcee.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"I saw you hanging around and thought I'd wrap things up."]]
Arcee, meanwhile, follows Airachnid, but finds herself suddenly stuck in a trap. As her nemesis prepares to finish her, a missile streaks through the air and pushes Airachnid off Arcee. She escapes as Starscream—intent on payback—continues to fire. Now alone with Arcee, the Seeker recalls her decision to spare him earlier, and in returning the favor, he cuts her free from Airachnid's trap and leaves her be rescued by the Autobots, declaring themselves even.

Underground, even as she swears her vengeance, Airachnid comes upon the source of her warrior—an entire nest of Insecticons.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (11)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (4)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (5)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] (9)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)
|c3=
*[[MECH|MECH soldiers]] (6)
*[[MECH 1]] (7)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (1)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"I know we've never seen ''eyes-to-eye'', but that doesn't mean we can't ''patch'' things up."
:—'''Airachnid''' baits Breakdown with extra-strength puns.

"Easy prey."
:—'''Breakdown's''' last words.

"You dare turn your back on a superior life-form? I am Commander Starscream!"
:—'''Starscream''' using his former position to get others to do what he wants...[[Orion Pax, Part 1|''again.'']]

"Nonetheless, I do not condone the termination of any defenseless life form."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', who ironically will almost terminate a defenseless and injured Megatron.

"You and your beast would do well to remember—''I honed my skills in the pits of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reminds all that he is not so easily beaten.

"How right you were, Airachnid. Payback. Is. ''Sweet!''"
:—'''Starscream''' making Airachnid eat her own words.

"Never trust a 'Con. Kick Buckethead's bucket!"
:—'''Bulkhead''''s opinion on Dreadwing's offer to trade Megatron's life for the Autobots'.

"The surprises never cease."
:—'''Megatron''' sums up this episode in one sentence.

"You disobeyed my orders in following me here. You will make a fine first lieutenant."
:—'''Megatron''' might have finally made a good choice for second-in-command.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Arcee reminds the team yet again of how Airachnid took [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] away from her, as well as how Starscream was responsible for [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper's]] demise.
* Starscream hasn't forgotten how Arcee let him live after their last encounter from "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]".
* Soundwave plays dialogue from "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" to remind Megatron what Airachnid thinks of him.
* MECH comes across the dismembered remains of Breakdown, and cites it as a "[[Operation: Breakdown|familiar face]]".
* Starscream contacts Ratchet the same way he did back in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]", and meets him and Bulkhead in what appears to be the same place. Both he and Bulkhead even reference the events of that episode. Arcee seems to have learned about it as well.
* The events of the two-part episode "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1|Operation Bumblebee]]" are brought up while Starscream begs for treatment.
* The "task" Megatron normally performs himself —the disposal of treacherous soldiers— previously occurred in "[[Rock Bottom]]", where Starscream was the recipient.
* Megatron refers to his skills and training as a Kaon gladiator.
* Despite Optimus's speech about it being wrong to terminate a defenseless lifeform like Starscream, he was more than willing to eliminate Megatron when he was in a similar position. Clearly, he still stands by his comment of [[One Shall Rise, Part 2|the option of extinguishing Megatron's spark still being in play]].

===Real-world references===
* When Megatron contacts Dreadwing about him killing Airachnid and taking her place as Megatron's first lieutenant, Dreadwing picks up and cocks what appears to be an E-11 blaster rifle from the ''[[Star Wars]]'' movies.

===Errors===
* Soundwave's trace of Airachnid's signal appears to locate her around about Bolivia, while the Autobot trace of the same signal places it on the north coast of [[South America]], in Guyana or Suriname.
*Despite having been shown previously to be able to turn both hands into hammers AND having a roof-mounted blaster, Breakdown does not make use of either ability when he is caught by Airachnid's web.
* When Bulkhead jumps out of the GroundBridge with Ratchet following behind, the wrecking ball on his left arm somehow transforms silently back to his hand.
* When the Insecticon throws Megatron into the air and slashes at him with its horn, it injures his shoulder and energon is splattered from the wound. When Megatron recovers, the injury appears on his neck instead.
* When Megatron switches to his vehicle mode, the webbing on his cannon disappears.
* Megatron's energon is colored blue when [[Stronger, Faster|it's been]] [[One Shall Fall|shown previously]] [[One Shall Rise, Part 1|to be purple]]. [[Darkness Rising, Part 4|He said so himself!]]
* Starscream's missiles pop back into existence on his arms after he fires them.

===Trivia===
* Starscream's arm-mounted missiles still work even with his [[T-cog]] missing, since there's no transformation involved in firing them.
* The Decepticons really didn't do a good job in stripping that mine, considering all the Insecticon had to do was push away a couple of rocks to find a huge clump of energon in the wall.
* Bulkhead's remark that Starscream helped MECH steal Bumblebee's T-cog isn't accurate, as Starscream only approached them with an alliance after witnessing them take it. Bulkhead isn't in any position to know better, however.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Trahisons'''" ("Treasons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Insecticon'''" ("The Insecticon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 1|1 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Haran Henkei! Konchū Gekisen'''" (波乱変形!昆虫激戦, "Turbulent Transformation! Insect Battle")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 17|17 November]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fogo Cruzado'''" ("Crossfire")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 11|11 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fuoco Incrociato'''" ("Crossfire")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 16|16 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 17 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 8: Der falsche Prime ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 2: Battle for Supremacy ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Triangulation

2025-06-29T19:02:04Z

Eucryphia: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 39
|prev=Tunnel Vision (episode)
|next=Triage (episode)
|image=Triangulation Starscream Apex armor.jpg
|caption= "I've never really had a taste for this sort of thing, but I must admit... I'm deeply enjoying the suit!"
|title="Triangulation"
|season=2
|season ep=13
|airdate=[[May 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRGyFzOeR3g
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Optimus Prime hunts for relics in Antarctica and finds himself caught between shifting alliances.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TriangulationDecepticonHighCommand.jpg|left|250px|thumb|'''Soundwave''': Hey, stop by the liquor store on the way back! '''Megatron''': And bring some fragging cheese back! Velveeta! ''You hear me?!?'']]
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] notes that the second relic is in [[Antarctica]], and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] volunteers to head there. Megatron warns Dreadwing that he'd better prove himself a more worthy [[second-in-command]] than his predecessors. In the ''[[Harbinger]]'', [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] is about to operate on himself to install the [[transformation cog|T-cog]] of his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]]. He is clearly nervous to have to perform the procedure alone, when the ship's computer picks up the fact that the [[Decepticon]]s are dispatching teams to four continents. Starscream happily postpones the operation to investigate.

At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] departs through the [[GroundBridge]] for his relic hunt. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] announces he's heading for the Antarctic relic, and that [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] will need backup on his mission—[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Ratchet is less than pleased at having to contend with the wild card Wrecker, but Optimus affirms that Ratchet would be wise to accept the aid of a seasoned warrior like Wheeljack.

[[File:TriangulationPrimeAndScream.jpg|250px|right|thumb|"You don't want me as your enemy, Starscream. Now shut up and kiss me."]]
Starscream uses a GroundBridge remote control to head to the Antarctic on a [[hoverscooter]]. He's quickly spotted by Dreadwing and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] who knock him off his hoverscooter. Starscream at first mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], and soon has some cuffs slapped on him. Though Starscream is miffed at the irony that he's been apprehended by Megatron's new [[second-in-command]], he's silenced when Dreadwing begins violently pushing him along. As Optimus watches from afar, the group trudges through the snow to where the relic is located, only to find it has already been dug out of the ice and is gone. The Vehicons start searching and find vehicle tracks. They're approached by Optimus, who demands the return of the relic, and after a lengthy standoff. the confrontation turns into a firefight.

After Prime takes out two of the Vehicons and scores a hit on Dreadwing, the Decepticon starts breaking out heavier weapons, and proves to be formidable with a sword. The two 'bots fighting to a draw, they take a dive off a cliff, following which Optimus brings the ice crashing down, burying Dreadwing. Seeing the tables have turned on the Decepticons, Starscream is able to kill the remaining Vehicons. He excitedly proposes that Optimus free him from his cuffs in exchange for him leading the Prime to the relic, but Optimus, already in a bad mood, refuses. To Starscream's disappointment, he is forced to lead Optimus to the relic.

[[File:TriangulationFaceoff.jpg|250px|left|thumb|So a guy voiced by Peter Cullen teams up with a worthy opponent against a nigh-invincible mutual foe and ends up sinking it into the ocean. Did we step into ''Alien Vs. Predator''?]]
The two then take a long walk through the Antarctic. Starscream tries to plead his case, mentioning how he helped Optimus return from his stint as Orion Pax and alerted the Autobots to [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Optimus notes his appreciation for Starscream's help, but makes it clear he knows it was all for Starscream's own self-interests. The two arrive at a human military base, and Optimus prevents Starscream from just waltzing in. Starscream is puzzled as to why they must be so careful around humans when retrieving the relic, but Optimus radios home and gets [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to evacuate the human base so he can safely retrieve the relic.

Meanwhile, Dreadwing breaks free of the ice and after contemplating the slain Vehicons, heads out to find Prime. With the base clear, Optimus and Starscream venture inside to find the relic still frozen in a chunk of ice. They're interrupted by Dreadwing, who's disgusted by Starscream apparently allying with an Autobot. Starscream quickly jumps ship and claims he was leaving a trail for Dreadwing. While Optimus and Dreadwing fight, an unattended Starscream sets about liberating the relic from the ice, which turns out to be the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]. Outside, Dreadwing has Optimus on the ropes and is about to strike when Starscream, now wearing the armor and ''much'' more powerful, crashes out of the building to challenge them.

[[File:TriangulationSouthernLights.jpg|250px|right|thumb|An epic fail on Optimus' part. Turn around, dammit!]]
Both Dreadwing and Optimus attack the rogue Decepticon, but he swats them aside, repeatedly. Optimus suggests to Dreadwing that they will need to cooperate to defeat Starscream, and Dreadwing accepts the offer for both of their sakes. While Dreadwing flies around, Optimus slaps one of the Seeker's bombs onto Starscream, but the Apex Armor proves invulnerable even to that. Optimus realizes that Starscream still has a vulnerability—his lack of flight. While Optimus keeps Starscream's attention once more, Dreadwing plants explosives on the ground, and just as Starscream works out that the pair are up to something, the bombs detonate. Starscream disappears into a hole blasted in the ice. With no relic left to claim, Optimus once again pleads for Dreadwing to turn on Megatron and join him. Dreadwing refuses, and after sincerely thanking him for helping him survive the ordeal, promises to terminate him the next time they meet. With no relic to fight over, the two go their separate ways, and Optimus is left in the aurora borealis-bathed tundra to contemplate Dreadwing's final refusal of peace.

At the bottom of the ocean below, Starscream walks along, still protected by the invincible Apex Armor.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[William Fowler]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
"Ener-stat. Cross-clamp. Laser scalpel. [[Durabyllium]] drill. And, one slightly damaged but operational T-Cog, courtesy of my traitorous clone. Everything I require to make myself whole. A simple, painless procedure... Nothing to it, really... Provided one possesses the nerve..."
:—'''Starscream''' about to perform self-surgery.

"Were it up to me, I would end this here, and ''now.'' ''*cuffs Starscream*'' "But it is my duty as first lieutenant to Megatron, to render all traitors to my lord and master for due punishment." 
"FIRST LIEUTENANT?! '''THAT'S MY POST!!"''' 
''*Vehicons cock blasters*'' 
"Er... ''was'' my post." 
:—'''Dreadwing''' shows off his current position to a more than disgruntled '''Starscream.'''

"What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me! Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you straight to the relic." 
''*Optimus cocks his blaster*'' 
"You will lead me there regardless." 
"Hmph! You're welcome!"
:—'''Starscream''' is excited on one of those rare days '''Optimus Prime''' doesn't give a damn.

"I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]!"
:—'''Starscream''' really doesn't know [[Armada (episode)|when to]] [[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2|shut up]] [[Partners (Prime)|about]] [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|that]].

"And you, Optimus Prime. I will beat the living spark out of you, just so I never again have to endure your pontificating!"
:—'''Starscream''' says what he thinks of Optimus Prime's speech pattern.

"*''Evil laugh''*That tickled! *''Evil laugh''*Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE!" 
"Yet, you cannot fly!" 
"Nobody's ''perfect''." 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Optimus Prime''', the former enjoying the suit a little ''too'' much.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode happens concurrently with the previous episode and with the following two.
*Starscream is preparing to install a new [[Transformation cog|T-cog]] into himself at the beginning of the episode, which he scavenged from his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]] after killing him in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Starscream refers to [[Orion Pax, Part 2|helping Orion Pax regain his memory]], [[Crossfire (Prime)|saving Arcee's life]] and [[Crossfire (Prime)|giving information]] to the Autobots.
*Starscream mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], who died in "[[Masters & Students]]", and who Starscream attempted to revive in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
*Starscream enjoyed [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and claims he will reunite Dreadwing with his "beloved twin".
*Optimus refers to how he offered Skyquake a chance of redemption, as well as expressing remorse for the Decepticon's demise from "Masters & Students".
*This is the second time that [[Partners (Prime)|Starscream finds himself in manacles]].

===Transformers references===
*The Apex Armor is a reference to the [[Apex Armor (G1)|item of the same name]] from Generation 1, first introduced with the [[Heroes of Cybertron]] PVC of what in Japan had been [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]], and released as a ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' reissue of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ApexArmorPrime|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] toy a year later. Still later, the Apex Armor appeared in the [[IDW Publishing]] ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' miniseries, used by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]].
*Among the tools Starscream tries to operate on himself with are a [[durabyllium]] drill and a [[laser scalpel]].

===Real-world references===
*People actually do put flags around archaeological sites in desolate wastelands, in order to find them again.

===Errors===
*When Dreadwing is volunteering to go the Antarctic, Megatron's eyes are out of place when he looks back at him. One is correctly in the corner of his eye but the other isn't, placed as if he were looking slightly left.
*Starscream notes that the Decepticons are GroundBridging to four separate continents, but the map shows one spot in Antarctica, one in South America, and ''two'' in North America.
*Starscream is missing his manacles during Optimus and Dreadwing's first battle.
*The Apex Armor was established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles|Exiles]]'' as a relic of [[Solus Prime]]; however, Starscream calls it armor of "Decepticon origin".
*In a couple of shots, the parts hanging out of the Apex Armor's shoulders seem to clip through its upper torso.
*Dreadwing picks up both his sword and his complete gun after he recovers from the avalanche, despite the sword forming the handle of the gun.
*Optimus notes that the environment isn't cold enough to negatively affect him or Starscream, and indeed all Cybertronians are unaffected by the weather, despite Antarctica being considerably colder than the Arctic in real life. What's especially egregious is that most of this episode takes place at night when Antarctica is at its coldest.

===Trivia===
*Optimus still hasn't gotten Raf that snowball he promised to give him [[Scrapheap (episode)|the other day.]]
*Unless one counts the recap at the beginning, this is the first episode in which [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] does not make an appearance.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Seconde Relique'''" ("The Second Relic")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Allianzen in der Antarktis'''" ("Alliances in the Antarctic")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 13|13 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hyōketsu Henkei! Muteki no Body o Te ni Irero!'''" (氷結変形!無敵のボディを手に入れろ!, "Freezing Transformation! Obtain the Invincible Body!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 29|29 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triangulação'''" ("Triangulation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 19|19 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triangolazione'''" ("Triangulation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24|24 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 20 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Operation Bumblebee (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Triangulation

2025-06-29T19:01:18Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */ Unneeded

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 39
|prev=Tunnel Vision (episode)
|next=Triage (episode)
|image=Triangulation Starscream Apex armor.jpg
|caption= "I've never really had a taste for this sort of thing, but I must admit... I'm deeply enjoying the suit!"
|title="Triangulation"
|season=2
|season ep=13
|airdate=[[May 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRGyFzOeR3g
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Optimus Prime hunts for relics in Antarctica and finds himself caught between shifting alliances.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TriangulationDecepticonHighCommand.jpg|left|250px|thumb|'''Soundwave''': Hey, stop by the liquor store on the way back! '''Megatron''': And bring some fragging cheese back! Velveeta! ''You hear me?!?'']]
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] notes that the second relic is in [[Antarctica]], and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] volunteers to head there. Megatron warns Dreadwing that he'd better prove himself a more worthy [[second-in-command]] than his predecessors. In the ''[[Harbinger]]'', [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] is about to operate on himself to install the [[transformation cog|T-cog]] of his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]]. He is clearly nervous to have to perform the procedure alone, when the ship's computer picks up the fact that the [[Decepticon]]s are dispatching teams to four continents. Starscream happily postpones the operation to investigate.

At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] departs through the [[GroundBridge]] for his relic hunt. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] announces he's heading for the Antarctic relic, and that [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] will need backup on his mission—[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Ratchet is less than pleased at having to contend with the wild card Wrecker, but Optimus affirms that Ratchet would be wise to accept the aid of a seasoned warrior like Wheeljack.

[[File:TriangulationPrimeAndScream.jpg|250px|right|thumb|"You don't want me as your enemy, Starscream. Now shut up and kiss me."]]
Starscream uses a GroundBridge remote control to head to the Antarctic on a [[hoverscooter]]. He's quickly spotted by Dreadwing and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] who knock him off his hoverscooter. Starscream at first mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], and soon has some cuffs slapped on him. Though Starscream is miffed at the irony that he's been apprehended by Megatron's new [[second-in-command]], he's silenced when Dreadwing begins violently pushing him along. As Optimus watches from afar, the group trudges through the snow to where the relic is located, only to find it has already been dug out of the ice and is gone. The Vehicons start searching and find vehicle tracks. They're approached by Optimus, who demands the return of the relic, and after a lengthy standoff. the confrontation turns into a firefight.

After Prime takes out two of the Vehicons and scores a hit on Dreadwing, the Decepticon starts breaking out heavier weapons, and proves to be formidable with a sword. The two 'bots fighting to a draw, they take a dive off a cliff, following which Optimus brings the ice crashing down, burying Dreadwing. Seeing the tables have turned on the Decepticons, Starscream is able to kill the remaining Vehicons. He excitedly proposes that Optimus free him from his cuffs in exchange for him leading the Prime to the relic, but Optimus, already in a bad mood, refuses. To Starscream's disappointment, he is forced to lead Optimus to the relic.

[[File:TriangulationFaceoff.jpg|250px|left|thumb|So a guy voiced by Peter Cullen teams up with a worthy opponent against a nigh-invincible mutual foe and ends up sinking it into the ocean. Did we step into ''Alien Vs. Predator''?]]
The two then take a long walk through the Antarctic. Starscream tries to plead his case, mentioning how he helped Optimus return from his stint as Orion Pax and alerted the Autobots to [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Optimus notes his appreciation for Starscream's help, but makes it clear he knows it was all for Starscream's own self-interests. The two arrive at a human military base, and Optimus prevents Starscream from just waltzing in. Starscream is puzzled as to why they must be so careful around humans when retrieving the relic, but Optimus radios home and gets [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to evacuate the human base so he can safely retrieve the relic.

Meanwhile, Dreadwing breaks free of the ice and after contemplating the slain Vehicons, heads out to find Prime. With the base clear, Optimus and Starscream venture inside to find the relic still frozen in a chunk of ice. They're interrupted by Dreadwing, who's disgusted by Starscream apparently allying with an Autobot. Starscream quickly jumps ship and claims he was leaving a trail for Dreadwing. While Optimus and Dreadwing fight, an unattended Starscream sets about liberating the relic from the ice, which turns out to be the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]. Outside, Dreadwing has Optimus on the ropes and is about to strike when Starscream, now wearing the armor and ''much'' more powerful, crashes out of the building to challenge them.

[[File:TriangulationSouthernLights.jpg|250px|right|thumb|An epic fail on Optimus' part. Turn around, dammit!]]
Both Dreadwing and Optimus attack the rogue Decepticon, but he swats them aside, repeatedly. Optimus suggests to Dreadwing that they will need to cooperate to defeat Starscream, and Dreadwing accepts the offer for both of their sakes. While Dreadwing flies around, Optimus slaps one of the Seeker's bombs onto Starscream, but the Apex Armor proves invulnerable even to that. Optimus realizes that Starscream still has a vulnerability—his lack of flight. While Optimus keeps Starscream's attention once more, Dreadwing plants explosives on the ground, and just as Starscream works out that the pair are up to something, the bombs detonate. Starscream disappears into a hole blasted in the ice. With no relic left to claim, Optimus once again pleads for Dreadwing to turn on Megatron and join him. Dreadwing refuses, and after sincerely thanking him for helping him survive the ordeal, promises to terminate him the next time they meet. With no relic to fight over, the two go their separate ways, and Optimus is left in the aurora borealis-bathed tundra to contemplate Dreadwing's final refusal of peace.

At the bottom of the ocean below, Starscream walks along, still protected by the invincible Apex Armor.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[William Fowler]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
"Ener-stat. Cross-clamp. Laser scalpel. [[Durabyllium]] drill. And, one slightly damaged but operational T-Cog, courtesy of my traitorous clone. Everything I require to make myself whole. A simple, painless procedure... Nothing to it, really... Provided one possesses the nerve..."
:—'''Starscream''' about to perform self-surgery.

"Were it up to me, I would end this here, and ''now.'' ''*cuffs Starscream*'' "But it is my duty as first lieutenant to Megatron, to render all traitors to my lord and master for due punishment." 
"FIRST LIEUTENANT?! '''THAT'S MY POST!!"''' 
''*Vehicons cock blasters*'' 
"Er... ''was'' my post." 
:—'''Dreadwing''' shows off his current position to a more than disgruntled '''Starscream.'''

"What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me! Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you straight to the relic." 
''*Optimus cocks his blaster*'' 
"You will lead me there regardless." 
"Hmph! You're welcome!"
:—'''Starscream''' is excited on one of those rare days '''Optimus Prime''' doesn't give a damn.

"I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]!"
:—'''Starscream''' really doesn't know [[Armada (episode)|when to]] [[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2|shut up]] [[Partners (Prime)|about]] [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|that]].

"And you, Optimus Prime. I will beat the living spark out of you, just so I never again have to endure your pontificating!"
:—'''Starscream''' says what he thinks of Optimus Prime's speech pattern.

"*''Evil laugh''*That tickled! *''Evil laugh''*Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE!" 
"Yet, you cannot fly!" 
"Nobody's ''perfect''." 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Optimus Prime''', the former enjoying the suit a little ''too'' much.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode happens concurrently with the previous episode and with the following two.
*Starscream is preparing to install a new [[Transformation cog|T-cog]] into himself at the beginning of the episode, which he scavenged from his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]] after killing him in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Starscream refers to [[Orion Pax, Part 2|helping Orion Pax regain his memory]], [[Crossfire (Prime)|saving Arcee's life]] and [[Crossfire (Prime)|giving information]] to the Autobots.
*Starscream mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], who died in "[[Masters & Students]]", and who Starscream attempted to revive in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
*Starscream enjoyed [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and claims he will reunite Dreadwing with his "beloved twin".
*Dreadwing is still mad at Optimus for Skyquake's demise.
*Optimus refers to how he offered Skyquake a chance of redemption, as well as expressing remorse for the Decepticon's demise from "Masters & Students".
*This is the second time that [[Partners (Prime)|Starscream finds himself in manacles]].

===Transformers references===
*The Apex Armor is a reference to the [[Apex Armor (G1)|item of the same name]] from Generation 1, first introduced with the [[Heroes of Cybertron]] PVC of what in Japan had been [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]], and released as a ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' reissue of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ApexArmorPrime|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] toy a year later. Still later, the Apex Armor appeared in the [[IDW Publishing]] ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' miniseries, used by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]].
*Among the tools Starscream tries to operate on himself with are a [[durabyllium]] drill and a [[laser scalpel]].

===Real-world references===
*People actually do put flags around archaeological sites in desolate wastelands, in order to find them again.

===Errors===
*When Dreadwing is volunteering to go the Antarctic, Megatron's eyes are out of place when he looks back at him. One is correctly in the corner of his eye but the other isn't, placed as if he were looking slightly left.
*Starscream notes that the Decepticons are GroundBridging to four separate continents, but the map shows one spot in Antarctica, one in South America, and ''two'' in North America.
*Starscream is missing his manacles during Optimus and Dreadwing's first battle.
*The Apex Armor was established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles|Exiles]]'' as a relic of [[Solus Prime]]; however, Starscream calls it armor of "Decepticon origin".
*In a couple of shots, the parts hanging out of the Apex Armor's shoulders seem to clip through its upper torso.
*Dreadwing picks up both his sword and his complete gun after he recovers from the avalanche, despite the sword forming the handle of the gun.
*Optimus notes that the environment isn't cold enough to negatively affect him or Starscream, and indeed all Cybertronians are unaffected by the weather, despite Antarctica being considerably colder than the Arctic in real life. What's especially egregious is that most of this episode takes place at night when Antarctica is at its coldest.

===Trivia===
*Optimus still hasn't gotten Raf that snowball he promised to give him [[Scrapheap (episode)|the other day.]]
*Unless one counts the recap at the beginning, this is the first episode in which [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] does not make an appearance.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Seconde Relique'''" ("The Second Relic")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Allianzen in der Antarktis'''" ("Alliances in the Antarctic")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 13|13 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hyōketsu Henkei! Muteki no Body o Te ni Irero!'''" (氷結変形!無敵のボディを手に入れろ!, "Freezing Transformation! Obtain the Invincible Body!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 29|29 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triangulação'''" ("Triangulation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 19|19 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triangolazione'''" ("Triangulation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24|24 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 20 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Operation Bumblebee (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Triangulation

2025-06-29T18:55:33Z

Eucryphia:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 39
|prev=Tunnel Vision (episode)
|next=Triage (episode)
|image=Triangulation Starscream Apex armor.jpg
|caption= "I've never really had a taste for this sort of thing, but I must admit... I'm deeply enjoying the suit!"
|title="Triangulation"
|season=2
|season ep=13
|airdate=[[May 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[David McDermott]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRGyFzOeR3g
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Optimus Prime hunts for relics in Antarctica and finds himself caught between shifting alliances.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TriangulationDecepticonHighCommand.jpg|left|250px|thumb|'''Soundwave''': Hey, stop by the liquor store on the way back! '''Megatron''': And bring some fragging cheese back! Velveeta! ''You hear me?!?'']]
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] notes that the second relic is in [[Antarctica]], and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] volunteers to head there. Megatron warns Dreadwing that he'd better prove himself a more worthy [[second-in-command]] than his predecessors. In the ''[[Harbinger]]'', [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] is about to operate on himself to install the [[transformation cog|T-cog]] of his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]]. He is clearly nervous to have to perform the procedure alone, when the ship's computer picks up the fact that the [[Decepticon]]s are dispatching teams to four continents. Starscream happily postpones the operation to investigate.

At the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] departs through the [[GroundBridge]] for his relic hunt. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] announces he's heading for the Antarctic relic, and that [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] will need backup on his mission—[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Ratchet is less than pleased at having to contend with the wild card Wrecker, but Optimus affirms that Ratchet would be wise to accept the aid of a seasoned warrior like Wheeljack.

[[File:TriangulationPrimeAndScream.jpg|250px|right|thumb|"You don't want me as your enemy, Starscream. Now shut up and kiss me."]]
Starscream uses a GroundBridge remote control to head to the Antarctic on a [[hoverscooter]]. He's quickly spotted by Dreadwing and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] who knock him off his hoverscooter. Starscream at first mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], and soon has some cuffs slapped on him. Though Starscream is miffed at the irony that he's been apprehended by Megatron's new [[second-in-command]], he's silenced when Dreadwing begins violently pushing him along. As Optimus watches from afar, the group trudges through the snow to where the relic is located, only to find it has already been dug out of the ice and is gone. The Vehicons start searching and find vehicle tracks. They're approached by Optimus, who demands the return of the relic, and after a lengthy standoff. the confrontation turns into a firefight.

After Prime takes out two of the Vehicons and scores a hit on Dreadwing, the Decepticon starts breaking out heavier weapons, and proves to be formidable with a sword. The two 'bots fighting to a draw, they take a dive off a cliff, following which Optimus brings the ice crashing down, burying Dreadwing. Seeing the tables have turned on the Decepticons, Starscream is able to kill the remaining Vehicons. He excitedly proposes that Optimus free him from his cuffs in exchange for him leading the Prime to the relic, but Optimus, already in a bad mood, refuses. To Starscream's disappointment, he is forced to lead Optimus to the relic.

[[File:TriangulationFaceoff.jpg|250px|left|thumb|So a guy voiced by Peter Cullen teams up with a worthy opponent against a nigh-invincible mutual foe and ends up sinking it into the ocean. Did we step into ''Alien Vs. Predator''?]]
The two then take a long walk through the Antarctic. Starscream tries to plead his case, mentioning how he helped Optimus return from his stint as Orion Pax and alerted the Autobots to [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Optimus notes his appreciation for Starscream's help, but makes it clear he knows it was all for Starscream's own self-interests. The two arrive at a human military base, and Optimus prevents Starscream from just waltzing in. Starscream is puzzled as to why they must be so careful around humans when retrieving the relic, but Optimus radios home and gets [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to evacuate the human base so he can safely retrieve the relic.

Meanwhile, Dreadwing breaks free of the ice and after contemplating the slain Vehicons, heads out to find Prime. With the base clear, Optimus and Starscream venture inside to find the relic still frozen in a chunk of ice. They're interrupted by Dreadwing, who's disgusted by Starscream apparently allying with an Autobot. Starscream quickly jumps ship and claims he was leaving a trail for Dreadwing. While Optimus and Dreadwing fight, an unattended Starscream sets about liberating the relic from the ice, which turns out to be the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]. Outside, Dreadwing has Optimus on the ropes and is about to strike when Starscream, now wearing the armor and ''much'' more powerful, crashes out of the building to challenge them.

[[File:TriangulationSouthernLights.jpg|250px|right|thumb|An epic fail on Optimus' part. Turn around, dammit!]]
Both Dreadwing and Optimus attack the rogue Decepticon, but he swats them aside, repeatedly. Optimus suggests to Dreadwing that they will need to cooperate to defeat Starscream, and Dreadwing accepts the offer for both of their sakes. While Dreadwing flies around, Optimus slaps one of the Seeker's bombs onto Starscream, but the Apex Armor proves invulnerable even to that. Optimus realizes that Starscream still has a vulnerability—his lack of flight. While Optimus keeps Starscream's attention once more, Dreadwing plants explosives on the ground, and just as Starscream works out that the pair are up to something, the bombs detonate. Starscream disappears into a hole blasted in the ice. With no relic left to claim, Optimus once again pleads for Dreadwing to turn on Megatron and join him. Dreadwing refuses, and after sincerely thanking him for helping him survive the ordeal, promises to terminate him the next time they meet. With no relic to fight over, the two go their separate ways, and Optimus is left in the aurora borealis-bathed tundra to contemplate Dreadwing's final refusal of peace.

At the bottom of the ocean below, Starscream walks along, still protected by the invincible Apex Armor.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[William Fowler]] (9)

|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
"Ener-stat. Cross-clamp. Laser scalpel. [[Durabyllium]] drill. And, one slightly damaged but operational T-Cog, courtesy of my traitorous clone. Everything I require to make myself whole. A simple, painless procedure... Nothing to it, really... Provided one possesses the nerve..."
:—'''Starscream''' about to perform self-surgery.

"Were it up to me, I would end this here, and ''now.'' ''*cuffs Starscream*'' "But it is my duty as first lieutenant to Megatron, to render all traitors to my lord and master for due punishment." 
"FIRST LIEUTENANT?! '''THAT'S MY POST!!"''' 
''*Vehicons cock blasters*'' 
"Er... ''was'' my post." 
:—'''Dreadwing''' shows off his current position to a more than disgruntled '''Starscream.'''

"What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me! Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you straight to the relic." 
''*Optimus cocks his blaster*'' 
"You will lead me there regardless." 
"Hmph! You're welcome!"
:—'''Starscream''' is excited on one of those rare days '''Optimus Prime''' doesn't give a damn.

"I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]!"
:—'''Starscream''' really doesn't know [[Armada (episode)|when to]] [[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2|shut up]] [[Partners (Prime)|about]] [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|that]].

"And you, Optimus Prime. I will beat the living spark out of you, just so I never again have to endure your pontificating!"
:—'''Starscream''' says what he thinks of Optimus Prime's speech pattern.

"*''Evil laugh''*That tickled! *''Evil laugh''*Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE!" 
"Yet, you cannot fly!" 
"Nobody's ''perfect''." 
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Optimus Prime''', the former enjoying the suit a little ''too'' much.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode happens concurrently with the previous episode and with the following two.
*Starscream is preparing to install a new [[Transformation cog|T-cog]] into himself at the beginning of the episode, which he scavenged from his traitorous [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clone]] after killing him in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Starscream refers to [[Orion Pax, Part 2|helping Orion Pax regain his memory]], [[Crossfire (Prime)|saving Arcee's life]] and [[Crossfire (Prime)|giving information]] to the Autobots.
*Starscream mistakes Dreadwing for [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], who died in "[[Masters & Students]]", and who Starscream attempted to revive in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]".
*Starscream enjoyed [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|killing Cliffjumper]] and claims he will reunite Dreadwing with his "beloved twin".
*Dreadwing is still mad at Optimus for Skyquake's demise.
*Optimus refers to how he offered Skyquake a chance of redemption, as well as expressing remorse for the Decepticon's demise from "Masters & Students".
*This is the second time that [[Partners (Prime)|Starscream finds himself in manacles]].

===Transformers references===
*The Apex Armor is a reference to the [[Apex Armor (G1)|item of the same name]] from Generation 1, first introduced with the [[Heroes of Cybertron]] PVC of what in Japan had been [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]], and released as a ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' reissue of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ApexArmorPrime|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] toy a year later. Still later, the Apex Armor appeared in the [[IDW Publishing]] ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' miniseries, used by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]].
*Among the tools Starscream tries to operate on himself with are a [[durabyllium]] drill and a [[laser scalpel]].

===Real-world references===
*People actually do put flags around archaeological sites in desolate wastelands, in order to find them again.

===Errors===
*When Dreadwing is volunteering to go the Antarctic, Megatron's eyes are out of place when he looks back at him. One is correctly in the corner of his eye but the other isn't, placed as if he were looking slightly left.
*Starscream notes that the Decepticons are GroundBridging to four separate continents, but the map shows one spot in Antarctica, one in South America, and ''two'' in North America.
*Starscream is missing his manacles during Optimus and Dreadwing's first battle.
*The Apex Armor was established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles|Exiles]]'' as a relic of [[Solus Prime]]; however, Starscream calls it armor of "Decepticon origin".
*In a couple of shots, the parts hanging out of the Apex Armor's shoulders seem to clip through its upper torso.
*Dreadwing picks up both his sword and his complete gun after he recovers from the avalanche, despite the sword forming the handle of the gun.
*Optimus notes that the environment isn't cold enough to negatively affect him or Starscream, and indeed all Cybertronians are unaffected by the weather, despite Antarctica being considerably colder than the Arctic in real life. What's especially egregious is that most of this episode takes place at night when Antarctica is at its coldest.

===Trivia===
*Optimus still hasn't gotten Raf that snowball he promised to give him [[Scrapheap (episode)|the other day.]]
*Unless one counts the recap at the beginning, this is the first episode in which [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] does not make an appearance.
*Dreadwing reveals that he has a sword. While his gun has a bayonet that is very similar to his various toys' swords, this is the first time in-series he has ever used an independent sword.
*Dreadwing seems to want to kill Optimus to avenge his twin, even though it was technically Bumblebee who killed him. He even saw it on Soundwave's monitor.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Seconde Relique'''" ("The Second Relic")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Allianzen in der Antarktis'''" ("Alliances in the Antarctic")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 13|13 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hyōketsu Henkei! Muteki no Body o Te ni Irero!'''" (氷結変形!無敵のボディを手に入れろ!, "Freezing Transformation! Obtain the Invincible Body!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 29|29 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triangulação'''" ("Triangulation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 19|19 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triangolazione'''" ("Triangulation")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24|24 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 20 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Operation Bumblebee (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2025-06-29T18:54:12Z

Eucryphia: /* Quotes */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Rescue Bots'' episode|Plus One (RB)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=So, you come here often? ''I'm getting so damn tired of that joke''!
|title="Plus One"
|season=3
|season ep=7
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-EXrdQ5jJQ
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with June.'''

==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 [[Hangar E|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 [[Iron Will|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 [[Wreckers]] 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 [[Hangar E|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 (WFC)|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 (WFC)|Insecticons]] (17)

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

}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet'''

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.

"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'''

'''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?
:—'''Starscream's''' gonna need some ice after that burn.

"I wondered how long it would take for our two lone wolves to hook up."
:—'''Miko''', playing cupid with Arcee and Wheeljack

"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'''

"Frankly, I find it ''repulsive''. The whole ''idea'' of you fleshies...''[[Reproduction|interfacing]]''." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out'''

"*sigh* Okay, running from Bulk, shutting down like that, pretty spineless of me." 
"On the bright side, you have plenty of backbone now."
:—Guess what kind of fossil '''Wheeljack''' and '''Arcee''' found

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to "[[Texas|oil country]]" in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* 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-bound" something before Megatron cuts him off. He previously showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".
* The museum where Fowler and June find the Predacon talon appears to be the same one that housed the [[Energon Harvester]] in "Deus ex Machina".

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

===Real-world references===
* Fowler references the {{W|Mona Lisa}} and {{W|Warren G. Harding}}, who was [[President of the United States]] when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.
* The video game Jack is playing appears to be a knock-off of ''{{w|Galaga}}''. Certainly a step-up from the [[generic racing game]] the kids played before.
**The game also features sounds from the original arcade game, though somewhat confusingly, mostly consists of sounds from {{w|Pac-Man (Atari 2600)|the Atari 2600 port of ''Pac-Man''}}, which was inexplicably ''the'' go-to for game sound effects for a few decades.

===Errors===
* Wheeljack's mouthplate silently opens and retracts when he fights the Vehicons.
* June Darby's car has only one lit headlight when she arrives at the base.
* 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.
* The locomotive on the train that June hides the talon in is diesel-electric, yet it makes the chuffing noise of a steam locomotive as it pulls out.

===Trivia===
* Vehicons are named for the first time within the series.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.
* Wheeljack's and Arcee's claim that the Vehicons are easily distracted is more obvious than it first appears, since they have Arcee and Wheeljack trapped yet just stand there while the former slowly tosses the latter into the air. Even after this they seem to pay no attention to the fight, and appear to barely wish to engage in combat, with extremely sluggish attacks and little, if any, return fire.
* Knock Out seems to be extremely adept with human catchphrases and terms, even with those he finds "repulsive". He's also picked up some French.
* It's ridiculously easy for June and Fowler to escape from inside Knock Out. Knock Out is somehow unable to keep them from turning his steering wheel, forcing him to stop by stomping his brake pedal, and opening his doors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wrecker un jour, Wrecker toujours'''" ("Wrecker One Day, Wrecker Forever")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plus Eins'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Három már tömeg'''" ("Three's a Crowd")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 10|10 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais Um'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 15|15 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno in più'''" ("One More")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Más uno'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 16|16 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2025-06-29T17:22:22Z

Eucryphia: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Rescue Bots'' episode|Plus One (RB)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=So, you come here often? ''I'm getting so damn tired of that joke''!
|title="Plus One"
|season=3
|season ep=7
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-EXrdQ5jJQ
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with June.'''

==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 [[Hangar E|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 [[Iron Will|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 [[Wreckers]] 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 [[Hangar E|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 (WFC)|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 (WFC)|Insecticons]] (17)

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

}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet'''

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.

"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'''

'''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?
:—'''Starscream's''' gonna need some ice after that burn.

"I wondered how long it would take for our two lone wolves to hook up."
:-'''Miko''', playing cupid with Arcee and Wheeljack

"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'''

"Frankly, I find it ''repulsive''. The whole ''idea'' of you fleshies...''[[Reproduction|interfacing]]''." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out'''

"*sigh* Okay, running from Bulk, shutting down like that, pretty spineless of me." 
"On the bright side, you have plenty of backbone now."
:—Guess what kind of fossil '''Wheeljack''' and '''Arcee''' found

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to "[[Texas|oil country]]" in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* 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-bound" something before Megatron cuts him off. He previously showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".
* The museum where Fowler and June find the Predacon talon appears to be the same one that housed the [[Energon Harvester]] in "Deus ex Machina".

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

===Real-world references===
* Fowler references the {{W|Mona Lisa}} and {{W|Warren G. Harding}}, who was [[President of the United States]] when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.
* The video game Jack is playing appears to be a knock-off of ''{{w|Galaga}}''. Certainly a step-up from the [[generic racing game]] the kids played before.
**The game also features sounds from the original arcade game, though somewhat confusingly, mostly consists of sounds from {{w|Pac-Man (Atari 2600)|the Atari 2600 port of ''Pac-Man''}}, which was inexplicably ''the'' go-to for game sound effects for a few decades.

===Errors===
* Wheeljack's mouthplate silently opens and retracts when he fights the Vehicons.
* June Darby's car has only one lit headlight when she arrives at the base.
* 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.
* The locomotive on the train that June hides the talon in is diesel-electric, yet it makes the chuffing noise of a steam locomotive as it pulls out.

===Trivia===
* Vehicons are named for the first time within the series.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.
* Wheeljack's and Arcee's claim that the Vehicons are easily distracted is more obvious than it first appears, since they have Arcee and Wheeljack trapped yet just stand there while the former slowly tosses the latter into the air. Even after this they seem to pay no attention to the fight, and appear to barely wish to engage in combat, with extremely sluggish attacks and little, if any, return fire.
* Knock Out seems to be extremely adept with human catchphrases and terms, even with those he finds "repulsive". He's also picked up some French.
* It's ridiculously easy for June and Fowler to escape from inside Knock Out. Knock Out is somehow unable to keep them from turning his steering wheel, forcing him to stop by stomping his brake pedal, and opening his doors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wrecker un jour, Wrecker toujours'''" ("Wrecker One Day, Wrecker Forever")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plus Eins'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Három már tömeg'''" ("Three's a Crowd")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 10|10 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais Um'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 15|15 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno in più'''" ("One More")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Más uno'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 16|16 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2025-06-29T17:22:01Z

Eucryphia: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Rescue Bots'' episode|Plus One (RB)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=So, you come here often? ''I'm getting so damn tired of that joke''!
|title="Plus One"
|season=3
|season ep=7
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-EXrdQ5jJQ
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with June.'''

==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 [[Hangar E|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 [[Iron Will|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 [[Wreckers]] 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 [[Hangar E|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 (WFC)|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 (WFC)|Insecticons]] (17)

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

}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet'''

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.

"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'''

'''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?
:—'''Starscream's''' gonna need some ice after that burn.

"I wondered how long it would take for our two lone wolves to hook up."
:-'''Miko''', playing cupid with Arcee and Wheeljack

"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'''

"Frankly, I find it ''repulsive''. The whole ''idea'' of you fleshies...''[[Reproduction|interfacing]]''." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out'''

"*sigh* Okay, running from Bulk, shutting down like that, pretty spineless of me." 
"On the bright side, you have plenty of backbone now."
:—Guess what kind of fossil '''Wheeljack''' and '''Arcee''' found

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to "[[Texas|oil country]]" in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* 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-bound" something before Megatron cuts him off. He previously showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode in [[Deus ex Machina]].
* The museum where Fowler and June find the Predacon talon appears to be the same one that housed the [[Energon Harvester]] in Deus ex Machina.

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

===Real-world references===
* Fowler references the {{W|Mona Lisa}} and {{W|Warren G. Harding}}, who was [[President of the United States]] when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.
* The video game Jack is playing appears to be a knock-off of ''{{w|Galaga}}''. Certainly a step-up from the [[generic racing game]] the kids played before.
**The game also features sounds from the original arcade game, though somewhat confusingly, mostly consists of sounds from {{w|Pac-Man (Atari 2600)|the Atari 2600 port of ''Pac-Man''}}, which was inexplicably ''the'' go-to for game sound effects for a few decades.

===Errors===
* Wheeljack's mouthplate silently opens and retracts when he fights the Vehicons.
* June Darby's car has only one lit headlight when she arrives at the base.
* 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.
* The locomotive on the train that June hides the talon in is diesel-electric, yet it makes the chuffing noise of a steam locomotive as it pulls out.

===Trivia===
* Vehicons are named for the first time within the series.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.
* Wheeljack's and Arcee's claim that the Vehicons are easily distracted is more obvious than it first appears, since they have Arcee and Wheeljack trapped yet just stand there while the former slowly tosses the latter into the air. Even after this they seem to pay no attention to the fight, and appear to barely wish to engage in combat, with extremely sluggish attacks and little, if any, return fire.
* Knock Out seems to be extremely adept with human catchphrases and terms, even with those he finds "repulsive". He's also picked up some French.
* It's ridiculously easy for June and Fowler to escape from inside Knock Out. Knock Out is somehow unable to keep them from turning his steering wheel, forcing him to stop by stomping his brake pedal, and opening his doors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wrecker un jour, Wrecker toujours'''" ("Wrecker One Day, Wrecker Forever")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plus Eins'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Három már tömeg'''" ("Three's a Crowd")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 10|10 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais Um'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 15|15 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno in più'''" ("One More")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Más uno'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 16|16 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Plus One (Prime)

2025-06-29T17:17:24Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Rescue Bots'' episode|Plus One (RB)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 59
|prev=Chain of Command (Prime)
|next=Thirst
|image=PlusOne-notdating.jpg
|caption=So, you come here often? ''I'm getting so damn tired of that joke''!
|title="Plus One"
|season=3
|season ep=7
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Greg Weisman]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-EXrdQ5jJQ
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''While on a mission to gather a Predacon bone, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with June.'''

==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 [[Hangar E|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 [[Iron Will|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 [[Wreckers]] 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 [[Hangar E|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 (WFC)|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 (WFC)|Insecticons]] (17)

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

}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't choose 'emergency' as my vehicle mode for laughs."
:—'''Ratchet'''

'''Wheeljack''': Know what I love most about Vehicon troopers? 
'''Arcee''': They're easily distracted.

"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'''

'''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?
:—'''Starscream's''' gonna need some ice after that burn.

"I wondered how long it would take for our two lone wolves to hook up."
:-'''Miko''', playing cupid with Arcee and Wheeljack

"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'''

"Frankly, I find it ''repulsive''. The whole ''idea'' of you fleshies...''[[Reproduction|interfacing]]''." ''[Shudders]''
:—'''Knock Out'''

"*sigh* Okay, running from Bulk, shutting down like that, pretty spineless of me." 
"On the bright side, you have plenty of backbone now."
:—Guess what kind of fossil '''Wheeljack''' and '''Arcee''' found

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

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Optimus Prime's unit went to "[[Texas|oil country]]" in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* 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-bound" something (before Megatron cuts him off). He showed disdain for Knock Out's choice of alt-mode back in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".
* The museum in which Fowler and June find the Predacon talon appears to be the same one in which the Autobots found the Energon Harvester in "[[Deus ex Machina]]".

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

===Real-world references===
* Fowler references the {{W|Mona Lisa}} and {{W|Warren G. Harding}}, who was [[President of the United States]] when the Predacon talon was excavated in 1922.
* The video game Jack is playing appears to be a knock-off of ''{{w|Galaga}}''. Certainly a step-up from the [[generic racing game]] the kids played before.
**The game also features sounds from the original arcade game, though somewhat confusingly, mostly consists of sounds from {{w|Pac-Man (Atari 2600)|the Atari 2600 port of ''Pac-Man''}}, which was inexplicably ''the'' go-to for game sound effects for a few decades.

===Errors===
* Wheeljack's mouthplate silently opens and retracts when he fights the Vehicons.
* June Darby's car has only one lit headlight when she arrives at the base.
* 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.
* The locomotive on the train that June hides the talon in is diesel-electric, yet it makes the chuffing noise of a steam locomotive as it pulls out.

===Trivia===
* Vehicons are named for the first time within the series.
* Pepper spray apparently works on [[Sensors#Optical sensors|optic sensors]], just not nearly as long as it does on humans.
* Wheeljack's and Arcee's claim that the Vehicons are easily distracted is more obvious than it first appears, since they have Arcee and Wheeljack trapped yet just stand there while the former slowly tosses the latter into the air. Even after this they seem to pay no attention to the fight, and appear to barely wish to engage in combat, with extremely sluggish attacks and little, if any, return fire.
* Knock Out seems to be extremely adept with human catchphrases and terms, even with those he finds "repulsive". He's also picked up some French.
* It's ridiculously easy for June and Fowler to escape from inside Knock Out. Knock Out is somehow unable to keep them from turning his steering wheel, forcing him to stop by stomping his brake pedal, and opening his doors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wrecker un jour, Wrecker toujours'''" ("Wrecker One Day, Wrecker Forever")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plus Eins'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Három már tömeg'''" ("Three's a Crowd")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 10|10 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais Um'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 15|15 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uno in più'''" ("One More")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Más uno'''" ("Plus One")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 16|16 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Red Energon

2025-06-29T15:52:46Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

[[File:NewRecruit Red Energon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|It's also raspberry flavored.]]
'''Red Energon''' is an extremely volatile and rare type of [[energon]]. When it is refined into fuel, it increases the user's speed and strength.

== Fiction ==

=== ''Prime'' cartoon ===
A meteorite of Red Energon was uncovered by a [[human]] construction team. Pictures of it found their way onto the [[Internet]] where they were found by both [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. By that time, it had been removed from the construction site and was being moved by crane at a dock, and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] had [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] clear the area. When the Autobots arrived at the dock, they were intercepted by [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] in his [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]. Starscream managed to break a chunk of Red Energon off, and after the quick-thinking [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] separated him from his armor with the [[phase shifter]], he blew up the rest of the Red Energon and made off with his piece. {{storylink|New Recruit}}

Starscream worked to refine the energon, but the process was slow and only yielded enough for one or two doses. He used it to get the drop on Smokescreen, knocking the Autobot out so Starscream could obtain an [[Omega Key]]. {{storylink|Hard Knocks}} He used the remainder of it to infiltrate the Autobot base and swipe the other three Omega Keys. It lasted only long enough for him to steal the keys and wore off just as he stopped to taunt Optimus and the others. Luckily enough for Starscream he managed to open a GroundBridge in time. {{storylink|Inside Job}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] did not find Red Energon to his taste. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/25}}

===''Devastation'' video game===
Red Energon could be found stacked in the city in large blocks, and is highly explosive when shot or thrown. The Autobots used it to breach Decepticon defenses at [[Liberty Bridge]]. Red Energon is shown to regenerate after exploding. {{storylink|Transformers: Devastation}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Red Energon was a dangerous and highly unstable form of energon that temporarily enhanced a Cybertronian’s strength and speed. Many Cybertronian communities viewed it as an illegal substance. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

==Notes==
*In a description of "New Recruit" on [[Hub Network|The Hub]]'s website, Red Energon was labeled '''Hypergon'''.{{Fact}} However, this name was never used on the show or anywhere else.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Red Energon''' (レッドエネルゴン ''Reddo Enerugon'')

[[Category:Crystals]]
[[Category:Energon]]
[[Category:Power sources]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Substances]]

Dinolizard vs. Five-Headed Ape

2025-06-29T15:50:35Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

:Dinolizard vs. Five-Headed Ape ''is a fictional movie from the [[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]] portion of the [[Aligned continuity family]].''
[[File:Dinolizard vs FiveHeadedApe.jpg|thumb|300px|"Look behind you, a three-headed monkey!"]]
'''''Dinolizard vs. Five-Headed Ape''''' is a [[film]] that aired on [[television]] as part of the Creature Double Feature. It features a giant lizard fighting a five-headed ape.

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
After [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] refused to go on a mission to rescue [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], he suggested to [[Miko Nakadai]] that they watch the Creature Double Feature instead. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] also participated, but fell asleep during ''Dinolizard vs. Five-Headed Ape''. Miko couldn't enjoy herself because she thought Bulkhead should go on the mission, since Breakdown was his rival. Bulkhead agreed to go, leaving the remainder of the film unwatched. {{storylink|Operation: Breakdown}}

==Notes==
*''Dinolizard vs. Five-Headed Ape'', is, of course, a monster movie in the tradition of ''[[Godzilla]]''.
*The real-world ''{{w|Creature Double Feature}}'' was a horror show that aired in [[Boston]] and [[Philadelphia]] in the '70s and early '80s. It is very fondly remembered.

[[Category:Films]]
[[Category:Prime]]

My Fist, Your Face

2025-06-29T15:49:29Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

[[File:Darknessrising3 mikorocks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
"'''My Fist, Your Face'''" is a ballad, or so [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] claims.

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
When [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and the kids were left at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] together, Miko attempted to interest the others in forming a DIY band. The first song they attempted was "My Fist, Your Face", though Miko was really the only one playing while everyone else covered their ears. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}}

==Notes==
*Given Miko's affinity for the band, it's possible "My Fist, Your Face" is a [[Slash Monkey]] song. In the adaptation "[[Megatron Returns]]" it's outright stated that she wrote it herself, though being an adaptation, it's of dubious canonicity to the cartoon.
*The real "{{W|My Fist Your Face}}" is an {{W|Aerosmith}} song.
*The song appeared on [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]]'s playlist in a piece of [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/11159563_827295890673940_6749467892826776553_n-jpg.27515822/ promotional art] shown on the Transformers [https://www.facebook.com/transformers/ Facebook page].

[[Category:Earth culture]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Songs]]

My Fist, Your Face

2025-06-29T15:48:51Z

Eucryphia: /* Notes */

[[File:Darknessrising3 mikorocks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
"'''My Fist, Your Face'''" is a ballad, or so [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] claims.

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
When [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and the kids were left at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] together, Miko attempted to interest the others in forming a DIY band. The first song they attempted was "My Fist, Your Face", though Miko was really the only one playing while everyone else covered their ears. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}}

==Notes==
*Given Miko's affinity for the band, it's possible "My Fist, Your Face" is a [[Slash Monkey]] song. In the adaptation "[[Megatron Returns]]" it's outright stated that she wrote it herself, though being an adaptation, it's of dubious canonicity to the cartoon.
*The real "My Fist, Your Face" is an Aerosmith song.
*The song appeared on [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]]'s playlist in a piece of [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/11159563_827295890673940_6749467892826776553_n-jpg.27515822/ promotional art] shown on the Transformers [https://www.facebook.com/transformers/ Facebook page].

[[Category:Earth culture]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Songs]]

Decepticon Biological Warfare Program

2025-06-29T15:44:11Z

Eucryphia:

:''The Decepticon Biological Warfare Program is a [[Decepticon]] program in the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

Ever seeking an advantage in the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]], the Decepticons set up a '''Biological Warfare Program''', designed to kill [[Autobot]]s with disease. You might wonder how biological warfare would affect robots, as they are [[NBE|non-biological]], but trust us, they have their ways.

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===

During the Great War, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] managed to develop [[Cybonic plague]] as part of the Biological Warfare Program. The plague was a success, wiping out millions on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. However, Megatron made sure to develop a cure in the event that he was infected. {{storylink|Sick Mind}}

Megatron also discovered a means of refining raw [[Tox-En]] into a devastating weapon, which may have also been a project in the Biological Warfare Program. {{storylink|Toxicity}}

[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Prime]]

Jet judo

2025-06-29T15:43:00Z

Eucryphia:

[[File:RollForIt Sunstreak JetJudo.jpg|thumb|The master in action.]]
'''Jet judo''' is the art of judoing jets. When one performs Jet judo, one usually is propelled into the air and jumps on top of a [[Transformer]] with a jet [[alternate mode]].

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] tried to do it to the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] once, but failed. {{storylink|Roll for It}} Sideswipe later proceeded to do this to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] while the Autobots were in New York trying to recover two more of Optimus Prime's body parts, specifically his right arm and ion rifle. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

===Shattered Glass===
In this reality, it apparently is the art of judoing ''by'' jets, as [[Blitzwing (SG)|Blitzwing]] used a Jet-judo throw to incapacitate [[Wheeljack (SG)|Wheeljack]]. {{storylink|Blitzwing Bop}}

[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
[[Category:Martial arts]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass]]

Easter egg

2025-06-29T15:37:41Z

Eucryphia: /* Sample Easter eggs */

[[File:Devcon empty.jpg|thumb|"Don't look at me, I'm irrelevant!"]]

An '''Easter egg''' is a special treat hidden in something, (a comic book, a web site, a DVD) as a reward for the person who finds it. Since an Easter egg presumably requires extra effort to find or recognize, it represents a reward for the more 'hardcore' fan. The term has been in use for decades, while the practice of hiding information in artwork goes back millennia.

Naturally, ''Transformers'' fiction, and the occasional toy, is replete with them. The very earliest egg is a mention of "that big green, fire-snortin' lizard" in [[Prisoner of War!|''The Transformers'' #3]], a jokey reference to [[Godzilla]], {{w|Godzilla, King of the Monsters (comic book)|an earlier licensed title}}. The cartoon, meanwhile, merrily sneaked in connections to the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' cartoon.

Easter eggs are especially present in stories drawn or written by fans turned pro, or where key creators have reached out to fandom. [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] was particularly fond of including Easter eggs in their comics. Both ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' and [[Fun Publications]]' [[Axiom Nexus]] stories uses them to fill out the crowd scenes. ''Beast Wars'' and ''Animated'' would both throw in little eggs in their dialogue, with the former making references to then-prominent online fans and websites, and the latter making little nods to other continuities (and sometimes other Hasbro properties).

Sometimes [[Hasbro]] itself gets in on the act, making slight nods to past fiction ([[Sky Shadow (Cybertron)|''Beast Wars'' nods]] in ''Cybertron'' toy bios) or specific fandom memes ([[JaAm|Hot Shot's pro-jaAAAaaam! vanity plate]]).

Sometimes these led to quite a bit of confusion as to whether such inclusions should be taken literally or not; for example, is that ''really'' [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] the bounty hunter, hanging out in the slums of Cybertron, or is it just a little winking extra for fans of the Generation 1 cartoon? Did [[Starscream (Movie)|movie Starscream]] ''really'' have an F-15 form at some point like he says? ''Are'' the [[Visionaries]] in the same continuity as ''Animated''?

[[File:HydraMartyCancer.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Look at the smug face. He just ''knows'' one of us is going to break down and make a page about him.]]

A notable example of this confusion was in [[Skyfire (issue)|''Generation One'' #3]], where several Japanese and ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' Transformers are used as crowdfiller. Most of the Transformers in attendance can be assumed to "be" themselves — but there is a problem with one of the ''Generation 2'' [[Cyberjet]]s. Specifically, the character this toy represents ([[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]) is both on [[Earth]] and ''[[Death|dead]]'' at this point in the ongoing story. You either have to assume this (and perhaps the other characters) aren't meant to ''really'' be these characters, the artist is just throwing in the likeness of obscure characters to thrill readers; that in this continuity, G2 Air Raid is a different character from G1 Air Raid; or that this is [[Aero Raid]], an obscure Japanese character that shares the same toy.

The latter option is very geeky indeed, and is naturally the path that this wiki takes. Easter eggs are treated at face value unless it makes no sense to do so.

{{-}}

==Sample Easter eggs==

* The [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]] often included humorous messages in [[Cybertronix]] writing, and [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)#Transformers references|other gags]] hidden in the background.
* ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' features a large number of Easter eggs.
* [[Starscream (Movie)#Star Screams|The Star Screams letters page]] would routinely drop in little eggs for the older fans, mainly G1 references.
* The ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' ultra-class toy of [[Onslaught (G1)#Uni08Ultra|Onslaught]] features a nod to uber-fan [[User:Monzo|Monzo]].
* All stories set in [[Axiom Nexus]] are ''awash'' with Easter eggs.
* ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac]]'', ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|II]]'', and ''[[The AllSpark Almanac Addendum|Addendum]]'' are the undisputed kings of the Easter egg.<ref>[https://www.angelfire.com/anime2/digipedia/annotated_almanac.html The Annotated Allspark Almanac]</ref>

* Cars that look like [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] appear in ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]''.

==Layers of eggs==

While large numbers of ''Transformers'' creators and designers have snuck in eggs, some have made it a hallmark:

* [[Derrick J. Wyatt]]
* [[Adam Patyk]] and [[James McDonough]]
* [[Jim Sorenson]]
* [[Hayato Sakamoto]]
* [[Daniel Warren Johnson]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{w|Easter egg (media)|Easter egg}} at Wikipedia

[[Category:Fandom]]

Unit:E

2025-06-29T15:37:22Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */

{{factions|unite}}
{{disambig2|the federal agency|the titular comic book|Unit:E (issue)}}

[[File:Unit E.png|upright=1.5|thumb|Kind of a demotion from a group of extradimensional explorers.]]

'''Unit:E''' is a federal agency of the [[United States of America]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
[[File:Deadlock-UnitE.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|'''Jack''': Who you gonna call? '''Fowler''': [[Ghostbusters|GHO]]-wait...]]
Agent [[William Fowler]] joined Unit:E as a federal agent at least 30 years before he became [[Team Prime]]'s government liaison. {{storylink|Plus One (Prime)|Plus One}} The group's insignia adorns the door to his office. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

The agency lent the Autobots [[Hangar E|a new base]] when they regrouped after destroying [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]]. {{storylink|Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion}} Unit: E's mess hall was later destroyed by [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], leading the Decepticons to believe they had destroyed the Autobots' base. {{storylink|Persuasion}} When [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was killed and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was restored, Team Prime decided to leave Earth to rebuild their home planet. Agent Fowler inducted [[Jack Darby]], [[Miko Nakadai]] and [[Raf Esquivel]] into Unit: E as agents - er, consultants - to defend the Earth. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] also joined the agency to lend Autobot assistance while the rest of the team left for Cybertron. {{storylink|Deadlock (episode)|Deadlock}}

===Renegade Rhetoric===
[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] attacked a Unit:E base. Though [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Silverstreak]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] intercepted them, the Decepticons were able to escape with data on [[Project Chimera]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric (2), 2016/05/03}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
As part of [[Operation Staple Gun]], 731 [[Cobra]] scientists, engineers and technicians were offered amnesty and quietly sequestered into, among other groups, Unit:E. Both [[Rapticon (BM)|Rapticon]] and [[Ne'll]] became familiar with the history of these events. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}

==Trivia==
*"[[Unit:E (issue)|Unit:E]]" was a 2011 [[San Diego Comic-Con|SDCC]] comic book by Hasbro featuring characters from ''[[Jem]]'', ''[[Micronauts (franchise)|Micronauts]]'', ''[[M.A.S.K. (franchise)|M.A.S.K.]]'', and other series, including a minor tie-in to ''Transformers''. Hasbro taking out the rights on the name in a variety of areas was the first hint to fans that some sort of crossover property was planned. [[Rik Alvarez]] would tell TFcon Charlotte in 2015 that ''Prime'' was intended to spark a Unit:E crossover that would backdoor relaunch some other brands, with characters from ''M.A.S.K.'', ''[[Inhumanoids]]'' (renamed ''Primordia'')... ''Jem''... ''Stretch Armstrong''... ''Candyland''? We can see why it didn't work out.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-robots-disguise-prime-discussion/1053596-aligned-continuity-panel-tf-con-charlotte-4.html#post13037062 TF2005.com] "More tidbits from a friend of mine who took notes at the panel: ... TFP was going to lead into a massive Avengers style Unit: E crossover to jumpstart the other brands participating. Ratchet and Fowler from TFP; Duke from GI Joe; Synergy from Jem and the Holograms; Princess Lollipop from Candyland; also characters from MASK, Stretch Armstrong, Micronauts, Sectaurs, Primordia (the renamed Inhumanoids) and more."</ref>
*Given that Fowler has called on [[Skystriker (G.I. Joe)|Skystriker]]s (''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'') and [[M.A.S.K.]] vehicles, his connection to a crossover property is rather appropriate.
*The titular "Unit:E" was a mysterious team detailed in the issue. They are a group of explorers who investigate the "Eerie, the Else, the Eternities of Infinity." (Great work if you can get it.) They operate from a "phase station" called Skybolt that exists "in the slipstream" outside of the normal space-time continuum. Undetectable there, they protect reality from the outside. While it is unknown if Fowler's Unit:E is the same group, he DOES have their exact insignia on his door.
*The author's note on the back cover of the book states that the 80s toy/cartoon property ''{{w|Centurions (TV series)|Centurions}}'' was [[Easter egg|Easter egged]] inside. "Sky Vault" was the Space Station from which the Centurions operated and the visual of Unit:E's phase station seems pretty close (though it's likely the name "Skybolt" came from the cartoon's intro where the narrator made it sound like that, rather than "Sky Vault"); the character of Jake Rockwell also makes an appearance in a splash panel depicting denizens of the multiverse.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Human organizations]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:United States of America]]

Scattered

2025-06-28T21:35:00Z

Eucryphia: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 54
|prev=Darkmount, NV
|next=Prey (episode)
|image=Scattered-JackArcee.jpg
|caption=Everything you know will be scattered.
|title="Scattered"
|season=3
|season ep=2
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 29]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWcVbWVgiNc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''A key Decepticon arrives on Earth while Wheeljack manages a small victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] are both surprised to see [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], having believed him dead. Shockwave explains that after his battle with [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[space bridge]], he found himself marooned on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. After repairing himself, he continued his experiments until an energy surge led him to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s team in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. He asks Starscream pointedly why he was left for dead and, when Starscream says everybody thought he died in the explosion, judges the response logical enough. Megatron appoints Shockwave first lieutenant in charge of science, something Starscream doesn't seem that happy with.

[[File:Scattered-Bigfoot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Unlike [[Bigfoot]], Ratchet is actually findable.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Arcee stop at a deserted farmhouse for a break and Jack worries that they're all that's left of Team Prime. Arcee says there are other Autobots out there who escaped in the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', but who knows where they are? Meanwhile [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is surfing [[Internet|conspiracy websites]] in search of [[Autobot]] sightings. He hits dirt in the form of a photo of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] in a junkyard outside Woodland Park. Starscream, doing likewise, finds the same picture, but before he can draw the other Decepticons' attention to it, Raf replaces the picture with a dancing monkey. To quell Megatron's displeasure, Shockwave suggests using a [[cortical psychic patch]] on [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Meanwhile, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are waiting fruitlessly at the Wrecker meeting spot.

[[File:Scattered-Ultra Magnus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hey, who's that?"]]

Shockwave reports that the patch didn't yield any new information. Starscream announces he'll see to Wheeljack's termination, and soon Wheeljack is standing on a platform over lava. The attendant [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s push Wheeljack towards the edge, but he grabs one of them and throws it off before jumping himself. The Vehicon transforms to flight mode, and Wheeljack lands on its back, proceeding to go on a Vehicon-trashing flight before driving off. Megatron is very upset until Starscream reveals he's planted a tracking device on Wheeljack so the Autobot can lead them to his friends.

Bumblebee and Raf reach the junkyard to find Ratchet sitting in vehicle mode and sporting the surliest mood as the Autobots have patently lost. The pair suggest that they can use the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s resources to fight back, but Ratchet has no hope they can do anything, and tells them to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has been unable to salvage anything medical from the ruins of the base. When [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] asks about the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], Smokescreen reasons it must be in the fortress somewhere, and goes to look.

[[File:Scattered-loomingshadow.jpg|left|thumb|300px|So big he's got his own zipcode.]]

Bulkhead and Miko's waiting is finally rewarded by the arrival of Wheeljack. The Decepticons, monitoring Starscream's bug, see that their plan has paid off, and Starscream sends out his Vehicon seekers. The Decepticons arrive at a river, but all they see is a log floating downstream. The log turns out to have both the tracking device and a grenade attached, the latter of which takes them all out. Watching from a nearby hill, Wheeljack reveals how he found the tracking device, and says he has some more explosives.

Raf and Bumblebee try unsuccessfully to power up the ''Harbinger'', only to be pleasantly surprised when Ratchet arrives to help noting they miscalibrated the [[energon transducer]]. Elsewhere, Jack and Arcee's journey is interrupted by the surprise arrival of a [[Iron Will|starship]]. It lands in front of them and out steps none other than [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]].

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron rages over Starscream's failure, but Shockwave reveals he has a wild card of his own, sitting in his lab on Cybertron. Taking a trip back to their home planet, Shockwave returns through the space bridge with the huge creature he has cloned—a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (7)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (14)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"I find your reply to be... logical."
:—'''Shockwave''''s response to Starscream's explanation.

"Careful, Starscream. You may dislocate a landing gear patting yourself on the back."
:—'''Knock Out''' snarks at Starscream's billionth "I killed Cliffjumper" gloat.

"Do your worst, Doc. I'm a Wrecker. I can take it." 
"Trust me. You, in fact, cannot.
:—'''Shockwave''' is unimpressed by '''Wheeljack's''' defiance in the face of a cortical psychic patch.

"We can't stop Megatron. Not any more. The war is over, and ''we '''lost'''''."
:—'''Ratchet''', bucking for [[Huffer (Prime)|Huffer's]] job.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Shockwave's battle with Arcee and Cliffjumper took place in "[[Out of the Past]]".
* Starscream brings up the fact that he offlined Cliffjumper, yet ''again''.
* The photo Raf uses to replace Ratchet's is the same one he used in "[[New Recruit]]".
* Jack mentions the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which Optimus gave him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" and was returned in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]".
* Wheeljack counts Miko among the Wreckers when he reunites with her and Bulkhead, having unofficially inducted her into the group after she offlined [[Hardshell]] in "[[Hurt]]".

===Transformers references===
* Much like its Generation 1 equivalent, Darkmount has a [[smelting pool]].
* As of this episode, the silver Jet Vehicon Generals are identified as "[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]" by both Starscream and the end credits.
* Starscream's tracking device looks like a smaller version of [[Dreadwing's bombs]].
* Like in other continuities, Shockwave has been stuck on Cybertron as he reveals in this episode as his past.

===Real-world references===
* Shockwave notes that "Reports of my demise were greatly premature," a paraphrase of a famous quote from [[Mark Twain]].
* The photo of Ratchet homages {{w|Patterson–Gimlin film|a particularly iconic image of Bigfoot}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* As in the previous episode, Wheeljack is perfectly clean despite being pulled from the wreckage of his ship relatively disheveled and somewhat damaged. He does retain the scars on his chest, but these don't carry over to his vehicle mode.
* As Arcee chats with Jack about other Autobots who left Cybertron, the wings on her back are missing in one shot (see the main image). Later on, Bumblebee is missing one of his wings when he and Raf try to talk to Ratchet.
* When Starscream says he'll see to Wheeljack's immediate termination, his right arm seems to move out of place.
* Before Starscream commands his armada to the flight deck, the screen already shows five seekers approaching Wheeljack.

===Continuity errors===
*Knock Out shoving a Vehicon out of the way to get a look at Shockwave's arrival is inconsistent with the previous episode, which showed a Vehicon pointing it out to him.

===Trivia===
* The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in Universal Studios Hollywood on [[March 14]].
* The worldwide television premiere of "Scattered" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Darkmount, NV]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Raf is an ''amazing'' hacker. He not only replaced the image file of Ratchet where it was found on the internet, he ''also'' somehow managed to change the already downloaded image on Starscream's open browser window.
* It takes Ratchet mere seconds to deduce that Starscream was using the ''Harbinger'' as a base of operations back when he was an independent agent. Surely this would have been useful when [[Triangulation|he stole the Apex Armor]], the [[New Recruit|red energon]], or the [[Inside Job|Omega Keys]]. Ah, hindsight.
* By the same token, it seems odd that Starscream simply abandoned the ''Harbinger'', rather than have the Decepticons occupy it upon his return. He is aware that the Autobots know of its location, and it's the only available source of Cybertronian technology on the planet for them to make use of now that their base has been destroyed. This would later be addressed in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Knock Out is now the [[Ratchet (WFC)|third]] [[Starscream (WFC)|Cybertronian]] to be amused by human humor.
* Cybertronians apparently need to stretch.
* The sound Bulkhead's charging cannon makes when he's aiming at what turns out to be Wheeljack is one [[Ernie Hudson]] would probably recognize: that of a ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' [[proton pack]] being switched on.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's ploy to let Wheeljack escape involved (either by design or by happenstance) the destruction of four Vehicon jets.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': When Wheeljack detonates his grenade in the faces of Starscream's armada, Screamer's only complaint is being outsmarted by the Wrecker.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Secret de Shockwave'''" ("Shockwave's Secret")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Verstreut'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szétszórva'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Espalhados aos Ventos'''" (Scattered to the Winds)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sparpagliati'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Esparcidos'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scattered

2025-06-28T21:34:13Z

Eucryphia: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 54
|prev=Darkmount, NV
|next=Prey (episode)
|image=Scattered-JackArcee.jpg
|caption=Everything you know will be scattered.
|title="Scattered"
|season=3
|season ep=2
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 29]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWcVbWVgiNc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''A key Decepticon arrives on Earth while Wheeljack manages a small victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] are both surprised to see [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], having believed him dead. Shockwave explains that after his battle with [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[space bridge]], he found himself marooned on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. After repairing himself, he continued his experiments until an energy surge led him to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s team in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. He asks Starscream pointedly why he was left for dead and, when Starscream says everybody thought he died in the explosion, judges the response logical enough. Megatron appoints Shockwave first lieutenant in charge of science, something Starscream doesn't seem that happy with.

[[File:Scattered-Bigfoot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Unlike [[Bigfoot]], Ratchet is actually findable.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Arcee stop at a deserted farmhouse for a break and Jack worries that they're all that's left of Team Prime. Arcee says there are other Autobots out there who escaped in the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', but who knows where they are? Meanwhile [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is surfing [[Internet|conspiracy websites]] in search of [[Autobot]] sightings. He hits dirt in the form of a photo of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] in a junkyard outside Woodland Park. Starscream, doing likewise, finds the same picture, but before he can draw the other Decepticons' attention to it, Raf replaces the picture with a dancing monkey. To quell Megatron's displeasure, Shockwave suggests using a [[cortical psychic patch]] on [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Meanwhile, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are waiting fruitlessly at the Wrecker meeting spot.

[[File:Scattered-Ultra Magnus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hey, who's that?"]]

Shockwave reports that the patch didn't yield any new information. Starscream announces he'll see to Wheeljack's termination, and soon Wheeljack is standing on a platform over lava. The attendant [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s push Wheeljack towards the edge, but he grabs one of them and throws it off before jumping himself. The Vehicon transforms to flight mode, and Wheeljack lands on its back, proceeding to go on a Vehicon-trashing flight before driving off. Megatron is very upset until Starscream reveals he's planted a tracking device on Wheeljack so the Autobot can lead them to his friends.

Bumblebee and Raf reach the junkyard to find Ratchet sitting in vehicle mode and sporting the surliest mood as the Autobots have patently lost. The pair suggest that they can use the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s resources to fight back, but Ratchet has no hope they can do anything, and tells them to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has been unable to salvage anything medical from the ruins of the base. When [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] asks about the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], Smokescreen reasons it must be in the fortress somewhere, and goes to look.

[[File:Scattered-loomingshadow.jpg|left|thumb|300px|So big he's got his own zipcode.]]

Bulkhead and Miko's waiting is finally rewarded by the arrival of Wheeljack. The Decepticons, monitoring Starscream's bug, see that their plan has paid off, and Starscream sends out his Vehicon seekers. The Decepticons arrive at a river, but all they see is a log floating downstream. The log turns out to have both the tracking device and a grenade attached, the latter of which takes them all out. Watching from a nearby hill, Wheeljack reveals how he found the tracking device, and says he has some more explosives.

Raf and Bumblebee try unsuccessfully to power up the ''Harbinger'', only to be pleasantly surprised when Ratchet arrives to help noting they miscalibrated the [[energon transducer]]. Elsewhere, Jack and Arcee's journey is interrupted by the surprise arrival of a [[Iron Will|starship]]. It lands in front of them and out steps none other than [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]].

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron rages over Starscream's failure, but Shockwave reveals he has a wild card of his own, sitting in his lab on Cybertron. Taking a trip back to their home planet, Shockwave returns through the space bridge with the huge creature he has cloned—a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (7)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (14)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"I find your reply to be... logical."
:—'''Shockwave''''s response to Starscream's explanation.

"Careful, Starscream. You may dislocate a landing gear patting yourself on the back."
:—'''Knock Out''' snarks at Starscream's billionth "I killed Cliffjumper" gloat.

"Do your worst, Doc. I'm a Wrecker. I can take it." 
"Trust me. You, in fact, cannot.
:—'''Shockwave''' is unimpressed by '''Wheeljack's''' defiance in the face of a cortical psychic patch.

"We can't stop Megatron. Not any more. The war is over, and ''we '''lost'''''."
:—'''Ratchet''', bucking for [[Huffer (Prime)|Huffer's]] job.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Shockwave's battle with Arcee and Cliffjumper took place in "[[Out of the Past]]".
* Starscream brings up the fact that he offlined Cliffjumper, yet ''again''.
* The photo Raf uses to replace Ratchet's is the same one he used in "[[New Recruit]]".
* Jack mentions the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which Optimus gave him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" and was returned in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]".
* Wheeljack counts Miko among the Wreckers when he reunites with her and Bulkhead, having unofficially inducted her into the group after she offlined [[Hardshell]] in "[[Hurt]]".

===Transformers references===
* Much like its Generation 1 equivalent, Darkmount has a [[smelting pool]].
* As of this episode, the silver Jet Vehicon Generals are identified as "[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]" by both Starscream and the end credits.
* Starscream's tracking device looks like a smaller version of [[Dreadwing's bombs]].
* Like in other continuities, Shockwave has been stuck on Cybertron as he reveals in this episode as his past.

===Real-world references===
* Shockwave notes that "Reports of my demise were greatly premature," a paraphrase of a famous quote from [[Mark Twain]].
* The photo of Ratchet homages {{w|Patterson–Gimlin film|a particularly iconic image of Bigfoot}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* As in the previous episode, Wheeljack is perfectly clean despite being pulled from the wreckage of his ship relatively disheveled and somewhat damaged. He does retain the scars on his chest, but these don't carry over to his vehicle mode.
* As Arcee chats with Jack about other Autobots who left Cybertron, the wings on her back are missing in one shot (see the main image). Later on, Bumblebee is missing one of his wings when he and Raf try to talk to Ratchet.
* When Starscream says he'll see to Wheeljack's immediate termination, his right arm seems to move out of place.
* Before Starscream commands his armada to attack, the screen already shows five seekers approaching Wheeljack.

===Continuity errors===
*Knock Out shoving a Vehicon out of the way to get a look at Shockwave's arrival is inconsistent with the previous episode, which showed a Vehicon pointing it out to him.

===Trivia===
* The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in Universal Studios Hollywood on [[March 14]].
* The worldwide television premiere of "Scattered" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Darkmount, NV]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Raf is an ''amazing'' hacker. He not only replaced the image file of Ratchet where it was found on the internet, he ''also'' somehow managed to change the already downloaded image on Starscream's open browser window.
* It takes Ratchet mere seconds to deduce that Starscream was using the ''Harbinger'' as a base of operations back when he was an independent agent. Surely this would have been useful when [[Triangulation|he stole the Apex Armor]], the [[New Recruit|red energon]], or the [[Inside Job|Omega Keys]]. Ah, hindsight.
* By the same token, it seems odd that Starscream simply abandoned the ''Harbinger'', rather than have the Decepticons occupy it upon his return. He is aware that the Autobots know of its location, and it's the only available source of Cybertronian technology on the planet for them to make use of now that their base has been destroyed. This would later be addressed in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Knock Out is now the [[Ratchet (WFC)|third]] [[Starscream (WFC)|Cybertronian]] to be amused by human humor.
* Cybertronians apparently need to stretch.
* The sound Bulkhead's charging cannon makes when he's aiming at what turns out to be Wheeljack is one [[Ernie Hudson]] would probably recognize: that of a ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' [[proton pack]] being switched on.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's ploy to let Wheeljack escape involved (either by design or by happenstance) the destruction of four Vehicon jets.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': When Wheeljack detonates his grenade in the faces of Starscream's armada, Screamer's only complaint is being outsmarted by the Wrecker.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Secret de Shockwave'''" ("Shockwave's Secret")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Verstreut'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szétszórva'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Espalhados aos Ventos'''" (Scattered to the Winds)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sparpagliati'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Esparcidos'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scattered

2025-06-28T21:19:10Z

Eucryphia: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 54
|prev=Darkmount, NV
|next=Prey (episode)
|image=Scattered-JackArcee.jpg
|caption=Everything you know will be scattered.
|title="Scattered"
|season=3
|season ep=2
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 29]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWcVbWVgiNc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''A key Decepticon arrives on Earth while Wheeljack manages a small victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] are both surprised to see [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], having believed him dead. Shockwave explains that after his battle with [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[space bridge]], he found himself marooned on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. After repairing himself, he continued his experiments until an energy surge led him to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s team in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. He asks Starscream pointedly why he was left for dead and, when Starscream says everybody thought he died in the explosion, judges the response logical enough. Megatron appoints Shockwave first lieutenant in charge of science, something Starscream doesn't seem that happy with.

[[File:Scattered-Bigfoot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Unlike [[Bigfoot]], Ratchet is actually findable.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Arcee stop at a deserted farmhouse for a break and Jack worries that they're all that's left of Team Prime. Arcee says there are other Autobots out there who escaped in the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', but who knows where they are? Meanwhile [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is surfing [[Internet|conspiracy websites]] in search of [[Autobot]] sightings. He hits dirt in the form of a photo of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] in a junkyard outside Woodland Park. Starscream, doing likewise, finds the same picture, but before he can draw the other Decepticons' attention to it, Raf replaces the picture with a dancing monkey. To quell Megatron's displeasure, Shockwave suggests using a [[cortical psychic patch]] on [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Meanwhile, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are waiting fruitlessly at the Wrecker meeting spot.

[[File:Scattered-Ultra Magnus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hey, who's that?"]]

Shockwave reports that the patch didn't yield any new information. Starscream announces he'll see to Wheeljack's termination, and soon Wheeljack is standing on a platform over lava. The attendant [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s push Wheeljack towards the edge, but he grabs one of them and throws it off before jumping himself. The Vehicon transforms to flight mode, and Wheeljack lands on its back, proceeding to go on a Vehicon-trashing flight before driving off. Megatron is very upset until Starscream reveals he's planted a tracking device on Wheeljack so the Autobot can lead them to his friends.

Bumblebee and Raf reach the junkyard to find Ratchet sitting in vehicle mode and sporting the surliest mood as the Autobots have patently lost. The pair suggest that they can use the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s resources to fight back, but Ratchet has no hope they can do anything, and tells them to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has been unable to salvage anything medical from the ruins of the base. When [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] asks about the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], Smokescreen reasons it must be in the fortress somewhere, and goes to look.

[[File:Scattered-loomingshadow.jpg|left|thumb|300px|So big he's got his own zipcode.]]

Bulkhead and Miko's waiting is finally rewarded by the arrival of Wheeljack. The Decepticons, monitoring Starscream's bug, see that their plan has paid off, and Starscream sends out his Vehicon seekers. The Decepticons arrive at a river, but all they see is a log floating downstream. The log turns out to have both the tracking device and a grenade attached, the latter of which takes them all out. Watching from a nearby hill, Wheeljack reveals how he found the tracking device, and says he has some more explosives.

Raf and Bumblebee try unsuccessfully to power up the ''Harbinger'', only to be pleasantly surprised when Ratchet arrives to help noting they miscalibrated the [[energon transducer]]. Elsewhere, Jack and Arcee's journey is interrupted by the surprise arrival of a [[Iron Will|starship]]. It lands in front of them and out steps none other than [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]].

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron rages over Starscream's failure, but Shockwave reveals he has a wild card of his own, sitting in his lab on Cybertron. Taking a trip back to their home planet, Shockwave returns through the space bridge with the huge creature he has cloned—a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (7)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (14)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"I find your reply to be... logical."
:—'''Shockwave''''s response to Starscream's explanation.

"Careful, Starscream. You may dislocate a landing gear patting yourself on the back."
:—'''Knock Out''' snarks at Starscream's billionth "I killed Cliffjumper" gloat.

"Do your worst, Doc. I'm a Wrecker. I can take it." 
"Trust me. You, in fact, cannot.
:—'''Shockwave''' is unimpressed by '''Wheeljack's''' defiance in the face of a cortical psychic patch.

"We can't stop Megatron. Not any more. The war is over, and ''we '''lost'''''."
:—'''Ratchet''', bucking for [[Huffer (Prime)|Huffer's]] job.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Shockwave's battle with Arcee and Cliffjumper took place in "[[Out of the Past]]".
* Starscream brings up the fact that he offlined Cliffjumper, yet ''again''.
* The photo Raf uses to replace Ratchet's is the same one he used in "[[New Recruit]]".
* Jack mentions the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which Optimus gave him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" and was returned in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]".
* Wheeljack counts Miko among the Wreckers when he reunites with her and Bulkhead, having unofficially inducted her into the group after she offlined [[Hardshell]] in "[[Hurt]]".

===Transformers references===
* Much like its Generation 1 equivalent, Darkmount has a [[smelting pool]].
* As of this episode, the silver Jet Vehicon Generals are identified as "[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]" by both Starscream and the end credits.
* Starscream's tracking device looks like a smaller version of [[Dreadwing's bombs]].
* Like in other continuities, Shockwave has been stuck on Cybertron as he reveals in this episode as his past.

===Real-world references===
* Shockwave notes that "Reports of my demise were greatly premature," a paraphrase of a famous quote from [[Mark Twain]].
* The photo of Ratchet homages {{w|Patterson–Gimlin film|a particularly iconic image of Bigfoot}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* As in the previous episode, Wheeljack is perfectly clean despite being pulled from the wreckage of his ship relatively disheveled and somewhat damaged. He does retain the scars on his chest, but these don't carry over to his vehicle mode.
* As Arcee chats with Jack about other Autobots who left Cybertron, the wings on her back are missing in one shot (see the main image). Later on, Bumblebee is missing one of his wings when he and Raf try to talk to Ratchet.
* When Starscream says he'll see to Wheeljack's immediate termination, his right arm seems to move out of place.

===Continuity errors===
*Knock Out shoving a Vehicon out of the way to get a look at Shockwave's arrival is inconsistent with the previous episode, which showed a Vehicon pointing it out to him.

===Trivia===
* The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in Universal Studios Hollywood on [[March 14]].
* The worldwide television premiere of "Scattered" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Darkmount, NV]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Raf is an ''amazing'' hacker. He not only replaced the image file of Ratchet where it was found on the internet, he ''also'' somehow managed to change the already downloaded image on Starscream's open browser window.
* It takes Ratchet mere seconds to deduce that Starscream was using the ''Harbinger'' as a base of operations back when he was an independent agent. Surely this would have been useful when [[Triangulation|he stole the Apex Armor]], the [[New Recruit|red energon]], or the [[Inside Job|Omega Keys]]. Ah, hindsight.
* By the same token, it seems odd that Starscream simply abandoned the ''Harbinger'', rather than have the Decepticons occupy it upon his return. He is aware that the Autobots know of its location, and it's the only available source of Cybertronian technology on the planet for them to make use of now that their base has been destroyed. This would later be addressed in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Knock Out is now the [[Ratchet (WFC)|third]] [[Starscream (WFC)|Cybertronian]] to be amused by human humor.
* Cybertronians apparently need to stretch.
* The sound Bulkhead's charging cannon makes when he's aiming at what turns out to be Wheeljack is one [[Ernie Hudson]] would probably recognize: that of a ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' [[proton pack]] being switched on.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's ploy to let Wheeljack escape involved (either by design or by happenstance) the destruction of four Vehicon jets.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': When Wheeljack detonates his grenade in the faces of Starscream's armada, Screamer's only complaint is being outsmarted by the Wrecker.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Secret de Shockwave'''" ("Shockwave's Secret")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Verstreut'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szétszórva'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Espalhados aos Ventos'''" (Scattered to the Winds)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sparpagliati'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Esparcidos'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scattered

2025-06-28T21:14:18Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 54
|prev=Darkmount, NV
|next=Prey (episode)
|image=Scattered-JackArcee.jpg
|caption=Everything you know will be scattered.
|title="Scattered"
|season=3
|season ep=2
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 29]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWcVbWVgiNc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''A key Decepticon arrives on Earth while Wheeljack manages a small victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] are both surprised to see [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], having believed him dead. Shockwave explains that after his battle with [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[space bridge]], he found himself marooned on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. After repairing himself, he continued his experiments until an energy surge led him to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s team in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. He asks Starscream pointedly why he was left for dead and, when Starscream says everybody thought he died in the explosion, judges the response logical enough. Megatron appoints Shockwave first lieutenant in charge of science, something Starscream doesn't seem that happy with.

[[File:Scattered-Bigfoot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Unlike [[Bigfoot]], Ratchet is actually findable.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Arcee stop at a deserted farmhouse for a break and Jack worries that they're all that's left of Team Prime. Arcee says there are other Autobots out there who escaped in the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', but who knows where they are? Meanwhile [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is surfing [[Internet|conspiracy websites]] in search of [[Autobot]] sightings. He hits dirt in the form of a photo of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] in a junkyard outside Woodland Park. Starscream, doing likewise, finds the same picture, but before he can draw the other Decepticons' attention to it, Raf replaces the picture with a dancing monkey. To quell Megatron's displeasure, Shockwave suggests using a [[cortical psychic patch]] on [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Meanwhile, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are waiting fruitlessly at the Wrecker meeting spot.

[[File:Scattered-Ultra Magnus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hey, who's that?"]]

Shockwave reports that the patch didn't yield any new information. Starscream announces he'll see to Wheeljack's termination, and soon Wheeljack is standing on a platform over lava. The attendant [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s push Wheeljack towards the edge, but he grabs one of them and throws it off before jumping himself. The Vehicon transforms to flight mode, and Wheeljack lands on its back, proceeding to go on a Vehicon-trashing flight before driving off. Megatron is very upset until Starscream reveals he's planted a tracking device on Wheeljack so the Autobot can lead them to his friends.

Bumblebee and Raf reach the junkyard to find Ratchet sitting in vehicle mode and sporting the surliest mood as the Autobots have patently lost. The pair suggest that they can use the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s resources to fight back, but Ratchet has no hope they can do anything, and tells them to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has been unable to salvage anything medical from the ruins of the base. When [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] asks about the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], Smokescreen reasons it must be in the fortress somewhere, and goes to look.

[[File:Scattered-loomingshadow.jpg|left|thumb|300px|So big he's got his own zipcode.]]

Bulkhead and Miko's waiting is finally rewarded by the arrival of Wheeljack. The Decepticons, monitoring Starscream's bug, see that their plan has paid off, and Starscream sends out his Vehicon seekers. The Decepticons arrive at a river, but all they see is a log floating downstream. The log turns out to have both the tracking device and a grenade attached, the latter of which takes them all out. Watching from a nearby hill, Wheeljack reveals how he found the tracking device, and says he has some more explosives.

Raf and Bumblebee try unsuccessfully to power up the ''Harbinger'', only to be pleasantly surprised when Ratchet arrives to help noting they miscalibrated the [[energon transducer]]. Elsewhere, Jack and Arcee's journey is interrupted by the surprise arrival of a [[Iron Will|starship]]. It lands in front of them and out steps none other than [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]].

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron rages over Starscream's failure, but Shockwave reveals he has a wild card of his own, sitting in his lab on Cybertron. Taking a trip back to their home planet, Shockwave returns through the space bridge with the huge creature he has cloned—a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (7)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (14)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"I find your reply to be... logical."
:—'''Shockwave''''s response to Starscream's explanation.

"Careful, Starscream. You may dislocate a landing gear patting yourself on the back."
:—'''Knock Out''' snarks at Starscream's billionth "I killed Cliffjumper" gloat.

"Do your worst, Doc. I'm a Wrecker. I can take it." 
"Trust me. You, in fact, cannot.
:—'''Shockwave''' is unimpressed by '''Wheeljack's''' defiance in the face of a cortical psychic patch.

"We can't stop Megatron. Not any more. The war is over, and ''we '''lost'''''."
:—'''Ratchet''', bucking for [[Huffer (Prime)|Huffer's]] job.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Shockwave's battle with Arcee and Cliffjumper took place in "[[Out of the Past]]".
* Starscream brings up the fact that he offlined Cliffjumper, yet ''again''.
* The photo Raf uses to replace Ratchet's is the same one he used in "[[New Recruit]]".
* Jack mentions the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which Optimus gave him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" and was returned in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]".
* Wheeljack counts Miko among the Wreckers when he reunites with her and Bulkhead, having unofficially inducted her into the group after she offlined [[Hardshell]] in "[[Hurt]]".

===Transformers references===
* Much like its Generation 1 equivalent, Darkmount has a [[smelting pool]].
* As of this episode, the silver Jet Vehicon Generals are identified as "[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]" by both Starscream and the end credits.
* Starscream's tracking device looks like a smaller version of [[Dreadwing's bombs]].
* Like in other continuities, Shockwave has been stuck on Cybertron as he reveals in this episode as his past.

===Real-world references===
* Shockwave notes that "Reports of my demise were greatly premature," a paraphrase of a famous quote from [[Mark Twain]].
* The photo of Ratchet homages {{w|Patterson–Gimlin film|a particularly iconic image of Bigfoot}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* As in the previous episode, Wheeljack is perfectly clean despite being pulled from the wreckage of his ship relatively disheveled and somewhat damaged. He does retain the scars on his chest, but these don't carry over to his vehicle mode.
* As Arcee chats with Jack about other Autobots who left Cybertron, the wings on her back are missing in one shot (see the main image). Later on, Bumblebee is missing one of his wings when he and Raf try to talk to Ratchet.
* When Starscream says he'll see to Wheeljack's immediate termination, his right arm seems to move out of place.

===Trivia===
* The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in Universal Studios Hollywood on [[March 14]].
* The worldwide television premiere of "Scattered" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Darkmount, NV]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Raf is an ''amazing'' hacker. He not only replaced the image file of Ratchet where it was found on the internet, he ''also'' somehow managed to change the already downloaded image on Starscream's open browser window.
* It takes Ratchet mere seconds to deduce that Starscream was using the ''Harbinger'' as a base of operations back when he was an independent agent. Surely this would have been useful when [[Triangulation|he stole the Apex Armor]], the [[New Recruit|red energon]], or the [[Inside Job|Omega Keys]]. Ah, hindsight.
* By the same token, it seems odd that Starscream simply abandoned the ''Harbinger'', rather than have the Decepticons occupy it upon his return. He is aware that the Autobots know of its location, and it's the only available source of Cybertronian technology on the planet for them to make use of now that their base has been destroyed. This would later be addressed in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Knock Out is now the [[Ratchet (WFC)|third]] [[Starscream (WFC)|Cybertronian]] to be amused by human humor.
* Cybertronians apparently need to stretch.
* The sound Bulkhead's charging cannon makes when he's aiming at what turns out to be Wheeljack is one [[Ernie Hudson]] would probably recognize: that of a ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' [[proton pack]] being switched on.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's ploy to let Wheeljack escape involved (either by design or by happenstance) the destruction of four Vehicon jets.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': When Wheeljack detonates his grenade in the faces of Starscream's armada, Screamer's only complaint is being outsmarted by the Wrecker.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Secret de Shockwave'''" ("Shockwave's Secret")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Verstreut'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szétszórva'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Espalhados aos Ventos'''" (Scattered to the Winds)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sparpagliati'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Esparcidos'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Metal Attraction

2025-06-28T15:15:13Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 18
|prev=Crisscross (episode)
|next=Rock Bottom
|image=MetalAttraction-stuck.jpg
|caption= Sadly, they don't fuse into [[Tigerhawk|a powerful being.]]
|title="Metal Attraction"
|season=1
|season ep=18
|airdate=[[July 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHQQGpAbTKY
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots try to claim a magnetic weapon called a "polarity gauntlet" before the Decepticons get to it.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:MetalAttraction-JackJuneEep.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Jack discovers his mother's startling fetish.]]
[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] reports to [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that there's an incoming vehicle, which they initially assume to be a [[Decepticon]], but they relax when it turns out to be [[June Darby]] in her car. Jack's less than enthusiastic that his mother's come to check up on him ''again'', but the mood changes when Ratchet detects an unusual magnetic flux.

[[File:TFP ep18 BD optic patch.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|YOU ARE A PIRATE.]]
[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has also picked up the magnetic signature, which [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] recognizes as a Decepticon weapon. [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] volunteers to secure the invention. Megatron is skeptical of Breakdown's abilities following [[Operation: Breakdown|certain recent events]], but Breakdown insists.

[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] arrive back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], but their high spirits drop when they realize Jack's mom is there. Arcee and Jack prepare to go conduct a routine diagnostic, but June's questioning about how safe it will be makes Arcee irritated. Ratchet asks Bulkhead to go and investigate the magnetic disturbance, and when Miko announces she's going too, Bulkhead is obliged to tell her to stay at base. Finally, June's questions become too much for Arcee, and she opts to go with Bulkhead.

In a desert area, Breakdown breaks apart some rocks to find the device he's after. No sooner has he picked it up than [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] puts in an appearance, clouts him and grabs the weapon. Breakdown recovers quickly and begins fighting Airachnid, until she burrows up from beneath the earth and drags him down, leaving him buried. She picks up the device and is ready to leave, when Breakdown pulls himself free of the ground, and the pair charge at each other.

[[File:TFP ep18 tag team.jpg‎|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"How many attraction jokes do you think we can come up with?" "A lot, Bulkhead."]]

Arcee and Bulkhead trudge through the rocks, discussing how Jack's mom is a killjoy, and Miko, who has quietly tagged along, asks if they can ban her from the base. Arcee calls for a [[GroundBridge]], but Miko talks her out of it, then requests Bulkhead play some rock music. Arcee tells him to shut it off, as it's not exactly stealthy, and they soon find Breakdown and Airachnid fighting. Leaving Miko a safe distance behind, the two Autobots leap into combat, surprising Airachnid, who has just gotten the upper hand. Bulkhead tosses Arcee into the air, and she shoots at the pair before charging at Breakdown, but Airachnid insists on facing Arcee herself. After a few minutes' fighting, Bulkhead and Arcee overcome their opponents, but Breakdown grabs the weapon and activates it. Warning him that it isn't a toy, Airachnid retreats underground, and Arcee and Bulkhead find themselves being dragged towards each other. The weapon hoists them into the air before slamming them back against some rocks. Satisfied, Breakdown transforms to return to the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''. Miko finds [[Miko's phone|her phone]] stuck to Bulkhead's chest and Arcee stuck to Bulkhead's back.

Driving along a road, Breakdown is ambushed and entangled in a web.

Ratchet realizes that the weapon Breakdown has is a [[polarity gauntlet]] and says their best bet to get Arcee unstuck is to get the gauntlet back. Arcee insists on Miko returning to base, and Miko complains loudly that she sounds just like Jack's mom, which June naturally hears over the comm link.

[[File:TFP ep18 Airachnid gauntlet.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|"Ooh, shiny."]]

At an old gas station, Airachnid tries on the gauntlet. Breakdown, securely webbed to the side of the building, suggests they could take it back to Megatron together, but she's not keen on rejoining the Decepticons and thinks the gauntlet will be perfect for keeping everyone else away. Bulkhead trudges up to the gas station to confront Airachnid, who tells him to put his hands up and turn around. He does so, and Arcee promptly opens fire, managing to shoot the gauntlet out of Airachnid's hand. The device activates and drags everything metal towards it, including Breakdown, who is pulled free of the webbing and shuts the gauntlet down. Bulkhead and Arcee begin awkwardly fighting Breakdown and Airachnid. Bulkhead manages to deck Breakdown and turns to face Airachnid, but then Breakdown uses the gauntlet to drop an [[oil]] derrick on the 'Bots.

Pinned under an unconscious Bulkhead, Arcee is menaced by Airachnid. Fortunately, Bulkhead comes around in time, and the pair stand up, now separated. Arcee attacks Breakdown, but Bulkhead finds himself no match for Airachnid, who grabs the gauntlet and uses it to draw Arcee to her. Bulkhead blasts Breakdown into another oil derrick, while Arcee and Airachnid fight. Arcee eventually gets possession of the gauntlet and uses it to polarize everyone so that they repel metal. Airachnid uses her webbing to snatch the gauntlet back and transforms to escape, but Bulkhead grabs onto her helicopter mode and throws her into Breakdown. With the gauntlet secured, Arcee and Bulkhead head back to base, where they give it to Ratchet, and June apologizes for being overprotective.

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron is unhappy when Breakdown returns apparently empty-handed, but Breakdown reveals he has Airachnid stuck to his back. Airachnid tells an amused Megatron that she is happy to return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (7)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (12)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (3)
*[[June Darby]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)

}}

==Quotes==
'''June''': So... where's Optimus? 
'''Ratchet''': On a scouting mission with Bumblebee. Sorry to disappoint. 
'''June''': And I wore heels and everything... 
'''Jack''': MOM!
:—June makes Jack uncomfortable with a few choice words.

"Allow me to redeem myself, master. What I have lost... is a constant reminder that I must never again fail you."
:—'''Breakdown''' rather darkly references his new eyepatch.

"It was a lovely burial."
:—'''Airachnid''' says after literally putting Breakdown six feet under...

"A scout should be silent but deadly."
:—'''Arcee''' unwittingly makes Bulkhead and Miko's day.

"Still up for a truce, muscles?" 
"Only because I hate Bulkhead more than I hate you."
:—'''Airachnid''' and '''Breakdown''' decide to look at the bigger picture.

'''Megatron''': Breakdown, you dare to return empty-handed?! 
'''Breakdown''': No, Master. 
''[Turns around, revealing Airachnid magnetized to his back]'' 
'''Megatron''': Airachnid... it has been some time. 
'''Airachnid''': Lord Megatron... what can I say? It's good to be back.
:—The Decepticons get an unexpected addition... and an expected pun.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Breakdown was bested by [[MECH|humans]] and lost his right optic in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".

===Transformers references===
* Ratchet notes that [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] are on a "scouting mission", but since ''Prime'' is part of the same continuity as ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'', and around this time the Rescue Bots needed Optimus and Bumblebee, there's a pretty good chance we know [[It's a Bot Time|where they]] [[Bot to the Future|actually were]].

===Real-world references===
* The episode title appears to be a belabored nod to the film ''{{w|Fatal Attraction}}''.
* Bulkhead and Arcee appear to perform a [[Fastball Special]] in combat. This is not the [[Along Came a Spider#Real-world references|first time]] a Bulkhead has used this move.

===Errors===
* Mere moments after Bulkhead states that he is polarised and can't touch metal, he grabs Airachnid out of the air and throws her at Breakdown. Is she not made of metal, or did the gauntlet's effects wear off that fast?
* Cellphones are primarily made of plastic, which is not attracted to magnetic objects. The gauntlet also took Miko's change, which is also not magnetic. Yet the gauntlet didn't attract Miko's belt buckle or earrings. Huh.
* A magnetic field that powerful should have wiped the electronics in Miko's phone.
* When Arcee is stuck to Bulkhead, she can still move her arms and legs. If the magnetic force were strong enough to hold her to him, her limbs would also have been stuck.
* Arcee's head jewel is miscoloured in several shots, pink in some, grey in others.

===Trivia===
* Breakdown's new optic patch was hinted at during [[BotCon 2011]] when an artist from the series was requested to sketch Breakdown by [[Chris Ho|a certain Transformers fan]]: the artist asked what [[Operation: Breakdown|episode]] had just been screened, thought for a moment, and soon provided an image of Breakdown with an optic patch.<ref>Vangelus revealed this during the [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/wtf-tfw-transformers-podcast/422249-wtf-primetime-14-operation-breakdown-june-22-2011-a.html "Operation: Breakdown"] episode of TFW2005's "WTF Primetime" podcast</ref>
* During this episode's original airing, the [[commercial bumper]]s were backwards: "we now return" was played at the start of each break and "we'll be right back" was played at the end.
* As of this episode, we finally have a mention of Jack's father having left him and June.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Atração Metálica'''" ("Metal Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 5|5 March]] [[2012]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Attraction métallique'''" ("Metallic Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 20|20 December]] [[2011]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Metallische Anziehung'''" ("Metal Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 20|20 January]] [[2012]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fémes vonzalom'''" ("Metal Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 1|1 February]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Senjata Magnet'''" ("Magnetary Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' 25 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Attrazione tra metalli'''" ("Attraction Between Metals"), "'''Attrazione Metallica'''" ("Metallic Attraction", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mitchaku Henkei!? Jiryoku Tag Match'''" (密着変形!?磁力タッグマッチ, "Adhesive Transformation!? Magnetic Tag Match")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 4|4 August]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jaseok Mugi'''" (자석 무기, "Magnetic Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 25|25 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 28|28 December]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Atracción metálica'''" ("Metallic Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Strength in Numbers (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 5: Metallische Anziehung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 9 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 4: Une alliance inattendue ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 4: Improbabili alleanze ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Unlikely Alliances ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Ultimate Autobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==External links==
<references />

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Headmaster unit

2025-06-28T15:13:14Z

Eucryphia: /* Fiction */

{{disambig3|Headmaster}}
[[Image:Headm anim.JPG|right|300px|thumb|LOLbots.]]
The '''Headmaster unit''' is the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster's]] ultimate invention. In its robot head mode, it can fly, decapitate a robot with a cutting laser, and replace the robot's head atop its body, allowing its pilot to control the body. It possesses a veritable arsenal of on-board weaponry, with grenades and missiles in addition to the cutting laser. The control unit can also transform from head to bipedal robot.

Perhaps befitting the personality of its inventor, it also features a built-in smirk.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Image:Henrymastersonandhead.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All ur face r belong 2 us.]]
The "Headmaster project" was the brainchild of Sumdaac Systems employee Henry Masterson. The initial demonstration for [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] went awry, however, when the Headmaster unit proved to be too heavy for his robotic test subject, making it collapse and sending its weaponry towards [[Detroit]]. Sumdac, incensed by Masterson's plans to put his invention to military use, fired him in a fit of {{w|Donald Trump}}-esque rage.

Masterson apparently absconded with his Headmaster prototype and went off to sulk and play with his Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots. He decided that having his own company would be "wicked sweet", as would exacting his revenge on Sumdac. Needing a robot sturdy enough to support his control unit, he chanced upon a news report on [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]]. The emo jerk ambushed and decapitated Bulkhead and subsequently went on a rampage in the Autobot's body.

He demolished several Sumdac [[Police drone|police drones]] en route to a solar power plant. Dubbing himself "the Headmaster", he hijacked local television broadcasts to deliver his ultimatum: Unless he was paid $700 billion, personally delivered by Isaac Sumdac, he would set the [[Sidney Biggles-Jones Memorial Solar Fusion Plant|solar fusion reactor]] to overload, which would result in the obliteration of the entire state of [[Michigan]] (including Masterson himself). Sumdac arrived in a [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|tractor trailer]], accompanied by [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|his daughter]], [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]], and a [[Bumblebee (Animated)|small]] [[Prowl (Animated)|convoy]] of [[Ratchet (Animated)|vehicles]]. Sumdac offered Henry the money, but the Headmaster grabbed him and announced his intention to take the ransom money and destroy the city of Detroit anyway, then use the threat of future robot attacks to sell his Headmaster units to the military.

[[Image:TFA Headmaster Bulkhead body rampage.JPG|right|200px|thumb|I d00 it 4 teh lulz!]]
When he checked the trailer for the money, he found only the enraged head of Bulkhead. The convoy of vehicles revealed themselves as the [[Autobot|Autobots]] and engaged the Headmaster in combat. After taking a pounding from them, the Headmaster unleashed the weaponry of his control unit. He managed to corner Optimus Prime and began to slice the Autobot leader's head off. Prevented from doing so thanks to an ambush by Bulkhead's severed head, the Headmaster was soon felled by Prowl. Masterson decided to flee, but his flying Headmaster unit was knocked out of the sky by the still-disembodied Bulkhead. With the Autobots distracted by the overloading reactor, the Headmaster transformed his head unit into robot mode and fled. {{storylink|Headmaster (episode)|Headmaster}}

Once [[Porter C. Powell]] took control of Sumdac Systems, he was quick to rehire Masterson in the interest of reaping that lucrative arms market for which Isaac lacked the taste. Powell gave Masterson Sari's bedroom as his office while in the process of kicking her out of it. Masterson was quick to make himself comfortable and started planning renovations to hook the place up for some major gameage. Powell wasn't about to let his employee just slack around, though, and put him to work on a new Headmaster Unit project, even giving him [[Tutor Bot]] and [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]] to outfit with smaller Units and laser-shooting upgrades.

[[Image:Returnofheadmaster headmastersvictim.jpg|left|200px|thumb|0v3rc10ck3d.]]
The Headmaster wanted more than just little bots to tinker with, however, and stole [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]]'s body, upgrading it as well. He would have gotten away with it, but Optimus managed to track him down, defeat Sentinel's possessed body, and take the Headmaster to justice. At least, he was ''almost'' brought to justice, until Powell showed up and wriggled his employee out of a legal loophole. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}}

[[Image:TFA ABTC2 Head Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This ended in EPIC FAIL]]
When the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] completed the [[space bridge]] that would transport them to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] had [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] and [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] retrieve a Headmaster unit from Sumdac Tower to coerce Bulkhead into helping them repair the bridge. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} During a battle between the Decepticons and [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] and his [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]], Isaac Sumdac of all people used the Headmaster to body-jack Starscream, only to be decapitated by an unimpressed Megatron. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

Furious that his Headmaster unit had been absconded with, Masterson was unintimated when Sari returned to [[Sumdac Tower]] with Isaac in tow, informing the Sumdacs that the Autobots would return his Headmaster unit to him and or "heads would roll". At which point Optimus Prime picked him up from behind and asked for clarification on whose heads would be rolling. Furious at their actions while running the company, Isaac Sumdac immediately fired both Porter C. Powell and Henry Masterson.

[[Image:TFAni TransWarped Headmaster PWN3D.jpg|thumb|left|200px|HAX LOL]]
Enraged that he had been fired again, Masterson tracked his Headmaster unit to the mine, where he discovered [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s body, ready to be taken over. After a brief fight with Bulkhead the next day, Masterson returned to Detroit, then listened in on Isaac Sumdac's phone calls. Learning that Sumdac was heading to meet Sari at [[Burger Bot]], Masterson ambushed the "happy family", only to be interrupted by Optimus Prime again. A struggle followed, destroying the Burger Bot in the process. Finally, Prime taunted Masterson into transforming, saying that a "n00b" like him might have trouble with it. Screaming that nobody called him a "n00b", Masterson initiated a transformation, only for his Headmaster unit to be crushed and shot off Starscream's body when it began. As Starscream's body flew into the river, Masterson was captured by Optimus Prime and turned over to the police. Let's see how far his slang gets him in prison. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

Following the battle, Masterson's battered Headmaster unit was brought to Isaac Sumdac's laboratory, where the professor expressed distress over how it seemed to be watching him wherever he stood. When Sumdac and Bulkhead started constructing a space bridge in the room, an accident tore a hole in the floor, sending the Headmaster unit plunging through several floors of Sumdac Tower alongside a forklift and a few [[AllSpark]] fragments. Reacting to these two components, the fragments gave life to [[Dirt Boss (Animated)|Dirt Boss]]; a [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]] with the ability to take control of other Transformers' motor functions. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd (episode)|Three's a Crowd}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Animated''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Bulkhead''' (Leader, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy name'': '''Ironhide'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TA-43'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 2]], 2010

: Released in the first wave of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Leader-class toys, a non-transforming Headmaster accessory comes packaged with [[Bulkhead (Animated)#Leader Class|Bulkhead]], able to snap into place over the head of the figure and alter its electronic sound and light gimmicks. Once attached, the Headmaster will scream "Total ownage!" and all of Bulkhead's lights (normally yellow) turn red, for the exception of Bulkhead's eyes.

: The Headmaster can attach to all other ''Animated'' Leader-Class figures, but does not unlock any new sounds or lights when connected to them ([[Megatron (Animated)#Leader Class|Megatron]]'s instructions do not even refer to the figure's ability to wear the Headmaster unit, but it has clearly been made to securely wear the unit over his head). It can also fit in quite nicely on the Deluxe [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)#Toys|Sentinel Prime]] figure and balance sorta-okay on the Voyager [[Starscream (Animated)#Voyager Class|Starscream]] figure (the Sentinel and Starscream figures also have removable heads, unlike the Leader-Class toys.)

: While box photography show the Headmaster accessory with [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] solid pink antennae, the final production version has clear plastic antennae. Although this is presumably intended to utilize a light-piping style technique in order to light up from Bulkhead's flashing lights, it... doesn't work very well.

: The Headmaster unit was also included with Bulkhead in TakaraTomy's release of the toy, in their [[Transformers Animated (toyline)#TakaraTomy Animated toyline|''Animated'' toyline]]. While that release of Bulkhead had some deco differences from the Hasbro release, the Headmaster unit appears to be identical between the two companies.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LeaderBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Leader Bulkhead at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Because the Headmaster unit is not a Transformer, its transformation sound is very different.

* [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] incorporated a number of features common to a number of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] heads into Masterson's robot, although his pointy bits and coloration are a loose homage to [[Loafer]].

* Wyatt stated that the anime series ''{{w|Gurren Lagann}}'' did not have any influence on the design of Headmaster's head-robot, as Wyatt had not seen the series till most of the first season of ''Animated'' was complete. He expressed regret, as in retrospect, he'd have liked to include some of the ''Gurren Lagann'' design elements.<ref>[http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21975298&postID=8564559979841180115 Comments section of "Back from Botcon" in Derrick Wyatt's blog]</ref> Eventually, [[Dirt Boss (Animated)|he did]].

* For some reason, the Headmaster unit bears a striking resemblance to the [[Marvel Comics]] character Galactus.

===Foreign names===
*''Spanish:'' '''Supercabeza''' (Latin America, "Superhead")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Animated technology]]
[[Category:Brainwashing technology]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Man-made Transformers]]

Speed Metal

2025-06-27T21:29:10Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 11
|prev=Deus ex Machina
|next=Predatory
|image=SpeedMetal-startyourengines.jpg
|caption=Temptation, thy name is woman!
|title="Speed Metal"
|season=1
|season ep=11
|airdate=[[April 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Dean Stefan]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdTp961BQOY
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Knock Out and Jack are both drawn into the world of street racing.'''

==Synopsis==
Cruising along a road at night, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] listens to a news report about illegal street racing. Switching it off, he pulls up alongside three other cars waiting to race. The [[Fast Willy|driver of one]] decides to put a long scratch in Knock Out's paintwork, rousing the [[Decepticon]]'s ire. After the race starts, Knock Out runs the other driver off the mountain road, informing the stunned human, "You scratch my paint, I scratch yours," before racing off.

[[File:SpeedMetal-whispering.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|There are so many captions for this, all of them dirty.]]

Outside the [[Memorial High School|high school]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]] encounters school bully [[Vince]], who mocks [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'s vehicle mode. Jack and Arcee leave, but while stopped at a traffic light, Jack's called out to by [[Sierra]], who's keen on a ride. Before Jack can answer, Vince pulls up and challenges him to a race. Jack's still thinking about it when the light changes and Arcee takes off, reminding Jack of the rules about abusing their power. Vince catches up with them at the next light and insults Arcee's motorcycle mode, goading her to suspend the rules, just this once. The pair let Vince know they're ready for the race, and Sierra and [[Sierra's friend|her friend]] turn out at an old dirt road to spectate. Arcee's driving abilities far outstrip Vince's, and they win easily, but Arcee turns down Jack's suggestion that they should offer Sierra a lift.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] is buffing the comatose [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] wanders in to check on the patient and wonders aloud where Knock Out's got to. The 'Con himself walks in a few moments later, complaining about the scratch some "skinjob" put in his finish. Starscream is most disapproving that Knock Out's been street racing again, though what ''really'' annoys him is Knock Out's failure—and glib refusal—to refer to Starscream as "Lord".

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Arcee reminds Jack not to tell anyone about the race, but it turns out [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] already know, having heard about it at school. Jack swears them to secrecy.

At school, Sierra tells Jack she was impressed with the outcome of the race, but Vince challenges Jack to race again, this time at the circuit. Jack's compelled to agree, but Arcee flatly refuses to race.

Knock Out is out cruising a road somewhere near [[Jasper]], when a speeding street racer car gets his attention, and he heads toward the town.

Jack asks Raf if he can borrow [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] so he can go street racing. Raf isn't so sure (much to Bumblebee's dismay), but Miko and Jack talk him into it. Jack and Bumblebee haul up at the race track, as does Knock Out. As the race begins and Bumblebee and Vince jostle for lead position, Knock Out recognizes Bumblebee and begins chasing the Autobot while firing. Jack finds he has problems overcoming the communications barrier with 'Bee.

Back at base, Miko and Raf are playing a [[Generic racing game|video game]] when Arcee asks them if they've seen Jack. They attempt to cover for their friend, but Arcee immediately works out what's up, and a short time later, Bumblebee's distress call comes though.

Bumblebee dumps some [[oil]] to slow Knock Out down, then ducks under a bridge. At first, it seems they've lost the Decepticon, but Vince hauls in to confront Jack and demand he finish the race. Jack tries to warn Vince of the danger, but Vince's headlights have attracted Knock Out, who grabs the boy, renders him unconscious, drives off. Knock Out contacts Breakdown to announce he's captured Bumblebee's human "friend". Arcee and Bulkhead join Bumblebee, but before Arcee can start a lecture, Jack tells her about Vince, and they head off to mount a rescue.

[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] walks into the base and wonders where everyone else is. Raf and Miko give him the least convincing replies ever.

[[File:PrimeScreamer'sFingerOfDoom.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|"Not the gumdrop buttons!"]]

The three Autobots track Knock Out to a warehouse area, and Bulkhead and Bumblebee stroll in while Arcee scales a nearby water tower. Bulkhead and Bumblebee are ambushed by Breakdown. Just as Knock Out is wondering where Arcee is, she jumps on top of him. Knock Out decides to bail, but at least has the courtesy to radio Breakdown and let him know. Unfortunately, the call distracts Breakdown long enough for Bulkhead to deck him with a street lamp. Knock Out streaks down a road with Arcee in pursuit, but is suddenly sideswiped by Optimus, who knocks him onto the embankment. With the 'Con unable to flee, Optimus rips his door off and retrieves the unconscious Vince. Knock Out is outraged at the damage done to him, but retreats when the rest of the Autobots arrive. Vince finally recovers in Bumblebee on the way back to his car, and Jack spins a story to cover the whole thing.

Starscream is ''very'' upset with Knock Out's disobedience. Knock Out assures Starscream that he's learned his lesson and been punished sufficiently, but once again addresses Starscream as 'Commander'. Angered, Starscream informs him that his punishment will be complete when ''he'' says so, and gives him more scratches to his paint job.

At school again, Sierra asks Jack for a ride, but he turns her down. Arcee, however, is feeling more accommodating—just this once—and soon Jack and Sierra are zooming through town.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (9)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Starter Guy]] (2)
*[[Fast Willy]] (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (4)
*[[Vince]] (6)
*[[Sierra]] (7)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (8)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (12)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Uh, Jack? A lady's vital stats are her own business."
:—'''Arcee''' doesn't want Jack bragging about the different aspects of her body.

"Winning isn't enough, Jack. You want to make him ''cry''."
:—'''Arcee''' explains her method of getting even.

"No worries, ''Herr Kommandant''." 
"It is 'Lord' to you." 
"Only if Megatron takes a nosedive." 
"''Hhhnnn.'' The day our master emerges from stasis, I will graciously relinquish the title. But I believe that outcome is unlikely. Something to do with the quality of medical care around here. So continue ''buffing''. We do want Megatron looking his best for the memorial." 
(''Starscream leaves the room.'') 
"Buff ''this''."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' don't exactly see optic-to-optic.

'''Arcee''': Have you guys seen Jack? 
'''Miko''': ...not since we last saw him. 
'''Arcee''': They're racing, aren't they? 
'''Raf''': Just this once. 
'''Arcee''': Did you know about this? 
'''Bulkhead''': NO. Maybe. A little.
:—No one on [[Team Prime]] can lie.

"'Bee, do not engage. Your first priority is to keep Jack safe. [''murmurs''] Until I get my hands on him."
:—'''Arcee''' is a scary guardian.

[[File:SpeedMetal-OptimusEyebrow.gif|thumb|upright=1.8|[[Triple Takeover|"You're either lying or you're stupid."]]]]

'''Raf''': We should just tell Optimus the truth. 
'''Miko''': Absolutely not! We made a deal. Just act completely normal. 
'''Optimus''': Raf, Miko, do either of you know where the others have gone? 
'''Miko''': Why, no, sir. We do not know. 
'''Raf''': ''(stiffly)'' Miko is correct. We do not know. 
'''Miko''': Why would we know? 
'''Optimus''': Hmm...
:—Seriously, it's a minor miracle the kids haven't blown their cover with their parents yet.

"Do you know how hard that is to replace?!"
:—'''Knock Out''' loses a door to Optimus Prime.

"Knock Out! Was I not clear? You have defied my orders yet again!" 
"My mistake, Commander Starscream. But, I've learned my lesson... and paid the price. 
"It. Is. '''LORD'''! And you have paid when I say you have paid! ''[extends a sharpened finger]'' Do not worry, your punishment shall be merely... cosmetic." 
"No, not the finish! Anything but the finish! ''[the "cosmetic punishment" begins offscreen]'' NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
:—<s>Commander</s> '''LORD Starscream''' reminds '''Knock Out''' where he stands.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Jack claims to recognize Knock Out in vehicle mode, referencing their museum encounter in the previous episode.
* Sierra remembers Jack’s motorcycle ride offer from all the way back in the first episode.

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out calls Fast Willy a "skinjob," a derogatory slang term used to refer to the human-like {{w|Cylon (reimagining)|Cylons}} in the 2004 re-imagining of ''{{w|Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica}}'', itself an homage to ''{{w|Blade Runner}}''.
* Vince refers to Jack as "Ponch", a motorcycle-based reference to Erik Estrada's cycle-riding cop character from ''{{w|CHiPs}}''.
* Knock Out calls Starscream "Herr Kommandant", a reference to {{w|Nazi Germany}}.
* "Drucker's Ranch" is presumably a reference to [[Steve Drucker]], longtime [[Hasbro]] creative person.

===Errors===
* During the whole scene where Knock Out crashes Fast Willy, we can see that Knock Out's rims are red and silver instead of his yellow rims, after that they are back to their usual color.
* Sierra and her friend hold their books back-to-front. This is not [[The Jasper Daily|uncommon]].
* When Jack and Arcee stop at the second traffic light, Arcee's front wheel is shown not moving at all, as if it were sliding on the asphalt instead of spinning.
* When Arcee and Jack drive along the street (while debating Jack's decision to accept Vince's second challenge), all the traffic lights are shown as if they were upside down; red lights are in the place of green lights and vice versa.
* Vince challenges Jack to a race on a "dirt road", but the road they race on is sealed and marked.
* Like in the [[Deus ex Machina|previous episode]], the clear parts of Arcee's chest are pink.
* While Knock Out drives away (after kidnapping Vince), and Jack turns to talk to Bumblebee, the former's rear-lights are white instead of red.
* Simply driving on oil, or bumping into another car, would not make any car instantly spin out, despite what decades of television and movies say.
* Despite school just getting out, when Jack, Vince, and Sierra are talking, the roads are empty.

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode to premiere on a Saturday.
* Several of the other street racing cars in this episode are simply recolored variations of Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]'s alternate modes (sans horns in the case of the latter). Hello, easy [[redeco]]es!
* At least two of said cars never actually leave the starting line once the race begins.
* Sierra's friend continues to remain nameless, despite having appeared in more episodes than Sierra herself at this point. This girl really needs to introduce herself!
* Bumblebee's [[license plate]] is "936 SOH". Vince's is "281 DIL".
* In point-of-fact, it may have been better for Knock Out to stay with Breakdown rather than leave, seeing as he lost a door in addition to a nasty scratch.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version as part of ''[[Bulkhead's Biggest Battle]]''.
* This was the final episode in which G1 veteran [[Susan Blu]] served as voice director.
* Knock Out reacts more painfully to his finish getting scratched than his door getting ripped off.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''À toute vitesse !'''" ("Full Speed!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2011]]
::*Coincidentally, the title is the same than the one used for the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Rush (episode)|Rush]]".

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nur dieses eine Mal!'''" ("Only Once This Time!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2|2 December]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gyorsulási verseny'''" ("Drag Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 23|23 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Balapan Liar'''" ("Wild Racing")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 14|September 14]] [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gare su strada'''" ("Road Races"), "'''La Gara'''" ("The Race", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 30|30 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kasoku Henkei! Speed Shōbu!'''" (加速変形!スピード勝負!, "Acceleration Transformation! Speed Match!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 16|16 June]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jilju Bonneung'''" (질주 본능, "Instinct for Speed")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3|3 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19|19 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Racha'''" ("The Street Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Velocidad metal'''" ("Speed Metal")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 5|5 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 3: Nur dieses eine Mal ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Alien Threat (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 6 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 3: L'attaque des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 3: La furia dei Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Decepticons Unleashed ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Speed Metal

2025-06-27T21:28:59Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */ the phrase predates Hogan's Heroes by years

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 11
|prev=Deus ex Machina
|next=Predatory
|image=SpeedMetal-startyourengines.jpg
|caption=Temptation, thy name is woman!
|title="Speed Metal"
|season=1
|season ep=11
|airdate=[[April 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Dean Stefan]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdTp961BQOY
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Knock Out and Jack are both drawn into the world of street racing.'''

==Synopsis==
Cruising along a road at night, [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] listens to a news report about illegal street racing. Switching it off, he pulls up alongside three other cars waiting to race. The [[Fast Willy|driver of one]] decides to put a long scratch in Knock Out's paintwork, rousing the [[Decepticon]]'s ire. After the race starts, Knock Out runs the other driver off the mountain road, informing the stunned human, "You scratch my paint, I scratch yours," before racing off.

[[File:SpeedMetal-whispering.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|There are so many captions for this, all of them dirty.]]

Outside the [[Memorial High School|high school]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]] encounters school bully [[Vince]], who mocks [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'s vehicle mode. Jack and Arcee leave, but while stopped at a traffic light, Jack's called out to by [[Sierra]], who's keen on a ride. Before Jack can answer, Vince pulls up and challenges him to a race. Jack's still thinking about it when the light changes and Arcee takes off, reminding Jack of the rules about abusing their power. Vince catches up with them at the next light and insults Arcee's motorcycle mode, goading her to suspend the rules, just this once. The pair let Vince know they're ready for the race, and Sierra and [[Sierra's friend|her friend]] turn out at an old dirt road to spectate. Arcee's driving abilities far outstrip Vince's, and they win easily, but Arcee turns down Jack's suggestion that they should offer Sierra a lift.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] is buffing the comatose [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] wanders in to check on the patient and wonders aloud where Knock Out's got to. The 'Con himself walks in a few moments later, complaining about the scratch some "skinjob" put in his finish. Starscream is most disapproving that Knock Out's been street racing again, though what ''really'' annoys him is Knock Out's failure—and glib refusal—to refer to Starscream as "Lord".

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Arcee reminds Jack not to tell anyone about the race, but it turns out [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] already know, having heard about it at school. Jack swears them to secrecy.

At school, Sierra tells Jack she was impressed with the outcome of the race, but Vince challenges Jack to race again, this time at the circuit. Jack's compelled to agree, but Arcee flatly refuses to race.

Knock Out is out cruising a road somewhere near [[Jasper]], when a speeding street racer car gets his attention, and he heads toward the town.

Jack asks Raf if he can borrow [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] so he can go street racing. Raf isn't so sure (much to Bumblebee's dismay), but Miko and Jack talk him into it. Jack and Bumblebee haul up at the race track, as does Knock Out. As the race begins and Bumblebee and Vince jostle for lead position, Knock Out recognizes Bumblebee and begins chasing the Autobot while firing. Jack finds he has problems overcoming the communications barrier with 'Bee.

Back at base, Miko and Raf are playing a [[Generic racing game|video game]] when Arcee asks them if they've seen Jack. They attempt to cover for their friend, but Arcee immediately works out what's up, and a short time later, Bumblebee's distress call comes though.

Bumblebee dumps some [[oil]] to slow Knock Out down, then ducks under a bridge. At first, it seems they've lost the Decepticon, but Vince hauls in to confront Jack and demand he finish the race. Jack tries to warn Vince of the danger, but Vince's headlights have attracted Knock Out, who grabs the boy, renders him unconscious, drives off. Knock Out contacts Breakdown to announce he's captured Bumblebee's human "friend". Arcee and Bulkhead join Bumblebee, but before Arcee can start a lecture, Jack tells her about Vince, and they head off to mount a rescue.

[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] walks into the base and wonders where everyone else is. Raf and Miko give him the least convincing replies ever.

[[File:PrimeScreamer'sFingerOfDoom.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|"Not the gumdrop buttons!"]]

The three Autobots track Knock Out to a warehouse area, and Bulkhead and Bumblebee stroll in while Arcee scales a nearby water tower. Bulkhead and Bumblebee are ambushed by Breakdown. Just as Knock Out is wondering where Arcee is, she jumps on top of him. Knock Out decides to bail, but at least has the courtesy to radio Breakdown and let him know. Unfortunately, the call distracts Breakdown long enough for Bulkhead to deck him with a street lamp. Knock Out streaks down a road with Arcee in pursuit, but is suddenly sideswiped by Optimus, who knocks him onto the embankment. With the 'Con unable to flee, Optimus rips his door off and retrieves the unconscious Vince. Knock Out is outraged at the damage done to him, but retreats when the rest of the Autobots arrive. Vince finally recovers in Bumblebee on the way back to his car, and Jack spins a story to cover the whole thing.

Starscream is ''very'' upset with Knock Out's disobedience. Knock Out assures Starscream that he's learned his lesson and been punished sufficiently, but once again addresses Starscream as 'Commander'. Angered, Starscream informs him that his punishment will be complete when ''he'' says so, and gives him more scratches to his paint job.

At school again, Sierra asks Jack for a ride, but he turns her down. Arcee, however, is feeling more accommodating—just this once—and soon Jack and Sierra are zooming through town.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (9)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Starter Guy]] (2)
*[[Fast Willy]] (3)
*[[Jack Darby]] (4)
*[[Vince]] (6)
*[[Sierra]] (7)
*[[Sierra's friend]] (8)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (12)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Uh, Jack? A lady's vital stats are her own business."
:—'''Arcee''' doesn't want Jack bragging about the different aspects of her body.

"Winning isn't enough, Jack. You want to make him ''cry''."
:—'''Arcee''' explains her method of getting even.

"No worries, ''Herr Kommandant''." 
"It is 'Lord' to you." 
"Only if Megatron takes a nosedive." 
"''Hhhnnn.'' The day our master emerges from stasis, I will graciously relinquish the title. But I believe that outcome is unlikely. Something to do with the quality of medical care around here. So continue ''buffing''. We do want Megatron looking his best for the memorial." 
(''Starscream leaves the room.'') 
"Buff ''this''."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' don't exactly see optic-to-optic.

'''Arcee''': Have you guys seen Jack? 
'''Miko''': ...not since we last saw him. 
'''Arcee''': They're racing, aren't they? 
'''Raf''': Just this once. 
'''Arcee''': Did you know about this? 
'''Bulkhead''': NO. Maybe. A little.
:—No one on [[Team Prime]] can lie.

"'Bee, do not engage. Your first priority is to keep Jack safe. [''murmurs''] Until I get my hands on him."
:—'''Arcee''' is a scary guardian.

[[File:SpeedMetal-OptimusEyebrow.gif|thumb|upright=1.8|[[Triple Takeover|"You're either lying or you're stupid."]]]]

'''Raf''': We should just tell Optimus the truth. 
'''Miko''': Absolutely not! We made a deal. Just act completely normal. 
'''Optimus''': Raf, Miko, do either of you know where the others have gone? 
'''Miko''': Why, no, sir. We do not know. 
'''Raf''': ''(stiffly)'' Miko is correct. We do not know. 
'''Miko''': Why would we know? 
'''Optimus''': Hmm...
:—Seriously, it's a minor miracle the kids haven't blown their cover with their parents yet.

"Do you know how hard that is to replace?!"
:—'''Knock Out''' loses a door to Optimus Prime.

"Knock Out! Was I not clear? You have defied my orders yet again!" 
"My mistake, Commander Starscream. But, I've learned my lesson... and paid the price. 
"It. Is. '''LORD'''! And you have paid when I say you have paid! ''[extends a sharpened finger]'' Do not worry, your punishment shall be merely... cosmetic." 
"No, not the finish! Anything but the finish! ''[the "cosmetic punishment" begins offscreen]'' NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
:—<s>Commander</s> '''LORD Starscream''' reminds '''Knock Out''' where he stands.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Jack claims to recognize Knock Out in vehicle mode, referencing their museum encounter in the previous episode.
* Sierra remembers Jack’s motorcycle ride offer from all the way back in the first episode.

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out calls Fast Willy a "skinjob," a derogatory slang term used to refer to the human-like {{w|Cylon (reimagining)|Cylons}} in the 2004 re-imagining of ''{{w|Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica}}'', itself an homage to ''{{w|Blade Runner}}''.
* Vince refers to Jack as "Ponch", a motorcycle-based reference to Erik Estrada's cycle-riding cop character from ''{{w|CHiPs}}''.
* Knock Out calls Starscream "Herr Kommandant", a reference to ''{{w|Nazi Germany}}''.
* "Drucker's Ranch" is presumably a reference to [[Steve Drucker]], longtime [[Hasbro]] creative person.

===Errors===
* During the whole scene where Knock Out crashes Fast Willy, we can see that Knock Out's rims are red and silver instead of his yellow rims, after that they are back to their usual color.
* Sierra and her friend hold their books back-to-front. This is not [[The Jasper Daily|uncommon]].
* When Jack and Arcee stop at the second traffic light, Arcee's front wheel is shown not moving at all, as if it were sliding on the asphalt instead of spinning.
* When Arcee and Jack drive along the street (while debating Jack's decision to accept Vince's second challenge), all the traffic lights are shown as if they were upside down; red lights are in the place of green lights and vice versa.
* Vince challenges Jack to a race on a "dirt road", but the road they race on is sealed and marked.
* Like in the [[Deus ex Machina|previous episode]], the clear parts of Arcee's chest are pink.
* While Knock Out drives away (after kidnapping Vince), and Jack turns to talk to Bumblebee, the former's rear-lights are white instead of red.
* Simply driving on oil, or bumping into another car, would not make any car instantly spin out, despite what decades of television and movies say.
* Despite school just getting out, when Jack, Vince, and Sierra are talking, the roads are empty.

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode to premiere on a Saturday.
* Several of the other street racing cars in this episode are simply recolored variations of Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]'s alternate modes (sans horns in the case of the latter). Hello, easy [[redeco]]es!
* At least two of said cars never actually leave the starting line once the race begins.
* Sierra's friend continues to remain nameless, despite having appeared in more episodes than Sierra herself at this point. This girl really needs to introduce herself!
* Bumblebee's [[license plate]] is "936 SOH". Vince's is "281 DIL".
* In point-of-fact, it may have been better for Knock Out to stay with Breakdown rather than leave, seeing as he lost a door in addition to a nasty scratch.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version as part of ''[[Bulkhead's Biggest Battle]]''.
* This was the final episode in which G1 veteran [[Susan Blu]] served as voice director.
* Knock Out reacts more painfully to his finish getting scratched than his door getting ripped off.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''À toute vitesse !'''" ("Full Speed!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2011]]
::*Coincidentally, the title is the same than the one used for the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Rush (episode)|Rush]]".

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nur dieses eine Mal!'''" ("Only Once This Time!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2|2 December]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gyorsulási verseny'''" ("Drag Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 23|23 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Balapan Liar'''" ("Wild Racing")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 14|September 14]] [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gare su strada'''" ("Road Races"), "'''La Gara'''" ("The Race", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 30|30 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kasoku Henkei! Speed Shōbu!'''" (加速変形!スピード勝負!, "Acceleration Transformation! Speed Match!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 16|16 June]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jilju Bonneung'''" (질주 본능, "Instinct for Speed")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3|3 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19|19 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Racha'''" ("The Street Race")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Velocidad metal'''" ("Speed Metal")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 5|5 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 3: Nur dieses eine Mal ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Alien Threat (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 6 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 3: L'attaque des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 3: La furia dei Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Decepticons Unleashed ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Thirst

2025-06-27T20:56:47Z

Eucryphia: Typo fixing, typos fixed: highly- → highly (2), ically- → ically

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 60
|prev=Plus One (Prime)
|next=Evolution
|image=ThristEpisodeConZombie.jpg
|caption=There were demons in the base. He didn't see them, but had expected them now for years. His warnings to Cernel Joson were not listenend to and now it was too late. Far too late for now, anyway.
|title="Thirst"
|season=3
|season ep=8
|airdate=[[June 7]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWMF8lImZAw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Knock Out and Starscream's experiment with synthetic energon threatens to take over the Decepticon ship and unleash an old enemy.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Thirst1.jpg|left|thumb|300px|When he was young he watched the spaceships and he said to dad "I want to be on the ships daddy." Dad said "No! You will BE KILL BY DEMONS"]]

In [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s lab, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] bemoans his current situation, having to compete with [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] for [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s favor. His whining is interrupted by moans from [[Silas|Cylas]], who is strapped to a table and begging to be freed. Knock Out injects him with a derivative of the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] he recovered from the [[Autobot]]s. The compound drives Cylas into a rage, which Knock Out notes is one of its erratic side effects. Starscream sees in Cylas' fury the makings of a super-soldier for Megatron.

Starscream attempts to inform Megatron of this discovery, but the [[Decepticon]] leader is only interested in discussing the status of the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] [[protoform]]s with Shockwave, who is reporting in from his off-site lab. Brushed off by his leader as unimportant, Starscream sulks on his way back to Knock Out's lab.

Cylas becomes more enraged with each new injection of Synth En. Knock Out discovers that the more the compound is administered, the faster Cylas burns through his own natural [[energon]] reserves. Starscream cannot see the use of having [[Predaking (Prime)|another]] unruly beast that can't be controlled, but then has an idea: [[Dark Energon]]. Knock Out objects, noting that the "Blood of [[Unicron]]" once [[Flying Mind|turned their own ship against them]], and that he would need approval from Shockwave in any case. Starscream assures the doctor that a controlled, minimal injection will merely place Cylas under Megatron's command, via their leader's symbiotic link with the substance, then asserts that "super-soldiers" are a military concern and thus fall under ''his'' jurisdiction.

Under orders and under protest, Knock Out injects Cylas with the Dark Energon-enhanced formula. Cylas temporarily powers down before rebooting in a rage and breaking free from his bonds. But after only a few steps, he crumbles to his knees, desperately low on energon. Then with a fierce roar, his lower jaw splits into monstrous mandibles and a long, bladed tongue emerges, which he attempts to use on Starscream to drain him of energon. Unable to subdue him, Starscream and Knock Out flee down the halls of the ship.

Once a safe distance away, Knock Out suggests sounding the alarm. Starscream disagrees, not wanting Megatron to learn of their actions. He claims that once Cylas attempts to feed upon the ship's highly trained [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troopers, they will take care of the threat.

Elsewhere, one of the Vehicons stumbles upon Cylas, who grabs the highly trained trooper and begins draining his energon.

Starscream and Knock Out plan the disposal of Cylas' corpse when they find the Vehicon's corpse instead. While the two argue about who's to blame for their predicament, the dead Vehicon is reanimated by the Dark Energon in its system as a [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]] and reveals the same segmented jaw and bladed tongue that Cylas had. Starscream's blaster fire only staggers it, and Knock Out suggests destroying the Terrorcon's head, inspired by Human horror movies. Though Starscream's missile is successful in decapitating the creature, it doesn't stop it in the least, as the body lumbers forward with the tongue sticking out of the hole where the head used to be. A concentrated volley of blasts to the Vehicon's chest destroys the monster's revitalized spark, severing its link to the Dark Energon.

Knock Out posits that Cylas could infect the entire crew in the same manner, a theory that's borne out when they find themselves pursued by multiple energy-draining Terrorcons. Starscream and Knock Out lock themselves in a comm room to get a breather and assess the situation. Accepting that this may be the end, the two Decepticons exchange some awkward final pleasantries and step back into the hall...

[[File:Thirst-restinpeace.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"No! I must kill the demons" he shouted The radio said "No, John. You are the demons"]]
...Right into Megatron, who demands to know why the Dark Energon in his spark has been acting strangely as of late. Starscream provides a slanted explanation, but Megatron doesn't believe it until he's forced to destroy an attacking Terrorcon.

After a more extensive debrief of the situation, Megatron puts the ship on high alert and orders Starscream and Knock Out to seek and destroy Cylas. Around the ship, Vehicons and [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] battle the infected Terrorcons.

Cylas wanders into the ship's vault. Sensing energon within a [[stasis pod]], he breaks it open, freeing and reviving [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Cylas attempts to drain her energon, though she ''barely'' ducks out of the way of his tongue, and a short battle ensues, but Airachnid is able to immobilize him with webbing long enough to deliver a fatal wound; ripping "[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]" open in order to destroy his spark and make ''sure'' he's dead this time, Airachnid instead finds the mutilated real body of Cylas, who survives just long enough to thank her for freeing him from his tortured existence before dying. She immediately re-establishes her telepathic control over the Insecticons and commands them to return to her. Their sudden departure is noticed by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]].

Starscream and Knock Out discover Cylas' corpse. Starscream is elated until Knock Out points out Airachnid's destroyed prison, followed by Megatron demanding a status update.

[[File:Thirst-Airachnidzombie.jpg|thumb|right|300px|And then John was a zombie.]]
Airachnid leads the Insecticons through the halls of the ship, ordering them to wipe out every Decepticon aboard. At the end of the hall, Soundwave calmly steps forward to face them. The bug-bots attack, and Soundwave opens a [[space bridge]] directly in front of him at the last second. Before they can react, Airachnid and the Insecticons are teleported away. As the bridge closes behind her, Airachnid realizes that they have been sent to a moon orbiting the abandoned [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and screams in rage.

Aboard the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron contacts Shockwave again to inform him they're implementing his containment protocol to prevent further outbreak. He also tells Shockwave to speed up the Predacon cloning project, as they have now lost more than half their military forces. Knock Out is sternly reminded that he is the ship's ''medic'' under Shockwave's command, and is forced to turn over all of his experimental projects to the scientist. Megatron then turns to Starscream, intent on teaching him a lesson the only way that seems to get through to him...

Back on the moon, an '''infected''' Airachnid drains the energon from one of her minions as the rest of the Insecticons line up obediently to await their turn.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c2=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (5)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (7)
|c3=
|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Knock Out''': You recall that "Synthetic Energon" I recovered from the Autobots? Well, I've been reproducing the formula to test its viability as an alternative energy source. However, the compound remains erratic, and there have been ''side effects''. 
'''Starscream''': Such as...? 
'''Cylas''': '''HRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!''' Starscream! I hope you replaced your T-cog because I'm going to tear it out all over agin and ''feed it to Knock Out!!''
:—'''Knock Out''' resurrects an old [[Stronger, Faster|plot point]], and repeats history in the form of '''Cylas'''.

'''Megatron''': ''[Talking to Shockwave over comm]'' Tell me of the Predacon protoforms. What is the status of their incubation? Mm-hm. Uh-huh. 
'''Starscream''': Master, if I do say so myself, I have made the most intriguing discovery. It appears that-- 
'''Megatron''': Not now! ''[Back to Shockwave]'' Please continue, Shockwave. No, no one important.

'''Starscream''': Megatron will undoubtedly hold us responsible. 
'''Knock Out''': But...WE ARE! 
'''Starscream''': Well, you are, mostly.

"Aim for the head!" 
"What? How do you know?" 
"I've seen human horror films." ''[Starscream looks at him curiously]'' "At drive-in theaters!"
:—'''Knock Out''' schools '''Starscream''' on how to survive a zombie apocalypse

"I find it rather ironic that after battling Autobots all these years, getting smacked down, shot at, blown up, ''this'' is how our lights go out?" 
"Drained of our precious fluids. If this is indeed the end, if we are to become Terrorcon-chow, it has been an honor serving Lord Megatron with you." 
"You're no Breakdown. Though I must confess, I have always admired your lustrous finish." 
''[Awkward pause]'' 
"''*mm-hmm*'' Well, then." 
"Should be going."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream''' prepare to accept their supposed end. [[Scrapheap (episode)|This sounds familiar…]]

'''Megatron''': Would either of you like to tell me what exactly is going on? 
'''Starscream''': Yes, absolutely nothing, my liege. 
'''Knock Out''': All is quiet, too quiet. One could even say dull! 
'''Megatron''': Funny, because the Dark Energon within my spark has been pulsing. 
'''Starscream''': ''(To Knock Out)'' Allow me to handle this. ''(To Megatron)'' IT'S KNOCK OUT'S FAULT! 
'''Knock Out''': Precisely my-WHAT?!
:—'''Starscream''' pulls a '''Starscream''', as per usual

"Silas? Whatever have they done to you? But more importantly, thank you for freeing me." 
"No. Thank…''you''…" ''[Dies]'' 
"Whatever."
:—'''Airachnid''' is unmoved by '''Cylas'''' final words

"Soundwave! I vow that on this day, the world will hear the sound of your screams."
:—'''Airachnid'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Airachnid was frozen in stasis in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]" and was retrieved from the Autobot base by the Decepticons in "[[Darkmount, NV]]".
* The [[polarity gauntlet]] can be seen in the vault, in the first of the five containment fields. It was left on Cybertron by [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", and can be assumed to have been recovered by Knock Out's salvage team offscreen in "Darkmount, NV". This leaves only the [[Immobilizer]] unaccounted for. There is also the [[Resonance Blaster]], but everyone seems to have forgotten about that by now.
* [[Silas]], the formerly fully-human commander of [[MECH]], was surgically combined with Breakdown's corpse in "[[The Human Factor]]". He changed his name to Cylas (Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis) and became a reluctant guest of the Decepticons in the same episode.
* Cylas (then Silas) entered into a partnership of convenience with Starscream in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and conveniently stole his [[transformation cog|T-cog]] in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* Cylas (then Silas) had Breakdown pinned to his operating table in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".
* Knock Out recovered some of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]'s synthetic energon in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Shockwave has been working from an off-site laboratory since "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Megatron previously used Dark Energon to reanimate and control the dead in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Dark Energon awakened a dangerous, self-serving intelligence within the Decepticon warship in "[[Flying Mind]]".
* Cylas' eyes turn green, then purple, when he is injected with synthetic energon and Dark Energon, respectively. This is consistent with previous applications of the substances. ("[[Stronger, Faster]]", "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]")
* Airachnid killed Breakdown and discovered her telepathic control of the Insecticons in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]".
* Airachnid knows Cylas (then Silas) from their brief partnership in "[[Crisscross (episode)|Crisscross]]".
* Airachnid's desire to have Soundwave scream likely stems from the very one-sided beatdown she received from him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]".
* Starscream refers to the Decepticon soldiers as "Vehicons" confirming it as their real designation. [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] used that term in to describe them in [[Plus One (Prime)|the previous episode]].
* Megatron alludes to the beatings he bestowed on Starscream in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]" and in-between the episodes "[[Out of His Head]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]" when he prepares to punish Starscream "the only way he understands".
* Starscream took a fragment of Dark Energon and used it to raise [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] from the dead as his first "re-animated warrior" in [[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]], all of which Megatron revealed he knew about through surveillance provided by Soundwave in "[[Rock Bottom]]".

===Transformers references===
* Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life in many continuities.
* Megatron again refers to his upcoming Predacon army as "[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|beast machine]] super-soldiers".

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out's proclamation of "It's alive" echoes the famous words spoken in ''[[Frankenstein]]''. This is what, the third time in this series?
* In addition to the segmented jaw and barbed tongue, the Terrorcons' [[teeth]] also transform into vampiric fangs.
* As Knock Out indicated, destroying the head is the traditional way to kill zombies in many horror movies. But only human ones.
* This episode heavily pays homage to the 1985 zombie film ''{{w|The Return of the Living Dead}}'' where two humans (Frank and Freddie) cause a gas to spread across a cemetery that revives dead corpses into zombies and then plays comedy with the two trying to control the situation while blaming each other for the zombie apocalypse, much like Starscream and Knock Out in this episode. The zombies in ''The Return of the Living Dead'' couldn't be killed by headshots, either.
* There is also some homage to the film ''{{w|Blade II}}'', specifically in the physiological effects of the virus. The Reapers, genetically engineered vampire mutants, possessed the same type of unfolding jaw and feeding tendril, as well as a greatly increased blood appetite due to a heightened metabolism.
* Starscream and Knock Out's conversation while hiding from the zombies is reminiscent of a scene in ''{{w|Dr. Strangelove}}'' wherein General Ripper and Group Captain Mandrake are hunkered down as a firefight rages around their base, and Ripper explains his fear that Communists are out for his "precious bodily fluids".
* Knock Out places his fingers on the neck of the first Vehicon that fell victim to Cylas to check for life signs. This is often done to test a seriously injured person for a {{w|pulse}} in their {{w|carotid artery}}.
* The Terrorcons' mouths open like the [[Predator (alien)|Predators]], and they also have a tube-shaped tongue with fanged jaws like the {{w|Alien (creature in Alien franchise)|Xenomorphs}}.

===Errors===
* Knock Out discusses the events of "[[Stronger, Faster]]" and "[[Flying Mind]]" with Starscream, even though Starscream wasn't part of the Decepticon ranks when either took place. While it is conceivable that Starscream learned of the events of both episodes through the ship's logs or another source, Knock Out speaks as if they were both witness to them.
* Airachnid lost one of her legs to the closing pod door when she was put in stasis, but all six are intact in this episode.
* Starscream's missile cleanly beheads a Vehicon, leaving no burn marks or exposed circuitry of any kind. For that matter, the headless Vehicon reveals that there is no "joint" on the model for the head to attach to, just a completely flat surface with a hole for the tongue. You normally don't see it because the neck just goes straight into the base of the collar, as if the collar form-fits around the neck.

===Trivia===
* This is the only episode to not feature the [[Autobot]]s in any capacity. Previously, "[[Patch (episode)|Patch]]", the last Decepticon-centric episode, had flashbacks which contained Autobots even though none appeared in person. [[Peter Cullen]], however, gets to voice the zombified Vehicon trooper Megatron puts down.
* Starscream says that the ship is crawling with "highly-trained Vehicon troopers". Kinda makes you wonder what a poorly-trained one is like, huh?
* On-the-move teleportation seems as if it's becoming Soundwave's signature move, having used it to dispatch [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] in "[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]" and to claim the Predacon fossil in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* [[Steve Blum]] is credited as "Insecticon #1" instead of [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] this time.
* Starscream alludes to having collected "dozens of Predacon bones", and Shockwave has already grown a batch of protoforms. This implies a significant timeskip between this episode and the last, since Shockwave had only just just established an off-site laboratory in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]" and "[[Plus One (Prime)|Plus One]]" takes place immediately after that episode. Furthermore, the amount of bones collected, assuming it's not hyperbole on Starscream's part, suggests a rather bad run of luck for the Autobots.
* While there have been several offscreen and implied deaths of humans in ''Transformers Prime'', this is the first full "watch the light die from his eye" death, not only in ''Prime'', but in western Transformers animation.
* When Starscream suggested a drop or two, Knockout clearly injected a ''whole'' syringe of Dark Energon. Though it's possible that a single drop is enough to render the entire syringe of Synthetic Energon purple.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Les Mutants de l'Energon noir'''" ("The Mutants of Dark Energon")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Durst'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 9|9 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szomjúság'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 11|11 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sede'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22|22 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Assetati'''" ("Thirsty")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sed'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 17|17 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 2: L'ultime affrontement (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 2: Auf zur Rettung (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Sick Mind

2025-06-27T20:56:30Z

Eucryphia: /* Synopsis */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: newly- → newly

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 13
|prev=Predatory
|next=Out of His Head
|image=SickMind-OPinfected.jpg
|caption=Psychonautobots!
|title="Sick Mind"
|season=1
|season ep=13
|airdate=[[April 30]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=878PiwJGWFk
|video site=YouTube
}}

'''When Optimus is infected by a Decepticon plague, Arcee and Bumblebee sneak aboard the ''Nemesis'' to find a cure.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Cybonicplague.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Day one-thousand and one. We came in close contact with a hive today...]]
[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] reports that his scans have located the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Decepticon warship]] while experimenting with different frequencies. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] thinks they should strike now, but Ratchet says he's also detected an [[Autobot]] emergency beacon, and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] decides they should check that out first. He and Ratchet arrive at a centuries-old crashed [[Autobot plague ship|Autobot ship]] and venture inside. Though they expect there may be survivors, they find the crew already dead. Ratchet's scans reveal that the crew didn't die in the crash, but had succumbed to [[cybonic plague]]. As the ship shifts, a deceased Autobot hanging from the ceiling drips plague-imbued [[energon]] onto Optimus.

Later at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], Optimus lays stricken while the others discuss the situation. The plague was developed as part of the Decepticons' [[Decepticon Biological Warfare Program|Biological Warfare Program]], specifically by [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] himself, and Ratchet thinks they might be able to find information in the Decepticon databases. Arcee and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] [[GroundBridge]] onto the Decepticon ship and, narrowly hiding from [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], enter the ship's laboratory. Inside, Arcee scours the database, but fails to find a cure for the plague. While she's doing so, Bumblebee stumbles on something just as important—the comatose body of Megatron! Arcee is ready to finish Megatron off then and there, but Ratchet has a better idea—enter Megatron's brain and retrieve the plague cure. Ratchet knows of a procedure to create a [[cortical psychic patch]]. Though such procedures have been banned by the Autobots for years, it will get them into Megatron's brain, and Bumblebee is willing to try it.

On the ship's bridge, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] complains that the ship's electromagnetic shielding has not been fixed, and directs the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s to hurry up and do so before the Autobots detect them. Afterwards Starscream has a private word with Knock Out, suggesting that the Decepticons deserve a leader who is conscious, and the pair come to an understanding whereby Knock Out will be Starscream's new [[second-in-command]].

[[Image:Megatron WHY IN MY HEAD.jpg|thumb|250px|right|He ''does'' [[Transform and Roll Out|eat Autobot protoforms for breakfast]].]]
Arcee plugs Bumblebee into Megatron, and Bumblebee finds himself in a simulation of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. Ratchet creates a communications downlink, so they can monitor what Bumblebee is doing. Bumblebee wanders though Kaon until he finds what appears to be Optimus, but is just a figment of Megatron's imagination. Megatron appears and slays the false Optimus, who dissolves into smoke. Another Optimus appears, and as Megatron fires his [[fusion cannon]], Bumblebee jumps in the path of the blast, only to find it passes right through him to slay the imaginary Optimus. Megatron, however, has seen Bumblebee and attempts to strike him, but his blows pass clean through the Autobot scout. While Megatron is trying to work out what's going on, Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and another Bumblebee appear, all figments of his imagination. Megatron destroys them, but begins to realize that he's in his own subconscious.

Arcee becomes anxious when Starscream, Knock Out and [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] enter the lab, though the two Autobots are hidden well enough that the Decepticons don't see them. Starscream is determined to put on a show for Soundwave, to convince his fellow Decepticon that Megatron is beyond saving. He and Knock Out attempt to persuade Soundwave that putting Megatron out of his misery is the best thing. Arcee and Ratchet overhear their conversation, and Ratchet says terminating Megatron will permanently separate Bumblebee's mind and body.

In the dream world, Megatron ponders what has happened to him, and finds out from Bumblebee about the [[space bridge]] explosion. Short on time, Bumblebee relays the news about Optimus's cybonic plague infection. Megatron is amused that after all this time Optimus will be felled by a virus, but Bumblebee plays on his desire to finish Optimus himself.

Starscream is about to pull the plug on Megatron when Soundwave points out the psychic patch cable. Starscream begins following it, as Arcee observes from her hiding place.

[[Image:SickMind-take me.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"The dream's collapsing!" Braaaahm. Braaahm.]]

Megatron briefly shows Bumblebee the formula for the virus cure, but will only share it if Bumblebee can release him from his mental prison. Unknown to Megatron, Ratchet can still see everything Bumblebee sees. Having ganked the formula, Ratchet tells Arcee to cut the link. Megatron's dream world begins to disintegrate and the Decepticon leader launches himself at the disappearing Bumblebee.

Bumblebee comes around as Starscream finds the two hidden Autobots, and, as they escape through the GroundBridge, Arcee blasts one of the cables attached to Megatron. Starscream is actually pleased that Megatron has flatlined as a result, but at Soundwave's insistence has Knock Out reconnect the cable.

[[Image:SickMind-I'm out.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Oooga-booga-booga!]]
A newly cured Optimus stands up and the Autobots celebrate, but Optimus insists the celebration should be for Ratchet and Bumblebee. On the Decepticon ship, Knock Out observes that Megatron is no longer exhibiting any brainwave activity — there's no one home. Unbeknownst to anyone, Megatron now resides in Bumblebee's head...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Autobot plague victims]] (9)

|c2=*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (10)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (12)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)

}}

==Quotes==

"Spiking hard. His sick mind's still at work."
:—'''Arcee''' namedrops the title.

"I will NOT allow Optimus to pass knowing that Megatron will outlive him!"
:—'''Ratchet''', increasingly desperate to save Optimus.

"An inglorious fate that he should remain in this vegetative state..."
:—'''Starscream''' composes poetry about Megatron. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sound]] [[Wheelie (G1)|familiar]]?

"If this is my subconscious... ''WHAT ARE YOU DOING INSIDE MY HEAD?!''"
:—'''Megatron''' unintentionally makes us laugh.

"Cybonic Plague? Someone besides myself is... unwell?"
:—Careful '''Megatron''', you're showing a little too much concern there.

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
:—'''Starscream''' to Soundwave as the former is about to take Megatron off life support. And Soundwave STILL won't say a word.

"I'm out... or should I say ''in''?"
:—'''Megatron''' cackles as he awakes in Bumblebee's body.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Bumblebee jumps in front of Optimus to block a shot by Megatron, just like the end of the prologue chapter in ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]''.

===Transformers references===
* [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], the Decepticon capital on Cybertron, was first mentioned in the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] Generation 1 comics.
* "One shall stand, one shall fall" is used for the [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|second time]] in this series, and the billionth in the franchise overall.
* Megatron asks whether or not he [[The Transformers: The Movie|"still functions"]].
* Megatron refuses to hand over the formula for the cure to the plague unless Bumblebee helps him escape, saying he will let Optimus [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime#The Transformers: The Movie|"fade to gunmetal grey"]].
* The first showdown between Megatron and an Optimus illusion is reminiscent of the [[title sequence]].

===Real-world references===
* [[Cybonic plague]] is a reference to {{w|bubonic plague}}.
* Bulkhead says that Megatron is "pushing up lugnuts". This is a modification of the human phrase, "pushing up daisies", although it doesn't make much literal sense.
* Oddly enough, Starscream uses two common human phrases, both quoted above. Perhaps Soundwave gets cable?
* The way the infected energon makes contact with Optimus Prime via his optics is reminiscent of the horror film, ''28 Days Later'', in which the character Frank is infected in the same manner when a drop of infected blood falls into his eye.

===Errors===
* The spot where the downed Autobot ship was shown on Ratchet's map is in a temperate climate. Meaning it should have been in a forest or grassland, not a desert.
* When Knock Out says that there is no brainwave activity, one of the monitors next to Starscream shows brainwave activity in Megatron.

===Trivia===
* None of the characters in this episode transform at any point, a rare irony for the franchise's title.
* This episode was available to watch prior to its intended airdate on some cable providers' Video On Demand services.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version as part of ''[[Airachnid Attacks!]]''.
* Outside of the title sequence, this episode includes the first time in the series that Megatron uses his [[fusion cannon]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dans l'esprit de Megatron'''" ("In Megatron's Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 3|3 December]] [[2011]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Cybonische Pest'''" ("The Cybonic Plague")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 16|16 December]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Elmebaj'''" ("Mental Illness")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 25|25 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kembalinya Megatron: Virus Saibonik'''" ("The Return of Megatron: Cybonic Plague")
:*''Original airdate:'' 18 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente malata'''" ("Sick Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 5|5 November]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Genei Henkei! Mind-Diving!'''" (幻影変形!マインドダイビング!, "Phantom Transformation! Mind-Diving")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 30|30 June]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Yukche wa Jeongsin'''" (육체와 정신, "Body and Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 10|10 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 21|21 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Doente'''" ("Sick Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 30|30 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Una mente enferma'''" ("A Sick Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 19|19 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 3: Nur dieses eine Mal ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Alien Threat (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 7 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 3: L'attaque des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 3: La furia dei Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Decepticons Unleashed ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Scattered

2025-06-27T20:56:19Z

Eucryphia: /* Synopsis */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: they they → they

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 54
|prev=Darkmount, NV
|next=Prey (episode)
|image=Scattered-JackArcee.jpg
|caption=Everything you know will be scattered.
|title="Scattered"
|season=3
|season ep=2
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2013]] (Singapore) [[March 29]], 2013 (USA)
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWcVbWVgiNc
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''A key Decepticon arrives on Earth while Wheeljack manages a small victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] are both surprised to see [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], having believed him dead. Shockwave explains that after his battle with [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in the [[space bridge]], he found himself marooned on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. After repairing himself, he continued his experiments until an energy surge led him to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s team in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. He asks Starscream pointedly why he was left for dead and, when Starscream says everybody thought he died in the explosion, judges the response logical enough. Megatron appoints Shockwave first lieutenant in charge of science, something Starscream doesn't seem that happy with.

[[File:Scattered-Bigfoot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Unlike [[Bigfoot]], Ratchet is actually findable.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Arcee stop at a deserted farmhouse for a break and Jack worries that they're all that's left of Team Prime. Arcee says there are other Autobots out there who escaped in the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', but who knows where they are? Meanwhile [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] is surfing [[Internet|conspiracy websites]] in search of [[Autobot]] sightings. He hits dirt in the form of a photo of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] in a junkyard outside Woodland Park. Starscream, doing likewise, finds the same picture, but before he can draw the other Decepticons' attention to it, Raf replaces the picture with a dancing monkey. To quell Megatron's displeasure, Shockwave suggests using a [[cortical psychic patch]] on [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]. Meanwhile, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are waiting fruitlessly at the Wrecker meeting spot.

[[File:Scattered-Ultra Magnus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Hey, who's that?"]]

Shockwave reports that the patch didn't yield any new information. Starscream announces he'll see to Wheeljack's termination, and soon Wheeljack is standing on a platform over lava. The attendant [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s push Wheeljack towards the edge, but he grabs one of them and throws it off before jumping himself. The Vehicon transforms to flight mode, and Wheeljack lands on its back, proceeding to go on a Vehicon-trashing flight before driving off. Megatron is very upset until Starscream reveals he's planted a tracking device on Wheeljack so the Autobot can lead them to his friends.

Bumblebee and Raf reach the junkyard to find Ratchet sitting in vehicle mode and sporting the surliest mood as the Autobots have patently lost. The pair suggest that they can use the ''Harbinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s resources to fight back, but Ratchet has no hope they can do anything, and tells them to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] has been unable to salvage anything medical from the ruins of the base. When [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] asks about the [[Forge of Solus Prime]], Smokescreen reasons it must be in the fortress somewhere, and goes to look.

[[File:Scattered-loomingshadow.jpg|left|thumb|300px|So big he's got his own zipcode.]]

Bulkhead and Miko's waiting is finally rewarded by the arrival of Wheeljack. The Decepticons, monitoring Starscream's bug, see that their plan has paid off, and Starscream sends out his Vehicon seekers. The Decepticons arrive at a river, but all they see is a log floating downstream. The log turns out to have both the tracking device and a grenade attached, the latter of which takes them all out. Watching from a nearby hill, Wheeljack reveals how he found the tracking device, and says he has some more explosives.

Raf and Bumblebee try unsuccessfully to power up the ''Harbinger'', only to be pleasantly surprised when Ratchet arrives to help noting they miscalibrated the [[energon transducer]]. Elsewhere, Jack and Arcee's journey is interrupted by the surprise arrival of a [[Iron Will|starship]]. It lands in front of them and out steps none other than [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]].

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron rages over Starscream's failure, but Shockwave reveals he has a wild card of his own, sitting in his lab on Cybertron. Taking a trip back to their home planet, Shockwave returns through the space bridge with the huge creature he has cloned—a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (7)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (14)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"I find your reply to be... logical."
:—'''Shockwave''''s response to Starscream's explanation.

"Careful, Starscream. You may dislocate a landing gear patting yourself on the back."
:—'''Knock Out''' snarks at Starscream's billionth "I killed Cliffjumper" gloat.

"Do your worst, Doc. I'm a Wrecker. I can take it." 
"Trust me. You, in fact, cannot.
:—'''Shockwave''' is unimpressed by '''Wheeljack's''' defiance in the face of a cortical psychic patch.

"We can't stop Megatron. Not any more. The war is over, and ''we '''lost'''''."
:—'''Ratchet''', bucking for [[Huffer (Prime)|Huffer's]] job.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Shockwave's battle with Arcee and Cliffjumper took place in "[[Out of the Past]]".
* Starscream brings up the fact that he offlined Cliffjumper, yet ''again''.
* The photo Raf uses to replace Ratchet's is the same one he used in "[[New Recruit]]".
* Jack mentions the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], which Optimus gave him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" and was returned in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]".
* Wheeljack counts Miko among the Wreckers when he reunites with her and Bulkhead, having unofficially inducted her into the group after she offlined [[Hardshell]] in "[[Hurt]]".

===Transformers references===
* Much like its Generation 1 equivalent, Darkmount has a [[smelting pool]].
* As of this episode, the silver Jet Vehicon Generals are identified as "[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]" by both Starscream and the end credits.
* Starscream's tracking device looks like a smaller version of [[Dreadwing's bombs]].
* Like in other continuities, Shockwave has been stuck on Cybertron as he reveals in this episode as his past.

===Real-world references===
* Shockwave notes that "Reports of my demise were greatly premature," a paraphrase of a famous quote from [[Mark Twain]].
* The photo of Ratchet homages {{w|File:Patterson_Gimlin_Bigfoot.jpg|a particularly iconic image of Bigfoot}}.

===Animation and technical errors===
* As in the previous episode, Wheeljack is perfectly clean despite being pulled from the wreckage of his ship relatively disheveled and somewhat damaged. He does retain the scars on his chest, but these don't carry over to his vehicle mode.
* As Arcee chats with Jack about other Autobots who left Cybertron, the wings on her back are missing in one shot (see the main image). Later on, Bumblebee is missing one of his wings when he and Raf try to talk to Ratchet.
* When Starscream says he'll see to Wheeljack's immediate termination, his right arm seems to move out of place.

===Trivia===
* The worldwide premiere screening of the first three episodes was held at the Globe Theater in Universal Studios Hollywood on [[March 14]].
* The worldwide television premiere of "Scattered" was a day later on okto, a Singaporean channel, where it aired back-to-back with "[[Darkmount, NV]]" and "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]".
* Raf is an ''amazing'' hacker. He not only replaced the image file of Ratchet where it was found on the internet, he ''also'' somehow managed to change the already downloaded image on Starscream's open browser window.
* It takes Ratchet mere seconds to deduce that Starscream was using the ''Harbinger'' as a base of operations back when he was an independent agent. Surely this would have been useful when [[Triangulation|he stole the Apex Armor]], the [[New Recruit|red energon]], or the [[Inside Job|Omega Keys]]. Ah, hindsight.
* By the same token, it seems odd that Starscream simply abandoned the ''Harbinger'', rather than have the Decepticons occupy it upon his return. He is aware that the Autobots know of its location, and it's the only available source of Cybertronian technology on the planet for them to make use of now that their base has been destroyed. This would later be addressed in "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]".
* Knock Out is now the [[Ratchet (WFC)|third]] [[Starscream (WFC)|Cybertronian]] to be amused by human humor.
* Cybertronians apparently need to stretch.
* The sound Bulkhead's charging cannon makes when he's aiming at what turns out to be Wheeljack is one [[Ernie Hudson]] would probably recognize: that of a ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' [[proton pack]] being switched on.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons'': Starscream's ploy to let Wheeljack escape involved (either by design or by happenstance) the destruction of four Vehicon jets.
* ''No One Cares About Vehicons, Redux'': When Wheeljack detonates his grenade in the faces of Starscream's armada, Screamer's only complaint is being outsmarted by the Wrecker.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Secret de Shockwave'''" ("Shockwave's Secret")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Verstreut'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szétszórva'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Espalhados aos Ventos'''" (Scattered to the Winds)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sparpagliati'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Esparcidos'''" ("Scattered")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Rock Bottom

2025-06-27T20:56:10Z

Eucryphia: /* Errors */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: ’s → 's

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 19
|prev=Metal Attraction
|next=Partners (Prime)
|image=RockBottom-energonmine.jpg‎
|caption=That's Rock Bottom.
|title="Rock Bottom"
||season=1
|season ep=19
|airdate=[[July 16]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Tim Jones]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sCXQEuHFig
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots, Jack, and Miko find themselves trapped inside a cave with Megatron and Starscream.'''

==Synopsis==
Waiting outside [[Stripped energon mine|a mine]] opening, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] complains loudly to [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that she'd rather be at the [[Slash Monkey]] metal concert she's been looking forward to. [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] emerge from the entrance, confused that the mine seems to be stripped, yet there's an [[energon]] signal coming from inside. While they're still discussing the conundrum, Miko runs into the mine to take a look, resulting in Bulkhead chasing her in and Jack persuading Arcee to let him go in as well. Moments after they step inside, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] land at the mine entrance. Starscream is confused as to why have they come to an exhausted mine, but Megatron leads the way inside.

Bulkhead finds Miko testing the acoustics in a cavern. While she's whooping and yelling, Bulkhead's detector bleeps, and he attempts to contact Arcee. The comms, however, are useless due to interference from the rock surrounding them. Bulkhead decides to get a sample for [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and begins breaking pieces off the rock he's found.

[[Image:RockBottom-Starscreamprays.jpg‎|250px|thumb|left|When this life makes you mad enough to kill.]]

Megatron and Starscream find [[Decepticon]] mining equipment. Starscream tries to blame its presence on an error by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]], but Megatron plucks a chunk of energon from the wall and explains that he's been keeping up with Starscream's many plottings, thanks to Soundwave's spying. He's let Starscream continue until now for his own amusement, but enough's enough. Starscream pleads for his life...and it's this scene that Jack and Arcee stumble on. Megatron begins firing on the two newcomers and Starscream sees his chance to try to escape. Enraged, Megatron fires after him. Arcee takes advantage of Megatron's distraction and fires, causing him to discharge his [[fusion cannon]] into the ceiling, which gives way. Massive rocks fall on Megatron, causing the floor to start caving in as well, and both Arcee and Jack fall into a swiftly widening hole.

[[Image:RockBottom-Bulkheadpassion.jpg‎|250px|thumb|When you want something bad enough to steal.]]

In the cavern, Bulkhead protects Miko from the falling rocks.

Starscream, speeding through the mine in his jet mode, is hit by rocks and can only cry out as the tunnel to the mine entrance collapses.

In the aftermath, Jack struggles up to find himself alone in the cave and goes searching for the others.

Miko likewise picks herself up to find Bulkhead holding up a huge chunk of the ceiling from caving in on them. They have no idea as to what caused the cave-in, but Miko starts trying to clear the rocks away so they can get out.

Starscream pulls himself free of the mine and into the open air. He experiences a brief moment of triumph before realizing that Megatron has survived worse and if he doesn't make some attempt to rescue his leader, the other Decepticons surely will, which will mean problems for Starscream in the long run. Besides, he can take the credit if he succeeds.

Still searching, Jack stumbles upon one of the Decepticon mining drills.

As night falls outside, Miko is tiring from her work. Bulkhead points out there's limited oxygen, and she's using it faster by exerting herself. Despite Miko saying she has to get Bulkhead out, he says he's fine, though his creaking servos tell a different story.

Jack gets the mining drill working and begins guiding it to find the others.

Bulkhead and Miko hear drilling. Miko yells out weakly, and Bulkhead tells her to hit his foot with a rock to make a noise.

[[Image:RockBottom-Megstrapped.jpg|thumb|250px|left|When you feel like you have had it up to here.]]

Elsewhere, Jack uses the drill to clear a path only to uncover Megatron's face, the rest of him still pinned by fallen rock. Megatron suggests that Jack use the drill to finish him, but Jack doesn't believe [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] would want Megatron finished that way and drills off in another direction.

[[Image:RockBottom-Mikocries.jpg‎|250px|thumb|'Cause you mad enough to scream but you sad enough to tear.]]

Miko continues banging Bulkhead's foot, but a noise stops her and Bulkhead has to admit that his arms are starting to fail. She hits him a couple more times before someone starts to break through the wall. Unfortunately, their joy is short-lived as it turns out to be Starscream. Bulkhead asks him to let Miko go, but Miko refuses to leave Bulkhead. Starscream menaces her until Bulkhead gives him a solid kick. Starscream recovers from that, only to be knocked down by Jack's drill as it comes through the wall. Miko is quickly persuaded to hop aboard the drill, which she does tearfully, and the two humans back out, leaving Bulkhead and Starscream alone. Jack and Miko start trying to dig their way out, but Jack suddenly stops the drill dead as a large foot comes down in front of them.

Starscream is pleased. Now not only will he be able to rescue Megatron, but he'll have Bulkhead as a gift. Unfortunately for him, Arcee appears with a gun pointed at his head and tells him to raise his hands.

The Autobots exit the mine with the kids and briefly discuss finishing off the Decepticons. When they decide that Optimus wouldn't do it, they go home instead.

Starscream strains to hold up the rock that Bulkhead had been supporting when he spots Megatron leaning through the nearby opening. Starscream is reduced to begging for mercy once more and the Decepticon leader responds with a menacing look.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)

}}

==Quotes==

"Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting to see Slash Monkey?" 
"Uhh—" 
"''Forever!'' And it's their only U.S. date!" 
"Well, there's a shock. I mean, who doesn't love obscure Bulgarian shriek metal?"
:—'''Miko''' and '''Jack''' discuss rock concerts.

"She went in. Unbelievable." 
"Really? Have you...met her?"
:—'''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' watch Miko run into the cave.

"Do not take me for a fool, Starscream! I have been wise to your transgressions from the beginning. Not only did you pluck the Dark Energon from my chest in a failed attempt to snuff my spark, but you tried to raise your own undead warrior with it. It's no secret that you lost an arm in the process, which you've since had replaced." 
"You know about that?!" 
"Soundwave is quite competent at surveillance, I can assure you. The fact is Starscream, despite your treachery, I've allowed you to carry on this long because I took a certain delight in following your string of failures. But you've finally become tiresome, predictable...you've hit rock bottom."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' discuss the latter's endeavors.

"Roll out."
:—'''Jack''' being genre savvy as he activates some Decepticon mining equipment.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Think of the glory—seize the day! Optimus would." 
"No, he wouldn't. Not like this." 
"I will be sure to share the details of our little conversation with Optimus—the day I rip out his spark!"
:—A pinned '''Megatron''' is discovered by '''Jack''', who refuses to take advantage of the situation and kill him.

"Run, Miko!" 
"Yes, run, Miko! I would love to see you try! Really, I would!"
:—'''Starscream''' mocks '''Bulkhead''' before getting knocked down by a drill. Karma, baby.

"If you think I'm going to beg for mercy, Starscream, forget it!" 
"Er, yes, begging for mercy would be quite pathetic, wouldn't it?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' unintentionally insults '''Starscream'''.

"Master! You're alive! Thank the Allspark. I... I did not abandon you, master! I returned! To save you!" 
"Save me?" 
"Look into my spark, Lord Megatron! My intentions were true! ''Please! Have mercy!!''" 
:—'''Starscream''' begs '''Megatron''' for mercy.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Megatron references the events of "[[Masters & Students]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]" while discussing Starscream's previous failed attempts at treachery.
*Starscream also refers to the events of "Masters & Students" when he remembers that Megatron has survived far worse than a simple cave-in.
*Miko loosely references the space bridge battle from "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" when Bulkhead reminds her that Autobots don't need to breathe.

===Transformers references===
* As Jack starts up the mining drill, he quietly says, "[[Roll out]]."
* Just like the previous episode, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee do not appear. As before, their absence can be explained as them being busy in ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'', [[It's a Bot Time|dealing with]] [[Bot to the Future|time shenanigans]].

===Real-world references===
* Bulkhead's "Did I do that?" line is almost certainly a reference to Steve Urkel's catchphrase from ''Family Matters''.
* Starscream says "Rust in peace!" as in "Rest in peace".
*Bulkhead and Starscream holding up the collapsed cave ceiling is similar to the image of Atlas holding up the sky in Greek mythology.

===Errors===
* When the cave-in begins, Bulkhead gets down on his hands and knees to shield Miko from the collapsing ceiling. In the next scene, however, he's standing upright and holding up a far larger piece of rock than he had been previously covered with.
* During Megatron's first rant at the beginning of the episode, his optics are momentarily off-center. It appears as if he's gone wall-eyed. Hilariously enough, this happens right as he's telling Starscream to not take him for a fool.
* Starscream's left eye turns white as he pleads for Megatron to spare him.
* Bulkhead has Miko hit him with a rock to signal Jack. Either he's devoting ''all'' his energon to holding up the rock, or he's forgotten about his sound system.
* Not so much an error as a curiosity, but based on the day/night cycle shown outside the cave, at least 12 hours passed during the episode. In all that time, the other Autobots made no apparent effort to look for their lost comrades. Considering Miko's concert was supposed to happen two hours after the start of the episode, they should have noticed something was amiss when no one came back.
* Even though the sounds of robots stomping around and yelling should echo throughout the cave, Megatron and Starscream go completely unnoticed until Arcee and Jack stumble upon them by accident. Furthermore, Megatron and Starscream enter the cave mere minutes after Arcee and Jack, yet somehow manage to get ahead of them in the tunnels undetected.
* Bulkhead says that Autobots don't need to breathe, but when Starscream gets out of the cave, he coughs and gasps for air.
* The foot stomping in front of Jack and Miko must be Megatron's (the only other possibility is Arcee and they wouldn't gasp in fear in front of her, plus it's clearly Megatron's angular heel and the curved piece of metal above it), but in a later episode Miko protests that she's the only one of the children to have never seen him.

===Trivia===
* This is one of the few episodes storyboarded by the artist [[Adam Van Wyk]].
* Megatron seems awfully surprised that Starscream would run at the first opportunity. Did he think Starscream wouldn't care about his earlier death threat?
* Ratchet probably never got that rock sample. Too bad.
===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fundo do Poço'''" ("Rock Bottom")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 12|12 March]] [[2012]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Huis clos'''" ("Claustrophobic atmosphere")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 21|21 December]] [[2011]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Unter der Erde'''" ("Under the Earth")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 27|27 January]] [[2012]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Omlás'''" ("Cave In")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 2|2 February]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Terjebak dalam Tambang'''" ("Trapped in a Mine")
:*''Original airdate:'' 26 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Toccare il fondo'''" ("Touching the Bottom"), "'''Fondale Roccioso'''" ("Rocky Bottom", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 27|27 November]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tansa Henkei! Chiteikara no Dasshutsu'''" (探査変形!地底からの脱出, "Exploration Transformation! Escape from the Underground")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 11|11 August]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gwangsan Maemol'''" (광산 매몰, "Buried in the Mine")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31|31 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 29|29 December]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tocar fondo'''" ("Touch Bottom")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 23|23 June]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Strength in Numbers (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 5: Metallische Anziehung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 10 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 4: Une alliance inattendue ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 4: Improbabili alleanze ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Unlikely Alliances ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Rebellion (Prime)

2025-06-27T20:56:03Z

Eucryphia: Typo fixing, typos fixed: Meanwhile → Meanwhile,, However → However,

{{disambig2|the ''Prime'' episode|the ''Armada'' episode|Rebellion (Armada)}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 56
|prev=Prey (episode)
|next=Project Predacon
|image=Rebellion-eyes.jpg
|caption=[[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|It happens...]] [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)|but miracles happen, too.]]
|title="Rebellion"
|season=3
|season ep=4
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awol8ZeMwUg
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Team Prime wages war against the Decepticon citadel.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Autobot]]s prepare for battle, [[William Fowler|Fowler]] points out that the military has the weapons necessary to take down the fortress, but can't attack while [[Darkmount (Earth)|Darkmount]]'s [[fusion cannon]]s are pointed at major cities. [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] resolves to disable the cannons. As Darkmount has [[GroundBridge]] jamming capabilities, they will have to attack in a more roundabout way.

In an underground cavern, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] expresses his doubt that he's ready to be a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], but [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] points out that the decision will be made by the [[Matrix of Leadership]].

[[File:Rebellion-Shockwave.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Move out, Predacons. We've waited a long time for this, yesss. Let us be close enough to enjoy it.]]

[[Jack Darby|Jack]] uses his cellphone at a gas station, and his signal is promptly picked up by the [[Decepticon]]s. [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] dispatches his seekers to investigate, but [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] GroundBridges Jack back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'' before they can reach him. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] likewise calls for pizza from a [[New York City|New York]] alley to lure Decepticons there. Ratchet has Jack make a fake transmission from an [[Energon]] Mine, forcing Starscream to send [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s to check the location. With the Decepticon forces thus scattered, the Autobots bridge to the fortress while Fowler stands ready at a nearby air base with a squadron of jets.

[[File:Rebellion-UltraMagnus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|They have deduced our strategy, such as it was.]]

As the report comes in that the Energon Mine is safe and not under attack, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] demands to know why the Decepticons have been spread so thin. [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] solves the mystery of where the Autobots are by pointing out the existence of the ''Harbinger'', however before Starscream can dispatch his armada to attack it, Darkmount itself comes under attack. Down below, [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] toss grenades at the base of the fortress and use their new weapons to stave off the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s that attack them. Meanwhile [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] take a more subtle route.

[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] humbly suggests releasing [[Predaking (Prime)|the Predacon]] to repel the attackers. The beast enters the fray, but is quickly distracted by the ''[[Iron Will]]''. As it attempts to chase Magnus, Ratchet opens a GroundBridge, sending the creature to the Arctic, where it quickly freezes. Shockwave leaves the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' and starts jumping down the side of the fortress.

The dying Optimus begins to have a vision of the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]] and [[Alpha Trion]]. Though Prime worries about the fate of the Matrix, his old teacher assures him it will pick a new leader.

Arcee reports to Magnus that she and Bumblebee have run into some trouble and are pinned down. Ultra Magnus decides to take matters into his own hands, entering the fortress and attacking the fusion cannon control room directly. He swiftly takes care of the Decepticons at the controls, only for Megatron himself to arrive. Meanwhile, Shockwave reaches the bottom of the tower and incapacitates Bulkhead and Wheeljack with a single tank cannon blast, and Arcee and Bumblebee are surrounded by Decepticon troops. Ultra Magnus fights bravely against Megatron, but ultimately loses and is dragged up to the throne room.

Alpha Trion invites Optimus to join with the Allspark. In the cavern, the Optimus's optics flicker out and his chestplate opens up to reveal the Matrix. Smokescreen has other ideas, and drags the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] over in order to place it in Optimus's hand. A surge of energy emanates from the hammer.

[[File:Rebellion-prepunch.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|My turn.]]

As Ultra Magnus won't tell Megatron anything, the Decepticon leader orders the prisoners executed and the fusion cannons fired, however Starscream points out that there's something incoming. In the ''Harbinger'', Ratchet also detects the inbound object, and it has an Autobot signature. It reaches visual range of the Decepticons, revealing itself to be Optimus himself, in a new upgraded form. Landing in the throne room, Optimus deals Megatron a series of concussions before smashing the Decepticon leader all the way into the throne. Once the other Decepticons have been dealt with, Magnus deals Starscream a shattering uppercut before briefing Optimus, who sets out to destroy the fusion cannons. The Autobots at the base of the tower, on hearing the news, overthrow their captors.

Enraged, Megatron takes to the air and attempts to shoot down Prime. The news that there are incoming human forces has Starscream order the fusion cannons to fire, but while they're still powering up, Optimus Prime punches Megatron and flings the Decepticon leader directly into the fusion cannon power core, disabling the cannons. The Autobots make a hasty withdrawal as Fowler's squadron of [[Skystriker (vehicle)|Skystrikers]] unleashes missiles on Darkmount. The Decepticons likewise retreat to their warship. Smokescreen drives up the highway in time to see the fortress come crashing to the ground.

Later, at [[Hangar E|a military base]], Fowler gives the Autobots a speech of thanks. The Autobots note that the Forge's power has been completely drained, but Ratchet assures Smokescreen he made the right choice.

[[File:Rebellion-Autobotgroupshot.jpg|700px|center|thumb|In the meantime, I've got a lot of catching up to do. People to meet, things to do... specifically to have Rattrap clear all of his junk out of my quarters!]]

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Alpha Trion]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (16)
*[[Decepticon Miner]]s (17)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (18)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (21)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (7)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[June Darby]] (9)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (10)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"Guess we'll have to sneak past enemy lines, Wrecker-style." 
"I couldn't deal with 'Wrecker-style' back on Cybertron, and I refuse to deal with it here."
:—'''Wheeljack''' and '''Ultra Magnus'''

"I knew the humans couldn't resist using their telecommunications... That is all they seem to do."
:—'''Starscream''' does have a point there...

"You left abandoned Decepticon technology fully operational, AND UNSECURED?!"
:—'''Megatron''' learns that Starscream is (unsurprisingly) bad at cleaning up after himself.

"Ultra Magnus, you are no Optimus Prime."
:—'''Megatron'''

"This isn't how the story's supposed to end."
:—'''Smokescreen'''

"Commander?" 
"Sir, you are looking...robust."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ultra Magnus'''

"Is it true the Forge has been drained of its power? Then any hope of rebuilding the Omega Lock has truly been lost." 
"I... did what I felt was right." 
"And your instincts once have again proven to be quite sound."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Smokescreen''' on the Forge of Solus Prime.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The Autobots dispose of Predaking in the same manner as they did the [[Scraplet]]s in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]". [[Chain of Command (Prime)|It doesn't work as well as they hoped]].
* The Forge of Solus Prime was established to be low on energy in "[[Prey (episode)|Prey]]". Optimus' upgrade drains it completely.
* Optimus repeats the line "Megatron, begone" from "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]", in much the same context.
* Wheeljack retains the scars inflicted by Starscream in "[[Scattered]]".
* With Darkmount destroyed and the Autobots getting a new base courtesy of the U.S. military, both sides are pretty close to where they started off. Just like old times.
* Despite her last encounter with Shockwave, Arcee does not seem at all surprised to see him. Nor is she even given any interaction with him.
* A returning Optimus deals with Megatron with a giant swing (grabs Megatron by the tail while he's in flight mode, spins him around and throws him), just like Megatron did with Starscream upon his own return from stasis in "[[Out of His Head]]".

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Prime (and [[Ginrai (human)|Optimus expies]]) gaining a flight-capable backpack is something of an Optimus tradition by this point.
* Ultra Magnus's "couldn't deal with" remark seems a nod to his [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart's]] oft-referenced line from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Animation and technical errors===
* When Wheeljack unsheathes his katanas to attack the Decepticons, the handles remain part of his character model as he draws them. The error is fixed by the next shot.
* When Optimus flies to the scene and quickly starts pounding Megatron, the latter's leg wobbling doesn't really match with background movement.
* Ratchet's "Pfft, well..." reaction to Miko suggesting the Forge might do him some good is completely out of sync with his mouth movements. The line itself is lifted from "[[Scattered]]".
* When Megatron drops to the ground about to fight Ultra Magnus, the sound from his landing seems to stop too abruptly. Normally there is a slight echo after a crashing sound effect.
* When Megatron shoots Ultra Magnus's rifle out of his hand, the laser is red instead of purple.

===Continuity errors===

* Wheeljack doesn't have a grenade on his hip when he and Bulkhead engage the Seekers, but it appears there immediately after he uses his energy whip to destroy a few of them.
* When the Autobots sent the Scraplets to the Arctic in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]", Ratchet reasoned that the smaller body mass of the Scraplets would render them much more vulnerable to the extreme cold. By comparison, both Optimus and Arcee remained functional, if somewhat impaired, for a significant period. Despite this, Predaking, who is even larger than Optimus (not counting the wings), is frozen solid in under a minute. In "[[Minus One]]", Predaking would engage Optimus Prime in a protracted battle in [[Antarctica]] with no signs of freezing over.
* Wheeljack is seen in Ultra Magnus' ship holding the energy whip ''and'' a blaster. However, in the battle that follows said blaster is nowhere to be seen.
* Darkmount was located right next to the ruins of the Autobot base. Smokescreen retrieved Optimus from the rubble and presumably hid him in a cavern somewhere close by. Yet when Smokescreen tries to join the battle, he's seen arriving by the highway, having apparently driven a considerable distance.

===Trivia===
* This episode has a different map of the United States, this time with Louisiana in the right place.
* This is the first time in this series that anyone has [[flight|flown]] in [[robot mode]].
* Fowler refers to the jet fighters as [[Skystriker (vehicle)|Skystrikers]], like the fighters from ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''; this was one of the set-ups for the eventually-canned ''[[Unit:E]]'' crossover project that ''Prime'' was intended to lead into.
* The "[[Transformers: Prime Beast Hunters the Autobits edition|Autobits]]" edition of the episode mistakenly describes ''Shockwave's'' face as receiving "over 300 cable channels", rather than Soundwave's as intended.
* Bulkhead is silent throughout the whole episode, unless you count his grunts during the various battles or his laughs heard at the tail end of the episode. [[Kevin Michael Richardson]] is still credited in the episode's credits.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rébellion'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebellion'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ostrom'''" ("Assault")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5|5 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Insurreição'''" ("Insurrection")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4|4 October]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ribellione'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelión'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 10|10 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Dawn of the Beast ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Out of the Past

2025-06-27T20:55:15Z

Eucryphia: /* Continuity notes */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: ’s → 's

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 43
|prev=Hurt
|next=New Recruit
|image=OutofthePast-Shockwave.jpg
|caption=Arcee's partners are all dead.
|title="Out of the Past"
|season=2
|season ep=17
|airdate=[[August 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Mike Johnson]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7WdJYoKsLs
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Arcee recalls the time she and Cliffjumper discovered Shockwave and Starscream were building a space bridge.'''

==Synopsis==
''The ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' flies through space. On the bridge, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] is dragged before [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] who's interested in decrypting an Autobot signal he's intercepted. While Arcee defies his "offer" by telling him where to go, Starscream reveals he has another prisoner—[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]].''

In the present day, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] is struggling with his recovery, with [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] providing some "encouragement" in the form of ordering him around. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] is similarly struggling to decode the recovered Iacon database. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] says Bulkhead needs a break, despite Miko being annoyed at the slow progress her friend is making. She storms out of the base, but Arcee follows and finds her crying atop the plateau in which the base is located. The Autobot tries to talk to her friend about Bulkhead, and the conversation leads to Miko asking about Cliffjumper.

[[Image:OutofthePast-CliffArcee.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Did it have anything to do with those sirens around noon?" "I said I ''don't'' want to talk about it!"]]
:''Cliffjumper is dumped in the cell, having undergone torture but has resisted talking. He and Arcee discuss how they came to be back on Cybertron. Elsewhere Starscream complains about the failure of his interrogation, and [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] suggests taking them down on the planet's surface. Starscream and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are soon leading the two prisoners through [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] to a laboratory. Cliffjumper is concerned at the sight of the many tools lying ready to be used, even more so when Starscream introduces them to [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] himself. The two Autobots are strapped to tables, and Shockwave uses a [[cortical psychic patch]] to hook in to Arcee's mind. The process is successful and Starscream uses it to decode the transmission—which turns out to be Optimus Prime's message to bring the other Autobots to [[Earth]].''

:''Though the Decepticons have assumed Arcee is dead, she is very much alive and surreptitiously begins freeing herself. As Shockwave prepares to finish off Cliffjumper, Cliff suggests Starscream should be the one to do it. Shockwave leaves them to it, but as Starscream moves in, he's attacked by Arcee. She straps him to the free table and releases Cliffjumper. Starscream quickly folds under questioning and confesses Shockwave remained on the planet because he's building a [[space bridge]]. Knocking the 'Con out, Arcee goes to shut down the space bridge, and Cliffjumper insists on going along, despite her skepticism about his capacity for stealth. As they walk, Cliff suggests they should join Optimus's team, but Arcee isn't as keen, and rejects the idea that Cliff is her partner. Cliffjumper believes she shouldn't close herself off just because of [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death.''
[[Image:Cliffjumper and Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|"Thumbs up if you think Shockwave is weird!" "0_0" "He's right behind me, isn't he?"]]

Miko recognizes the truth of this advice, but asks Arcee what happened next.
:''Arcee and Cliffjumper find the space bridge, with two Vehicons operating it. While Cliff provides a distraction, Arcee starts sabotaging the bridge to overload it. Unfortunately Shockwave arrives and attempts to fix the bridge. Cliffjumper dispatches the Vehicons before sparring with Shockwave, ultimately being defeated by the hulking Decepticon. Arcee lends a hand, bringing the roof down on the Decepticon, but the pair become pinned down by Starscream and some Vehicons. Starscream demands they reverse the damage to the space bridge, but they instead head through it. Halfway through the space bridge tunnel, Shockwave catches up with the two Autobots and they exchange fire until Arcee shoots him in the eye. The space bridge deposits Cliffjumper and Arcee on Earth seconds before exploding, and after declaring themselves partners, they go to find Optimus.''

Arcee finishes her story as the sun goes down, saying she misses Cliffjumper. Miko rests her hand on Arcee's in a gesture of comfort as they watch the sunset.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
*''[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] (5)''
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (10)
*''[[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] (13)''
|c2=
*''[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (1)''
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (3)''
*''[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (4)''
*''[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (11)''
*''[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (12)''
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"After I lost my first partner—Tailgate—I pushed everyone away, until Cliffjumper came along." 
"What was he like?" 
"Cliff was... quite the conversationalist."
:—'''Arcee''' tells '''Miko''' about her late partner

"So this is Kaon, huh? Love what you Decepticons have done with the place. The ruins are especially picturesque."
:—'''Cliffjumper'''

"Erm... Shockwave, are you certain you can extract the decryption code without first nullifying our subject's neural net?" 
"I ''invented'' the cortical psychic patch! I am familiar with its idiosyncrasies."
:—'''Starscream''' doesn't need to explain to '''Shockwave''' how ''his own tools'' work.

"While it often pains me, I ''try'' to be a team player."
:—'''Starscream''' lies, big surprise

"Only Starscream could fail to dispose of a helpless captive."
:—'''Shockwave'''

"They should really stop shooting at us if they want our help."
:—'''Cliffjumper'''

"Funny. At first I didn't think I'd ever get used to Cliff's constant chatter. Now, there's nothing louder to me than the silence."
:—'''Arcee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This episode retells the prequel story told in [[Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)|the IDW graphic novel]] (also written by Mike Johnson). The story's still about Arcee and Cliffjumper learning about Optimus Prime on Earth, uncovering a Decepticon plot to reestablish forgotten [[space bridge]] technology, Cliffjumper pretending to forfeit to the Decepticons as a cover for Arcee's hijinks, and them running for the space bridge portal to Earth while being blasted at by Decepticons. However, each of these stories occur in an incompatible way, and the episode gives responsibility for the space bridge project to Shockwave instead of Starscream. A notable change to the timeline see the episodes contradict the graphic novel's statement that Starscream had been on Earth with Megatron during the initial clash between the Autobots and Decepticons there (three years prior to the start of the cartoon), and only returned to Cybertron to set up the space bridge; on-screen, it is clear he has ''not'' been to the planet before, given that he requires Prime's signal to locate it (which in the comic only served to provide Cliffjumper and Arcee with knowledge of Prime's location).
* Optimus Prime's message is ''prooooobably'' meant to be the same one that brought the [[Rescue Force Sigma-17|Rescue Bots]] to Earth, but its composition is different. But hey, [[Aligned timeline|squint test.]]
* Bulkhead has regained consciousness since the events of "[[Hurt]]", but he can barely walk.
* Optimus tries to decode the rest of the Iacon database gained in "[[Triage (episode)|Triage]]".
* Shockwave is revealed to have forcibly used the cortical psychic patch on Arcee, explaining her later reluctance to willingly undergo the procedure during "[[Sick Mind]]".
* As a nod to Cliffjumper's eventual fate, Starscream decides to eliminate Cliffjumper "the old-fashioned way": [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|by eviscerating him with his claws]].
*Arcee's declaration that space bridge technology was lost for a long time was true in the novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Cliffjumper mentions getting lost in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], which did sort of happen in ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'', and he was, kind of, separated from his unit (if you count [[Sideswipe (WFC)|two]] [[Jazz (WFC)|bots]] as a unit). However, Cliff ''did'' have Jazz to talk to. (Talk "at")
===Transformers references===
*Shockwave stayed behind on Cybertron after Megatron departed, much like how his G1-counterpart - and several other counterparts - remained on the planet.
* Throughout several continuities, Shockwave has kept to logic as his sense for reason.
* This isn't the first time that [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] has attempted to extract [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|codes]] from [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]]. The same happened [[This Is Why I Hate Machines|towards]] [[Endgame, Part I|the end]] of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]''.
* Cliffjumper pretends to be an Autobot traitor. In [[Cliffjumper (G1)|another life]], Cliffjumper [[Traitor (episode)|accused]] [[Mirage (G1)|other Autobots]] of being traitors. In [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|yet another life]], Cliffjumper [[Autoboot Camp|sent]] an [[Wasp|innocent Autobot]] to prison for being framed as a traitor, ironically by [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]].

===Real-world references===
* The episode shares a title with the 1947 film noir {{w|''Out of the Past''}}, directed by {{w|Jacques Tourneur.}}

===Errors===
* Within the space bridge, Cliffjumper is by Arcee's side while shooting at Shockwave, but disappears when it's just Arcee facing the Decepticon. He reappears as Arcee shoots Shockwave's eye.
* When Starscream and Shockwave are listening to Optimus Prime's transmission, Shockwave is seen on the left of Starscream. When it ends, he's on the right. Of course, he might have changed position while the camera was focused on the Autobots.
* The bottom part of Arcee's head crest is red, but turns silver when she and Cliffjumper are interrogating Starscream. This happens again when they are in the space bridge vortex.
* In this episode, a point is made of the fact the space bridge controls are essential to its correct operation, with Arcee going after the nearby command console, and "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]" depicting the Earth-based bridge as having operators and maintenance staff. However, in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" and "[[Alpha/Omega]]", the bridges are simply remotely controlled from the warship. If the ones in space don't have this as a dependency, why do the Earth-based ones?

===Trivia===
* Cliffjumper is voiced by [[Billy Brown]], whose imitation of [[Dwayne Johnson]] generally sounds quite convincing.
* Shockwave is revealed to be the inventor of the illegal cortical psychic patch. Not surprising, considering he's also responsible for some "certain" changes made to some "certain" [[Dinobot (FOC)|Autobots]].
* As in "[[Predatory]]", the primary characters use the same models, meaning they all have Earth-mode kibble well before ever visiting Earth.
* Starscream gloats about how he captured the uncaptureable Arcee. Apparently he never heard of her [[Predatory|encounter]] with Airachnid. This is consistent with comments he makes in the episode "[[Partners (Prime)|Partners]]", in which he asks "Who's Tailgate?", accidentally revealing to Arcee that it was he who killed Cliffjumper.
** In general, Starscream's interrogation of Arcee at the beginning of the episode is very similar to Airachnid's attempts to extract information from her, although Arcee takes the former's threats better than the latter's.
* Arcee's flashback of Tailgate's death happens during the flashback of her adventure with Cliffjumper. A flashback within a flashback. Flashbackception. ''BWAMMMM''.
* The show's writers, not knowing what to do with the character, intended to kill Shockwave off by the end of this episode (à la [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]], [[Makeshift (Prime)|Makeshift]], and Cliffjumper himself), before coming up with a way to incorporate him into the show's third season.
* Perhaps unsurprisingly due to most of the featured characters using Earth-mode models before visiting Earth, this episode features a solitary instance of transformation: Bumblebee's, upon returning to base. Not even Shockwave, who ''has'' no Earth-based-vehicle-bits on his model, transforms.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Coéquipiers'''" ("Teammates")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Schatten der Vergangenheit'''" ("Shadows from the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 2|2 February]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tsuioku Henkei! Arcee no Kako'''" (追憶変形!アーシーの過去, "Reminiscent Transformation! Arcee's Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 26|26 January]] [[2013]]
:*Shockwave is given a speech quirk, spouting the word "shock" every other time he does something and weaving it into many of his lines, causing him to describe much of what happens as "shocking". For example, when Cliffjumper's blasts don't harm him, he responds with "Shocking, isn't it? That doesn't work on me." This is similar to how [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|''Armada'' Tidal Wave]], who was named Shockwave in Japan, talked. This is also his only appearance in the Japanese broadcast.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''No Passado'''" ("In The Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 25|25 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un salto nel passato'''" ("A Jump in the Past"), "'''Dal Passato'''" (2017 airing, "From the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 7|7 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 22 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 10: Bulkheads Mission ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Unclear Objectives ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 3: Toxicity ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 3: La course aux reliques (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 3: Il Tox-En (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Adaptations]]
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Orion Pax, Part 3

2025-06-27T20:55:06Z

Eucryphia: Typo fixing, typos fixed: didn’t → didn't, It’s → It's (2)

{{disambig3|Orion Pax}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 29
|prev=Orion Pax, Part 2
|next=Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
|image=OrionPax3 Optimus Decepticon insignia.jpg
|caption=Man, that must have been some party last night!
|title="Orion Pax, Part 3"
|season=2
|season ep=3
|airdate=[[March 3]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr-95ohnbnU
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Jack and Arcee undertake a dangerous mission on Cybertron to access Vector Sigma, while Orion begins to rebel against Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:OrionPax3 Jack and Arcee find entrance.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Speak, friend, and enter.]]
[[Jack Darby|Jack]] and [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] walk through [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], guided by the light of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]. They come upon a circular clearing, and the key glows intensely, indicating that they must be close. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and cracks appear in the surface. The duo watch in awe as a passageway rises from the ground, its door illuminated the same as the Key. It opens, but just as the two are about to enter, an enormous creature rears up from atop the passage. Arcee's [[Autobot]] symbol catches its eye, and it charges her, Arcee's minute strength doing nothing to injure it. She is quickly incapacitated, and the creature notices Jack, giving temporary pursuit until distracted by Arcee. Jack radios [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and is told that the creature is an [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]], one of many sentries left to guard the dead [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Arcee tells Jack to go, to his surprise, but he realizes the necessity. As he enters, the door closes behind him.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] inquires as to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion]]'s progress on [[Project Iacon]]. Orion says it's tough work, but Megatron says otherwise, revealing to him that all of his unsanctioned research has been recorded. Orion takes the opportunity to ask about his reported affiliation with the Autobots, but Megatron merely tells him to get back to work. Orion decides that enough is enough, and erases his progress in the archives. Megatron laughs, and shows the clerk that he has been recorded and documented in his pursuits. [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] intrudes, to show Megatron that one of their sentries came online on Cybertron. Orion asks how anything is alive on the planet, but Megatron tells him to continue his work-or be terminated.

[[File:OrionPax3 Megatron threatens Orion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Look, Orion! You can see your reflection on my sword!]]
Back on Cybertron, Arcee tangles with the enormous bug, but is no match for its brute strength. Finished with her, the Insecticon turns its attention to the fleshling, and breaks its way into the tunnel.

In the depths of the tunnel, Jack hears a [[Scraplet|familiar noise]], and uproots a metal bar for protection.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', Megatron reviews the reports with Soundwave. He learns of the [[space bridge]]'s activation, its endpoint, and the fact that it is still active. He quickly deduces the Autobots' plan.

In Cybertron's depths, Jack arrives at the chamber of [[Vector Sigma]]. He proceeds to the center of a circular platform, where he places the Key. The entire chamber begins to transform and glow with the Key's energy, and the enormous supercomputer reveals itself, and begins to transfer its energy to the Key.

On the ''Nemesis'', Orion is hassled by the guards. He appeals to their "good nature", saying that he believes Megatron will use the information he is agglomerating for nefarious purposes. Good-old fashioned police brutality ensues as the helpless clerk is kicked and punched by his guards.

[[File:OrionPax3 Jack watches download.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Don't go into the light!]]
In the chamber, Jack is antsy about the speed of his download. His problems lie beyond his dial-up however, because behind him, a horde of Scraplets has just woken up. While they have no interest in harming Jack, they quickly notice the ''very'' alive metal before him, in the form of Vector Sigma (a spinning ball of blue light) and the Key. Jack is helpless to fend them off, and they begin to snack on the delicious download port. He reports frantically on his position to ground control.

In the space bridge chamber, however, the Autobots have problems of their own as Megatron steps out of a [[GroundBridge]] to them. Ratchet tells them that they must hold the Bridge at any cost, and the battle begins. Unsurprisingly, Megatron easily floors every Autobot twice.

On Cybertron, Arcee awakes to find a Scraplet chewing on her foot. She blasts it off, and notices the opened passage — and the absent Insecticon. Transforming, she speeds into the passageway.

Jack valiantly smashes the Scraplets as they feed, but is unable to stop their progress towards the Matrix. Another problem presents itself behind him in the form of the Insecticon. It charges towards him, but stops in its tracks, staring at the Key. Jack realizes why, and the Scraplets suddenly become a blessing. He formulates an idea, pulling a Scraplet off the Key and pointing it at the aggressor. The Insecticon turns tail as it realizes what's happening, but the Scraplets give chase and latch on, quickly chewing through the giant insect as it falls to its doom, limbs disconnected. The download completes, and Jack retrieves the key. Arcee finally arrives, and the two depart.

The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] guards continue to beat down Orion, and one of them lets slip that it's a privilege to beat the former leader of the Autobots. Orion pleads with them to stop, and in desperation, he accidentally activates his blasters. He is shocked to realise that he has been installed with ''any'' weapons, and the guards realise they are in trouble, firing upon him. He is further surprised by the ease with which he dispatches them.

[[File:OrionPax3 the Matrix reloaded.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Reverse Care Bear Stare.]]
Arcee and Jack arrive at the space bridge portal, and radio Ratchet about their position. Total silence on the comm tip them off that something is wrong, and, undetected on the other end of the portal, Megatron waits to end the lineage of the Primes. However, he is surprised by the sudden arrival of Orion Pax, who vows that, no matter what his heritage might be, his spark sympathises with the Autobots. He deploys his blades, and charges for Megatron, but is quickly defeated. Megatron says that he has much to learn, and prepares to kill him, but Arcee speeds through the bridge and collides with him, sending them both flying. In the light of the bridge, Jack presents the Key to Orion, who hesitates in his humility, but accepts his destiny.

The Key begins to upload the Matrix to its host. Megatron, preoccupied with fighting Arcee, notices this, and desperately runs at him. However, Orion Pax—now ''Optimus Prime'' once again—isn't ready to go down again, and trounces his enemy. A GroundBridge portal opens up, and the Autobots retreat.

At base, the Autobots and humans rejoice at their reunion. Noticing his Decepticon symbol, Optimus asks Ratchet what had happened. He replies that it was their darkest hour, but at every point along the way, Optimus was truly an Autobot at spark.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (15)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]] (3)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (1)
*[[June Darby]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (6)
*[[William Fowler]] (7)

|c4=
*[[Scraplet]]s (12)
*[[Vector Sigma]] (13)

}}

==Quotes==
"Why does history portray me siding with the Autobot aggressors? And why did Starscream call me a Prime? I must know...who ''am'' I?" 
"You are my clerk."
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' questions his identity, while '''Megatron''' responds with a firm establishment of the pecking order.

"This is taking a while..." 
"Of course it is! We are talking about the collective wisdom of the Primes!"
:—'''Jack''' is reminded by '''Ratchet''' that he's downloading a ''brain,'' not an MP3.

'''Vehicon''': "You have to admit, it's a privilege to stomp a former leader of the Autobots." 
'''"Orion Pax"''': "Arg! No! Please! Enough! I'm... I'm armed?"
:—"Orion" discovers he has blasters.

"That may be true, or yet another deception, but this much I do know: my sympathies lie with the Autobots, and you are ''not'' one of us!"
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' to Megatron, realizing the truth.

"Are you... certain I am worthy?" 
"You have no idea."
:—'''"Orion Pax"''' and '''Jack'''.

"Megatron... ''begone!"'' 
:—'''Optimus Prime''' returns.

"Optimus, it has truly been our darkest hour, but know this: from every indication your spark never ceased being that of an Autobot."
:—'''Ratchet'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The scraplets seem a ''lot'' nastier in this episode, chewing so fast as to render a hulking robot limbless in a matter of seconds. This is ''not'' an error, as many factors could contribute, such as the scraplets' inability to find living metal on the barren Cybertron and the ancient state of the Insecticon.
* Optimus still has the broken sword from way back in "[[One Shall Fall]]". It would seem that the Decepticons neglected to repair it. Or rather, neglected to mention that he had weapons in the first place.
* The Insecticon is the first Cybertronian in ''Prime'' to have a [[beast mode]].

===Transformers references===
[[File:OrionPax3 Vector Sigma in scraplet-vision.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Night vision on.]]
* Ratchet references ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' by referring an event as "our darkest hour", as he did before in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]", and as Optimus did in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]".
* Bulkhead calls Megatron "buckethead", a reference to [[Megatron (G1)|the original Megatron]].
* From the Scraplets' point-of-view, the sphere of Vector Sigma is seen in its faceted orb appearance common to many continuities.

===Real-world references===
* Bulkhead's line bemoaning the Scraplets on Cybertron is a paraphrase of the oft-referenced "Why did it have to be snakes?" line from the [[Indiana Jones]] film ''{{W|Raiders of the Lost Ark}}''.

===Errors===
* When Megatron is gloating after knocking Orion Pax to the floor, it appears that he has a sword embedded in his left arm, hanging by his side, but once the camera angle cuts from beside Megatron's feet to staring down his blade, we see that it is once again protruding from his right arm, just as it should be.
* As Megatron notices Jack recharging Optimus's Matrix and lets go of Arcee, his shoulder armour goes through the wall.
* Before the restored Optimus jumps through the Groundbridge while firing at Megatron, his right shoulder can be (very briefly) seen bearing the Autobot symbol, but it should still be Decepticon.
* In the episode [[Shadowzone (episode)|"Shadowzone"]], when the two Ground Bridge portals opened in close proximity to each other, the energy from both fed back on each other (as stated by Ratchet), and there was an explosion. Here, the Decepticons', and a bit later the Autobots' Ground Bridge portal opened ''right next to'' the still open Space Bridge, yet nothing happened. It's possible that their “streams” simply didn't “cross” this time, but it's still odd.
* Optimus can hear what Megatron is whispering before coming through a Ground Bridge to face him.
* While Megatron is charging at him, Optimus catches the levitating Key to Vector Sigma between his fingers. In the next shot he's blocking Megatron's blade with both hands. How the key didn't get destroyed in this is anyone's guess.
* When Optimus leaps through the ground bridge, his feet are still outside of the vortex when it closes.

===Trivia===
* Look closely at the arena in Kaon: it's the same arena as seen in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]". Ironic that the entrance to Vector Sigma lay beneath Megatron's feet at that moment.
* When the Scraplets look at Vector Sigma, most of the room is boring old dead metal, but the spinning blue light comes up in their vision as living metal. The download area is clearly even more delicious.
* When Jack coaxes the Scraplets into attacking the Insecticon, he calls it "the main course", echoing what Bulkhead said while using himself as bait in "[[Scrapheap (episode)|Scrapheap]]".
* The way Optimus catches Megatron's sword just after he regains his memory is exactly the same as when Megatron caught Optimus' sword in "[[One Shall Fall]]". It even makes the same thundering noise.
* Jack never picked up a souvenir for Raf, which Raf asked for in the previous episode. No one ever brings souvenirs for Raf. Aww...
* You'd think that despite knowing that Orion was not as good a warrior as Optimus, Megatron would have ordered that he be disarmed.
* This is the last live appearance of the Scraplets (they'd later appear in a flashback during "[[Toxicity]]").
* Adaptations of this episode include a screen-capture-style comic version as part of ''[[Transformers Prime: The Orion Pax Saga|The Orion Pax Saga]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Partie 3'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Teil 3'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24|24 October]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kidō Henkei! Vector Sigma no Kagi'''" (起動変形!ベクターシグマの鍵, "Activated Transformation! The Key to Vector Sigma")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 20|20 October]] [[2012]]
*The talking Insecticon continues to call back to the Japanese-dubbed version of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] by saying "buzz buzz" when it flies around.

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Parte 3'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 5|5 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Orion Pax, Parte 3'''" ("Orion Pax, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 10|10 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — One Shall Stand ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 15 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 7: Orion Pax ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Volume 1: Orion Pax ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 1: Orion Pax (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

One Shall Stand (Prime)

2025-06-27T20:54:31Z

Eucryphia: /* top */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: July 31, 2012 → July 31, 2012,

{{disambig2|cartoon story arc|the mobile game event|One Shall Stand (Earth Wars)}}
{{Nav-Prime}}

[[Image:Prime one shall stand dvd cover.jpg|thumb|250px]]
"'''One Shall Stand'''" is the seven part ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' story arc that includes "[[One Shall Fall]]", the three part episode "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1|One Shall Rise]]", and the three part episode "[[Orion Pax, Part 1|Orion Pax]]". This story arc covers [[Unicron/Aligned|Unicron]]'s return, and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s amnesia after using the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to defeat him. A DVD of this story was released on July 31, 2012, by [[Shout! Factory]], cutting out commercial break fade-outs and scene repeats to function as a feature-length film.

{{chapters
|title=''One Shall Stand'' parts
|prev=Stronger, Faster
|next=Operation Bumblebee, Part 1
|content=* [[One Shall Fall|1]]
* [[One Shall Rise, Part 1|2]]
* [[One Shall Rise, Part 2|3]]
* [[One Shall Rise, Part 3|4]]
* [[Orion Pax, Part 1|5]]
* [[Orion Pax, Part 2|6]]
* [[Orion Pax, Part 3|7]]
}}

==Notes==
*The DVD includes extras such as “A Look at One Shall Stand” with [[Jeff Kline]], [[Duane Capizzi]], and [[Steven Melching]] and an animatic of [[One Shall Rise, Part 2]].
==External links==
*[http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Prime-One-Shall-Stand/dp/B007RMQ4H2 DVD page on amazon.com]
*[http://www.toonzone.net/2012/06/pr-transformers-prime-one-shall-stand-coming-to-dvd-on-july-31-2012-from-shout-factory-updated/ DVD press release]

[[Category:Prime episodes]]
[[Category:Story arcs]]

Metal Attraction

2025-06-27T20:53:34Z

Eucryphia: /* Errors */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: can’t → can't

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 18
|prev=Crisscross (episode)
|next=Rock Bottom
|image=MetalAttraction-stuck.jpg
|caption= Sadly, they don't fuse into [[Tigerhawk|a powerful being.]]
|title="Metal Attraction"
|season=1
|season ep=18
|airdate=[[July 9]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Nicole Dubuc]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHQQGpAbTKY
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots try to claim a magnetic weapon called a "polarity gauntlet" before the Decepticons get to it.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:MetalAttraction-JackJuneEep.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Jack discovers his mother's startling fetish.]]
[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] reports to [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that there's an incoming vehicle, which they initially assume to be a [[Decepticon]], but they relax when it turns out to be [[June Darby]] in her car. Jack's less than enthusiastic that his mother's come to check up on him ''again'', but the mood changes when Ratchet detects an unusual magnetic flux.

[[File:TFP ep18 BD optic patch.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|YOU ARE A PIRATE.]]
[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has also picked up the magnetic signature, which [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] recognizes as a Decepticon weapon. [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] volunteers to secure the invention. Megatron is skeptical of Breakdown's abilities following [[Operation: Breakdown|certain recent events]], but Breakdown insists.

[[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] arrive back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]] with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], but their high spirits drop when they realize Jack's mom is there. Arcee and Jack prepare to go conduct a routine diagnostic, but June's questioning about how safe it will be makes Arcee irritated. Ratchet asks Bulkhead to go and investigate the magnetic disturbance, and when Miko announces she's going too, Bulkhead is obliged to tell her to stay at base. Finally, June's questions become too much for Arcee, and she opts to go with Bulkhead.

In a desert area, Breakdown breaks apart some rocks to find the device he's after. No sooner has he picked it up than [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] puts in an appearance, clouts him and grabs the weapon. Breakdown recovers quickly and begins fighting Airachnid, until she burrows up from beneath the earth and drags him down, leaving him buried. She picks up the device and is ready to leave, when Breakdown pulls himself free of the ground, and the pair charge at each other.

[[File:TFP ep18 tag team.jpg‎|thumb|left|upright=1.67|"How many attraction jokes do you think we can come up with?" "A lot, Bulkhead."]]

Arcee and Bulkhead trudge through the rocks, discussing how Jack's mom is a killjoy, and Miko, who has quietly tagged along, asks if they can ban her from the base. Arcee calls for a [[GroundBridge]], but Miko talks her out of it, then requests Bulkhead play some rock music. Arcee tells him to shut it off, as it's not exactly stealthy, and they soon find Breakdown and Airachnid fighting. Leaving Miko a safe distance behind, the two Autobots leap into combat, surprising Airachnid, who has just gotten the upper hand. Bulkhead tosses Arcee into the air, and she shoots at the pair before charging at Breakdown, but Airachnid insists on facing Arcee herself. After a few minutes' fighting, Bulkhead and Arcee overcome their opponents, but Breakdown grabs the weapon and activates it. Warning him that it isn't a toy, Airachnid retreats underground, and Arcee and Bulkhead find themselves being dragged towards each other. The weapon hoists them into the air before slamming them back against some rocks. Satisfied, Breakdown transforms to return to the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''. Miko finds [[Miko's phone|her phone]] stuck to Bulkhead's chest and Arcee stuck to Bulkhead's back.

Driving along a road, Breakdown is ambushed and entangled in a web.

Ratchet realizes that the weapon Breakdown has is a [[polarity gauntlet]] and says their best bet to get Arcee unstuck is to get the gauntlet back. Arcee insists on Miko returning to base, and Miko complains loudly that she sounds just like Jack's mom, which June naturally hears over the comm link.

[[File:TFP ep18 Airachnid gauntlet.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|"Ooh, shiny."]]

At an old gas station, Airachnid tries on the gauntlet. Breakdown, securely webbed to the side of the building, suggests they could take it back to Megatron together, but she's not keen on rejoining the Decepticons and thinks the gauntlet will be perfect for keeping everyone else away. Bulkhead trudges up to the gas station to confront Airachnid, who tells him to put his hands up and turn around. He does so, and Arcee promptly opens fire, managing to shoot the gauntlet out of Airachnid's hand. The device activates and drags everything metal towards it, including Breakdown, who is pulled free of the webbing and shuts the gauntlet down. Bulkhead and Arcee begin awkwardly fighting Breakdown and Airachnid. Bulkhead manages to deck Breakdown and turns to face Airachnid, but then Breakdown uses the gauntlet to drop an [[oil]] derrick on the 'Bots.

Pinned under an unconscious Bulkhead, Arcee is menaced by Airachnid. Fortunately, Bulkhead comes around in time, and the pair stand up, now separated. Arcee attacks Breakdown, but Bulkhead finds himself no match for Airachnid, who grabs the gauntlet and uses it to draw Arcee to her. Bulkhead blasts Breakdown into another oil derrick, while Arcee and Airachnid fight. Arcee eventually gets possession of the gauntlet and uses it to polarize everyone so that they repel metal. Airachnid uses her webbing to snatch the gauntlet back and transforms to escape, but Bulkhead grabs onto her helicopter mode and throws her into Breakdown. With the gauntlet secured, Arcee and Bulkhead head back to base, where they give it to Ratchet, and June apologizes for being overprotective.

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron is unhappy when Breakdown returns apparently empty-handed, but Breakdown reveals he has Airachnid stuck to his back. Airachnid tells an amused Megatron that she is happy to return.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] (7)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (11)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (12)

|c3=
*[[Jack Darby]] (3)
*[[June Darby]] (4)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)

}}

==Quotes==
'''June''': So... where's Optimus? 
'''Ratchet''': On a scouting mission with Bumblebee. Sorry to disappoint. 
'''June''': And I wore heels and everything... 
'''Jack''': MOM!
:—June makes Jack uncomfortable with a few choice words.

"Allow me to redeem myself, master. What I have lost... is a constant reminder that I must never again fail you."
:—'''Breakdown''' rather darkly references his new eyepatch.

"It was a lovely burial."
:—'''Airachnid''' says after literally putting Breakdown six feet under...

"A scout should be silent but deadly."
:—'''Arcee''' unwittingly makes Bulkhead and Miko's day.

"Still up for a truce, muscles?" 
"Only because I hate Bulkhead more than I hate you."
:—'''Airachnid''' and '''Breakdown''' decide to look at the bigger picture.

'''Megatron''': Breakdown, you dare to return empty-handed?! 
'''Breakdown''': No, Master. 
''[Turns around, revealing Airachnid magnetized to his back]'' 
'''Megatron''': Airachnid... it has been some time. 
'''Airachnid''': Lord Megatron... what can I say? It's good to be back.
:—The Decepticons get an unexpected addition... and an expected pun.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Breakdown was bested by [[MECH|humans]] and lost his right optic in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".

===Transformers references===
* Ratchet notes that [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] are on a "scouting mission", but since ''Prime'' is part of the same continuity as ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'', and around this time the Rescue Bots needed Optimus and Bumblebee, there's a pretty good chance we know [[It's a Bot Time|where they]] [[Bot to the Future|actually were]].

===Real-world references===
* The episode title appears to be a belabored nod to the film ''{{w|Fatal Attraction}}''.
* Bulkhead and Arcee appear to perform a [[Fastball Special]] in combat. [[Along Came a Spider#Real-world references|This is not the first time a Bulkhead has used this move.]]

===Errors===
* Mere moments after Bulkhead states that he is polarised and can't touch metal, he grabs Airachnid out of the air and throws her at Breakdown. Is she not made of metal, or did the gauntlet's effects wear off that fast?
* Cellphones are primarily made of plastic, which is not attracted to magnetic objects. The gauntlet also took Miko's change, which is also not magnetic. Yet the gauntlet didn't attract Miko's belt buckle or earrings. Huh.
* A magnetic field that powerful should have wiped the electronics in Miko's phone.
* When Arcee is stuck to Bulkhead, she can still move her arms and legs. If the magnetic force were strong enough to hold her to him, her limbs would also have been stuck.
* Arcee's head jewel is miscoloured in several shots, pink in some, grey in others.

===Trivia===
* Breakdown's new optic patch was hinted at during [[BotCon 2011]] when an artist from the series was requested to sketch Breakdown by [[Chris Ho|a certain Transformers fan]]: the artist asked what [[Operation: Breakdown|episode]] had just been screened, thought for a moment, and soon provided an image of Breakdown with an optic patch.<ref>Vangelus revealed this during the [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/wtf-tfw-transformers-podcast/422249-wtf-primetime-14-operation-breakdown-june-22-2011-a.html "Operation: Breakdown"] episode of TFW2005's "WTF Primetime" podcast</ref>
* During this episode's original airing, the [[commercial bumper]]s were backwards: "we now return" was played at the start of each break and "we'll be right back" was played at the end.
* As of this episode, we finally have a mention of Jack's father having left him and June.

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Atração Metálica'''" ("Metal Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 5|5 March]] [[2012]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Attraction métallique'''" ("Metallic Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 20|20 December]] [[2011]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Metallische Anziehung'''" ("Metal Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 20|20 January]] [[2012]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fémes vonzalom'''" ("Metal Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 1|1 February]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Senjata Magnet'''" ("Magnetary Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' 25 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Attrazione tra metalli'''" ("Attraction Between Metals"), "'''Attrazione Metallica'''" ("Metallic Attraction", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mitchaku Henkei!? Jiryoku Tag Match'''" (密着変形!?磁力タッグマッチ, "Adhesive Transformation!? Magnetic Tag Match")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 4|4 August]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jaseok Mugi'''" (자석 무기, "Magnetic Weapon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 25|25 October]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 28|28 December]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Atracción metálica'''" ("Metallic Attraction")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Strength in Numbers (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 5: Metallische Anziehung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 9 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 4: Une alliance inattendue ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 4: Improbabili alleanze ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Unlikely Alliances ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Ultimate Autobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==External links==
<references />

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Masters & Students

2025-06-27T20:53:30Z

Eucryphia: /* Synopsis */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: Meanwhile → Meanwhile,

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 6
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 5
|next=Scrapheap (episode)
|image=Masters&Students-SkyquakePrimefaceoff.jpg
|caption="One shall stand, one—" "Yeah yeah, 'one shall fall'. We've all heard it a million times now, Prime."
|title="Masters & Students"
|season=1
|season ep=6
|airdate=[[February 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[David Slack]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph1kmgfPcEw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''While Skyquake battles Optimus Prime, Starscream recovers the nearly dead Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Masters&Students-Nemesisbridgescreen.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Behold the functionality of our newest member: Jumbotron!"]]
[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] reviews the footage of [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s destruction and decides to make a rousing speech to the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troops. When one of the troops questions whether they have any chance of defeating the Autobots without Megatron, Starscream proclaims himself [[Emperor of Destruction]], but is disappointed with the less-than-enthusiastic response from his men. Starscream recalls that there is a [[Decepticon]] on the planet who is worthy to follow him.

[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] is unhappy about how their recent conflict turned out, as he had still hoped to convince Megatron that peace was possible. His conversation with [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] is interrupted by an explosion, but it's just [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]'s volcano—the kids are working on their science projects with the help of their guardian [[Autobot]]s. Ratchet's annoyed about the whole matter, but Optimus thinks it's a good opportunity to learn more about Earth. Though Ratchet believes the kids should be learning about Cybertron instead.

Hanging out near a canyon in the desert, [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] detects one of the many warriors left on Earth aeons ago to protect the [[energon]] deposits. He and Starscream head over to find the lost [[Decepticon]].

Raf and Bumblebee discuss 'Bee's lowly status in the Autobot army. Bumblebee aspires to become part of the warrior class, but Optimus says Bumblebee has much to learn before he can reach that rank. The base sensors detect the Decepticon activity in the desert, so Optimus decides to head out with Ratchet. Ratchet makes a quick excuse that he needs to help the kids with their projects, so Optimus takes Bumblebee instead.

[[File:Masters&Students-Ratch-animator.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|This is what happens when you give a giant alien robot sugar.]]
Starscream and Soundwave haul the warrior out of the ground and use an [[energon cube]] to revive him, revealing him to be none other than [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]. Skyquake announces he still serves Megatron, and he doesn't take kindly to Starscream declaring himself leader. They're interrupted by Optimus, who's familiar with Skyquake from the [[Battle of Technahar]]. Optimus tries to talk peace, but Starscream will only agree to a truce if Optimus bows to him. Skyquake's patience has run out, and, knocking Starscream aside, he charges Optimus. Starscream retires to a nearby clifftop with Soundwave and muses that all Decepticons will follow him once Skyquake destroys Prime while under his command. Optimus and Skyquake trade fire, but Bumblebee decides to take the initiative and attacks Skyquake as well. Starscream orders Soundwave to record it all. Optimus observes that Skyquake hasn't yet taken on a [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]], so the two Autobots transform and fall back.

Meanwhile, Ratchet is "helping" Raf build a volcano, in that's he's pretty much building it himself, and he intends to help Miko and Jack with their projects also.

Having lost sight of the combatants, Soundwave picks up a Decepticon signal from the location of the [[space bridge]] explosion. When he realizes that Soundwave means it's Megatron, Starscream tries to dismiss it as a false signal, but realizes he has to investigate it to keep up appearances. He leaves Soundwave, who surreptitiously dispatches the [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Minicon]] from his chest to follow his master.

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] investigates the communications coming from the area. He arrives on the scene just as Optimus and Bumblebee have managed to knock Skyquake down, and the Decepticon [[Scanning|scans]] [[Fowler's V-tol|his hi-tech jet]]. Taking to the air, Skyquake strafes the Autobots below, only for Fowler to attack him in turn. Skyquake fires some heat-seeking missiles at the human, who manages to evade them.

[[File:Masters&Students-BeeQuake.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Well, look's like it's time to eject!" "Wait, what about me?!" "...bye!" *Skyquake crashes*]]

Starscream arrives at the space bridge debris and is disappointed to find Megatron floating in space. The Decepticon leader is barely sustained by a sliver of [[Dark Energon]], which Starscream rips from him. Starscream then spies Soundwave's drone and, realizing he's being watched, is forced to transport Megatron back to the sick bay on the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]''.

As the chase below continues, Bumblebee jumps onto Skyquake, who unsuccessfully tries to knock the Autobot off. Optimus asks for Fowler's help, as high above the desert, Bumblebee rips pieces out of Skyquake, sending the Decepticon into a crash dive. Fowler draws alongside so Bumblebee can jump aboard his jet before Skyquake crashes into the ground below. Optimus observes that had Skyquake chosen peace, they would not be burying him.

[[File:Masters&Students-Megatronstasis.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Bendy straws slowly sucking the life out of him. Or bendy straws feeding him life. It's confusing.]]

Back at base, repairs on Bumblebee are complete, and Prime commends him on his performance. The kids arrive back with the news that Ratchet's science projects did not go down well; the Autobot Medic had built Miko a model of Cybertron rather than the solar system, Jack a flying saw, and Raf a volcano that blew a hole right through the [[Memorial High School|school]] roof. Ratchet is disappointed.

On board the ''Nemesis'', the Decepticons have gotten Megatron into [[Stasis lock|stasis]], and Starscream ''sincerely'' hopes he gets better.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (4)
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)
*[[Science fair judge]] (16)

}}

==Quotes==
"If we failed to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?" 
"Ah, allow me to be crystal clear: I studied for millennia under our former master, thus I am ''equipped'' to lead you—I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream, [[Emperor of Destruction]]!" 
[''Vehicons murmur'']
:— The '''Vehicons''' find '''Starscream''' leaves a lot to be desired.

''[Holding up an exhaust pipe]'' "Maybe it needs one of these doohickeys..." 
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" 
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?"
:— '''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' attempt to build a motorcycle.

"Awaken, warrior! Rise and serve your new master!" 
''[wakes up and emerges from stasis]'' "Skyquake serves only one master!" 
"Excellent! Your loyalty and devotion will set a fine example for the troops. No need to be timid, Skyquake. You may bow." 
"You fail to grasp my meaning. I am here on a mission, assigned to me by my one master, Megatron." 
"Yes, him. Sadly, Megatron is no longer with us." 
"Impossible!" 
"Why is this so difficult for everyone to accept?"
:—'''Starscream''' gives '''Skyquake''' a rude awakening.

"Well I'll be a bald eagle..."
:— '''Agent Fowler''', ever the patriot.

"Air superiority achieved!"
:— '''Skyquake''' does an impression of [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]].

"And this time...STAY DEAD!"
:— '''Starscream''' pulls off his most hardcore takeover attempt ever!

"Had Skyquake chosen to stray from his master's path, we might not be burying him today."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' somberly laments Skyquake's demise.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Optimus claims Skyquake can't transform because he hasn't scanned a vehicle mode yet, yet Skyquake is decked out in Earth-vehicle parts. This falls under "not ''really'' an error simply because the same applies to every character in the bloody series", as will be seen in later episodes.

===Transformers references===
* Starscream styles himself "[[Emperor of Destruction]]", the title used in the Japanese continuities for the leader of the Decepticons.
* This is [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|not]] [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|the]] [[Fragmentation (G1)|first]] [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|time]] an incarnation of Megatron has survived a space bridge disaster.
* [[Furmanism|"If Megatron could not conquer Earth, what chance do we have?"]]
* The classic transformation sound is clearly heard numerous times in this episode, as opposed to the newer "swooshing" effect used in ''Prime''.

===Errors===
[[File:MastersandStudents-Skyquakeunderjet.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Fowler's jet has this stuff too, but in gray.]]
* The copies of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]'' that Raf uses to make his paper mache volcano from are printed back-to-front, with the Sports section on the front and the masthead on the back. Since this happened again in "[[Deus ex Machina]]", maybe Jasper just really loves their sports?
* Fowler's jet has Skyquake's arms and legs attached as undercarriage. No wonder Skyquake wanted to scan it.
* When Skyquake slashes at Optimus after being knocked into a wall, it leaves a scratch mark visible on Optimus' chest. However, it's no longer there after Skyquake scans Fowler's jet, especially noticeable when Optimus transforms into his truck mode and the windshields seem intact.
* The image displayed on Soundwave's monitor is presumably meant to be the [[asteroid belt]], as the wreckage is too large to be that of the [[space bridge]]. However, the asteroid belt lies between [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] and [[Jupiter]], not between Earth and Mars.
* Soundwave is on the ground when Skyquake awakens, but is suddenly on top of the canyon behind them when Starscream retreats.
* Starscream finds Megatron in space because he hears Megatron gasping in pain. However, sound cannot travel in a vacuum. It could be excused as Megatron broadcasting via a radio transmission, but a short time later, Starscream is alerted to the presence of Soundwave's drone by the sound of it flying through space. Even more strange is that when Starscream talks in the explosion site, echoes can be heard. This is, however, a fairly common mistake, especially in children's television.
* In the first shot when a Vehicon gets Starscream's attention during the latter's speech about the loss of Megatron, Starscream's image on the screen is seen turning in the opposite direction, as if giving his back to a camera. In the next sequence, the image on the screen is seen as if the camera were now at the same angle of the viewer.

===Trivia===
* The name of this episode was spelled "Masters and Students" on the Hub's website.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110927013337/http://www.hubworld.com/watch/773790332001/transformers-prime-clip-1-masters-and-students Archive copy of HubWorld's "Masters and Students" sneak peek clip page]</ref>
* This is the first episode in the series to use the full [[title sequence]].
* Fowler's first name is mentioned onscreen for the first time. It had previously been revealed in the credits for "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Fowler flies a jet without wearing a jumpsuit, helmet, or oxygen mask. This was later explained in "[[Grill (episode)|Grill]]" as a modification Ratchet had made to Fowler's jet.
* The close-up on Agent Fowler before Bumblebee jumps off his jet is the same used in the sequence where he says "I still got it", only mirrored.
* Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Optimus Under Threat]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Skyquake, le retour'''" ("Skyquake Returns")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 16|16 November]] [[2011]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Meister und Schüler'''" ("Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 28|28 October]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mesterek és tanítványok'''" ("Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Guru dan Murid'''" ("Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' 10 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Maestri e allievi'''" ("Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Kūchū Henkei! Skyquake''' (空中変形!スカイクエイク, ''Aerial Transformation! Skyquake'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 12]], [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seuseung gwa Jeja'''" (스승과 제자, "Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13|13 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 12|12 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Alunos e Mestres'''" ("Students and Masters")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 13]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Maestros y Estudiantes'''" ("Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 26|26 November]] [[2011]]
::*This episode was unexpectedly first aired as part of a ''Transformers: Prime'' marathon instead of the usual time slot.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Hub promotional DVD ([[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 2: Meister und Schüler ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 3 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Ultimate Bumblebee (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK) 
:
A DVD of "Masters & Students" comes with the entertainment pack containing figures of [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]. This DVD is also included in the first-wave Prime Cyberverse Commander figures.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Masters and Students}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Hard Knocks

2025-06-27T20:53:26Z

Eucryphia: /* Real-world references */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: 00's → 00s

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 48
|prev=Alpha/Omega
|next=Inside Job
|image=HardKnocks-TheFourthKey.jpg
|caption="Ratchet, where are the instructions for this damn Kre-O set anyway?!?"
|title="Hard Knocks"
|season=2
|season ep=22
|airdate=[[October 5]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Mairghread Scott]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwLm59UmKrw
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''As the race grows more desperate, Smokescreen's boasts about his destiny turn out to be more than meets the eye.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] is still hard at work decoding coordinates, while [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] boasts about his defeat of Optimus. Soundwave soon comes up with another set of coordinates, and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] insists on going. Though Megatron is skeptical, recalling [[Tunnel Vision (episode)|the last time]] the doctor tried to obtain a relic, Knock Out insists he won't fail this time, and borrows Soundwave's [[Resonance Blaster]].

In the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] is likewise decoding coordinates. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] annoys everyone by boasting it is his destiny to be a great warrior and being generally exuberant. To his disappointment, when Optimus decodes a set of coordinates, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] are the ones selected to go on the mission, and he is left at base. Arcee and Bumblebee arrive at a lakeside and spy the second [[Omega Key]] sitting out in the open, but Knock Out is already there, waiting. Using the Resonance Blaster, both Autobots are sent flying and when they try to flank the Decepticon, he shoots it at the ground, raising a cloud of dust so he can use it as cover to zap them. By the time Arcee and Bumblebee recover, Knock Out is long gone with the key.

[[Image:HardKnocksDreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|I know what you're going to ask me: Where do I keep all those bombs?... Don't ask.]]
[[Image:HardKnocksKnockOut.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Look out, Cosmo, it's Superbike!]]
Back on the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron inspects the relic and wonders if it is a decoy, though Knock Out protests the Autobots fought too desperately for it. Soundwave decodes more coordinates which Megatron believes will provide them with more answers, but when Knock Out declares to investigate, Megatron instead gives him the task of analyzing the key and its purpose. Meanwhile, Bumblebee undergoes repairs, and Smokescreen's swagger continues to get on Arcee's nerves so she goes to find some peace and quiet. Bulkhead reminds Smokescreen that the war has been going on a long time and he needs to have patience to work as a team player.

[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] has finished refining his [[Red Energon]], but finding it slow work and with only a small yield of a one-time use. Luckily the ''[[Harbinger]]'' computer picks up more Decepticon activity, and Starscream decides he can use the Red Energon to obtain a more valuable artifact.

The Autobots gain a new set of coordinates, and Bulkhead and Smokescreen roll out, though Arcee reminds Bulkhead to keep an eye on their eager comrade. The pair arrive on a forested mountainside where [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] is waiting. The Decepticon knocks them flat before flying off, and the two Autobots realize that Dreadwing has mined the trees... '''all''' of the trees. They manage to outrun the explosions, and Bulkhead sends Smokescreen after the relic while he goads Dreadwing into a fight. As they exchange blows, Dreadwing plants a bomb on Bulkhead's back, and after Bulkhead manages to knock him flat, sets it to explode. Unfortunately for Dreadwing, Bulkhead already noticed the bomb and transferred it to his back during the fight, and though Dreadwing throws the bomb away, it goes off close enough to knock him out.

[[Image:HardKnocksBulkheadDreadwing.jpg|thumb|right|250px|FATALITY.]]
Smokescreen meanwhile uncovers the Omega Key, only to be rendered unconscious by a blow from behind. When Bulkhead wakes him, the key is already gone. Smokescreen is deflated by his failure, but as they return through the [[GroundBridge]], Bulkhead reminds him that they need all four keys to revive [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Starscream, hiding nearby with the key he grabbed, overhears them talking, and regards the key he holds with new respect and ambition.

Back at base, Smokescreen exclaims his inability of securing the key and Arcee lectures him on realistic expectations and tells him he needs to be a team player. Upset, Smokescreen leaves the base and Optimus, saying the young Autobot needs to clear his head, returns to decoding coordinates. On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron is unhappy at Dreadwing's failure, and checks with Soundwave regarding the project to find where the Autobot base is located. Soundwave reports that he has [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] scouting around [[Jasper]]. As both sides complete their decoding work, the final set of coordinates resolve into an image—a picture of Smokescreen himself, to both sides' surprise. Unfortunately when Optimus tries to call in Smokescreen, the rookie does not answer due to deactivating his comlink, and has instead fallen into Laserbeak's sights. Laserbeak fires on Smokescreen, who transforms to confront the drone, only to be knocked flat by Soundwave's Resonance Blaster. When the Autobots arrive at the location, they are just in time to see Soundwave dragging their unconscious friend back to the ''Nemesis'' through the Decepticon GroundBridge.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (7)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (9)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (3)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (12)
|c4=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"Last one to the Omega Key has to scrub the Energon tanks for a week." 
"Didn't know we were keeping score."
:—'''Smokescreen''' and '''Arcee'''

"Who knew that ''sound waves'' could be such a ''knock out''?"
:—See what '''Knock Out''' did there?

"Grrrrr...! Hurry up, already! How is it possible that speed-enhancing Energon takes longer to process than ''regular'' Energon?!"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Make sure you keep an eye on 'destiny's child', okay?" 
"Compared to watching Miko? Piece of cake!"
:—'''Arcee''' giving '''Bulkhead''' some advice on handling the rookie

"You love doing your dirty work from a distance, don't ya? Too bad you don't have the ball bearings to fight up close and personal!" 
"In this particular case, I would be all too happy to make an exception."
:—'''Bulkhead''' gives '''Dreadwing''' some smack talk.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Megatron brags about his accomplishments in [[Alpha/Omega|the previous episode]] to Soundwave.
* Megatron loosely refers to the events of "[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|Tunnel Vision]]" while expressing surprise at Knock Out's willingness to get his hands dirty in light of what happened the last time, as well as more directly in his failure to obtain the [[phase shifter]].
* Optimus still has the improvised sword-holder Ratchet made for him in the previous episode.
* Knock Out and Soundwave both use the [[Resonance Blaster]], which Soundwave retrieved in "[[Triage (episode)|Triage]]".
* Starscream has refined the [[Red Energon]] he obtained in "[[New Recruit]]", though it's only enough to last for one use or two. He also remembers the loss of the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] in the same episode.
* Dreadwing reminds Bulkhead of their previous battle in "[[Loose Cannons]]".
* Megatron mentions that recent events have allowed them to narrow down the location of the Autobots' human allies, most likely referring to their discovery of [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] house in "[[The Human Factor]]".

===Transformers references===
* Knock Out hopes that the new relic is an [[electro-disrupter]] cannon.
* The concept of an Autobot being the Omega Key comes from the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' game, only with [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]] being the Autobot instead of Smokescreen.

===Real-world references===
* "Slow and steady wins the race," is the moral in Aesop's story, "The Tortoise and the Hare".
* Arcee sarcastically refers to Smokescreen as "destiny's child," the name of a 1990s/2000s girl group.

===Trivia===
* Knock Out and Dreadwing both had the opportunity to take their assigned relics and leave, but stuck around to fight the Autobots. Dreadwing in particular must have spent hours placing bombs on all those trees.
* Unlike the other energon variants, no side-effects are seen with the use of refined Red Energon.
* Megatron sends three different Decepticons to do his dirty work in one episode. They must be taking shifts.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Coup bas'''" ("Low Blow")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Harte Schule'''" ("Hard School")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 21|21 February]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bakuen Henkei! Omega Key Soudatsusen'''" (爆炎変形!オメガ・キー争奪戦, "Combustible Transformation! Struggle over the Omega Key")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 2|2 March]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Achados e Perdidos'''" ("Lost and Found")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 16|16 August]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Colpi duri'''" ("Hard knocks")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 14|14 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 24 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 5: Advance on Cybertron ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 12: Die Entscheidung ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 4: Bataille épiques ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 4: Darkest Hour (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 4: L'ora più buia (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

The Human Factor

2025-06-27T20:52:58Z

Eucryphia: Typo fixing, typos fixed: Meanwhile → Meanwhile,, ’s → 's

{{disambig2|the 2012 cartoon episode|the 1990 comic story|The Human Factor!}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 45
|prev=New Recruit
|next=Legacy (episode)
|image=TheHumanFactor Cylas and Megatron.jpg
|caption=Soundwave! Tell [[Frankenstein|Dr. Frankenstein]] he forgot something!
|title="The Human Factor"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2012]]
|season=2
|season ep=19
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbJOeakYG1Y
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''After Silas is integrated into Breakdown's body, he approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[MECH]] base, a small team of surgeons and technicians hook [[Breakdown (WFC)|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, he no longer needs their services, and slaughters them.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorCylas.jpg|thumb|left|250px| [[Brainmaster|BRAIN SET!]]]]
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 (WFC)|Ratchet]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are trying to encourage [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to keep up his recuperation, despite the Wrecker's belief that he is 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.

[[Image:TPrime-Season2Ep19-The Human Factor - COL Leland Bishop.jpg|thumb|right|250px| Would you buy a used Decepticon from this man?]]
The Decepticons on the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', namely [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], are likewise surprised when Breakdown's signal shows up on their scanners. Knock Out and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are sent to investigate and find 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 (WFC)|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 Cylas: "Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis". Though Megatron is disgusted by such an abomination and Knock Out is keen to dissect Cylas as revenge for Breakdown's torture and the subsequent desecration of his body, the MECH commander wants to strike a deal with the Decepticons and offers the Damocles weapon as a token of friendship, telling him it's the best he has to offer. 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]].

[[Image:TheHumanFactorDamoclesInAction.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''I SEND THE THUNDER FROM THE SKY'' ''I SEND THE FIRE RAINING DOWN'']]
[[Soundwave (WFC)|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. Cylas 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 (WFC)|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 Cylas to deal with the matter, despite Cylas's chagrin. Cylas 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/Cylas operating the Con's body. The pair start fighting, but Bulkhead's weakness quickly begins to show.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorProjectDamocles.jpg|thumb|right|250px| It's a bird! It's a plane! It's none of the above!]]
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 Cylas, 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, see 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, Cylas 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 Cylas 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. Cylas 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 (WFC)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (7)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (17)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (18)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[MECH Commando]]s (1)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Raf's mom]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (16)

|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
"Thank you all for your dedication and a lifetime of service. But I now seem more suited to keep the exclusive company... of titans."
:—'''Cylas''' before killing his own men. Cold.

'''Jack''': You've got to be kidding, Raf! You of all people, grounded? 
'''Raf''': Big time. I misplaced some homework and blew a couple of tests. 
'''Miko''': Translation, A- instead of A.

"Breakdown may act the brute, but he's a maestro behind a rotary buffer!"
:—'''Knock Out''' launching a thousand slash [[Fan fiction|fanfics]].

"Megatron, relax." 
''*Megatron glares and growls at Cylas*'' 
"'Er, ''Lord'' Megatron."
:—'''Cylas'''

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

"For the record, I studied every one of the Wreckers' battles." 
"There's hope for you yet, newbie." 
:— '''Smokescreen''' and '''Bulkhead''' earn each other's respect

'''Megatron''': Cylas, you have earned your place at the table. 
'''Cylas''': Lord Megatron, I am honored. 
'''Megatron''': Knock Out's dissection table! 
'''Knock Out''': Breakdown would be tickled.
:—Well, '''Knock Out''' finally got ''his'' wish.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The base in which Silas is revived is the same one used in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* During Cylas's revival, one of the console's screens depicts the blueprints shown during Breakdown's dissection during "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".
* MECH was preparing to save Silas using Breakdown's corpse at the end of "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Silas refers to his merger with Breakdown's corpse as "the perfect meld of man and machine", the same line he used to describe [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] in its eponymous episode.
* Smokescreen offers Bulkhead the use of the Apex Armor, which he took from Starscream in the [[New Recruit|previous episode]]. Bulkhead's resentment of the newbie also started in that episode.
* Bulkhead uses the [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball from "[[Con Job]]" as a medicine ball.
* Cylas uses his real name (Leland Bishop) to introduce himself to the guard at the military base, which was first revealed by Fowler in the episode "[[Grill (episode)|Grill]]". Likewise, Project Damocles was first mentioned in that episode.
* After taking crippling injuries in "[[Toxicity]]", Bulkhead is finally well enough to go out in the field. He's far from 100%, but he can put up a fight.
* Knock Out references the events of "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and wants vengeance for it.
* The place in which Cylas, Bulkhead and Smokescreen fight is the same place Arcee and Bumblebee engaged the Vehicons back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", and it is shown to be —as Raf said in that episode— "right up the street" from Raf's house.
* Before fighting Bulkhead, Cylas states that the former will never again interfere with his operations, which references "Operation: Breakdown".
* Soundwave displays the picture he took of Jack, Miko, and Raf back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".
* And with this, MECH is out of the show. Cylas will appear again (much) later, but his organization is gone.

===Transformers references===
* This isn't the [[Autobot Spike|first time]] a human mind was placed in a robot body to preserve it.
* Nor is it the [[Attack from Outer Space|first]] [[Crisis (Armada)|time]] the Decepticons attempted to target Autobots from space.

===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''.
* Cylas' request of "take me to your leader" is a stereotypical phrase used in early sci-fi movies involving aliens arriving to Earth from another world.
* The satellite's name, Damocles, refers to the ancient anecdote referred to as "{{w|Damocles|the Sword of Damocles}}". Fittingly, the satellite itself resembles the hilt of a sword (with the laser as its "blade").

===Errors===
* When Knock Out detects Breakdown's signal, the image of Breakdown on the screen shows his current appearance, when logically the last image they should have had on file would be one with his optic patch. However, this may not be a mistake, since it is unclear how such images are obtained in the first place. Cybertronian self-portraits may well update themselves, 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.
* Raf's house, previously seen in "[[Out of His Head]]", now has a lamp post in the pavement in front of it.
* When Cylas targets Raf's house, he initially zooms in on one of the front windows, but the view showing the room's occupants is of one of the side windows.
* 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.

===Trivia===
* We learn Raf's full name in this episode: Rafael Jorge Gonzales Esquivel.
** We also learn Mrs. Equivel's maiden name: Gonzales. Hispanics typically have two last names - the first one from their mother and the second one from their father.
* One of Silas' biological eyes appears to be permanently dilated, known medically as {{w|anisocoria}}. Not only does it match Breakdown's uneven eye look, a permanently dilated pupil can also be a sign of serious cranial injury.
* Silas renaming himself Cylas ("Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis") is reflected in the end credits.
* The episode title is also a song by the band Metal Church. Along with "[[Toxicity]]", "[[Speed Metal]]" and possibly "[[Hurt]]", it would appear someone on the episode naming team is a big heavy metal fan.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Homme et la Machine'''" ("The Man and the Machine")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der menschliche Faktor'''" ("The Human Factor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 16|16 February]] [[2013]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jinzō Henkei! Kaettekita Hakai Senshi'''" (人造変形!帰ってきた破壊戦士, "Manmade Transformation! The Warrior of Destruction is Back")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 9|9 February]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Fator Humano'''" ("The Human Factor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 27|27 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il Fattore Umano'''" ("The Human Factor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 11|11 February]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 23 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 11: Die Omega-Schlüssel ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 4: Unclear Objectives ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 3: Toxicity ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 3: La course aux reliques (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 3: Il Tox-En (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

{{DEFAULTSORT:Human Factor}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Flying Mind

2025-06-27T20:51:00Z

Eucryphia: /* Continuity notes */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: on-board → on board

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 37
|prev=Armada (episode)
|next=Tunnel Vision (episode)
|image=FlyingMind-DecepticonsOnDeck.jpg
|caption=Alright, forget the bigger ship! Can we get a smaller ship instead?
|title="Flying Mind"
|season=2
|season ep=11
|airdate=[[April 28]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKD9GaH0Pso
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Megatron's attempt to repair the ''Nemesis'' has an unexpected side effect, forcing Raf, Jack, and Miko to put themselves in harm's way.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Optimus Flying Mind.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Optimus is the ''best'' at freeze tag.]]
With the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' down, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] discovers that [[Bulkhead (Prime)|an Autobot]] was responsible for the crash. Despite [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s protests, Megatron infuses [[Dark Energon]] into the ship's power core, hoping its regenerative effects will cut down on the lengthy time it would take to get the ship airworthy. Meanwhile, the [[Autobot]]s feel this might well be the time to strike. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] reluctantly decides to use the [[spark extractor|Spark Extractor]] to terminate the Decepticons for good.

The Dark Energon infusion of the ''Nemesis'' works perfectly, bringing the ship to full operational status in minutes. The energy is detected by the Autobots, who immediately set out with [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]]. They arrive to find the 'Con warship already airborne, and it begins firing on them. The Autobots attempt to get close enough to use the Spark Extractor, but the ship hits them one by one with a [[Stasis Beam|stasis beam]], surprising Knock Out that the ship possesses such a weapon, sending them into [[stasis lock]].

[[Image:FlyingMindHumanAid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Everybody clap their hands!]]
Megatron is pleased at being able to get the Spark Extractor back, but when he orders the ship to move closer, it abruptly changes course, and it is quickly discovered that the ''Nemesis'' is ignoring its pilots and flying ''itself''. When Megatron demands the ship's computer be overridden, the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] at the helm is electrocuted. The ship suddenly speaks up with its own voice, announcing it is in charge and on a mission. Knock Out notes it's decoding the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] database. Furious, Megatron demands they retake control, but when [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] attempts to do so, the ship retaliates and he's sent into stasis lock. When Megatron orders the Decepticons to sever all connections to the ship's mainframe, beams of energy sweep through the ship, disabling almost every last one of the 'Cons.

Back at base, Fowler notes that the ''Nemesis'' is heading towards North America, with its cloaking field down, no less, and the decision is made to try and contact Megatron to see what's up. On the warship, Knock Out is put into stasis lock while checking on the Iacon data, and Megatron attempts to disable the ship's power core, only to be put in stasis lock as well. When Ratchet contacts the ''Nemesis'', the ship responds and helpfully lets them know its mission is to find the missing Iacon artifacts of Decepticon origin. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the humans believe it's the opportune moment to download a copy of the Iacon database, so Fowler and the kids [[GroundBridge]] on board the ship, determining that the ship cannot detect humans, as it left Fowler unmolested while leaving the battle earlier. They find the [[Project Iacon]] console, and clambering up Knock Out, plug in the [[transfer drive]] Ratchet gave them. [[Jack Darby|Jack]] notices the ship is heading for [[New York City|Manhattan]], the location of the first artifact, and if they don't stop it somehow, the ''Nemesis'' will destroy whatever part of the city lies atop the long-buried relic. While trying to change the ship's course, Fowler is electrically shocked into unconsciousness, but the ship, still scanning for Cybertronian-based life forms, is unable to detect the kids.

[[Image:FlyingMindSecondOpinion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Welcome to the [[Knock Out (Prime)#Beast Hunters|food chain!]]]]
Though Ratchet wants to bridge the kids back, Jack realizes they have to do something now, and head to the ship's power core, hoping to de-activate the ''Nemesis's'' intelligence by dumping the dark energon out of the fuel supply. There they find the frozen Megatron, and Jack discovers that the manually-operated fuel injection valve is locked in place by Megatron's frozen hand. While he's still trying, the ship finally detects [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], assuming them to be vermin that are infesting it. As a manipulator arm starts chasing them, they hide among the [[energon cube]]s, but the arm moves the containers aside, eventually exposing them. Jack manages to attract its attention and trick it into hitting Megatron. The Decepticon leader topples over, dragging the lever down and reversing the [[energon]] flow. [[Image:Lower Manhattan Flying Mind.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Man, why can't the aliens attack Jersey for a change?]] Though the ship tries to use the manipulator arm to move the lever back, it's not fast enough to do so before its intelligence is lost. As the ship "shifts into neutral", the stasis locked Transformers inexplicably begin recovering, and the kids make all haste back through the corridors. While Miko and Raf help a still-loopy Fowler through the Ground Bridge, Jack goes after the transfer drive, but he's still struggling with it as Knock Out comes back online. Jack's saved from an untimely end when Ratchet appears through the GroundBridge and clobbers Knock Out, taking Jack and the transfer drive with him, just in time to miss the arrival of Megatron, who is rather unhappy with Knock Out.

Ratchet gives the now-recovered Optimus the good news about the data they retrieved, but they realize they must act quickly, as Megatron has no more scruples than his ship about harming human life, and the ''Nemesis'' is even now bearing down on Manhattan...

[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|To be continued]]...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (11)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (13)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (14)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (6)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (15)

|c3=
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
* [[Jack Darby]] (8)
* [[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
* [[William Fowler]] (10)

|c4=
* "[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]" (15)
|}}

==Quotes==

"And when the Insecticons backed off, I got inspired by my proximity to the power core, and did what I do best." 
"You trashed Megatron's ride like a rock star in a hotel room."
:—'''Bulkhead''' and '''Miko''' discussing Bulkhead's victory.

"If the ship isn't cloaked, maybe the communications relays are open and-" 
"Ehp, eph, are you suggesting that we just ''call'' Megatron and ask him what's happening up there?!
:—'''Jack's''' logic is questioned by '''Ratchet''', while all the other humans shrug, "Why not?"

"Doc Knock is ''knocked out!''"
:—'''Miko''' makes the joke we've all been waiting to hear.

"On your feet, soldier!" 
"...and beavers and ducks and walnuts and Grandma..."
:—'''Miko''' helping a debilitated '''Fowler'''.

"Say ''ahhh!''" 
"I'm here to offer a second opinion!"
:—Seeing '''Knock Out's''' attempt to operate on Jack, '''Ratchet''' gives him the hint that he might want to consider going back to medical school.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The Insecticons joining the Decepticons, Bulkhead's damage to the ''Nemesis'' power core and the ship's crash all took place in the [[Armada (episode)|previous episode]].
* Megatron makes note of Optimus's increasing ruthlessness and how he would no longer waste a chance to strike, likely referring to his near-termination by Optimus in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]".
* The Decepticons found their Dark Energon supply back in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 1]]", but it hasn't seen much use since the [[Unicron#Prime cartoon|Unicron]] revelation.
* Soundwave has been trying to decrypt the Iacon database since Optimus Prime recovered his memory in "[[Orion Pax, Part 3]]", and has apparently made very little progress.
* Though the ''Nemesis'' is established in ''[[Transformers: Exiles]]'' to be a stasis-locked [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]], its identity is left unstated here, as it does not refer to itself by name. [[Bob Skir]] has stated it was not meant to be Trypticon waking up.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DaZTNszyGU Moonbase 2 interview with Bob Skir]</ref> Confusing matters further, the ''[[Transformers: The Art of Prime]]'' book shows that a unique Trypticon wire-frame CGI design was created for this episode, which (barely) appears in the episode itself on the ship's monitors while the children are on board.
* The Autobots attempt to use the [[spark extractor]], which they acquired in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]".
* This is the first time Knock Out has used his drill weapon since [[Deus ex Machina|his premiere episode]].
* The ''Nemesis'' deploys paralyzing beams that work in a similar way to the [[Immobilizer]]. For Optimus, Bumblebee and Bulkhead, it thus isn't the first time in the series when they encounter this type of weapon.

===Transformers references===
* (tbd)

===Real-world references===
* The ''Nemesis''{{'}}s stasis beam uses the same sound effect of the Zat'ni'katel (or "Zat Gun") from ''Stargate SG-1''.
* Miko's "On your feet, soldier" is a reference to the 1984 film, ''The Terminator''.
* Miko refers to Knock Out as "Doc Knock," most likely in reference to "Doc Ock," a common nickname of ''[[Spider-Man]]'' villain Doctor Octopus.
* The ship gaining sentience, turning on the crew, and its defeat all bear similarities to HAL 9000 from the film, ''2001: A Space Odyssey''.
* The grid design that immobilizes Dreadwing and the Vehicons is similar to the laser hallways from ''Resident Evil''.

===Animation and technical errors===
* When Jack realizes that the ''Nemesis'' will have to tear down Manhattan to get to the first Iacon relic, the camera zooms out to show all four, including Fowler and Rafael on the control panel. However Knock Out, who should be frozen right behind the two on the control panel, is nowhere to be seen.
* In the previous episode, Bulkhead drove from the ''Nemesis'' crash site back to base rather than use the GroundBridge, suggesting the crash occurred not far away, or at the very least, on the same continent. In this episode, Fowler says the ''Nemesis'' is crossing the Atlantic Ocean and heading for North America.
* How does Jack on the ''Nemesis'' talk to Ratchet back at base without a cell phone? He appears to be using an earpiece, but there's no indication that he received one. Agent Fowler appears to do the same, earlier on.
* In the base, Ratchet appears to be monitoring the vitals of the humans. Unless they've suddenly become Cybertrionians, there's no explanation for how he can do this.
* When stasis-locked Megatron gets knocked over, his hand, still clutching the release lever, opens to allow him to fall all the way down. The rest of him stays completely stiff even upon hitting the ground.
* The Dark Energon infusion travels up the pipes to the main column, which is between them and the energon input receptacle, instead of going down their length from the column.

===Trivia===
* The ''Nemesis''{{'}}s voice is listed only as "Warship" in this episode's credits.
* It seems the amount of power required to stasis lock a Transformer isn't enough to kill a human, as the ship was unaware carbon-based life forms were aboard when Fowler was electrocuted, and was presumably trying the same trick it used on Soundwave.
* No clear reason is given for ''why'' the ''Nemesis'' independently considers gathering the Iacon relics to be "Priority One." Other enigmatic plot points, including the ship revealing it possesses weaponry that Knock Out note he was previously unaware of, and the way in which the ship abruptly, cryptically hangs up on Ratchet when he asks "for what purpose" it's gathering the relics, combine to make it feel like this was the beginning of some kind of dropped sub-plot, as it's never brought up again.
* The ''Nemesis'' is also pretty selective in its mission, as the Spark Extractor it ignored was also an Iacon relic ''and'' a Decepticon artifact.
* You'd think Megatron would at least order his troops to capture the frozen Autobots.
* The Prime Production team actually bought the script idea from [[Bob Skir]] because they loved the idea of this episode a lot.
* [[Bob Skir]] isn't a fan of the title of this episode "Flying Mind" but he also acknowledges that he couldn't come up with anything better either.

===Gadgets and powers===
* The ''Nemesis'' is equipped with at least 6 blaster cannons on its underbelly.
* It also has stasis beams there as well as on its interior, at least in the bridge and the engine room, deployable from the walls and launched from satellite-like dishes. The effect is similar to that of the [[Immobilizer]], only with the target being electrocuted on impact.
* It can electrocute Cybertronians operating its computer terminals.
* For disabling larger groups of hostile units, it can launch laser grids with the same paralyzing function which sweep across its corridors.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Perte de contrôle'''" ("Loss of Control")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das fliegende Gehirn'''" ("The flying Brain")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8|8 November]] [[2012]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jinrai Henkei! Senkan Nemesis no Hanran'''" (神雷変形!戦艦ネメシスの反乱, "Thunder God Transformation! Rebellion of the Battleship Nemesis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Voadora'''" ("Flying Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 17|17 June]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mente Volante'''" ("Flying Mind"), "'''Una Mente Volante'''" (2017 airing, "A Flying Mind")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2012]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two ([[Shout! Studios|Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 19 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 9: Angriff auf Megatron ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 3: Weapons of Choice ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 2 Vol. 2: Nemesis Prime (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — The Complete Season 2 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — La Seconda Stagione Completa (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season Two Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Darkness Rising, Part 3

2025-06-27T20:50:43Z

Eucryphia: /* Trivia */ Typo fixing, typos fixed: Meanwhile → Meanwhile,

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 3
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 2
|next=Darkness Rising, Part 4
|image=DarknessRising3-interrogateFowler.jpg
|caption="D'awwww, lookit the cute ickle human! Coochie coochie cooo!"
|title="Darkness Rising, Part 3"
|season=1
|season ep=3
|airdate=[[December 1]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQHfpybjX5U
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Optimus and Ratchet head out to investigate Megatron's activities and Arcee and Bumblebee go on patrol, leaving Bulkhead in charge. But things start getting messy when Fowler is abducted.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:DarkEnergonbug.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|[[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]], is that you?]]
The three kids and their Autobot guardians head back to [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|the Autobot base]], where [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] is being attacked by a piece of [[manipulator arm|animated equipment]]. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] deals with it, but now suspects that both it and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] were vivified by [[Dark Energon]].

[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]], now powered up by the Dark Energon, has decided his next move and leaves the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Decepticon ship]] in [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'s hands. Starscream thinks Megatron's gone a bit loopy, and he orders [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] to increase surveillance.

Optimus has realized Megatron's plan to create an undead army. As the rest of the Autobots arrive, Optimus announces he's going on a mission with Ratchet, who doesn't take kindly to [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]'s suggestion he may be a little rusty. Leaving Arcee in charge, the pair [[GroundBridge|bridge]] out. Arcee immediately puts [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] in charge and goes out on patrol with [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] attempts to organize an impromptu band practice, but while she's belting out [[My Fist, Your Face|an electric guitar solo]], the proximity alert goes off. The kids hide behind Bulkhead as [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] walks in to complain about the energon mine explosion. Unfortunately, Miko's guitar gives them away, and Fowler announces he's taking them into federal custody, but Bulkhead puts his foot down, and Fowler storms out.

In a remote region, Prime explains to Ratchet that they're looking for the remains of an old Transformer battlefield, from the period in the war when energon started being hidden on other planets.

[[File:DarknessRising3-disgust.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Ratchet, turn on the ''Evil Dead'' [[theme song|theme]]. We'll need all the charisma we can get.]]
As Fowler flies from the Autobot base in his copter, he radios in a report, which is intercepted by Soundwave. Starscream orders Fowler captured, so Soundwave sends out [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]. The Deployer catches up with Fowler, who engages in some deft maneuvers to try and avoid it, and even gets some shots off before it slices the tail off his copter and abducts him.

Fowler's distress call is picked up at the Autobot base. Though Bulkhead is reluctant to help, the others point out Fowler knows the location of the base. [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] sets about hacking into a federal computer so they can locate Fowler. Bulkhead leaves [[Jack Darby|Jack]] in charge and heads out. Bulkhead finds himself near the Decepticon ship, but is surprised when Miko pops up next to him. After dealing with a Decepticon sentry, he contacts Arcee. Back at base, Jack and Raf have realized Miko is gone, and they use the ground bridge to follow. Unfortunately, this leaves the base unmanned when Arcee rings in to get use of the ground bridge. Jack and Raf arrive at Bulkhead's location and immediately manage to attract the attention of the Decepticon drones on guard.

Starscream interrogates Fowler without much success, so he resorts to getting out the [[energon prod]].

Meanwhile, Optimus and Ratchet reach the [[Transformer graveyard]] they've been seeking. Unfortunately, so does Megatron, who uses a chunk of Dark Energon to raise an army of [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]].
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (2)
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (8)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (9)
* [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (11)
* [[Vehicon (Prime)|Decepticon drones]] (13)
* [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Jack Darby]] (1)
* [[Miko Nakadai]] (4)
* [[Raf Esquivel|Rafael Esquivel]] (6)
* [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcons]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"I fear that when our master reached for the stars, he came down with a touch of... space madness."
:—'''Starscream''', ever ready to undermine Megatron.

"Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since the war." 
"My pistons may be rusty, but my hearing is sharp as ever!"
:—'''Arcee''', on '''Ratchet''''s current military qualifications.

"Do I look like I do country? Just cover yourself in fake blood and jump around screaming."
:—'''Miko''' doesn't appreciate Jack's harmonica skills.

"Don't use that phone it's... [puts finger through phone cradle] ...out of order"
:—'''Bulkhead''' resorts to cheekiness to get Fowler to drop the matter of the Autobots harbouring civilians

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This episode resolves some of the continuity issues with Dark Energon seemingly brought up in the previous episode. Both Optimus and Ratchet know of its existence and even the rumor that it brings the dead back to life. Supplies of it were just so scarce as to be non-existent, hence their inexperience with it.
** However, it does create another continuity problem, as Megatron (and Starscream, for that matter) have both had Dark Energon in their systems before. Not only that, once Cybertronians have had Dark Energon in their system, they will die without it (As proved by [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave's]] experiments in [[Transformers: Exodus|''Exodus'']]), so how did Megatron survive the withdrawal? Or perhaps he always had Dark Energon in his system, but then what was the point of inserting it into his Spark chamber? Regardless, Starscream's "worry" about Megatron not knowing what it would do was completely inaccurate.
* It also establishes the first two of a series of recurring links between Earth and Cybertron. Beyond [[Energon#Aligned|Energon]] and [[Transformer graveyard|war-time battles on Earth]], [[Skyquake (Prime)|a significant]] [[Insecticon (WFC)#Prime cartoon|number]] [[Scraplet#Prime cartoon|of additional]] [[Energon Harvester|Cybertronian]] [[Cybonic plague|influences]] [[Omega Key|and objects]] [[Unicron/Aligned|on Earth]] [[:Category:Iacon relics|would]] [[Cybertronian data cylinder|present]] [[CNA#Prime cartoon|throughout]] [[Pokeformers|the series]].

===Transformers references===
* Bulkhead has a compartment similar to his ''Animated'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|incarnation]], but higher up on his chest. [[Miko Nakadai|Objects]] end up there when he transforms from vehicle mode.
* The concepts of the Transformers seeding energon on Earth and having had wars there in the distant past before have turned up in recent fiction, [[IDW]]'s comics and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The latter was also in [[Ladybird Books|an '80s Ladybird Book]], "[[Galvatron's Air Attack]]".
* When Megatron arrives at the graveyard, his [[transformation]] uses [[Transformation#The noise|a sound]] more like the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|classic G1 cartoon]] than the updated ''Prime'' sound.

===Errors===
* When Megatron turns around and orders Starscream to await his command, his fusion cannon disappears.
* The speakers for Miko's band practice appear spontaneously without any indication of their existence.
* Raf fixes the ''Nemesis'' at latitude 39.5 and longitude 116.9, which corresponds to a location roughly halfway between [[Beijing]] and the [[China|Chinese coast]]. Perhaps he meant longitude -116.9, which would put the ''Nemesis'' somewhere near the center of [[Nevada]], which works out with Arcee and Bumblebee being able to drive to the ship in the next episode.
* While on their way back to the base, Jack had his helmet on while riding Arcee. Upon their arrival at the base, his helmet is nowhere to be seen.

===Trivia===
* The [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] adaptation of the story, ''[[Transformers Prime: Darkness Falls]]'', specifies that the Terrorcon battle takes place in the [[Grand Canyon]], as does Titan's [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|''Transformers: Prime'' comic]]. Meanwhile, Bantam Books' prose adaption ''[[Megatron Returns]]'' dubs the area the Lost Valley, while LB Kids' storybook version ''[[Autobots versus Zombies]]'' doesn't give it a name at all.
* In an amusing show of cultural differences, Bulkhead tries to order Miko to look away before tearing out a Vehicon's internals (presumably to spare her the sight of the carnage). Miko has no problem with it, only seeing a hunk of metal and a bunch of wires.
* No, really, Bulkhead was going to leave Fowler in Decepticon hands because he didn't like him. What a jerk!
* Twelve-year-old Raf can hack into the United States government's computer network and track down federal agents. What national security?
* Check out where Starscream sticks Fowler with the energon prod. Ouch!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Enlèvement'''" ("The Kidnapping")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 6|6 November]] [[2011]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die dunkle Macht erhebt sicht, Teil 3'''" ("The Dark Force Rises, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 7|7 October]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Közeleg a sötétség, 3. rész'''" ("The Darkness Is Nearing, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 11|11 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kegelapan Bangkit, Bagian 3'''" ("Darkness Rising, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' 5 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La rimonta delle tenebre, terza parte'''" ("Darkness Rising, Third Part"), "'''L'Ascesa dell'Oscurità, Parte 3'''" ("The Arisal of Darkness, Part 3", 2017 airing)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 24|24 September]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kyūshutsu Henkei! Fowler no Kiki'''" (救出変形! ファウラーの危機, "Rescue Transformation! Fowler in Crisis")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 21|21 April]] [[2012]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ak ui Buhwal 3'''" (악의 부활 3, "Return of the Evil, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 5|5 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 7|7 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Ascenção do Mal - Parte 3'''" ("The Rise of Evil - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''El regreso del mal, Parte 3'''" ("The Return of Evil, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7|7 November]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Darkness Rising ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 1: Die dunkle Macht erhebt sich ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 1: Darkness Rising (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 2 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Darkness Rising ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 1: Le retour des Decepticons ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 1: La rimonta delle tenebre ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK)
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]